Inside the stark, fluorescent-lit office of the PHG headquarters, a thick tension lingered in there. Honoka Kurosawa, sat across from Ryuuji Yamaake, the head of the PHG. Her sharp eyes narrowed, sizing him up. She wasn't one for small talk, and her presence alone radiated a quiet authority, with her purple hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail.
"I've been looking into the recent influx of new applicants to the PHG," Honoka began, and she was precise. "Particularly the younger ones."
Ryuuji leaned back in his chair, calm but with cautious eyes. "New applicants, you say? What reason do you have for this, detective Kurosawa? "
Honoka tapped her fingers on the file over the desk. "Let's just say a certain incident at a disaster shelter caught my attention." She didn't need to elaborate; her tone carried the needed weight. "One can never be too careful, can we?"
Ryuuji stroked his chin thoughtfully, keeping his expression neutral. "Ah, yeah.. I see." He acknowledged her words without giving anything away.
"Particularly interested in some of them applicant in specific.. their files holds... curious inconsistencies. Perhaps just coincidences, or something more?" It was a deliberate ploy to draw out more information.
A slight change appeared to Ryuuji's features, more sharp behind his calm facade. "Well, as you know, Detective, the influx of displaced individuals has put a strain on our resources. Refugees, people in need of shelter... it's difficult to track all their backgrounds precisely in these chaotic times."
Honoka's gaze didn't waver. "I understand. But thoroughness is needed. And I intend to follow through." She leaned forward while her gaze locking onto him, she wasn't asking for permission.
Ryuuji feigned ignorance, his hands folded in front of him. "I see, that is indeed puzzling.. But as I said, it's difficult to maintain entirely accurate records." Plausible explanation, though a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes.
"Tedious, perhaps. But necessary, nonetheless" Honoka shot back, she wasn't easily swayed, and Ryuuji knew it.
"Ehhhh.. I understand, but I'll continue my investigation regardless."
She stood up, offering a polite nod of thanks, but her mind was already calculating for her next steps.
Just as she was about to leave, a thought struck her. She paused by the door, glancing back at Ryuuji with a curious gleam in her eyes.
"One more thing," Honoka said in such a casual tone "Most PHG Union operations and missions take place during daylight hours, isn't it?"
Ryuuji's brow furrowed a bit for moment, then regained himself. "Naturally. Efficiency dictates that most activities occur during the day."
Honoka tapped her chin while pondering. "Interesting. Because I noticed a few people entering the PHG grounds quite late last night."
Ryuuji briefly recognized instantly what she was referring to, though he kept it hidden well. "Ah, Kurosawa. You must be mistaken the situation. Those late-night arrivals would be some of our... higher-ranking members. Ayuri, most likely. She has a unique schedule and a great deal of autonomy. Indeed.. One of our most dedicated members"
"Is that so?" Honoka replied, her voice calm. "Ayuri... interesting. She must be quite valuable to you.. That's certainly something to consider." Her mind was racing with possibilities. There was more holding in the back on what he said.
With that, she gave a final nod, turning to leave. Ryuuji remained seated, his face giving nothing away as the door clicked shut after her.
She sensed it was intriguing since he mentioned the girl's name, hinting at undisclosed events with more worries, but she moved on regardless.
Honoka walked out of the building to meet the cool night air. She took a deep breath, while her mind still spinning.
She glanced towards the edge of the PHG grounds, spotting a hut that was abandoned. "Ehh.. The PHG are really reckless in this empty space, why it hasn't been integrated into their district to take advantage of all this space. Seems like wasted potential.. Whatever.. This is not within my scope."
With one last look over her shoulder, she continued her way into the night, her mind already turning toward her next move.
With a final glance back over shoulder, she continued on her long journey, focused on her next action.