Tokyo, Japan – 2004
The golden rays of the evening sun cast a warm glow over the city, turning the skyscrapers into towering silhouettes bathed in orange. As the day wound down, the streets became filled with people heading home after a long day of work.
Amidst the crowd, a young man, Renjiro Kurogane, walked briskly toward his apartment. At 24, he was dressed in a well-worn trench coat, looking every bit the weary detective.
As he made his way home, something caught his eye—a thief skillfully snatching a wallet from an unsuspecting man. The thief moved with quick, practiced ease, but Renjiro was faster.
Renjiro's footsteps quickened, his instincts kicking in. He closed the gap quickly, grabbing the thief by the shoulder before he could flee.
Renjiro: Caught ya!
The thief froze, his eyes wide with panic. His heart raced, and his breath came in short, frantic gasps. He turned, his hand clutching the wallet like a lifeline. His whole body trembled.
Thief (pleading, voice trembling): Please... leave me... please! His voice cracked, desperation and fear thick in the air. The thief's hands shook, and his face was pale, as if he'd just realized who had caught him.
Renjiro's expression remained cool, his eyes cold but observant. He could see the fear and the weariness in the thief's eyes, but his grip remained firm.
Renjiro (calmly, but stern): I'll let you go... on one condition.
The thief's eyes widened, hope flickering briefly. He nodded eagerly, his voice rushed.
Thief (frantically): What... what condition? He could hardly think, just desperate for a way out.
Renjiro (seriously, his gaze unwavering): Promise me you'll never do this again. Not just today—never again.
The thief's shoulders slumped in relief, his fear giving way to a sense of desperation to escape the moment. His hands clenched and unclenched as he nodded rapidly.
Thief (his voice low, shaky): I swear... I won't steal again... I promise...
Renjiro's eyes narrowed, studying the thief's face. His voice turned firmer, a warning in his tone.
Renjiro (with a quiet but serious edge): If I catch you at it again, I won't hesitate. You'll be behind bars next time.
The thief's eyes widened in disbelief, the weight of the words sinking in. His mouth opened slightly, his confusion mixing with dread.
Thief (bewildered, voice cracking): Jail? Who... Who are you to threaten me?
Renjiro's demeanor was calm but unyielding. He stood tall, the weight of his presence undeniable. His gaze was steady, unblinking.
Renjiro (softly, almost matter-of-factly): I am Detective Renjiro Kurogane.
The thief's face went pale. His eyes locked onto Renjiro, his entire body going rigid with recognition. He stammered, barely able to form the words.
Thief (in disbelief, his voice barely a whisper): Ren... Renjiro Kurogane? The detective... one of the smartest in Tokyo?
Renjiro gave a small, almost amused smile, shaking his head slightly.
Renjiro (casually): I'm not that clever...
The thief, still in shock, stumbled back, his feet unsteady. His hands shook as he quickly glanced between Renjiro and the busy street, looking for an escape. Renjiro didn't move, his posture rigid, as he silently observed the thief, making sure he didn't try to run again.
Renjiro (with a final warning, more quietly): You're free to go... But remember your promise.
Without another word, Renjiro let go of the thief, who wasted no time in darting away, his footsteps fading into the distance.
---
Later that Evening...
Renjiro looked at the wallet in his hand, his fingers brushing the smooth leather. He opened it and found an ID card with the name Makoto Fujisawa. There was also a business card with an address scrawled on it.
Curious, Renjiro decided to visit. The address led him to an old building—Ko-Nihon Apartment.
The building was worn and weathered, its once-pristine white walls now faded. But Renjiro paid no mind to the decay. Room 07 was where Makoto lived.
He knocked on the door, and it creaked open with a loud groan.
Mr. Makoto: Who is it?
Renjiro: Are you Mr. Makoto Fujisawa?
Mr. Makoto: Yeah, what is it?
Renjiro: I found your wallet on the street. Thought I'd return it to you.
Mr. Makoto: Oh, thank you so much!
Renjiro handed over the wallet, and just as he turned to leave, Mr. Makoto stopped him.
Mr. Makoto: Wait, aren't you... Detective Renjiro Kurogane?
Renjiro: That's me.
Mr. Makoto: Thank you again, Detective.
Renjiro nodded, turning to leave, the door closing behind him. As he walked down the dimly lit street, the sky turned from orange to deep purple. The moon began to rise, casting soft light on the city. The streetlights flickered on, stretching long shadows across the pavement.
---
At Home...
Renjiro arrived at his apartment, his mind still buzzing with the events of the day. As he opened the door, a soft meow greeted him. His Persian cat, Hana, immediately leaped into his arms, purring loudly.
Renjiro: Aren't you hungry, Hana?
Hana: Meow!
He walked to the kitchen and opened a can of food for her. Hana eagerly dug in, and Renjiro watched her for a moment, his mind drifting.
Renjiro: Another day down... I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
He sighed, walking toward the bathroom to shower. After a long, hot shower, he changed into his night clothes, the warmth of the water relaxing his tense muscles.
Renjiro: I'm feeling fresh now.
He crawled into bed, Hana curling up at his feet. His mind quieted, and soon, he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
---
The Next Morning...
The sound of birds chirping woke Renjiro. Hana was curled up on his chest, purring softly. He gently moved her aside and stretched.
Renjiro: Today's weather looks good. Hopefully, work will go smoothly.
He went through his morning routine, brushing his teeth and eating a quick breakfast. As he switched on the TV, a familiar tune filled the room—a song from his favorite band, Zenith Harmony. His thoughts drifted back to his childhood.
Renjiro: Ah, Kairo Sato... I've been a fan since I was eight.
He remembered the first time he saw them live, when his father had taken him to a concert. At first, he'd been bored, but when Kairo took the stage, everything changed.
Renjiro: Those were the good old days... But Kairo disappeared... and died mysteriously. Poor guy.
Shaking off the nostalgia, Renjiro turned off the TV and got ready for the day. He fed Hana one last time before heading out the door.
Later in the Morning...
After getting ready, Renjiro stepped out of his apartment and locked the door behind him. As he walked down the street, enjoying the crisp morning air, he spotted a familiar face ahead. It was his childhood friend, Daisuke Kamiyama.
Daisuke, dressed casually in a black jacket, was walking toward him, a bright smile on his face. Daisuke had moved to Tokyo 16 years ago with his family, but the two had stayed in touch, their bond remaining strong despite the years and distance.
Renjiro (nodding with a smile): Hey, Daisuke!
Daisuke (grinning): Yo, Renjiro! What's up?
Renjiro (shrugging): Same old, same old. How about you?
Daisuke (enthusiastically): I'm doing great! Hey, I've been thinking... why don't you buy a new bike?
Renjiro raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. He had never been one for flashy vehicles or anything extravagant, preferring to keep things simple.
Renjiro (shaking his head with a small smile): Nah, I don't really need a bike. I like staying fit by walking or running, and if I really need one, I know you'll be there to help me out.
Daisuke (laughing): Yeah, that's true. But I still think you should get one, it'd be fun! Anyway, I've decided to buy a new motorcycle.
Renjiro (surprised): A new bike? What kind?
Daisuke (grinning): Inferno SC900X by Ignition Motoworks.
Renjiro blinked, a little taken aback by the price and the brand. The SC900X was a high-end motorcycle, known for its sleek design and powerful engine, but it was also incredibly expensive.
Renjiro (raising an eyebrow): The SC900X? That's the new one, right? Isn't it pretty pricey?
Daisuke (nodding confidently): Yeah, it just launched last week. But I'm buying it because my current bike is 15 years old, and it was my father's first bike. I think it's time to upgrade.
Renjiro (smiling): I'm happy for you, man. But how much is it?
Daisuke (grinning): Only ¥1,350,000.
Renjiro's eyes widened slightly. That was a huge amount of money, but he could tell Daisuke wasn't fazed by the price. His family had done well, and Daisuke's father, Mr. Haruto Kamiyama, was the successful owner of the ZestEats restaurant franchise.
Renjiro (shocked): ¥1,350,000?! That's insane!
Daisuke (laughing): I know, but I've convinced my dad, and he's agreed to help me with it. I'll be getting it in about two weeks.
Renjiro (chuckling): Well, you're certainly living the good life. Once you get it, I'll come down to your restaurant and eat whatever I want for free!
Daisuke (laughing harder): Deal!
Renjiro (smiling): Alright, well, I'm happy for you. I've got to get going, though. I'm already running late.
Daisuke (nodding): Yeah, see you, Renjiro. Take care!
Renjiro (waving as he walked away): Later!
---
Back to Renjiro...
As Renjiro continued walking toward his office, the conversation with Daisuke lifted his mood. It was always good to catch up with an old friend, and it reminded him of simpler times. The day ahead seemed brighter now.
---
At Work...
Renjiro arrived at Redmoon Investigation Pvt. Ltd., a tall, modern building with glass windows reflecting the city. As he entered, he was greeted by the janitor, Kento Kuroki.
Kento: Good morning, Renjiro!
Renjiro: Morning, Kento.
Renjiro made his way to his office, a small but neat space on the second floor. He sat down at his desk, ready to begin another day of work when suddenly, the phone rang.
Renjiro: Hello?
Unknown Voice (coldly): Let's play a game, Mr. Renjiro Kurogane.
The line went dead with a sharp click.
Renjiro stared at the phone for a moment, his mind already racing. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing.
Renjiro: A game?
---
Narrator: What does the mysterious call mean?
---
To Be Continued...
(Next Chapter: The Game)