Chapter 55:
Chapter 56 — The Unnecessary Trial 1
My New Home
◽ 2 Weeks Later ◽ (Tuesday, 23 August 2050)
◽ Outside The Saikō Shibansho (Supreme Court) ◽
JNN Reporter: 「We're outside where the Financial Minister of Militia, JJ Samuels' trial will take place. As you can see behind me, it's a flock of normal citizens, reporters, and military officials from all around the world who want to see this happen in person.」JNN Anchor (at the studio) on a small monitor in front of JNN Reporter. ⟦I heard they are putting screens outside the courthouse so those who couldn't make it can watch from the outside. Is that true?⟧JNN Reporter: 「Yes, as we speak now they are setting the screens up. Theories online say they are trying to make an example of him because of the bad relations Militia has with America.」JNN Anchor his voice booming with a sharp, judgmental edge that echoed through the square ⟦If that's the case, then they should go through with it and grill him until he can't show his face in public no more!⟧JNN Reporter visibly shrinking back, unsettled by the raw hostility in the studio.「Err... But shouldn't we wait for the verdict? You know, innocent until proven guilty.」JNN Anchor: ⟦He attacked Japanese citizens multiple times. He's guilty on all charges against him! Wait, don't tell me you side with him?⟧JNN Reporter taking a steadying breath, desperate to maintain journalistic integrity.「I don't. I'm just saying maybe before we jump to conclusions we should wait ti—」 The screen flickers violently into static as the feed is severed.JNN Anchor: ⟦Apologies for that everyone, it seems we are experiencing technical difficulties. Everything will be sorted out in a few minutes.⟧Akiko's eyes widening in disbelief as she looks at the dead monitor.「Did they just cut the cameras?」Koichi tightening his grip on the shoulder-rig 「Yes, they did.」 Dual chimes ring out as their phones vibrate simultaneously.Akiko releasing a jagged, frustrated sigh after reading the notification.「What? Fired? That doesn't make any sense. It's like they have already decided on the view the public should have on JJ Samuels.」Akiko her gaze hardening with an icy, investigative fire.「If that's the case, then I'll find out why it's like that.」 She spots Devon being swarmed like prey by the press pack.「And who better to ask than his brother?」 She charges toward the chaos where Devon stands.Devon Looming over the sea of microphones, his patience visibly wearing thin.【 This is such a waste of time. 】 His eyes lock onto Akiko, narrowing with recognition.【 Ay, she looks familiar. 】 He thrusts his hands up, a silent command for the vultures to back off.「Okay everyone, let's be adults and be civil about this.」 The crowd goes eerily silent under his gaze.「Since I have to be inside, I can only answer three questions.」 He points a gloved finger directly at Akiko.「You go first.」Akiko: 【 Okay Akiko, keep your heart rate down. Be measured. Be professional. 】 「Hi, I'm Akiko Shinomiya, currently independent. I have a question.」Devon the corner of his mouth twitches as he singles her out.「Ms. Shinomiya... I know about you.」Akiko stunned, her breath hitching in her throat.「You... you do?」Devon: 「Yah. So, Ms. Shinomiya, what's your question?」Akiko: 【 Did I gain their favor somehow? No—focus. That's not what matters right now. 】 「I recently—by that I mean a few minutes ago—got fired from JNN because I subtly implied your brother should be proven guilty first before we make our minds up on him. Why is that?」
Devon a dark, low chuckle vibrates in his chest before he tosses her a metallic Militia press passAkiko fumbling to catch the badge, mirroring the shock of the onlookers.
「Um, Mr. Samuels, what's this for?」Devon smirking with a predatory confidence.「You wanted to know why you got fired, right? It will be better if you watched the case from the inside—without the delayed broadcast the sheep on the outside will be watching.」Akiko eyebrows knitting together in deep confusion.「What do you mean delayed?」Devon his expression shifting into a wicked, mischievous grin.「Trust me, now that my niece knows who and what her father really is, they won't let y'all see it in real time. So c'mon, Ms. Shinomiya. Oh, and welcome to the Nexus Broadcasting Station—Militia's iron-grip on news for the entire world.」 A collective gasp ripples through the surrounding reporters.Akiko reeling from the sudden shift in her destiny. 「Wait, just like that?」Devon: 「Yep. I own half of the station, so he won't mind.」Akiko snapping back to reality, her voice urgent and sharp. 「Can my cameraman join me at the station?」Devon: 「Yah sure, I don't mind. But we should really get inside.」Akiko shooting a triumphant, glowing look back at Koichi.「Don't say I don't do stuff for you again!」Koichi letting out a relieved, booming laugh.「You still mad about the bowl of ramen from Uni?」Akiko a small, genuine smirk playing on her lips.「Yes. Yes I am.」
◽ 20 Minutes Later In The Courtroom ◽
Devon sliding into the front row, his suit jacket straining against his broad shoulders.「Um... 」Whispering under his breath.「Where’s JJ?」Joshua cutting a sharp, irritated glance at Devon. 「You think I’d be this visibly angry if I knew where your other half was?」Devon a low, muffled chuckle escaping his throat.「Sorry about that.」Clearing his throat as he scans the gallery.「Did you ask Grandma?」Joshua exhaling a weary, defeated sigh. 「Maw-maw said she hasn't seen a trace of him.」Devon: 「I see.」His eyes lock onto Akuma, who is leaning back with a sickeningly smug grin next to his counsel. 「He looks like he’s already picked out his victory dinner.」Joshua narrowing his eyes as he spots a faint, flickering smile on the judge's lips.「Hey Devon... you don't think...」Devon laughing softly, a dangerous glint in his eyes.「Knowing how our brother operates? Then yes, he’s doing this entirely on purpose.」Judge Yamato slamming his gavel down with a bone-rattling crack that silences the room.「Mr. Samuels, it is to my understanding that you are representing the defendant—and your brother—the criminal JJ Samuels here today.」Joshua rising with a fluid, lethal grace, his voice projecting iron-clad respect while completely ignoring the insult.「That is correct, Your Honor.」Judge Yamato smirking openly, relishing the empty chair at the defense table.「Then where exactly is your brother?」Joshua: 「His tracking device confirms he is currently within this building—in this very room, in fact. As such, the defense is prepared to proceed with opening statements.」Judge Yamato scoffing loudly, his contempt echoing off the high ceilings. 「Are you quite certain of that, counsel?」Joshua radiating a terrifying level of confidence. 「The defense is certain. Furthermore, as a gesture of professional courtesy, I shall permit Mr. Towa, counsel for the plaintiff, to present his opening statement first.」Nanami: 【 Tch... he'll regret that arrogance. 】Standing up and marching to the center of the court with theatrical precision.「Your Honor, my client, Mr. Choji Saturo—widely known as Akuma—is a tragic victim of circumstance. The defendant, JJ Samuels, who has significantly chosen not to appear, previously hospitalized Mr. Saturo and his associates over a dispute that should have been settled through civil dialogue. This recent incident only reinforces that the defendant is incapable of civility. My client’s actions were born solely out of a desperate need to bring a dangerous foreign element to justice. That is all, Your Honor.」He sits down with a sharp, satisfied snap.Judge Yamato: 「A compelling start.」Turning his icy gaze toward Joshua.「You may proceed. If you can find a client to defend.」Joshua standing up, slowly turning to face the entire court, his presence commanding the air.「Before I begin the legal breakdown, I would like the court to know that my brother is a student of lyricism. There are certain verses he considers absolute laws of conduct.」Judge Yamato: 「Tch... so what? Your brother likes Rap mus—」
Joshua cuts him off with a gaze so firm the judge physically recoil.
Joshua: 「With all due respect, Your Honor, I afforded the opposition total silence during their statement. I expect the same courtesy from this bench. Now, my brother's favored verse comes from Kendrick Lamar. If any of you were present at the rally, you know the weight of it: ‘If you tell lies about me, I’ll tell truths about you.’」He turns his head toward Choji, a disguised, razor-sharp smirk forming.「I look forward to discovering exactly how many lies you and your party intend to stack before the world realizes this trial is a total farce. The defense rests its opening.」
He sits back down, the silence in the room becoming deafening.
◽ Outside The Saikō Shibansho (Supreme Court) ◽
JNN Reporter: 「We're outside where the Financial Minister of Militia, JJ Samuels' trial will take place. As you can see behind me, it's a flock of normal citizens, reporters, and military officials from all around the world who want to see this happen in person.」JNN Anchor (at the studio) on a small monitor in front of JNN Reporter. ⟦I heard they are putting screens outside the courthouse so those who couldn't make it can watch from the outside. Is that true?⟧JNN Reporter: 「Yes, as we speak now they are setting the screens up. Theories online say they are trying to make an example of him because of the bad relations Militia has with America.」JNN Anchor his voice booming with a sharp, judgmental edge that echoed through the square ⟦If that's the case, then they should go through with it and grill him until he can't show his face in public no more!⟧JNN Reporter visibly shrinking back, unsettled by the raw hostility in the studio.「Err... But shouldn't we wait for the verdict? You know, innocent until proven guilty.」JNN Anchor: ⟦He attacked Japanese citizens multiple times. He's guilty on all charges against him! Wait, don't tell me you side with him?⟧JNN Reporter taking a steadying breath, desperate to maintain journalistic integrity.「I don't. I'm just saying maybe before we jump to conclusions we should wait ti—」 The screen flickers violently into static as the feed is severed.JNN Anchor: ⟦Apologies for that everyone, it seems we are experiencing technical difficulties. Everything will be sorted out in a few minutes.⟧Akiko's eyes widening in disbelief as she looks at the dead monitor.「Did they just cut the cameras?」Koichi tightening his grip on the shoulder-rig 「Yes, they did.」 Dual chimes ring out as their phones vibrate simultaneously.Akiko releasing a jagged, frustrated sigh after reading the notification.「What? Fired? That doesn't make any sense. It's like they have already decided on the view the public should have on JJ Samuels.」Akiko her gaze hardening with an icy, investigative fire.「If that's the case, then I'll find out why it's like that.」 She spots Devon being swarmed like prey by the press pack.「And who better to ask than his brother?」 She charges toward the chaos where Devon stands.Devon Looming over the sea of microphones, his patience visibly wearing thin.【 This is such a waste of time. 】 His eyes lock onto Akiko, narrowing with recognition.【 Ay, she looks familiar. 】 He thrusts his hands up, a silent command for the vultures to back off.「Okay everyone, let's be adults and be civil about this.」 The crowd goes eerily silent under his gaze.「Since I have to be inside, I can only answer three questions.」 He points a gloved finger directly at Akiko.「You go first.」Akiko: 【 Okay Akiko, keep your heart rate down. Be measured. Be professional. 】 「Hi, I'm Akiko Shinomiya, currently independent. I have a question.」Devon the corner of his mouth twitches as he singles her out.「Ms. Shinomiya... I know about you.」Akiko stunned, her breath hitching in her throat.「You... you do?」Devon: 「Yah. So, Ms. Shinomiya, what's your question?」Akiko: 【 Did I gain their favor somehow? No—focus. That's not what matters right now. 】 「I recently—by that I mean a few minutes ago—got fired from JNN because I subtly implied your brother should be proven guilty first before we make our minds up on him. Why is that?」
Devon a dark, low chuckle vibrates in his chest before he tosses her a metallic Militia press passAkiko fumbling to catch the badge, mirroring the shock of the onlookers.
「Um, Mr. Samuels, what's this for?」Devon smirking with a predatory confidence.「You wanted to know why you got fired, right? It will be better if you watched the case from the inside—without the delayed broadcast the sheep on the outside will be watching.」Akiko eyebrows knitting together in deep confusion.「What do you mean delayed?」Devon his expression shifting into a wicked, mischievous grin.「Trust me, now that my niece knows who and what her father really is, they won't let y'all see it in real time. So c'mon, Ms. Shinomiya. Oh, and welcome to the Nexus Broadcasting Station—Militia's iron-grip on news for the entire world.」 A collective gasp ripples through the surrounding reporters.Akiko reeling from the sudden shift in her destiny. 「Wait, just like that?」Devon: 「Yep. I own half of the station, so he won't mind.」Akiko snapping back to reality, her voice urgent and sharp. 「Can my cameraman join me at the station?」Devon: 「Yah sure, I don't mind. But we should really get inside.」Akiko shooting a triumphant, glowing look back at Koichi.「Don't say I don't do stuff for you again!」Koichi letting out a relieved, booming laugh.「You still mad about the bowl of ramen from Uni?」Akiko a small, genuine smirk playing on her lips.「Yes. Yes I am.」
◽ 20 Minutes Later In The Courtroom ◽
Devon sliding into the front row, his suit jacket straining against his broad shoulders.「Um... 」Whispering under his breath.「Where’s JJ?」Joshua cutting a sharp, irritated glance at Devon. 「You think I’d be this visibly angry if I knew where your other half was?」Devon a low, muffled chuckle escaping his throat.「Sorry about that.」Clearing his throat as he scans the gallery.「Did you ask Grandma?」Joshua exhaling a weary, defeated sigh. 「Maw-maw said she hasn't seen a trace of him.」Devon: 「I see.」His eyes lock onto Akuma, who is leaning back with a sickeningly smug grin next to his counsel. 「He looks like he’s already picked out his victory dinner.」Joshua narrowing his eyes as he spots a faint, flickering smile on the judge's lips.「Hey Devon... you don't think...」Devon laughing softly, a dangerous glint in his eyes.「Knowing how our brother operates? Then yes, he’s doing this entirely on purpose.」Judge Yamato slamming his gavel down with a bone-rattling crack that silences the room.「Mr. Samuels, it is to my understanding that you are representing the defendant—and your brother—the criminal JJ Samuels here today.」Joshua rising with a fluid, lethal grace, his voice projecting iron-clad respect while completely ignoring the insult.「That is correct, Your Honor.」Judge Yamato smirking openly, relishing the empty chair at the defense table.「Then where exactly is your brother?」Joshua: 「His tracking device confirms he is currently within this building—in this very room, in fact. As such, the defense is prepared to proceed with opening statements.」Judge Yamato scoffing loudly, his contempt echoing off the high ceilings. 「Are you quite certain of that, counsel?」Joshua radiating a terrifying level of confidence. 「The defense is certain. Furthermore, as a gesture of professional courtesy, I shall permit Mr. Towa, counsel for the plaintiff, to present his opening statement first.」Nanami: 【 Tch... he'll regret that arrogance. 】Standing up and marching to the center of the court with theatrical precision.「Your Honor, my client, Mr. Choji Saturo—widely known as Akuma—is a tragic victim of circumstance. The defendant, JJ Samuels, who has significantly chosen not to appear, previously hospitalized Mr. Saturo and his associates over a dispute that should have been settled through civil dialogue. This recent incident only reinforces that the defendant is incapable of civility. My client’s actions were born solely out of a desperate need to bring a dangerous foreign element to justice. That is all, Your Honor.」He sits down with a sharp, satisfied snap.Judge Yamato: 「A compelling start.」Turning his icy gaze toward Joshua.「You may proceed. If you can find a client to defend.」Joshua standing up, slowly turning to face the entire court, his presence commanding the air.「Before I begin the legal breakdown, I would like the court to know that my brother is a student of lyricism. There are certain verses he considers absolute laws of conduct.」Judge Yamato: 「Tch... so what? Your brother likes Rap mus—」
Joshua cuts him off with a gaze so firm the judge physically recoil.
Joshua: 「With all due respect, Your Honor, I afforded the opposition total silence during their statement. I expect the same courtesy from this bench. Now, my brother's favored verse comes from Kendrick Lamar. If any of you were present at the rally, you know the weight of it: ‘If you tell lies about me, I’ll tell truths about you.’」He turns his head toward Choji, a disguised, razor-sharp smirk forming.「I look forward to discovering exactly how many lies you and your party intend to stack before the world realizes this trial is a total farce. The defense rests its opening.」
He sits back down, the silence in the room becoming deafening.
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