Namahage Brutus (1)

"You lost him?" Reiju glared.

"Hey, I can't float faster than a world class sprinter," Shiruka grumbled.

"Do you at least have an idea where he'll go?"

"Not sure, even if I do, he's fast and dangerous. Though I feel we need to catch this guy. _! I just got a vision. An old guy with balding grey hair in a navy blue hakama will be killed by the namahage in 30 minutes. It was in a garden."

"Ugh, DON'T EVER RUN OFF AFTER SOMEONE DANGEROUS LIKE THAT AGAIN!" Kaimi shouted as she arrived with Chika and Fumiyo.

"Sorry, but I think I heard that creep mutter something about an old guy in a navy blue hakama. Know anyone that might fit the description?" Reiju asked.

"That could be anyone, but if we assume it's a politician, than maybe it's that jerk Kawabozu."

"Kawabozu?"

"Rich old fashioned diet member, he also complains about everything. Really unpleasant guy, also tried to grope me when I went to his place for an investigation."

"What was the investigation for?"

"We suspected him of murdering an aide of his that was planning to expose some of his dark secrects before his disapearence, but found no evidence at his estate or office. Heck, we didn't find anything. Kin-kun's the one that believes he was murdered and disposed of, I just did the forensics."

"Well, might as well tell Kintaro to check out the place. Who knows, maybe he's connected to the Namahage."

"I'll let him know, but if that old creep dies, I won't feel a thing."

As Kaemi made the call, Shiruka filled Chika in on what happened while Fumiyo swatted her hand where he was floating. Reiju then noticed something in the nearby park and ran to check it out. Four women in tracksuits were busy setting up a bonfire in the park as a woman wearing a dark green business suit and heels supervised.

"Why is there a giant bonfire pit being set up?" Reiju asked the woman observing its construction.

The woman turned to face Reiju. Despite not wearing any makeup, the woman's face was pretty enough to easily put models to shame. Though what stood out the most was her short slicked dark green hair. It looked as though someone had smeared sludge on her head with a spatula.

"Why, it is going to be used to rid the world of some of it's degeneracy," the woman professionally smiled.

"What it's not for a festival?"

"It can be considered a festival. We shall be burning some of the things that are currently tainting our nation."

"Like what?" Reiju glared.

The woman's eyes narrowed a bit as she pulled out a copy of the popular manga Two pirates.

"Degenerate filth like this that taints the nation's young minds. I encourage you to cleanse yourself of this filth if you have any of it," the woman said as she handed Reiju a pamphlet.

Reiju simply walked away without saying a word as she opened the pamphlet.

"Video games, manga, anime DVDs and videos, a bunch of movies and books, even some foods like matcha tea. The hell's wrong with that wacko!?" Reiju grumbled as she chucked the pamphlet in the trash and went back to join Kaemi and Chika.

Kintaro had just arrived when Reiju returned.

"Hop in, we're gonna catch that namahage!" Kintaro smiled.

Shiruka floated to the roof of the car and perched there as Reiju got into the backseat with Chika and Fumiyo. Kintaro then drove straight to Kawabozu's mansion, passing the park on the way. Reiju looked out the window and noticed the woman from before staring in her general direction.

"Huh is she-"

"Who are you talking about?" Kintaro asked.

"I just thought I saw someone watching us from the park."

"Was it the namahage?"

"No, just some hag in a business suit."

"Well, we are in a squad car."

"Yeah, it's common for people to stare," Kaemi said as she flipped through the notes Kintaro had brought with him.

"I couldn't see from my side," Chika sighed.

I was looking up at Nobuto," Fumiyo pouted.

Reiju thought to best ignore it.

"So, you truly are a foolish woman, and that hair color, you must be a Ginkawa," the woman from before mused as her smile became a tad more malicious.

                                                                            ...

The gang arrived at Kawabozu's traditional Japanese mansion. Many squad cars were parked outside.

"I already sent word for backup. Looks like Kawabozu's being uncooperative though," Kintaro stated as he got out.

The group made their way inside and found Kawabozu scowling in the main room as police officers stood guard at nearly every corner.

"And what's all this for!? You tryin to stage something on me?" Kawabozu glared.

"No, we're trying to catch a dangerous serial killer that's likely targeting you," Kintaro stated.

"Who!?"

"Namahage Brutus"

Kawabozu raised an eyebrow as he got up.

"Where are you going?"

"TOILET!"

As he passed the group, Kaemi angrily grabbed his arm.

"I felt that you molester," she glared.

"Whoops, guess my hand accidentally touched your ass," Kawabozu giggled as he attempted to reach for Fumiyo's butt with his other hand.

Fumiyo glared and smacked it away as Kawabozu freed himself from Kaemi.

"You two should come back when you graduate," Kawabozu winked at Reiju and Chika as an officer followed him to the bathroom.

"That molester uses his wealth and influence to escape legal punishment for his sexual harassment," Kaemi glared.

"I say let the namahage kill him then arrest the namahage," Fumiyo chimed.

"I wouldn't say things like that in a room full of police officers," Kintaro sighed.

"Why not?"

"Because if he does get killed and we fail to catch Brutus, one might try to pin everything on you. Not everyone here is from our station."

"Should I not be recording then?" Chika nervously asked.

"No, you're fine, but you should be careful how you word things. Kawabozu undoubtedly has influence within the police, if something happens-"

"GYAAAAAAAAH!"

Everyone ran to find Kawabozu on the ground trembling before a namahage.