Chapter 76:
Spice of Life
"Well January really went by," Rika whistled as she began to clean up the restaurant.
"We're still open for 5 more minutes," Masaru stated.
"So you can cook some more. Well, the place is empty and I doubt anyone's coming in at this hour."
January had flown by without incident for Ryokoma and its employees.
"Should I get a start on the Valentines' decorations?" Mimi asked.
"Nah, There's only four of us here now. We can do it in the morning when there's more hands," Rika replied.
"She could get a start on it though," Itsuki grumbled.
Suddenly, a woman entered the restaurant. She had bleached blonde hair and wore a mask, tinted glasses, a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers.
"Private table for 1," she nodded.
Rika nodded and cautiously showed the woman to a private booth.
"So what would you like to order?" Rika asked.
"Just an egg roll platter, and a small order of Col Masaru's chicken."
"OK, Comin right up."
...
Rika returned with the food and placed them before the woman. The woman then pulled down her mask and began to eat. Many scars littered her pretty face.
"This may sound unreasonable, but may I ask you to join me?" the woman asked.
"Sure," Rika replied as she slid in to the seat across and closed the curtain.
"So why do you have a gun?" Rika asked.
"Self defense," the woman replied as she tried and egg roll.
Rika then sat in silence as the woman finished the egg rolls before trying one of the pieces of fried chicken.
"I can see why she recommended this place. The food is good," the woman stated.
"I assume you want to talk with me about something," Rika glared as the woman put her mask back up.
"Correct. Please tell me about the corruption within the Tokyo Metropolitan police."
"So you're an investigator then. Last time one came to me, she stood me up even though I told her everything needed to bust the perps."
"Are you referring to Detective Reika Yuzume or someone else?"
"Reika."
"Explain."
"Well, I called her one night to tell her something big that could have helped prove one of my friend's mother innocent, but half a year later, still in prison. Haven't even seen her since."
"What did you tell her?"
"I told her I had a theory on who was smuggling drugs into the station."
"And could you repeat said theory?"
"Why?"
"It could help bring the corruption to light."
"Could ain't good enough. And why should I trust you?"
"I know you were attacked by Ruchi Ookuma on March 16th, 2007."
Rika immediately went on guard.
"Fear not, I wish to bring down Ookuma. I have been trying to for years in fact."
"Who are you?"
"Promise not a soul besides you is present for our safety and I shall tell."
Rika quickly peeked outside and noticed no one was around. She then gave the woman the all clear.
"Very well, I am Fubuki Dakota," the woman stated as she tilted down her shades.
Rika froze in shock.
"Please, any information you have could prove vital," Fubuki stated as she tilted her shades back up.
"Your eyes look kind of familiar, but your face doesn't," Rika stated.
"I have been subjected to much inhumane torture."
"Can you really bring down Ookuma though?"
"I will try, for the future generations I WILL bring her down this year."
"If you don't Japan's screwed."
"No, the whole world will be imperiled should she prevail this October."
"Fine, I'll tell you about the police corruption..."
...
"I see. So the Yamaguchis are abusing their power, I was unaware that the younger one had engaged in such an atrocity. And is this what your friend I stated?" Fubuki asked.
"Yes, that's the account I heard," Rika replied.
"My next question is regarding one of your employees. Is she the girl that Ookuma slashed on March 16th 2007?"
"Y- yes." Rika nervously affirmed.
"Did anything happen between you and Ookuma since that incident?"
"Yes..."
...
"I see. So her theory was true. It seems I will be busy. R, if possible, could you bring those four here to testify their accounts? I understand if they do not wish to. My reputation publicly is not well regarded, but I have a good friend who is highly regarded by the public that could make a difference in my steed with such info," Fubuki stated.
Rika paused for a moment and stared at the container Fubuki had placed the fried chicken in.
"Very well. I'll go all in on you," Rika stated.
...
In the early hours of February 1st, Fubuki stood between two fences. She then turned to notice a girl with magenta twintails and light gold eyes.
"What captured the event that started your career?" Yuni asked.
"A canon powershot A5," Fubuki replied.
"What did you do at 9:38 AM on this day 13 years ago?"
"I gave birth to you, Yuni," Fubiki smiled as she took off her mask and glasses.
"I've missed you so much, Oka-san," Yuni cried as she hugged her mother.
"Happy Birthday Yuni. You're growing up quite wonderfully," Fubuki smiled as she stroked Yuni's head.
The two eventually sat down and Fukubki pulled out the fried chicken.
"I kept it in my portable fridge, so they might be colder than what you're used to," Fubuki smiled.
"You went to Ryokoma? I love that place and so does everyone else," Yuni replied as she began eating.
"I imagine Hitomi enjoys the egg rolls."
"You do too right?"
"Some twin habits always stick."
The two conversed until sunrise before parting ways.
"When I see you again next year, this country will be free from Ookuma's terror," Fubuki declared as she put her mask and glasses back on.
"You get her! I'll become stronger and smarter too."
"Maybe one day, we'll be able to dine together at that nice restaurant when I've completed my duty," Fubuki smiled as she walked away.
"You're the strongest and most badass woman ever, Oka-san," Yuni tearfully smiled.
...
"Well someone's happy," Rika smiled as she watched Yuni devour her chicken.
"It's my birthday today. Now I'm 13," Yuni smiled.
"Then it's on the house for the birthday girl."
"Thank you so much," Yuni smiled.
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