Chapter Text
Satoru’s breath caught in his throat, fingers clenched around his phone so tightly that his knuckles cracked.
There had been no automated message, no robotic voice asking if he wanted to accept the charges from Fuchū Prison.
Satoru was being called from a burner phone.
When the hell had he gotten out and why had Satoru not been notified like the paperwork clearly specified?
Satoru could almost see the way the other’s lips were peeled back in a smirk, and he steeled himself as he finally replied.
“Toji,” Satoru greeted flatly. “When did you get out?”
“Oh, you know, recently enough. Not that I was supposed to be inside for that long to begin with. Just another thing I get to thank you for,” Toji answered.
“What do you want?” Satoru demanded, keeping his tone even.
“Parenthood looks good on you,” Toji drawled. “You and the kids almost looked like a real family. You know what was missing? Your partner. You two were joined at the hip before. What, did he run at the thought of commitment with you?” The older man chuckled, the sound somehow darker and crueler than the one that lurked in Satoru’s nightmares.
“Why, Toji, it almost sounds like you’re flirting with me now that you don’t see Suguru around. Did prison change your tastes?” Satoru laughed instead, forced playfulness in his tone.
“I think you’ve forgotten something in the two years you’ve been playing house, Gojo Satoru.” Toji growled, sending a shiver down Satoru’s spine. “Those are my kids. You think you can sign some papers and make them yours? I’m gonna collect what’s mine and repay you for everything, pretty boy.”
CLICK.
Satoru sat there, mouth dry, slowly lowering the phone to stare at the lock screen of himself and the kids.
Torn between nausea and numbness, Satoru dialed the number of the only person he could rely on to keep him grounded right now. After a few rings, the call was answered.
“Satoru?”
Satoru let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
“Hey, Captain.” Satoru greeted with as light a tone he could manage. “Looks like we’ve got a bit of a problem…”
Yaga sighed, and Satoru latched onto the familiarity of the sound.
“Go on.”
“Toji’s out.”
“…I’ll assign a protective detail to your home within the hour.”
“Thanks,” Satoru sighed in relief. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Check in often, Satoru. I mean it.” Yaga ordered, concern hovering at the edges of his harsh tone.
“…yeah,” Satoru said quietly. “Night, Cap.”
“Get some rest, Satoru. You’ll need it.”
Satoru laughed, shoulders shaking as he hung up. The chuckles ceased, but the trembling didn’t.
Satoru stared at his phone, opening his contacts and letting his finger hover over Suguru’s name. Had Suguru known about Toji being free? Or was he just as unaware as Satoru had been?
Two years apart, and Satoru was still giving Suguru the benefit of the doubt. He opened up a new email addressed to Suguru, taking a deep breath as he typed out his message.
[That annoying bastard’s out of jail.]
Satoru hit send before he could talk himself out of it. This wasn’t the first email he’d sent to Suguru since their separation, and he doubted he’d receive a reply.
Satoru could only hope Suguru still had access to the account.
I’m going to kill that idiot if he blocked me. Satoru thought, brow furrowing as he let out an annoyed tsk.
Satoru closed his eyes again, letting out a deep breath. He listened to the patter of the rain against the windows, trying to focus on the noise so that it would help him relax.
Predictably, he did not get a wink of sleep.
✧•✧•✬•✧•✧
Satoru walked into the station the next morning the same way he did every morning: not a single daisy-white strand out of place, Dior lip oil glinting off his smiling mouth, dressed in his usual suit and sunglasses, a triple shot extra caramel latte in one hand, and his briefcase in the other.
The only difference was the addition of Megumi and Tsumiki, both children clutching little cups of hot chocolate in their hands. Neither was in their school uniform, but they did have their backpacks with them.
Megumi and Tsumiki were looking around the building with unconcealed interest, eyes wide and curious. Satoru had never taken them to the station before, so he had expected their inquisitiveness.
He had also expected the surprised looks and dropped jaws from the other officers and assistants considering he hadn’t informed anyone he was going to be bringing the kids with him today.
When they reached the bullpen, Satoru led Megumi and Tsumiki over to where the detectives’ desks were. Kento and Yuu’s were across from Satoru’s and a currently unoccupied one.
“Senpai, you didn’t mention you were bringing Tsumiki-chan and Megumi-kun today!” Yuu admonished, getting up with the aid of his crutch. He’d taken a bad fall during a scuffle with a suspect two weeks ago and had been put on light duty until further notice.
“Haibara-san!” Tsumiki squealed, rushing over to hug him.
Yuu opened his free arm wide, wobbling a little when Tsumiki wrapped her arms around him.
Kento had gotten up when he’d seen the accident waiting to happen and made it in time to place a grounding hand against Yuu’s back, keeping both brunets from falling over.
“Be more careful,” Kento scolded with a sigh.
“Oops, I’m sorry, Haibara-san…” Tsumiki went to pull away, chastised.
“It’s no biggie. Just because my knee’s healing doesn’t mean I’m helpless.” Yuu smiled down at the girl, patting her shoulder. “Besides, that’s why I have Kento to watch my back.” He shot a beaming grin and a thumbs up at his partner.
Satoru couldn’t help the small smile that settled over his lips at the little display of faith and trust between his coworkers. He was glad they had each other; they were a stable partnership. Kento and Yuu were precious to him, both as a set and separately.
He tried not to look over at the empty desk next to his, but the images of his other half and the prim and tidy way he’d kept his space flashed through his mind anyway.
“Is that really what a dead body looks like?” Megumi asked, pointing at the whiteboard where Satoru had put up photos from the first crime scene.
Satoru cleared his throat when Kento glared at him, flipping the board over. “Okay, maybe don’t look around too much.”
“Gojo-san, why did you bring them to the office in the first place?” Kento asked, crossing his arms.
“Yeah, you didn’t explain anything. You just said we’re not going to school for a couple of days and then made us come with you.” Megumi frowned, also crossing his arms.
The sight of Megumi and Kento mirroring each other’s surliness and body language was an amusing one that Satoru was sorely tempted to take a picture of. However, before he could whip his phone out, Yaga marched over, clearly having caught notice of his arrival.
“Satoru. We need to talk. Now.” Yaga ordered, leaving no room for argument.
Satoru turned to Megumi and Tsumiki, cupping a hand over the side of his mouth. “This guy’s basically your grandpa, so make sure to call him Gramps, okay?” He spoke in a loud whisper as he pointed at Yaga.
A vein in Yaga’s forehead throbbed, and Satoru smiled cheekily at him.
“Really?” Tsumiki blinked in surprise, turning to Yaga and bowing. “It’s nice to meet you, Grandpa.” She greeted sweetly.
Yaga’s scowl shrunk, and Satoru’s smile grew.
“Nice to meet you…” Megumi said quietly, polite as always with any adult that wasn’t Satoru.
Yaga’s brow twitched, and after a moment, he turned away from Satoru so he could address Megumi and Tsumiki.
“It’s very good to meet you kids,” Yaga said evenly. “It seems Satoru has been taking decent care of you.”
“He’s amazing!” Tsumiki declared with a beatific smile.
“…he’s alright,” Megumi shrugged.
Satoru laid a hand over his heart, a touched grin spreading over his face as his eyes shone warmly.
Yaga nodded, jerking a thumb at Satoru. “I need to speak with him for a few minutes, so we need you both to stay here in the meanwhile.”
“Okay,” Tsumiki agreed as Megumi nodded.
“Keep an eye on them, will you?” Yaga spoke to Kento and Yuu.
“I was planning on it anyway,” Yuu assured as he gave Yaga a little salute. “Come here, Megumi-kun! I’ll show you and Tsumiki-chan how cool my desk is.” He waved the boy over with a laugh.
Kento shot Satoru a disapproving frown, making it clear he wasn’t going to let the earlier matter go.
Satoru picked his poison, knowing that for now at least he could have some privacy in Yaga’s office.
“Alright, Cap, let’s chat.” Satoru said, turning on his heel.
Yaga let out a breath, nodding as he and Satoru headed for his office. He made sure the door was closed properly and then shuttered the blinds before turning to face Satoru.
“How bad is it?” Yaga asked without further preamble.
Satoru sat on the edge of Yaga’s desk, leaning back on his palms as he crossed one long leg over the other.
“He’s going to try to take them back.” Satoru finally said with a chilly smile. “He’ll have to do it over my dead body, which he’s very eager to make happen.”
Yaga’s jaw clenched, reaching a hand up to massage his temple. “I know you’re the victim here, but why do I have the feeling that you said something to only rile him up more?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Satoru replied blithely. “Like you said, I’m an innocent victim and I’ve got the scars to prove it.”
Yaga’s brow furrowed, an expression of guilt and concern creeping onto his face. However, when he spoke, he didn’t address Satoru’s comment.
“I got a hold of the prison warden.” Yaga began, making Satoru straighten up as he listened carefully. “Five days ago, Fushiguro Toji had a parole hearing and was subsequently released the same day. He missed his official check in with his parole officer and is considered a fugitive. BOLOs have been put out on him.”
“We were supposed to be notified of any changes to his status.” Satoru said in frustration. “What the hell happened?”
“Apparently, they had marked us off as notified, but no calls were made and the official notice just came in this morning.” Yaga explained with a tsk.
Satoru groaned, a hand going to the mostly concealed scar on his forehead as he let out a disbelieving laugh. “It never fails to amaze me how inefficient this system is. If Toji wasn’t so invested in trying to psych me out first, something could’ve already happened to the kids.”
Yaga twitched, and if Satoru hadn’t known the man for so long, he would’ve missed how his frown went from irritated to sulky.
“What?” Satoru raised a brow. “Out with it, Captain.”
Yaga crossed his arms as he scowled. “If I’m supposed to be their grandfather, how come you never let me meet them before?” He demanded.
Satoru’s jaw dropped, one of the rare times he’d been caught off guard. “You’re busier than I am!” was the first thing he blurted out. “And you yelled at me when I told you I was taking custody of them!” he pointed an accusing finger at the other.
“You still adopted them!” Yaga threw his hands up in the air. “I expect you to call me first the next time you need someone to watch them.” He growled, pointing a finger right back at Satoru.
“I can’t believe you’re taking this so seriously…” Satoru sighed, shaking his head.
“Satoru, I took you in when you were eight years old.” Yaga reminded gravely. “If there’s anything I deserve as compensation for making sure you didn’t get yourself killed and putting up with your antics in general, it’s quality time with my grandkids.” He stated firmly.
Satoru paused, realizing that Yaga truly was treating Megumi and Tsumiki as if they were Satoru’s kids. He’d long since accepted Yaga as his father figure, even if he’d only tell the older man upon pain of death. However, as much as Satoru adored Megumi and Tsumiki, he’d never been able to consider himself as their parental figure.
“…they’re not… I’m just their guardian.” Satoru finally ended up muttering lamely.
Yaga raised a brow, tilting his head so that he was looking at Satoru from behind his own pair of shades.
“Who’s putting a roof over their heads? Who’s making sure they never go hungry? Who’s putting them through school? Who’s making sure they’ve always got someone looking after them? Who’s caring for them when they’ve been hurt? Who took them in so that they wouldn’t have to fend for themselves in this world?”
Obviously, Satoru was. But that wasn’t the dilemma here. He drummed his fingers on Yaga’s desk, a sigh leaving him as he considered how to reply.
“You make a good point, but… they don’t even know that I’m the one who was responsible for taking their father away from them in the first place.” Satoru admitted, watching as the furrow in Yaga’s brow deepened.
Satoru knew that even if Toji wasn’t a particularly good parental figure, he was their father.
Satoru had been prepared to take whatever blame and accusation the kids could have for being the reason Toji was in prison, but he had let Megumi’s indifference convince him into keeping silent on the matter with the promise to explain if they ever asked.
The issue had become unavoidable now. Satoru was still ready to face the kids’ judgment, but he was worried that it was only going to be harder for him to protect them once he came clean.
Yaga opened his mouth, clearly about to drop some hard-knocked wisdom into Satoru, but his desk phone rang and cut off whatever he was about to say. Letting out an aggrieved sigh, Yaga rounded the desk to pick up the call.
“Captain Yaga Masamichi speaking.” Yaga answered. Satoru watched as his grip tightened around the phone, teeth grinding as he listened intently. “I’ll be there with the lead detective in twenty minutes.” He stated, slamming the receiver down as he looked at Satoru. “Goddamn!” he cursed. “We’ve got a double: uniformed officers only a couple blocks away from the first scene.”
Satoru got off Yaga’s desk, already on his way to the door. “Any more details?” he prompted.
“Yeah.” Yaga grunted, looking more incensed than Satoru had seen in a long time. “They were decapitated.”
“Oh.” Satoru grimaced as they re-entered the bullpen. “Yeah, that’s pretty bad.”
“Are you leaving?”
Satoru stopped in his tracks, turning back to see Tsumiki peering up at him curiously.
Satoru cleared his throat, putting a hand on her head. He remembered when she was small enough for his hand to cover her entire head, yet here they were two years later with him only able to cover the top of it.
“Yeah, something bad happened so the captain and I need to go handle it. Kento and Yuu will keep you both company.”
“Does that mean when you come back, Tsumiki and I will be able to go back to school?” Megumi questioned, having slunk over like a silent cat.
Satoru patted his head too, finding some comfort in the fact Megumi hadn’t changed too much. The boy scowled up at him, pushing his hand away.
“We’ll talk when I get back.” Satoru sighed, sensing that Yaga was about to cut in any moment.
“Promise?” Megumi demanded, brow furrowed as he puffed up. It tickled Satoru how he was trying to exude intimidation, but it was more adorable than it was anything else.
“Promise,” Satoru agreed.
“Be careful.” Tsumiki was frowning, looking much more worried than she normally was.
It occurred to Satoru it was different for the kids to see him fly off from the station compared to when they were at home, so he put on one of his biggest grins in an effort to reassure them.
“Be back before you know it,” he said.
“Satoru!” Yaga called.
Satoru turned, offering one last wave to the kids before he followed after his captain.
✧•✧•✬•✧•✧
The scene was tense when Satoru and Yaga arrived, and Satoru figured it had both to do with fellow officers being dead coupled with the brutal nature of the murders.
Kawasaki Hanta and Tokuda Fuu. Beat cops who had patrolled the same area for the past two years. They had responded to many calls involving Ryoumen-kai. Satoru had read through all the call records on the drive over, but he found nothing that he thought could warrant this type of retaliation.
The bodies were in the middle of an alleyway not too far from where the first murder had occurred. They were found on their stomachs, and the gashed stumps of their necks were facing each other, only a few feet apart. Their blood had already flowed together into one giant pool, leaving it hard to tell where Kawasaki’s began and Tokuda’s ended.
Kawasaki’s hand was outstretched, reaching for Tokuda’s body but falling short by scant inches.
“Where are the heads?” Satoru finally spoke, addressing the closest crime scene tech.
“We don’t know.” Nitta answered, biting her lip. “We’re still looking.”
“He took them?” Yaga’s lips were pressed into a fine line.
Satoru shook his head. “No, he doesn’t take trophies like that.” He said, neither of them specifying which ‘he’ they were talking about. “Did you find anything on the bodies? Bugs? Worms, maybe?” he asked Nitta.
“We’re waiting for the coroner to arrive so we can move the bodies, but nothing like that yet.” Nitta replied.
Satoru considered the crime from Sukuna’s perspective. Whether it had been him or Toji pretending to be Sukuna, it still came back to the yakuza boss’s methodology.
Sukuna killed indiscriminately: traitors, other criminals, lawyers, civilians, it didn’t matter. However, there had only been one officer they could attribute directly to Sukuna. Every other officer had been taken care of by his gang, but there was once an older detective from before Satoru’s time who had gone missing some years ago.
Sukuna was the main suspect because the last thing the older detective had been investigating was Ryoumen-kai. A few days after his disappearance, his fingers and heart were delivered to the station and his family.
The fact that Kawasaki and Tokuda were found like this was meant to show escalation as well as to stir up members of law enforcement both on the case and not.
What would make this brutal scene even worse? What would serve to further mock the dead and taunt the living?
Satoru bent down and swiped a pair of nitrile gloves from Nitta’s kit, snapping them on as he began searching the alley.
“Don’t tell me…” Yaga muttered when he realized the pattern of where Satoru was looking.
Satoru lifted the lid of the third trash can, clicking his tongue. Sometimes, it really sucks having my hunches be right. He thought as he took in the sight before him.
The officers’ missing heads were in the garbage, left positioned so that their bloody, teary faces bearing the devastated expressions of their last moments would greet whoever discovered them.
“That bastard…” Yaga growled when he saw the remains. “Whichever one of them did it, we’re going to nail him.”
Satoru grimaced when a worm crawled out of Tokuda’s mouth, slowly climbing over her lips and inching toward her nose.
“Message received.” Satoru sighed, waving Nitta over so she could collect the worm.
✧•✧•✬•✧•✧
It was two hours later when they finally returned to the station. Satoru had been ready to go earlier, but Yaga refused to let him leave without him.
Honestly? Satoru doubted Toji would make a move this soon. The older man was the patient type and would draw it out, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
However, Satoru knew Yaga was only trying to look out for him, which was why he’d actually listened for once and waited for the older man to wrap up his business.
When the duo were only a few dozen paces from the bullpen, Kento stepped out and crossed his arms.
“Captain, may I borrow Gojo-san?” He questioned, tone making it clear that he was only asking out of politeness and it wasn’t actually a request.
Yaga snorted, waving dismissively as he continued on his way to his office and left Satoru at Kento’s mercy.
“Kento, I—” Satoru began with a disarming smile.
“No.” Kento shook his head, pointing in the direction behind them. “Break room,” he ordered curtly.
“Geez, which one of us is the senpai here?” Satoru complained with a pout, straightening up when Kento’s eyes narrowed. “Okay, okay!” he turned, heading to the break room with Kento behind him. He felt vaguely like a prisoner being marched to the execution platform, glancing at the blond warily when they finally arrived at their destination.
Satoru made a beeline for the cabinet, grabbing his and Kento’s mugs. Kento’s was a sensible beige cup that had been gifted to him by Yuu. What Kento didn’t know was that Satoru had given Yuu the diabolical idea to buy a prank mug that looked unassuming everywhere except for the bottom, which had a cutesy cat mouth painted on it.
Kento had had the mug for six months and was none the wiser, much to Satoru and Yuu’s utter glee.
Satoru’s mug was part of a stacking set, and both cups had the initials GS scribbled on the bottom in marker. He grabbed the black one, leaving the white one in the cabinet.
“Thank you,” Kento said when Satoru handed him his mug. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s going on or are you going to avoid the issue again?” He raised a brow as he poured himself and Satoru coffee.
“That’s good.” Satoru said when Kento had filled his cup about halfway, going over to the fridge to grab some milk. “Well, I’m guessing you saw the BOLO.” He finally said as he added a generous amount of cream to his coffee before adding a splash to Kento’s just how the blond liked it.
“Yuu and I both did,” Kento confirmed as Satoru put the carton back. “We made sure the kids didn’t.”
Satoru’s shoulders slumped, not having considered that possibility before Kento had mentioned it. “Thanks.” He said, both for the other’s forethought and for handing him the sugar.
“Did he threaten to take them back?” Kento asked, sharp eyes observing Satoru. He wrinkled his nose like he usually tended to do when he saw the obscene servings of sugar Satoru was dumping into his coffee.
“Yeah,” Satoru confirmed as he stirred his drink. “That’s why I can’t afford for them to be out of my sight. The only people I can trust with the kids right now are you, Yuu, and the Captain.” He admitted as he aimed a small smile at Kento.
Of course, Satoru trusted Shoko and by extension Utahime too, but they weren’t trained officers. That wasn’t to say neither of them could hold their own if push came to shove, but Satoru didn’t want to drag them into this mess if he could help it.
“The childrens’ health and safety are our top priority,” Kento agreed. “It won’t be an easy feat to get to them through us.” He assured as he took a sip of his coffee, staring at Satoru with a look the latter couldn’t decipher before he spoke again. “He’s going to try to kill you again, isn’t he?” he stated quietly.
Satoru’s smile was supposed to be easygoing, meant to comfort his friend and junior, but he had the feeling he was falling short based off Kento’s deepening frown.
“The sooner I manage to find solid evidence linking Toji to the crimes, the sooner I can arrest him again and make sure he can’t hurt anyone else.” Satoru said instead, taking a measured sip of his drink. “This time, I’ll make sure that he’s never getting out of prison again. He needs to spend the rest of his life rotting away and repenting for the blood on his hands like he deserves.”
There was silence after his statement, and Satoru didn’t feel any ounce of shame over the rage and disgust he’d let slip through his normally careful mask.
Kento had never quite understood Satoru or his emotions—only one person ever had, and his mug was currently being held in the cradle of Satoru’s long fingers—but the blond respected him despite his claims otherwise.
“Just don’t be reckless again,” Kento grumbled after they had both finished their coffees. “Yuu and I like being godfathers; don’t make us guardians on top of that.” He said wearily, taking Yuu’s cup out of the cabinet. It was a plain white one with a single sunflower that he’d gotten Yuu after the latter had gifted him his mug.
Satoru huffed, setting his cup down in the sink to wash later (he was going to forget about it completely). “You have that little faith in me, Kento?” He pouted as he watched the blond make two more cups of coffee.
“You required surgery because of him. You and Getou-san were not the same after. This isn’t about faith.” Kento replied, looking tense. “This is about history repeating itself.”
Satoru thought about the scar on his forehead and the one crossing from his chest to hip, the x-shaped scar on Suguru’s own torso, and the bullet hole in the head of a girl he’d failed to protect.
Satoru thought of Megumi and Tsumiki, huddled at his desk with Yuu watching over them. He thought of the neglected state he found them in and how he made sure they never lacked for affection now. He thought of making them relive the loss of an adult who was supposed to take care of them and the grief that would follow.
“I’m not the same naive rookie I was when Toji came around the first time.” Satoru finally said, going over to the vending machines by the wall. “I’ve got the highest closure rate in the department for a reason, remember? I’m the best,” he smiled brightly.
“You’re making me think unprofessional thoughts again,” Kento tsked.
“Kento, you’re a taken man.” Satoru simpered, inserting some bills into the snack machine. He picked out Megumi’s favorite lemon ginger candies and Tsumiki’s strawberry milk ones.
“Go the opposite direction: they’re purely homicidal.” Kento muttered before he let out a sigh. “Maybe if we put you in a cage with some fake money as incentive, Fushiguro Toji will show up…” the blond mused.
“Kento, was that a joke?!” Satoru’s jaw dropped as he pointed at the other in shock. “I want to be proud, but why was it at my expense?!” he whined.
“We should get back now, anyway. The kids have been worried.” Kento decided, picking up his mug and Yuu’s.
Satoru pouted at Kento the entire trip back to the bullpen, but his expression cleared to make room for a wide smile when he saw Megumi and Tsumiki.
“Gojo-san!” Tsumiki gasped, barrelling into the white-haired man when he got close. “You’re back…” she breathed in relief.
“Of course. I promised, didn’t I?” Satoru hugged her back. “I even got you and Megumi some treats~” He revealed, pulling the goodies out of his pockets.
“Thank you!” Tsumiki chirped as she took the strawberry candies, beaming up at him. “I’m glad you’re safe, Gojo-san.”
Warmth bloomed in Satoru’s chest, and his smile softened as he patted her head.
Kento shot Satoru a look, knowing and vaguely accusatory. Satoru resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at him.
“I have to go to the bathroom.” Megumi piped up, looking grumpy.
“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Tsumiki sighed in exasperation. “You could’ve gone when Nanami-san showed me where the bathrooms were.”
“I didn’t have to go then,” Megumi muttered mullishly.
“One round trip to the toilets, request accepted!” Satoru cheered with enthusiasm. “Let’s go!”
Megumi managed to look even more sour than before, but he had to go too badly to protest, hopping out of his chair and waiting for Satoru to lead the way.
“Be back in a bit,” Satoru said as he guided Megumi out into the hallway.
Satoru waited outside when Megumi went in, finding himself immediately approached by one of the uniformed officers now that he was alone for the moment.
Ino Takuma, a younger man who followed after Kento like a puppy seeking approval. The blond had mentioned in passing that Ino was studying to take the detective exam.
“Gojo-san.” Ino greeted, looking much more subdued than Satoru normally saw him. “Is it true? Were Kawasaki and Tokuda really…? In the–the…” He couldn’t even bring himself to say it, biting his lip harshly as his shoulders hunched up to his ears.
Satoru nodded, leaning back against the wall. “Yeah… they were good officers,” he remarked.
Ino’s teeth ground together as he clenched his jaw, fists balling up at his sides. “You’re going to get him, right? Ryoumen and his gang have been getting away with too much for too long!” he growled.
“I’m going to catch whoever is responsible,” Satoru stated.
Ino didn’t miss the deliberate phrasing, looking at Satoru in surprise. “No way… people were saying you didn’t think it was Ryoumen, but… Who else could’ve done it?” he frowned.
“Don’t get so worked up, kid. I’m on the case, so there’s nothing to worry about.” Satoru patted him on the shoulder. “It’s not good to stay worked up like this. Go take a walk and get some fresh air,” he suggested. “Or not, I’m not your boss.” He shrugged with a little laugh.
Ino nodded slowly, looking extremely unsatisfied but also having realized that Satoru was ending their conversation. He left without another word, and Satoru let out a sigh.
Satoru was used to Yaga hounding him for updates, but he knew that with how personal and high profile these last murders were, there was going to be more attention and more demands from everyone around him.
Oh well, Satoru knew how to handle whatever got thrown at him. Mainly, how to be slippery when people wanted to talk to him the most.
Megumi finally came out of the bathroom, wiping his hands dry on the handstitched navy handkerchief Tsumiki had made for him (Satoru had a matching lilac one.) The boy stopped, squinting at something behind the Satoru.
Megumi’s next words had Satoru’s blood running cold.
“I saw him.” The boy said, pointing at the wall.
Satoru slowly turned to look at the poster next to him, feeling his stomach drop when he saw it was Toji’s BOLO.
“What?”