The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

26

"And how do you intend on doing that?"

"He lives in my area of jurisdiction, for lack of a better word, and I think I know just the people to help you get your hands on what you want," Enmei answers.

Shinobu sighs. He's sure he knows of a number of people that could help with that himself. The problem isn't so much the lack of competence, but more so the presence of a certain disturbance. He nods, "Right. I'll consider that. I do have another question, for you though however. Consider this your exit ticket, if you will. First some context... The reason we keep failing to get our hands on certain people is due to a single interference. His name is Katsu, what do you know of him?"

"He's the one that is responsible for interfering with the capture of Ms. Miyamoto. He seems to be rather elusive from what I understand as nobody has been able to get their hands on him as of yet," Enmei answers with no sign of hesitation.

The lack of hesitation brings a slight hint of contentedness to Shinobu's heart. The bastard isn't lying. Good. "He isn't all that elusive, we just haven't been trying to catch him. But, we would like to change that. Would you be on board?"

"Yes sir."

"I'm glad to hear that," Shinobu smirks. "Well, I'll tell you what. I'll get back to you with some orders in a few days. But, for now, I need you to return to your post and go about business as usual. If I remember correctly, you all are going to talk to some people this week, am I right?" Enmei nods. "And who are you speaking with again? I tend not to get myself involved with smaller, more frivolous tasks. It is what I have people like you for."

"It's a small group of people from around the area that have been rumored or known to be involved with criminal activity. Seems as good a place as any to find more numbers," Enmei answers.

Shinobu nods and smiles. "I agree." He claps his hands together as he stands, watching the daze fall from Enmei's face.

The man scrambles to his feet and gives a curt bow, smiling. "Thank you for your time and consideration, sir. I look forward to hearing from you."

"Thank you. Now, get going. I'm sure you have a lot to do." Enmei nods and walks out of the room. A few minutes pass, allowing Shinobu to discard the rest of his coffee and settle back into his routine pace before Ichika marches her way into the room.

She stands in front of his desk, arms wrapped around a folder. "And, what do you think? Will he be getting a promotion?"

"No, I don't think so. But, I do believe he'll make for a nice pawn," Shinobu answers, pulling his cigarettes from his coat pocket. He places one between his teeth and lights it before leaning into his seat, tilting his head over the back of his chair. "I'm not quite sure why, but something tells me he'll prove useful. Just... make sure one of the inner circle keeps an eye on him for a while."

*

Katsuki paces back and forth in his hotel room, waiting for his phone to ring. The idea of Eijiro going into that meeting without any way to call out for backup or for him to know exactly what was happening at the moment never set well with him. He can already see the number of targets on all of his friends' backs. It's nothing new. Even in high school, they've all had targets on their backs. He's always known that innocent people would have targets on their backs too. So why does it all feel so different now? Is it because the stakes are so high? Is it because he doesn't really know what the stakes are? Maybe, it's because after all these years he's come to realize just how devastating it would be to lose someone like Eijiro or Shoto, his best friends. Perhaps he's come to grow much fonder of the random passerby he encounters on the streets every day, or perhaps he's come to care about the select few he's come to know and love. Whatever the reason, the targets hanging on the backs of people he's supposed to protect seem to be more noticeable and menacing than ever. And that doesn't set well with him.