Shinrei Tantei Yakumo

Chapter 3

VOLUME 2 - THAT WHICH CONNECTS SOULS

file 03: resurrection (TRANSLATION NOTES)

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1

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‘Oi! Old man! What the hell is this?’

Gotou yelled as he opened the door to Hata’s room .

’You’re noisy . Can’t you be a little quieter?’

Hata scowled in annoyance . To hell with his annoyance .

Gotou sat on the folding chair .

’How could I be quiet about this!? There’s another corpse – what the hell is happening?’

’There’s nothing to it . I’d like to ask myself,’ Hata replied in a casual tone .

Even the demonic old man who was doing things at his own pace couldn’t hide his irritation .

’Who’s the vic?’

’Hashimoto Rumi-chan . Fourteen years old . After she drowned, her corpse was disposed of in a dumpsite . ’

’Is it the same?’ Gotou asked to check .

When a big incident like this occurred, there were sometimes copycat crimes . In order to prevent them, the police wouldn’t share all the details of the crime until it was solved .

By doing so, cases could be classed .

’The murder method and situation with the corpse are the same as with the second victim, Miho-chan . On top of that, there are lacerations on the right ankle . Those were also found on the other two victims .

On the girl they saved, they had seen the same thing – the laceration on the right ankle had probably been caused by something like chains .

Hata flipped through the documents on his desk and spoke, almost to himself .

’She didn’t go home yesterday . Her parents didn’t worry about it since they thought it was just her doing her usual thing . There hadn’t been any request when the corpse was found . It was reported in the news that the murderer had died . That might have put them at ease . ’

Damn, this was a terrible police error .

But that would mean –

’Old man, you think Andou wasn’t the perp?’

’I don’t think that’s it . There is a mountain of things we wouldn’t be able to explain if Andou weren’t the perpetrator . Though the investigation is still taking place, we found Andou’s fingerprints at the ex-water gate and the first victim Ayaka-chan’s bag and hair . No matter how I think about it, Andou is the murderer . ’

’Then why’s there a third corpse?’

’I don’t know . It’s my job to analyse . It’s your job to investigate . ’

The perverted old man really had a mouth on him .

In any case, it seemed like he’d have to ask for Yakumo’s appearance again .

’Sorry to bother you . ’

Gotou stood up and moved to leave but Hata called out to him .

’Do you remember seeing this man?’

While he said that, he handed a photo to Gotou .

In the photo was a middle-aged man wearing sunglasses . There was a faint smile on his pale face .

Gotou felt the blood in his body go cold .

This face . As if I could forget it . This man . He’s –

’Oi, old man . Where’s this photo from?’

’From the location where the corpse was found . He was there when the second victim Miho-chan was found too . And this time he was looking at me from a distance too . ’

He was at the place the corpse was found . Did that mean he was connected to the case somehow?

That’d make this a serious affair . The overview of the fake murder case for insurance money a month ago came up in Gotou’s head .

’Once could have been overlooked, but twice . And that faint smile . No matter how you look at it, that’s not the face of a curious onlooker . I took a few photos . ’

’Old man . I’m borrowing this photo . ’

’Borrowing? Does that mean you’ve got a hint as to who he is?’

Gotou ignored Hata’s question and left the room .

While walking with long strides, he looked at the photo again . It wasn’t just a hint .

I didn’t think we’d meet up again like this –

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2

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The next day, Haruka accompanied Yakumo to visit Kinoshita’s hospital .

They had two objectives . One was thanking Kinoshita again for saving her . The other was to ask about the spirit of the girl who had appeared at the river .

Since there was the fuss with the exorcism yesterday, they were still in the middle of their conversation .

The reason why Ayaka-chan was still in the river even though the perpetrator had died .

They wanted to find out the meaning behind that .

Even though they had visited without notifying him beforehand, Kinoshita said, ’Thank you for coming,’ and he invited Haruka and Yakumo into the examination room .

’Excuse us for coming by so suddenly . I wanted to thank you for the other day . I’m really very grateful . ’

The first thing Haruka did upon entering the examination room was bow her head and express her gratitude .

’Don’t worry about it . I just did my job,’ said Kinoshita with a smile, and he urged Haruka and Yakumo to sit .

They took him up on his offer and sat down next to each other on the round chairs .

’I came today to ask you a few things,’ Yakumo said, going right to the point .

’That’s right – Yakumo-kun is a detective . You’ve grown up splendidly . ’

Kinoshita nodded with a smile .

Eh? Yakumo was a detective? Since when?

He had definitely come up with a lie on the spot again .

’I have to apologise for that . ’

’Hm?’

Kinoshita looked dubious .

’I am not a detective . When I came the other day, Gotou-san had just come up with an appropriate lie . ’

’Is that so?’

’I am just a student . ’

Even after finding out that Yakumo had deceived him about who he was, Kinoshita didn’t look particularly angry .

’Then this isn’t about my daughter . ’

’Though this isn’t an investigation, I would still like to ask about your daughter . ’

Kinoshita gave Yakumo an evaluating look .

He would talk about his murdered daughter if the listening party was the police . It wasn’t something he would talk about freely with somebody he didn’t know at all .

’Wasn’t the case solved? I was contacted about that . ’

’Yes, the perpetrator has been confirmed . ’

’Then what do you want to know?’

Yakumo took a deep breath before speaking . It was unusual discretion for him .

’Kinoshita-san . What are you trying to do for your daughter?’

Kinoshita stared at Yakumo with his mouth half opened . He looked like he didn’t understand what Yakumo was talking about .

’Did you promise your dead daughter something?’

’I did make a promise . ’

For a moment, Kinoshita looked surprised, but his expression soon returned to normal and he answered Yakumo’s question .

’But why do you know that?’

Yakumo took the black contact lens out of his left eye .

He turned his red left eye towards Kinoshita .

’You know about my eye . ’

’Yes, of course . ’

Eh? Of course? Doctor Kinoshita knew about Yakumo’s eye from before?

Haruka felt like something had been left out of the conversation .

’This eye of mine isn’t just red . ’

’Meaning…’

’As a doctor, you might not believe this, but my eye can see the spirits of the dead . ’

Kinoshita didn’t confirm or deny Yakumo’s words .

He just looked at Yakumo’s eye silently .

’Yesterday, I met your daughter at the river where her corpse was found . ’

The moment Kinoshita heard those words, his eyes opened wide and he gripped Yakumo’s shoulders tightly .

’Really? Is that true? Then my daughter – Ayaka is really there!’

His face was red with excitement, like his calm demeanour from before had been a lie .

He won’t deny it? He completely accepted Yakumo’s ability to see the spirits of the dead .

Even though he’s a doctor –

Why?

’Though this is very unstable so I shouldn’t talk about it between people, if it’s just a bit…’

Yakumo responded like he had been pressured into it by Kinoshita .

’So Ayaka – did Ayaka say anything!?’

Kinoshita was so agitated he started shaking Yakumo’s shoulders .

’Please calm down,’ Yakumo said, taking Kinoshita’s hands off his shoulders .

Kinoshita might have realised he was more agitated than necessary, because he hung his head and muttered, ’Forgive me,’ staring at his hands .

’Your daughter said “stop already”…’

Kinoshita looked up in response to those words .

’What does Ayaka-chan want to stop? Don’t you know the answer to that?’

After Yakumo spoke, Kinoshita shook his head back and forth .

His shoulders were trembling a little . It felt like he’d collapse if Haruka touched him . He felt like Haruka’s mother had when Haruka’s older sister had died .

That was how it seemed to Haruka –

’You said this to me before . Your mother had tried to kill you…’

Haruka had heard that before this .

Kinoshita even knew about that?

’At that time, you asked me what excuse your mother could make . ’

Yakumo nodded silently .

’To say the truth, I feel the same way . I can’t possibly understand the feelings of a parent who would try to kill their own child . I don’t understand… but I can understand the feeling of a parent who has lost their child as well as anyone else . ’

Kinoshita stopped speaking then and bit his lip .

It looked like he was trying to bear the pain .

’To be honest, I was a failure as both a parent and a husband before . It was my dream to have my own hospital . I was stubborn and lost myself in that dream . I didn’t consider my family even once . On the contrary, I was even adverse to it . Then, my wife collapsed . It was cancer . ’

’Cancer?’ Yakumo repeated .

’Though I was a doctor, I didn’t notice anything strange about her condition . When I noticed, the metastasis had already started… I was too late . ’

Kinoshita’s voice was filled with sadness, like he was letting out something that he had kept in for years .

’It’s a truly shameful story . I couldn’t save my wife… But I promised my wife something just before she died . I promised her that I would definitely protect Ayaka… How about that? I couldn’t protect her…’

Kinoshita’s tightly gripped fists were shaking with an anger he couldn’t hold in .

That anger wasn’t at the murderer but at himself .

’Why didn’t I take her to and from school? Why didn’t I call the police sooner? If I had looked after her properly, Ayaka might not have died…’

No . that wasn’t true . It wasn’t the doctor’s fault .

Haruka wanted to yell those things out, but she just couldn’t put the words in her mouth .

I know that even if I say anything, it wouldn’t be any consolation .

He resents himself for not being able to save someone he loves –

Haruka had experienced it too . She felt responsible for her sister’s death and blamed herself for thirteen years and did so even now . When she herself was like that, she couldn’t tell Kinoshita not to blame himself .

’That’s why I promised Ayaka… I told her… to wait, since I would definitely save her…’

’Then, you started researching how to resurrect the dead . ’

Resurrect the dead? What was Yakumo saying? There was no way that was possible . Plus, Kinoshita-san was a doctor . He should have known that better than anyone .

’How do you know that?’ Kinoshita asked with a gasp .

’The books in this room . The Definition of Soul and Body . The Cycle of Death and Reincarnation . All of the titles are related to the resurrection of the dead . ’

Kinoshita didn’t respond .

He just looked at Yakumo with tears in his eyes .

’No matter how much you research, you, as a doctor, should know best that it is impossible,’ Yakumo said slowly .

That was right . No matter how you struggled, no matter how much you suffered, the dead wouldn’t come back . Yakumo could see the spirits of the dead . However, even if he could see them, that was different from them being alive .

’Yakumo-kun . Could I ask you one thing?’

Yakumo nodded at Kinoshita’s words .

’The connection between the body and the soul… What do you think it is?’

’I don’t know . ’

An immediate answer . Kinoshita looked puzzled at how quick the reply was .

’All my eye can do is see, so I don’t know the answer to something that difficult . If I knew, I would be able to fix this eye . ’

’I see…’

’However, I do recognise that a soul is a cluster of a person’s emotions . ’

’A person’s emotions?’

Kinoshita slowly thought over Yakumo’s words .

’I apologise for taking so much of your time . ’

After Yakumo said that, he stood up by himself and headed towards the door .

Haruka hurriedly followed him .

’Could you let me ask one last thing?’

Kinoshita called out to Yakumo . Yakumo didn’t turn around .

’What is it?’

’Earlier, we were talking about your mother, but don’t you want to know who your father is?’

Yakumo’s father –

Before, he had said his father didn’t exist as long as he didn’t remember him .

However, that was just a question of Yakumo’s own feelings, and he couldn’t have been born without his father .

’I’m not interested,’ Yakumo said lightly, like he didn’t care, and he left the room .

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3

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Ishii was idling in the Unsolved Cases Special Investigations Room with nothing in particular to do .

He hadn’t seen Detective Gotou since morning .

He had tried calling his mobile multiple times, but the phone just rang with no response .

An unauthorised absence? No, Detective Gotou wouldn’t –

He might have used an enormous amount of spiritual energy to solve this case . No, that had to be it . There was no might about it .

Right now, Detective Gotou might have been suffering in a way that Ishii could not possibly understand . He couldn’t just idle like this . Ishii knew where he lived . He would go check on him .

Just as Ishii stood up, he heard a knock .

After he said, ’Please come in,’ the door opened .

Standing there was a young woman wearing a classy grey trouser suit with her long hair tied in the back .

There’s no way I’d forget her . She’s –

’Eek . ’

Ishii was so shocked he jumped onto the desk .

This was the woman who had been possessed by a ghost . Hijikata Makoto .

It was unexpected that she had already gotten better to the point that she could walk by herself in such a short time .

She was pale and her cheeks were a bit hollow, but that matched her almond eyes and slender frame .

Looking at her like this, she could be called a beauty, but Ishii’s frightful impression of her was too strong .

’I wanted to express my gratitude to you for saving me . ’

Makoto bowed in a calm and delicate movement .

’A-ah, no, y-you don’t have to thank us…’

Ishii had consciously tried to speak in a way that his voice wouldn’t shake, but it was no use .

’Excuse me, but why are you on the desk?’

’Eh? Ah, no, this – I was going to clean…’

Because you’re terrifying – he couldn’t say that .

Ishii hurriedly jumped off the desk . He lost his balance and almost fell .

’It seems like that has only made it messier . ’

Makoto covered her mouth as she laughed .

It was only natural, since he had jumped up in his shoes .

’That’s true . ’

Ishii forced himself to laugh .

’Ishii-san . ’

’You know my name?’

’I was conscious at the time, though it was only in bits and pieces…’

Ishii understood . So that was how it was .

That odd point caught his interest .

’I did something awful to you, Ishii-san,’ Makoto said quietly, sounding ashamed as she hung her head .

Perhaps she was talking about when he had brought Makoto out . That had been awful . She had bit and chewed on him . He really had gone through a lot .

’No, that’s not… There was nothing you could have done . ’

’You still have the injuries . Are you OK?’

Makoto reached out with a pale, slender finger towards Ishii’s bruised left eye .

At that moment, Ishii’s nightmare came up in his mind . Inflamed eyes . Bared teeth . A low growl –

’Gyaah!’

Ishii yelped and jumped onto the desk again in response .

At the same time, the door opened and Gotou came in .

’What are you doing? Are you a monkey?’

’Ah, no, I have a good reason…’

Ishii got off the desk dejectedly .

’It’s not the time for that! We’re going!’

Was he going to do something even in this situation?

If he used any more spiritual energy, he would die . Ishii had to stop him .

’Even if you tell me to go, Detective Gotou, your spiritual energy…’

Just as he said that, Gotou’s iron hammer of a fist fell on the crown of Ishii’s head .

If this were a manga, stars would have been circling above his head .

’What spiritual energy, you fool!? You read too much manga! I’ll give you a good wallop the next time you say something so idiotic!’

Hadn’t he already walloped him?

Gotou grabbed the scruff of Ishii’s neck and dragged him out into the corridor .

’E-er . Detective Gotou . I came to thank you for the other day . ’

Ishii heard Makoto from behind them .

’Shut up! I’m busy now! Leave it for later!’

Detective Gotou waved his hand like he was chasing away a fly .

Still, Detective Gotou is in such a rush . What on earth happened –

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4

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’Hey – does Doctor Kinoshita know you from before?’

While they walked on the road by the river, Haruka asked this question to Yakumo, who was walking a little in front of her .

The way Kinoshita had spoken had certainly made it sound that way .

’I completely forgot . Or rather, I have no memory of it,’ Yakumo said, facing forward .

He spoke so vaguely that Haruka didn’t understand .

’What do you mean?’

She quickened her pace to walk beside Yakumo .

’Doctor Kinoshita was the doctor in charge at my birth . ’

’Really?’

While she was surprised, she also understood . In that case, she could accept that he had forgotten .

’Well, that’s all there is to it, so we’re practically strangers . ’

Yakumo yawned .

Haruka still had one more thing to ask –

’So what was that?

Yakumo’s feet halted at Haruka’s question, as if time had stopped .

’What’s wrong?’

Yakumo ran a hand through his hair with a troubled expression and lowered brows as he started talking .

’That girl’s spirit is bound to that river because of Doctor Kinoshita’s strong emotions . ’

’Emotions?’

’Yes . He irresponsibly promised that he would definitely save his dead daughter . That keeps her in that river . ’

’How can we release her?’

Yakumo didn’t reply and just gazed idly at the river .

Haruka did the same, turning her eyes to the moving surface of the river .

On the other shore, young men and women were having a barbecue . White herons were resting their wings in the sandbank .

How did Yakumo feel?

Haruka stole a glance at his profile .

The pencil-straight bridge of his nose, his tightly closed lips . Was there anything reflected in his narrowed almond eyes?

’Doctor Kinoshita will have to give up for the girl to be released . ’

Finally, Yakumo spoke .

’Give up?’

’Yes . As long as he doesn’t acknowledge that his daughter will not be coming back, she will stay in that place . ’

’How can we make that happen?’

’I don’t know that much . In any case, it won’t work if he is still reading books about reviving the dead and reincarnation . ’

Haruka grasped the gist of what Yakumo was saying .

When she had been in the river, Ayaka-chan had said this . ’Stop already’ –

Those words had been for her father, Doctor Kinoshita .

’I wonder if things will work out . ’

’If things were going to work out, they already would have . This is a problem of a person’s heart . It’s not something we can fix by talking . Doctor Kinoshita has to acknowledge it himself . ’

It was just as Yakumo said .

Outsiders like them wouldn’t change anything by explaining to a father who had lost his daughter that she wouldn’t be coming back .

’Well, all we can do is see how things go,’ Yakumo concluded .

Haruka caught herself before she said, ’That’s right . ’ That was dangerous . So many things had happened that she had almost forgotten the cause of all this trouble .

’Then what about the haunting Mayuko-chan is still worried about?’

’She’s mistaken . ’

Yakumo twisted his neck, making it crack as he spoke .

’Mistaken?’

’You saw it too, right? The spirit of the girl in the river . ’

Haruka nodded .

’Which means the girl’s soul is still in the river . She’s not with your friend . Which means she’s mistaken . ’

’But she had sleep paralysis and saw a ghost of a girl . She said she heard voices…’

Yakumo scratched at the back of his neck, looking annoyed .

’Human beings have active imaginations . She had the terrifying experience of seeing a ghost of a girl in a river . That actually happened . Then she thought that she had been possessed by that ghost . However, that was a delusion . ’

Haruka understand what Yakumo had said so far .

’After that, she lived her life suspicious of everything, thinking that there was a ghost near her . The result was that she thought something in a dark room that she couldn’t make out was a girl . Small noises she couldn’t discern became people’s voices . ’

’But that sort of thing…’

’Happens . Didn’t you experience it yourself before?’

’Me?’

Did she do something like that? She couldn’t remember at all .

’Honestly . It’s because you don’t learn that you always drag me into your trouble . ’

He always said too much .

’It’s because you always remember unnecessary things that people hate you, Yakumo-kun . ’

Yakumo snorted at Haruka’s cynicism .

’I’m talking about the spirit photography I showed you before . After I said that there was a person’s face in the grooves of the tree, you saw a face, right? It’s the same for the girl . She’s living with the preconception that there may be a ghost . ’

Oh . So that’s how it was .

Finally, Haruka understood too . If there was a preconception, all thoughts would end up connecting to it .

I understand that . But –

’What should I do?’

Yakumo raised an eyebrow, like he was saying, How would I know?

’You might not like it, but the best method would be to tell her that everything’s fine because the ghost has been exorcised . ’

’That’s a lie, right?’

Haruka flared up .

’Then tell her the truth . Say, “Everything you saw was an illusion . You’re psychologically ill, so I recommend that you go to a hospital for counselling . ”’

’I will then . ’

No matter how she thought about it, that was obviously the better method .

’However, if she doesn’t accept that explanation, she’ll bring her story to another spirit medium . If they’re an unsavoury one, they’ll take her money . ’

To be honest, she wasn’t confident Mayuko would understand if she told her the truth .

’If you can’t say it, then telling her not to worry because the ghost has been exorcised will take away her fear . It’s your choice . ’

Haruka grabbed onto Yakumo’s shirt as he tried to walk away .

Yakumo’s cheek twitched in irritation like that of a cat whose sleep was disturbed .

’What?’

’Yakumo-kun . Please . ’

Haruka looked up at Yakumo as she pleaded with him .

’Stop that – it’s disturbing . ’

Disturbing? How rude .

But she didn’t say that aloud . She’d lose everything if he got angry at her here .

’Yakumo-kun . Please . Go explain . ’

She pleaded with him again .

’I get it, so please don’t look at me with such disgusting eyes . ’

He said it again!

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5

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As Ishii drove, he looked at Gotou reclining in the passenger seat .

He had his arms crossed, and underneath his furrowed brows, there was a sharp glint in his eye like a hound’s .

Just as Ishii had been wondering why he hadn’t seen Gotou since morning, he had suddenly returned to take Ishii out, saying, ’We’re going!’ and now they were headed towards the university by car .

’Detective Gotou, what on earth happened?’

Ishii couldn’t stand it – he asked a question .

’That’s why you’re useless!’

Gotou suddenly yelled at him angrily .

’But, um, since I haven’t heard anything, it’s natural for me not to know, or that’s what I…’

’Can’t you do anything without being told!? If you’re a detective, perk up your ears and listen! That reporter woman’s got a much leveller head on her shoulders!’

’I-I apologise…’

Ishii apologised though he didn’t know why, pressured into it by Gotou’s shouting .

The conversation stopped there, and then the only thing that could be heard in the car was the sound of the wind .

’This isn’t public yet, but another one was found . ’

Breaking the awful silence, Gotou spoke, as if to himself, while holding a cigarette in his mouth .

’Another one?’

Ishii didn’t understand what Gotou was saying .

He asked his question while fixing the position of his glasses .

’Another girl’s corpse . ’

’Eh?’

Ishii’s voice cracked at the unexpected news .

’The third victim . She was found at a dumpsite this morning .

A girl’s corpse? Third victim? Dumpsite?

’You must be lying . I mean, Andou was the perpetrator, and that Andou is already dead, so the case is…’

Ishii replied quickly, like he was turning over the words he couldn’t understand in his mind .

A new corpse shouldn’t have been found if the perpetrator is dead –

’It’s too late to be surprised! That’s why I’m in a rush!’

Gotou’s spittle flew through the car .

Oh . So that’s why –

It’s as Detective Gotou says . There’s no time for careless worrying . I’m a failure as a detective for not noticing anything even in such a terrible situation .

But, with all that said, why are we going to meet the young man called Yakumo?

I couldn’t understand that at all –

-

6

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Once Haruka returned to her room, she lay on her bed, overwhelmed by exhaustion .

Was that really OK –

Haruka was assaulted by a sense of self-loathing . Even though it had been because she couldn’t think of any other methods, she had ended up deceiving Mayuko .

After their talk, Haruka had gone together with Yakumo to Mayuko’s flat .

The moment Yakumo entered the room, he had said, ’It’s strong . I feel an extremely strong spiritual energy . ’ Haruka had wanted to yell ’Liar!’ but she’d swallowed her words .

In the end, Yakumo had said, ’I will exorcise the spirit now . I would appreciate it if you would leave for an hour because of the danger,’ and that was the end of it .

Mayuko had asked, ’Hey, I’ve seen that person at the university before . Is he really an exorcist?’

Haruka had lied without thinking about it . ’It’s fine . That person is from a well-known family of exorcists . ’

What a ridiculous monkey show –

Right after Mayuko left the room, Yakumo said, ’Wake me up in an hour,’ and he went to sleep, using a cushion as a pillow . Oi .

When Mayuko returned in an hour, Yakumo pressed his hands together in prayer and innocently said, ’It was an extremely strong spirit, but somehow I was able to remove it . That ghost will not appear in front of you again . ’ Haruka couldn’t interrupt to say he had only been sleeping .

Mayuko started sobbing in her happiness, like she had been released from her fear .

Haruka’s feelings of guilt grew .

On top of that, Yakumo had received money from Mayuko .

She couldn’t believe it . It was true that Mayuko was the one who had offered to pay as thanks, but would you normally accept it? Usually people would just wave it off, saying something like ’I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I didn’t help . ’

This was outright fraud . And Haruka had been an accomplice .

Honestly . She felt angrier the more she thought about it .

After Haruka woke up, her mobile started ringing . It was from her mother .

Her mother spoke in an unbelieving tone from the start of the phone call .

Haruka’s anger dissipated . That was her mother for you . Just hearing the voice made her feel safer .

’Yup . I’m OK . ’

Her mother had seen through her .

Her anger at Yakumo had lessened . Her voice probably sounded strange because the conversation with Doctor Kinoshita still bothered her .

’Mum, were you sad when my sister died?’

Haruka didn’t know why she’d asked that, but it had come out of her mouth . It had to be because she had heard Kinoshita and Yakumo talking .

It was natural for her mother to be suspicious .

’I’m currently studying criminal psychology at school, and there was a lecture on the psychology of the parents of victims which caught my interest…’

Haruka said the first lie that came to mind .

Her mother replied, but it seemed like she didn’t know whether to believe Haruka .

’If my sister hadn’t died in an accident but had been killed, how would you feel?

’For example, would you hate the murderer?’

Her mother replied to her question earnestly .

’Would you want to kill that murderer?’

What on earth am I asking my mother? Would you kill him? Would you not –

What am I planning to do if my mother says she would want to kill the murderer? I’m at fault for my sister’s death .

When she finds out the truth, will my mother hate me? Will she want to kill me –

For a while, the silence continued .

’Hm, if killing the murderer would bring back my dead child, I might . ’

My mother’s voice was warm, but also cruel .

’Bring back?’

’Yes . I don’t think a parent’s feelings will change whether it’s a murder, accident or illness . You don’t think that their death can’t be helped just because it’s an illness . Though it’s the same for a murder…’

That might be true –

’In any case, we want them to live . That’s all . That’s why I would kill as many murderers as I needed to if doing so would bring back my child . ’

If it would bring back her child –

Doctor Kinoshita had said the same thing . His promise with his daughter wasn’t to take revenge against the murderer but to save her .

If Kinoshita could go back to the past, he would probably kill Andou without thinking .

Haruka couldn’t arrange her thoughts properly in her head, but that was probably how it was .

Then, a doubt came up in Haruka’s mind .

A doubt that can’t come up, but a doubt that has come up so many times before . If I were the one who died instead of my sister –

Even through the phone, her mother could probably feel the change in her mood .

Her mother sounded concerned .

But I can’t say this to my mother . The truth about my sister’s death will be my cross to bear forever –

Her mother’s voice felt far away .

If she knew I was at fault for my sister’s death, how distressed would my mother be –

Haruka suddenly couldn’t breathe when she heard her mother’s unforeseen words, just as she had when she had been drowning in the water .

Why does my mother know that? I’ve never mentioned this to her once, and I haven’t let her see me behaving like I do either .

And yet –

’Mum… You knew…’

That was all she could say .

’Twenty years…’

Haruka knew that much .

I never told anybody . I thought I had hid it in my heart all this time –

Her nose felt prickly, and the corners of her eyes felt warm .

Haruka silently nodded .

The warmth in her mother’s words filled her entire body .

Something that had frozen over was slowly melting –

When she was younger, she had always been unhappy about her older twin sister, who was better than her at everything .

Haruka had thought that her mother hated her, since she was worse at everything – studying, sports, music…

After her sister died, she had been frantic in trying to be like her . She had been scared that somebody would say ’You should have died’ if she didn’t .

’Mum, how did you know…’

’I even know who your first love was . Ken-chan, right? He got married some time ago . ’

That was right . Ken-chan . He had dark skin and was a shorty . He had been nimble and playful .

Her mother really knew everything .

’Oh…’

Haruka’s heart skipped a beat at her mother’s sudden words .

’Why do you think that?’

’I did that?’

She wasn’t really aware of it herself, but it was probably him .

’He’s incredibly contrary . He’s selfish and not nice at all . ’

Her mother laughed, sounding like she was enjoying herself .

’OK . Next time I come home . ’

Haruka hung up .

At the same time, tears started coming out like a dam had been broken, and she cried aloud . Haruka didn’t know whether it was from pain, sadness or happiness .

Her body trembled, and her chest was so hot it felt like it would burn .

In that wave of emotion that made it hard for her to breathe, Haruka realised that the cross she had been carrying up until now had been an illusion –

-

7

-

How long did Detective Gotou plan on staying here?

While Ishii had that doubt, he couldn’t say it aloud, so he just looked at Gotou, sitting on a folding chair with his legs crossed .

It had already been almost thirty minutes since they’d come to the young man called Yakumo’s secret hideaway at the university .

Ishii couldn’t understand at all why Gotou was so fixated on him .

’Damn that bastard . Where’d he run off to? It’s a serious matter,’ Gotou yelled, revealing his anger .

At the same time, the door opened and Yakumo came in .

’Finally back?’

Yakumo looked obviously displeased at Gotou, who had spoken .

’This is illegal trespassing . Ishii-san, please arrest this man now . ’

Yakumo pointed at Gotou .

Arrest? In that case, Ishii was committing the same crime .

’Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to banter with you . ’

’What a coincidence . I was just thinking that I don’t have the time to play with you either . ’

’That’s not what I meant . She was found . ’

’Your wife?’

’Stop screwing around! A girl’s corpse! The third victim was found!’

Gotou’s voice which he couldn’t hold in burst out .

At that moment, Yakumo’s expression stiffened . Even Ishii understood that it wasn’t because Gotou’s outcry had surprised him .

’Please let me hear the details . ’

Yakumo sat on his own chair and crossed his arms as he urged Gotou .

’The victim’s name is Hashimoto Rumi-chan . She’s fourteen, same as the other victims . Like with the second victim, Miho-chan, she was thrown into a dumpsite after she drowned . She was found this morning . She probably died last night . ’

Gotou summed it up all in one go .

Yakumo didn’t open his mouth . He furrowed his brow and looked down .

Silence –

’Does that mean Andou wasn’t the murderer?’

Ishii spoke up .

Yakumo and Gotou both glared at him at the same time . Being glared at by these two was truly terrifying .

’Andou is definitely the murderer,’ Yakumo said indifferently .

’I checked with old man Hata this morning . Andou’s fingerprints and Ayaka-chan’s hair were found at the building . ’

So there was evidence –

’Detective Gotou . T-t-this is just a possibility . Could that evidence have been faked?’

’Who would do that and for what purpose?’ Yakumo immediately rebutted .

After hearing Yakumo’s words, Gotou put a photo on the table .

’How about this? This guy did it to hide his murder . ’

Yakumo’s eyes went wide when he took the photo into his hands .

His teeth were clenched together so tightly it seemed like they might break with a crack .

There was a tall man wearing sunglasses in the photo .

The bridge of his nose was straight, and he looked like he was smiling . On top of that, the man’s face looked vaguely like Yakumo’s .

’Gotou-san . Where did you get this photo?’ asked Yakumo, looking at Gotou sharply .

Gotou’s expression was equally stiff .

’Seems like he was in the crowd of onlookers when the corpse was found . For both the second victim Miho-chan and this time’s Rumi-chan . Old man Hata thought he was suspicious so he took the photo . ’

’If this man is connected to this case, this won’t end easily . ’

’I know . Thirteen years ago – and that fake murder case a month ago – this is going to be difficult . ’

Thirteen years ago? A month ago? What were these two talking about?

They were talking like they knew this man from before .

’Gotou-san . Do you still have the corpse of the third victim?’

’You going?’

’Yes, let’s go . ’

Gotou and Yakumo stood up at the same time .

Right then, Yakumo’s mobile started ringing .

Yakumo curtly answered the phone . ’What trouble do you have for me this time?’

-

8

-

Haruka didn’t know why that had come up in her mind herself .

The soul of the girl, still in the river, with the same name as her sister .

Yakumo had said this . That girl was bound to the river by her father’s strong emotions . Haruka wanted to save her if she could .

Before she noticed, she had pressed the call button on her phone .

Once the call connected, she heard a curt voice .

’It’s not trouble . I just wanted to ask you something . ’

’That’s revolting . ’

Revolting –

’Honestly . I just want to ask about Doctor Kinoshita . ’

’That’s true, but that girl will be stuck in the river like this . ’

’Can’t anything be done?’

It felt like he had planned on giving up from the start, or he might have thought it wasn’t their problem .

’But the girl seems pitiful . ’

’I know, but… I was thinking of trying to get Doctor Kinoshita to understand once more . ’

Yakumo’s opinion makes sense .

It’s not something I can solve on my own . But –

’Can’t you come with me?’

For a while, Yakumo didn’t say anything .

Doctor Kinoshita said this . His daughter died because of him –

Haruka wouldn’t say she had felt the same way, but she had lived her life up until now carrying similar feelings . ’Your daughter’s death wasn’t your fault . ’ She wanted him to understand that, at least .

Yakumo’s tone changed slightly .

Other people might not have noticed if they heard it, but I can tell –

Haruka recalled something Isshin had said before . ’That boy is really kind, but he’s bad at showing his emotions . ’

’What do you mean?’

That’s –

’I think that’d be impossible . ’

Haruka understood what Yakumo was saying .

But she still wanted to save that girl . Those strong feelings hadn’t been changed .

The girl with the same name as her dead sister .

I probably want to do something to save her and be pardoned . I want to be released from the burden of having killed my sister .

I know that’s just my own selfishness . But –

’I want to do something . ’

It sounded like Yakumo had given up .

’OK . ’

Haruka nodded .

Now that she thought about it, it would feel like running away if she borrowed Yakumo’s strength now .

’Your message?’

The voice was emotionless, almost as if it had been machine-generated .

This is his voice –

It wasn’t his reason . He knew it instinctively .

’So it was you, as I expected . I didn’t think that Doctor Kinoshita would have thought of such a method himself…’

A phone call with this timing .

He had to be watching them from somewhere . Yakumo looked at his surroundings, but he couldn’t feel anybody’s presence, let alone see anyone .

’Making you happy doesn’t make me happy . ’

’I have never thought of you as my father . The case is already over . Obediently show yourself . ’

Yakumo had a bad feeling .

I know what he’s implying . He’s answering her phone, which means –

Yakumo clenched his teeth .

’What trap?’

’You bastard . ’

Even though he had expected it, when he was told directly like this, it felt like his chest had been stabbed with a stake .

He hung up the moment he finished talking .

He was the only one Yakumo wouldn’t forgive – only him!

But it wasn’t the time to be chasing after him . Currently, they were in the worst-possible scenario that Yakumo had predicted .

Being even a second late would bring about a situation that could not be undone .

’Gotou-san . Please drive . ’

While Yakumo said that, he ran out of the examination room at full speed .

-

15

-

My body feels heavy –

It felt like her body was made of lead .

Her thoughts felt slow .

Where am I?

I was talking with Doctor Kinoshita up until a little while ago –

In the middle of that, my head started feeling heavy –

When she tried to think, there was a pain behind her eyes which felt like something was gripping her head .

It was only faintly, but she knew that there was someone in front of her .

Who –

Their lips moved to say something .

However, she couldn’t hear anything .

The person in front of her gradually became clear –

A tall, oval-faced man .

It’s Doctor Kinoshita –

-

16

-

Urged by Gotou, Ishii turned on the police siren and drove the car at a furious speed .

’Why did Kinoshita need to kill the girls?’

Sitting in the passenger seat, Gotou asked this question to Yakumo, sitting in the back .

Ishii wanted to know too . Yakumo had said that Kinoshita was the culprit, but Ishii didn’t know why .

There’s no reason for Doctor Kinoshita to kill anyone . He’s related to the victim . He should understand the pain of losing someone better than anyone . To make someone else feel that pain –

’In order to bring his daughter back from the dead,’ Yakumo said, raking a hand through his messy hair in his irritation .

’Back from the dead?’

Gotou spoke in a strange voice, but Ishii could see where Yakumo was getting at just from the one sentence .

He had seen a horror movie before . It was about a scientist who was searching for a way to resurrect the dead . There was a whole mountain of stories like that .

Is Doctor Kinoshita trying to do that? But with what method –

He was a doctor, one way or another . He probably wouldn’t be chanting spells .

As if he were answering Ishii’s doubts, Yakumo started his explanation .

’After finding out that his daughter’s soul was wandering at the water gate, Doctor Kinoshita searched for a method to save that soul . Everything scattered about that room was about spiritual phenomena – in particular, books about bringing souls of the dead back to life . ’

Ishii remembered the strange scene at Doctor Kinoshita’s consultation room .

It had exceeded the level of just gathering materials as a hobby . It was like he had been possessed by something .

’Was he really thinking about that?’

’It isn’t particularly unusual – rather, he thought that way because he is a doctor . ’

Yakumo’s tone of voice wasn’t cool like it always was .

Ishii could hear the agitation and irritation at points of his speech .

Ishii, who had thought that Yakumo might not have had emotions, was perplexed by this unexpected side of his .

’Because he’s a doctor?’

Gotou cocked his head, like he didn’t understand .

’Yes . Do you know of the Japanese Psychic Science Association[2]?’

’What is that tongue twister of a name?’

Gotou frowned .

’It is a foundation that researches spiritual phenomena . Its members are by no means suspicious mediums . It is a gathering of psychiatry and psychology professors with doctorates . ’

Ishii knew about that too .

While watching television, he would see scientists denying the existence of spiritual phenomena, but it wasn’t actually true .

There were scientists who seriously researched spiritual phenomena .

’Science cannot yet explain the existence of the human soul . However, just because it has not been explained does not mean it is impossible . Formerly, science didn’t explain that the earth revolved around the sun, but even at that time, the earth revolved . ’

’Ah, forget it . Stop the complicated explanation here . ’

Gotou waved a hand to interrupt .

’In short, what I want to say is that simply being a doctor does not mean that he would deny the existence of the soul . Hata-san is a good example . Even though he is a coroner, he believes that the soul exists . ’

’But even if Kinoshita believes that there’s a soul, that wouldn’t lead to him trying to bring his daughter back . ’

Gotou clearly looked like he had indigestion, but the conversation continued .

’Please listen to this hypothesis . There is the idea of reincarnation . ’

’Ah, I know about that . After dying, the soul leaves the body and is born again in a different body – that thing, right?’

Gotou’s gaze was wandering as he spoke, like he was trying to pull in his memories .

’Though that isn’t exactly it, it’s about right . With reincarnation, the body and the soul are separate things . The body is only the soul’s vessel . Though this is only one interpretation, in that way of thinking, the soul still lives on even if the body dies . ’

’Well, that’s right . ’

’To put it another way, for those who believe in the existence of ghosts, their theory would fail if the body and soul weren’t separate . ’

It was just as Yakumo said .

As somebody who believed in ghosts, Ishii felt that himself . If the death of the body meant the death of the soul, the very existence of ghosts would be denied .

They had to be separate .

’Doctor Kinoshita thought that if the body died, as long as the soul was alive, that soul could just be transplanted to a different body . ’

’That’s ridiculous . ’

Gotou cocked his head like he couldn’t believe Yakumo’s explanation .

’It doesn’t matter if it is ridiculous or not . Doctor Kinoshita had reason to believe it . He had almost definitely seen his daughter’s soul . As well, in the newspaper clippings in that room, there were stories of people who had been resurrected in the past . ’

’Did that really happen…’

Gotou looked incredulous .

There was one thing Ishii couldn’t understand, separate from the case .

Why is Detective Gotou so sceptical about spiritual phenomena? Isn’t he the psychic detective –

’Yes . Though it isn’t well known in Japan, it is considered rather major overseas . There is something called responsive xenoglossy which is famous .

’What the hell is that?’

Gotou frowned like he had seen something filthy .

’Detective Gotou, do you really not know?’

Ishii couldn’t help but speak .

’So you do?’

’There are some people who can speak languages they shouldn’t know under hypnotism . It is said that memories from before birth are in the deep psyche . In India, there was a report of a girl who had all those memories from the past . ’

Though Ishii said something naturally knew, Gotou looked surprised and said, ’Why do you know that?’

’It is as Ishii-san says . If this story is true, it would have to mean that the soul was born in a different body . ’

Yakumo finished there .

’So I don’t have to agree, but you’re telling me to understand…’ muttered Gotou, a cigarette in his mouth .

’But did Kinoshita use black magic or something?’

Ishii wanted to know that as well . What method was he trying to use –

’No, the method he used wasn’t anything magical . He wouldn’t jump that far . There is a more realistic and extremely primitive method . ’

’Primitive?’

Gotou tilted his head at Yakumo’s words .

Ishii felt the same as Gotou . Even if Yakumo said primitive, Ishii couldn’t think of the method .

’Excuse me, Ishii-san . Could you drive a little more quickly?’

Yakumo ignored Gotou’s question and spoke while leaning forward .

Even if he asked him to speed up, he was already speeding quite a bit . Plus, they might get caught in the traffic jam on the bridge up ahead like this .

’Oi, Yakumo . Answer my question . ’

Gotou returned to the conversation .

’Gotou-san, you saw as well, did you not? There was a large piece of chart paper in that room . ’

’Yeah, that thing with some sort of diagram on it . ’

’Yes . That is the method Doctor Kinoshita used . ’

’Is it a sacrifice?’

Ishii recalled how the room looked and said the thought that came to him .

’Correct . The method is similar to the live sacrifices conducted in the past . He knows that his daughter’s soul is at the bottom of the river . He wants to bring his daughter back from the dead . He will make the soul he wants to resurrect possess a body…’

’Like Andou?’

’Yes . ’

’How stupid…’

Gotou kicked the dashboard in his anger .

’On top of that, this time, Doctor Kinoshita chose her for his daughter’s body…’

Yakumo bit his lip and tightened his hands into fists as he said that .

’Wha – you can’t mean Haruka-chan!?’ shouted Gotou, turning to face the backseat .

’I do . ’

’But why her? She’s the wrong age…’

’That man is connected to this case . He knows we’re here, so he thought of a little test and told Doctor Kinoshita that her body might be compatible with his daughter’s soul . ’

’Why would he do that?’

’Like I said, it’s a test . He wants to know what sort of response I’ll show him after she dies . ’

At the same time as he finished speaking, Yakumo punched the seat .

’Just for that…’

’Yes . For that man, my existence is just something to experiment with . What will my child become? He probably wanted to see that . ’

’So that man was involved from the start?’

’That’s likely . ’

’Then he’s an accomplice to murder!’ Gotou shouted .

’Do you have any proof?’

After a while, Yakumo started speaking again .

’It is the same as last time . He didn’t say anything about killing himself . If we are talking about things he actually did, all he did was show Doctor Kinoshita his daughter’s soul and give a one-sided lecture on a theory about the soul and the body . The rest was just Doctor Kinoshita’s rampage that came about because of his feelings for his daughter…’

’Damn it!’

Gotou kicked the dashboard again .

Ishii was completely lost as to what Gotou and Yakumo were saying .

Who was the man they were talking about? However, he understood that Haruka-chan was in danger .

This is a serious affair . We have to hurry and save her –

I don’t want to never see her smile again . But –

In opposition to his impatient feelings, Ishii slammed the brakes at the foot of the bridge .

’Why are you stopping!? Hurry up! We’ve got the siren on!’ yelled Gotou as he hit the dashboard .

’I know, but…’

There was a traffic jam . Even if they went to the sides, the opposite lane had another line of cars .

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to force his way through, but they would just take more time if they caused an accident .

’You idiot! Make a U-turn! Turn around!’

’It’s no good . ’

The decision was too late .

The road behind them was blocked off as well . They couldn’t move around . Even though they could see the water gate they were aiming for –

’Damn it!’

Gotou threw the cigarette he had been holding in his mouth at the windshield .

Like that had been a signal, the back door opened and Yakumo leapt out . Like that, he started running .

’That’ll be faster,’ Gotou muttered, and he ran, following Yakumo .

They went and left me behind –

-

17

-

I could see the river .

In the night, the river was pitch-black .

Was this the river’s surface? No .

This was probably the top of the water gate’s control tower .

The river was about ten metres below .

Though she had regained consciousness, her body still wouldn’t move like she wanted it to .

She tried to stand up, but it was no use .

It was like her body and mind were cut off from each other –

’The drug is doing its work . You won’t be able to move yet . ’

Doctor Kinoshita peered at her from the ground as he said that . His words seemed very slow to her –

’… Why… did you… do this…’

Her tongue wouldn’t turn properly .

It was almost like it wasn’t her own voice .

’Isn’t it obvious that I’m doing this for my daughter…’ said Kinoshita with a smile .

I don’t understand .

What on earth is this person trying to do for his daughter?

Why did he need to abduct me and bring me here –

Could this be what Ayaka-chan wanted to stop –

’She doesn’t… want… this… Ayaka… chan…’

’Shut up! Ayaka didn’t want to die!’

This person had already become someone else .

Haruka suddenly remembered her mother’s words . If it would bring back their child, a parent would happily become a murderer –

I wonder if I’m going to be killed –

Haruka imagined her death, like it didn’t concern her at all .

* * *

In the dark, the water gate came into view .

Gotou was running at full speed on the road by the embankment .

He saw the iron bridge that connected the management office and the tower in the middle of the river that controlled the opening and closing of the water gate .

Just a little bit more .

Still, Yakumo was really fast .

Gotou had started running to try to catch up to Yakumo, but rather than catching up, Yakumo’s back was just getting farther away .

Before he noticed, Yakumo had already entered the premises of the water gate management office .

Even though he doesn’t look like he exercises normally –

Gotou gasped for air .

Even though Gotou used to be able to run faster, he was already getting old . The moment he thought that, his feet got tangled and he fell forward .

He tried to get up immediately afterwards, but his knees buckled and wouldn’t move the way he wanted them to .

’Damn it!’

This wasn’t a joke . He had a backbone .

Gotou pushed against his thighs with his fists and forced himself up .

He took a deep breath and started running again before he let it out .

’Please . Be safe,’ Gotou murmured .

That contrary Yakumo had changed so much . If anything happened to Haruka-chan, he would revert to how he was before .

Gotou wouldn’t let that happen .

– Why did you save me?

Words that Yakumo had said to him before came up in the back of his mind .

He might have wanted to die, but I saved him . I didn’t leave him alone .

That’s why I’m going to make sure Yakumo walks a proper path .

That’s my responsibility, since I saved him from being killed by his mother –

Gotou urged his feet to run faster .

* * *

Ishii had forcibly pulled his car to the side and stopped it on the bridge .

Honks came from behind him .

It wasn’t acceptable to stop a car in the middle of a traffic jam like this .

However, a person’s life was at stake . On top of that, it was Haruka-chan’s –

He didn’t have the time to look for a parking spot .

I’ll save her . No matter what, I’ll save Haruka-chan .

He muttered that countless times to himself in his mind .

Ishii ran through the gaps between cars and turned left once he crossed the bridge to enter the road by the embankment .

Even he thought it was a reckless choice .

But no matter how many times I’m called a fool or an idiot, I know what should take priority, and I also know that there are some times when a man has to act like a man .

She won’t die from something like this .

If something happened to make her die, I – I would –

It was no good . He couldn’t think about awful things like that .

Run, Ishii Yuutarou .

Do your best, Ishii Yuutarou .

Ishii encouraged himself and just sprinted determinedly –

* * *

An iron shackle was clamped to Haruka’s right ankle .

A chain went through that iron shackle . On one end of that chain, there was a concrete block, and on the other end, there was a hook on an iron railing about as tall as her waist .

Haruka didn’t understand what Doctor Kinoshita was trying to do .

Like he had finished his preparations, Kinoshita grabbed Haruka’s arm and tried to force her to stand up, but it didn’t go well and both of them fell to the iron floor .

Clang!

It made a piercing noise .

She didn’t feel much pain, which might have been because her senses were dulled .

’Damn it . ’

Kinoshita cursed and tried to force Haruka to stand up again .

This time, he wasn’t pulling her up but pushing her up .

Somehow, Kinoshita managed to make Haruka stand up, and he picked her up and sat her on the iron railing .

Now, Haruka understood what Kinoshita was trying to do .

Though Kinoshita was holding her up now, if he let go, Haruka would fall headlong into the river . The concrete block was probably a weight to sink Haruka’s body .

I’m going to be killed . That realisation filled Haruka’s head .

Mum, I’m sorry . It looks like I’m going to die too –

Even though I finally found out your true feelings –

Even though there are so many things I want to talk about and do still –

Yakumo will probably be angry . He’ll say something like ’It’s because you just went and did what you wanted’ .

I want to meet him once more –

Then I want to talk to him properly .

Even though I want to meet Yakumo without any trouble, it’s always like this –

She hated it . She didn’t want to die .

She didn’t want to die without telling anybody anything .

She was going to live . She was going to live no matter what .

Haruka focussed her concentration on her numb hands and gripped the iron railing . She wouldn’t let go . She would live and meet Yakumo once more .

She heard somebody’s voice yelling . A voice she had heard before .

The hand Kinoshita had been holding her up with let go .

The wind was strong . Her body, jolted by the wind, was swaying .

She definitely wouldn’t let go .

But then, Kinoshita heartlessly pushed against Haruka’s body with both of his hands .

No matter how strong her thoughts were, they were powerless in the face of reality . Haruka’s hands let go of the railing and she fell headlong towards the river ten metres below .

While she was falling, she saw Yakumo running towards her .

But that has to be an illusion –

The next moment, her body hit the water .

* * *

After Gotou entered the premises of the water gate management office, he saw Yakumo standing still . His shoulders moved with his breathing .

’Oi, Yakumo! What are you doing!? If you don’t hurry…’

Gotou’s words got caught in his throat .

He saw the figure at Yakumo’s feet . It couldn’t be . Were they already too late?

’It can’t be…’

’You’re wrong . ’

Wrong? Is that right –

Gotou peered at the figure collapsed at Yakumo’s feet .

There was a middle-aged man . Blood was flowing from his head, and his white fleece jacket was dyed red .

That’s bad –

’He’s alive . He’s just lost consciousness,’ said Yakumo, addressing Gotou’s concerns .

Almost as if he were proving those words, the man let out a groan .

If he was alive, Gotou was sorry, but he was just going to leave him for now .

Clang!

There was the sound of something hitting something else .

There was somebody on the control tower across the iron bridge that stretched out from the management office .

That’s where she is!

Just as Gotou thought that, Yakumo had already started running .

Gotou ran after him .

The iron bridge’s entrance was open, though it should have been locked .

They ran down the road which was wide enough for one .

Gotou saw someone near the control tower’s iron railing beyond Yakumo’s back .

That was it!

’Wait!’

Gotou yelled, but it was too late .

The person he saw fell towards the river –

Damn . Where? Where did she fall?

While Gotou was thinking, Yakumo used the iron railing as a springboard and dived into the river with no hesitation .

’You idiot!’

Gotou stopped in his tracks and leaned over the railing as he yelled, but it was too late .

Yakumo landed cleanly in the water, headfirst, and started swimming . Yakumo was probably only in such a rush because the one who had fallen was Haruka-chan . All that remained was –

’Kinoshitaaa!’

Gotou yelled as he charged towards Kinoshita in the control tower like a raging bull .

Kinoshita’s face was stiff with shock .

It appeared that he hadn’t expected them to show up .

Gotou lowered his centre of gravity and tackled Kinoshita, aiming at his solar plexus .

’Uaargh!’

Kinoshita turned a somersault and hit the railing as he fell .

’You idiot!’

Gotou hit Kinoshita’s face forcefully .

It sounded like bamboo breaking . He might have broken his nose . Suddenly, Kinoshita’s mouth was bloody .

Somehow, hitting Kinoshita hurt Gotou .

He was different from the usual culprit . What he had done was the worst, but he loved his daughter from the bottom of his heart .

He lost the one he loved to a murder . The one who caused those circumstances was a madman like Andou .

He could also be a victim .

But still, he could never be forgiven .

I know that . I know that, but –

Gotou turned his anger with no outlet towards the railing and kicked it as hard as he could . He would think later . He had to do something about Yakumo and Haruka-chan in the river first .

Gotou leant over the railing and called out .

’Oi! You two OK?’

* * *

Exposed to the cold water, Haruka’s senses suddenly awoke .

Her heart felt like it was being crushed . Her skin stung with pain .

She tried to float up, but her body wouldn’t move the way she wanted it to .

Dragged down by the weight on her right ankle, her body was going deeper and deeper into the water –

Into the pitch-black water –

I want to live .

With that frantic thought, Haruka thrust her hands upwards, but her fingertips couldn’t feel open air .

It might already be too late .

The moment she thought that, she lost her strength .

I’m just going to sink in this dark water –

The moment she accepted that, somebody grabbed her wrist .

Then, she was pulled out forcefully .

It was slow, but her body started floating up .

Who? Who is it –

Finally, her head came out of the water .

She choked on the air rushing into her lungs all at once .

’You’re alive . ’

That voice is Yakumo’s –

Yakumo was trying to carry her body with only his right arm .

It was impossible . If he continued like this, it wouldn’t just be Haruka – Yakumo would die as well .

’Oi! You two! Are you OK?’

A familiar loud voice reached her eyes .

She saw somebody peering down at them from the top of the control tower .

It was dark so she couldn’t see his face clearly, but it was probably Gotou-san .

’Gotou-san! Please pull up the chain!’

After Yakumo yelled, he wrapped the chain around his left arm and tightly gripped it .

’Got it . Wait . ’

Gotou took the hook off of the railing .

’OK – hold on tight,’ Yakumo said .

She wanted to, but there was no strength in her arm .

’OK? I’m going to pull it up!’

Gotou started pulling up the chain .

At the same time, Yakumo went up the iron ladder step by step . The chains were digging into Yakumo’s arm .

’Sorry…’

Even though he was always complaining, he didn’t mind throwing away his life .

For someone like me –

’You’re noisy . Be quiet and hold on . ’

As expected, he had a complaint .

’You OK?’

Gotou leant over to shout .

When she looked up, she saw a figure standing behind Gotou .

’Gotou-san – behind you!’

Haruka’s voice didn’t reach Gotou .

Kinoshita struck Gotou’s head with an iron pipe .

’Agh!’

Gotou fell and disappeared from her vision .

Then, the chain fell from his hand .

Haruka and Yakumo both fell –

But they didn’t sink into the water .

Yakumo, with the chain still wrapped around his arm, held on to the ladder, and his face was just barely above the water .

’Yakumo-kun, forget about me – let go of my hand…’ Haruka pleaded .

’You’re annoying . ’

That was Yakumo’s reply .

Why?

If he let go, at least you’ll be saved .

I’m begging you – please let go . If you don’t, I’ll –

She couldn’t say any more .

She was at the limits of her strength .

Despite Haruka’s wish, the hand that Yakumo had been using to grip onto the ladder let go –

* * *

Ishii finally reached the parking lot for the water gate management office .

He didn’t see Gotou or Yakumo anyway . Where on earth did they disappear to?

Before he arrived, he had twice heard the sound of something loud falling into the water .

It couldn’t be –

He looked around restlessly .

Suddenly, a man with blood covering his head appeared in front of Ishii’s eyes .

’Ack!’

Ishii let out a shriek in surprise mixed with fear .

The man sat down there while holding his head .

’Are you OK?’

Ishii knelt down and looked at the man’s face .

’I’m fine, but somebody has to save the girl over there…’

The man pointed at the control tower that was connected to the bridge while bearing with the pain .

So that was where Haruka-chan was .

’I will come back later . ’

After Ishii said that, he ran towards the control tower .

’Uaargh!’

Just as he had started crossing the bridge, he heard a shout . He saw two people .

One was lying still against the railing .

The other leant over the railing and yelled, ’Are you OK?’

That voice . It’s Detective Gotou . Then the person collapsed there is Doctor Kinoshita –

Gotou took the chain that had been hooked to the railing and started pulling it up . Then there was a large movement behind him .

’Detective Gotou! Behind you!’

The call had been a step too late .

Kinoshita hit Gotou’s head with the iron pipe .

Gotou fell forward and let go of the chain .

’Ooooh!’

Do your best, Ishii Yuutarou! You’re a man! While Ishii let out a yell, he charged into Kinoshita, who was holding the pipe .

Kinoshita’s pipe turned towards Ishii .

He was just about to be hit when he avoided it by rolling to the side .

’Ishii, the chain . Yakumo and Haruka-chan are on the other end . ’

Gotou spoke up . His ear was covered in blood, and he was collapsed on the ground .

Haruka-chan! Ishii instinctively grabbed the chain, wrapped it around his arm and pulled at it with all his strength .

The next moment, a sharp pain rain through his shoulders . Next, it was his back . Then, his side . His arm . Kinoshita was striking his entire body with the pipe .

’Don’t get in my way! Don’t get in my way! Don’t get in my way!’

Kinoshita is yelling . As if I could let go . I definitely won’t let go .

Haruka-chan is on the other end . If I let go, Haruka-chan will –

Ishii gritted his teeth and bore the pain .

Kinoshita raised the pipe, aiming for Ishii’s head .

Aah, he was going to die! But he wouldn’t let go . Ishii shut his eyes to await the impact .

’Don’t get too carried away, you idiot!’

Gotou’s voice . The sound of something hitting bone . Then, the pipe fell together with Kinoshita to the floor .

’You can let go . I’ll pull . ’

Gotou took over holding the chain for Ishii .

Ishii suddenly lost all his strength and collapsed right there .

’You’ve got some guts for a guy in charge of playing the fool,’ Gotou muttered .

’I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help…’

’No, you did good . ’

He was struck with awe . Detective Gotou had praised him . Life was worth living –

’Thank you… very… mu…’

Ah, but he might die –

Like that, he lost consciousness .

-

18

-

Gotou’s ear was covered in blood . He was sitting on the railing .

Blood was dripping from Kinoshita’s nose, dyeing his face red, and he just sat in a stupor .

Ishii was collapsed on the ground, face-down and unmoving .

In the water, Yakumo and Haruka, were in a strange situation where they could see everything clearly .

’Why… are you getting in my way…’

Kinoshita spoke with a hoarse voice .

’Get in your way? That’s not it . Your experiment will not succeed no matter how many times you try . I came to tell you that . ’

Yakumo stood in front of Kinoshita .

’That’s not true . I will definitely bring my daughter back from the dead . ’

’By transplanting your daughter’s soul into another body?’

’Yes . ’

’I will also acknowledge the existence of the soul . There are also cases where those souls will possess other people . In order to resurrect your daughter, you decided to abduct girls and drown them in the water, waiting for your daughter to possess them, but this method will definitely not bring your daughter back from the dead . ’

’That’s a lie!’

Kinoshita yelled with a shaking voice . It was probably impossible for him to just agree and say, ’Yes, that’s true . ’

Yakumo started his explanation calmly .

’There are two reasons . The first is that souls and bodies cannot be easily replaced . You should understand this as a doctor . It is the same with organ transplants, is it not? The more complex the construction, the fewer the compatible donors there are due to organ rejection . I acknowledge that a soul is like a cluster of a person’s thoughts and emotions . Accordingly, the organ of the body which governs that is the most complex one in the human body – the brain . There isn’t anybody who can be a compatible donor . ’

’I won’t give up until a body that is compatible appears . ’

Kinoshita looked up at Yakumo to glare .

’How many billions of people do you plan to kill?’

Yakumo stood face-to-face with Kinoshita and met his eyes .

His red left eye with the contact lens out looked like it was aflame .

’There is one more reason . Even if transplanting souls were possible, this method won’t work . ’

’This method?’

Kinoshita’s blood-smeared lips frowned .

’Please think about it calmly . Using this method kills the previous body . ’

That was right . It was just as Yakumo said . Even if it was possible to transplant souls, the body it was transplanted to had drowned .

’I…’

Kinoshita started speaking, but in the end, he didn’t finish .

’You have lost the ability to make decisions calmly . What you have done is simply murder . ’

Kinoshita’s eyes opened wide .

The muscles in his face were twitching . Kinoshita had realised . What he had done was meaningless –

’I sympathise with your circumstances . However, by no means will you be forgiven . You know how it feels to lose a child . You have increased the number of people who are burdened with the same suffering and sadness that you are . You ended the lives of children who had futures like your daughter did . ’

People were so foolish –

Haruka found it harder to breathe . Kinoshita’s actions were based on the deep love he had for his child . That love had been so deep that he thought lightly of others’ lives .

To the onlooker, it just seemed mad, but –

’Why did you go so far? You should have had many chances to stop . ’

Yakumo looked like he was holding back his anger .

What on earth was that anger directed towards?

’Yakumo-kun . This isn’t a reason… Not everyone is a strong as you . Even if they know it in their head, their emotions won’t yield…’ said Kinoshita slowly, gazing at Yakumo .

For a while, Yakumo looked back at him, like he was a mirror reflecting Kinoshita’s gaze, but he finally stood up .

’Ignoring whether I am a strong person or not, saying that someone’s emotions won’t yield even if they know something in their head? Do you think you can use that as an excuse? If you can be forgiven like that, shall I also forgive Andou, who killed your daughter because of emotions that couldn’t be controlled by reason?’

Dumbfounded, Kinoshita just stared up at Yakumo .

Those eyes were flickering wildly .

It was just as Yakumo said . Doctor Kinoshita had probably been so sad that he had forgotten that people besides him also had emotions . And then that arrogance drove him mad –

Kinoshita finally cocked his head silently .

His shoulders were shaking . Not just his shoulders . His whole body was shaking like electricity was running through it .

He had probably realised now . The weight of the crimes he committed –

’Ayaka… Dad… couldn’t save you… Sorry…’

Kinoshita spoke with a constricted voice .

His words stopped together with his shaking . Something fell from Doctor Kinoshita’s shoulders .

This person couldn’t say that one thing and continued to blame and corner himself . It was too late now already –

Yakumo put a finger to his brow .

’Doctor Kinoshita . Your daughter has come . ’

Kinoshita looked up at Yakumo’s words .

His eyes went wide .

Crying loudly, Kinoshita thrust his two arms forwards .

That doglike howl was full of sadness that was so deep there was no end to it .

Haruka could also see Ayaka-chan standing there .

She had a ponytail and she smiled with dimples on her cheeks . It was a very gentle smile .

Like it was announcing the conclusion of the case, there was the sound of a distant ambulance’s siren .

Doctor Kinoshita’s crime wouldn’t be forgiven, but his daughter Ayaka-chan alone might forgive him .

If she told Yakumo this, he’d probably get angry and say she was too naive, but Haruka still wanted to think this .

Even if it’s just a little, I want to find redemption .

Since people are sentimental and selfish creatures –

NOTES:

[1] Noh is a traditional form of Japanese musical drama which has very characteristic masks for different roles . HERE is an example of the masks in use .

[2] It really exists -THIS is its homepage .