Dramatical Murder - Ren and Koujaku

Ren and Koujaku

The best way to travel around here is by foot.
It's what everyone does.

The transportation system in the Old Resident District is pretty bad.

There's a big street running through the center of the city, and sometimes there may be a bus or a train, or even a taxi.

But they also can be cancelled or delayed without notice, so they're not really reliable.

The roads might be blocked at any time too, so nobody trusts public transportation.

Even now there are hardly any cars on the street. There's only one taxi waiting in vain and some junked cars parked by the roadside.

The sidewalk is filled with people coming and going.

The most reliable thing you could have are your own legs.

The hopeless Old Resident District is divided into North, South, East and West. They're similiar but have some differences.

For example, the East district, where both Heibon and my home are, is a residential area mixed with parts of downtown.

The whole district is relatively safe and it's easy to get your hands on various things.

The North district is an off-limits area, and had become something like a ghost town. It's unsafe.

The West district is a residential area, but you can't really do any shopping there.

The South district is full of clothing shops, game arcades, and entertainment facilities, so a lot of young people go there.

And if you go further than the North district, there's Platinum Jail, a place full of celebrities and corporate purveyors.

Platinum Jail is one of the five Japanese conglomerates. And when Toue Inc. bought this island, Midorijima, they transformed it to a members-only entertainment area.

If the stories I've heard are true, everything there seems to be luxurious.

Starting with the Oval Tower standing in the center of the city, there are huge casinos, movie theaters, shopping malls, and hotels... Anyway, it's packed with all sorts of things.

Basically, you can't become a member unless you're invited, but the membership fee is about enough to buy this whole island... or so I've heard.

Of course pleople here in the Old Resident District can't get into Platinum Jail.

The Old Resident District is, so to speak, almost like a slum, so it's tentatively managed to the degree that barely anyone can live there.

But that's it.

The police who only act big are teamed up with yakuza and do whatever they want, so there's a huge difference between here and Platinum Jail.

It's not like we can do anything about it. Even if we're unhappy, we can't do anything but endure and swallow it.

Even so, it's often said that there's no place like home, so once you get used to it, living here is unexpectedly comfortable.

We're not cornered so badly that we can't live, we have our nice days.

I don't wish for much. I don't mind if it continues like this.

The people in the Old Resident District live thinking like that.

Ren: Aoba... Aoba.

Ren pokes his head out of the bag and taps my arm with his paw.

Aoba: What's the matter?

Ren: You are thinking too much. My thought circuit is almost short-circuiting.

Aoba: Seriously? Just how poor of a thought circuit did I install in you?

Ren: If the intensity of the thought circuit is temporarily set to 100 and compared to the average adult male, the intensity of Aoba's thought circuit would be...

Aoba: Okay, okay. You don't have to tell. It's me who's going to short-circuit from that explanation.

Ren: Is that so.

I involuntarily smile at Ren's earnest answer and stroke his head.

Ren is a dog type Allmate. Allmates are artificial life forms with intelligence, generally used as support for network tools.

They can search the internet and virtual space for information, and of course they can also be used to shop online.

Depending on the model, it's also possible to use one as a helping hand around the house, and they play an active part as a partner in a net game called Rhyme.

There are many types of Allmates, among them are animal types which have many different forms: many people love them as pets.

Ren and I have been together for quite a long time, too. I'm not exaggerating to say I would even call him my partner.

Even as Allmates improve and new models come out, I wouldn't abandon Ren even if hell froze over.

Ren: Aoba, if you want to take a shorcut, turn right at the next road.

Aoba: Ack, that was close. Almost missed it.

Following Ren's instructions, I enter into a narrow side street.

Once I get through here, I'll be close to the courier.

The thing that acts as a divider to the four parts of the Old Resident District is a street called Aoyagi Street.

On Aoyagi Street, there are lots of stores where you can get common items cheaply. In contrast, there are many maniac hobby stores in the back streets.

As I walk on the side street, a group leaning untidily against a dirty wall stand out.

Like guys taking turns biting a silver drug sheet... That sort of atmosphere. What's wrong with punk kids these days.

There was a time when I thought those kind of things were normal. I was the same.

But hey, it's not like I'm old enough to speak like a grandpa...

I'm finished with that kind of thing. Totally.

As I passed between the guys hangign out, the contents of their loud conversation reach my ears.

Guy 1: ...So yeah, seems like it really happened. Suddenly being hijacked in the head, like this?

Guy 2: What the hell's that? A forced Rhyme participation?

Guy 1: Yeah yeah. It's exactly that. A Rhyme game would suddenly start at some random roadside, and the opponent is crazy strong too.

Guy 2: But wouldn't that mean Usui's not there? If so, is it even possible to do Rhyme?

Guy 1: Seems like it's possible. I don't really get it though.

Guy 2: And if you're not prepared or anything, isn't it impossible to fight? So you can't refuse?

Guy 1: Apparently it's a no questions asked thing. Anyway, being forcibly pulled in and then beaten, it's like a Drive-By.

Guy 2: That's pretty bad.

They seem to be talking about Rhyme.

Rhyme is an avatar-type online fighting game.

When opponents connect their consciousness online with a device, they can experience a virtual battle that feels real.

There's no notifications as to when and where it's happening at all.

When "Usui", who performs the holding and judging of the game, appears then that place becomes the field.

At first it was a free game made by an amteur: the rules were loose and apparently there was no Usui either.

When it gained popularity fast, Toue Inc. affliated companies finally became sponsors.

Then, there was the strenghtening of the system with the adding of Usui and set official rules which is what Rhyme is today.

Well, since I'm not doing Rhyme it doesn't concern me.

I pass through the alley and walk onto Aoyagi street again.

I can see the courier's sign at the end of the wide road.

While woalking towards it, I notice a thick crowd in the middle of the road.

It seemed to be a loud fight. Curious onlookers gathered around and made noise.

I continued to walk, trying to avoid the whole mess. A stir in the crowd suddenly occurs, followed by a shrill scream.

Aoba: Hm?

I look into the center between the curious onlookers, standing on my tiptoes.

A big bulky man shamefully lies on the ground while another man stands next to him.

The man standing was facing away from me.
Even so, I immediately recognize him.

A bright red kimono and a big sword.
It can only be him.

Koujaku: You're a big guy, but you weren't that much of a big deal. I can't believe you'd make a mess in front of such a fine lady.

Woman 1: Kyaaa!! Koujaku-saaan!

Woman 2: So cool! Soooo dreamy!!

When Koujaku taps the sword to his shoulder, the heart eyed girls rush to him while stepping on the man laying on the ground. Sheesh...

Woman 3: Umm... Um, I'm really sorry...

A woman who was standing at a distance approaches Koujaku and apologetically lowers her head in a bow.

Woman 3: I was being selfish and I told him I wanted Koujaku-san to do my hair, and he...

Woman 1: So cheeky!

Woman 2: Yeah! Know when it's your turn!

The embarrassed woman seems to be the lover of the man still laying on the street.

Perhaps the two tried to enter Koujaku's shop... and started an uproar or something.

Koujaku controls the surrounding women gently with hand gestures and smiles at the bowing woman.

Koujaku: Young lady, if that's what you think, then I feel nothing less than honored and priviledged to be a hairdresser. Then again, you are all my precious customers. It's really important to keep the line in order.

Woman 3: Yes...

Koujaku: Your boyfriend was a bit pushy, but he was thinking about what was best for you. Don't blame him too much, okay? Well please do come again someday. When you do, I'll welcome you.

Woman 3: Okay!

The troubled woman's expression changes incredibly quickly. Her eyes sparkle and she blushes up to her cheeks.

Did this really have to happen...?

The other surrounding women apparently didn't like where this was going, so they start to push around the enchanted woman.

Woman 2: Hey! How long are you going to stand there? Move over!

Woman 1: Umm, Koujaku-san! You broke a sweat, right? I just bought this handkerchief awhile ago, but... if you'd like, please use it!

Koujaku: No, I can't do that. You bought it because you liked it, right? You should use it for yourself.

Woman 1: It's okay! If Koujaku-an would use this, I'm sure this handkerchief would like it too!

Koujaku: It too, huh... Since you said it like that, if I refused, I'd be out of line. Well, I'll thankfully use it then.

Koujaku takes the woman's hand together with her handkerchief and draws them closer to himself, smiling.

Koujaku: Thanks.

Woman 1: !!!!!!

There it is. His famous lady killer smile.

At least, that's what I call it.

Woman 1: Haaaaah...!

The handkerchief woman foes into a weakened state and attracts glares full of terrible jealousy. Every single woman seems to be poised for the kill.

Aoba: ...Let's go already.

I've seen this act many times. Disgusted, I start to separate from the crowd.

Koujaku: Aoba...

I know that everybody's attention is now directed to me. Don't call out to me, not now...

This is bad, let's pretend I didn't notice.

I turn on my heels and quickly start to walk away.

Koujaku: Hey, wait.

Koujaku, disregarding my attitude, runs after me and catches my arm.

Here we go again...

Koujaku: Aoba. It really is you!

Aoba: ...Yo.

Koujaku: You've got some bad habits. If you're around, you should say something.

Aoba: Well, yeah... I just happened to be passing by during work.

Koujaku: During work? A delivery?

Koujaku breathes out and smiles.
The surrounding women's eyes become hearts again.

That smiling is his habit from long ago, but there are plenty of women who still fall for it like this.

It's like his sub-weapon.

However... there are too many people so speaking is difficult... And the women's eyes are scary.

Aoba: But don't you have work too? Then again, there's all this commotion here.

Koujaku: Yeah, just because this guy here tried to ignore the line. Nothing too hard to handle.

Koujaku points at the man who is face down on the road.

Aoba: If you won't give it a rest, someone's going to stab you.

Koujaku: Stabbed? By whom?

Aoba: If you look around, you'll see...

Feeling jaded, I look at the women who were glaring back at me.

It almost feels like they're saying "It doesn't matter if you're a woman or a man, if you get close to Koujaku, I'll never forgive you!" with nothing but their glares.

Koujaku: Ah, well, it should be fine. Do I look like I'd be stabbed that easily?

Koujaku lifts the edges of his mouth into a smile and laughs.

This guy...

But he certainly is skilled so I won't say anything.

Koujaku has been aware of the merits of his looks for a long time now, and, not to put it bluntly, he's a casually confident man that's pretty good at fighting.

He works as a women' s hairdresser at his own pace, and he seems to be quite famous for it.

He works according to his own whims and sets up his signs when he wants to.
There's no notice, and he doesn't take reservations.

Despite that, people always line up immediately.

Whenever Koujaku touches your hair it's supposed to send you to heaven.

...I can't even imagine how that works.

Through my own eyes, this good guy act seems nothing but cheap.

Aoba: Anyway, keep the fooling around within bounds. How many women do you think are off crying in the shadows?

Koujaku: You keep saying that but I can't help it, it's shameful for a man to refuse a woman when she offers herself to him. Women are the treasures of this world. Women are pretty and cute. So I want to be gentle to every one.

Woman 1: Koujaku-san, you're so cool!

Woman 2: I love you!

Aoba: ...Well, I guess it's fine like that then. Anyway, I'm going.

Koujaku: Right.

Woman 1: Koujaku-san, hurry!

Woman 2: Hey there, it's my turn next.

Aoba: .....

As soon as I was finished talking, the women went back to mobbing Koujaku.

Standing in the middle, Koujaku looks at me as if he just remembered something.

Koujaku: Ah, that's right. I'll come visit your place some time, so give my best regards to Tae-san.

Aoba: Yeah, yeah.

I give a short answer and start walking again.

Even so...
That guy didn't seem tired at all.

He does anything he likes because he says women are treasures, but for me it's just impossible.

Isn't it said that people like him are a certain kind of character?

While listening to the women's bubbling voices from behind, I walk to the courier.

A specialized shipping office, "Delivery Works".

I enter through the sign-bearing automatic doors and am greeted by the smiling face of Yoshie-san, who sits at the reception desk.

Yoshie: Welcome. Oh, Aoba-chan. Hello!

Aoba: Thanks, as usual.

I bow slightly and put the paper bag on the counter.

A small dog with dangling, glossy fur sits proudly on the counter and closely watches my movements.

It's the sign dog of this shop, Yoshie-san's Allmate, Clara.

Aoba: I'd like to send this, please.

Yoshie: Yes, yes, I'll take care of it.

With experienced hands, Yoshie-san checks the address and pushes a nearby button.

A boy next to the counter opens and she throws the paper bag inside.

The courier is a shipping service that sends packages immediately to anywhere in the Old Resident District.

Even though we're on a small island, no one could possibly walk the same distance within a day.

That's why in this town, where automobiles and such are inconvenient, it's very useful.

...Now then.
With this, my work today is finished.

Aoba: Well then, excuse me.

Yoshie: Aoba-chan, are you going back to the shop after this?

Aoba: No, I'm going home for today. The manager is closing the shop early, so he said I can go home once I'm done with this.

Yoshie: Oh! Is that so! Isn't that nice? Doesn't the last episode of "If it's Dan" air today? You can watch it real-time!

Aoba: Dan...? What's that?

Yoshie: No way! Didn't I just tell you the other day!?

Aoba: Ah, did you.. Uh... What was it again?

Yoshie: It's a drama, a dra-ma! "Goodbye With a Cheek Dance!" Today it's finally decided who will be the partner! I'm definitely thinking that kaiser Matsuoka would be perfect! That fresh smile is absolutely beautiful. I just can't get enough!

Aoba: Right...

Yoshie-san wraps her hair around her finger and looks absent-minded with eyes like a girl in love.

Well... She isn't really a bad person.

Aoba: Well, I'll be taking my...

Yoshie: Speaking of which Aoba-chan, have you heard? You know, that story, that story. I think you may not know!

Yoshie-san seems to be quite serious and draws her eyebrows together while beckoning.

...She's not a bad person...

I give up and bring my face closer to hers.

There are no other people in the shop, but for some reason Yoshie-san starts to speak in a whispering voice.

Yoshie: You know, Hyougadani in the North? That dangerous district. It was never a good place from the start, but recently I've heard dangerous rumors.

Aoba: Yeah?

Yoshie: There seems to be a team whose leader is a super diabolical condemned criminal!

Aoba: Ah, Scratch, was it? Some dangerous gang seems to be around that area a lot now.

Yoshie: Yes, yes, the team seems to be completely made of prisoners. If I remember right, even before that there were stories about people getting kidnapped, or buildings being destroyed, right? That's so scary! You can't even walk alone peacefully at night. And the police aren't realible at all... Not to mention they don't know what to do for us. Really, it's a hard world we live in.

It's true that the police of the Old Resident District hardly do their jobs.

They don't care if crimes are committed. For example, when passing a policeman, if you get on his nerves even just a little bit, you'll be punched, or in the worst case, arrested.

They're just like yakuza.

Yoshie: Aw, yuck. I want to go home soon too. Hey, what do I do if I'm attacked on the way home!?

Aoba: Eh?

Yoshie-san sends me a meaningful look with sparkling eyes.

Aoba: ...I-I think you'll be fine.

Yoshie: What, what, whaaaat!? Aoba-chan, how mean! How can you just say I'll be fine!?

Aoba: Ah, well I'm finished so... Good job today.

Clara: Wait.

When I try to hurry to the exit, I'm stopped by a different voice than Yoshie-san's.

Aoba: Huh?

Clara: I wonder how the blue one is doing?

Yoshie: Oh Clara-chan. Did you miss Ren? That's right, Clara-chan is a very good friend of Ren-chan's!

Yoshie-san lifts Clara in her arms and looks at me with eyes full of expectation.

Aoba: Uh, unfortunately I left him at home...

Clara: He's in that bag of yours, isn't he? Were you going to leave without having him saying hello to me?

When she presses me like that, I know I can't escape anymore.

I'm sorry Ren... but endure it for a little while.

I take out Ren, who's in sleep mode, from the bag and tap his head lightly to start him.

Ren: ...Aoba. What's the matter?

Aoba: Ren. Um, could you say hi to Clara-chan?

Ren: .....

Ren's tail and ears droop.

In front of his is the cocky Clara-chan being held by Yoshie-san.

Ren: .....

Clara: What is it? Is he still asleep?

Ren: ...How are you, Clara?

Clara: I'm fine, Ren.

Clara wags her tail joyfully.
Yoshie-san also lowers the corners of her eyes and smiles.

Yoshie: Really, Clara-chan and Ren-chan are such good friends!

Aoba: Ah, ahahaha... Since the greetings are over, this time I really...

Yoshie: Ah, wait! Wait a minute, Aoba-chan!

Aoba: ...Huh...

Yoshie: Just one thing! Wait just a minute! Sorry, I know you're leaving!

Aoba: .....