They were out of the house, frustration sipping out. Hisashi cleared out his mind, taking out the map of the city.       

Marking the position of Akai Ryu’s gym, he called Arika. “Look here. This is currently our only starting point. It seems that Yoru trains during the night, so it’s likely that the gym will be empty during the day. The gym is very next to these giant woods, and the map doesn’t show anything after the woods, just the shore. I found no data about the woods being inhabited, either. I will try to browse the library later as well. Maybe, just maybe, it might have something about the Akai Ryu.”

“Even if I told you I looked for things before you woke up?”

Hisashi looked at Arika. “I will go over it, just in case. Maybe there is a book which has just a chapter about them. Just a slight hint about anything. History tends to repeat itself.”  

Arika nodded. “As for the rest of Shuryo Inu…”

“I have no intentions of asking them to work with us. This is something I want to achieve on my own. I don’t want them to take credit while not putting any work into capturing them.”

“Fair enough. Then what about the money?”

Hisashi mused.

“Side jobs might be our only option for now. But I’m skeptical about those because it will take away our time which we could spend figuring out how to capture Akai Ryu.”

“I might have some old things I can sell, how about you?”

Hisashi widened his eyes. “That… is not a bad idea. But I doubt I have anything valuable with me. And I’m not giving up my katana or knife.”

“Of course not. But my festival clothes might reach a high price.”

“Arika, the mayor will literally kill you if you sell those.”

“Better for me, then.” “Oh, dear.”

Arika gripped the map. “We will capture them ourselves, Hisashi. Mark my words.”

Hisashi closed his eyes and nodded. “I’ll pay him back, Arika. For beating us up, and toying with us. The description says to bring Yoru alive, however, we’ll have to beat him half to death if we were to bring him in.”

“That’s only if he doesn’t kill us first.”

Walking down the streets, Hisashi saw people looking at him with the corners of their eyes. Whispers were heard, whispers Hisashi couldn’t not hear.

“What are they doing again? Seems like they’ve failed yet another job. Why won’t the mayor fire them?”

“I heard they’re the only ones actually doing their job as mayor’s Dogs. But why is his face always so beaten up?”

“Seriously, he should consider a change in his career.”

“What a failure as a hero.”

Hisashi just sighed at this. “They are right. I am overworked, and underpaid to deal with this.”

“Hisashi, don’t let their words get to you. You’re the most hard-working person I’ve ever met.”

He smiled slowly. “I couldn’t care less about them. I just want to get paid enough to leave. They may say whatever they want, I’ll prove them all wrong once I bring Yoru to the mayor.”

Sauntering, they passed by a dancing studio. Arika’s face lit up.

“Hey, Hisashi, you said something about earning a little extra dough. Well, here’s your opportunity.”

Hisashi froze in front of the studio. The title captured his eyes, ‘The Dragon’s Nest’. He sighed. “Who thought that sounded good for a dancing studio?”

“Come on, it might be useful to you. Don’t you like dancing? It says here they’re hiring new members.”

With a corner of her eye, Arika saw Hisashi flinch. However, he composed himself. “Right, I’ll go and check it out. But what about you?”

Arika mused. “I’ll see what I can do. I am not as skilled at dancing as you are, but I might just give it a try.”

Hisashi nodded. “In that case, let’s head inside.”

The studio seemed big, the corridor at the entrance led to a reception desk, where a young woman sat. To the left and right were halls, the color of the walls light yellow, pictures of various dancers hanging upon them. Next to a desk was a piano, seemingly just for decoration. A chandelier hung from a ceiling, illuminating the vast space.

“Wow. This looks like some hotel I’ve only seen in pictures.”, thought Hisashi.

“If you’re the guests for tonight’s show, the ticket validation is an hour before the show.” The lady at the reception said, looking up from the computer.

Hisashi took a step towards her. “Ah, I’m not here for the show, I’m here to look for a job. I’ve seen that you’re hiring.”

“Both of you are here for the job?”

Hisashi and Arika exchanged glances. “That’s right.”, she said.

“I see. Then may I check your IDs? We’re not hiring people under the age of 17.”

Hisashi took a look at Arika as he handed his ID to the receptionist. “Oh, I didn’t see that piece of information. I’m just 15.”

The receptionist smiled sadly while returning her ID. “I’m sorry. But your friend can fill out this application form. Here, please write your personal info, and we’ll contact you shortly after.” Then her face paled.

“Are you feeling okay, ma’am? You seem pale.” Hisashi asked.

The receptionist shook her head. “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Fujiwara, but I’m completely fine. You can sit over there and fill out the form.” She said as she pointed to a small desk and an armchair.

But Arika noticed the way her eyes followed Hisashi to the table. She seems to be wary.

Hisashi filled out the form and handed it to the receptionist, and she continued, “Thank you for applying, we’ll be sure to send you an email with the details sometime later.”

Hisashi nodded. “I’d appreciate that, thank you. Just, how much time would that be, approximately?”

“Within a day or two.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

As the duo turned around to leave, a woman appeared from the studio. “Oh, my, are you here for the job?”

Hisashi blushed when he saw the young woman. Her chestnut wavy hair put up in a ponytail reached her slightly past her shoulders, her pale face round. The posture strong, her body lithe from training, the t-shirt clung onto her body. Her green eyes were pretty.

Hisashi bit his lip. “I-uh…”

Arika smiled. “Yeah, my friend has just applied for a dancer’s place. And he’s single!”

Hisashi blushed. “Arika! Ah, I am sorry, miss…?”

“Mai.” The girl smiled as she extended her arm. Hisashi returned the smile as he gripped her forearm in the traditional greeting. “It’s nice to meet you. My name is Hisashi and this is Arika.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too. I am the owner of this studio, and we’re quite short-staffed. Did you both apply?”

Arika denied. “I’m underage.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. I’m sure you would’ve been a wonderful dancer. Well, Mr. Hisashi, if you’d like, we can do the interview right here, and I’ll ring you up about the job.” She said with a bright smile.

“Ah, yes, that would be lovely.”

“Follow me, then.” Mai said and turned, gesturing Hisashi to a room.

He threw a quick glance at Arika, who smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

“Would you like a drink, Mr. Hisashi?”

“No, thank you. I don’t drink.”

“Oh, that’s a shame.” Mai said as she poured herself a glass of sake. “So, what motivated you to take our offer?”

“I really enjoy dancing and music. I’ve danced ever since I was a little kid, so I thought, why not do something I enjoy and earn money that way. It is a great opportunity for me.”

“I see. Have you ever been in a dance group?”

“Just my elementary school ensemble. I danced and exercised on my own during high school due to my school not having an ensemble, but dancing is a vital part of my life.”

“That’s lovely. Have you considered becoming a dance instructor?”

Hisashi mused. “I have not, but if given the opportunity, I would accept the offer.”

Mai smiled. “You certainly have a handsome face. I’ve seen you work with the police, capturing petty thieves around the city. Is it exhausting, working as the mayor’s Dog?”

Hisashi’s smile faltered. “It is challenging, but I manage.”

“You seem so stressed out. Why don’t you join me for drinks tonight? I know you said you don’t drink, but I’d like to treat you to a glass of juice at the very least.” She fluttered her eyelashes.

Hisashi blushed. “I… don’t mind it. It would be nice to hang out with you. Is eight o’clock okay, in front of ‘Hangyaku-sha’?”

Mai’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Here’s my phone number, I’ll give you a ring when I get there.”

“Thank you. Here’s mine as well.” He said as he handed her a piece of paper. “See you tonight.” “Yeah, see ya’!”, Mai said, waving to him as he exited the studio.

Arika jumped from a fence. “So, how did it go?”

“It went fine. She said she wanted to meet me for a drink, so we agreed on a date tonight. What?” he asked as Arika had her mouth open. Then she closed it, a stupid smile plastered on her face.

“My boy… got asked out. Finally.”

Hisashi rolled his eyes. “Okay, wing woman, get it together. We still need to focus on finding Yoru. Once we do, we bring him to the mayor, get the rest of his team, and we’re getting the hell out.”

“Right!”

Slamming the doors behind her, Luna came fuming into the living room. Yoru and the rest look up from the documents they’ve been reading. The news of the mayor’s client gone missing blasting from the radio.

Yoru sighed. “Judging from your expression, still nothing.”

Luna barked a laugh. “Oh, no, just how could you conclude that!”

“Come sit over here. I’ll bring you some tea to help you calm down.” Yoru said, disappearing into the kitchen.

Luna sighed, feeling the weight of the couch shifting as somebody sat on it. “I suggest you take a rest. He will talk one way or another, it’s not you. He is just stubborn.” Luna smiled at that sentiment.

“Thank you, Kyoshi. I know, I’m just frustrated. He was making sexist comments, but I have managed to get him to fear me. Now he won’t talk out of fear.”

Kyoshi laughed, and Yoru handed Luna a cup of tea. “Is that so? Well, there is another way to make him talk.” Yoru said, wringing his arms.

“You don’t mean to cut him up, do you?” Ryo asked.

Yoru chuckled. “Of course not, what use would I have of him, then. What do you do when you want to make somebody talk out of fear?”

Shion widened her eyes. “You threaten their beloved ones.”

Yoru nodded. “Shion, how about the two of us go on a quest?” He was met with a smirk. “With pleasure.”, she purred.

The twilight was cold, colder than usual, yet still serene. The moon was on the horizon, yet hues of red and pink and orange painted the sky, as if it were lit up. A beautiful scenery, Hisashi thought, as he waited for his date to arrive at the coffee shop. A black leather jacket draped over his shoulders didn’t hide the defined waist, adorned by a black shirt. His palms sweating, he rolled the sleeves of his shirt up, his forearms showing. His outfit was completed with a pair of dark blue trousers.

He was in deep thoughts, desperately trying to relax his mind, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Yoru and his duty. He closed his eyes, leaning his head back.

“Sorry, did I keep you waiting for a long time?”

He was brought back from his musings, turning his head to the right. “No, not at all, I’m glad you came.” His eyes took in the sturdy figure, the muscles illuminated by the sunlight. Her wavy hair bounced as it was loose, and a secretive smile upon her face. Mai wore a simple dark green dress, that matched her eyes.

Hisashi smiled as he held the doors to the café, they sat and started to chat. Mai told him about the dancing classes, and he felt himself relax. He felt safe. He would even say, he had fun. Mai asked for a refill of sake, while Hisashi stayed on his mineral water with lime, refusing her offer to drink with her. After a while, he asked her, “Mai, shouldn’t you stop with sake? I think you’ve had enough.”, while taking the glass out of her hand.

“Eeeeh, but whyyyy? We’re doing so fineee.”

Hisashi laughed nervously. “You need to remain sober enough to give me your address.”

“Oh, so you can do the nasty, eh??”

Hisashi was struck. “No, Mai, so you can get home safe. Here, drink some water, it’ll help you sober up.” He said as he handed her his glass.

“He, he… an indirect kiss.” She giggled.

Hisashi blushed from embarrassment. “Come, I’ll take you home. What’s your address?”

She mumbled her address, and Hisashi paid the bill, lifting Mai and driving her to her house.