[Scene: Chiba
5th August
Kavei and Himeko]

In the bustling streets of Chiba, Kavei and Himeko found themselves immersed in their investigation, their determination driving them forward despite the challenges they faced. With each step, they drew closer to uncovering the truth, their minds focused on the task at hand.

"So where was it?" Kavei asked, his expression twisted in intense concentration as they navigated the crowded streets.

Himeko's phone suddenly rang, breaking the tension in the air. With a quick glance at the caller ID, she answered the call. "Yes?" she greeted, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Hey, it's Kai," came the voice on the other end of the line.

"Oh hey. We got some leads," Himeko replied, her excitement palpable.

"Great. I did call Kavei, but it seems his phone is switched off," Kai explained.

"The battery died. Don't worry. We are looking for a place to charge it. If not, we will just buy a charger and charge it at the station," Himeko assured him.

"Okay," Kai said, his tone relieved.

"Bye, K!" Himeko bid farewell before ending the call.

"Who was it, Himeko?" Kavei inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Kai-san! I told him why your phone is switched off," Himeko replied with a smile.

"Yeah, that aside, I am a bit hungry," Kavei remarked, his stomach rumbling in protest.

"Right. We couldn't have our breakfast since we left for Chiba at around fifty-five minutes to five," Himeko recalled.

"It is sixteen minutes past six already," Kavei noted, glancing at the clock outside a nearby shop.

"Yes," Himeko nodded in agreement.

"Let's have breakfast then," Kavei suggested, his hunger outweighing any further deliberation.

"Yes, okay," Himeko agreed, her stomach also growling in anticipation.

With a plan in place, Kavei and Himeko set off in search of a nearby café or restaurant where they could satisfy their hunger and replenish their energy for the task ahead.

[Scene: Chiba
Seven in the morning
5th August]

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city streets as Kavei stood at the bustling train station, his phone in hand. The familiar voice of Miyasi nee greeted him through the device, cutting through the noise of the busy station.

"Hey, Kavei?" Miyasi's voice sounded from the other end of the line.

"Ah, Miyasi nee," Kavei replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Yeah. Looks like your phone is charged. Kai told me," Miyasi informed him, her tone filled with warmth.

"Yes, at the station," Kavei confirmed, a sense of relief washing over him knowing that his phone was now functional.

"Ah, I wanted to inform you that we have boarded the train to Nagoya. It will take us almost two hours," Miyasi continued, her voice calm and composed.

"Great. I wonder if the others found a lead yet..." Kavei mused aloud, his thoughts drifting to his companions who were scattered across different locations, each on their own mission.

"Hm," Miyasi nee hummed in agreement, her voice thoughtful.

"I should have just gone to all the places myself," Kavei lamented, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.

"No, no. Even if you would have known, it wouldn't be that easy because time won't wait for you. By the time you board a train from Osaka after the interrogation there, it would already have been eight at night or something, and it takes at least five hours to reach Nagasaki from Osaka, so you would have reached Shinjuku the next day," Miyasi reasoned, her words carrying a sense of wisdom and experience.

Kavei couldn't help but chuckle at Miyasi's pragmatic response. "Hahaha! Aw, neechan. Why so serious? I was only saying," he replied, his mood lifting at her comforting words.

As they exchanged a few more words, Kavei felt a renewed sense of determination wash over him. Though the challenges ahead were daunting, he knew that with the support of his friends and companions, they would overcome any obstacle in their path. With a final farewell, Kavei ended the call, his mind already turning towards the next step in their investigation.

[Scene: Nagoya
9 am, morning
5th August
Miyasi and Narito]

The morning sun illuminated the streets of Nagoya as Miyasi and Narito made their way through the bustling city, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. With each passing moment, their anticipation grew, their hearts pounding with the knowledge that they were one step closer to uncovering the truth.

As they reached Satoshi's house, a sense of solemnity settled over them, the gravity of their mission weighing heavily on their shoulders. With a shared glance, they exchanged a silent acknowledgment of the task that lay ahead before approaching the front door.

With a steady hand, Miyasi raised her fist and rapped sharply against the door, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged man with a tired expression.

"Good morning, sir," Miyasi greeted politely, her voice tinged with respect.

The man regarded them with a curious expression, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied them. "Can I help you?" he asked, his tone cautious.

"We're here to speak with you about Satoshi," Narito replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

The man's expression softened slightly at the mention of Satoshi's name, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. "Ah, you must be friends of his," he remarked, his tone warm and welcoming.

"Yes, we are," Miyasi confirmed, a sense of determination shining in her eyes.

With a nod of understanding, the man stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. As they crossed the threshold into the house, Miyasi and Narito exchanged a silent glance, their resolve strengthening with each passing moment.

Inside, the air was filled with a sense of quiet anticipation as they made their way through the familiar surroundings.

[Scene: Chiba
10 am, morning
Kavei and Himeko]

As the morning sun illuminated the streets of Nagoya, Himeko and Kavei found themselves in search of sustenance after a long morning of investigation. Their stomachs growled in protest as they walked, reminding them of their empty bellies.

"Let's have something to eat, Kavei-san. I am still hungry. I can't wait really. And we only had snacks," Himeko suggested, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Ah, yeah. Obviously. I can't wait that long either," Kavei agreed, his own hunger evident in his tone.

Their search for nourishment led them to a quaint restaurant nestled in a corner of the bustling street. They entered the cozy establishment and took a seat by the window, allowing them to take in the sights and sounds of the city as they waited for their meal.

"It is so unbelievable that I am having breakfast at ten. Feels more bend towards brunch," Himeko remarked as she perused the menu card, her brows furrowed in contemplation.

"So it is. And... five minutes have passed since ten," Kavei noted, glancing at his watch with a chuckle.

"Don't sweat the details, Kavei-kun," Himeko giggled, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

With a shared nod, they both agreed on a meal, knowing that time was of the essence in their investigation.

Ten minutes later, their meal arrived, a tantalizing array of traditional Japanese dishes spread out before them. A platter of Gohan (steamed rice), Miso shiru (Miso soup), Natto (fermented soybeans), Yakizakana (grilled fish), Tsukemono (pickled vegetables), Nori (seasoned dried seaweed), and Kobachi (vegetable salad) greeted them, promising a hearty and satisfying meal.

As they dug into their food, the savory aroma filling the air, Himeko and Kavei felt a sense of contentment wash over them.

[Scene: Nagasaki
12 pm, afternoon
5th August
Sebiki and Ryu]

As the clock struck twelve in the afternoon, Sebiki and Ryu found themselves in the vibrant city of Nagasaki, their journey leading them to a bustling restaurant near the station. After a grueling interrogation session, they were eager to refuel their bodies with a satisfying meal.

"Hey. How about ramen?" Sebiki suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she scanned the menu.

"Ramen? How about Soba?" Ryu countered, his preference clear as he eyed the options before him.

"Ah, okay, Ryu. Soba it is. But then let's order Yakitori too," Sebiki agreed, her appetite whetted by the thought of grilled chicken.

"As you say," Ryu replied with a nod, his hunger mirroring Sebiki's.

As they waited for their meal to arrive, Sebiki couldn't help but voice her curiosity. "You don't like ramen? Since when?" she asked, her tone filled with genuine interest.

"Since never. I eat everything. Felt like Soba," Ryu replied proudly, his expression unwavering.

"Ah. You are so dumb," Sebiki teased, tilting her head playfully.

"Are you making fun of me?!" Ryu retorted, his cheeks flushing with indignation.

Their banter filled the air as they awaited their food, the lively exchange a testament to the camaraderie that had formed.

[At the same time
Shibuya
Kenma and Ojiro]

Time ticked away as Kenma ans Ojiro searched for clues, trying to play out as they learnt from Kavei.

[At the same time
Shinjuku
Kai and Saira]

Kai exhaled deeply as he prepared to ask questions regarding Samatha to her parents while Saira had her notepad and pen ready in her hands as the two of them stared at the front door of the house.

[At the same time
Forty minutes past five
Chiba
Kavei and Himeko]

The bustling streets were alive with the chatter of passersby, the glow of neon signs flickering against the evening sky. Among the crowd, Himeko's eyes sparkled with excitement as she suddenly tugged at Kavei's sleeve, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Hey, look, Kavei-kun!" she exclaimed, pointing eagerly toward a store window.

Kavei followed her gaze, his expression dulling the moment he saw it-a plushie shop, its glass display packed with soft, colorful toys that seemed to call out to shoppers. A sinking feeling settled in his stomach.

"Uh... yeah. What about it?" he asked, though he already had a bad feeling where this was going.

His fingers ached just at the thought of what might come next. He flexed them instinctively, trying to soothe the soreness that was bound to worsen. He had spent the past hour carrying bags-too many bags-from Himeko's endless shopping spree, and if she decided to add plushies to the mix, his hands might as well be doomed.

"Let's buy one!!" Himeko chirped, her excitement unwavering as she latched onto his hand and pulled him toward the store.

Kavei barely had time to sigh before he was being dragged forward, his fate sealed.

[Five minutes to six
Chiba
Kavei and Himeko]

As the shopping ended, they hailed a cab. The vehicle pulled up with a soft screech, and Kavei opened the door, letting Himeko slide in first before following suit. The faint scent of leather and air freshener filled the small space as the driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror.

"Where to?" the driver asked, his voice gruff yet neutral.

Himeko quickly gave the address, her excitement still evident in her tone. Kavei, on the other hand, leaned back against the seat with a quiet sigh, rubbing his sore fingers. As the cab rolled forward, weaving through the evening traffic, he gazed out the window, watching the city blur past in streaks of neon and headlights.

[Scene: Shinjuku
9:00 PM
Kavei's house
5th August]

The cab pulled up in front of Kavei's house, the dim glow of the porch light flickering softly in the night. As soon as they stepped out, Kavei let out a long sigh, rolling his shoulders. "I am so exhausted," he muttered, flexing his sore fingers.

Himeko, standing beside him, merely nodded, her eyes heavy with sleep. Her head tilted toward Kavei's shoulder, her exhaustion catching up with her after a long day of moving around. Seeing her struggle to keep her balance, Kavei reached up instinctively, gently helping her steady her head. He didn't say anything-there was no need to. They had spent the entire day running around, and the weight of it pressed down on them both.

As they walked toward the entrance, Kavei's drowsiness was suddenly replaced by a jolt of unease. His eyes narrowed. Something felt off.

The door... it was unlocked.

A sharp chill ran down his spine. His heartbeat quickened. His mind jumped to the worst conclusions. Did something happen to Benio and Daichi? His fingers curled into a tense fist as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

Himeko, still groggy, turned to him, her expression puzzled. "What's wrong?" she asked, noticing his sudden change in demeanor.

Kavei didn't respond right away. He took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself, and finally, with all the courage he could muster, he squared his shoulders. He had to be prepared for whatever was waiting inside. If someone had broken in, if something had happened... he had to be ready.

With a deep breath, he stepped forward and pressed the doorbell with his trembling fingers. The chime echoed through the house.

The door creaked open.

"It sure took you long," a familiar voice greeted him.

Kavei's body reacted before his mind could process. His fist shot forward-ready to strike-but just as quickly, he froze mid-motion.

That voice.

That wasn't an intruder.

It was Kai.

Kavei exhaled, his breath leaving him in a rush. His shoulders slumped, and he let his hand drop to his side. His entire body, tense with panic just seconds ago, suddenly felt like it had no energy left. He staggered back slightly before plopping down near the shoe rack, rubbing his face. "Damn it, Kai... you scared the hell out of me," he muttered.

Kai smirked. "Well, that's on you for panicking so easily."

Just then, Benio appeared from behind Kai, his sharp eyes scanning Kavei and Himeko. "You look like you've been through hell," he noted, then turned to Himeko. "You don't look too well either."

She let out a tired laugh, waving him off. "I'll live."

After freshening up, Kavei collapsed onto the tatami floor in the living room, resting his head on Himeko's lap. She sat cross-legged, absentmindedly running her fingers through his hair as he groaned. "I have no energy left," he mumbled. "We'll go through all the clues tomorrow. I hope you guys got all the evidence we needed."

Ryu, who had been sitting nearby, nodded. "Yeah, we did. At first, it didn't make much sense, but once we started gathering more pieces, things became clearer."

Kai leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. "So, how was your day apart from all the investigating?" he asked.

Kavei exhaled through his nose. "Well... aside from the fact that we had breakfast, lunch, and dinner like normal people... oh, and we bought a plushie for her, but then-"

Before he could finish, Himeko yanked on his hair.

"What do you mean 'for her'?" she snapped, narrowing her eyes. "I bought you one too, remember?"

Kavei winced. "Alright, alright! I have sensitive hair, let go," he chuckled, grabbing her wrist gently. Himeko huffed but loosened her grip, though she didn't look entirely convinced.

Kai smirked at the exchange but said nothing.

Kavei let out another deep sigh, his eyelids feeling heavier by the second. "Anyway... when we got home and saw the door was unlocked, I freaked out. I really thought something happened to Benio-nii and Daichi." He let out a tired laugh, shaking his head. "Turns out it was just you guys. But man... I'm seriously drained."

His voice trailed off as exhaustion finally took over. Himeko glanced down at him, noticing his slow, steady breathing. He had fallen asleep.

On hold: Begining Arc
Next: Evidence Arc