Chapter 8: The Successor

[July 1, 2016]

At NSIA Headquarters, Division One Control Room, Aiko Kisara was reviewing documents while Isuha Kanako sat in front of a computer screen.

“Did you find anything useful in the footage?” Aiko asked.

“Nah. It’s just the same mall scene from a distant camera,” Kanako replied. “The closer footage was interrupted probably by the terrorists. I tried to recover it, but the main hard drive was missing.”

“You mean someone intercepted the CCTV?”

“Definitely. They’re pretty clever. They removed all the storage devices from the security room… I’m guessin’ they stole them. The only footage I managed to get was from a store across the street. But it’s super blurry, almost impossible to identify anyone,” Kanako said.

Suddenly, Division One advisor Miyori entered, having overheard their conversation.

She asked, “Any clue about the guy who killed that one terrorist?”

“You mean the one who got his throat cut looked like with a razor blade or something? That was quite the martial arts skill, I can tell,” Aiko said.

“Ah, yes, that one. It was pretty brutal. Here’s the footage… only the movement is somewhat recognizable,” Kanako replied.

She played the footage. A blurry image showed the movement of a teenage boy with black hair, wearing what looked like a white shirt. He moved his right hand incredibly fast, as if throwing something at a terrorist dressed in a black racing-type suit and helmet. The terrorist collapsed to the ground, clutching his neck in pain, blood pouring as he writhed and jumped. Seconds later, inspectors rushed in from behind and then the footage cut to black.

“From his appearance and based on our investigation of the rugby players present at the scene, we can confirm he’s a high schooler. But it’s impossible to determine which school he’s from. Most high school uniforms in this city look nearly identical,” Aiko said.

“Understood,” Miyori responded.

She then added, “By the way, I came here to give you a notice. From now on, Division One will take full responsibility for the ‘Abyss’ case. Detective Shiro Kenoshita will lead the team as the head of Division One, though not with full control. Senior Detective and Inspector Shun Aizawa will act as the advisor. As you know, Division One is a special division, mostly composed of underaged exceptions like Shiro Kenoshita and also you two. Since Shiro is still underaged, he’ll be monitored directly by Aizawa.”

She paused, then continued, “Also, I’ll remain the Supervisor, as always.”

In front of the NSIA Head Chief’s office, Shiro stood silently, staring out through the transparent glass wall. The city stretched beyond in silence—hazy, distant, indifferent. His face was unreadable, eyes calm but sharp, as if analyzing everything and nothing at once.

A staff member approached. “The Chief is waiting. You may go in.”

Shiro gave a subtle nod and entered.

The Chief, an older man with silver-threaded hair and a presence that commanded quiet respect, looked up from his desk as the door closed behind Shiro.

“Shiro…” he said, his voice carrying a familiar warmth layered over firm authority. “Come. Sit down.”

Shiro approached and sat across from him, posture straight, expression still unreadable.

There was a pause, a silence that held meaning.

“…Gen Shiwazaki is gone,” the Chief finally said, his voice steady, though not without weight. “I won’t ask how you’re feeling. You’ve always been someone who keeps that to yourself.”

He paused and added, “…You know he wasn’t just a detective. He was a truly decent man. In his final moments… he fought like a real warrior.”

Shiro remained silent.

The Chief spoke gently. “He raised you like a son. And he was one of the finest detectives I’ve ever known.”

A beat.

“That’s why I’m telling you this directly. You’ll be taking his place as the new head of Division One.”

Shiro didn’t react, but the silence that followed felt heavier.

“You’re underage, yes. That complicates things. Which is why Inspector Aizawa will act as your advisor for oversight and accountability. Standard protocol. You’ll still lead the team, but he’ll serve as the bridge between you and the council.”

The Chief leaned back in his chair, folding his hands.

“And one more thing… from now on, Division One is in full control of the ‘Abyss’ case. This is your operation now.”

Shiro finally spoke. “…Understood.”

His tone was calm, almost cold. But the Chief had known him long enough to hear what others couldn’t.

Grief. Focus. Resolve.

“You’re ready for this,” the Chief said quietly. “Gen believed in you. So do I.”

Shiro stood slowly. “I accept. But I have one request.”

“Go on,” the Chief said calmly.

“Don’t drag Yoko into this. She has nothing to do with it… This is the last promise I made… to keep her safe, no matter what.”

“You mean Shiwazaki’s daughter, your little sister, in every way but blood?” the Chief replied. “Alright. Technically, the original contract stated that the successor to the Shiwazaki line must come from the bloodline. But since you were raised by him, and have now taken his place, the contract is considered fulfilled. She won’t be touched. She’ll live a normal life. You have my word.”

“…Understood.”

At the parking lot of the NSIA main building…

Detective Shun Aizawa stood near a concrete pillar, flicking his lighter with one hand and holding a cigarette between his lips. Beside him, his comrade Kaito Morisawa leaned casually against a car, watching the slow drag of smoke rise into the dim afternoon air.

“So, you’ve been assigned to look after Shiro?” Kaito asked.

Aizawa exhaled a thin stream of smoke and grunted. “Yeah… that kid’s a pain in the ass.”

Kaito chuckled. “What, you don’t like him?”

“Nah, it’s not about that,” Aizawa said, taking another puff. “You know me… I’m lazy. Babysitting a prodigy detective? That’s more work than I signed up for.”

He paused, then added with a bit more weight in his voice, “But… Shiwazaki had high hopes for him. I can’t just slack off this time.”

Kaito tilted his head. “You and Detective Shiwazaki were close, huh?”

A brief silence followed, filled only by the sound of distant traffic.

“…Yeah,” Aizawa muttered eventually.

Kaito reached into his pocket, then glanced over. “Mind if I grab a cigarette?”

Aizawa didn’t say anything just held out the box.

Kaito took one, lit it with Aizawa’s flame, and exhaled.

“So,” he said between puffs, “what do you really think of the kid?”

Aizawa stared into the smoke-filled air for a moment.

“…He’s sharp. Too sharp. Reminds me of someone who’s already seen too much of the world.”

The sun dipped below the skyline as evening settled over the city. Today’s sky was unusually clear, with only a few scattered clouds drifting lazily in the fading light.

At Shiro’s Apartment…

Shiro knocked softly at the door. After a moment, it opened, and Yoko peeked out.

“It’s Shiro,” she said with a small smile.

“Yeah,” he replied, handing her a plastic bag. “Here, take this.”

“What’s this?” Yoko asked, opening it curiously. “…Colored pencils?”

She looked up, eyes lighting up. “Thanks, Shiro!” Without hesitation, she hugged him tightly.

“Glad you liked it,” he said, his voice calm but gentle.

Inside, the TV had been left on. A flashy superhero show blared in the background, loud and energetic.

Bwahahahaha… Prepare yourself for the showdown! Bear witness to the ultimate chaos! We are the heroes of justice… Phantoms!

“You should turn the volume down a bit,” Shiro said as he stepped inside. “The neighbors might complain.”

“Alrighty~” Yoko said cheerfully, grabbing the remote with a grin.