"I hate that smell." Detective Kenji Mori. Entered the warehouse of ward 3's industrial district. Steeping into a fresh crime scene, fresh enough that the smell of blood still permeated the air. That sickly metallic odour of death hung heavy like a shroud. It was a scent all too familiar to the veteran cop, one that never failed to churn his stomach.
"Yeah, even after all these years I still get nauseous when entering a crime scene." Akiko followed her partner, taking a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
"Ah, the prince and princess of the Ranker crimes unit, graces us with their presence." The sardonic tone of the seasoned senior detective, Takeshi Yamanaka.
The man surrounded by ample samples of blood splattering's, but not a body in sight. Newbies of the RCU scurried around collecting all manners of evidence from the grisly scene. Eager to prove themselves to their new seniors.
"What's the situation Takeshi? Who were the unlucky bastards that got their tickets punched?"
"A group of sharks, from the black dragon syndicate. Although, not your ordinary loan sharks. They targeted rankers and their families. Extortion, kidnapping, murder, and a whole lot more. Kept families here if they didn't pay their dues."
"So, A monster took out a bunch of worse monsters?" Kenji asked.
"Yeah, by the amount of blood spilt, I almost feel bad for the scum... Almost."
Ward 3 was a lot cleaner than its neighbouring. The same industrial style but with more polish. A far wealthier ward, with a booming economy thanks to an abundance in local gates and guilds population. Normally, on the scale of ward ranks the lower you were the poorer you were. This was the exception.
However, much like all the wards. It has its dark side, a place where corruption flourishes. Were people turned a blind eye until it affected them.
"The same MO? But in ward 3, his getting bold, don't ya think?"
"Bold, or maybe ward 4's well has finally run dry?" Takeshi mused.
"Were all gonna be out of the job at this rate. Heh." Takeshi chuckled. Earning a stern look from Kenji, and Akiko. Both disapproving of the seniors always apathetic attitude to these cases. It was a grim outlook to have, especially as a detective in the RCU. Although, Kenji knew. That crimes like this are best dealt by monsters.
"We can't afford to think that way, Takeshi. We must be better, and work harder. Especially when it comes to the reaper." Akiko responded.
"Better? Harder? Do you not see what is before you? This isn't a crime scene, it's a message, from a monster to monsters. A warning that if they get out of line. The Reaper will come and collect their souls." Takeshi's voice grew colder and distant, "He's not someone we can beat."
"You don't know that. He's just a man. A man with a mask. He's flesh and bone. That's all, nothing else." Aki rebuked. Though not convincingly.
She was yet to convince herself that the Reaper was human and not in fact a demon.
"Why are we bothering with the Reaper then?" A curt voice interrupted their argument, a young officer approached, taking off her blue helmet, revealing black hair and cold brown eyes.
"Ahhhhh, my favourite subordinate. Officer Higashi." Takeshi took a liking to this one. Mainly because they shared the same sentiment when it came to the reaper.
"Officer Higashi. How may you be of assistance to us?" Kenji asked, clearly annoyed by the interruption, and the fact this rookie cop had the balls to question her superiors.
"Well, I was going to say. Why not let the reaper do our jobs? Like you said, the scum of the city is getting wiped out. We were never gonna stop these pricks."
"Officer Higashi. We are officers of the law, and we need to uphold it, no matter if the criminal deserves it or not. That's the job." Kenji continued in her partners steed
"Yes... But..." Officer Higashi trailed off.
"But what?!" Akiko exclaimed, clearly fed up with the young cop. Or, just taking out her frustrations on her.
"They may be scumbags and monsters. But they're still people. Flesh and blood, just like you and me." She added, "Even if they have turned away from the light of humanity. We have to give them that chance to change."
Takeshi, and officer Higashi shared a look. 'Wow, what an idealist.' They thought in unison.
Although neither had the courage to say it, the look on their face said it all.
"Fine... I'll go patrol the area or something." The young officer left.
"Hold up my young friend. Let's grab a bite to eat and talk shop, eh?" Takeshi followed her, giving a wave and a wink to the pair.
Kenji sighed, rubbing his temple. "I preferred it when it was just the six of us. So many rookies."
Akiko gave her partner a reassuring pat on the back, "Don't worry, we'll get used to it." She gave a weary smile, one that did little to ease Kenji's worries.
"Although young officer Higashi did give me an idea."
"Oh?" Akiko raised a curious eyebrow, wondering what kind of idea the rookie had sparked within her usually rigid-minded partner.
"Let's go and visit them. The black dragon syndicate." He said as they walked towards the car.
"Get a better understanding see if they would be willing to cooperate with us on this investigation."
"It's better than nothing, I suppose." She shrugged, opening the passenger door and getting into the car. Kenji soon followed suit, taking the driver's seat. They both buckled up, and Kenji started the engine.