The same day and time as the previous chapter...
A bounty on our head? Arata said coldly, adjusting his glasses Who in the world placed a bounty in our heads?! Arata said, frustration evident in his voice. Gradually losing composure for a moment.
Who else? My father, of course. Kaori said coldly.
Why? What could be the reason? How much did they place on our heads? Arata asks, urgency evident in his voice.
I don't know any of that yet, I'll try to collect a bit of information regarding the bounty. Kaori said calmly.
Yes, please do. Arata said coldly, adjusting his glasses.
Kaori hangs up the phone call.
"Why did I even asked for a reason? It's clear that they have placed a bounty in our heads because of what happened in the Kanagawa International Airlines yesterday. So, this is Angeline's real plan... whether she wins or lose she knows that the authorities will still place a bounty on our heads because people's lives have been endangered. Bastard! I didn't anticipate this outcome... Angeline you've outmaneuvered me. So, your plan of bombing the plane was for this. I don't know what will happen to us now...But two things are for sure, We won't postponed our plans and that we're clearly in an even disadvantageous position. I am sure, Takahiro played a part in this there's no doubt about it. The only questions now is...How much did they put on our heads? and How will we survive the upcoming days?" Arata taught to himself, gritting his teeth and clenching his fist.
In the YamaSushi Restaurant...
How did this escalated this bad in just 2 weeks? Those two... Harmony Duo, are making a name for themselves. Takahiro mutters to himself coldly.
"I should've disagreed about the bounty, I don't know but something is definitely off about this. It's clear that an imposter did the thing yet I don't have enough concrete and substantial evidences to show them, the real duo hasn't killed a single people in their reign or even threaten to kill them. Their only objective was to destroy...so, just who the hell in the world are those imposters." Takahiro taught to himself, scratching his head.
Damn it. Takahiro said coldly.
Flashback to the meeting, At the MPD Headquarters Discussion Room, 2:05 P.M
So, is everyone present? Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly.
Everyone yelled "Yes, Sir".
Good, then let's start the meeting immediately. Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly.
"Argh, so boring...I have only came here because the topic is the Harmony Duo and I am curious about this Important announcement he have said to me yesterday...just go ahead and start already." Takahiro taught to himself, yawning.
First, let's review what we've know about the case so far. Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly They have been using a rather unconventional methodology to commit their bombings that we've never ever seen before. First step, they're always posting video clues about the location where they have set the bombs and detonate it. The contents of the videos is always the same they seem to be just casually talking but if you analyzed their words thoroughly and connect the dots you'll find out the location we're the bombings are supposed to occur...the question is, why are they posting this videos? Is this a direct challenge for the authorities? Or something else? Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly.
"Right, now that I think about it...those two seems like...they want to be stopped, that's why they are providing videos clues and enough time to solve it before the bomb detonation." Takahiro taught to himself, scratching his chin.
Second, when their allotted time in that video finally came and the authorities isn't still responding they are detonating the bombs without remorse. But, before they do so they're always triggering the fire alarm systems of each places that they're targeting so that the civilians will get out of that particular location in time before the detonation. The questions here are...Why are they triggering the alarms before the detonation? Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly.
"That's what makes them unique than the other terrorists in existence, they aren't willing to sacrifice a life despite their pursuit to destroy...what are their objectives? what is the real motive behind this actions?" Takahiro taught to himself, scratching his head.
And lastly the bombs that have been used starting from the Laplace Restaurant bombing up until in the Kanagawa University bombing are still the same. Same appearance and same machinations yet different kinds of impact have been shown as time goes by the impact of their self made bombs are becoming even more dangerous and destructive. They're bombs is made by an chemical biohazard liquid most likely invented by them too, they're also inserting some kind of machination that connect with their detonator, the appearance is always the same, in a stuff toy...a thing that no one can ever believe that it contains a dangerous chemical and is an actual explosive, that a perfect disguise in order to execute their plans with precision. Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly There's a lot of questions that are raising in our minds yes...but, let's tackle them in another meeting. Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively.
"I really hope that he'll not force me to attend this "next meeting" again." Takahiro taught to himself, shrugging.
Let's another important question! Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively Does any of you have any leads...about their identity? Superintendent Kuriyama asks expectantly.
"Right, that's the most important question here...all we know is that they leave somewhere here in Kanagawa Prefecture and that they are around 16-17 years old Highschool teenagers and that they are a male. Nothing more... that's the ahrdest question to answer in here. Though, Arata and Shinji are still my prime suspects...nothing ever changed." Takahiro taught to himself, scratching his head.
After moments of waiting, no one really answered Superintendent Kuriyama's question.
I see...so, we still have no leads...about their identities and whereabouts. Superintendent Kuriyama said disappointedly We can't really solve this case on our own, we need the citizens help either... therefore, I have an important announcement to make regarding this! Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively.
"Here we go the most awaited "Important Announcement" thing...wait, did he said "Citizens"? Is he going to..." Takahiro taught to himself, anxiety evident in his face.
But first, before we go to the exciting part which is the Important Announcement... Superintendent Kuriyama said enthusiastically Let's review what happened first at the Kanagawa International Airlines yesterday first, that's a crucial part as to why I have decide to do the thing which I will reveal in my announcement later. Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively, clearing his throat So, they've used a different kind of approach in the airplane bombing yesterday if the bombs haven't been diffused in time, I am pretty sure that the people who are still inside that plane are definitely going to die... basically, they used a C4 bomb and planted it in the two engines of the plane...one each engine. The act at the airplane could also be caused by an imposter...but, we can't rule out the possibility that they are just trying to confuse us. Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly So, here is the Important Announcement... Superintendent Kuriyama said, clearing his throat.
"I hope that I didn't deduce his announcement right." Takahiro taught to himself, gulping his saliva.
It pains me that some delinquent highschoolers are doing this to us...and, I am also feeling pity towards them because of what I was about to say. Superintendent Kuriyama said hesitantly I have already addressed this to the Japanese Government and the entire Japanese Law Enforcement and they are willing to cooperate and contribute. Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly I am putting up a bounty on Harmony Duo's head, 2 million yen for the black masked man and another 2 million yen for the white masked man, 4 million yen in total. That's all! Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively.
"I knew it! Obviously, the airplane bombing was caused by an imposter, you dummy! I don't know why I feel like this but...they definitely don't deserve to have a bounty despite of their terrorism...I don't understand!" Takahiro taught to himself.
Any objections or clarifications? Superintendent Kuriyama asks expectantly.
Takahiro is about to raise his hand but his constantly trying to not do it.
Takahiro, do you have any? You seem to have something on your mind. Superintendent Kuriyama said enthusiastically.
Takahiro engages himself with an intense eye contact with Superintendent Kuriyama.
Nothing...I have nothing to say. Takahiro said hesitantly.
In that case! Meeting adjourned! I'll publicize the bounty later at 7 p.m news report! Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively, then he leaves the room.
"Who am I to even object? This was just an intuition and I don't have concrete and substantial evidences to back up all my claims." Takahiro taught to himself, letting out a sigh of defeat.
Going back to the present at YamaSushi Restaurant...
Damn it, why would I even do something stupid? I don't understand myself right now. Takahiro mutters to himself, frustration evident in his face as he takes a bite of his sushi.
Takahiro's phone suddenly rang, it's a text message from Haruko.
"Good evening, Dad! How's the meeting? I'll report back to you once you got home!" This is what the text message from Haruko contains.
Haruko...I am really glad that I have you my precious daughter. Takahiro mutters to himself lovingly.
Just as Takahiro is about to put his phone back to his pocket it rang again, Superintendent Kuriyama is calling.
Takahiro immediately answers.
What do you want now, Kuriyama? Takahiro said coldly.
The phone number you ask me to trace, it finally got a result! Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly.
Really? What's the result? Who's the owner of this mysterious number? Takahiro asks curiously.
Bad news, the number is said to be nonexistent by the people I ask to trace it. They've tried multiple ways to trace the owner of this number or their whereabouts but they got the same results over and over again. Unfortunately, seems like this number doesn't exist any longer, Friend. Superintendent Kuriyama said coldly Anyways, watch the news that will air at 7 P.M, I have already publicized the news about the bounty there. Superintendent Kuriyama said authoritatively.
You did what?! Takahiro said coldly I am sorry, it's nothing...thank you for the update! Takahiro said sincerely, then he hangs up the phone call.
"What's really happening to me?" Takahiro taught to himself, letting out a sigh of defeat.
In the Kaido Internet Cafe at 6:58 P.M...
Arata is currently in a break when his phone rang, it's a call from Kaori...he immediately goes outside and answered the call.
Any updates about the bounty? Arata asks expectantly.
I don't know, I didn't got any further information about the bounty...but, I have heard that Dad already publicized it! Watch the 7 P.M News tonight and it's probably there! I have also notified Shinji before I called you and he wants me to say to you that he's already at home too! Kaori said, urgency evident in her voice.
Alright! Thank you! Arata said coldly, then he hangs up the phone call.
Arata immediately enters the Internet Cafe and in the television the news is already airing.
Starting this night! Whoever could give us any useful and accurate information about the Harmony Duo or match better if you can bring us THE REAL HARMONY DUO... We'll receive their bounties 2 million each person that makes it 4 million yen! DEAD OR ALIVE! SUPERINTENDENT KURIYAMA SAID COLDLY.
"So, they're really serious about this? They're really going to chase us down using this bounty notice? Great, challenge accepted...I might be a bit taken a back there but...with this, the game will be even more fun and with this... we'll be one step closer in our goal. But, one thing is still for sure...That the upcoming days will be dangerous for us and that is what I don't want about this." Arata taught to himself, adjusting his glasses.
At Arata and Shinji's Apartment...
"Things will get even more challenging...but, things will be even more fun with this." Shinji taught to himself, licking his upper lip.
At Kaori's house...
"Arata, Shinji...please be okay...you need to be even more vigilant...you need to blend in more effectively. I will do whatever it is that I can to help." Kaori taught to herself, clenching her fist.
At the CIA'S secret hideout...
So, this is what you meant by "Whether I win or lose, I will still gain something" huh? Lori said sarcastically.
Indeed, Lori! Whether I win or lose I will still benefit from it... because even if I lose in the battle, the government will still definitely agree to put up a bounty on their heads believing that the Airport Crisis that almost killed a lot of people was also instigated by Arata and Shinji. All part of the plan. Angeline said arrogantly.
"How you like that, Arata? Seems like we are even now!" Angeline taught to herself, a menacing grin forming in her face.
In Takahiro's house...
"So, this case have really escalated to this degree in just 2 weeks? I didn't expect that...So many twists have happened today." Haruko taught to herself, adjusting her glasses.
At the YamaSushi Restaurant...
"This is it, we've entered a new phase of this case...This case, is increasingly becoming more complex." Takahiro taught to himself, taking a bite of his sushi.
"The next phase of the game...IS ON!" They've said in unison.
A few days later, in some random underground hideout in Brooklyn, New York City...
Madame Granger! A new bounty news have been released! Spinner said enthusiastically, adjusting her glasses.
Oh, really? Where? Tatsuhiro said sarcastically.
In Japan! Look at the Article! Spinner said enthusiastically, throwing the newspaper in the table.
The three of them approaches the newspaper in the table.
2 million yen each, huh? 4 million yen in total then. Granger said coldly If we converted this to dollars...then it's going to be...28 million dollars. Granger said coldly, adjusting her shades.
So, Ms. Granger... you're the leader, it's your call! What do we do? Spinner asks curiously.
Tatsuhiro book us a flight to Japan as soon as possible! Granger said authoritatively.
Yes, Ma'am! Tatsuhiro said sarcastically, letting out a sigh.
What do we do you ask, Spinner? Of course, what else? We're bounty hunters... it's our job to collect their bounties...AND THEIR HEADS. Granger said arrogantly.
"Just you wait, Harmony Duo. We'll come for your heads, don't worry your prize money won't go to waste when we have successfully claimed it." Granger taught to herself, adjusting her shades.
—This is the end of the VOLUME 2 Of Harmonious Terror thank you for supporting me! And I hope you'll continue to support the story in the upcoming chapters/volumes!—