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Time for the tiny tsundere nerd! I'm really enjoying this so far, he's absolutely a genius asshole type but juuuust nice enough deep down to be bearable.
I was worried the terrorism mystery would be too samey after the last route but while the basic setup is similar, and I know a bunch of the twists, thus far the emotional beats are pretty different and involve less edgy melodrama (though this is still an otome about terrorism).
Content note: Violence, mentions of sexual assault and suicide
"This is a work of fiction with no resemblance to any real organisations, and supports no particular political ideology" Sure.
Changed my mind, want to romance Sasazuka. The call of the tiny tsundere nerd is too strong, even when it means suffering through a lot of being called an idiot.
Time for a walkthrough!
Hey it lets me skip the prologue since that had no choices, nice.
*takes a moment to pause skipping to take a screenshot of the hot assistant Mukai*
Ooh a new option has unlocked! I can try to unsuccessfully lie to Shiraishi about Ichika being surprised he's the director! Is this because he's been unlocked as a route?
Ooh and it occurs to me there aren't any Yanagi choices at all. He's definitely shaping up to be Final Boy.
Ok going to listen to all the X-day video voices more carefully, including my VERY VAGUE sense of how polite people are being.
IX April (police kidnapped): Expressive, polite, deep.
VIII May (police killed): High, girly. Probably bunny girl.
VII June (school): Earnest, tenor, polite, very slight lisp?
VI July (stalker): Sadly wavering, tenor
V August (gamer deaths): Deep, blunt, calm. Probably Sanjou
IV September (faked suicide): Tenor, wryly theatrical, mildly polite.
III October (just a video): Soft sad slow simple whispery tenor.
II November (traffic accident): Smug fast youthful tenor. The hacker?
Whoa I only get one choice about what to say to Sakuragawa? I had more last time! I guess this is the route choice, and you only see the routes you have enough points for.
Last time I picked something earnest about protecting people, which is definitely what Okazaki would like. This time my only choice is to ask about the weapons ban. And without me prompting Ichika says she wants to focus on the August case, eg Sasazuka's case, because that's what brought the guns into Shinjuku.
She isn't actually looking forward to working with Sasazuka himself, though, and wonders how Sakuragawa is close with him. Sakuragawa describes him as a 'quirky drinking friend', and says he was living in America until 2 years ago.
Ichika thinks "Oh that explains why he's aggressive and headstrong and constantly interrupts and cuts people off!"
I'd be more offended on behalf of Americans if I hadn't played so many American dating sims where The Asian Guy has this exact same personality type.
They met when she found him swearing to himself in English haha. It was such a weird sight Sakuragawa was compelled to talk to him, saying "If it's that bad, then just go home, take a dump, and go to sleep" in English omg I love her.
Seeing Ichika's face she says "Someone like you might not get along working with him" but says he especially hates idiots: people who ask thoughtless questions.
Ichika: :(
Sakuragawa: He's not hateful at heart. If you view it as him being honest, isn't it kind of cute? Also, get him donuts, he likes sweet things :)
Kinda shipping Sakuragawa/Sasazuka here but they're also a cute brotp. Here's hoping she makes it to the end without being revealed to be his evil long lost twin sister, and then dying.
CHAPTER ONE
Before I get started, to give some idea of what we're in for, this is Sasazuka's default smile:
This chapter starts out with the same events, the coder of the computer game being killed with a timer, but instead of seeing the scene, and the police's frustration at failing to save a life, Ichika interviews suspicious and scared residents and gets commended by Minegishi from Investigations for the quality of her report. He says that she has more direct experiences with Shinjuku residents, so if she ever thinks of anything to pass it on.
Minegishi: Oh, and give my regards to Yanagi and the others ;)
Ichika: D:
First choice: WHAT KIND OF DONUTS TO BUY!
...you know what, screw it, I'm tired, I'm using the walkthrough.
But my instincts were correct haha! He doesn't like maccha, and generally thinks Japanese sweets are bad: too bitter or made with beans.
Ichika: You don't eat red beans??
Sasazuka: If I wanted beans I'd eat chili >:(
SWEET BEANS ARE DELICIOUS, SASAZUKA
Also, Americans seem to love maccha these days, but maybe that just pisses Sasazuka off too.
Sasazuka point blank refuses to work with her because she'd slow him down. Yanagi takes her aside and suggests she pick a different case.
Yanagi: He's not a bad guy, but he's used to working alone. And all he cares about is getting the Firearms and Swords act repealed. If you're useful to him, he'll use you without restraint, even if it's dangerous for you.
AN AMERICAN WHO CARES ABOUT GUN CONTROL. You know, what, sure, he's probably had his fill of gun violence.
Once again Yanagi offers to work with her instead. But this Ichika also has a PASSION FOR GUN CONTROL.
She passes on the message from Minegishi, and Yanagi reasures her that this doesn't mean he knows about the collar, he must have just gotten her name from Okazaki. Yanagi says it would be useful if she could cultivate a good relationship with Minegishi but she should put her own safety first.
Sasazuka ignores her as she tries to appeal to their mutual passion for gun control. But just as she's about to leave he says "What use would you be? Unless you're willing to just be my pawn and obey my every whim >:D"
Ichika: I want to be your partner.
Sasazuka: Are you a masochist or something? Then I'll pick on you until you cry.
Ahaha he asks what her forte is and my choices are shooting or cooking. GOD and the right answer is COOKING is she going to win him over with FOOD /o\
Haha ok she was looking at the instant noodle packets all over his desk and thinks he would benefit from a better diet. He says she's an idiot and asks for a serious answer, and she says shooting after all, but saying cooking threw him off his stride a bit.
She talks about how serious a responsibility having a weapon is, and how she trains every day to make sure she never makes a mistake.
He still rejects her but she refuses to give up, saying she'll come every day and ask again. He glares at her, and then grins, saying he has a test: what is the common thread of the X-day incidents? If she isn't able to answer that, she's not worth working with.
She says she understands, and leaves, thinking.
Okazaki: Hello Ms. Cat :)
Ichika: My name is Officer Ichiko Hoshino of the SCRPO. But you knew that didn't you?
Okazaki: Then I'll call you Ichika-chan. You're investigating X-day too, aren't you? :)
He walks her home and she finds his smiling mask exhausting. He says she should ask him for help if she's ever in danger, because he has a feeling she's the sort to get into it.
Ichika makes a bento box for...Sakuragawa. Ok :D
New X-day video. As on Okazaki's route, it's the wavering voice talking about the burned stalker. Wait is this Sugawara? It would have to have been tone shifted down but her voice had a similar intense unstable quality, and she WAS the murderer. Hmm!
Everyone's overworked but Ichika is left at the station to answer phones.
Sakuragawa grabs Ichika's hand and drags her to have lunch with HOT ASSISTANT MUKAI?? :D
In Shiraishi's office, which is apparently the nicest place in the station...as long as he's not there. Sakuragawa is so enthusiastic about Ichika's cooking (MEAT!) that Mukai looks quietly jealous (she can't cook so only eats takeaway). So Mukai gets Ichika's lunch while Ichika gets Mukai's fancy takeaway, to their mutual satisfaction.
Ok I can live with Ichika winning over Sasazuka with food if she ALSO wins over all the hot girls.
Mukai wonders at Sakuragawa eating so enthusiastically just after doing forensics on a burned corpse and she says people with delicate nerves don't go into forensics.
Sakuragawa: But two nights of this in a row is too much. The bed in the nap room is too hard for me. But I heard they're going to solve this one soon...
And then she gives Ichika a tiny wink, to indicate she's passing on info on purpose.
Mukai: The director said something similar, in his oh-so-annoying way. He's doing this on purpose to taunt me!
Ichika: Did he, uh, say anything else?
Mukai: What?
Ichika: UH....
Sakuragawa: Hoshino doesn't like Shiraishi either and wants information on the enemy ;)
Mukai: Oh! I feel like we are going to get along very well :D If all three of us face him together, one day we can show the director what we're made of.
Sakuragawa: Anyway, you were saying about the case today...
Best girl.
In her spare moments, Ichika tries to figure out the common thread of the X-day incidents, and starts to unravel some of the connections I already know from the previous route.
Mikuni POV in the creepy underground church! He asks Zero why there were two incidents this month, and apparently Zero says it was to make Ichika, 'the live experiment', notice.
Ichika sees a punky looking guy with a badge saying "Oppose force with force" being detained by police, and Saeki says he's a person of interest in an X-day killing. She decides to go ask Shiraishi if he has any further info.
Mukai: I'm sorry to tell you this when you've come all this way...but the Director is in today :(
Shiraishi: People do come to visit me on purpose, Mukai :)
Mukai: Have you fallen into this man's web?? D:
Shiraishi: Rude. This is by mutual consent :)
Mukai: D:
Ichika: It's not like that!
Mukai: Thank goodness! But stay on your guard.
After she's gone, Ichika manages to show enough knowledge of the X-Day cases to pique Shiraishi's interest and get him to give her a hint.
Shiraishi: Have you forgotten the purpose of the X-day killings? They're kind enough to tell you on every video ;)
She rings to tell Sasazuka she's figured it out, but he curtly says he's busy.
I made the seemingly benign decision to visit a park without consulting the walkthrough and Ichika mentioned a teen girl and I was all DAMMIT NOT STABBY BUNNYGIRL but no it's someone else, phew.
The girl is crying, but when Ichika says her parents are probably worried she gets CRAZY EYES and starts ranting about how NOT EVERYONE HAS A HOME TO GO BACK TO and then STARTS STRANGLING ICHIKA
HOW MANY MURDEROUS TEEN GIRLS ARE IN THIS DAMN GAME
Ichika mentioning that she's police Does Not Help. But then a boy runs up and says "You're doing this again? Stop it!"
Girl: She's a cop. She's here to kill us.
Boy: Oh. Then you couldn't help it.
AND THEN. HE SHOOTS HER??
The final screen is the two teens with the numbers III and IV. *scrolls up to voices* Huh...maybe?
THE END
SO. NO PARK.
Ichika meets Yoshinari and thinks about how there's two SP agents watching the detectives. But while she doesn't trust them, and finds Okazaki odd, she doesn't hate them.
She finds Enomoto sulking about an argument he had with Sasazuka, who's cooling off on the roof. Yamato thinks it was Enomoto's fault for messing with him.
Ichika tells Sasazuka that's she's figured out that Adonis is doing substitute killings, giving every murderer a perfect alibi for the murder they have a motive for. She tries to speak in the same straightforward style as him.
Sasazuka: I wasn't expecting much because an idiot's an idiot but it seems you're a useful idiot :D 75 points.
Ichika takes a breath and finds the strength to say the words she's longed to say.
Ichika: Stop calling me an idiot! I've never investigated before, but I thought hard to figure this out!
Sasazuka: What are you complaining about? I was praising you! I said you were useful.
Ichika: A useful IDIOT.
Sasazuka: You know you're dumber than me, why are you mad? But a pass is a pass.
Ichika: What a relief!
Sasazuka: Heh. It's like I can see your tail wagging. You might be more of a dog than a cat. Congratulations, dumb dog ^_^
Ichika: HEY
And then he hands her a donut.
Ichika: Is this supposed to be my chow?
Sasazuka: It's a treat. You should feel honoured, I don't give donuts out to just anyone. But I don't think of you as a partner yet. A pawn that captures pieces is still a pawn until it gets promoted. Just work hard, poochie ;)
She eats the donut while thinking about what a vile person he is haha. He gets her to carry his computer so he can carry the donuts, but when he can tell she thinks his love of sweets is cute gets all huffy.
He's so terrible and I am absolutely into it.
CHAPTER TWO
Sasazuka says she needs to figure out the remaining 25 points missing from her understanding of the case.
Sasazuka: Do your best, it would suck if we split after an hour >:D
I realised one reason I want to use a walkthrough is that he gets so SMUG when she's wrong. Plus I've already found out most of the mysteries she's figuring out right now,
But one new thing does come up: the reasons it's so obvious these are substitution killings is the repeated motives, implying that Adonis wants the police to figure it out.
Or perhaps, wants these guys to figure it out, with Ichika's collar the silent witness.
Ahahaha and then Sasazuka gives her a little chocolate wrapped in foil for doing so well?? OMG
(And unlike Okazaki, getting the answers right DOES increase his affection lol)
Shiraishi says that the suspect for the countdown killing is an unemployed 20 year old called Manabu Souda. When they arrested him he freaked out when they took his phone because he'd miss an online game event. But now all he'll say is "give me back my phone" like a broken robot.
So now Ichika is on the same page as everyone else...and equally at a loss for what to do next.
As she's leaving, Sasazuka says "I'm hungry. Food. Let's go." and walks off.
You know. Like an American.
But when she catches up to him in the street, he asks what she wants, and insists she choose even when she points out he seems pickier than her. So she chooses the isekaya bar she goes to with Saeki, and while Sasazuka is a little snarky he accepts her suggestions on dishes and makes his own, letting her know what he doesn't like.
Ichika: So where do you go with Sakuragawa?
Sasazuka: Places that sell meat, watching her eat will make you feel full. But I feel comfortable with her direct nature.
He talks about how frustrating he finds the bureaucracy in Japan compared to being left to do his own thing in the US. But the cliques and racism at school were 'asinine' so he just dropped out at 14. At first he got into stocks, then ran an import business, but since his dad was in IT he decided to shift into that. Unfortunately, in Japan you're stigmatised without a degree.
Ichika: So what made you move back to Japan and join the police?
Sasazuka: Just felt like it >.> Why are you interrogating me >:(
Ichika, realising she needs to change the subject: Um...so do you think I could learn hacking? Maybe I could help :)
Sasazuka: Come back when you've mastered C. Or maybe we should start you at Kindergarten :D
And then he eats one of every dessert on the menu.
Afterwards, she thanks him and says she'll pay him back some time, but he says he's not going to let someone younger pay for him, especially not a younger woman. Which lowers my opinion of him but raises hers haha.
Sasazuka: But I'm not walking you home :P
Ichika: Hmmph. Oh hey it's my little brother and his friend! I should go get him.
Sasazuka: *staring at the boys in shock* Wait. Send a text asking where he is right now.
And Kazuki replies saying he's at Akito's house.
As Ichika wonders how many other times Kazuki has lied to her, Sasazuka grabs her arm and says he'll take her home, hailing a taxi. He's silent the whole way there but then insists on coming inside and seeing Kazuki's room. But she refuses to violate Kazuki's privacy without an explanation.
Oh god. I thought he recognised Kazuki from his band. But no: he recognised Akito, as a suspect in the June incident where a middle class was bombed. Akito had been highly suspicious...but had a perfect alibi.
And now I have to search Kazuki's room D: I preferred the murder scene of a stranger D:
It becomes clear that Kazuki is in a band, with a concert today, and has dramatic lyrics about rebellion and a new world that could just be metaphor...or could be Adonis related.
A pink fan letter from a girl called Hana...with a bunny theme D: It feels to Ichika like the Cool Guitarist Kazuki being described here is a Kazuki she doesn't know. Ha, meanwhile Sasazuka has trouble reading the slangy, girly Japanese.
They find a cd called "Rebirth" by Hiro, the pop singer who briefly showed up on the Okazaki path before his fan bunnygirl killed Ichika. His full name is Yasuhiro Isshiki, and Sasazuka recognises him as another former X-Day suspect. Hiro was wrongly arrested by one of the officers who later got killed, and it ruined the career of Hiro's original band, 'Gaimu'. OOH it sounds like the same incident that got Ogata arrested, leading him to join Adonis. Which they don't know about yet, but it's not a good sign.
Ichika: I'm sure Kazuki just likes his music.
Me, who knows they're in the same band: D:
Ichika, when Sasazuka points out the cd is signed to Kazuki and has Hiro's contact info: D:
Ichika starts freaking out. Sasazuka pulls her into a hug, patting her back and calmly telling her to get it together, and that they don't know anything for certain yet.
Ichiki, crying into his shoulder: If he's involved in an incident....
Sasazuka: What would you do? Would you ignore it? What can you do, as an older sister and a police officer?
Ichiki: I'll investigate. To prove he's innocent, or be prepared to stop him.
Sasazuka: Well said :)
Sasazuka buys them tickets to the concert, and Ichika feels better knowing she has a reliable partner by her side.
They hear fans talking about how Hiro has a supporting guitarist tonight called Kazuki, and might not be a solo act much longer.
OH NO
ONE OF THEM IS NAMED HANA
AND YEP IT'S BUNNYGIRL
She says she spoke to Hiro personally at the bar after a concert and he thinks Kazuki has talent. And so...Hana has his email address, as a connection to Hiro D:
NOPE
(also note that her iris is a ten pointed star, which shows up on the Adonis coins. LOOK THIS GAME PROMISED ME MATHS I'LL TAKE WHAT I CAN GET)
Sasazuka: You should stop looking like you want to arrest a bunch of little girls.
As the concert begins, Ichika is overcome by how amazing Kazuki is, and how happy he looks. Even Sasazuka admits the music isn't bad.
And then they bump into Akito, and Sasazuka acts like he needs to be introduced, suggesting they get to know each other outside.
Akito: Uh...did Kazuki tell you about the concert?
Sasazuka: She was worried so I told her to check his room.
Ichika: Please don't tell Kazuki.
Akito: Just don't bother him about his white lie. He was putting it all on this concert. He made a deal with Isshiki that if tonight went well they'd form a band. I was the one who told him to lie when he needed practice somewhere away from home.
Ichika: So was I just interfering with his dreams? :(
Akito: No! He wants to earn your approval more than anyone! But if you stay on your current course you'll regret it. Please, I know that pain more than anyone.
Later, Ichika says she can't imagine Akito is guilty. But then Sasazuka says his little sister committed suicide because of bullying by the class that got killed.
Ichika: But to kill a whole class? Isn't that too much?
Sasazuka: You've never hated someone so badly you wanted to kill them, have you? I have.
Ichika: What happened?
Sasazuka: ...I won't tell you. I just wanted you to know not everyone has spent their whole lives having peaceful thoughts. I understand the X-day criminals. To them their actions are just.
Ichika: But we can't let everyone have vengeance. There'd be chaos.
Sasazuka, smiling sadly: Exactly.
And then he says she should maintain the connection with Akito, reminding her how dangerous Adonis is with a significant look at her neck.
A new Adonis video that got glossed over last time: a high girly voice talks over images of a bunch of abusive business people being forced to jump off a building by someone with a delicate, long-nailed hand.
When Kazuki comes home, he's in a good mood. Ichika feels awful as she asks if they can invite Akito over for dinner to thank him for 'having Kazuki over' so much.
Minegishi: Are you free tonight?
Ichika: Yes? *suddenly realises the possible subtext* UH. ACTUALLY.
Minegishi: Haha, I didn't mean anything weird. I just want you to organise a meeting with Sasazuka.
Seeing him with Ichika, Minegishi says he's never seen Sasazuka open up with anyone so much except 'that girl from Forensics'.
Sasazuka: It's not like that. She's just a pet or something.
Am feeling a sudden suspicion that Minegishi is Zero. He's about the only slight dude over 30 with a pointy chin, has a high polite voice, is clever, reserved, and principled, and plays his cards close to his chest. That sort of weird quasi-romantic interaction wouldn't normally happen with a Nice Older Male Secondary Character (unless they're going for a love triangle?? But I don't see it). And there's signs he comes from the same sort of privileged background as Mikuni.
I think Saeki is probably also in Adonis but not as high up, while Akito is the hacker. But we'll see!
Minegishi takes them to a fancy traditional restaurant where Ichika feels very out of place, and wishes Sasazuka would respond with respond with more than polite indifference to her superior's friendly chatter.
Minegishi: Did you know we recruited him when he won a hacking competition? It's a pity we lost such a talent.
Sasazuka: The level of hacking in Japan is quite low. Would you mind getting to the point please?
Minegishi: I want you to return to the force. X-Day is approaching and there's no point dividing our resources. You achieved more in your two months at Investigations HQ than anyone else. And we could offer you useful information.
Sasazuka: I refuse. Thank you for the meal.
And then he leaves. Minegishi tells Ichika he's not going to give up.
Ichika chases after Sasazuka, demanding to know his reasons.
Sasazuka: It doesn't matter.
Ichika: I need to know. Because I'm not just your little pet, I'm your partner!
But in the end, she's left feeling like he doesn't respect her enough to explain.
Mochida sends Ichika to HQ with documents for Minegishi, saying it's great she seems to be his favourite and to keep up the good work. Mochida finds him intimidating, but so does she.
Sasazuka doesn't respond to Ichika's texts, and when she gets to the agency Enomoto says he's shut himself in at home and the only way to contact him right now is going in person.
Ichika: I don't want to bother him...
Enomoto: A mere Seaweed is not worth fearing! The enemy is at Honnoji :D *hands over address*
She rings and he sleepily grumps about invasion of privacy but says he'll forgive her if she brings food.
I suspected that bringing ingredients instead of a pre-cooked meal was a bad idea but was curious, and the dude doesn't even have a kitchen haha.
It turns out the reason he's been busy hacking is that Minegishi has locked down the part of the police system he was using to gather information. He can get past it, but it takes more time than the information is worth. Ichika asks again why he doesn't just go back, and when he refuses to say asks if it's because he doesn't trust her, or doesn't want the collar to hear. Sasazuka just goes silent and glares, then flops himself into bed saying he wants to sleep, and that she should go.
She realises that he isn't able to lie or talk about his feelings so has to rely on such childish behaviour. As she goes to leave, she thinks about how she kinda likes him now, at least enough to want to help ease his burdens.
When she realises she can't lock the door behind her she goes back and the now genuinely sleeping Sasazuka pulls her into bed with him. She sees the bags under his eyes, and feels his warmth, and is kinda into it, all 'well he really needs the sleep, and I don't hate it...'.
Sasazuka POV! He hears 'rock a bye baby', which he associates with his mother babysitting 'to fill time when father wasn't around'.
Flashback! Sasazuka's mother affectionately talks about feeling nostalgic for when he was a baby. And then the image cracks like a window that's been shot and he bolts awake.
He has a moment of flustered WHY AM I IN BED WITH ICHIKA, then figures out what happened and feels affectionately irritated at her for giving him such a shock.
He looks at her peaceful face, briefly angry that she looks so calm when she's in so much danger, then wonders if she's secretly terrified.
"Whatever, I'm not going to show her any pity. She's just a pawn that I can play. But why did I let myself get so close? I don't treat her like a victim, but I'm not myself. Are crying brats and girls my weakness? It's all her fault for being so pet-like. This is stupid...but I don't hate it. And I can't say she isn't my type." He kisses the top of her head, and falls back asleep.
Unknown Adonis POV, probably Zero: Apparently this person, and many others in Adonis, questioned whether it was necessary to kill an ENTIRE class of children. But "There are not minor and major sins. All sinners must get the same punishment. A lot more sorrow will required to create the ideal world, we must rid ourselves of this ambivalence."
Time for the tiny tsundere nerd! I'm really enjoying this so far, he's absolutely a genius asshole type but juuuust nice enough deep down to be bearable.
I was worried the terrorism mystery would be too samey after the last route but while the basic setup is similar, and I know a bunch of the twists, thus far the emotional beats are pretty different and involve less edgy melodrama (though this is still an otome about terrorism).
Content note: Violence, mentions of sexual assault and suicide
"This is a work of fiction with no resemblance to any real organisations, and supports no particular political ideology" Sure.
Changed my mind, want to romance Sasazuka. The call of the tiny tsundere nerd is too strong, even when it means suffering through a lot of being called an idiot.
Time for a walkthrough!
Hey it lets me skip the prologue since that had no choices, nice.
*takes a moment to pause skipping to take a screenshot of the hot assistant Mukai*
Ooh a new option has unlocked! I can try to unsuccessfully lie to Shiraishi about Ichika being surprised he's the director! Is this because he's been unlocked as a route?
Ooh and it occurs to me there aren't any Yanagi choices at all. He's definitely shaping up to be Final Boy.
Ok going to listen to all the X-day video voices more carefully, including my VERY VAGUE sense of how polite people are being.
IX April (police kidnapped): Expressive, polite, deep.
VIII May (police killed): High, girly. Probably bunny girl.
VII June (school): Earnest, tenor, polite, very slight lisp?
VI July (stalker): Sadly wavering, tenor
V August (gamer deaths): Deep, blunt, calm. Probably Sanjou
IV September (faked suicide): Tenor, wryly theatrical, mildly polite.
III October (just a video): Soft sad slow simple whispery tenor.
II November (traffic accident): Smug fast youthful tenor. The hacker?
Whoa I only get one choice about what to say to Sakuragawa? I had more last time! I guess this is the route choice, and you only see the routes you have enough points for.
Last time I picked something earnest about protecting people, which is definitely what Okazaki would like. This time my only choice is to ask about the weapons ban. And without me prompting Ichika says she wants to focus on the August case, eg Sasazuka's case, because that's what brought the guns into Shinjuku.
She isn't actually looking forward to working with Sasazuka himself, though, and wonders how Sakuragawa is close with him. Sakuragawa describes him as a 'quirky drinking friend', and says he was living in America until 2 years ago.
Ichika thinks "Oh that explains why he's aggressive and headstrong and constantly interrupts and cuts people off!"
I'd be more offended on behalf of Americans if I hadn't played so many American dating sims where The Asian Guy has this exact same personality type.
They met when she found him swearing to himself in English haha. It was such a weird sight Sakuragawa was compelled to talk to him, saying "If it's that bad, then just go home, take a dump, and go to sleep" in English omg I love her.
Seeing Ichika's face she says "Someone like you might not get along working with him" but says he especially hates idiots: people who ask thoughtless questions.
Ichika: :(
Sakuragawa: He's not hateful at heart. If you view it as him being honest, isn't it kind of cute? Also, get him donuts, he likes sweet things :)
Kinda shipping Sakuragawa/Sasazuka here but they're also a cute brotp. Here's hoping she makes it to the end without being revealed to be his evil long lost twin sister, and then dying.
CHAPTER ONE
Before I get started, to give some idea of what we're in for, this is Sasazuka's default smile:
This chapter starts out with the same events, the coder of the computer game being killed with a timer, but instead of seeing the scene, and the police's frustration at failing to save a life, Ichika interviews suspicious and scared residents and gets commended by Minegishi from Investigations for the quality of her report. He says that she has more direct experiences with Shinjuku residents, so if she ever thinks of anything to pass it on.
Minegishi: Oh, and give my regards to Yanagi and the others ;)
Ichika: D:
First choice: WHAT KIND OF DONUTS TO BUY!
...you know what, screw it, I'm tired, I'm using the walkthrough.
But my instincts were correct haha! He doesn't like maccha, and generally thinks Japanese sweets are bad: too bitter or made with beans.
Ichika: You don't eat red beans??
Sasazuka: If I wanted beans I'd eat chili >:(
SWEET BEANS ARE DELICIOUS, SASAZUKA
Also, Americans seem to love maccha these days, but maybe that just pisses Sasazuka off too.
Sasazuka point blank refuses to work with her because she'd slow him down. Yanagi takes her aside and suggests she pick a different case.
Yanagi: He's not a bad guy, but he's used to working alone. And all he cares about is getting the Firearms and Swords act repealed. If you're useful to him, he'll use you without restraint, even if it's dangerous for you.
AN AMERICAN WHO CARES ABOUT GUN CONTROL. You know, what, sure, he's probably had his fill of gun violence.
Once again Yanagi offers to work with her instead. But this Ichika also has a PASSION FOR GUN CONTROL.
She passes on the message from Minegishi, and Yanagi reasures her that this doesn't mean he knows about the collar, he must have just gotten her name from Okazaki. Yanagi says it would be useful if she could cultivate a good relationship with Minegishi but she should put her own safety first.
Sasazuka ignores her as she tries to appeal to their mutual passion for gun control. But just as she's about to leave he says "What use would you be? Unless you're willing to just be my pawn and obey my every whim >:D"
Ichika: I want to be your partner.
Sasazuka: Are you a masochist or something? Then I'll pick on you until you cry.
Ahaha he asks what her forte is and my choices are shooting or cooking. GOD and the right answer is COOKING is she going to win him over with FOOD /o\
Haha ok she was looking at the instant noodle packets all over his desk and thinks he would benefit from a better diet. He says she's an idiot and asks for a serious answer, and she says shooting after all, but saying cooking threw him off his stride a bit.
She talks about how serious a responsibility having a weapon is, and how she trains every day to make sure she never makes a mistake.
He still rejects her but she refuses to give up, saying she'll come every day and ask again. He glares at her, and then grins, saying he has a test: what is the common thread of the X-day incidents? If she isn't able to answer that, she's not worth working with.
She says she understands, and leaves, thinking.
Okazaki: Hello Ms. Cat :)
Ichika: My name is Officer Ichiko Hoshino of the SCRPO. But you knew that didn't you?
Okazaki: Then I'll call you Ichika-chan. You're investigating X-day too, aren't you? :)
He walks her home and she finds his smiling mask exhausting. He says she should ask him for help if she's ever in danger, because he has a feeling she's the sort to get into it.
Ichika makes a bento box for...Sakuragawa. Ok :D
New X-day video. As on Okazaki's route, it's the wavering voice talking about the burned stalker. Wait is this Sugawara? It would have to have been tone shifted down but her voice had a similar intense unstable quality, and she WAS the murderer. Hmm!
Everyone's overworked but Ichika is left at the station to answer phones.
Sakuragawa grabs Ichika's hand and drags her to have lunch with HOT ASSISTANT MUKAI?? :D
In Shiraishi's office, which is apparently the nicest place in the station...as long as he's not there. Sakuragawa is so enthusiastic about Ichika's cooking (MEAT!) that Mukai looks quietly jealous (she can't cook so only eats takeaway). So Mukai gets Ichika's lunch while Ichika gets Mukai's fancy takeaway, to their mutual satisfaction.
Ok I can live with Ichika winning over Sasazuka with food if she ALSO wins over all the hot girls.
Mukai wonders at Sakuragawa eating so enthusiastically just after doing forensics on a burned corpse and she says people with delicate nerves don't go into forensics.
Sakuragawa: But two nights of this in a row is too much. The bed in the nap room is too hard for me. But I heard they're going to solve this one soon...
And then she gives Ichika a tiny wink, to indicate she's passing on info on purpose.
Mukai: The director said something similar, in his oh-so-annoying way. He's doing this on purpose to taunt me!
Ichika: Did he, uh, say anything else?
Mukai: What?
Ichika: UH....
Sakuragawa: Hoshino doesn't like Shiraishi either and wants information on the enemy ;)
Mukai: Oh! I feel like we are going to get along very well :D If all three of us face him together, one day we can show the director what we're made of.
Sakuragawa: Anyway, you were saying about the case today...
Best girl.
In her spare moments, Ichika tries to figure out the common thread of the X-day incidents, and starts to unravel some of the connections I already know from the previous route.
Mikuni POV in the creepy underground church! He asks Zero why there were two incidents this month, and apparently Zero says it was to make Ichika, 'the live experiment', notice.
Ichika sees a punky looking guy with a badge saying "Oppose force with force" being detained by police, and Saeki says he's a person of interest in an X-day killing. She decides to go ask Shiraishi if he has any further info.
Mukai: I'm sorry to tell you this when you've come all this way...but the Director is in today :(
Shiraishi: People do come to visit me on purpose, Mukai :)
Mukai: Have you fallen into this man's web?? D:
Shiraishi: Rude. This is by mutual consent :)
Mukai: D:
Ichika: It's not like that!
Mukai: Thank goodness! But stay on your guard.
After she's gone, Ichika manages to show enough knowledge of the X-Day cases to pique Shiraishi's interest and get him to give her a hint.
Shiraishi: Have you forgotten the purpose of the X-day killings? They're kind enough to tell you on every video ;)
She rings to tell Sasazuka she's figured it out, but he curtly says he's busy.
I made the seemingly benign decision to visit a park without consulting the walkthrough and Ichika mentioned a teen girl and I was all DAMMIT NOT STABBY BUNNYGIRL but no it's someone else, phew.
The girl is crying, but when Ichika says her parents are probably worried she gets CRAZY EYES and starts ranting about how NOT EVERYONE HAS A HOME TO GO BACK TO and then STARTS STRANGLING ICHIKA
HOW MANY MURDEROUS TEEN GIRLS ARE IN THIS DAMN GAME
Ichika mentioning that she's police Does Not Help. But then a boy runs up and says "You're doing this again? Stop it!"
Girl: She's a cop. She's here to kill us.
Boy: Oh. Then you couldn't help it.
AND THEN. HE SHOOTS HER??
The final screen is the two teens with the numbers III and IV. *scrolls up to voices* Huh...maybe?
THE END
SO. NO PARK.
Ichika meets Yoshinari and thinks about how there's two SP agents watching the detectives. But while she doesn't trust them, and finds Okazaki odd, she doesn't hate them.
She finds Enomoto sulking about an argument he had with Sasazuka, who's cooling off on the roof. Yamato thinks it was Enomoto's fault for messing with him.
Ichika tells Sasazuka that's she's figured out that Adonis is doing substitute killings, giving every murderer a perfect alibi for the murder they have a motive for. She tries to speak in the same straightforward style as him.
Sasazuka: I wasn't expecting much because an idiot's an idiot but it seems you're a useful idiot :D 75 points.
Ichika takes a breath and finds the strength to say the words she's longed to say.
Ichika: Stop calling me an idiot! I've never investigated before, but I thought hard to figure this out!
Sasazuka: What are you complaining about? I was praising you! I said you were useful.
Ichika: A useful IDIOT.
Sasazuka: You know you're dumber than me, why are you mad? But a pass is a pass.
Ichika: What a relief!
Sasazuka: Heh. It's like I can see your tail wagging. You might be more of a dog than a cat. Congratulations, dumb dog ^_^
Ichika: HEY
And then he hands her a donut.
Ichika: Is this supposed to be my chow?
Sasazuka: It's a treat. You should feel honoured, I don't give donuts out to just anyone. But I don't think of you as a partner yet. A pawn that captures pieces is still a pawn until it gets promoted. Just work hard, poochie ;)
She eats the donut while thinking about what a vile person he is haha. He gets her to carry his computer so he can carry the donuts, but when he can tell she thinks his love of sweets is cute gets all huffy.
He's so terrible and I am absolutely into it.
CHAPTER TWO
Sasazuka says she needs to figure out the remaining 25 points missing from her understanding of the case.
Sasazuka: Do your best, it would suck if we split after an hour >:D
I realised one reason I want to use a walkthrough is that he gets so SMUG when she's wrong. Plus I've already found out most of the mysteries she's figuring out right now,
But one new thing does come up: the reasons it's so obvious these are substitution killings is the repeated motives, implying that Adonis wants the police to figure it out.
Or perhaps, wants these guys to figure it out, with Ichika's collar the silent witness.
Ahahaha and then Sasazuka gives her a little chocolate wrapped in foil for doing so well?? OMG
(And unlike Okazaki, getting the answers right DOES increase his affection lol)
Shiraishi says that the suspect for the countdown killing is an unemployed 20 year old called Manabu Souda. When they arrested him he freaked out when they took his phone because he'd miss an online game event. But now all he'll say is "give me back my phone" like a broken robot.
So now Ichika is on the same page as everyone else...and equally at a loss for what to do next.
As she's leaving, Sasazuka says "I'm hungry. Food. Let's go." and walks off.
You know. Like an American.
But when she catches up to him in the street, he asks what she wants, and insists she choose even when she points out he seems pickier than her. So she chooses the isekaya bar she goes to with Saeki, and while Sasazuka is a little snarky he accepts her suggestions on dishes and makes his own, letting her know what he doesn't like.
Ichika: So where do you go with Sakuragawa?
Sasazuka: Places that sell meat, watching her eat will make you feel full. But I feel comfortable with her direct nature.
He talks about how frustrating he finds the bureaucracy in Japan compared to being left to do his own thing in the US. But the cliques and racism at school were 'asinine' so he just dropped out at 14. At first he got into stocks, then ran an import business, but since his dad was in IT he decided to shift into that. Unfortunately, in Japan you're stigmatised without a degree.
Ichika: So what made you move back to Japan and join the police?
Sasazuka: Just felt like it >.> Why are you interrogating me >:(
Ichika, realising she needs to change the subject: Um...so do you think I could learn hacking? Maybe I could help :)
Sasazuka: Come back when you've mastered C. Or maybe we should start you at Kindergarten :D
And then he eats one of every dessert on the menu.
Afterwards, she thanks him and says she'll pay him back some time, but he says he's not going to let someone younger pay for him, especially not a younger woman. Which lowers my opinion of him but raises hers haha.
Sasazuka: But I'm not walking you home :P
Ichika: Hmmph. Oh hey it's my little brother and his friend! I should go get him.
Sasazuka: *staring at the boys in shock* Wait. Send a text asking where he is right now.
And Kazuki replies saying he's at Akito's house.
As Ichika wonders how many other times Kazuki has lied to her, Sasazuka grabs her arm and says he'll take her home, hailing a taxi. He's silent the whole way there but then insists on coming inside and seeing Kazuki's room. But she refuses to violate Kazuki's privacy without an explanation.
Oh god. I thought he recognised Kazuki from his band. But no: he recognised Akito, as a suspect in the June incident where a middle class was bombed. Akito had been highly suspicious...but had a perfect alibi.
And now I have to search Kazuki's room D: I preferred the murder scene of a stranger D:
It becomes clear that Kazuki is in a band, with a concert today, and has dramatic lyrics about rebellion and a new world that could just be metaphor...or could be Adonis related.
A pink fan letter from a girl called Hana...with a bunny theme D: It feels to Ichika like the Cool Guitarist Kazuki being described here is a Kazuki she doesn't know. Ha, meanwhile Sasazuka has trouble reading the slangy, girly Japanese.
They find a cd called "Rebirth" by Hiro, the pop singer who briefly showed up on the Okazaki path before his fan bunnygirl killed Ichika. His full name is Yasuhiro Isshiki, and Sasazuka recognises him as another former X-Day suspect. Hiro was wrongly arrested by one of the officers who later got killed, and it ruined the career of Hiro's original band, 'Gaimu'. OOH it sounds like the same incident that got Ogata arrested, leading him to join Adonis. Which they don't know about yet, but it's not a good sign.
Ichika: I'm sure Kazuki just likes his music.
Me, who knows they're in the same band: D:
Ichika, when Sasazuka points out the cd is signed to Kazuki and has Hiro's contact info: D:
Ichika starts freaking out. Sasazuka pulls her into a hug, patting her back and calmly telling her to get it together, and that they don't know anything for certain yet.
Ichiki, crying into his shoulder: If he's involved in an incident....
Sasazuka: What would you do? Would you ignore it? What can you do, as an older sister and a police officer?
Ichiki: I'll investigate. To prove he's innocent, or be prepared to stop him.
Sasazuka: Well said :)
Sasazuka buys them tickets to the concert, and Ichika feels better knowing she has a reliable partner by her side.
They hear fans talking about how Hiro has a supporting guitarist tonight called Kazuki, and might not be a solo act much longer.
OH NO
ONE OF THEM IS NAMED HANA
AND YEP IT'S BUNNYGIRL
She says she spoke to Hiro personally at the bar after a concert and he thinks Kazuki has talent. And so...Hana has his email address, as a connection to Hiro D:
NOPE
(also note that her iris is a ten pointed star, which shows up on the Adonis coins. LOOK THIS GAME PROMISED ME MATHS I'LL TAKE WHAT I CAN GET)
Sasazuka: You should stop looking like you want to arrest a bunch of little girls.
As the concert begins, Ichika is overcome by how amazing Kazuki is, and how happy he looks. Even Sasazuka admits the music isn't bad.
And then they bump into Akito, and Sasazuka acts like he needs to be introduced, suggesting they get to know each other outside.
Akito: Uh...did Kazuki tell you about the concert?
Sasazuka: She was worried so I told her to check his room.
Ichika: Please don't tell Kazuki.
Akito: Just don't bother him about his white lie. He was putting it all on this concert. He made a deal with Isshiki that if tonight went well they'd form a band. I was the one who told him to lie when he needed practice somewhere away from home.
Ichika: So was I just interfering with his dreams? :(
Akito: No! He wants to earn your approval more than anyone! But if you stay on your current course you'll regret it. Please, I know that pain more than anyone.
Later, Ichika says she can't imagine Akito is guilty. But then Sasazuka says his little sister committed suicide because of bullying by the class that got killed.
Ichika: But to kill a whole class? Isn't that too much?
Sasazuka: You've never hated someone so badly you wanted to kill them, have you? I have.
Ichika: What happened?
Sasazuka: ...I won't tell you. I just wanted you to know not everyone has spent their whole lives having peaceful thoughts. I understand the X-day criminals. To them their actions are just.
Ichika: But we can't let everyone have vengeance. There'd be chaos.
Sasazuka, smiling sadly: Exactly.
And then he says she should maintain the connection with Akito, reminding her how dangerous Adonis is with a significant look at her neck.
A new Adonis video that got glossed over last time: a high girly voice talks over images of a bunch of abusive business people being forced to jump off a building by someone with a delicate, long-nailed hand.
When Kazuki comes home, he's in a good mood. Ichika feels awful as she asks if they can invite Akito over for dinner to thank him for 'having Kazuki over' so much.
Minegishi: Are you free tonight?
Ichika: Yes? *suddenly realises the possible subtext* UH. ACTUALLY.
Minegishi: Haha, I didn't mean anything weird. I just want you to organise a meeting with Sasazuka.
Seeing him with Ichika, Minegishi says he's never seen Sasazuka open up with anyone so much except 'that girl from Forensics'.
Sasazuka: It's not like that. She's just a pet or something.
Am feeling a sudden suspicion that Minegishi is Zero. He's about the only slight dude over 30 with a pointy chin, has a high polite voice, is clever, reserved, and principled, and plays his cards close to his chest. That sort of weird quasi-romantic interaction wouldn't normally happen with a Nice Older Male Secondary Character (unless they're going for a love triangle?? But I don't see it). And there's signs he comes from the same sort of privileged background as Mikuni.
I think Saeki is probably also in Adonis but not as high up, while Akito is the hacker. But we'll see!
Minegishi takes them to a fancy traditional restaurant where Ichika feels very out of place, and wishes Sasazuka would respond with respond with more than polite indifference to her superior's friendly chatter.
Minegishi: Did you know we recruited him when he won a hacking competition? It's a pity we lost such a talent.
Sasazuka: The level of hacking in Japan is quite low. Would you mind getting to the point please?
Minegishi: I want you to return to the force. X-Day is approaching and there's no point dividing our resources. You achieved more in your two months at Investigations HQ than anyone else. And we could offer you useful information.
Sasazuka: I refuse. Thank you for the meal.
And then he leaves. Minegishi tells Ichika he's not going to give up.
Ichika chases after Sasazuka, demanding to know his reasons.
Sasazuka: It doesn't matter.
Ichika: I need to know. Because I'm not just your little pet, I'm your partner!
But in the end, she's left feeling like he doesn't respect her enough to explain.
Mochida sends Ichika to HQ with documents for Minegishi, saying it's great she seems to be his favourite and to keep up the good work. Mochida finds him intimidating, but so does she.
Sasazuka doesn't respond to Ichika's texts, and when she gets to the agency Enomoto says he's shut himself in at home and the only way to contact him right now is going in person.
Ichika: I don't want to bother him...
Enomoto: A mere Seaweed is not worth fearing! The enemy is at Honnoji :D *hands over address*
She rings and he sleepily grumps about invasion of privacy but says he'll forgive her if she brings food.
I suspected that bringing ingredients instead of a pre-cooked meal was a bad idea but was curious, and the dude doesn't even have a kitchen haha.
It turns out the reason he's been busy hacking is that Minegishi has locked down the part of the police system he was using to gather information. He can get past it, but it takes more time than the information is worth. Ichika asks again why he doesn't just go back, and when he refuses to say asks if it's because he doesn't trust her, or doesn't want the collar to hear. Sasazuka just goes silent and glares, then flops himself into bed saying he wants to sleep, and that she should go.
She realises that he isn't able to lie or talk about his feelings so has to rely on such childish behaviour. As she goes to leave, she thinks about how she kinda likes him now, at least enough to want to help ease his burdens.
When she realises she can't lock the door behind her she goes back and the now genuinely sleeping Sasazuka pulls her into bed with him. She sees the bags under his eyes, and feels his warmth, and is kinda into it, all 'well he really needs the sleep, and I don't hate it...'.
Sasazuka POV! He hears 'rock a bye baby', which he associates with his mother babysitting 'to fill time when father wasn't around'.
Flashback! Sasazuka's mother affectionately talks about feeling nostalgic for when he was a baby. And then the image cracks like a window that's been shot and he bolts awake.
He has a moment of flustered WHY AM I IN BED WITH ICHIKA, then figures out what happened and feels affectionately irritated at her for giving him such a shock.
He looks at her peaceful face, briefly angry that she looks so calm when she's in so much danger, then wonders if she's secretly terrified.
"Whatever, I'm not going to show her any pity. She's just a pawn that I can play. But why did I let myself get so close? I don't treat her like a victim, but I'm not myself. Are crying brats and girls my weakness? It's all her fault for being so pet-like. This is stupid...but I don't hate it. And I can't say she isn't my type." He kisses the top of her head, and falls back asleep.
Unknown Adonis POV, probably Zero: Apparently this person, and many others in Adonis, questioned whether it was necessary to kill an ENTIRE class of children. But "There are not minor and major sins. All sinners must get the same punishment. A lot more sorrow will required to create the ideal world, we must rid ourselves of this ambivalence."
