Collar x Malice: Yanagi, Chapters 1 and 2
Dec. 8th, 2021 04:16 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alias_sqbrMasterlist and guide
I'm enjoying this so far! Yanagi turns out to be a SEETHING MASS OF GUILT under his calm facade, which is entirely my jam. And the romantic arc seems to involve him learning to take the main character seriously as an investigative partner and equal, instead of as a victim and younger woman to be protected.
Content note: Violence, death, vague reference to incest shipping in a different game
So I've been thinking about the options for Zero, now that so many characters have been in the same room as him etc, and I'm left with Minegishi (who seems a bit tall), an as-yet unseen character (then why the hood? Just as a red herring?), and Someone's Evil Twin. Maybe Ichika's! NO. KAZUKI'S. KAZUKI'S EVIL TWIN WHO VOWED TO CREATE A NEW JAPAN THROUGH MURDER AT THE AGE OF EIGHT.
Oooh my three options when I start a new game are "Chapter 0: Prologue", "Chapter 0: Common" and "Chapter 0: Aiji Yanagi".
I then made a genuine attempt to go to sleep, woke up with random itching, and played about half an hour in a fog until the anti histamine kicked in. But as I sleepily recall the next morning, that first half hour was actually kinda dull!
A year before X-day: Unknown Adonis POV (probably Zero) is keeping a diary of their feelings, to remind themself that while it hurts to cause so much sorrow, it will all be worth it. Idk, you kinda seem to get a kick out of causing sorrow, Zero.
October: Yanagi is startled from his traumatic flashback from That One Time He (attempted to??) Beat Someone To Death by Enomoto letting him know that the potential new agency members Shiraishi and Sasazuka are here. This all goes about the way you'd expect, and Yanagi's POV isn't very exciting, though he hates himself a little more than I was expecting (and I was expecting a fair amount!). He tells the others he wants to solve X-Day because it's the right thing to do, and this isn't a lie, but also...he needs to prove something to himself? His own value as a protector, or something?
And then Chapter 0 continues on the same as on all the other routes until I've successfully not gotten onto anyone else's path.
Instead of deciding which part of X-Day to focus on, Ichika feels like she wants to understand the whole thing, and it's motivations. Knowing this is what Yanagi's investigating, she contacts him to discuss it.
He's very sympathetic about how bad she must be feeling, and she appreciates it but points out she's a police officer. She asks why he immediately trusted her, and why he looks so sad.
Yanagi: You don't remember me, do you?
Ichika: I'm sorry. Have we met before?
Yanagi: Never mind. That was just my clumsy way of hitting on you :)
Ichika: I...see...
YANAGI
She is pretty sure he's lying, so just changes the subject. Because she has the sense that they have met before, though she still can't remember when.
Yanagi says he wants to help the people of the city regain their normal lives. Ichika says she initially just wanted to get rid of the collar, but now she wants to help, though she feels powerless. He gently bops her on the head and says "You're plenty strong. I'm certain we'll solve these crimes, and get rid of that collar. You'll be helping us a lot. And I know we seem shady, but none of us are bad guys. I think..." *Shiraishi sneezes in the distance*
Ichika: Heh. You really are like a dad.
Yanagi: Give me a break >:|
They have a nice dynamic, but I do hope he gets less dadly around her before the romance kicks in.
Ichika tells Sakuragawa her moivation is wants to save the city without me even having to choose.
CHAPTER ONE
Zero asked Mikuni to investigate Yanagi. "He seems deeply connected to Ichika Hoshino's past, and some details of his past seem falsified. He is a sinner. It seems he doesn't know about number 14. You seem to be enjoying this. Why are you so interested in him? Our highest priority is X-Day." Mikuni is worried that the enforcers are taking too much initiative, but Zero thinks this is Adonis's ideals taking root.
I didn't mention this on his route, but Shiraishi seemed to think that Mikuni sees Zero as a brother.
Zero types in his diary that while in Investigations, Yanagi allowed multiple suspects to escape, leading to 'the incident'. He was being observed as a possible rehabilitation subject but then quit. Will he be judged or will he carry out judgement?
...I would just like to acknowledge, with some embarrassment, that this is the point where it finally occurred to me that Zero's name is the English word 'Zero' and not the Japanese word...*checks* ok, they just use the English word 'Zero' as a loanword NEVER MIND THEN. There is also 'Rei' but that's less commonly used if I'm understanding Wikipedia right.
Was just thinking about the different love interests and how they fit the themes of the story. To make things clear, let's say every X-Day crime has victims, criminals, and executors. The criminal hurt the victim, then was killed for Adonis by an executioner (who is generally a victim, too) The translation uses both executioner and enforcer but afaict they're the same people.
Okazaki: Is the only one not to have quit the police, though he is clear eyed about the flaws. Overall kinda morally grey and pragmatic. Instead of caring about justice and revenge, he cares about protection and duty, and wants to die performing his duty protecting someone important, to the people and himself. Sees himself as a tool of the police for the greater good.
Enomoto: cares VERY DEEPLY about justice, very affectionate and personally loyal, idealistic about the police. Was close to one of the criminals, a police officer, and felt betrayed, but thinks the criminal should have had a chance to atone. Apologises to one victim, who has moved on. Stops himself taking revenge on a different victim-turned-executioner and gives the executioner a chance to atone.
Sasazuka: Mildly amoral, very pragmatic. Is a victim of a criminal who COULD be punished by Adonis. Is given the chance to become an executioner, is tempted but rejects it. Has trauma around guns, is from the lawless gun-filled dystopia that is the United States.
Shiraishi: Almost amoral and uninterested in much at all except for his duty to Adonis and protectiveness/love for Ichika. Adonis sees him as a weapon to be used for other people's revenge, and to protect (in a fucked up way) the people, but not as having any value or will of his own.
Yanagi: seems concerned with protection and justice. Appears to be right on the line, from Adoni's POV, between criminal and victim.
(the scene right now is everyone discussing the gam dev murder I have seen discussed FIVE TIMES NOW and I am bored, thus the random pondering)
Also Yanagi and Ichika have a nice dynamic and all but I'm not currently very excited for their arc cos they already get along fine.
Okazaki tries to come along with Yanagi when he's walking Ichika home, and Yanagi becomes increasingly hostile and suspicious as Okazaki questions and hold hands with Ichika, all I Just Want To Be Friends. Okazaki laughs and says Yanagi is 'also a terrible liar' and now he knows Ichika is important to him. Sneaky bastard.
Yanagi POV. Enomoto worries Adonis will learn too much about their investigation through Ichika, but Sasazuka says 'being Yanagi's assistant investigating Adonis as a whole' is the kind of role where she can easily LOOK busy without really encountering much information, thus satisfying Adonis without actually leaking much. And Yanagi agrees that's what he's doing haha ok well THERE'S some possible drama when she realises she's being fobbed off.
Sasazuka: Then do you suspect her?
Yanagi: She bears no ill will.
Sasazuka: How do you know?
Yanagi: Instinct.
Sasazuka: *rolls eyes*
Yanagi: But she must have some connection to the criminals. They knew when they'd find her alone, and wrote about her like they know her.
Enomoto: Someone in the police?
Yanagi: She's too new to have formed strong bonds. It could as easily be anyone she's met, even briefly.
Sasazuka: Someone like you then. You already know her.
Yanagi: ...how could you tell?
Sasazuka: Instinct ;)
Yanagi: Whoever it is, they'll probably make contact with her soon.
I got around to looking up whether the game accurately depicts the appearance of Shinjuku Police Station (mostly) and police uniforms (not really)
After thinking about why Adonis has suddenly switched from one carefully organised crime a month to a bunch of sloppy ones in a row, Ichika suggests to Yanagi that there may have been a change of leadership, which I don't think anyone has brought up as a possibility before and I certainly hadn't considered. HMM!
Once again Ichika inadvertently gives the impression of being into Shiraishi and gets asked about it by Sakuragawa and Mukai. When she's all "Is this like that scene in a drama where women into a man get jealous" they're both VERY GROSSED OUT at the idea. They just wanted to warn her off for her own good! Mukai invites her to join the coalition when she tires of him.
Ichika is doing her best but feels like she has nothing to contribute to Yanagi and he's not giving her anything to do.
She bumps into Kazuki and Akito and says they shouldn't be out so late, but Kazuki mumbles about how Akito was having a tough time at home so Kazuki wanted to cheer him up.
Ichika: Then he can stay at our place.
Kazuki: Who cares. Is anywhere safe? Can you guarantee I won't be killed at home? Adonis says they'll only target wrongdoers but who hasn't committed wrongdoing?
Akito: ... :(
Kazuki: I can't stand being chained up any more. Something big's going down in January. Just let me enjoy the time I have left.
Ichika: I'm not telling you to stay home. Just...be careful.
She decides she can't waste any more time and goes to ask Yanagi for help. She finds him on the roof smoking and looking out on the city with kind, sad eyes. She tells him he should quit smoking, and he agrees.
Yanagi: Talking through my thoughts with you is already helpful, so don't worry about it.
Ichika: Do you actually want me working on the investigation? We don't have much time, and there's lots I could be doing, even menial tasks. Do you think I'd be a hindrance?
Yanagi: ...I never told you why I quit the police. I want to protect everything, even things rules stop the police from protecting. And I wanted to keep you safe.
She isn't angry, but refuses to back down. And then collar pipes up to imply that if she doesn't take part in the investigation she'll be killed.
CHAPTER TWO
The collar says Yanagi's primary motivation for 'keeping her safe' is to stop Adonis's eavesdropping. Yanagi admits that this is a motivation, but says Adonis can hardly blame them for being cautious when they give such vague instructions and one wrong move could expose the collar to the police and get Ichika killed (and also, he points out, massively inconvenience Adonis)
Yanagi: So I'll ask you point blank: what exactly should we do with her? What do you want?
The collar: To see how she would act. We entrusted her to you so she may learn the truth of X-Day.
Yanagi: Since you want us to learn the full truth of X-Day: is the 'rebirth' you seek the reform of Japanese law through violent revolt? That will create more victims, is that truly what you seek? You seem to me to be motivated by hate and anger borne from sorrow. Do you really think purging society of 'sinners' will lead to true peace? What is the end game, when there is no erasing hate, and sorrow breeds sorrow and just causes more of the crimes you hate? Your standards so vague society just sees you as indiscriminate murderers, and history will only remember you as self righteous terrorists.
The Collar: Heh. There is some truth to what you say. But such words are hardly persuasive coming from you. Do you merely fear vengeance from those you've hurt? Do you think you understand their suffering?
Yanagi: D:
The Collar: There is no way to heal the wounds of victims. No matter what, we will obstruct current laws.
Ahaha omg and then it rants that the death penality isn't being applied to enough criminals.
The Collar: Are you saying our wish is wrong?
Yanagi: I...
Ichika: (hmm, it makes some valid points)
Me: YOUR WISH IS BAD AND YOU SHOULD FEEL BAD
Ichika: Are you telling me to study the vagueness of the law and police impotence? I am sure I will learn things that will make me see the police as wrong. But I can't acknowledge what you do as justice.
Me: *waves pamphlets on police reform at everyone, is roundly ignored, because the only options are the status quo and vigilante murderworld*
She points out all the harm Adonis has caused, including increased chaos and violence. They're as bad as the police, a law that doesn't save anyone.
The Collar: (long pause) It is an inevitable cost of the rebirth.
Ichika: Then I will never be one of your so-called sympathisers.
The Collar: We look forward to seeing if that still holds true...once you discover Aiji Yanagi's sins :)
...why did the edges of the screen go purple...???
Ichika admires Yanangi's combination of honesty and unflappable reliability, and seems completely incurious about the 'crimes', just reiterating her determination to help. He sighs and agrees.
Ichika has a 'dreary nightmare'...which is Yanagi's nightmare, from the point of view of someone hidden in the dark, hearing a man scream apologies and pleas for mercy as they are viciously beaten.
She doesn't remember when she first started having this nightmare, but it often appears when she's tired.
She notices Kazuki seeaking out of the house in the middle of the night and thinks "What would Yanagi do?" She decides the answer is "ask for help", and texts him. He's glad she asked for backup.
They are stopped at the door to the concert venue by Isshiki.
Ichika: Hi, I'm Kazuki's sister.
Isshiki: Ah yes, Akito mentioned you...
Yanagi: I'm her escort, because a woman shouldn't travel alone this late at night.
Isshiki: It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Yasuhiro Isshiki, I'm in Kazuki's band :)
Ichika: Oh! Thank you for looking after him :)
Yanagi: ...Yasuhiro Isshiki... >:(
Isshiki: Please let Kazuki concentrate on practicing for our concert.
Yangi: It isn't good to bring a minor here this late at night. If something happens, you'd be the one held responsible.
Isshiki: You talk like a cop, man. And if someone HYPOTHETICALLY REPORTED IT the actual cops wouldn't come and it would just damage Kazuki's relationship with his sister :)
Kuazuki sees her and is PISSED and storms off. Issiki tries to get Ichika to understand Kazuki's POV, guessing that all he really wants is for Ichika to acknowledge him. Yanagi points out that at this point dragging him home would just cause more problems.
Isshiki: I'm glad to see you're not a bad person. I'll make sure he gets home safe.
Ichika: ... :(
FUCKING HANA
She and Yanagi both claim to just be 'on a midnight stroll' lol.
Ichika: So what now?
Yanagi. Hmm. *to the open air* Okazaki, you there?
Okazaki, appearing out of freaking nowhere: Hmm, what's up? :)
Yanagi asks him to watch Kazuki but Okazaki points out his job is to guard Yanagi.
Yanagi: The office isn't far and Yoshinari's there. I'm not so weak I need protection. Unlike Sasazuka...
Okazaki: True. And I'd rather protect the kitty cat. Though I should probably just call you Ichika Hoshino :)
Ichika: It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry I lied. But could you please look after my brother *puppy dog eyes*
Okazaki thinks about it for a while then says he'll do it if she gives him her phone number lol.
Ichika: *looks at Yanagi for guidance*
Yanagi: It's just contact information, why not?
Okazaki: Yay, I got your dad's blessing :D
Okazaki you are TWO YEARS younger than Yanagi.
Yanagi: I'm not her dad >:(
Okazaki: You owe me a favour now and I charge a looooot of interest ;)
Yanagi acts pissy but afterwards tells Ichika that Okazaki takes his job seriously and is so stubborn he can be hard to compromise with.
Yanagi: It was hard for Sasazuka to find much information on him, but we've had enough unwanted contact to construct a full psych profile. And he's not the sort to take on a job out of the goodness of his heart, he said yes because he sees a benefit to it. Watch out around him.
Ichika, halfway home: WAIT. ISN'T YASUHIRO ISSHIKI AN X-DAY SUSPECT D:
Ichika checks out a bunch of police departments for clues, she doesn't find much but does notice how overworked Investigations is. She suggests to Mochida that they ask if the SRCPO can help, not really expecting it to work, and Minegishi gets the two of them to be assigned to Investigations.
Minegishi gives them both stacks of info to read, mentioning that there's nothing in there the criminals don't already know. He then confirms that she's 'friends' with Yanagi and co and Ichika realises this is why he cares about some no-name rookie, and is aware she will be closely watched from now on.
Yanagi: I've been trying to understand the motivations of the arsonist murderer.
Ichika: Like a profiler like Shiraishi? Isn't there a danger of empathising too much?
Yanagi: Not for him. He compartmentalises the emotions.
Ichika: I'm surprised you two get along so well.
Yanagi: I'be known him since I'd just joined the force, and I've grown accustomed to his temperament. Come to think of it...he might be the friend I've had the longest.
Ichika: You seem like opposites, it didn't feel like you knew each other well.
Yanagi: Heh, it might look like that from the outside. But we're alike in some ways. I know you don't like him, but he's just awkward, and not so unlikeable once you get to know him.
*ships it*
*vaguely plots AU where Shiraishi is ordered to break the heart of Yanagi instead of Ichika, even though this would make no sense*
Yanagi reminds Ichika not to force the issue of working on X-Day too hard and she explains that she wants to create a safe Shinjuku for Kazuki.
They see a panicked, overprotective mother freak out when her child runs into the empty park.
Ichika talks about a vaguely remembered incident from when she was about 9, and her family visited Tokyo. All she really remembers is being scared.
Yanagi: I...see.... :(
(Their parents went on about how much more talented Kazuki was when she was nine and he was six? Geeze)
Her parents hadn't really noticed she was gone but Kazuki held her while she cried. Seeing his expression, she promised herself she would keep it together from now on, and be the protective older sister. But until today she had forgotten that promise.
Yanagi: You might have remembered it in your heart, that's why you keep reaching out to him. He's at a difficult age, but this phase won't last forever. Siblings are always connected, even when they don't get along. If you're persistent, he'll understand one day.
ZERO AS YANAGI'S LONG LOST EVIL TWIN CONFIRMED
Yanagi: I have a much older brother. When I was young I always thought he was talking down to me. He did call me an idiot a lot but I was overly sensitive.
Ichika: Sounds like Sasazuka :)
Yanagi: There might be a slight resemblance, but Sasazuka isn't as cold blooded. My brother prioritises reputation and appearance, I suppose you could call him a public servant...our personalities never meshed but I wouldn't call him a bad person.
Ichika: It's kind of charming to imagine you losing your temper to everything your brother said...what were you like as a child?
Yanagi: Childish. As a teen you could say I was delinquent.
Ichika absolutely can't imagine it, especially when he mentions piercings. She asks him to talk the way he used to but he good naturedly refuses.
Yanagi: I caused my family a lot of trouble. I don't see them any more, but I like to think I am protecting them by trying to solve X-Day.
He cut all friend and family ties when he joined the police because he'd made up his mind to fight this fight alone?? He didn't want them to get hurt by his detective work??
Even Ichika thinks this is a BIT too self sacrificing.
He says he didn't quit the police because of an issue with the organisation, but because he is too weak to shoot criminals. She agrees that murder is bad and he smiles gently and says he hopes she will stay that strong and idealistic.
He SILENTLY HANDS HER INFORMATION ABOUT ADONIS, so the collar won't hear, and makes small talk to cover her reading. Yanagi confirmed as smartest boy.
The little girl is in the park again, lost and crying for her mother. Yanagi tries to calm her down but gets flustered. When Ichika does a better job he says she'd be good at hostage negotiation lol.
Girl: Hey uncle are you two a couple?
Yanagi: Uncle? D: But no, she's my...uh...
Ichika: I guess we do look like a family with you as the father and and me as the, uh...
Yanagi: You're both my little sisters :P
Ichika: Isn't she too young to be your sister?
Yanagi: I was kidding. Though you really are like a sister.
Ichika has a complicated feeling lol.
Girl: Will we really find mommy?
Yanagi: Yes. Uncle is a detective. No matter where she's hiding, I'll find her.
Ichika: Uncle is the world's best detective!
Yanagi: You called me uncle before :/
Ichika: Well I didn't want to confuse her and call you brother.
This is so funny after playing Hades which ties itself in knots to avoid love interests with THE SAME MOTHER using any sort of familial terms.
Ichika hadn't realised he was as old as 28 before, and wonders if that's why he seems so mature (lol Shiraishi is 29, so) Ichika enjoys teasing him a little now she's realised he's defensive about his age. In Japanese, 'uncle' is used as a general, and sometimes deliberately insulting, term for an old/older man, so his defensiveness isn't entirely unreasonable.
Adonis posts the video of business people being murdered by what seems to be Hana. Mikuni thinks this level of unplanned violence is undermining their goals, breaking down law and order and causing too much suffering.
Which is to say, too much suffering for Zero to bear.
Zero just smiles and...wait. Is his chin less pointy than I remembered??? IS IT MOCHIDA AFTER ALL??????
DUN DUN DUN
I'm enjoying this so far! Yanagi turns out to be a SEETHING MASS OF GUILT under his calm facade, which is entirely my jam. And the romantic arc seems to involve him learning to take the main character seriously as an investigative partner and equal, instead of as a victim and younger woman to be protected.
Content note: Violence, death, vague reference to incest shipping in a different game
So I've been thinking about the options for Zero, now that so many characters have been in the same room as him etc, and I'm left with Minegishi (who seems a bit tall), an as-yet unseen character (then why the hood? Just as a red herring?), and Someone's Evil Twin. Maybe Ichika's! NO. KAZUKI'S. KAZUKI'S EVIL TWIN WHO VOWED TO CREATE A NEW JAPAN THROUGH MURDER AT THE AGE OF EIGHT.
Oooh my three options when I start a new game are "Chapter 0: Prologue", "Chapter 0: Common" and "Chapter 0: Aiji Yanagi".
I then made a genuine attempt to go to sleep, woke up with random itching, and played about half an hour in a fog until the anti histamine kicked in. But as I sleepily recall the next morning, that first half hour was actually kinda dull!
A year before X-day: Unknown Adonis POV (probably Zero) is keeping a diary of their feelings, to remind themself that while it hurts to cause so much sorrow, it will all be worth it. Idk, you kinda seem to get a kick out of causing sorrow, Zero.
October: Yanagi is startled from his traumatic flashback from That One Time He (attempted to??) Beat Someone To Death by Enomoto letting him know that the potential new agency members Shiraishi and Sasazuka are here. This all goes about the way you'd expect, and Yanagi's POV isn't very exciting, though he hates himself a little more than I was expecting (and I was expecting a fair amount!). He tells the others he wants to solve X-Day because it's the right thing to do, and this isn't a lie, but also...he needs to prove something to himself? His own value as a protector, or something?
And then Chapter 0 continues on the same as on all the other routes until I've successfully not gotten onto anyone else's path.
Instead of deciding which part of X-Day to focus on, Ichika feels like she wants to understand the whole thing, and it's motivations. Knowing this is what Yanagi's investigating, she contacts him to discuss it.
He's very sympathetic about how bad she must be feeling, and she appreciates it but points out she's a police officer. She asks why he immediately trusted her, and why he looks so sad.
Yanagi: You don't remember me, do you?
Ichika: I'm sorry. Have we met before?
Yanagi: Never mind. That was just my clumsy way of hitting on you :)
Ichika: I...see...
YANAGI
She is pretty sure he's lying, so just changes the subject. Because she has the sense that they have met before, though she still can't remember when.
Yanagi says he wants to help the people of the city regain their normal lives. Ichika says she initially just wanted to get rid of the collar, but now she wants to help, though she feels powerless. He gently bops her on the head and says "You're plenty strong. I'm certain we'll solve these crimes, and get rid of that collar. You'll be helping us a lot. And I know we seem shady, but none of us are bad guys. I think..." *Shiraishi sneezes in the distance*
Ichika: Heh. You really are like a dad.
Yanagi: Give me a break >:|
They have a nice dynamic, but I do hope he gets less dadly around her before the romance kicks in.
Ichika tells Sakuragawa her moivation is wants to save the city without me even having to choose.
CHAPTER ONE
Zero asked Mikuni to investigate Yanagi. "He seems deeply connected to Ichika Hoshino's past, and some details of his past seem falsified. He is a sinner. It seems he doesn't know about number 14. You seem to be enjoying this. Why are you so interested in him? Our highest priority is X-Day." Mikuni is worried that the enforcers are taking too much initiative, but Zero thinks this is Adonis's ideals taking root.
I didn't mention this on his route, but Shiraishi seemed to think that Mikuni sees Zero as a brother.
Zero types in his diary that while in Investigations, Yanagi allowed multiple suspects to escape, leading to 'the incident'. He was being observed as a possible rehabilitation subject but then quit. Will he be judged or will he carry out judgement?
...I would just like to acknowledge, with some embarrassment, that this is the point where it finally occurred to me that Zero's name is the English word 'Zero' and not the Japanese word...*checks* ok, they just use the English word 'Zero' as a loanword NEVER MIND THEN. There is also 'Rei' but that's less commonly used if I'm understanding Wikipedia right.
Was just thinking about the different love interests and how they fit the themes of the story. To make things clear, let's say every X-Day crime has victims, criminals, and executors. The criminal hurt the victim, then was killed for Adonis by an executioner (who is generally a victim, too) The translation uses both executioner and enforcer but afaict they're the same people.
Okazaki: Is the only one not to have quit the police, though he is clear eyed about the flaws. Overall kinda morally grey and pragmatic. Instead of caring about justice and revenge, he cares about protection and duty, and wants to die performing his duty protecting someone important, to the people and himself. Sees himself as a tool of the police for the greater good.
Enomoto: cares VERY DEEPLY about justice, very affectionate and personally loyal, idealistic about the police. Was close to one of the criminals, a police officer, and felt betrayed, but thinks the criminal should have had a chance to atone. Apologises to one victim, who has moved on. Stops himself taking revenge on a different victim-turned-executioner and gives the executioner a chance to atone.
Sasazuka: Mildly amoral, very pragmatic. Is a victim of a criminal who COULD be punished by Adonis. Is given the chance to become an executioner, is tempted but rejects it. Has trauma around guns, is from the lawless gun-filled dystopia that is the United States.
Shiraishi: Almost amoral and uninterested in much at all except for his duty to Adonis and protectiveness/love for Ichika. Adonis sees him as a weapon to be used for other people's revenge, and to protect (in a fucked up way) the people, but not as having any value or will of his own.
Yanagi: seems concerned with protection and justice. Appears to be right on the line, from Adoni's POV, between criminal and victim.
(the scene right now is everyone discussing the gam dev murder I have seen discussed FIVE TIMES NOW and I am bored, thus the random pondering)
Also Yanagi and Ichika have a nice dynamic and all but I'm not currently very excited for their arc cos they already get along fine.
Okazaki tries to come along with Yanagi when he's walking Ichika home, and Yanagi becomes increasingly hostile and suspicious as Okazaki questions and hold hands with Ichika, all I Just Want To Be Friends. Okazaki laughs and says Yanagi is 'also a terrible liar' and now he knows Ichika is important to him. Sneaky bastard.
Yanagi POV. Enomoto worries Adonis will learn too much about their investigation through Ichika, but Sasazuka says 'being Yanagi's assistant investigating Adonis as a whole' is the kind of role where she can easily LOOK busy without really encountering much information, thus satisfying Adonis without actually leaking much. And Yanagi agrees that's what he's doing haha ok well THERE'S some possible drama when she realises she's being fobbed off.
Sasazuka: Then do you suspect her?
Yanagi: She bears no ill will.
Sasazuka: How do you know?
Yanagi: Instinct.
Sasazuka: *rolls eyes*
Yanagi: But she must have some connection to the criminals. They knew when they'd find her alone, and wrote about her like they know her.
Enomoto: Someone in the police?
Yanagi: She's too new to have formed strong bonds. It could as easily be anyone she's met, even briefly.
Sasazuka: Someone like you then. You already know her.
Yanagi: ...how could you tell?
Sasazuka: Instinct ;)
Yanagi: Whoever it is, they'll probably make contact with her soon.
I got around to looking up whether the game accurately depicts the appearance of Shinjuku Police Station (mostly) and police uniforms (not really)
After thinking about why Adonis has suddenly switched from one carefully organised crime a month to a bunch of sloppy ones in a row, Ichika suggests to Yanagi that there may have been a change of leadership, which I don't think anyone has brought up as a possibility before and I certainly hadn't considered. HMM!
Once again Ichika inadvertently gives the impression of being into Shiraishi and gets asked about it by Sakuragawa and Mukai. When she's all "Is this like that scene in a drama where women into a man get jealous" they're both VERY GROSSED OUT at the idea. They just wanted to warn her off for her own good! Mukai invites her to join the coalition when she tires of him.
Ichika is doing her best but feels like she has nothing to contribute to Yanagi and he's not giving her anything to do.
She bumps into Kazuki and Akito and says they shouldn't be out so late, but Kazuki mumbles about how Akito was having a tough time at home so Kazuki wanted to cheer him up.
Ichika: Then he can stay at our place.
Kazuki: Who cares. Is anywhere safe? Can you guarantee I won't be killed at home? Adonis says they'll only target wrongdoers but who hasn't committed wrongdoing?
Akito: ... :(
Kazuki: I can't stand being chained up any more. Something big's going down in January. Just let me enjoy the time I have left.
Ichika: I'm not telling you to stay home. Just...be careful.
She decides she can't waste any more time and goes to ask Yanagi for help. She finds him on the roof smoking and looking out on the city with kind, sad eyes. She tells him he should quit smoking, and he agrees.
Yanagi: Talking through my thoughts with you is already helpful, so don't worry about it.
Ichika: Do you actually want me working on the investigation? We don't have much time, and there's lots I could be doing, even menial tasks. Do you think I'd be a hindrance?
Yanagi: ...I never told you why I quit the police. I want to protect everything, even things rules stop the police from protecting. And I wanted to keep you safe.
She isn't angry, but refuses to back down. And then collar pipes up to imply that if she doesn't take part in the investigation she'll be killed.
CHAPTER TWO
The collar says Yanagi's primary motivation for 'keeping her safe' is to stop Adonis's eavesdropping. Yanagi admits that this is a motivation, but says Adonis can hardly blame them for being cautious when they give such vague instructions and one wrong move could expose the collar to the police and get Ichika killed (and also, he points out, massively inconvenience Adonis)
Yanagi: So I'll ask you point blank: what exactly should we do with her? What do you want?
The collar: To see how she would act. We entrusted her to you so she may learn the truth of X-Day.
Yanagi: Since you want us to learn the full truth of X-Day: is the 'rebirth' you seek the reform of Japanese law through violent revolt? That will create more victims, is that truly what you seek? You seem to me to be motivated by hate and anger borne from sorrow. Do you really think purging society of 'sinners' will lead to true peace? What is the end game, when there is no erasing hate, and sorrow breeds sorrow and just causes more of the crimes you hate? Your standards so vague society just sees you as indiscriminate murderers, and history will only remember you as self righteous terrorists.
The Collar: Heh. There is some truth to what you say. But such words are hardly persuasive coming from you. Do you merely fear vengeance from those you've hurt? Do you think you understand their suffering?
Yanagi: D:
The Collar: There is no way to heal the wounds of victims. No matter what, we will obstruct current laws.
Ahaha omg and then it rants that the death penality isn't being applied to enough criminals.
The Collar: Are you saying our wish is wrong?
Yanagi: I...
Ichika: (hmm, it makes some valid points)
Me: YOUR WISH IS BAD AND YOU SHOULD FEEL BAD
Ichika: Are you telling me to study the vagueness of the law and police impotence? I am sure I will learn things that will make me see the police as wrong. But I can't acknowledge what you do as justice.
Me: *waves pamphlets on police reform at everyone, is roundly ignored, because the only options are the status quo and vigilante murderworld*
She points out all the harm Adonis has caused, including increased chaos and violence. They're as bad as the police, a law that doesn't save anyone.
The Collar: (long pause) It is an inevitable cost of the rebirth.
Ichika: Then I will never be one of your so-called sympathisers.
The Collar: We look forward to seeing if that still holds true...once you discover Aiji Yanagi's sins :)
...why did the edges of the screen go purple...???
Ichika admires Yanangi's combination of honesty and unflappable reliability, and seems completely incurious about the 'crimes', just reiterating her determination to help. He sighs and agrees.
Ichika has a 'dreary nightmare'...which is Yanagi's nightmare, from the point of view of someone hidden in the dark, hearing a man scream apologies and pleas for mercy as they are viciously beaten.
She doesn't remember when she first started having this nightmare, but it often appears when she's tired.
She notices Kazuki seeaking out of the house in the middle of the night and thinks "What would Yanagi do?" She decides the answer is "ask for help", and texts him. He's glad she asked for backup.
They are stopped at the door to the concert venue by Isshiki.
Ichika: Hi, I'm Kazuki's sister.
Isshiki: Ah yes, Akito mentioned you...
Yanagi: I'm her escort, because a woman shouldn't travel alone this late at night.
Isshiki: It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Yasuhiro Isshiki, I'm in Kazuki's band :)
Ichika: Oh! Thank you for looking after him :)
Yanagi: ...Yasuhiro Isshiki... >:(
Isshiki: Please let Kazuki concentrate on practicing for our concert.
Yangi: It isn't good to bring a minor here this late at night. If something happens, you'd be the one held responsible.
Isshiki: You talk like a cop, man. And if someone HYPOTHETICALLY REPORTED IT the actual cops wouldn't come and it would just damage Kazuki's relationship with his sister :)
Kuazuki sees her and is PISSED and storms off. Issiki tries to get Ichika to understand Kazuki's POV, guessing that all he really wants is for Ichika to acknowledge him. Yanagi points out that at this point dragging him home would just cause more problems.
Isshiki: I'm glad to see you're not a bad person. I'll make sure he gets home safe.
Ichika: ... :(
FUCKING HANA
She and Yanagi both claim to just be 'on a midnight stroll' lol.
Ichika: So what now?
Yanagi. Hmm. *to the open air* Okazaki, you there?
Okazaki, appearing out of freaking nowhere: Hmm, what's up? :)
Yanagi asks him to watch Kazuki but Okazaki points out his job is to guard Yanagi.
Yanagi: The office isn't far and Yoshinari's there. I'm not so weak I need protection. Unlike Sasazuka...
Okazaki: True. And I'd rather protect the kitty cat. Though I should probably just call you Ichika Hoshino :)
Ichika: It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry I lied. But could you please look after my brother *puppy dog eyes*
Okazaki thinks about it for a while then says he'll do it if she gives him her phone number lol.
Ichika: *looks at Yanagi for guidance*
Yanagi: It's just contact information, why not?
Okazaki: Yay, I got your dad's blessing :D
Okazaki you are TWO YEARS younger than Yanagi.
Yanagi: I'm not her dad >:(
Okazaki: You owe me a favour now and I charge a looooot of interest ;)
Yanagi acts pissy but afterwards tells Ichika that Okazaki takes his job seriously and is so stubborn he can be hard to compromise with.
Yanagi: It was hard for Sasazuka to find much information on him, but we've had enough unwanted contact to construct a full psych profile. And he's not the sort to take on a job out of the goodness of his heart, he said yes because he sees a benefit to it. Watch out around him.
Ichika, halfway home: WAIT. ISN'T YASUHIRO ISSHIKI AN X-DAY SUSPECT D:
Ichika checks out a bunch of police departments for clues, she doesn't find much but does notice how overworked Investigations is. She suggests to Mochida that they ask if the SRCPO can help, not really expecting it to work, and Minegishi gets the two of them to be assigned to Investigations.
Minegishi gives them both stacks of info to read, mentioning that there's nothing in there the criminals don't already know. He then confirms that she's 'friends' with Yanagi and co and Ichika realises this is why he cares about some no-name rookie, and is aware she will be closely watched from now on.
Yanagi: I've been trying to understand the motivations of the arsonist murderer.
Ichika: Like a profiler like Shiraishi? Isn't there a danger of empathising too much?
Yanagi: Not for him. He compartmentalises the emotions.
Ichika: I'm surprised you two get along so well.
Yanagi: I'be known him since I'd just joined the force, and I've grown accustomed to his temperament. Come to think of it...he might be the friend I've had the longest.
Ichika: You seem like opposites, it didn't feel like you knew each other well.
Yanagi: Heh, it might look like that from the outside. But we're alike in some ways. I know you don't like him, but he's just awkward, and not so unlikeable once you get to know him.
*ships it*
*vaguely plots AU where Shiraishi is ordered to break the heart of Yanagi instead of Ichika, even though this would make no sense*
Yanagi reminds Ichika not to force the issue of working on X-Day too hard and she explains that she wants to create a safe Shinjuku for Kazuki.
They see a panicked, overprotective mother freak out when her child runs into the empty park.
Ichika talks about a vaguely remembered incident from when she was about 9, and her family visited Tokyo. All she really remembers is being scared.
Yanagi: I...see.... :(
(Their parents went on about how much more talented Kazuki was when she was nine and he was six? Geeze)
Her parents hadn't really noticed she was gone but Kazuki held her while she cried. Seeing his expression, she promised herself she would keep it together from now on, and be the protective older sister. But until today she had forgotten that promise.
Yanagi: You might have remembered it in your heart, that's why you keep reaching out to him. He's at a difficult age, but this phase won't last forever. Siblings are always connected, even when they don't get along. If you're persistent, he'll understand one day.
ZERO AS YANAGI'S LONG LOST EVIL TWIN CONFIRMED
Yanagi: I have a much older brother. When I was young I always thought he was talking down to me. He did call me an idiot a lot but I was overly sensitive.
Ichika: Sounds like Sasazuka :)
Yanagi: There might be a slight resemblance, but Sasazuka isn't as cold blooded. My brother prioritises reputation and appearance, I suppose you could call him a public servant...our personalities never meshed but I wouldn't call him a bad person.
Ichika: It's kind of charming to imagine you losing your temper to everything your brother said...what were you like as a child?
Yanagi: Childish. As a teen you could say I was delinquent.
Ichika absolutely can't imagine it, especially when he mentions piercings. She asks him to talk the way he used to but he good naturedly refuses.
Yanagi: I caused my family a lot of trouble. I don't see them any more, but I like to think I am protecting them by trying to solve X-Day.
He cut all friend and family ties when he joined the police because he'd made up his mind to fight this fight alone?? He didn't want them to get hurt by his detective work??
Even Ichika thinks this is a BIT too self sacrificing.
He says he didn't quit the police because of an issue with the organisation, but because he is too weak to shoot criminals. She agrees that murder is bad and he smiles gently and says he hopes she will stay that strong and idealistic.
He SILENTLY HANDS HER INFORMATION ABOUT ADONIS, so the collar won't hear, and makes small talk to cover her reading. Yanagi confirmed as smartest boy.
The little girl is in the park again, lost and crying for her mother. Yanagi tries to calm her down but gets flustered. When Ichika does a better job he says she'd be good at hostage negotiation lol.
Girl: Hey uncle are you two a couple?
Yanagi: Uncle? D: But no, she's my...uh...
Ichika: I guess we do look like a family with you as the father and and me as the, uh...
Yanagi: You're both my little sisters :P
Ichika: Isn't she too young to be your sister?
Yanagi: I was kidding. Though you really are like a sister.
Ichika has a complicated feeling lol.
Girl: Will we really find mommy?
Yanagi: Yes. Uncle is a detective. No matter where she's hiding, I'll find her.
Ichika: Uncle is the world's best detective!
Yanagi: You called me uncle before :/
Ichika: Well I didn't want to confuse her and call you brother.
This is so funny after playing Hades which ties itself in knots to avoid love interests with THE SAME MOTHER using any sort of familial terms.
Ichika hadn't realised he was as old as 28 before, and wonders if that's why he seems so mature (lol Shiraishi is 29, so) Ichika enjoys teasing him a little now she's realised he's defensive about his age. In Japanese, 'uncle' is used as a general, and sometimes deliberately insulting, term for an old/older man, so his defensiveness isn't entirely unreasonable.
Adonis posts the video of business people being murdered by what seems to be Hana. Mikuni thinks this level of unplanned violence is undermining their goals, breaking down law and order and causing too much suffering.
Which is to say, too much suffering for Zero to bear.
Zero just smiles and...wait. Is his chin less pointy than I remembered??? IS IT MOCHIDA AFTER ALL??????
DUN DUN DUN
