Chapter 11 – The Boogieman - Part 4
Day 28 - 564 students remaining.
As the days passed by, the boogieman continued his reign of terror from a new base, doubling down on his cautiousness to prevent another event like the one involving Maro Taro. Everyone thought that perhaps he would never be caught. But on day 28, Yui recovered from her injuries and was ready to talk. After the daily execution, Maro Taro and Kanna head to the hospital, ready to take her statement. Meanwhile, Shuji has been summoned by Mikuni. Shuji is in Mikuni’s office as they prepare for a plan to deal with the boogieman once and for all.
“It’s been eight days since one of my men was taken. Yet, the boogieman still roams the streets. If it wasn’t for your idiotic friend messing everything up. I knew we couldn’t depend on him.”
Shuji ignores the remarks about Maro Taro and decides to stay focused on the situation.
“I’ve sent Kanna and Maro Taro to get a statement from Yui today. We should be able to get some insight into where the boogieman’s backup base might be.”
Mikuni begins to get frustrated.
“You have to understand, the situation in here has become very delicate because of the boogieman. If something isn’t done within the next few days it’s very likely that full blown chaos will occur.”
Mikuni looks towards Shuji.
“I made a promise to keep my followers safe. What good is my word if I cannot keep it?”
Shuji understands the intensity and severity of the situation.
“I know. I need to work twice as hard to get him. I won’t let you down. I Promise.”
Mikuni nods his head.
“Very well. I’ll trust you with this matter. Take this file.”
Mikuni hands a file over to Shuji as Shuji gets curious about its contents.
“What is it?”
Mikuni smirks as he answers.
“A statement from one of the witnesses of the incident eight days ago. She recognised the boogieman’s face. His real name is in that file.”
Shuji looks shocked as Mikuni continues to speak.
“The boogieman’s real name is Juro Yamazaki.”
Mikuni shrugs as he looks proud with himself.
“If you can’t find the boogieman with that, then all hope is lost. Don’t make me regret my decision, Shuji.”
Shuji begins to leave office with the file. Whilst this is happening, Kanna and Maro Taro have taken Yui’s statement and are walking towards the office. Maro Taro looks at the report and speaks to himself.
“You did an amazing job Yui. You should be proud of yourself.”
Kanna and Maro Taro arrive at the office, just as Shuji is leaving. As Shuji leaves, he notices a familiar face leaning against the wall.
“Tamotsu Tano?”
Shuji looks over at Tamotsu.
“What do you want, Tamotsu?”
Tamotsu Tano smirks.
“So, you finally found out, right? About Juro Yamazaki’s other name.”
Shuji looks angrily at Tamotsu and pushes him against the wall.
“You bastard! You knew his name all along?”
Kanna tries to run towards Shuji but Maro Taro stops her. Kanna looks at Maro Taro and he shakes his head. Shuji still has Tamotsu pinned against the wall.
“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t think you’re working with the boogieman?”
Tamotsu smiles and then whispers something in Shuji’s ear. Whatever was whispered in Shuji’s ear seems to have pacified him.
Shuji stops and lets Tamotsu go. Tamotsu begins to walk away as Maro Taro and Kanna watch in confusion.
“Oh, Shuji.”
Shuji looks towards Tamotsu Tano.
“I just did a little detective work myself. In your report, pay attention to the part about board games.”
Shuji wonders what Tamotsu means.
“The part about board games?”
Shuji heads back to the office with Kanna and Maro Taro. Shuji spends the rest of the day reading the report and pondering over Tamotsu Tano’s comments. At this point Maro Taro has already fallen asleep. Only Kanna and Shuji are in the office.
Shuji wonders about report as he reads the part about board games again.
“He was very reclusive in school. I only know that Juro liked board games. He was very good at chess and competed in many tournaments.”
Shuji looks frustrated.
“Where is the clue in this? What the hell was Tamotsu talking about? I don’t have time for his nonsense right now.”
Shuji begins to think intensely until the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together.
“Wait a minute. Wasn’t there a games hall in the city? I remember Ichika wanted to set it up as a morale booster but it was deemed unnecessary.”
Shuji thinks back to a time when he visited the abandoned games hall and recalls a door leading to the basement at the back of the hall.
“It has to be. Juro Yamazaki has to be there.”
Shuji begins to grab his things as he prepares to leave. Kanna notices this. Shuji then thinks of Maro Taro and stops.
“No. I can’t be careless. I need a plan. Tonight, I’ll come up with a plan and tomorrow, I’ll catch Juro Yamazaki.”
Before Shuji could begin to come up with a plan, Kanna called out to him.
“Shuji.”
Shuji stops and looks at Kanna. Kanna bears a serious expression.
“Shuji, please be honest with me.”
Shuji is confused as Kanna continues to speak.
“What did Tamotsu Tano whisper in your ear? You were all angry and serious before, but he said something and you stopped.”
Shuji pauses for a moment.
“It wasn’t important.”
Kanna gets annoyed.
“We’re supposed to be friends! Why won’t you tell me what he said?”
Shuji clenches his fist.
“If you want to know then I’ll tell you.”
Kanna waits as Shuji recounts what Tamotsu said to him.
“Everyone has a reason why they’re still alive. The unhappiest person dies every day, after all. I know why you’re still alive. You’re happy solving this mystery.”
Kanna is confused.
“That’s it? I thought it was something serious.”
Shuji stops for a moment.
“Doesn’t that upset you?”
Kanna thinks for a moment before responds.
“Hmmm. No. Not really. I’m alive too, aren’t I?”
Shuji smiles for a moment before Kanna can speak again.
“Seriously, don’t scare me like that again.”
Kanna speaks with a cheerful voice.
“Tomorrow, we’ll get the boogieman!”
Shuji and Kanna smile as they begin to come up with a plan to catch Juro Yamazaki.
Unknown to Shuji, Mikuni has another plan to prevent Yamazaki from taking any more victims.
Inside Mikuni’s office, a member of his crew has come to see him. Mikuni is looking outside the window as the member of his crew approaches his desk.
“You called for me, sir.”
Mikuni smirks as he begins to speak.
“Yes. I have new orders. I want all non essential personnel to patrol the streets at night instead of during the day. Furthermore, make sure they are in groups of at least three.”
The member of Mikuni’s crew is shocked at this.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
Mikuni turns around.
“Of course. If he can’t take any victims, he’ll get desperate and start to make mistakes. I just have to hope that Kenro doesn’t cause any trouble until the boogieman is caught.”
Mikuni throws his arm to side.
“Effective immediately, this city on nightfall lockdown. Nobody should be able to move without at least one of you noticing it.”
The member of Mikuni’s crew nods his head and leaves. Mikuni once more looks outside the window.
“Juro Yamazaki, your days are numbered.”
During the depths of night, the boogieman known as Juro Yamazaki heads out of the basement within the games hall. His two victims are tied up inside. He begins to walk to the entrance of the games hall. Unfinished board games are still scattered across the tables. Juro attempts to leave his hideout to grab his next victim.
Juro barely heads out into the streets and quickly notices that members of Mikuni’s crew are present nearby. Upon noticing them, Juro heads back inside and closes the door.
“This is the fourth time I’ve tried to leave. I can’t abduct anyone with these patrols everywhere.”
Juro grabs a chess piece and positions it to be checkmating the opposing side.
“Tomorrow…”
Juro Yamazaki bears a dark and twisted expression beneath the fishhooks holding up his faux smile. His eyes show a cold and lifeless feeling.
“Rules or no rules, you’ve left me with no choice…”
Juro’s knife drips with blood as he continues to speak.
“I have to KILL MIKUNI!”
