#3, Kishimata Plan

Chapter 3

Destination Italy?

After returning to the government headquarters, Meito, Nodo Sei, and Kishimata Lan stepped into the sterile, sleek briefing room, where the overhead lights buzzed softly. Their recent discovery—a cryptic clue scrawled in Morse code that spelled "ITALY"—had sparked immediate interest, but there was one problem: convincing the higher-ups to greenlight their trip.

Lan, always the sharp and strategic one, had already submitted a report. But it wasn't going to be that simple. He sighed, resting his elbows on the meeting table as the trio sat, waiting for the big bosses to arrive.

"Okay, here's the plan. We're not taking no for an answer," Lan muttered, crossing his arms as if the battle had already begun.

"How are we supposed to even get them to agree?" Meito asked, scratching his head. He still couldn't believe the wild turn of events—one day, he'd casually signed up to be a detective, and now here he was, smack dab in the middle of a serial killer hunt, with possible international travel on the horizon.

"Easy." Lan smirked. "I'll handle the hard part. You just back me up."

"Don't forget, we got that solid evidence," Nodo Sei chimed in, flicking an Uno card between his fingers, his energy already radiating like Aoi Todo's before a fight. "They can't ignore the clues forever."

The door swung open, and in walked several senior officials, each dressed in stiff suits and carrying an air of authority. At the head of the group was Director Tsumaya, a no-nonsense woman who had no time for theatrics. She sat down first, motioning the others to follow.

"All right," she said, cutting to the chase. "What's this nonsense about going to Italy? Explain."

Kishimata Lan stood up, walking to the front of the room with a casual ease that betrayed his tactical mind. He pulled out the damaged recording device they had found and placed it in the center of the table.

"This here," Lan began, pointing to the device, "is evidence directly linking the Vionse criminal organization to our current investigation. We decoded a message that clearly states the next critical location—Italy. We need to go there immediately to track down more leads and stop the Architect from advancing his plans."

Director Tsumaya barely flinched. "And what exactly makes you think you have the authority to propose such a mission? You're already on thin ice for taking the case without clearance."

Lan raised an eyebrow. "We didn't just propose the mission. We found the clue. This case isn't a suggestion—it's happening, whether we like it or not. The sooner we move, the closer we get to preventing whatever endgame the Architect has in store."

"OBJECTION!" A booming voice rang out from the side, one of the senior officers named Yamagi slamming his hand on the table, his face twisted in a scowl that reminded Meito of a courtroom drama.

Meito leaned over to Nodo Sei. "Did he just—?"

"Yep, like in Ace Attorney, man," Nodo replied, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Yamagi continued, "You can't expect us to approve an overseas mission based on some vague recording and code you found scrawled on a wall. That doesn't justify the risk. The government can't afford reckless operations without clear confirmation!"

Lan wasn't phased. He narrowed his eyes, planting his hands firmly on the table as if accepting Yamagi's challenge. "Oh, but that's where you're wrong." He pointed at the digital display behind him, which suddenly flickered to life, showing a map with multiple locations marked. "This isn't just a random guess. The Vionse criminal network has been tracked across several countries. Italy happens to be the last place their lower-tier members—Sal—were seen before disappearing. We have enough data to connect this to the Architect's larger scheme."

Director Tsumaya raised a hand to stop the debate. "Enough. Lan, we need more than just speculation. You're asking us to commit resources to an international mission. What makes this different from the dead-end leads we've had before?"

"Because this time, the evidence doesn't lie!" Lan's voice rang with conviction. "Every move the Architect has made was building to something—something big. If we miss this opportunity to follow up on the Italy lead, we might lose the trail for good. And then we'll all regret it."

Meito, feeling the pressure building in the room, leaned forward. His mind was racing. How could they convince them? Then it hit him. He shot up from his seat.

"OBJECTION!" Meito shouted, nearly knocking over his chair. Everyone turned to look at him, startled.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Nodo Sei whispered, but Meito ignored him.

"Listen, y'all!" Meito continued, his voice rising with unearned confidence. "I might be new, but even I can see we're onto something here. We decoded a message that specifically points to Italy. Why would a criminal organization go through all this trouble if it wasn't important? We need to stop hesitating and take action. Fast. Before the Architect pulls something we can't undo!"

There was silence for a moment, then Director Tsumaya sighed, rubbing her temples. "You're all fired up about this, huh?"

Lan glanced at Meito, surprised but also impressed by his passion. "It's true," Lan added. "Every second we waste here debating, the Architect gets further away. This isn't just a hunch. It's real."

After what felt like an eternity, Director Tsumaya stood up, pushing her chair back with authority. "Fine. But I'm only authorizing a small team. You three will go, but there'll be no additional support unless you come back with concrete results."

"BOOYAH!" Nodo Sei fist-pumped the air while Meito grinned ear to ear.

Lan smirked, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Deal. We won't let you down."

With that, the decision was made. The trio was headed to Italy.

---

As the team left the briefing room, Meito nudged Lan. "Dude, did we actually just win that?"

Lan gave a short laugh. "More or less. You're learning fast, kid. But this is just the beginning. Italy's not going to be a vacation."

"Well," Meito shrugged, "if the Architect's there, we'll make sure he regrets it."

"Don't get too cocky," Nodo warned, still flicking his Uno cards. "This is a game we can't afford to lose."

With their mission set, the trio began preparing for their journey. Little did they know, Italy would present more than just a few leads—it would unveil secrets and dangers that none of them were ready for.

Time for Lan's Absurd Explanation!

After the whirlwind of debates, objections, and unexpected approvals, the trio found themselves in a much quieter room at headquarters. It was a far cry from the chaos they had just gone through. Kishimata Lan leaned back in his chair, arms folded behind his head, clearly in no rush to leave despite their upcoming mission to Italy.

Meito paced back and forth, his thoughts racing. "Yo, Kishimata," he finally said, turning toward Lan. "Can I ask something?"

Lan raised an eyebrow. "Shoot."

"I mean, like, why did we have to go through all that? We had proof, right? We found the clue, we got the recordings, and still—" Meito gestured wildly. "They made us jump through hoops! What was up with that?"

Nodo Sei, sitting on the couch nearby, casually flicked an Uno card between his fingers. "Yeah, man, I thought they'd be like, 'You got the proof, now off you go,' but nah. Felt like I was stuck in a board meeting or somethin'."

Lan laughed, stretching his arms. "Oh, you think it was just gonna be that easy?"

Meito and Nodo exchanged confused looks. Lan saw their bewilderment and leaned forward with a sly grin. "You guys are new, so I'll give you the inside scoop." He stood up and began pacing like a teacher about to start a lecture. "See, the organization we work for? It's the government, yeah, but it's not just a government branch. We're part of an elite division—sort of like a... secret club, but with way more paperwork."

"A secret club?" Meito blinked, trying to wrap his head around that concept.

"Yeah, think of it like this." Lan waved his hand dismissively. "We're not your regular cops or detectives. We're in a group that handles the weird, the dangerous, and the outright supernatural. We deal with stuff that's above the heads of most people. That's why they call us in."

Nodo leaned forward, intrigued. "Okay, but why all the red tape? We had evidence, Lan. We should've been on the first flight to Italy."

Lan chuckled again, this time more knowingly. "Ahh, that's the catch, my friend. Just because we have evidence doesn't mean they're gonna let us go without a fight. See, the higher-ups? They live and breathe bureaucracy. They don't just trust anyone to run off to another country, even with proof. Everything has to be 'by the book'—their book. We might be elite, but we still have to play their game to get what we need."

Meito frowned. "So you're saying they're just... playing hard to get?"

"In a sense, yeah." Lan shrugged. "It's their way of testing us. You gotta prove you're not just lucky or reckless. They need to know you can handle whatever's coming."

"But... they know us!" Meito protested. "We work here! It's not like we're strangers."

Lan tapped his head with a finger. "Welcome to government logic, kid. It's less about knowing us and more about making sure the operation doesn't turn into a disaster that embarrasses the higher-ups. They gotta cover their butts."

Meito groaned. "Ugh, this is ridiculous."

"Tell me about it," Nodo added, shaking his head. "Sounds like a pain."

Lan clapped his hands together, grinning like a teacher with a lesson well-taught. "Exactly! But that's why you've got someone like me around." He pointed to himself proudly. "I know how to handle them. You just have to give them enough to chew on without letting them feel like they're out of control. It's a dance."

Meito narrowed his eyes. "A dance?"

"A metaphorical dance," Lan corrected, holding up a finger. "You can't just rush in with demands. You've got to finesse it, make them think they hold the cards."

Nodo chuckled. "And here I thought I was the one with the cards."

Lan shot him a playful glance. "Hey, you've got literal cards, I've got strategy. Together, we're unstoppable."

Meito scratched his head, still processing. "But what about you, Lan? I mean, you handled it like a pro. How come you're so chill with all of this? You don't seem like the type to get caught up in bureaucracy."

Lan laughed again, this time more heartily. "Ah, well, here's the thing about me." He leaned back, crossing his arms as if about to reveal some great truth. "I'm not like the rest of you."

Meito and Nodo stared at him, waiting for the punchline.

Lan smirked. "Most people here? They're all about rules, structure, and following orders to the letter. That's fine for them, but me? I'm different." He pointed to his chest with his thumb. "I play by my own rules. Sure, I follow orders when I have to, but I'm not here to be just another cog in the machine. I think outside the box, push the limits. That's why I'm good at what I do. I know how to work the system, but I'm not defined by it."

Nodo raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're just good at bending the rules."

"Exactly!" Lan grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "You've got to know when to play by the book and when to toss it out the window. If you always follow orders blindly, you'll never get anywhere. But if you know how to navigate the system, you can get what you need and still come out on top."

Meito nodded, though he still looked confused. "So, you're saying... you just wing it?"

Lan smirked. "In a way, yeah. But it's not just winging it—there's strategy behind it. You've gotta know when to push and when to pull back. It's all part of the game."

Nodo gave a slow clap. "Man, I didn't know we were workin' with a criminal mastermind over here."

Lan shot him a playful glare. "Not criminal, genius."

"Same difference," Meito muttered under his breath, though he was clearly impressed.

"Anyway," Lan continued, "that's why I could handle the higher-ups. They're predictable. You just gotta give them what they need to hear, while keeping control of the real plan."

Meito sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is so much more complicated than I thought."

"Welcome to the big leagues, kid." Lan chuckled. "But hey, you did good in there. Your little 'Objection!' moment was pretty bold."

Meito blushed. "Uh, yeah, thanks... I was kinda just winging it too."

"See?" Lan winked. "You're learning already."

As the trio prepared to head out, Meito found himself chuckling despite the absurdity of it all. Kishimata Lan, for all his confidence and unpredictability, had a point. This wasn't just about brute force or following orders. It was about knowing the game and playing it well.

And in this world of dangerous killers, cryptic organizations, and shadowy government operations, having someone like Lan on their side might just be the edge they needed.

A Ride Fit for the Mission!

As the team prepared for the next phase of their journey, the atmosphere in the room shifted. They had just wrapped up all the bureaucratic wrangling, and now it was time to move forward. But there was still one critical detail to sort out: transportation.

Meito leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "Okay, so... How are we getting to Italy?"

Nodo Sei shuffled his Uno cards lazily, tossing one into the air and catching it. "Plane, right? I mean, it's the fastest option."

Kishimata Lan immediately shook his head. "Nope. Not a chance."

Meito raised an eyebrow. "Why not? You scared of flying or something?"

Lan laughed, crossing his arms confidently. "Scared? Nah, it's not about fear, kid. It's about logic. Think about it—this is a dangerous mission. If anything goes wrong up in the air, it's not just us. Every other poor soul on that plane becomes collateral damage. We need something we can control—something grounded."

Meito blinked, digesting the information. "Huh, I never thought about it like that. You're right, though. We can't risk innocent lives."

Nodo Sei shrugged. "Okay, fine, no planes. So what's the plan? We drive?"

Lan's eyes lit up with excitement, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Exactly."

Meito tilted his head. "Wait, drive? As in... we're taking a road trip to Italy?"

Lan leaned forward, his enthusiasm contagious. "Yup! We're getting ourselves a ride. But not just any ride. We need something durable, fast, and capable of handling whatever comes our way."

Meito squinted. "So, like... a tank?"

Lan snapped his fingers. "Now you're thinking! But nah, too slow. We need something more practical. I'm talking about an armored vehicle. A tactical van or maybe an SUV—something built to take a hit but fast enough to get us out of tight spots."

Nodo Sei, still flipping through his Uno cards, yawned. "Sounds a bit overkill, don't you think?"

Lan shot him a serious look. "Overkill? Not even close, Nodo. This isn't just some road trip; we're chasing down a killer who's probably connected to a massive criminal syndicate. And knowing the 'Architect,' he's planned for everything. We've got to be ten billion percent ready for whatever he throws at us."

Meito's eyes widened. "Did you just say ten billion percent?"

"Yup," Lan replied, nodding confidently. "If we're not prepared to face every possibility, we're walking into a trap. And trust me, I don't walk into traps."

Meito stifled a laugh. "Ten billion percent, huh? You sure you're not pulling numbers out of thin air, Lan?"

Lan waved off the comment, grinning. "I know my stuff, trust me. Now, let's talk about the ride."

A brief silence followed as they all thought about the upcoming journey. Meito finally broke the silence, scratching his head. "Okay, but how are we even going to get this tactical van or whatever? We can't exactly walk into a dealership and ask for an armored vehicle."

Lan stood up, puffing his chest out like a mastermind with a plan. "Leave that to me. I've got connections. Government perks, baby! We're going in style. Trust me, by the time we hit the road, we'll be driving the safest, fastest vehicle you can imagine."

Meito shot him a skeptical look. "I'm not so sure I like the sound of that."

Lan smirked. "Just wait. You'll love it."

---

A few hours later, the team gathered outside a large government garage. Lan had been right—his "connections" had come through. And parked in front of them was a sleek, armored SUV, complete with reinforced windows, bulletproof tires, and even a roof turret.

Meito's jaw dropped. "Whoa... Okay, I take it back. This is awesome."

Nodo Sei leaned against the vehicle, tapping the armor. "Feels like we're about to storm a fortress."

Lan grinned from ear to ear, clearly pleased with their reactions. "Told ya. I don't do things halfway."

Meito walked around the SUV, inspecting every inch. "So, what are we calling this thing? We've gotta give it a name, right?"

Lan chuckled. "It's a tactical vehicle, Meito, not a pet."

Meito crossed his arms. "Still, we need to give it a cool name. Like... The Juggernaut or The Beast."

Nodo Sei shook his head. "Nah, man, too cliché. How about... The Speed Crusher?"

Lan raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like a wrestling move."

Meito threw his hands in the air. "Fine, fine. No name. But still, this thing is amazing."

As they climbed inside the vehicle, Meito couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The mission was real now, more real than it had been back in the office. This wasn't just about chasing clues anymore—they were going up against a mastermind, and they had to be ready for anything.

Lan took the driver's seat, adjusting the mirrors with a grin. "Alright, boys. Buckle up. Next stop—Italy."

Nodo leaned forward from the backseat. "You sure you can handle this thing, Lan? You look a little too happy behind the wheel."

Lan smirked. "Trust me, Nodo. Ten billion percent sure."

Meito couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, let's do this. Italy, here we come!"

As the SUV roared to life and pulled out of the garage, the team felt a new sense of purpose. They were no longer just a group of misfit detectives. They were a force, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And with Lan at the wheel, things were bound to get interesting.

The roaring hum of the SUV echoed through the night as it sped down the highway. Inside, Nodo Sei was casually flipping through his Uno cards, unfazed by the rapid motion of the armored vehicle. Lan, grinning ear to ear, was in his element, hands firmly on the wheel, driving like they were in some kind of action movie.

Meito, on the other hand, was not having the time of his life.

His face had turned a sickly shade of green, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he clutched the edge of his seat. "Ugh… Guys… I think I'm gonna—"

Before he could finish, the SUV hit a bump in the road, jolting him hard. That was the final straw. Meito lurched forward, trying to keep his cool, but there was no stopping it.

"I-I need to get out—!"

Without missing a beat, Lan pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, still smirking. "What's the matter, Meito? You're not used to the speed? Thought you were tough."

Meito stumbled out of the car, barely managing to hold it together before doubling over and retching onto the side of the highway. His breath came in short, shaky gasps.

"I… hate… road trips," he muttered between coughs.

Nodo leaned out the window, an amused grin on his face. "You sure you're cut out for this, Meito? We've barely started."

Lan, standing beside the car, crossed his arms. "Ten billion percent tough guy, huh? Maybe we should've stuck to your idea of a plane."

Meito wiped his mouth, glaring weakly at them. "Next time, I'm driving."

Lan let out a hearty laugh, clapping Meito on the back—harder than necessary. "You can drive us to the next rest stop, kid. But until then, just keep the window down."

The camera slowly zooms out, showing Meito slumped against the car, looking completely defeated while Lan and Nodo continue teasing him from the front seats.

Cue blackout.

End of Scene.