Detective 3

Keitaro's breath was steady as he moved swiftly through the ruins of the once-bustling event plaza. The screams, the gunfire, and the acrid smell of burning structures filled the air, but he remained focused. He had to get out—cleanly. His dark clothing was now layered with dust and smoke, but it worked in his favor. He blended in with the panicked crowd, becoming just another fleeing figure in the chaos.

Through his earpiece, Sylvie's voice crackled in. "Turn left. There's an abandoned service tunnel beneath the metro station. It should lead you out."

Keitaro adjusted his mask and followed her directions, his footsteps quick and calculated. Behind him, the U.S. military had arrived, their powerful weapons cutting down the attackers with ruthless precision. He didn't turn back.

"They're wiping out most of them," Sylvie updated. "Some of the soldiers are suggesting they keep a few alive for interrogation."

Keitaro exhaled through his nose. "Expected. They won't get anything from them."

As he neared the metro station, he removed his outer jacket, revealing a casual hoodie underneath. He pulled the hood over his head, making himself look like any other frightened civilian. The moment he reached the underground entrance, he slipped inside.

"Good. You're in. Keep moving," Sylvie instructed.

The tunnel smelled of damp concrete and rust, but Keitaro didn't hesitate. Every step took him farther from the battlefield. As he disappeared into the shadows, the last of the gunfire echoed above.

One week later 

The dust had settled, but the world was still reeling from the attack. Buildings had been reduced to rubble, hundreds were injured, and the government was scrambling for answers. The news stations ran non-stop coverage of the destruction, replaying the footage of terrified civilians running for their lives.

Inside a dimly lit hideout, Nagi stood facing Keitaro, his fists clenched. His expression was one of disbelief, his voice barely containing his frustration.

"Keitaro… You knew this would happen, didn't you?"

Keitaro, sitting on the worn-out couch, leaned back lazily, his eyes indifferent. "Of course I did."

"You said we wouldn't kill innocent people! That's why I joined you!" Nagi's voice rose, filled with anger.

Keitaro sighed, rubbing his temple. "And?"

Nagi took a step closer, his hands trembling. "And?! People died, Keitaro! I saw the bodies. This wasn't part of the plan—at least, not the one I agreed to."

Keitaro finally looked at him, his gaze sharp. "Listen, Nagi. If they didn't die, this wouldn't have worked."

"Worked?! What the hell are you even trying to accomplish?"

Keitaro exhaled, standing up. His tone remained calm. "This was always about something bigger. Do you really think we could do all of this without casualties?"

Nagi's jaw clenched. "You used those men. You knew they'd go on a killing spree, and you just let it happen."

Keitaro didn't deny it. "They were disposable. Their deaths only add fuel to the fire."

Nagi's eyes widened. "You… You don't even care, do you?"

Keitaro smirked slightly. "Not about them." He leaned in slightly. "But about the outcome? Absolutely."

Nagi took a step back, shaking his head. "This isn't what I signed up for."

Keitaro watched him carefully. "Then leave."

Nagi hesitated, but in the end, he didn't move.

Keitaro chuckled. "I thought so."

Meanwhile, in a high-security government office, Isagi sat across from his superiors, his face tense. The atmosphere was thick with tension. A large screen played security footage from the attack—masked figures moving with precision, buildings crumbling, people screaming.

One of the officials, an older man with a grim expression, leaned forward. "Isagi, you told us this wasn't Russia. That there was another party involved."

Isagi nodded firmly. "And I still stand by that. There's more going on here."

Another official cut in. "Then explain this."

The screen changed, showing the livestream from the influencer who had been taken during the attack. The footage showed nothing but smoke and blurred figures, but the audio was clear—voices speaking fluent Russian.

Isagi's heart sank.

"This…" He struggled for words.

The lead investigator crossed his arms. "The attackers were speaking perfect Russian. The funds we've been tracking? All tied to Russia. The evidence is undeniable. It's either the Russian government or a terrorist group linked to them."

Isagi shook his head. "No, this doesn't add up. There's something else at play here."

The official sighed. "We gave you time, Isagi. We followed your leads, but they've led nowhere. If we had focused on the Russian connection from the start, we might have prevented this."

Isagi clenched his fists. "You don't understand. This isn't just about Russia. There's something bigger—someone pulling the strings."

The official shook his head. "Enough. You're off the case."

Isagi froze. "What?"

"You're relieved of your duties. Effective immediately."

A silence filled the room. Isagi stared at them, disbelief flashing across his face.

Slowly, he stood up. "You're making a mistake."

The lead investigator gave him a cold look. "We'll see about that."

Final Scene – Isagi's Resolve

Back in his office, Isagi packed up his things, his expression unreadable. The weight of the decision hung over him, but deep down, he knew one thing—he wasn't going to stop.

He grabbed his files, his notes, and his laptop. Just as he was about to leave, he took one last look at the news playing on the TV. The footage of the livestream was on repeat, the Russian voices echoing through the screen.

The news anchor spoke over it. "With all signs pointing to Russian involvement, questions arise about the nature of this attack and whether it is an act of war."

Isagi exhaled slowly. "No… This is something else."