Noir AU - The Beginnings.

[shiroganeheir]

Private Investigator Shirogane was the best in town. Everyone knew that if the police couldn't solve a case, they'd call Shirogane, and the case was done in a week. A tiny figure in a blue trench coat and hat, Shirogane didn't seem like much, but in the brains department, there was no comparison.

No one knew anything about Shirogane's private life, however. As soon as the cases were done, the elusive PI would disappear, conceivably to an apartment above the office, but Shirogane was rarely seen, except for the occasional society event on the arm of that actress Kujikawa.

Another day, another case. All the information pointed to some newcomer on the gang scene. All of Shirogane's instincts said that there was more to this new punk than met the eye, so at mid-afternoon, Shirogane was walking down the street, hands in pockets, looking for the infamous, tall delinquent.

Comments

[give_em_the_chair]

She might just be right given how everyone talks about him.

He's a delinquent, he's no good ... standard affair for some kid gone astray, but then you get to the interesting things. Beating on entire gangs, running them off whenever they show up. How many random punks get that kind of rep? Then you hear the stories about him going out of his way to talk to a crying little kid, and you're left wondering just what sort of guy you're dealing with.

But, if you ask around enough, people begin to point you in the right direction. You get a name: Kanji, and you get a place. Tatsumi Textiles. Evidently it's owned by his mother. Not too hard for an ace PI to dig up ...

[shiroganeheir]

A textile shop is certainly not the most obvious place for a delinquent, but Naoto is certain of her information. So, mid-afternoon, one lazy Tuesday, PI Shirogane is walking into the shop, trench coat and hat set, and a determined look on her face.

Shutting the door behind her, she glances around the shop, taking in everything that there is to see. Textiles, any shoppers, and most importantly looking for someone to talk to.

[give_em_the_chair]

A little bell hanging on the door chimes as she enters. The store itself is well kept. Neat and tidy with dozens of fabrics of different shades and textures displayed in vivid rows of color, contrasting with the rustic interior of the store itself.

"One sec!" A voice comes from the back as the door closes behind her. Decidedly not the voice of the kindly older lady who runs the store. This voice was much younger and informal, clearly belonging to a young man. Perhaps the tall delinquent she's looking for.

[shiroganeheir]

"Take your time." Naoto calls back, in no hurry, wandering around the shop for a moment, eyes drawn by all of the flashes of color, intrigued by everything on display.

It's rare that the PI actually gets to go shopping, or even cares about the softer side of things, but for just a moment, she allows herself a tiny smile at the beauty of the fabrics around her.

[give_em_the_chair]

And they are beautiful. There are silks and woven cotton of every shade and hue, with intricate patterns detailed across the smooth fabric. Between the rows of color there are a number of finished garments, masterfully made kimono and hakama resting on mannequins.



He doesn't recognize the voice coming from the front of the store. Kinda weird considering most of the customers were regulars, but y'know, whatever. He sets down the fabric he's working with, and walks out into the store front.

"Sorry 'bout that. Finding everything alright?" Maybe not the best manners for a shopkeep, but, what are you expecting? He doesn't exactly look the part. Tall, lean muscled with bleached blonde hair and a visible scar over his eyebrow. He might just be the one Naoto is looking for.

[shiroganeheir]

"Actually, there is someone I am looking for, not something." She reaches into her pocket, and pulls out an ID. "PI Shirogane. I'm looking for Kanji Tatsumi."

Putting the ID back in her pocket, she adjusts her hat, standing a bit taller. There's no hint of nervousness around her, just a quiet confidence.

"I would assume that you are he."

[give_em_the_chair]

His expression darkens at the ID. Great. She's not exactly a cop, but might as well.

"Yeah. What's up?" He grumbles. She's gonna have her cooperation, but he ain't gonna like it.

[shiroganeheir]

"I'm looking into a couple gang-related incidents that have been reported recently. Rumor has it that one fighter has taken on entire gangs."

She crosses her arms, looking up at him almost a bit curiously.

"My information indicates that you might be involved, however, I wanted to get your side of the story."