AD 2020 in the city of crime.

Conversation between 2 girls. "A---! Look look! It's Kiyoko-sama!" [-sama is something you attach to the end of someone's name when you really respect him/her]

"Lately she's been on TV a lot."

"Isn't it because of the woman's fighting competition is coming up!?"

"Have you heard that the top cash prize has gone up again!?"

"I've heard~~~ Something about some elite group that likes fighting is sponsoring the event!"

"Maybe I'll try out. I've been taking self defense lessons lately!"

"In this era, it's strange if you aren't. Since even in broad daylight alone is like asking to be attacked."

Tsukasa is walking with her head buried in a magazine. Looks like she's looking for a job.

Girl: "I... Iya---! Let go of me you bakayaro---!"

Text: Here,

A bunch of guys: "What's wrong? You're walking alone. Doesn't that mean you're giving us permission?"

Text: The strong are the humans.

The girl takes out a self defense weapon.

Text: The weak are like insects.

The girl tries to use the weapon, [a stun gun like thing I think] but the guy backs up out of the way and bumps into Tsukasa, who still has her head buried in the magazine.

Text: There are people who think of the weak like that and step on them, thinking it's the right way of life living here. This is Tokyo------Crazy Paradise.

Tsukasa: "S! Sorry! I wasn't looking...!" She notices the guy. "... Bakayaro------! Don't walk in the middle of the road like that------!!" She punches the guy, sending him bouncing off the road. The girl is very impressed. {You look like the yakuza. I shouldn't have apologized!} "Shit! I touched a yakuza!" She tries to whip off the "yakuza" on her hand. She glances at the magazine, and finding it useless, she throws it out.

She walks a little distance away.

Tsukasa: "...N!? N!?" {W...What's this!? I smell! I smell it! This smell is undoubtedly... It has to be...... Money!!!} "It's coming from over here!"

Tsukasa fails to realize though that she's very close to the Kuryugumi main house...

In the Kuryugumi main house.

"---Sandaime, it seems that there's movement over here."

A meeting is taking place. The kumiin are reporting their findings to Ryuji.

"There seems to be large sums of money passing between several of the larger groups."

"Even in Kanagawa."

"It's not pleasant, the way so much money is being thrown around... And not just in Tokyo, but the Kanto area as well."

"You don't think they're going to start something again..."

"Like what... A... ...You mean that...? No way! That was stopped 9 years ago after that accident because of our intervention. I don't think they have the courage to try something like that again."

"They're the type that would get caught up in long ropes. Like a frog that's cornered by a dragon. Right Sandaime?" [Usually, this saying is like a frog that's cornered by a snake. In short, it would translate as one being so scared that he/she cannot move.]

The kumiin start. "..."

Ryuji: "-Anyway, there's no way that we who rule over the Kanto area can let something like that happen again. If something's going to happen, if we find out where the money is coming from then relations between the people in the centre of this operation will definitely break. Keep looking. Someone will talk ---That's all." His expression is cold.

The kumiin think quietly.

Kumiin 1: {---...}

Kumiin 2: {...A steel face like former head...}

Kumiin 3: {I know that he is the one that rules over Kuryugumi... But it makes me wonder if he has no emotions......}

Kamo-san enters: "Sandaime, Tsukasa-san is here."

Ryuji: "...... Okay....... I'll be there right away." He kinda smiles.

Kumiin: "!!"

"......"

There's talk among the shocked and dazed kumiin as Ryuji leaves with Kamo-san.

"...Did he just smile...?" {By any chance...}

"D...Don't ask me. I don't believe what I just saw!"

"He can show emotions."

"I'd like to see that again."

In another room. Tsukasa is chained up (with her own chain) to a pillar. Kamo-san and Bun-san look on with faces of regret.(^.^)

Tsukasa: "...You! What a dirty trick to go for a person weak points...!"

Ryuji takes out a lollipop.

Tsukasa: "YakuzaYakuzaYakuzaYakuza---!

Ryuji: "It doesn't hurt nor itch." {Since I am a yakuza} He stuffs the candy in her mouth.

There's a flashback of how Tsukasa was caught. Apparently, she had fallen for a really easy bait which consisted of money under a basket that was propped over it. Bun-san, who activated the trap is seen freaking out in disbelief.

Kamo-san: "That's another 1 000 000 yen."

Tsukasa: "Uwaaaaaaaan!" She starts crying.

Ryuji: "It's because you keep running away without doing your work."

Tsukasa: "Wasn't I supposed to work as your bodyguard until I paid off the 800 000 yen!"

Ryuji: "I didn't say that. It's because you're more in debt to me. You now owe me a total of 96 000 000 yen."

Tsukasa: "Liar! It's because of your cheap tricks like this!" She's holding the lollipop between her feet since she's still tied up. Tsukasa has also been force fed by Bun-san, and Kamo-san charged for sleeping, drinking, resting etc. "That 96 million has nothing to do with me! I have no obligation to act as your bodyguard or pay up!!"

Ryuji: "...Is that right." He takes out a small hand held computer. "I think there was some perverted old man who likes to buy kids [under 20]. I'm sure you'll sell quite high."

Tsukasa: "!!!" She's shown with fangs. She then starts crying again. "Uwaaa! I want to pay! I want to pay right now---!!!"

Ryuji: "...You said it......" He smiled an evil smile. "Remember this well. As long as you're 1 yen in debt to me, you can't escape. If you want to escape from me even one day earlier then don't leave my side." He leans in her face to say this.

Tsukasa, with tears in her eyes, glaring: {Liar! You're the one who's inflating my debt all of the time. It looks like he's enjoying the torture he's inflicting on me! I'll never forgive him! At this rate, I'll never be free! I wish I could get rich quick---!}

Ryuji: "......" He stares at her. Tsukasa looks up at him questioningly. "That's enough Kamojima."

Kamo-san: "A... hai." He unties Tsukasa.

Tsukasa: "---..." She starts winding up her chain.

Ryuji, who's now sitting on the couch with his back to her: "---I'm sure you know our (Kuryugumi's) strength. I won't even take 1 hour to find a lost pet dog. If you don't want a collar that'll keep you from running away then get serious with your work.

Tsukasa: "The lost pet dog..."

Ryuji: "You of course."

Tsukasa: "!!!" Her face transforms into that of a dog.

Ryuji, now puffing on a cigarette: "Or should I have said a hyena who can smell a stack of money?" Tsukasa is about to say something but Ryuji cuts her off. "That's right. I should charge double for attempted seizure of the money." He turns to Kamo-san who has his calculator out.

Tsukasa: "Ogre! Devil! Villain! Monster alien---! You're always using such dirty trick...! I've decided---! I've just decided! I'm gonna become a cop like my parents! And you'll be the first one I catch! Even if it takes me my whole life---!!! I'm going to keep track of all the evil things you're doing now!" She's out of breath. {Humph is he a bit scared?}

Ryuji turns to look at her: "---..." He snickers. "I'll be looking forward to it......"

Tsukasa: "!!! I'm going home!!!" She has tears in her eyes again.

Ryuji: "Say hi to the woman who's looking after you. Since I am leaving my pet dog in her care."

Tsukasa, turning around in mid-stomp: "Don't say pet dog!!"

Ryuji: "I'm leaving the house at 10 tomorrow morning. Make sure you come then loyal dog."

Tsukasa: "Shut up---!!" She leaves.

Ryuji: "---A cop......"

Kamo-san: "......"

Ryuji: "That might be good---..."

Kamo-san, smiling: {---...Sandaime---...}

In the streets, Tsukasa wrestles with herself in frustration.

Tsukasa: "Shit---! Shit~~~!!" She yells about how Ryuji pisses her off. "I can't stand how he makes me so angry yet I can't totally hate him either~~~!!!" Tired, she lies on the street as the passersby look on in wonder. "Shit---..." {---It's because he has that face... That face where he looks like an empty shell. He's done that often in the past... There wasn't anyone who didn't know who he was, and nobody ever approached him. Though we were in the same class since Grade 1 we never spoke then. That was because his parents were the gokudo and my parents were cops, but when I saw him separated from the rest of the class and saw him looking like an empty shell, it made me forget that I hated him. (Though that feeling always came back right away.)

It's not fair. It made me think that maybe I can get along with him. Even when he saved me when I drowned in the river--- he didn't tell anyone about my secret~~~ and it make me think that "Maybe this guy's not so bad after all......" But then he started with his debt torture!! Doesn't that mean he still hates me!!}

Tsukasa overhears an announcement for the fighting tournament.[She suddenly grows these huge elephant ears.] The prize is 100 000 000 yen. Eligible contestants had to be female and between the ages of 16 and 20. Application deadlines were on the day of the competition.

Tsukasa: "Uwooooo!!" {Get rich quick~~~!!! 16 TO 20? If I wear make up and a wig then it's no problem! I have confidence in my fighting skills to!!!} "I'm gonna get the prize!" She starts throwing kicks into the air.

Voice: "...Tsukasa-kun......"

Tsukasa: "A...! Kaya-san!!"

Kaya: "Welcome back home... You're early today..." [Description of Kaya? Well she has long dark hair and sad looking eyes.]

Tsukasa: "I don't have to work tonight."

Kaya: "...Oh..."

Tsukasa, smiling: {This is Shouzu Kaya-san is the woman that Ryuji was just talking about. Me and my bros were staying at Ryuji's place to pay back the debt but we couldn't stand Ryuji's demonic torture so we ran out. ---And when we had no place to go and we were on the verge of starving, she picked us off the street.} Kaya's first words to them that rainy day had been "Would you like to have a meal at my place...?" {In this world, yesterday's ally can become today's enemy, but when we first met Kaya-san, the way her eyes were clinging to us made me feel that we had to trust her---...} They go home together.

At Kaya-san's place after dinner.

Taku: "Tsukasa. I heard that you were fighting by yourself in the middle of the streets again out of anger. How embarrassing." [Taku (Takuma) is introduced as being 16] Taku and Toshi are cleaning the dishes. [Toshi (Toshiyuki) is introduced as being 14. !!!???]

Tsukasa: "That's not it! I was fighting out of happiness! You guys may be embarrassed but I'm not so what's wrong with that?"

Sho: "..." [Sho (Shohei) is introduced as being 13.]

Kaya: "...I would rather... that you didn't fight..."

Tsukasa: "Don't worry, I won't. Even if I were asked to---"

Sho, who's wiping the table: {Promising things that she can't do again......}

Kaya, turning to Tsukasa: "...Tsukasa-kun, let's take a bath......"

Tsukasa: "...Okay..."

In the bathing room. A very big bathing room (Japanese style of course).

Kaya: "---These days, I know that it's hard to live as a girl...... We can't even walk alone without knowing at least some self defense or having self defense weapons... I thing it will be necessary for girls to learn ways to become stronger than boys... ...So it's not like I totally don't understand why your parents raised you this way... ...But... I don't think that's 100% right..."

Tsukasa: "Yeah... I know... You lost your only sister 9 years ago in a fight when she only started to learn martial arts..." {And she was only 18...}

Kaya: "...Tsukasa-kun... I want you guys to stay with me... ...You don't want to...?"

Tsukasa, turning red and splashing the water around in the bathtub. "We're happy that you even picked us off the street!! You feed us and clothe us and even let us go to school! We keep thinking what are we going to do if you decide you don't want..." She tries to hide underwater.

Kaya, smiling: "Then it's decided..."

Tsukasa: "...But are you sure it's all right...?"

Kaya: "...Tsukasa-kun... Even in this world, there are still people who want to help others..."

Tsukasa, smiling: {...Kaya-san......} "...Yeah... Thanks......"

Kaya: "...Tsukasa-kun... you kind of remind me of my sister..." {---No matter what happened, she never stopped... She had a strong will---...}

Tsukasa: "Really!?"

Kaya: {I... was envious of her---...}

That night.

While her brothers are sleeping, Tsukasa lies awake. "......" {If Kaya-san found out that we had such a big debt, she might try to take in on herself---...} She gets up and takes out the application form for the fighting competition. {...I'm sorry... Kaya-san...... But this is something we have to do ourselves---...}

The next morning.

Tsukasa shows up at Ryuji's place and just misses being choked with a dog collar and chain.

Ryuji: "It seems that you don't get it until you have a collar on... I said to come here by 10." [That doesn't really make sense. Don't they have to go to school? Then again, I don't think the yakuza would go to school on time but...]

Tsukasa: "Didn't I also say that I had no obligation to be your bodyguard. It's not just a theory, but it'll become reality. Why? 'Cause I'll return the 96 000 000 yen debt by the end of the month---!!!"

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-san, it's 97 000 000 yen." (Because of interest.)

Tsukasa: "I'm not going to be your bodyguard! No matter what! Not at all---!!"

Ryuji: "...What's that supposed to mean..."

Tsukasa: "I'm not telling!" She jumps out of the 2nd story window.

Ryuji: "! Wait you!"

Kamo-san/Bun-san: "A! Sandaime-!"

Tsukasa flips in midair and lands. She turns to see that Ryuji is following her.

Tsukasa starts running: {Shit~~~! I don't want to go further into debt from all that torture!! This is the end! Even if a bullet or anything else comes flying towards you, I'm not going to do anything......} She suddenly spots a sniper, aiming for Ryuji. Instinctively, Tsukasa moved to protect him by jumping in front of him and using her chain to deflect the bullets. Ryuji fires, and they both fall to the ground. It so happens that Tsukasa falls next to Ryuji. She looks him in the face, and screams silently. {Dammit! My reflexes---!!!} She runs off crying in embarassment.

Ryuji looks at her thoughtfully.

In Ryuji's car.

Kamo-san: "Sandaime...? Are you all right?"

Ryuji: "A...? Aa......"

Kamo-san: "I'm having Shibuya question the man you shot... Could it have been......"

Ryuji: "I doubt it. If so, it's like telling us who they are."

Kamo-san: "...Either way, it seems like the female fighting competition has an evil side to it...... The way that the money is being passed around kumis that are unaffiliated with Kuryugumi is like them telling us who they are. We haven't actually found out where the money is coming from but with a 9 year blank, it wouldn't be strange if their desires cannot wait any longer. And if he is involved, then there's only one way they will go."

The car phone rings and Kamo-san answers it. It's from the Tsukasa-capture-squad. Ryuji had a car following her and finds out that she went to the tournament.

Ryuji: "...I see......" {That's what she meant...}

Kamo-san: "...What should we do? Tsukasa-san will definitely be sent to the real game...?"

Ryuji: "...It doesn't matter...... It's better that way... Just leave her..." He starts muttering to himself. "Those ahos... I'll crush this from the inside so that they'll never be able to do something like this again---..."

At the competition grounds.

Man 1: "It's almost 1."

Man 2: "You're the last one."

Man 1: "Okay, that's it."

Man 2, starts: "---... 16? You must be lying. You have to write the truth."

Tsukasa: "I... I am...!"

Man 2: "No, you can't fool me. You must be 18!"

Tsukasa: {How rude......!! I'm not in a good mood right now after that embarrassment!} She stalks off. The man at the reception desk has several bumps on this head and his colleagues are panicking.

Tsukasa's wearing make up and a long blond (?) wig. She's wearing a black body suit and black wrist guards, and she does look older than 14.

Speech by Sunomata: "---This is not for fun. This competition was arranged to make girls stronger in this world where there is an increased number of crimes committed against women. You're not to rely on someone else, you must fight alone. As a woman, I am not dismayed by your choice. To the women with a bright future... Let us life together strongly!!"

The girls in the stadium are awed at her speech.

Tsukasa is not fond of the rotund woman: {I'm sure you don't have to worry about ever being preyed upon... The way you show that you have no worries by being so round. She's a lot different from Kaya-san who's also rich. ...I don't like her... ...But... If I can get the 100 billion yen, then I don't really care......}

In one of her rounds, she accidentally punches out a girl.

Tsukasa: {OOPS...! Maybe I shouldn't have been so hard... Sorry. It's easier to fight against guys...} She notices someone watching the tournaments from above. It's Sunomata. Seems like she's really enjoying the fights. {...W... ...What's she laughing about---! And you call yourself a martial arts fan!? That looks more like the face of a blood thirsty person who loves the sight of people being beaten---!! How annoying---!}

Voice: "Contestant no. 301!"

Tsukasa, turning around and very pissed: "AA!?"

The man: "Um..! Uh! Will you continue!? Or......"

Tsukasa, suddenly looking very cute: "Ha~~~i." {100 billion. 100 billion©}

Somewhere in the building.

A bunch of men are checking via cameras the outcomes of the various rooms. They seem to be checking on certain female competitors. Tsukasa is one of them...

Tsukasa easily passes the first round and goes home in smiles. "I'm home---!"

Kaya: "A... Welcome back home."

Tsukasa: "Huh? Where's Taku and Toshi and Sho?"

Kaya: "...They haven't come back home from work yet."

Tsukasa: "Hmmm." {Looks like they're working hard too... Watch this, I'll suddenly get 100 billion and...} She notices 2 tea cups on the table. "Huh? Was someone here?"

Kaya, surprised: "E...!? A... Yes, a friend."

Tsukasa, with a goofy looking face: "...A guy...? Your boyfriend!? Introduce me some time~"

Kaya: "N... No! It's not...!"

Tsukasa: "You're lying- Your face is red---"

Kaya: "It's not...!" {Tsukasa-kun you're so cruel!} "Oh yeah, that's right. Tsukasa-kun... Will you accept this...?" She takes out a box.

Tsukasa: "I'll accept anything you give me~~~!"

Kaya: "My younger sister used to wear it often."

Tsukasa open the box to find an expensive looking China dress. "...Often..."

Kaya: "E...!? Is it strange...!? She was a Chinese mania......! She wanted to learn Kung Fu as well...!" {Is it really strange!? Ya---}

Tsukasa: "...Thank you... I'll take good care of it...!" She smiles. Kaya smiles back.

At school.

Tsukasa is skipping down the hall: "Ry-u-ji--kun!"

Ryuji flicks something into her mouth. [He's sitting down.] Tsukasa swallows reflexively.

Tsukasa: "...Wh...! What did you make me swallow...?"

Ryuji: "Nothing. Just a 50 000 yen vitamin pill." {I bet it tasted good.}

Kamo-san, with his calculator: "That's another 50~ 000~."

Tsukasa, with her hands on her head: "Gaaaa!! It's getting bigger---!!"

Ryuji: "Knowing you, you're here to gloat."

Tsukasa: "Of course! I didn't get caught for half a day!"

Ryuji takes out another pill: "98 000 000..." He's trying to shove the pill into her mouth. He's practically on top of her.

Tsukasa's screaming. He manages to make her take the pill. With tears in her eyes: "Damn you! I'm not going to get caught today! I'll make fun of you tomorrow as well---!!!"

Ryuji: {...I doubt that's possible... The next time we meet won't be in school.}

Kamo-san: "...Sandaime... The capsule you gave Tsukasa-san..."

Ryuji: "For assurance. With that, she can't become poisoned."

Kamo-san, smiling: "...You're good at aiding people without them knowing it... Even when you arranged things so that Tsukasa-san and her brothers would leave the main house..."

Ryuji must have given him a look because Kamo-san starts apologizing.

Bun-san enters: "...Sandaime. I've got some information about you know what. The sniper who shot at you yesterday let out a name of someone involved with the fighting competition."

Kamo-san: "Sandaime... How manuke of them." [manuke = silly/ foolish]

Ryuji: "..."

Bun-san: "And also... he has started moving."

Ryuji starts: "...... ...Fine... ...We have to get there before Tsukasa does. Squeeze some more out of that sniper. He would know where they're meeting. No matter how manuke they are, they won't use the same place they used 9 years ago. Hurry." Bun-san leaves.

At the tournament change rooms.

Tsukasa decides to wear the China dress. She is also wearing a wrist guard on her left arm.

Girl: "You... must be rich."

Tsukasa turns to see a girl with shoulder length dark hair. {...Am I hearing things......?}

Girl: "I'm sorry, but I'm not here to be playing like you. My life depends on it!"

Tsukasa: {Gloating about how bad off you are... I wonder if she has a debt...}

Girl: "I have an older sister who's turning 17 and a younger sister a well. Neesan is selling her body everyday to raise us! I'm sure a ojyousama like you wouldn't understand. Prostitution! With 100 billion, I can save my sister from that!" Tsukasa starts. [neesan = older sister, opposite from oniisan; ojyousama = well off girl]

The announcement system tells the competitors to gather in the lobby.

Girl: "...If I'm against you, I won't lose!"

Tsukasa: "......" {What should I do...... It makes me feel like my 98 million is nothing. That the only way to survive is to sell a woman's body... Mom... Dad... Thanks for raising me this way!! If I wasn't like this, aho Ryuji would have sold me ages ago! He would too, the bastard! He almost did sell me!}

In the hallway, Tsukasa spots Sunomata with a bald headed man: {W... What------!!? Wait a minute! That man! It's gotta be that Hizaki takobouzu!!!} Tsukasa's blacklist appears. [The data about Hizaki written in her book is funny.]