Chapter Text
“Give it to me!”
Following the volleyball’s movements with his eyes, Iwaizumi crouched at the ready. “The receive was a bit off, but Akaashi has always been good at recovering.” He could see Akaashi quietly analyzing the situation over on the other side of the net, calculating the best course of action, and smirked in anticipation. “In a situation like this, Bokuto is definitely going to go for what he’s best at, a straight along the line!” The wing spiker pivoted to his left and rushed forward, stopping in place and waiting for Kuroo’s call.
“Spread out the block!” Kuroo rallied in response. “Get ready! If there’s even a small chance, it’ll get through!”
Iwaizumi jumped, propelling himself upwards with his arms out for the block. Concentrating his strength into his fingers so he wasn’t blown back, he braced himself. Bokuto was strong, ridiculously strong, and while he knew he didn’t have the blocking prowess that Kuroo did, he definitely would not back down. “Here it comes!”
Just as Bokuto was about to slam his palm downwards and attack, the gym door was thrown opened, and the sound of the door colliding with the wall behind it cut through the air. Ukai Ikkei, their chief-of-police, did not look happy. He crossed his arms, a very noticeable vein protruding from his temple, and raised his voice. “What the hell are you all doing?! Did you not hear the announcement?! Get to the debriefing room!” He clicked his tongue impatiently and glared at everyone one last time before turning around to leave. “Stop messing around and get back to work, you brats!” He made it out the door before shouting another command. “And make sure to clean up the damn gym too!”
Abandoning the game almost immediately, everyone hurriedly began putting things away and cleaning up the gym, not wanting to face their commander’s impending wrath. Iwaizumi definitely didn’t need to be told twice; he sprinted towards the closet to fetch the mops while the others did their part and took down the nets. They cleaned as fast as they could, toweled off their sweat, changed out of their gym clothes, and all made a beeline for the debriefing room just as their leader instructed. Once everyone settled in, Iwaizumi reached up to straighten out his tie, and swept his eyes from left to right, briefly scanning the faces of his unit before returning his attention to the commissioner. “What’s this about, Ukai-san?”
Ukai Sr. placed a hand on his hip and held up a file for everyone to see. “Five years ago, Tenko Sozen was abducted in an unsolved case. His family reported him missing immediately but even though we did the best we could, we weren’t able to find his body.” He shook his head in dismay, his brows furrowing sadly. “He was just a kid; young, bright, and eager. He would have been twelve this year.”
Although he had joined the force straight out of college as a new recruit and felt as though he was ready for a job like this, Iwaizumi honestly hated cases when children were involved. He had seen his fair share of bloodshed and murder but when children were involved? That was the worst. Those kinds of cases hit him harder than most because he was ultimately a realist and more often than not, abducted children ended up dead. Children weren’t supposed to die, not before adults anyway, and this particular case destroyed him. “I’m sorry Sozen,” Iwaizumi thought. “If only I could have saved you.” It was one of the very first cases he was assigned to upon graduating and although he gave it everything he had, they still couldn’t find him. They were forced to leave it unsolved once the trail ran cold and Iwaizumi honestly could still remember the grief-stricken look on Sozen’s parents when Iwaizumi told them of their ill-progress, a memory he didn’t think he could ever shake.
Studying his best friend silently, Kuroo could see the tension in Iwaizumi’s shoulders. They had been friends for years and knew each other well, having been roommates in college as two hopefuls. Upon graduating, they each went their separate ways until Iwaizumi approached him a few years ago to recruit him into his team. Like Iwaizumi, he had seen his fair share of death – being a coroner was never pretty after all – and after accepting Iwaizumi’s offer, he now headed the labs as their resident forensic pathologist. “It’s okay,” Kuroo comforted, his voice low and serious as he reached out to wrap an arm around Iwaizumi. He brought their heads together and leaned his temple against Iwaizumi’s. “We’ll get him one day.”
Iwaizumi nodded solemnly in reply. “That fucker is going to rot in hell for the rest of his life. I’ll make sure of it.”
The commissioner shuffled through some folders and brought everyone’s attention to a new file that he held up. “Nearly a year after Tenko Sozen’s case went cold, there was another reported incident – a teenaged girl by the name of Yuhara Misao – who was kidnapped one night while out with her friends. She’s the daughter of Yuhara Mio and Yuhara Tatsuhiko, the well-known founders of Yuhara Electronics, and Shimizu, if you would.”
“The kidnapper demanded a ransom with a digitally-altered voice,” Shimizu supplied, looking through the case files in front of her. “They demanded millions upon millions of yen in exchange for their daughter’s life and gave them a 24-hour window in which the ransom had to be paid. The kidnapper told them that if they did not pay the ransom, she would die. As you all know, the TMPD has a policy not to pay ransoms and although those in charge of the case followed as many leads as they could and interviewed as many people as they could, they were unable to determine Yuhara Misao’s location. Because of this, her parents were forced to pay the ransom in full and true to the kidnapper’s word, Yuhara Misao was released.”
Sugawara, their interrogator, then cut in to speak. “After checking her for injuries and miraculously finding nothing major except a few cuts and bruises, the TMPD spoke to the victim after the kidnapping. It says here in the case files that she told us that she was attacked after reading a text from who she thought was from her friend but because of that, Yuhara’s attention had been diverted long enough for the kidnapper to subdue her. The TMPD followed up on that supposed friend but came up with nothing concrete as we later found out that they did not send the text and it was in fact, from the kidnapper instead.” Sugawara sighed and shook his head. “It says here that the communications team hacked into the phone’s history and attempted to track the messages but the kidnapper must have known they’d try to trace it because the phone short-circuited and detonated to the point of it being unusable shortly after.”
“It was logically concluded that the text was most likely sent from a burner phone and that the kidnapper may also be extremely tech-savvy due to the controlled detonation of the phone. Either that, or they’re working with an outside source.” Sawamura, Sugawara’s partner, shuffled through the case files and pulled out a USB titled YM – 03. “This is the interview here with all the details from Yuhara herself.”
“The Yuhara Case was not the only one that ended with the ransoms being paid,” Ukai continued. Laying out four more folders filled with files, the old man gruffly pointed a finger at each of the victims’ photos. “Amegaki Hiroshi, Hanamura Yoshitaka, and twin sisters, Nakano Romi and Rumi, were all kidnapped in some similar manner and were subsequently released when their ransoms were paid.”
Shimizu stood up and quickly began distributing a series of case files around the room with Yachi doing the same on the other side. “All victims belonged to well-known families and it appears the kidnapper adjusts the ransom demand based on how much the family can afford. We understand that this is how the kidnapper picks their victims and they are no real connections between them – the kidnapper simply goes where the money takes them.” She then gestured to the photos just as Ukai had done. “We understand that the kidnapper does not solely pick their victims based on age or gender as all affected victims were of many different genders from ages 8 to 24.”
Kuroo hummed thoughtfully as he began looking through several case files, flipping through them quickly but efficiently. His eyes swept from left to right, skimming through the recorded information and photographs taken by the forensic team. “It says here that there were traces of lead, carbon, benzine, and various aldehydes found on each of the victims’ clothing…” He let out another hum, making a mental note for later, and frowned as if disturbed. “Engine exhaust, maybe? I’ll have to look at the particulates.”
“Ukai-san,” Iwaizumi called. “What’s this all about?”
The chief looked at his leading detective with grave eyes, knowing full-well how affected Iwaizumi had been by it. “I’m re-opening up Tenko Sozen’s case. We have reason to believe that the kidnapper involved in this case and the one from the previously mentioned cases may be one in the same. The mannerisms in which they handled these situations are all too similar to be coincidental.”
Iwaizumi narrowed his eyes slightly. “Is this circumstantial evidence or do we actually have something concrete?”
“It’s too soon to tell,” Ukai admitted. Truth be told, the old man felt unfair for doing this to Iwaizumi – he after all had been here from the very beginning. He had seen Iwaizumi pour his entire heart and soul over Sozen’s investigation. He had seen how little Iwaizumi had slept during the whole ordeal, how often Iwaizumi vented his frustrations by leveling the punching bags in the gym, and how broken he was at the thought of being unable to save Sozen. It was a risky move to re-open the case like this, especially with Sozen’s case having been declared cold all those years ago, but it was a risk he knew he had to take. “I know I can trust you all to solve this case.”
“And this is everything we have? All the interviews and evidence from the victims themselves to the families and people involved?” Iwaizumi asked, standing to his feet.
“Yes, and you’ll have access to whatever else you need to solve this case.”
Iwaizumi didn’t even miss a beat, immediately turning towards his team, and taking charge. “Here’s the plan,” he began. “Kuroo, I want you and Tsukishima to head back to the labs. I’ll have all the clothes the victims were wearing at the time of their kidnapping sent to you for you guys to study as well as their medical examinations. When you’ve got something, take it to Kenma and have him reconstruct the crime scenes from the testimonies they’ve all given.”
Kuroo gave him a two-finger salute. “You got it.”
“Sugawara, Sawamura, you guys are up next,” Iwaizumi then called. “Contact the victims and have them come in for another interview. I want to make sure everything lines up with what we have on file. Have them recount the day of their kidnapping and make sure they leave nothing out. I want to know what they were doing, who they were with, what happened… I want it all on tape and dated. Find the links, connect them, and report to me when you’re done.”
“Understood,” Sawamura answered.
“Bokuto, Akaashi, I want you to guys to go over the photos of the crime scenes. Find any inaccuracies if there are any, study the blood stains, splatters, injuries, cuts, and anything else that could suggest a possible weapon used by the kidnapper during these attacks. If you find anything, take it to Kenma and have him digitally reconstruct the weapon.” Bokuto flashed him a thumbs-up in understanding so Iwaizumi then turned to the girls. “Shimizu, Yachi, get a search warrant for us and cross reference everyone’s findings. If there’s really a connection between all these cases, I want all the facts.”
Reaching up to tuck a log of hair behind her hair, Shimizu nodded swiftly. “We’ll have everything ready as soon as possible.”
Iwaizumi stood to his feet. “Let’s bring him home.”
After the meeting, everyone filed out quickly, all too determined to get to work on Sozen’s case. Kuroo took to the labs, already on the phone and requesting for everything to be sent to the lab. Sawamura, Sugawara, Bokuto, and Akaashi left in direction of the archive room while Shimizu and Yachi made their way to the offices. Iwaizumi on the other hand left the station completely to tend to his own task of speaking to Sozen’s parents.
The drive there was done in moderate silence and to be honest, Iwaizumi didn’t even bother turning on the radio. And as he stood outside the Tenko residence, a feeling of dread hung low in his stomach. He felt anxious, apprehensive even, at the thought of seeing Sozen’s parents again. He was terrified but could anyone blame him? He wasn’t sure how they’d react to seeing after so many years especially since he failed to find their son (and his killer). He desperately hoped his sudden appearance wouldn’t trigger them in any way or give them some sort of false hope. “I probably should have called first,” the detective thought, suddenly feeling like an ass.
He stood there for what seemed like hours before sighing and shaking his head. “I need to stop wasting time.” Iwaizumi reached out and rang the doorbell, that sinking feeling enveloping him once more as he waited for Sozen’s parents to emerge from the house. He respectively waited by the gates, his hands clasped behind, with his back ramrod straight and shoulders taut. “Deep breaths, Hajime.” When Tenko-san answered, Iwaizumi hung his head and bowed lowly. “Raizen-san, I’m sorry for coming by unannounced.”
It was quiet before, “Hajime? Is that you?”
Iwaizumi looked up, his eyes connecting with that of honest brown. His gaze softened immediately at the sight of Sozen’s father as a small smile made its way onto his face. “Yes, it’s me. I’m sorry for coming by unannounced.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, you’re always welcomed here,” Raizen said kindly, already making his way towards him to open the gate.
Iwaizumi smiled again once the gate opened. “I was wondering if I could come in? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you and Sumirin-san.” When Raizen admonished him for not needing to be so polite and that he was always welcomed to visit, Iwaizumi felt lighter. He was quickly ushered inside and when his gaze fell upon Sozen’s mother, she took him into her arms, hugging him tightly as if he were her own son.
“Hajime, it’s been so long,” Sumirin greeted warmly. “It’s good to see you.”
He hugged her back easily. “It has. I hope you’ve been well.” They exchanged a few words and updated one another about different aspects of their lives, Raizen even disappearing for a bit to fetch them all tea, until Iwaizumi took a deep breath and folded his hands together. “There’s a reason why I’m here.”
Raizen’s brows furrowed almost immediately. “It’s about Sozen, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Iwaizumi replied. “We’re re-opening the case.” He watched as they visibly tensed in front of him, Raizen moving to take Sumirin’s hand in his, and frowned apologetically. “We have reason to believe that the kidnapper involved in Sozen’s case may have also been involved in several other cases.”
“Were you able to find anything?” Sumirin asked, leaning forward slightly.
Iwaizumi shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to say yet.”
“Why now?”
“We have probable cause,” Iwaizumi explained. “The mannerisms in which the kidnapper handled these cases are all too similar to ignore.” Moving to place his hand over Sumirin’s, his face turned kind. “If you’ll let us, we’d like to officially re-open the case and bring your son home.”
Raizen and Sumirin shared an uncertain look and honestly, Iwaizumi didn’t blame them. The case had been cold for a few years now with no new evidence; things probably looked really bleak at this point. Still, he was confident that he and his team could solve this case. They were after all, the best of the best, head-hunted and hand-picked by Iwaizumi himself.
“My team is already hard at work trying to find the connections between everything and you can be sure that they will.”
Sozen’s parents silently conversed, searching for something within each other’s eyes, until ultimately, Raizen nodded solemnly. “What can we do to help?”
“Start from the beginning and tell me everything you know. I want to start fresh and look at this investigation with new eyes. Leave nothing out, no matter how insignificant it might seem, and to your best ability, relay the events that happened on the day of Sozen’s abduction,” Iwaizumi instructed.
“It was like any other day really,” Sumirin began, reaching up to clutch at the locket around her neck. “We were getting ready to go out for the day; Sozen wanted to go to the park and try out the new swings that just got installed. It must have been in the afternoon when it happened.” Her fingers tightened. “We were just about to leave when I went back in the house to get some snacks for Sozen… What if he got hungry, you know? I didn’t want him to get hungry… I told him to wait by the garage. I thought it’d be fine since the garage isn’t too far from the front door but when I went back outside, he was gone.”
Although this wasn’t the first time he had heard this story, Iwaizumi’s heart still ached. He couldn’t even begin to imagine how hard things must have been for them. No parent should ever lose a child, it was just wrong. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. She took another deep breath and began recounting more of what she remembered but as Iwaizumi listened to her, he couldn’t bring himself to look away from her tear-stricken face. “We’ll find him, I swear it.”
It was late at night when Iwaizumi got home and to be honest, he was pretty tired. He had stayed at Sozen’s residence a lot longer than he had originally intended, wanting to get as much information as he could. Sozen’s parents even offered him dinner but he politely declined and told them that he would next time and that he really should be getting leaving.
“I’m home,” the detective called out. Instead of crouching down to remove his shoes neatly, he kicked them off individually and nudged them into place by the front door. All the lights had been turned off saved for the desk light by the couch in the living room. “You’re still up?” Iwaizumi asked, spying the familiar head of black hair.
Kuroo offered him a small smile as he shrugged lazily. “I couldn’t sleep.” Returning his attention back to the notes in front of him, the scientist absentmindedly nodded his head over at the kitchen. “There’s leftover pizza for you if you want.”
“Weren’t you in charge of dinner?” Iwaizumi laughed, making his way over to the pizza box on the counter to get himself some pizza.
“Are you not eating dinner?”
“Fair enough.” Nudging Kuroo over with his knee, Iwaizumi collapsed onto the couch beside him and laid his head back against Kuroo’s thigh, eating his pizza. “So, how’d things go on your end?”
“Tsukki and I found trace elements of aluminum and magnesium on each of the victims’ clothing which I thought was rather odd. You wouldn’t find that kind of stuff unless they were held in some sort of freezer or something. Anyway, I didn’t think about it too much just yet until I then found more amounts of lead, carbon, benzine, and various aldehydes across all the victims. It seems as though they really did have a run-in with the same things.”
Iwaizumi was silent for a moment as he put two and two together. “Engine exhaust?”
“Bingo. That’s right,” Kuroo confirmed. “Anyway, we cross-referenced our findings with that of the interrogations team and found that every one of the victims was alone when they were kidnapped. Nobody saw them leave and nobody saw them being taken. It makes me think they were all nabbed in some sort of parking lot or something. Either that or at least somewhere without any cameras or witnesses.”
“Parking lot?” The detective parroted mentally. “Engine exhaust?” Putting two and two together, Iwaizumi’s eyes grew wide as realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Throwing his pizza onto the table and boosting himself upwards, Iwaizumi frantically grabbed at Kuroo’s shoulders, spinning him around to face him. “What about a garage? Could someone have been taken near a garage?”
“Yeah? I’d say it’s quite possible.” Kuroo then narrowed his eyes at his friend suspiciously. “What are you thinking?”
“Sozen was taken right outside his garage,” Iwaizumi told him gravely. “It happened right under his parents’ noses but he was definitely near a car when it happened. If these cases are connecting, we should find engine exhaust on him too.” Reaching for Kuroo’s notes, he scanned the faces of the other four victims and frowned. “That connection that Ukai-san was talking about? I think we might be onto something.”
Furrowing his brows, Kuroo retook back his notes and laid them all out in front of them on the coffee table. “Alright, let’s start from the beginning.” He brought a red pen to his mouth and uncapped it with his teeth, chewing on it slightly. “Five years ago, Tenko Sozen was abducted.” Circling Sozen’s picture, he drew a line and connected it to Yuhara.
“And then a year later, Yuhara Misao is kidnapped,” Iwaizumi continued, pointing a finger at Yuhara’s picture. “Across three more years, Amegaki Hiroshi, Hanamura Yoshitaka, and twin sisters, Nakano Romi and Rumi, are all kidnapped.” The detective hummed thoughtfully. “And you said you found engine exhaust on Yuhara’s clothes, right? As well as the others?” At Kuroo’s nod, Iwaizumi moved his finger over to Amegaki. “Can you show me where you found the engine exhaust on Amegaki? And then on the others as well?” Once Kuroo circled the aforementioned sections, Iwaizumi’s brows furrowed. “What were their reported injuries again?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary: cuts, scrapes, and bruises – typical of what you’d see if someone was taken.”
“But how did the kidnapper even get to them? He must have incapacitated them somehow,” Iwaizumi admonished, his tone slightly aggressive. “There’s nothing in these files that suggested a weapon was used to subdue them but I know there had to be one. People don’t just get taken, not without force anyway. There has to be something they missed.” Times like these made Iwaizumi wish he had been assigned these cases – if he had been at the helm, he wouldn’t have done such a messy job.
Running a hand through his hair, Kuroo clicked his tongue regretfully. “You’ll have to check with Akaashi and the rest of the forensic team but without a body, I can’t physically confirm anything.” He sighed and gripped his pen, visibly frustrated. “I need to get back to my lab.”
Iwaizumi fell silent at that as he turned his attention back to Sozen’s picture. Picking it up with gentle fingers, he studied Sozen’s face. He was laughing in the picture, his eyes closed in absolute joy, and was posing for the camera like kids always seemed to do. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembered Sumirin telling him that Sozen loved the camera. “I’m sorry I never got to meet you,” Iwaizumi thought sadly. Running a padded thumb along the curve of Sozen’s face, Iwaizumi’s voice turned soft. “I’m going to find you, I promise.”