GANGSTARS Voice Drama – Blanca

(0:00)

(*Door opens and footsteps*)

Temma: *sighs*  I am so tired…! Hmm?

Aruran: *Working out noises* Nice, my abs are screaming with joy today!

Uyu: *sighs* Cheesecake sure hits the spot~

Temma: A workout and afternoon tea, huh? Seems like you two are enjoying yourselves.

Aruran: Hmm? Ah, Temma! You’re back!

Uyu: Welcome back. Good job out there today~

Temma: Ah, yeah. I’m here. No sense of urgency around here, is there? Meanwhile, I was working my butt off.

Aruran: What’s up? You sound awfully tired. Don’t tell me today’s deal also…

Temma: Bingo, unfortunately. They are considering a partnership with a new business and had to respectfully turn us down.

Aruran: Oh, noooooooo~!

Temma: Don’t “oh no” me! This is the fourth time this month! Seems like a certain organization is interfering with us again…

Uyu: A certain… Ah. That rival gang that keeps getting in our way, yes? 

Temma: Yep. They haven’t stood out too much up until now, so they weren’t really on our radar. Normally, they wouldn’t even be worth worrying about. But as of late they’ve been getting the upper hand on us.

Uyu: They interfered with our weapons deal the other day, didn’t they? If this keeps up, I’ll be in a bit of a bind.

Aruran: Since you’re such a weapons maniac, aren’t you, Uyu~?

Uyu: Hehe. Sniping is my specialty, though~

Temma: That’s why I’m saying, stop being so careless about this…! Look, do you not understand what it means that all of the deals we’ve been aiming for are falling through?… There’s a traitor in our midst.

Uyu: Hah?!

Aruran: There’s no way—

Uyu: No, I actually think that’s likely the case.

Aruran: Even Uyu thinks so…

Uyu: I mean, isn’t it bizarre? All of our deals have been going smoothly up ‘til now, and even if we did have some interference from a third party, we’ve been able to make things work with a little shady business. But as of now, our hands have been tied, almost like someone’s predicting our every move. Also, we’re a tiny organization. Just like Temma-san said, it’s natural to assume that someone’s leaking information from the inside.

Aruran: Even so…

Uyu: Your trust in your companions is admirable, Aru-san, but if we want our business to continue as it has, there’s no reason not to be on guard.

Temma: Uyu’s actually sounding reasonable…! 

Uyu: Hehe~ if my precious weapons are on the line, even I will get serious once in a while.

Temma: Please take things seriously even when they’re not involved… Anyways, that’s the situation, Aran-san. Even our newcomer gang Blanca has managed to become one of the most influential organizations in Seikyoku thanks to your negotiation skills. Still, we hardly have a foot in the struggle for Sirius. We can’t compete with the gangs in this city that have more numbers than us. And even though that’s why we’ve been trying to steadily gain power, it’s like they’re forcing us to stay on the outskirts and preventing us from expanding our territory. Getting a hold of Sirius is a pipe dream at this point.

Uyu: Whoever obtains Sirius will gain control over the city, right? I’m doubtful that such a thing even exists, to be honest.

Temma: But it sounds like Kuzuryu-kai, Garuda, and even that mysterious organization Ouroboros are looking for it. That alone gives Sirius credibility. Don’t you think, Aran-san?

Aruran: Yeah. If we assume it does exist, we have to get a hold of it, if we in Blanca want to act as we wish.

Temma: I’m glad to hear you say that. It means we don’t have time to waste here, yeah? We have to expose the traitor as soon as possible.

Aruran: Going that far… perhaps that’s the traitor’s true goal? 

Temma: At the end of the day, it’s all speculation. I actually think Izuru’s suspicious.

Aruran: Izuru, really?!

Uyu: And what makes you say that?

Temma: Izuru’s the first hacker to get past our tight security network. We found his skills to be promising so we recruited him, but his past is shrouded in mystery. Also—

(*Door opens*)

Izuru: What the hell…? So rude.

Temma: Izuru.

(*Door closes, footsteps*)

Izuru: I stayed quiet and listened, and it sounds like you’re suspecting me.

Temma: You heard our conversation?

Izuru: Don’t underestimate us informants… Eavesdropping is our specialty.

Temma: Well, then you understand why we’re doubting you. You’ve been acting rather suspicious.

Izuru: Huh? No, I haven’t. Part of my job is to act sneaky—I don’t think that’s enough to be called suspicious. 

Temma: That’s not the only reason we’re speculating about you. You’ve been looking into that shady research institute, haven’t you? And yet, you haven’t reported any of your findings to me. 

Izuru: What…? So that’s enough to make you doubt me.

Uyu: It’s certainly enough to be considered suspicious, especially compared to the rest of us whose records are clean.

Izuru: I don’t think anyone here has a clean record, if you ask me. A self-proclaimed weapon maniac who’s a shady sniper, a self-centered right-hand man of a strategist…

Temma: Hah? Of course you can’t trust Uyu as far as you can throw him. He handles a lot of our information as a part of his duties.

Uyu: Oh? You’re saying that, Temma-san? Since you’re working as Aru-san’s right-hand man, you’re responsible for all our private info—or am I exaggerating?

Temma: Hah? Oi, try saying that again.

Uyu: Heh.

Aruran: (*Claps*) Okay, we’re done!

Temma: Aran-san…

Aruran: We can’t keep going like this for the time being. Leave this matter to me, alright?

Izuru: Do you have a plan in mind?

Aruran: Hmm~ that… is a secret.

Uyu: A secret… I know this is coming from me, but do you get how important this is?

Aruran: Sure I do!

Temma: That doesn’t make me feel any better.

Uyu: Aru-san is just… the traitor’s gonna have their way with him.

Izuru: Huh? Do you want that to happen? Oh yeah, the other day, you…

Aruran: (*Claps*) Nope, no more! Saying that for the second time now. Listen to your boss, please!

Temma & Uyu: *Grumbling*

Aruran: Seriously, leave this to me. No more pointing fingers after this, okay? I can’t stand having this weirdly-tense atmosphere!

Izuru: *chuckles* This is dumb. (*Walks away*)

Aruran: Huh? Where’re you going, Izuru?

Izuru: I’m going home. I’m just in the way, aren’t I?

Aruran: Oh, don’t say that! You just got here—let’s work out together.

Izuru: Ew, no. Know what happens when you hang out with people who loooove to question others? Bye.

(*Door opens and closes*)

Temma: Aran-san…

Aruran: Temma-kun, I said this before, but no more talking about traitors. Everything will be fine. I’ll work things out somehow.

Temma: I know, fine. 

Aruran: Mhm. Uyu, you’re okay with that too?

Uyu: If that’s what you want. *sighs* I’m going back to my afternoon tea, then. What about you, Temma-san?

Temma: I have something I want to look into, so I’m heading out for a bit. (*leaves*)

Uyu: There he goes.

Aruran: Gone like the wind… You know what? I’ll join your afternoon tea.

Uyu: I’m happy to have you, but are you sure you’re done training? 

Aruran: Cheering you up when you’re down is way more important!

Uyu: Oh? Do I look like I’m feeling down?

Aruran: Well, you don’t look like it, but… you’re thinking, “I said too much,” aren’t you?

Uyu: *sighs*

Aruran: Don’t sweat it. We’re all in this together. We can patch things up! 

Uyu: Even if there’s a traitor?

Aruran: There isn’t one! And if by some chance there is, I’m sure they’ve just lost their way. I believe that.

Uyu: Aru-san, I love and hate this side of you.

Aruran: Eh, what kind of feeling is that? So complicated!

—

(8:15)

(*Door opens, footsteps*)

Temma: I’m back. That’s rare, Aran-san’s not here?

Uyu: Welcome back! Aru-san told one of our subordinates that he was going for a walk, so he’s out.

Temma: Man, he just does not understand his own position. Even though we haven’t figured anything out since then.

Uyu: It’s been a few days since our conversation. How is he going to handle this?

Temma: Beats me. Even though he looks open to discussion, likes to keep his mouth shut when it comes to crucial matters like this.

Uyu: Not even with you, Temma-san?

Temma: Nope. Maybe he doesn’t actually trust me, either.

Uyu: You think Aru-san doesn’t trust you? No way. He’s a trusting person at heart. He truly believes in people he sees as allies—and you in particular, Temma-san. It’s because of him being this way that we’ve come this far, right?

Temma: Haha, I wonder.

Uyu: You don’t like being honest, do you~? Anyhow, let’s stop this weird line of thinking. Things are looking—

Izuru: (*Bursts in*) Hey, we’ve got a problem—

Temma: Izuru.

Uyu: What’s going on? Why’re you so worked up?

Izuru: Aru-san took off for an enemy organization’s headquarters, and alone at that.

Temma: What?

Uyu: Oh, dear.

Izuru: After our talk the other day, I was curious about what Aru-san would do, so I’ve been gathering intel this whole time. Like, on the people he’s been communicating with, and like, where he’s been hanging around…? And I learned that he got in contact with one of the other bosses. So, it seems like they decided to talk in person…

Temma: What the hell…? Aran-san’s gonna get his ass kicked!

Uyu: So what you’re saying is, Aru-san went to the enemy’s headquarters to go talk with them?

Izuru: Yep. There’s no way this isn’t a trap. All for today, the other gang took a back route to get a hold of some weapons, and they rounded up a shitton of their grunts.

Temma: Of course they did! We have to get to him—!

Uyu: Where’s their base?

Izuru: …You believe me?

Temma: Huh?

Izuru: No, just—I mean, you guys were convinced I was betraying you before. You don’t think, “oh, this guy’s lying,” or “he’s trying to get us trapped”…?

Uyu: Well, it’s like… y’know?

Temma: Yeah, you wouldn’t think someone panicking so much would be lying. You look like you’re worried to death.

Izuru: Hah? No, I don’t–

Temma: Yeah, yeah. Let’s get moving! I’ll gather our men right away, so Uyu, get us some weapons! 

Uyu: On it! Oh yeah, can I bring one of my new toys?

Temma: Whatever you want. Izuru, are you…

Izuru: You better not tell me to stay behind. I’m totally involved in this case already. Anyways, the base they’re using has its own security system, even though it’s small. What would you do without my hacking?

Temma: Haha, guess we can rely on you. Alright, let’s go!

—

(11:35)

Aruran: There! Take that! (*punching noises*) Haha, no matter how many I take out, they still keep coming…! (*slam*) Ouch! Nice tackle, but you’re not getting the upper hand! (*punch*)

(*Shuffling, and guns cocking*)

Aruran: Oh boy, I’m surrounded by guns… Is this the part where my spectacular muscles get outnumbered? (*choking noise?*) Ow, ow, ow! Oi, oi, no need to restrain me that tightly—you’re ruining my beautiful skin! …“You sure are calm for being caught in a trap”? Well, I figured this might happen—and besides, I have faith. No, not in you guys. My comrades.

(*Electricity is cut*)

Aruran: Oh! A power outage, right here and now? No way, right? They must be here.

(*Thud*)

Aruran: Oh, someone behind me got taken out. Was that Uyu? Nice shot! Which means…

(*Car horn, crash*)

Aruran: Called it! 

(*Car door opens, footsteps, gun cocking*)

Temma: Aran-san!

Aruran: Sounds like Temma! Look at you showing off, crashing the truck into them! 

Temma: You sound too easygoing… Judging by your looks, everything’s okay?

Aruran: Yep! Right as rain! Wow, I’m surprised you can tell in this darkness.

Temma: All thanks to these night-vision goggles. But come on, Aran-san, you always act so recklessly…! 

Aruran: I’m sorry, really! Anyways, is the power outage Izuru’s work?

(*Footsteps*)

Izuru: Sure is. I jacked the power grid covering the whole area.

Aruran: Mister Genius Hacker, out here. We can always count on you.

Izuru: Mmm… guess so. Since you gave me such an earnest compliment, these night-vision goggles are for you.

Aruran: Ooh, thank you! (*Puts on goggles*) Nice, I can see well. Alright, time to get out of these bindings—! (*Stretching noises*)

Izuru: Damn, you weren’t kidding. What are you, a gorilla?

Temma: Wouldn’t you have been fine on your own…?

Aruran: Oh, don’t make me blush~

(*Gun clicking*)

Uyu: You three sure are having a nice chat, considering the situation.

Aruran: Ah, Uyu! Nice shot earlier.

Uyu: You couldn’t see, but you still knew it was me?

Aruran: I could tell the guy behind me was taken out, at least. And considering the distance… your shots are always so clean.

Uyu: Hehe~ it’s all thanks to my cute little rifle here. Alright, so what’s the plan? Their grunts did such a nice job putting us at an advantage. Is it time for us to clean up?

Temma: Mhm, we have to thank them for underestimating our boss.

Uyu: Yay, we have our strategist’s permission, so time to turn them into Swiss cheese~

Izuru: Yikes. Don’t say something like that with a smile on your face. 

Uyu: I don’t know the concept of fear~

Izuru: He’s just as crazy as usual. Alright, I’ll take care of the ones who tried to escape. Thanks to their lovely security system, I was able to lock them in and block off their route out of here.

Aruran: You guys are so intense! Well, I haven’t had the chance to go crazy yet either, so let’s give it a go!

—

(15:00)

Izuru: That was insane. Waltzing into the enemy’s headquarters by yourself—what the hell were you thinking?!

Uyu: I agree with Izuru-san. One wrong move and you would have been dead.

Temma: You’re way too reckless, Aran-san.

Aruran: (*dramatic crying*) I’m being lectured by my allies… why is it only at times like this that you all get along… B-but, everything went well in the end! We were able to catch their boss, and we found out how our info was being leaked!

Izuru: Ah, what a dumbass. They were being dumped by their lover, so they started blabbing about everything… so incompetent.

Temma: Without knowing their lover was a spy. Well, I’m sure they’re having fun with their girlfriend right now. Though they’ll never speak again, of course.

Izuru: You are so scary. I don’t wanna know about their punishment.

Uyu: Now that I think of it, this really wraps up our little traitor hunt. Guess it all worked out.

Aruran: Right?! And more than anything else, I knew you guys would come save me! 

Izuru: Huh? Did you know you were bugged?

Aruran: No, no. I just trusted things would turn out that way. That’s why I took off to their base without a second thought.

Temma: Ah—Aran-san, you got caught on purpose…!

Uyu: Yeah, even if they had guns, you would never get caught so easily!

Izuru: Eh? Wait, really?

Aruran: Haha, no, of course not!

Izuru / Temma / Uyu: *Groans*

Temma: *sighs* Well, whatever. Anyways—Izuru.

Izuru: Hm?

Temma: Sorry for doubting you when you were innocent.

Uyu: I’d like to apologize as well. I’m terribly sorry, Izuru-san.

Izuru: It’s no big deal. We all doubted each other. You guys’ll probably still think I’m untrustworthy, right?

Temma: Maybe. But in today’s case, at the very least I knew that you weren’t lying about Aran-san being important to you.

Uyu: Yes. I realized that as long as we feel the same way, we can keep working together!

Izuru: …Hehe.

Aruran: What the heck—hearing all that made my heart skip a beat. Do you guys really feel that way about me~?

Izuru: Ohhh, boy. This side of him is coming out. So annoying.

Uyu: It certainly gets under your skin!

Temma: Okay, calm down, you two. We all know he’s like this, yeah? Anyways, Uyu, isn’t it about time for our interrogation~? I have a whole heap of questions for their boss!

Uyu: Sounds good to me. Temma-san and I will be off, then. Make sure the two of you get plenty of rest.

Temma: Your lecture will resume later, Aran-san.

Aruran: Eep!

(*Footsteps, door opens and closes*)

Aruran: Think they’re okay…? Hope they aren’t too harsh.

Izuru: …Hey, Aru-san.

Aruran: Hm?

Izuru: With this whole incident… Did you really believe in me?

Aruran: Of course I did. You dislike conflict more than anyone else—I know you wouldn’t have been behind it.

Izuru: Don’t say it like it was obvious… 

Aruran: C’mon, go easy on me~ I don’t know how you feel, but you’ve always been like a precious little brother to me. Ever since we met back then in the slums.

Izuru: Yeah? 

Aruran: Now then. I’m still worried about them going overboard. I’m gonna go peek in on the interrogation. Let’s grab some food once everything’s settled down!

Izuru: If it’s an expensive restaurant, then I’ll join you.

Aruran: Man, you are just brutal on my wallet! Hahaha. Alright, it’s a deal.

(*Footsteps, door opens and closes*)

Izuru: …Heh. He’s too soft. What a hopeless big brother he is.