Great · Expectations

Sounds like the doctor.

Sounds like such a shame. The store will not go out of business merely over such a thing as that, one would think, though.

Probably not. You can never tell with things like this.

Good ice cream? Did the ice cream man get sick?

Well I wouldn't be here if it wasn't good Ice Cream. Hmm... Somehow I doubt that.

Where is it anyway?

Tokyo. In the Taito district.

Ice cream is always good. You'd never believe the flavors you'd find out there. ...though I can't help to ask what you think their best flavor was?

...though it's a shame he met his end. I wouldn't think an ice cream man held a very hostile life, though. What happened, if you don't mind me asking?

Yes, very true. I'm very partial to Mint-chocolate chip though I have been known to go to Strawberry from time to time. The classics always sit well with me.

Hmmm. With times as they are even a man in the service industry is at risk. Well...I'm not a doctor but I'd say his death seemed rather dependent on this large hole in his chest. It's almost as if someone punched a hole right through him...I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't go back for seconds from my lovely spot in the park. Now who would do something like that?

Oh yes. Mint chocolate chip is always very good. Sometimes, I find myself a bit more in the mood for some oddball flavors. Did you know that there's a local ice cream shop that does all sorts of unique mix-ins.

Have you ever had ice cream with toffee? That's made of love. Chocolate, maybe, But the best thing is strawberry with real strawberries in it. That's made of greatness.

...but enough of ice cream.

You said he had a hole in his chest? What kind of person has the strength to punch through the chest like that?

Hmm.

Oddball flavors are nice on a whim but the classics are always something one can go back to from time to time.

I wonder that myself...

Well, yeah. That's really tough. The ice cream thing. I can see what you mean- the exotic flavors are just so tempting... but agreed. Something like good ol' vanilla just can't be avoided.

...and how long was it between times you were gone? Knowing how long it took may help figuring out who or what did it, you know?

Not much more than half an hour, I'd say. Not very long at all...

Half and hour. Not long at all, then.

Indeed. If it helps, there were also cherry blossoms on the counter...

Cherry blossoms? Well, that might narrow things down a bit. Afterall, people with a murderous rampage to simply kill ice cream men for reasons unknown through an action showing some sort of superhuman strength or that they're inhuman to begin with... then leave behind cherry blossoms, which is a very nihon-esque calling card, wouldn't you say?

I mean, you wouldn't go to say... Greece and find someone leaving cherry blossoms behind as a calling card. Nor would you any other planet in the galaxy, since they're kind of an earth thing and all.

But still- the sorts of the meanings behind cherry blossoms in Japan have quite a specific touch...

Hmm~ Makes me think a bit. Almost like those old samurai films that were still in black and white. Those were gorgeous, but I'm a bit more of a special effects person. Don't tell anyone that, however. It's kind of a guilty passion.

Nevertheless, the point I'm trying to make here is this: why cherry blossoms? Do you have any idea?

Why I have no idea...Though Ueno park has one of the largest Cherry blossom trees in the area. Perhaps it has something to do with that?

Perhaps it could involve the OSTA?

OSTA, hm? I don't know. I'll see what I can look into. I've not really decided what I think on either of them, so... it could be anyone, really.

...and the largest cherry tree in the area? I'm sure that must be a sight to see.

Hmm. Well I suppose this is a job for the authorities. Deaths like this are completely common for Tokyo. Just the kind of world we live in...

It is something to see. One might say I've very taken with it myself.

So... People punching their hands through someone's chest is a common thing in Tokyo?

...what are you putting in the food there?