Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 24

Chapter 24: The Eight-Headed Serpent
November 5, 2031
In a meeting room in an undisclosed location...
A spotlight shone down on Genji Kawagami, standing in the center if the room. "Brothers. Sisters. I've returned."
"Our eyes are working, Genji. Loudly announcing yourself isn't necessary." spoke one seated man with neat brown hair and a dull blue suit. Kawagami Steel, Head of Maritime Manufacturing, Fukushū Kawagami.
"It's proper decorum, brother. Would you rather have him barge in here without announcing it?" a woman with wavey brown hair and a dull crimson dress, with a feathered scarf around her shoulders chided. First Lady of Yoshinori Supreme Motors, Heikō Yoshinori (née Kawagami).
"Should we really be beginning this meeting with a squabble?" asked another woman, with braided black hair and wearing a dark green dress. Secretary of Tourism, Hokkaido Prefecture, Heiwa Nishikori (née Kawagami).
"Heiwa is right. We rarely ever gather together like this. Why mark the occasion with an argument?" questioned a bespectacled man with spiked brown hair and a goatee, wearing a mauve suit with the company logo in badge form inserted into the lapel. Kawagami Steel Head of Marketing, Ichiban Kawagami.
"Maybe because whenever we meet in these chambers, it's never for a good reason? Like how we had to deal with your unseemly Driving While Intoxicated charges?" replied another woman, her brown hair swept in front of her left eye and having chopsticks inserted into a long ponytail. She wore a black business dress. Minister of Culinary Affairs, Osaka Prefecture, Nue Kigami (née Kawagami).
"It got us all together, and that's what matters. And it was all erased in the end."
"A zero-sum experience, if there ever was one." a fourth woman chided. Her dress was a dull gray, her brown hair tied into a bun and possessing glasses. Kyoto Rising Stars Academy Headmistress, Chizuru Nishiki (née Kawagami).
The sound of a cane hitting the floor echoed. Immediately, the bickering ceased. "Enough prattle."
In the center of the room was an imposing man, wearing a black and red suit, with mid-length brown hair and a neck beard. The head of his cane resembled the head of a golden dragon. "Time is a non-renewable currency. I implore you all to treat it as such."
Kawagami Steel CEO, Masayoshi Kawagami.
"Genji. Proceed with the matter at hand."
"Kirumi remains staunchly opposed to returning to us." Genji began.
"Wow. Even after blasting her parlor up? She always was a stubborn one." Ichiban said.
"Father is out of the picture. She could easily take a place of significance within the company. Why reject that for such a mundane existence?" Nue questioned.
"Marriage to Minakata must have soured her on the upper-class lifestyle. Her son is established in that city. As is his father. In her mind, returning here would be impossible." Heiwa surmised.
"Ah, yes. The father. I've done my research on that clan. An embarrassing assortment of store clerks and flower folk. Barely an above-average soul among them. With one exception." Chizuru dictated. "The Naruki professor. Ringo Kubo. To achieve such a lofty position at such a young age is frankly unheard of."
"One good egg doesn't automatically untaint the rest of a rotten bunch. That oaf Kirumi soiled our bloodline with has a criminal record!" Nue griped.
"And that horrid excuse for music he peddles! I'd sooner tear out my eardrums than subject myself to another note! Was Father's choice of a partner for her truly so unsavory by comparison?" Fukushū complained.
"Despicable. Utterly despicable. Does she despise us so intensely? Embarrassing is too light of a phrase for this." Heikō added.
"So why obsess over this? Kirumi made her choice. Would wasting more resources on trying to convince her be a valuable use of our time?" Heiwa asked.
"A waste, you say?" Masayoshi glared at her.
"....."
"Tell me, sister. Would preserving our line and preventing Kirumi from divulging our private matters be, in your view, a waste?"
"...no. No, of course it wouldn't. The family, above all else."
"Do not let your closeness to Kirumi cloud your judgment, Heiwa. We have just begun to make inroads into Tokyo. She is a danger to all of the progress we've made--nay, to our entire existence. If she cannot be made to see reason..." Genji said.
"She'll be dealt with for good? How utterly ruthless." Ichiban interjected.
"Ruthless or no, it's what's necessary for the future of this company. Perhaps even for this country. The path to power in Japan goes through Tokyo." Nue said.
"Indeed. I swore upon my ascension to this chair that I would take Kawagami Steel to unprecedented heights. Our clan has been denied the highest seat in this country for centuries. Father's devotion to Fukuoka kept us from truly cementing our family as Japan's premier dynasty." Masayoshi rose from his seat. "Once all obstacles have been removed, there will not be a soul within that city who will not owe their livelihoods to our clan. And once that is done, we will turn our gazes further upward--to governance of all Nippon!"
"Masayoshi Kawagami, Prime Minister of Japan. What a lovely concept." Heikō mused.
"Sounds great in theory. But we have more than just our dear sister to contend with. There's that Kubo woman." Fukushū pointed out.
"Correct. She has already foiled our surveillance and recovery attempts. My investigation showed just how deep her connections run within Tokyo. She has allies in law enforcement, education, numerous local businesses, politics, and even organized crime. Allies who will assuredly make further progress into Tokyo that much more difficult." Chizuru dictated.
"Say, brother. You still need to answer for the incident with Kirumi's business, don't you?" Ichiban asked.
"Correct. I'll be speaking before a city council on the matter come Saturday. It will just be a trifle. The construction foreman is going to admit to being at-fault. It will be explained away as individual incompetence, nothing more. We'll be unfortunate to even have to pay a fine." Genji replied.
"And that's why your our mouthpiece. You could sell feathers to a seagull."
"Once this has all been swept aside, we can proceed with acquiring new contracts in town. After that, we can begin picking apart the web Ringo Kubo has spun. Kirumi won't have any allies left to rely upon." Masayoshi surmised.
"Then she'll start to see reason. Keeping our family together would be preferable, right, Heiwa?" Nue asked.
"Yes. Right." Heiwa nodded.
"Proceed, then, Genji. Everyone else may return to their normal duties. The time to deal with these obstacles will soon be upon you. Wait for your orders, until then." Masayoshi sounded out his cane. "Meeting adjourned!"
The lights faded out.
---
November 7, 2031
Afternoon in the Kubo house. Kirumi sat on the couch, watching TV. Momo was in her little bed, sleeping.
"What kind of package do they have? Why is there a *Greek* channel?" Kirumi questioned. "Agh, now I'm just hungry for some pita bread..."
The days had largely gone the same way this week for her. She'd given her employees the time off while she rearranges her apartment into a temporary hairdresser's. The repairs to the Leather Cut would take a couple more weeks, at the least. In the meantime, Uri would be staying with Tan, while Kirumi would split time between her apartment and the Kubo home.
The front door opened, and Rin walked in. "Good afternoon, Kirumi. How'd it go today?" Momo got up and nuzzled up to her leg.
"Hello, Rin. I've got mostly everything set up. I just have to get a couple more chairs in, and I'll be able to reopen on Monday." Kirumi replied.
"Great! You'll be up and running again in no time. You still worried about the council tomorrow?"
"Yes...I'm sorry to ask this of you, Rin. I don't know if I can face my brother right now after that. I might end up hurting my own case."
"It's no problem at all. I'm not intimidated that easily. I'm more than happy to help you through this."
"Thank you, Rin. I don't know how many times I've said it now. Ah, where are Rose and Shizuka?"
"Grocery shopping. It's just me and you for a little while." Rin felt another nuzzle. "I didn't forget you, Your Majesty..."
Rin noticed something on the table. "Oh, hello. Yellow chrysanthemums...how beautiful."
"You would know them on sight. I got them in earlier from your brother."
"Oh, wow. Tan being suave. Never thought I'd see it happen. I might actually have to give him credit."
"I foist our son on him for an extended period, and he sends me flowers. Oh, how I wish I could have some degree of normalcy for us." Kirumi sat in a crouched position. "I'm terrified, Rin. For me, for Uri...for you all. I don't think you realize just how much power my family holds."
"Their 'power' hasn't reached my ears, so I'm not going to be frightened by their supposed influence just yet. I have strong allies myself, you know."
"So unflappable. Is that cool demeanor all an act, or are you really so unafraid of outside threats?"
"I've seen and fought things that you wouldn't believe. There's not a lot that scares me." "(...is what I'd like to be true. But I can't give her anything else to worry about right now.)"
"So...is there anything else we can do to prepare for tomorrow?"
"Hm...it would help if we knew where the council members are leaning. If we could make sure that at least one person knew the proper context of what happened, that would go a long way. At the very least, they need to pay for the damage to the salon."
"Do you know anyone on the council?"
"Not personally, but...I might know someone who does. Give me a minute to change. We're going to Akihabara."
"Okay, then. I hope this person can help..."
---
A short while later, the two women were in front of the Master Plan Computers shop in Akihabara. "So...how do you know an ex-mayor, Rin?" Kirumi asked.
"Our families have...extensive history, let's say. Their younger son was one of my students. And the older one, well..." Rin responded.
"Long story?"
"You should probably go in first. Their older son might be in there, and he's...kind of terrified of me. I'm a big part of why he spent over a decade in jail. And he's a big part of why I'm..." A small flame sprouted from her index finger. "...like this."
"Ah, I see. I should go first, then."
The two entered. "Can I help--" Kyohei, behind the counter, turned around, and promptly lost all the color in his face upon seeing that red hair.
"Hi, Kyohei. Long time no see." Rin waved.
"AA--" He began to scream, before an arm wrapped around his mouth.
"Oh, hey, Professor! Fancy seeing you here." Kyoko held her son in a headlock.
"Hi, Mrs. Ishimaru." Rin greeted.
"Ooh, hello. And who's this spiffy young lass you've got here?"
"Good day. I'm Kirumi." she introduced herself.
"Is your husband here, by any chance? We've got some business to go over with him." Rin asked.
"Oh, sure thing. Kabu's in the back doing...Kabu things." Kyoko answered.
"Perfect. Let's go, Kirumi."
"Okay." she replied.
The women went in the back. 
"Mmthrr...ltt grrrr..." Kyohei grumbled.
"Huh, wuzzat?" Kyoko asked.
"Caaan't...breeeathe."
"Oh, shit! Sorry!" She let go.
He started panting.
"You need some more protein in your diet, dude. Keebie could've taken that no problem!"
"....." He glared.
In the back, Kabu was listening to music through his headphones, while eating noodles. "*What I've doooooone, I'll face myself, to cross out what I've becoooome~*"
Rin poked him on the shoulder. "Ah...Mr. Ishimaru?"
He turned off the song. "Oh. Hey, Professor. And friend."
"Hello." Kirumi half-waved.
"Do you have a minute? You looked a little busy." Rin asked.
"Y-yeah, sorry about that." Kabu replied.
Rin and Kirumi explained the situation in detail.
"I see. That's...quite a bit." Kabu said.
"You agree with us, then? This was clearly an intimidation tactic?" Kirumi asked.
"Oh, anyone with eyeballs can see this was intentional. Proving it is another matter, though. Especially if the foreman admits to making a mistake."
"Then we press him on it. There's no way this could be an oversight. The company needs to be held accountable." Rin said.
"Genji is a skilled negotiator. He's likely already bought the foreman's silence. Do you know anyone on the council who could help question him on what happened?" Kirumi asked.
"Hm...you know, I think there might be. The woman who replaced me as mayor, Raimi Takeda. I've known her for a long time, and she's as no-nonsense as they come. She won't be bought so easily. If you explained your case to her, I don't see why she wouldn't be in your corner." Kabu explained.
"Could you call her up right now, if it's no trouble? It would be a major help." Rin asked.
"She might be busy at the moment, but I'll see what I can do. Let me just...exit out of Linkin Park."
"Please do."
---
The two women left the shop a short while later. "Well, that eases my mind a bit." Kirumi said.
"They're good people. A bit eccentric, yeah, but their youngest finished at the very top of his class. That alone should tell you how supportive they are." Rin replied.
"Their oldest seems to be quite skilled in his own right. Namely at cowering beneath a counter."
"Yes, it can't be helped. Nothing compares to the fear he has towards my older brother, though."
"What on Earth could Tan have done to traumatize him so much?"
"Oh, not Tan. Tohru. My other brother."
"Ah, right. Tan told me about him. How you and him were always at-odds."
"That's one way to put it. Tohru was always resentful of any success or attention I received. It wound up costing him everything."
"Siblings are a complex matter. They can either be your closest allies or your worst enemies."
"You're right on that. You probably know better than anyone. What exactly is your relationship with your siblings? All eight of them can't resent you, can they?"
"It's...not very cut-and-dry. I haven't spoken with any of them face-to-face since my divorce. They'll surely be putting the needs of the clan over any feelings for me."
"Maybe it won't be so difficult. Why don't we talk more over dinner? I'm going over to JoJo and Hiyoko's home, if you want to come with. We can get everyone up to speed."
"Dinner sounds lovely. Count me in."
"Awesome, let's get to moving."
"Lead the way." "(Won't be so difficult...hmm.)"
---
"Just a little while longer, okay? I know, I miss you, too, but it wouldn't be good for you to be around me with everything going on right now. If things go well tomorrow, I promise we'll be going back to the apartment." Kirumi spoke over the phone, in a guest room of the upscale Higashikata manor.
Rin, along with Rose, Tenko, Jin, Shūjo, Hiyoko and Jugo, looked on from the living room. Shizuka and Aura were off playing in the latter's room.
"The poor dear. It must be so terrifying." Hiyoko said.
"I mean, her whole life's just ground to a halt. How do you deal with your business being wrecked by your own family?" Tenko asked.
"Yo, Sheriff Yokel. Isn't there something you can do? Something like, I don't know, locking the asshole up? It's stupid how blatant this is." Shūjo asked.
"Blatant's one thing. Provable's another. If the foreman says it was a screw-up on his part, well, there ain't much to argue. Either it really was an accident--" Jugo began.
"It wasn't." Rin insisted.
"--or someone's got some serious dirt on the guy. Who else'd lie about blowin' up a buildin'?"
"So why don't we just change the guy's heart now?" Jin asked.
"There's no guarantee that we could finish before the meeting tomorrow. Even if we did, the change of heart likely wouldn't take hold in time." Rose replied.
"So I'll be doing my best tomorrow to poke holes in the foreman's story. Not only that, the current mayor of Ikebukuro is already fully informed of the circumstances. If they think they can walk in, weave a wistful tale and get away without so much as a fine, they're sorely mistaken." Rin stated.
"Ye-heah, Rin-Rin's gonna wreck that four-eyed geek!" Tenko boasted.
"You do realize I also count as a 'four-eyes', right?"
"Yeah, but you're a cute four-eyes. Adorkable, even."
"I just don't get it. One sibling holding a grudge I can understand. But eight?" Jin questioned.
"(And he's completely overlooking his wife flirting with another woman.)" Shūjo thought.
"I'm used to it."
"The fu--did you just read my mind?!"
"Nope. I read your eyes. And apparently I was right on the money."
"Grrr..."
"*sigh*" Rose uttered.
Kirumi walked into the room. "Sorry, I had to step aside."
"Never apologize for sparing a moment for your child. I'm sure he must be missing you terribly." Hiyoko replied.
"It churns my stomach to stay away, but it's what needs to be done. It's going to be much more complicated from now on. Especially now that I have to run my business out of my home." Kirumi sighed. "Rin, I'm sorry to put you up to this. There's so much I want to get across. It should be me confronting my brother tomorrow, but...oh, why bother sugarcoating it? I'm terrified. They've already shown a complete disregard for people's safety. And given everything I've seen from them already, I know they'll stop at nothing to either force me to go home or...something far worse."
"Do you really believe they'd all be willing to do that?" Tenko asked.
"You're talking like they all have the power to do it." Jin added.
"They do. All four of my brothers hold prominent positions within Kawagami Steel. My sisters were all married off, just as I was, to powerful men, and also now have considerable sway themselves. Any one of them is capable of making things very difficult for me and anyone associated with me." Kirumi replied.
"Aren't you on good terms with any of them?" Rose asked.
"I was never particularly close with the older six. Unsurprisingly, they're the ones who generally hold the most sway. The oldest is Masayoshi. He's succeeded my father as the CEO. He always played the part of a loyal heir, but we all knew that he was biding his time, waiting for the right opportunity to seize power for himself. Undoubtedly, this decision to extend operations into Tokyo was his doing. And likely triggered by my divorce."
"How's that?" Jugo questioned.
"My sisters and I were married to men in cities across Japan. With me no longer carrying the banner for our clan in Tokyo, my family has clearly decided to take a more direct approach."
"And why try so hard to get into Tokyo?" Rin asked.
"Masayoshi's ambitions go far beyond Fukuoka. To truly cement himself as a better man than my father ever was. His end goal is the seat of Prime Minister."
"I get it. Drum up enough support in Tokyo, and your run at that seat gets a whole lot easier. That means getting a whole lot of powerful people in your debt."
"And also means getting anyone who could hinder those efforts out of the picture." Rose added.
"And pretty much everyone in this room is on that list, I'd wager." Tenko surmised.
"But of course, Masayoshi wouldn't be able to get anything done without a steadfast right hand. The next closest in age to him is Genji. The CEO's eyes and ears who must maintain stability at all times." Kirumi continued.
"I got that sense when we met the other day. You not playing ball must be digging at him immensely." Rin said.
"It'll just make it that much more satisfying when Rin-Rin gives him a major noogie come tomorrow." Tenko chimed.
"I'm not going to assault the man, Tenko. Rose already handled that last week..."
"I regret nothing." Rose stated.
"Below them, the next oldest is Chizuru. She and her husband are headmistress and headmaster of an elite academy in Kyoto." Kirumi continued.
"That sounds familiar...wait, do you mean Chizuru Nishiki? She's your sister?" Rin asked.
"Headmistress of Kyoto Rising Stars Academy. Oh, we know the name well." Rose added.
"I should have guessed that, given your positions at the academy." Kirumi said.
"I've heard plenty of horror stories about that school. The criteria to get in is among the most intense in the country. The headmistress is said to rule over the place with an iron fist. The security of the school is said to be akin to that of the Imperial Palace." Rin related.
"Sounds more like the slammer than a school." Jugo said.
"I've spoken with more than one student who transferred to Naruki from Kyoto. They all told me similar stories of how the rigors of the academic and disciplinary standards there were so intense, they had to leave for the sake of their sanity." Rose dictated.
"It makes sense to me. Father expected nothing short of perfection from us growing up. For Chizuru to now be inflicting those same expectations onto her pupils is unsurprising...and frankly tragic." Kirumi lamented. "Now then, after her comes Heikō. She is the wife of the CEO of Yoshinori Supreme Motors."
"The car company? Sheesh. Your family really does have a ton of pull." Shūjo said.
"No kiddin'. Our patrol cars came outta one of their factories." Jugo added. "Course, there's all those rumors of how the guys on the factory floor get treated like dirt. Gettin' chump change while the boss and his wifey are swimmin' in dough."
"Heikō always did enjoy the upper-class lifestyle more than any of my other siblings. A life of being spoiled rotten seems to suit her just fine." Kirumi said.
"(I can see that sadness in her eyes. Even if they're committing wrongs, they're still her brothers and sisters. Would she really be alright with us going after them?)" Rose thought.
"Fukushū is the next oldest. He leads the naval construction division of Kawagami Steel. Those newer fishing boats you see out on the water using vacuum technology are his doing."
"Bleh, those shitty things? I've seen them in port in Sendai. Hunks of junk aren't worth the iron they're made of." Shūjo said.
"Certainly doesn't help that they're constantly in the news over how one of those dreadful machines had a malfunction. They seep more waste into the water than they take resources in." Hiyoko added.
"Wouldn't surprise me if the guy behind it was a dirtbag, too. No offense."
"No, it's completely warranted. Fukushū is notorious for being frugal when it comes to resources. Doesn't help that his temper has always been horribly short." Kirumi said.
"A short fuse and tight pockets. Not the first person I would put in a leadership role." Rin stated.
"My last remaining older sibling is Nue. She's the Minister of Culinary Affairs in Osaka. Restaurants in the city live and die by her whims and wishes. Nothing goes up there without her express approval."
"Oversight over the world's biggest kitchen? Now there's a cushy job." Shūjo said.
"Her husband was the previous minister, but repeated health problems forced him to step down. Nue's held the position for the last five years now."
"So, here's a hypothetical. Say a super popular restaurant had an owner your sis didn't really care for. How'd she 'take care of it'?" Tenko asked.
"In all likelihood she would force them out through fabricated charges. Or shut it down altogether. She's never cared for 'flawed cogs'. Surely the father of my child holding a criminal record has left her seething."
"Well that's none of her business, isn't it? Tan Man might be a goof, but at least he's a well-meaning goof. Better that than a sleazy cheat."
"I'm sure my brother would appreciate you calling him a goof, Tenko." Rin commented.
"Now, Kirumi. From the sound of it, you don't have that much nice to say about your older siblings. And it would appear that some, if not all, are guilty of a variety of abuses and transgressions. Would you at all object to our confronting them, should needs arise?" Rose asked.
"If it comes to it, then do what you must. They've made their choices, and I've made mine. But I would be lying if I said that part of me doesn't wish that things could be different. If there was a chance that we could be more of a family than a corporation, I would take it." Kirumi replied.
"Do you feel the same about your younger siblings? Are they as fiercely loyal to the cause as the elders?" Hiyoko asked.
"Honestly...they're the ones I would wager would be more willing to listen to reason. My younger sister is named Heiwa. She's barely a year younger than me, so we're more like twins, in a way. She was the one I was closest to growing up."
"Where is she now?" Rin asked.
"She lives up in Hokkaido. She's the Secretary of Tourism for the entire prefecture."
"Wait, hold on. Heiwa Nishikori? *She's* your sister?" Jin questioned.
"Holy hell. You really *are* everywhere." Tenko added.
"You've heard of her?" Kirumi asked.
"We're both from Hokkaido. I'm from Sapporo. She's the one in charge of coordinating the snow festival every year." Jin replied.
"Didn't I hear Ms. Risa griping the other day about how more and more of the statues are being brought in from overseas? Like, barely any local artists are featured anymore?" Tenko asked.
"Guess that foreigners are more likely to spend a lot during a visit than a resident would. Gotta be unpopular with the locals, though." Jugo surmised.
"Tell me, what's your impression of her?" Kirumi asked.
"Honestly, not a lot to say. I only know what I've read about. She doesn't make a lot of public appearances. Not the kind of personality you'd expect from someone bringing tourists in. It feels more cold than anything." Jin replied.
"I see..."
"Sorry, I don't mean to offend."
"It's an honest answer. Heiwa usually kept things to herself. She'd go along with what the older siblings told her to without so much as an objection. Even now, I can see her doing so. It's the only explanation I have for why she would join in attacking me. The only explanation that's palatable, at least."
"So, by my math, that's seven out of the eight." Shūjo said.
"And here I thought you barely scraped by in math class, One-Eye." Jugo sniped.
"Shut it, you."
"Settle. Don't make me get the spray bottle." Hiyoko asserted. "Please continue, Kirumi."
"Thank you. The youngest of my siblings is Ichiban. Last I remember, he's the head of marketing for the company. Advertisements and sponsorship deals are his responsibility. It was probably him that got them work in Tokyo in the first place. He's much like Heiwa, in some ways. He defers to what the older siblings decide. He learned a long time ago that it's safer to just tow the company line, rather than go against it." Kirumi dictated.
"A rebellious streak, is it?" Rose asked.
"He always had a more individualistic personality than the other boys. Father and my other brothers would be forced to discipline him regularly. I fear that wonderfully colorful mind of his has been stifled through years of obedience and tedium. Not helped by how much trouble he got in during his younger years. When last I saw, the others were bailing him out of a DWI charge."
"I mean, if the environment was as stuffy and intense as you say it was, I'd start drinking, too." Tenko said.
"Like you ever need an excuse." Shūjo quipped.
"My point is, the burden of expectation has crippled Ichiban. Really it's a hindrance to every single one of them. But they know nothing else but structure and control. They might be too far gone, but if at all possible, I'd..." Kirumi drifted off.
"Yes, Kirumi?" Rose asked.
"...no, it's nothing. I would be more of a burden than anything. I don't know if I can stand up to them with how things are now."
"I'm not going to force you to do anything you aren't mentally prepared for. It's why I volunteered to attend the meeting in your place. I will say that if there's anyone who can get through to your siblings, it's you. But that can wait until you feel it's the right time. If you're implying what I think you are." Rin replied.
"Where does all that goodwill and determination come from, Rin?"
"My theory's that Mama Hana bathed her in sugar when she was a munchkin~." Tenko chimed.
"She might come off as an unshakeable badass, but trust us. You'll never find a bigger softy." Shūjo added.
"I can give her a single compliment, and she'll turn into a puddle." Rose stated.
"If you all could stop talking like I'm not right here, that'd be great." Rin griped.
"I've been meaning to ask, what's that scent you have on?"
"Oh, this? It's a natural fragrance I picked up from the farmer's market the other day, it uses oils harvested from mangoes and--wait. You're trying to get me flustered, aren't you?"
"I think your hardened facade is officially broken, Rin." Hiyoko giggled.
"Are you really fond of natural fragrances, Rin? I have some you can try, if you'd like." Kirumi asked.
Rin looked down, blushing. "You got me. I'm a super girly dork. No use hiding it."
Rose put her head on her shoulder. "Never change, beloved."
The night concluded after some time, and the Kubo women headed for home. "Hey, Kirumi. Can I ask you something?" Rin brought up.
"Rin, there's nothing wrong with indulging in cute fragrances, you're a positively lovely woman--" Kirumi spoke.
"N-not about that! But thank you." Rin brushed again. "You were about to ask earlier if you could take part in changing your siblings' hearts. Am I wrong?"
"...no, you aren't. I want to know where this power of yours comes from. Ringo, you can sprout fire from your hands!"
"I can do a lot more than that."
"Please, teach me. I want to do anything I can to help. They're all my responsibility. I've brought this to your doorstep. If I can--"
"It isn't that simple, Kirumi. This power isn't something I can hand out like Halloween candy. You have to gain it on your own."
"How do I do that?"
"Well...it comes to you when you need it most. When *you* decide the time is right. You have to come to terms with who *you* are, and then--"
"Mamaaaaaa, I'm so tired..." Shizuka grogged from down the road.
"Sorry to interrupt, but the caterpillar needs her cocoon." Rose said.
"Sorry, we'll be right there." Rin replied. "We'll continue this later on. Let's hurry home. Tomorrow's a big day."
"Yes, you're right. No dilly-dallying." Kirumi replied. "(When I come to terms...with who I am...)"
---
November 8, 2031
Chiyoda ward, Tokyo. Morning.
Japan's political center, home to the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Prime Minister, and the National Diet Building, along with numerous other government agencies. Akihabara is a neighborhood of Chiyoda.
Inside one such agency, Kirumi sat in a waiting room. She stared at the floor, tense. "....."
"It's going to be alright." Rose assured, seated next to her.
"Is it? How can you be so sure?"
"Because it's Rin. She's never made it a habit to let anyone down."
"Your conviction and belief in her really is unshakeable, isn't it?"
"There is nothing that I believe in more than her ability to see anything through. Other than our love, of course. She won't be intimidated, I'm certain of that."
"I want to believe that. Really, I do. But you don't know my brother."
"I got enough from that brief interaction last week to be sure that he's another in a sea of angry, controlling men. And if there's one thing that Rin knows how to overcome, it's an angry, controlling man."
Inside the main chamber, Rin stood behind a podium. "(Okay, Rin. No pressure. You don't have to convince them that it was all a conspiracy. Just poke enough holes in the foreman's story to guarantee a deeper inquest. Anyone can see that this is dirty. All I have to do is prove it.)" she thought.
"Hrm. It's you."
Rin turned around. "Ah. Genji Kawagami. I'm honored that you deigned to grace us commoners with your presence."
"Save your false propriety. Where is Kirumi?"
"Suddenly curious about how your sister's doing? Color me shocked. She won't be participating in this meeting. I'm here in her stead."
"Pfeh. Such an important matter that she couldn't be bothered to show her face? Perhaps she realizes how pointless this get-together is."
"You ever hear of domestic violence victims not wanting to face their abusers in court, because they feel victimized all over again? Think along those lines."
"Now why would she feel like she was being victimized by me, of all people?" Genji smirked.
"Why do you think we're here?"
"A trifling matter. All the construction foreman has to do is admit to having mistakenly set off the explosives, and that will be that. This meeting is a mere formality."
"We'll be seeing about that."
Five men and women in suits entered and took their seats on the bench. "Good morning, everyone. Let's begin with today's business." said a balding, rotund man. "This is in regards to the incident this past Monday involving the demolition of a foreclosed bank. I understand that a representative of the construction company is present?"
"That would be me, Your Honor." Genji responded.
"It is the understanding of this council that a foreman under your employ mistakenly set explosives inside the bank a day earlier than scheduled, resulting in extensive damage to several surrounding businesses. Would that be accurate?"
"It would be, yes. He has already confessed to being at-fault. Any and all repairs will be paid for from his own wallet, and he has been suspended for the foreseeable future."
"Well, seems that it's been handled, for the most part. Perhaps we should move on to--"
"Objection." Rin called out.
"Hm?"
"Hrrm." Genji grumbled.
"Something you wish to say, Miss...?"
"*Professor* Ringo Kubo, Your Honor. I'm here on behalf of Ms. Kirumi Kawagami, whose salon was damaged by the demolition." Rin stated.
"Ah, yes. Kawagami...the same name as the construction company. Surely that isn't coincidence?"
"No, in fact, it isn't. Ms. Kawagami is the sister of my learned friend, here."
"Tch." Genji grunted.
"Well, that's certainly an intriguing coincidence." one of the council members said.
"On the contrary. I'm here because I have serious doubts that it actually *was* an accident." Rin replied.
"Objection. Your Honor, please don't humor this conjecture. It's the rambling theories of someone with no real stake in these proceedings. It's hearsay, nothing more." Genji responded.
"Hmm...I'm inclined to agree. The foreman has already admitted to being at-fault, Professor Kubo. Should we really continue this if it's already been resolved?" the lead councilman questioned.
"I think we should, Judge Satori." a woman with wavey brown hair and a red dress spoke up.
"Mayor Takeda?"
"I've already been briefed on the circumstances surrounding Monday's events. I find them to be rather troubling, indeed. It would be irresponsible to dismiss them so quickly, without hearing what Professor Kubo has to say."
"Yes...very true. Well, Professor Kubo?"
"Thank you, Your Honor. And you as well, Mayor Takeda." Rin replied. "(Score one to Mr. Ishimaru.)"
"Tch...do as you will." Genji scoffed.
"Now then, to my main point. Mr. Kawagami here has made it abundantly clear that he and the rest of his clan want Ms. Kawagami to return to Fukuoka, despite her staunch refusal to do so. I've seen firsthand just how little his tolerance for this is. My wife and I were with Ms. Kawagami when he aggressively demanded she return with him. Even going so far as to grab her arm. My wife is in the waiting area and can attest to this fact."
"Hearsay. Slanderous, at that."
"I am a professor at Tokyo's most prestigious educational institution. I stake my professional reputation on being completely genuine. My wife will say the same. I have no reason to lie."
"That may be true, Professor, but how does a tense confrontation correlate to this being an intentional act on the part of Mr. Kawagami?" Judge Satori asked.
"This confrontation took place two days prior to the explosion. When he's already shown aggressive tendencies towards Ms. Kawagami, the timing feels rather suspect, does it not?"
"And where is my sister, Professor?" Genji asked with a hint of scorn. "Surely, if she is so certain of this being intentional, she would be here herself to say as much?"
"And subject herself to that scornful gaze all over again? When she wholeheartedly believes that you intentionally damaged her place of business?"
"Well until she says so herself, it's still all hearsay, isn't it? She could be off attending to her wardrobe, letting you dance this little dance about her 'fear' while indulging in her own whims."
"You and your 'hearsay'..."
The argument came to a sudden halt as the chamber door swung opened. Everyone in the room stared, as the sound of heels clacking echoed out.
"Pray the council forgives this interruption. I'm Kirumi Kawagami. And I must speak for myself." She now stood next to Rin.
"Kirumi..." Rin uttered.
"I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Rin. This isn't because I don't believe in you. But...for my own sake..."
"I understand. Say your piece."
"Kirumi, I would strongly advise against--" Genji spoke up.
"Shut up." Kirumi interjected. She didn't glance in his direction at all.
"...!"
"Speak your mind, Ms. Kawagami. What are your feelings on this matter?" Mayor Takeda asked.
"...I absolutely believe that my family is capable of anything. I have made my stance clear to them that I am content to stay here in Tokyo. My son and I are settled here. My business is here. His father and his family are here. I have no reason to leave. But I hold information that my family deems to be threatening to them. So if I can't be persuaded, then I can be silenced. Either through intimidation or force." Kirumi dictated.
"And what is it you want to come from this meeting?"
"My salon is in a state of disrepair. I'll be servicing clients out of my apartment for the foreseeable future. I want the party responsible for the damages to be held accountable. And I do not believe that this poor foreman is to blame."
"Enough of this, sister. What proof do you have other than convenient suspicions? The matter has already been settled, so cease this--" Genji started towards Kirumi.
"Stay where you are, Mr. Kawagami." Rose appeared, and got between the two. "This is a civil matter. It wouldn't reflect well on the glorious Kawagami Conglomerate if its representative were to lose his temper, would it?"
"Grr..."
"And who might you be, Miss?" Judge Satori asked.
"This is Dr. Rosemary Wolfe, Your Honor. My wife. She can also attest to Mr. Kawagami's prior aggression." Rin replied.
"Tch--whatever forcefulness I approached my sister with isn't proof of wrongdoing. This is naught but the yammerings of a pair of delusional 'intellectuals' manipulating my sister for their own ends. I would seriously consider looking into this school's hiring practices if such blatant frauds are allowed in their doors." Genji proclaimed.
"I assure you, our credentials are very real, Mr. Kawagami. Would you like to see a copy of my doctorate?" Rose asked.
"I think there's an easy way to settle this. Why don't we ask the foreman himself?" Rin suggested.
"I took the liberty of locating him and asking that he attend today's proceedings. He's currently in the waiting area."
"You what--?!" Genji exclaimed.
"Well, seeing as how he's at the center of this situation, I see no reason not to hear what the man has to say. Any objections?" Judge Satori asked the other council members, none of whom had any reason to refuse. "Very well, then. Bring him in."
"Thank you, Your Honor." Rin bowed.
"Rin, I'm so sorry for barging in like that..." Kirumi whispered.
"You've got nothing to apologize for. As long as you believe it was the right thing to do."
"Don't look so tense, Mr. Kawagami. If he's truly the one to blame, then you have nothing to worry about. Surely you can humor the delusional yammerings of a pair of frauds a bit longer?" Rose taunted.
"Grrrr..." Genji groveled.
Shortly after, a man in a dress shirt and tie sat on the bench. "State your name and occupation, please." Judge Satori asked.
"Gen Shishimaru, Your Honor. I'm a construction worker employed by Kawagami Steel. I was the foreman in charge of the bank demolition." the foreman replied.
"So, Mr. Shishimaru. You've stated before that you planted the explosives that caused the damage to the salon, yes?" Rin asked.
"Yes, ma'am. It was a serious oversight on my part. Not just from it happening on the wrong day, but with how much more of the explosive material I ended up using. My calculations were way off. And I take full responsibility for all the damage it caused."
"I'm just curious. How long have you worked construction?"
"About 27 years, give or take. A lot of Fukuoka's infrastructure has my name on it, not to boast or anything."
"I looked through your work history. Never in your prior jobs had you made a mistake. Nothing so much as a reprimand. Many of your old clients said they would recommend you for any job." Rose dictated.
"Well, that's a nice thing to hear. For what it's worth now."
"I'm just having a hard time putting this all together. How does someone with your experience and history arrive to a job a day early, with an excess of explosives, and cause an accident that results in that much damage?" Rin questioned.
"Er...well..."
"Not just that, but the damage is mostly concentrated on this one business across the street, that just so *happens* to be owned by the sister of your boss? Who he just so *happened* to have gotten into an argument with days earlier? It all just so weirdly convenient, isn't it?" Rose asked.
"....." The foreman glanced over at Genji. The latter was gazing right at him, with a piercing look that screamed 'Don't say anything'.
"Well, Mr. Shishimaru? Any explanation?" Mayor Takeda asked.
"....."
"Mr. Shishimaru is clearly under immense pressure. This is a stressful time for him, you understand." Genji objected.
"I wonder who the cause of that might be?" Rin asked.
Kirumi looked at the nervous foreman. "Mr. Shishimaru...can I ask you something?"
"Huh? Yeah, sure. I owe you that much." the foreman replied.
"Do you have any children?"
"Yes, I do. Two of them, in fact."
"Would it be fair to say that a large part of why you work is for their benefit?"
"Goes without saying. I'd knock my back out for my kids. Hell, I've done that a few times over."
"Then you must understand what this disruption has done to my son. Not just in how it's hindered my ability to provide for him. I've had him stay with his father while all this is going on, just because of how chaotic my life has become. Having to purposefully keep my son away has been the most torturous part of all this. But I consider myself lucky that the accident didn't claim any lives."
Kirumi put a hand over her heart. "The people in my salon were sisters, wives, daughters, mothers. They could have been seriously hurt by the debris. What if someone hadn't been there to save me? Would I even be standing here today to ask you this? My son is only 10. Would he have been forced to grow up without his mother?"
"Miss...I..." The foreman looked down.
"I don't want to destroy your life out of vengeance, sir. All I want is the truth. If this really was a mistake on your part, then I'll accept that and we can move on. But if someone told you to do this out of malice, then I need to know. That person has no regard for human life, and needs to be held to account. Please."
".....last Sunday I got an updated order from work."
"Idiot, don't--!" Genji exclaimed.
"Last week, we'd done a survey of the bank to see how much material we'd need to bring it down while keeping surrounding damage to a minimum. I thought we were pretty thorough, but this new order had an updated survey included. We'd need this extra explosive material since the bank had a sturdier interior than we first thought. Not just that, but it had an updated map of where the explosives would go, along with an order to move it up one day. This came from a corporate email, so I didn't question it. If I had any idea what was really going on, I would've backed off from it."
"Grrr...grrr...!"
"To be 100% honest, I can't say who sent that email. There's a bunch of people with access to that account. I should've been more careful about this. I never thought that we'd be targeting your salon, ma'am. Honest to God! I'd never forgive myself if something worse had happened!" The foreman bowed.
"Thank you, sir. That's all I needed to hear." Kirumi returned the bow.
Rin and Rose both glanced at a mortified Genji, who looked away from them.
"Well. This certainly turned out to be more complex than we thought it would be." Judge Satori said. "In light of this new information, I do believe that further investigation into the source of the email is in order."
"One thing is clear to me. Somebody within Kawagami Steel deliberately set this into motion. At the very least, they should be the ones paying for the damage to Ms. Kawagami's business." Mayor Takeda brought up.
"My thoughts exactly. Mr. Kawagami? There may not be any proof that you were directly responsible for this incident, but at bare minimum, your company is culpable. You'll be reimbursing Ms. Kawagami for all damages and expenses. You'll also be receiving an order to hand over access to the email for investigation. Do I make myself clear?"
"...as you wish, Your Honor." Genji begrudgingly complied.
"Then that is that. Meeting adjourned!"
The council dispersed.
"...enjoy this momentary victory. They won't be finding anything through that email. Masayoshi will hear of this." Genji stormed off.
"She'll be expecting a check soon, Mr. Kawagami." Rose waved.
"....." Kirumi stayed silent.
"This was the best outcome. There's going to be an investigation. It couldn't have happened if you hadn't been so open about how you felt." Rin assured.
"You did most of the work, Rin. I was shaking the entire time. I just hope Mr. Shishimaru doesn't get in any trouble for telling the truth..."
"Any attempt at retribution would only serve to cast more eyes on the company. They won't be doing anything that reckless again." Rose replied.
"I certainly hope so."
"Now that it's all settled, I think this calls for some celebrating. What say you to a big family luncheon?" Rin asked.
"That sounds lovely. But...there's one thing I have to do first. I need to see my boy and tell him he can come home."
"No objections here. I know it was weighing on you this past week--"
To the surprise of both Rin and Rose, Kirumi embraced them both. "Thank you. Both of you. Of all the comforting shoulders I could have found those years ago, I'm grateful that it was Tan's. That one night gave me far more than I could ever have imagined. I'm so thankful my Uri can call you his aunts. And that I can call you--"
"(It is nearly time.)"
"...huh?"
"Kirumi? Is something wrong?" Rin asked.
"Did neither of you hear that voice just now?"
"A voice? I didn't hear anything." Rose had a realization. "Kirumi. Did that voice sound like your own?"
"Well...as a matter of fact, it did."
Rin understood. "So, I wasn't wrong to tell you everything. Remember what I told you about you deciding when your power comes? I think it might be closer than you think."
"Rin...you really think she could..." Rose pondered.
"I think...we should have a lovely meal to celebrate this win. The less weight you have to carry, the better. What comes after is entirely up to you. Just know that we're here for anything."
"Of course. I already know. Let's give everyone the good news." Kirumi agreed. "(That voice...have I really decided...?)"
Nearby, Genji was on the phone. "That went as disastrously as it could have. All isn't lost, however. We'll need to devise a cover story for all this. More importantly...that Kubo woman is going to be a bigger nuisance than we first thought. Ridding ourselves of her should be a high priority. Yes...she'll learn what it means to cross us. In our clan's name, I swear it."