Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Gourd Ultimatum
August 18, 2031
Around the time that Kit So-yin was going to bed before her first day at university in London, a new school year was also dawning upon Tokyo.
In the Naruki district, much of the energy was centered around one of the country's top high schools in Naruki Ascension Academy, where Rin and Rose worked. Adjacent to the academy was another institution, Naruki Advanced Prepatory, a developmental elementary school meant to prepare gifted youngsters for eventual admission into the main academy.
This was where Rin and Rose had gone to begin the day. It was their daughter Shizuka's first day of 1st grade. The young girl was wearing a navy and lime green uniform, her attention seemingly elsewhere. 
"Nnngh...too many people." she griped.
"It's the first day, Shizuka. As the year goes along it won't be nearly as hectic. If it gets to be too much, you have your headphones." Rose replied.
"I've told Mr. Yasegawa all about what you'll need. You're going to be in good hands. If there's anything wrong, anything at all, we'll be just over the wall to the Academy." Rin added.
"What if nobody likes me, Mama? What if they think I'm weird cuz I'm...artistic?" Shizuka asked.
"Wrong word, lovebug. Second, that's nobody else's business but your own. There is absolutely nothing wrong with who you are. What do I always tell you?"
"Being different is a wonderful thing."
"Exactly. Let anything mean someone says slide off like dirt in the rain. I'm gonna tell you exactly what I told Kat. She'll be starting school later, too. Just be who you are, and friends will come. I promise."
"Speaking of friends, here's one now." Rose looked away.
"Hel-lo, girls~! A lovely day for new beginnings, isn't it?" A woman approached the Kubo clan. She was garbed in elegant yellow business attire, and had a bell tied to both sides of her hair. Hiyoko Kagetora was a longtime friend of Rin and Rose, the daughter of a powerful family of lawyers and judges. Along with her husband Shūjo, she managed many of the fishery businesses on the south side of Naruki, in particular the restaurant and pachinko parlor.
"Good morning, Hiyoko. It is a beautiful day for this, yes. And hello to you too, Aura." Rose responded.
Holding Hiyoko's hand was a young girl, the same age as Shizuka, with long, white hair and pale eyes. She wore the same uniform as Shizuka, though also had a hood draped over her head styled after the head of a white owl. This was Aura, Hiyoko and Shūjo's adopted daughter, who possessed albinism, and thus needed the extra protection from the sun. "Hi, Auntie Rose." she greeted.
"Is JoJo not with you?" Rin asked.
"He had some business matters to attend to. Involving...the thunder boy." Hiyoko replied. "Are you completely sure this is a good idea, Rin? After everything he put us through involving Kaido? How can you be so sure he won't try it again?"
"He won't. He knows there won't be any forgiveness if he does. I believe his heart has changed for the better. I'm grateful that you gave him the opportunity, regardless."
"Only because you advocated so strongly for him, dear. He'll have to settle for running errands before he ever sets foot on a boat or the kitchen, but that's what he needs to do to convince us that he's serious. You haven't steered us wrong so far. Pray that this isn't where you start. You know that JoJo has his...methods."
"I'm sure it won't get to that point. Mr. Jadefang has shown deep remorse for his actions. Give him time. There won't be any repeat offenses." Rose reassured.
The school bell rang. "There's our cue." Rin knelt down next to Shizuka. "Good luck, lovebug. You're gonna do just fine. Don't be afraid of being you. Because you..." She poked the girl on the nose. "...are perfect." She hugged her daughter. "I love you."
"Love you too, Mama." Shizuka replied.
"Don't I get a hug?" Rose questioned, before getting her turn with Shizuka. "Remember to be respectful. Manners go a long way towards making new friends. You're going to do wonderful. I love you, Shizuka."
"I love you, Mama."
"I know the way, ShiShi. Let's go." Aura urged Shizuka along.
"Okie-dokie. Bye-bye Mama and Mama."
"Good luck, Shizuka. Have fun, girls!" Rin waved as the girls walked into the building.
"It's getting to be about time for you ladies, too. Best not to keep your new students waiting." Hiyoko said.
"You're right about that. Lovebug's not the only one with first day jitters. Time to go sell myself to a new batch of teenagers. Wish me luck." Rin replied.
"You've never needed it. Talk to you soon." Hiyoko hugged both women, before departing.
"Shall we, Professor?" Rose asked.
"After you, Doctor." Rin replied. The two began the walk towards the academy.
Not that far off, a young boy was observing. Older than the girls, he wore the same style of uniform, a green baseball cap worn over messy black hair. He looked towards the departing Rin. "That lady..."
"Hey, Uri! C'mon, we're gonna be late!" another boy called out.
"Oh, coming!" The boy looked back at Rin, before running off to join his friends.
---
"'Do this, thunder boy, do that, thunder boy...get this to Red before the ice melts, Mr. Hero'." Max griped to himself as he rode through the streets on his bike. "Guess I can't complain too much. A lot of bigwigs started out as delivery boys. Pirate man's probably gonna keep me down here as long as he can stomach, though. Least it gets Kaede off my case. On this one thing."
He arrived at the academy, parking his bike outside the school building. "I'm here to see Professor Kubo. I brought her lunch." he told the security guard.
As the guard went inside to confirm, Max glanced over to the side. "Huh?" 
A young boy in a green and blue uniform, wearing a green cap, was trying to look through a window.
"What's that kid up to?" Max questioned. "Hey! What are you doing?" he called out.
"Huh?!" The boy became startled. "Ah!" He looked at Max, and immediately took off running.
"Weirdo." 
The guard returned. "Alright, you're all clear. Her room's right down the hall. 13-A."
"Hunh, guess they moved her. Thanks. Hey, there was this weird kid peeking in through the window. Had a green and blue uniform on. Thought you should know."
"Ahh, sounds like one of the prepatory kids from next door. Probably looking for his mom or dad. Lots of the staff have their kids going there."
"Yeah, that tracks. Professor Kubo's kid is starting there today. Anyway, I won't take too long."
Max entered the school building. "Haven't stepped into this place in almost two years. ....." He shook his head. "No time for memory lane."
He walked further down the hall, until he reached Room 13-A. He peered inside to make sure he was in the right place. Sure enough, Rin was seated at her desk. He opened the door. "I've got a delivery for a Professor Kubo."
"Right on time. Thank you, Mr. Jadefang." Rin said with a smile. She took the container from his hands. "Mmm, red snapper. My favorite."
"Enjoy. His Cyclopsness sends his regards. Later." Max turned to leave.
"Going so soon? JoJo doesn't need you back that quickly, does he?"
"The less things he gets to rag on me about, the better." Max's body language dropped. "What do you want me to say, Professor?"
"A simple update on how you're doing would be enough."
"Well, it depends. On the one hand, I've got a job. Got a roof over my head and the coolest girl this side of the Pacific on my shoulders. On the other hand, something inside of me is screaming that this is wrong. That I'm beyond redemption. That all I'm good for is bitter vengeance. I'm just preparing for the day when karma finally comes to collect. It's an inevitability."
"It doesn't have to be. As long as you stay out of trouble."
"Well, that's the thing with this part of town, isn't it? Trouble finds its way to you. See you around, Professor." Max left.
Rin sighed. "He'll get there. Someday."
Outside the room, Max shook his head. 
"Oh, boy oh boy. Would ya look at what the cat dragged in." a man's voice spoke.
Max turned around. There was a man in a green jacket and jeans, with bleached blonde hair and peach fuzz. This man was one Ryōma Tsutsugo, a former Nippon Professional Baseball star who now served as the academy's phys ed instructor and baseball coach.
Max and the other Artisans knew him better as a former enemy. A commander of a cult known as Death's Hand, that had fought the group during their first year at the Academy. Kat's sister Lin, along with one of their number, Sakuya, were also former members.
"So, you finally decided to crawl out of your hole, eh? Takes a lot of cojones to step back in here after your performance. Or y'know, just plain stupidity." Tsutsugo chewed his gum.
"Back off, Tsutsugo. You really don't want to test me." Max warned.
"That some kinda threat?"
"I'm not a student anymore. There wouldn't be as many consequences for beating your lights out."
"Ooh, scary. So what, you're playing delivery boy now? What a change of fortunes. You were seconds away from being the hero of millions. Now you're stuck groveling for forgiveness from the people you tried to kill. Hell of a fall there, Captain Thunder."
Max got in his face. "You'd know a lot about groveling for forgiveness, wouldn't you, Creon?"
"Ooooh, boy, there's the look. You can play kissass all ya want. Doesn't change what you really are. Go ahead. Take a swing. We can see who the living nuke in there sides with."
Max's clenched fist shook, and crackled with electricity. Just when it seemed he was about to follow through, someone grabbed his hand.
"That's enough, Mr. Jadefang." It was Rose. "He's trying to egg you on. Pick your battles. This wouldn't be worth it. Go back to your business."
Max grumbled, but relented. Flashing the old enemy one last dirty look, he walked away, an aggression to his step.
"See ya in the funny papers, Cappy!" Tsutsugo called out.
"Enough. What kind of schoolyard bully performance was that?" Rose questioned.
"Look, rosebud. I know that you and the missus love the pity game, but you're wasting your effort on that one. We're not talking grocery store robbery here. He almost mind-controlled the entire damn planet. And he's just allowed to walk away like nothing?"
"Really, now? *You're* going to judge someone based on a failed attempt at conquest? After we let everything you did slide?"
"Just saying, doc. That blushing bride of yours keeps some awfully sketchy company. Makes you wonder how good a judge of character she really is."
"Funny. I could say much the same about your wife, Coach Tsutsugo. This conversation is over. Good day." Rose went inside the classroom.
"....Woof. Yeah, walked right into that one."
---
In the afternoon, Max rode his way back to the Hinotama residence. He bore a grim look. 
"(You can play kissass all ya want. Doesn't change what you really are.)"
"....."
"Heeeeey!"
Max snapped out of it. Ibuki was on the front porch. "There's my working man! How'd it go today?"
"Uh...it was a day. I can say that much." Max replied.
The door opened. A little girl, the same age as Shizuka, poked her head out. She had black hair in twintails, and wore a black and white uniform. "Auntiiiie, I'm hungryyyy."
Another woman, resembling Ibuki but wearing glasses and gray work attire, stepped out. "Kanae-chan's been griping since she got home. Is the chef going to be earning his keep, or no?" she asked using sign language.
"Give him a minute, Kaede. He literally just got back." Ibuki signed back.
"A minute. I'll hold you to that." Kaede went back inside, but not before flashing Max an unflattering glare.
"Is she ever gonna stop giving me the death glance?" he asked.
"Hey, at least she's actually acknowledging you now. That's something!" Ibuki replied.
Kanae's stomach grumbled. "My belly's so emptyyyyy."
"Alright, let me start working on that. Least your mom's trusting me with the kitchen utensils now." Max said.
Ibuki took notice of something. "Hey. What's with the kid?"
Max turned around. "What the..."
The capped boy from earlier in the day was looking around the neighborhood, searching for something.
"The heck's he doing now?" Max wondered.
"You seen that kid before?" Ibuki asked.
"Yeah. When I went to drop off Professor Kubo's lunch. He was looking into the school windows. I thought he might be a teacher's kid."
"Oh geez, maybe he's a peeping tom in training. You should go see what's up."
"Alright. Dinner's gonna have to wait."
"Whyyyyyy..." Kanae groaned while clutching her stomach.
"I literally just saw you eating a cookie. You're not starving." Ibuki chided.
Max walked over to the boy. "Alright, kid. What's your deal?"
"Ah!" The boy jumped. "Oh, you're that frightening-looking man from before! I-I'm not doing anything suspicious!"
"What do you mean 'frightening'?"
"Anyone with a scar on their face probably did something terrifying to get it!"
"That's a little presumptuous, don't you think? I could've cut myself shaving for all you know." Max replied, knowing that the boy was more correct than he would admit. "How old are you, anyway? Pretty dangerous to go wandering around like this."
"I-I'm not afraid! I'm 10 years old, I can take care of myself fine!"
"What a statement. Alright, what's all this about? First peeking around a school, now wandering around doing who-knows-what. You up to something bad?"
"No, honestly I'm not! I'm looking for someone. I followed her car here, but I lost track and now I don't know where to look."
"And that someone also works at the Academy." Max had a realization. "Oh you've got to be kidding me. The person you're looking for wouldn't happen to have red hair and glasses, would she?"
"Yes, that's exactly who I'm trying to find! Do you know where she might be?"
"Why are you trying to find her?"
"It's...a personal thing. I just really need to meet her, okay? Can you help me? I don't know this neighborhood at all..."
Max thought on it. "(This is so bizarre. He's too young to be her student, but too old to be in a class with her kid. But getting a good look at him now, he looks...familiar. Like...*uncomfortably* familiar. How the hell does he know her...?)"
He sighed. "Alright, kid. I'll take you to where she is. But you better not be up to something stupid."
"Oh, thank you! I really appreciate it, sir! My name's Uri Kawagami. I'm sorry I called you frightening before."
"Don't worry about it. My name's Max." "(And you weren't that far off, anyway.)"
Max took the boy over to the next neighborhood over, where the flower-coated Kubo house resided.
"Wow, so pretty!" The boy went to look at a bundle of orchids.
"You like flowers, do ya?" Max asked.
"I love them! The boys I've gone to school with all make fun of me, but there's nothing bad about flowers! My mom says I must get it from my dad."
"Your dad, huh." The uneasy feeling in Max's stomach only grew. He went to knock on the door.
Inside, Rose was sitting on the couch with Shizuka, watching a Spanish soap opera. "I don't know what they're saying, Mama." the girl said.
"Shh. This is where things get intense." Rose replied, sipping her tea.
The sound of the door being knocked echoed. "I've got it!" Rin stepped out, having just finished drying her hair. She opened the door. "Max? What's going on?"
"I, um...found this kid wandering--" Max began, before Uri pushed in front of him.
"You're Rin Kubo, aren't you?!"
"Um...yes. Do I know you?" Rin asked in response.
"So you're Hyōtan Kubo's sister, right?"
"Yes, Tan is my brother. What's this about?"
The boy bowed. "My name's Uri Kawagami! Hyōtan Kubo is my dad! It's nice to finally meet you, Auntie Rin!"
The only sound that followed was dramatic music from the TV, followed by an "¡Aye, Dios mío!"
Rose, for her part, dropped her cup, a stunned look on her face shared by both Rin and Max. "Um...I'm not cleaning that up." Shizuka spoke.
"......" Rin couldn't muster a word.
"......" Neither could Rose.
"...hold up. Did I hear that right?" Max questioned. "DJ Tan Man is your *dad*?"
"Oh, please don't look so shocked, Auntie! I simply had to--" the boy began.
"SLOW DOWN WITH THE AUNTIE THING!" Rin finally exclaimed. "What do you mean Tan is your dad?! How the...what?! What even makes you think that?!"
"He told me himself! He comes to visit me and my mom every so often! He talks about you all the time! 'My little sis is a cute redhead with glasses working at the Academy'! So when I saw you at school this morning, I knew you had to be my Auntie! Ohhh, I've wanted to meet Dad's family for so long, but Mom said it wasn't safe to yet, but I couldn't help but try to say hello!"
"...excuse me. I need a minute." Rin closed the door, a glazed look on her face.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Kid...you said *a lot*." Max answered.
Inside, Rin sat down next to Rose. No reaction. "Rose."
"Yes, Rin?"
"Could you hand me that pillow, please?"
Rose gave her a small pink pillow. "Thank you." Rin pressed her face against it and let out a muffled scream. She pulled it back.
"Are you okay, Mama?" Shizuka questioned.
Rin put on a cheery expression. "Oh, just lovely. I'm debating whether or not you're gonna still have an Uncle Tan after tonight." She got up and re-opened the door.
"Have I offended you, Au--" the boy began.
"Please. Just...come inside." Rin directed.
"Yeah, so, I'm gonna head back home. I've got a 7-year old on the verge of starvation and this is looking like a family matter, so...bye." Max left, shock still evident on his face.
Rin closed the door. "Hi~! You must be Rose!" Uri waved.
"Ah, yes. That would be me." Rose replied, cleaning up from her dropped cup.
"I knew it, Dad told me all about that look you give, like you're judging everything and everyone."
Rose smirked, though it didn't mask her annoyance. "Oh. Did he now."
"There it is! That's the look!"
He moved over to Shizuka. "And you have to be Shizuka! You want to be friends?"
"Back up! You're WAY too close right now!" the girl scooted away from him.
"Okay. Just so we're 100% on the same page..." Rin picked up a photo of her brother from the shelf. "This man, this guy right here, is your father? And he *knows and told you* he's your father?"
"Mmhmm! Yep! That's totally him!" the boy affirmed.
"Okay. Would you all mind stepping out for just a minute? I need to make some...very uncomfortable phone calls."
---
A while later, the sounds of a motorcycle pulling up to the house could be heard. The front door opened. Tan was eight years Rin's senior, and had wild black hair and a beard, along with tribal tattoos on his arms. Though he was primarily the manager of their father's family market, he also was a (self-proclaimed) musician.
Rin was alone in the living room, and gave Tan a cheerful look. "Hi, Tan."
"Hey, sis." Tan said with some trepidation. "What's going on? You said it was urgent."
"Have a seat."
With a nervous aura about him, Tan sat down on the couch. Rin sat right next to him. "So, um...what's on your mind?" he asked.
"You know you can tell me anything, right? That's what families are for. You don't need to keep any secrets from me. I'll be fine with anything you tell me."
Beads of sweat started to drip off of his face.
"If there's anything, anything at all you think I shouldn't know about, you can let me know."
"I, um..."
"Actually."
Tan gulped.
"Something came up that I wanted to run by you first. And just know, whatever answer you give me, I'll believe you. Rose?"
The kitchen door opened. Uri sat at a table with an apprehensive Shizuka. Rose raised an eyebrow at Tan. "Oh, hey Dad! I didn't know you'd be coming by, too!" the boy waved.
Shadows covered Tan's eyes as the sweat intensified.
"Ooooh, someone's gonna get iiiiiit." Shizuka chimed.
"So, responsible brother of mine. Is that your son? And did you know about him?" Rin asked.
"...Well--" Tan spoke.
"LIAR!" Rin jumped up. "What are you thinking?! Ten years old?! Did you know all this time?!"
"Rinnie, please, just let me explain--"
"Oh, you're gonna. You're gonna explain it all. But not just to me."
Another knock on the door. Tan started turning pale. "You didn't. Please tell me you didn't."
Rin raised an eyebrow, a devious smirk crossing her face. "Come iiiiin."
The door opened. Hana stood at the entrance, her usual pleasant smile apparent. She opened her eyes, and they seemed to become dark and piercing instantaneously. "Hyōtan. Dear son of mine."
"M-M-M-M-M-Ma, please just calm down, I can--" 
Hana took off one of her slippers, and, pleasant smile still showing, started slapping her hand with it. "It's been close to thirty years since I needed to spank you. But I think this is a more severe offense than knocking over a cookie jar, don't you?"
"Do it, Ms. Hana. Give him 'La Chancleta'." Rose urged.
"I haven't the slightest idea what that means."
"Oh. Um...pay me no mind, then."
"Could you all stop threatening to murder me in front of the kid, please?!" Tan begged.
Uri popped up next to Hana. "Hi! So you're Hana, are you? Can I call you Grandma? Or does Nana work better for you?"
"Dear, I'm going to need you to give me a minute. I'm still weighing my options for punishments." Hana replied.
"Save some for me." Rin began slapping her own slipper.
"Alright, alright, you've made your point! Could you give me five seconds to explain everything?!" Tan exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, Dad. Coming here was a bad idea. I've just made things more uncomfortable for you..." Uri apologized.
"No, no, it's not your fault. I'm the one that should've come clean sooner. Go back in the kitchen with Rosie. I'll try to clean up this mess."
The boy exited to the kitchen. Tan sighed. "Where do I even start?"
"How about the simple stuff like 'why', or 'how'." Rin replied.
"How could you keep this hidden from us for so long? I've been a grandmother for ten years and you've never spoken a word about it!" Hana griped.
"It wasn't for all ten years, Ma, I swear!" Tan responded. "Just...both of you sit down. I know you want to explode on me, and I totally get it, but just hear me out."
With simultaneous huffs, mother and daughter sat on the couch, frustration evident on their faces.
"Okay...this was a few months after I got out of prison. I was still feeling a little overwhelmed with managing the store and how much had changed on the outside, so I went to go drown my stress away in whiskey."
"Of *course* there was alcohol involved." Rin groaned.
"I was starting to feel a little woozy when up comes this absolutely *stunning* lady. Blonde hair, expensive everything, you name it. And she'd had a bit of the drink, too. We get to talking about how miserable she is, how much of an asshole her husband is--"
"Wait one minute...her *husband*? You're telling us that boy's mother was already married when you--" Hana questioned.
"Starting to see why I had to hide it? Needless to say, things happened that I shouldn't mention to my mom or my sister..."
"Yeah, no, please just skip ahead." Rin said.
"So anyway, after that night I didn't see her again, didn't hear from her. For about five years. Then she comes walking into the market one day...with this little boy attached to her hip. I just about fainted. But she starts telling me that her husband was starting to get suspicious about why the kid didn't look like him. He had a test done and proved it wasn't his kid. So he'd started divorce proceedings, and they were *ugly*. They lasted for nearly five years, just because of the sheer amount of assets this guy has. He used her cheating against her, she used his past abuses against him, it was a bloody mess. I had to keep it quiet cuz it would've only hurt her more, and...this guy was dangerous."
"Who was this man that was so powerful you'd be afraid of telling us anything?" Hana asked.
"His name was Kagerō Minakata."
"Minakata, as in...the former Diet member? *That* Minakata?" Rin questioned.
"The same one, yeah. He was a snake of the highest caliber. He would grime up her character, but he had like five kids out of wedlock, himself. Once everything was finalized, he took everything he had left and jumped ship to the Caribbean. But he was tracking her every move. If she ever gave away who I was, there would've been hell to pay. He had connections that would make One-Eye Higashikata blush with envy. It could've meant the end of the market, the flower shop, your teaching career, Rinnie. I wasn't gonna let something I did screw things up for the rest of ya. So I kept it buried. But now that he's gone, I was trying to come up with how I'd break it to you two."
"Looks like someone had other ideas."
"Kid's always been excitable. But he's bright as heck. You see he got into the same school as ZuZu. And he loves flowers. He's got the Hanazaki DNA. I've been telling him how great his aunt and his grandma are, so I guess when he caught sight of you, he couldn't help himself." 
Tan dropped to his hands and knees. "I'm sorry I kept it hidden all this time! I would've been screaming it from the rooftops if it wouldn't have gotten us all neck deep in hot water. Please don't take it out on him. He just wanted to know who his family is, that's all!"
The two women glanced at each other. Rin got up, and stood over her brother. And then...
She took her slipper off and immediately slapped him over the head with it.
"YOW!" 
"You give me HEADACHES, you doofus! You think either of us would've blabbed about your secret? You ought to know better than that!" Rin groaned. "But...I guess you were trying to look out for everyone. What do you think, Mom?"
"Sigh...as much as this made my blood pressure skyrocket, I certainly can't hold anything against the boy for his father's lapse in judgment. You *are* absolutely sure he is yours, yes?" Hana asked.
"Oof...yeah, totally sure. Got tested and everything. He's mine." Tan replied, rubbing the back of his head.
"Okay. Let him in. I can hear Shizuka going crazy in there." Rin said.
The kitchen door opened again. Rose was keeping the two children separated. "Mama, tell him to back off! He keeps trying to hug me!" Shizuka griped.
"I'm not trying to do anything weird! Who doesn't like hugs, anyway?!" Uri responded. 
"Help would be *greatly* appreciated." Rose said.
"Alright, no fighting in my house, please!" Rin ordered. The children calmed down.
"Huh? Are you hurt, Dad? Is it because I came around?" Uri asked.
"No, nooo, of course not, buddy. I just tripped and knocked my head on something, that's all." Tan replied. "Actually, I just thought of something. Where's your mom? Does she know you're here?"
"No...I was supposed to go to the salon after school. She doesn't know where I am."
"Oh, come on! You can't go scaring your mom like that! She probably thinks you've been kidnapped or worse!"
"Sorry...I just--"
"Got too excited, yeah. Ugh. Let me call her."
Tan walked out to make the call as Uri appeared downtrodden. 
"'Grandma' is just fine, by the way."
The boy turned to Hana, her easy smile back. "Now that I get a good look at you, you're just the spitting image of your father when he was your age. He gave me plenty of headaches back then, too. From the sound of it, you're much the same with your mother, aren't you?"
"It's all good so long as you didn't inherit his singing voice. 'Auntie Rin' is what my friends' kids call me. It'd be weird if I wouldn't let my own nephew do the same, right?" Rin winked.
The boy's eyes started glowing. "You mean it?! So will Shizuka let me hug her now?!"
"NO!" Shizuka yelled out.
A while later, there was a knock. Tan opened the door. "Hey."
There was a woman with blonde hair tied up in a bun, with white high-end clothing and nails. "Where is he?"
"He's inside. This is my sister's place, y'know. My mom's here, too."
"How much do they know?"
"All of it. My hand was forced."
The woman sighed. "Is it alright for me to come in?"
"Sure, sure."
She came inside. "Hi, Mom." Uri greeted. 
She ran over to him. "Naughty boy! I was worried sick! I thought Kagerō had you abducted or something equally horrible! I was about to call the police!"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to see Auntie Rin. I got too excited again."
"Sigh...what am I to do with you?" She looked over to the watching Kubo clan. "Oh...I suppose this would be the family, wouldn't it?"
"You'd be correct. I'm Tan's sister Rin. This is our mother Miu." Rin replied.
"Call me Hana." her mother noted.
"This is my better half, Rose."
"No, I am in fact not the maid, in case you were thinking it." Rose sipped her tea.
"And this is our pride and joy, Shizuka."
"He keeps trying to hug me." the girl stated.
"That sounds like my Uri." The woman bowed. "My name's Kirumi Kawagami. And I wholeheartedly apologize for all the confusion and inconvenience this must be causing you."
"There's no need. Tan told us everything. You were in a very compromising position. I don't think there would've been any way to easily break the news to us." Rin replied.
"Your brother absolutely wanted to tell you all. That was his first reaction to learning about Uri. But my ex-husband had his eyes everywhere. It would've spelt trouble for everybody, not just us. I never imagined one single moment of weakness would have these kinds of consequences. I'm truly sorry for all of this. If it's too much to deal with, I'll just take him and leave..."
"Don't worry about any of that, dear. We're not embarrassed by it. Shocked, absolutely. But the boy is our blood. We're more than happy to welcome him in." Hana replied.
"Family's the priority. Always has been. He seems like a well-adjusted boy." Rin added.
"He's a very good boy...most of the time. When he's not giving me panic attacks by going missing for hours." Kirumi patted Uri on the head.
"Actually, something else...have I seen you before? Uri mentioned something about a salon."
"Oh, right. I own a hairdressers' downtown. I've been keeping Uri in the house for the most part until I could be sure my ex was completely gone. I was going to introduce him to my girls, before plans took a left turn."
"A hairdressers' downtown...oh, hold on. Would you happen to employ a young lady by the name of Ibu--"
"Ibuki Hinotama, the Mighty Fireball. Yes, we just recently brought her on. Didn't take her very long to become a customer favorite."
"No, I can't imagine it did. That's as winning of a personality as you're ever gonna find. The Hinotamas live on the next street over. They're good friends. Her boyfriend was one of my students."
"The American boy with the beard, right? Ibuki introduced him just the other day. I wonder how that came about. As much energy as Ibuki has, his eyes always look...sad."
"He's a work in progress. There's a lot that we're helping him deal with." Rose replied.
Uri yawned. "Sleepy, buddy? Long day, huh?" Tan asked.
"Uh-huh..." the boy grogged.
"I'll get him home. I'm sorry this is how you all had to find out." Kirumi apologized.
"It's all good. Please feel free to keep in touch. We'd love to get to know you two better." Rin replied.
Uri went to hug Rin, then Hana, and then Rose.
Shizuka was having none of it, promptly jumping on top of the couch. "Not today."
With a wave, Kirumi and Uri left. "I'll make sure they get back safe. Sorry for the headaches." Tan said.
"As long as there aren't any *other* ones waiting." Hana replied.
"No way! I swear this is the only one!"
Tan departed.
"I'll be right back." Rin said.
"Where are you going?" Rose asked.
"Next door. I'm gonna see if Tenko's willing to part with any of her sake. I think we're gonna need it." Rin left.
"Oh, dear." Hana said.
"That was plenty to digest. Perhaps I could indulge you with some of my new favorite programming?" Rose proposed.
"Don't make Grandma watch it! She's not gonna understand any of it!" Shizuka exclaimed.
"Nonsense. I'll put on subtitles." 
"I think I'll pass on that, dear. I need to get back to the cabin. My head's already spinning, even without alcohol. Tell blossom I'll call her in the morning." Hana got up to leave.
"Your loss. Guess it's just you and me, Shizuka."
"Why do I have to watch it?" Shizuka questioned.
"Consider it educational. Schools look fondly on students who've learned a second language."
"Uggggh."
---
August 19, 2031
Midday at the downtown hairdressers'. Having just started their lunch breaks, most of the girls had left to grab their meals. Ibuki, meanwhile, stayed behind to talk to Kirumi.
"So let me get this straight, Rumi. Your ex, the super powerful Diet man, made your life miserable. One night you drowned that misery in booze, and hooked up with DJ Tan Man of all people. That's how your little one came about. I've got that all right?"
"That's exactly what happened. I tried convincing myself that Uri belonged to Kagerō, but as he got older, he started looking more and more like Tan. I wish we didn't have to keep it a secret from his family, but the divorce was so hideous that it would've been dangerous to drag them into it." Kirumi replied.
"Hey, don't sweat it. That's all done and over with now, right? So the band of apples can be around without any problems. It's the best anyone could've asked for."
"I guess you're right. As someone who knows them better than I do, what's your take on them?"
"Oh, boy. I can tell ya that there ain't a normal one in that whole bunch. But that's exactly the way they like it. They're all really laid back and super easy to get along with. The Professor is one-of-a-kind. Understanding and kind to the max. She might be the baby of that clan, but there's zero doubt she's in charge."
"I got that sense while I was there. She did most of the talking yesterday."
"Some people are just born to take the lead. Way I see it, your boy lucked out in the family department. They're a sweet bunch."
"I do have one question about...Rose, I think her name was?"
"Oh yeah, Doc Rose. She's got a snarky side to her, but she's a braniac in her own right."
"Where's she from, exactly? I've never seen anyone who looks like her."
"Oh she's from the mooooountains of Canada. It's really snowy and cold there, y'know. Probably has something to do with that."
"I'm not entirely sure that's how that works, but if you say so."
The bell hanging over the door rang. "I've got a delivery for a Ms. Fireball."
"Oh, I thought I called for the cutest delivery boy in town!" Ibuki sprang up. "Thank you, boo~. Could you give me a smile, at least?"
"I'm smiling on the inside." Max replied.
"That kinda day, huh?"
"My bike got a flat on the way here. Hence why I'm so sweaty. Yeah, it's been that kinda day."
"Woof. I'm sorry. Know where you can get a spare?"
"I'm gonna have to now. So I'm gonna have to skip lunch today. Sorry."
"Aw, don't worry about it. I'll just have to take you captive for a whole day to make up for it." She winked. "Oh, before you head out, you know that tea you spilled yesterday?"
"You mean about the kid? Yeah, what about it?"
"There's a Part 2 to the story. Say hi to the kid's mom."
"Hello." Kirumi greeted.
"Wait, you're the--so, you and DJ Tan Man--"
"Yes. Let's leave it at that. Thank you for finding my Uri, by the way. I was losing my mind trying to find him. It's not the first time he's wandered off when I wasn't looking. The boy gets too excited for his own good."
"Least he's got a good attitude. He could be cooped up and miserable." Ibuki said.
"Guess there are worse things than an adventurous side. If he ever gets lost, I just have to look for the nearest Ultraman poster or the like."
"The nearest...?" Max uttered.
"My boy is fascinated with superheroes, you see. His whole room is filled with toys and posters of them. He daydreams about being one."
"Well ain't that just dandy, Maxie." Ibuki chimed.
"(Oh you have to be shitting me.)" Max thought.
"My man here's a huge hero buff, himself. You should see what his setup's like."
Max went on alert. "(What are you...?!)"
"Are you really?" Kirumi asked.
"I, uh...it's complicated." Max replied.
"You know, I'm in need of someone to look after Uri on the weekends while I'm working. I don't feel comfortable leaving him alone, and Tan is busy himself those days. Ibuki says you're very dependable, and I'd love for him to have a good role model outside of his father. I'd reimburse you fully for the time. Would that be too much trouble?"
"I, uh...need to discuss it with my boss." Max pulled Ibuki aside.
"Wait, don't you mean JoJo--" she said.
"This is such a bad idea. Aside from my views on heroes not being what they used to be, I'm already looking after Kanae-chan this weekend! What would your sister think about me bringing another kid along?"
"I think it'd be a great idea, dude. Twice the opportunity to make a good impression. And hey, it pays. C'mon, I think it'd be good for everyone."
"I was already having doubts about looking after *one* kid. This is trouble waiting to happen." Max scratched his head. "Dammit. Ms. Kirumi?"
"Yes?" Kirumi perked up.
"I'm already looking after my nie--her niece this weekend, but I can do double duty if it's not a problem with you." Ibuki raised an eyebrow at the near-slip.
"That wouldn't be a problem at all. Uri loves meeting other kids."
"(I'm gonna regret this, aren't I?)" he thought. "Alright, I've gotta run. Just give Ibuki the details and I'll see what I can do. Now I've gotta manage the rest of these errands, with or without the bike. Ugh..."
"Keep your head up, Sparkplug! See ya for din-din!" Ibuki waved as Max departed.
"How did you ever meet that boy, Ibuki?" Kirumi asked.
"Oh, through the Ashen Artisans." Ibuki jolted. "Th-that is, they saved him like they did me, and we just sorta connected that way."
"Well I can definitely see the effect they had on you. But he always looks so serious when he comes around here."
"He's had to go through a lot over the years. He had an abusive, addict father, just like me. He's spent his life looking out for his sister, just like me. He's had to work out a ton of anger, just like me. He's lucky to have a mom that loves him, but other than that, we've gone through a lot of the same experiences. So if you've gotta heal, why not do it together?" Ibuki glanced at the time. "Shoot, I'd better get on this grub. Ain't polite to let a home-cooked meal go cold."
"(I can tell from her eyes that's a genuine love she has for that boy. If he's as wonderful as she says he is, then he'd be an excellent role model for Uri. Here's hoping.)" Kirumi thought.
---
"Sorry to drop by like this, Doc. I hope you and the Professor didn't have any big plans for tonight." Max sat on the Kubo couch, later that night.
"It's no trouble, Mr. Jadefang. I said before that our door was always open. I'll just have to record my story." Rose replied. "So what's troubling you?"
"Well...today's been a real humdinger. My bike got a flat tire so I had to get a new one on top of all the other errands Pirate Man has me running now. On top of that, I've got babysitting duty this weekend."
"Kaede is going to let you look after Kanae-chan, I'm assuming?"
"Somehow, some way, yeah. I dunno if it means she's starting to trust me, or she's testing me, or if she literally has no other options. I was already wigging out over how I was gonna pull it off, but then I got thrown a curveball. I got talked into looking after DJ Tan Man's little munchkin, too."
"You're going to be watching over Uri? How did that come about?"
"I went to give Ibuki her lunch, and his mom mentioned that he's apparently big on superheroes. One thing led to another and...now I'm on double duty. I don't know how I'm ever gonna pull this off. I'm not a child whisperer like Kitty Kat."
"You don't have to be Ms. Kit to be able to communicate with children. The key is to talk to them on their level. Treat them like little people, not as something lower than you."
"It's not just that. Kat is the kind of person that kids gravitate towards and they want to be like. I just don't know if I should be having that sort of influence."
"Would that really be such a bad thing?"
"You know me. The answer should be obvious."
"You're a responsible and polite young man with a strong sense of justice. Those traits are as good as any you could have."
"Except for the part where I twisted them into something awful."
"And now you're working to fix it. This is the perfect opportunity to prove that your misdeeds are all in the past. You said you wanted to prove that to Kaede, right?"
"I've been trying that ever since I got here. I make dinner, I got a job, I'm trying to learn sign, I agreed to look after Kanae-chan. And I'm giving Ibuki everything that she wants from me." 
Max rubbed his eyes. "Ibuki...she's a totally different person from what I remember. I can remember her eyes back then. So full of anger for what I did. Now when I look at them...all I see is happiness and love. Everything I do now is to give her the happy ending she's dreamed of all her life. I wronged her in the worst way. I'll spend every second I have left making it right."
A noise could be heard outside. "Dammit! Way to lose balance, Fireball!"
"Huh?" Max questioned.
"Ms. Hinotama? Is that you?" Rose asked.
The door opened, and sure enough, it was Ibuki. "Sorry. You just disappeared on me and I thought this would be where you ended up."
"How much of that did you hear?" Max asked.
"Every last word, dummy." She sat down next to him, wrapping her arms around him. "You don't have to prove anything to me. I can see in your eyes that you're not that awful person anymore. I believed you the first time and you haven't given me any reason to think otherwise. Stop going crazy over it."
"I know how you feel about it, but your sister..."
"She'll come around. You're already halfway there. You're off the couch and she's letting you look after Kanae-chan by yourself. I want everyone to get along, too. But even if it takes a while to get there, you'll still have me. We share the same kind of pain. You don't have to keep justifying yourself to me. I told you that I love you. That hasn't changed." She rested her head on his shoulder. "You're doing good. And you're gonna do good on Saturday. And you're gonna keep doing good after that. Every day's another little step. Love is about getting through the tough days together."
"...I don't know what to say."
"You don't gotta say anything. I get it. Oh, uh, sorry if I stole your thunder there, Doc."
"No, no. Honestly you put it much better than I ever could have. That sort of unflinching support is going to pay dividends down the road. Does that put your mind at ease, Mr. Jadefang?" Rose asked.
"All I'm gonna say is that I'm going to give this woman the world and then some." Max replied.
"I'll settle for a cuddle." Ibuki chimed.
"Guess that's it, then. I'm gonna be a little late on Saturday, Doctor."
"I'm sure you're going to have plenty to talk about. If you'll excuse me, I need to make sure Shizuka is in for bed." Rose replied.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me...where's our hard-working Professor?" Ibuki asked.
"She was putting Shizuka down, last I saw. She might have fallen asleep right next to her. These last couple of days have been...an experience."
"I can imagine. Well we won't keep you from that or your stories much longer. Good night, Doctor." Max said.
"Night, Doc." Ibuki added.
"Buenas noches." Rose responded.
The pair left. Rin entered the room, rubbing her eyes. "Mmmph...was that the door I just heard?"
"Mr. Jadefang came in for a quick session. Apparently he's been tasked with looking after Uri as well as Kanae-chan. A tall order, to be sure."
"Nngh, seriously? Kirumi could've asked us to look after him."
"She might think we have our hands full already with Shizuka. The idea of Tan's family being involved is still new to her. That, and those bags under your eyes telling me that you'll likely be headed for the hot springs this weekend."
"You...aren't wrong about that. I could use a quick refresh. Ugh...Day 2 of the school year and I'm already talking about needing a break."
"After yesterday's bombshell, it's understandable. Once you get back into a routine, you'll feel much better. Actually, have a seat. I know how to get you to relax."
"Cloudy apple juice in a room lit only by fruity scented candles?"
"The easier method, beloved. Sit."
Rin sat down next to Rose, whose hands began to emit a faint glow. "Let's see where the tension is." Rose touched Rin's shoulders. "Here we are. Now to just..."
"Nnngh..." Rin reacted. "Maybe massage therapy should've been your career path."
"Helping others through their emotional turbulence is my calling. And there's only one person who gets this treatment from me. Breathe in and out, and..."
Rin shut her eyes, and she lied her head down on the couch's arm. "A comfortable sleep can fix many a problem." Rose extended a pair of ephemeral threads from her fingers, which maneuvered into their bedroom. Using the threads, she pulled a bedsheet into the living room, and draped it on top of Rin. She knelt down and gave her dearest love a kiss on the cheek.
"Rest easy, my busy apple blossom. Tomorrow is a new day. Good night. I shan't be far behind."
Rose walked away to prepare for bed, as the ever-involved Rin drifted off to a much-needed respite.