Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Cold, Cold Heart
November 28, 2031
Nighttime in Ikebukuro. Inside the apartment owned by Lily Hanakotoba.
"Is everything alright, Mother?" Sakuya asked, sitting down to eat.
"Hnh?" Lily looked up from her food. Her eyes showed signs of clear exhaustion.
"There's my answer. Are things not going well at work? Workload too big?"
"No, no, it's nothing like that. I honestly *wish* it was because we're being overloaded with bookings. But it's actually the opposite."
"That's strange. I would've expected you'd be swamped with people heading to Hokkaido for the holiday."
"That's what I'd expect too. If Hokkaido felt like cooperating."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It means that every time we call up a hotel or lodging in, say, Sapporo, we get the same message. 'We've received concerning statements regarding your agency that we are investigating at this time'. These are all places we've had pretty good relationships with up to this point. Now all of a sudden, none of them want to do business with us. And none of them want to clarify why."
"How bizarre. Is it just Hokkaido that's reacted this way?"
"Yeah. Osaka, Sendai, Kyoto, they haven't been any different with us. It's just Hokkaido. And that's major trouble for us considering how many people travel up there for Christmas. And we've got the Snow Festival coming up in a couple months. We're gonna be taking some bad losses if we can't get any bookings up there. It's...it's been rough, Saku. Everyone's looking to me for the answers, and I just don't have them. It keeps going like this, I might end up--"
"Mother. Don't put that thought in your head. You've been sober for two years now. Don't throw that away now."
"It's getting mighty tempting, Saku. Just one bit of sake wouldn't hurt, would it?"
"One drink turns into two. Then it turns into you passing out on the floor surrounded by bottles. I don't want to find you like that again."
"It's not gonna get like that, Saku."
"You can say that now. Please don't tempt it, Mother. Ibuki-chan lost her parents to addiction. I don't want that to happen to you."
"You're right, Saku. I'm sorry. I don't want to lose you a second time. I just don't know what I can do to fix this. I don't even know what the problem *is*."
Lily waved it off. "Let's just finish dinner. Got a weekend where I don't have to worry about travel programs. Let's keep it that way, alright?"
"Of course, Mother." Sakuya replied, still looking concerned.
They finished dinner, and Lily went to bed early. Sakuya returned to her room, which contained numerous collectibles of marine life. A gray lantern shaped like a fish, with the words "Fugu Frenzy" scrawled in red kanji on either side of it, hung from the ceiling, a gift from Sahir during a previous trip to Osaka. Most precious of all to her, though, was a small seal plush toy sitting on her nightstand. The tiny gift was at one point her sole reminder of her mother during a time when they'd been separated. She made sure to give it a pat on the head every time she left for Sendai.
She sat on her bed, her laptop on her lap. "(Absolutely nothing about any sort of travel controversy. Whatever this issue is, it's being kept under wraps. All those automatic messages tell me they're being pressured by someone. But who?)" she pondered.
The only articles she could find relating to tourism in Hokkaido were interview pieces about the upcoming winter travel season, the majority of which having quotes from one person in particular.
"(Heiwa Nishikori, Hokkaido's Secretary of Tourism. 32 years of age. Certainly has the kind of power to pressure hotels and resorts into turning down business. And a personality as notoriously cold as the prefecture she advertises. But the million yen question is...)"
"Why target a single agency hundreds of miles away?"
She looked into the secretary's background. Her answer stared directly at her.
"Her family is..."
---
November 29, 2031
Downtown Naruki. Early morning.
"Whaddya think, Kirumi? Good as new, right?" Tan asked.
Inside the Leather Cut salon, everything had been rebuilt. Nearly a month of tireless work had erased any trace of the explosion. With the rebuild complete, it was scheduled to reopen on Monday.
"It looks just like how it used to, Mom!" Uri exclaimed.
"Yes...it really does. Like nothing ever happened. You worked wonders, Tan." Kirumi looked around.
"Eh, the crew did the bulk of the work. I pitched in here and there." Tan had several visible bandages around his arms. "Can probably tell why I stick with stocking shelves."
"I appreciate the effort all the same." Kirumi kissed him. "Breakfast is on me. Let's go before I start crying from the joy of it all."
"Can I pick? I wanna pick!" Uri asked.
"Gotta pick somewhere without peanuts, buddy. Ah, wait a sec. Think someone's a couple days early." Tan pointed to the door.
Sakuya was peering inside.
"That's Ibuki's friend, Sakuya. Wonder what she might want?" Kirumi went to open the door.
"Good morning, Kirumi-san. Kubo-sensei told me you'd be here." Sakuya greeted.
"Hello there. Were you looking for a haircut? We open back up on Monday, but I could take you at my apartment if it's urgent..."
"I'm not here for a hair session. But it is an urgent matter. May I come in?"
"Well, alright. Right this way..."
Sakuya went inside. "I'd heard you were out of commission for a while after an accident. It's good to see that everything looks to be in order again."
"Thanks in part to yours truly. Hiya, Saku." Tan greeted.
"Ah, good day, Tan-san. And to you as well, Uri-kun."
"Hi, Saku! Do you have cupcakes?" Uri asked.
"Not today, sadly." "(I feel as though every child in this city looks to me for their sugar fix.)" "And I'm really here to talk to your mother."
"Say no more. C'mon bud, let's leave your mom to her business." Tan got up.
"Are we not gonna get breakfast?" the boy asked.
"We'll get it after I'm done. Wait in the back, Tan." Kirumi replied.
"Holler when you're finished."
Kirumi was left alone with Sakuya, who took a seat in a chair. "Okay. Tell me why you're here." 
"Alright. An issue has come up regarding my mother's travel agency. They've started to lose business because certain hotels are claiming that they've been notified of allegations about the agency. Allegations they refuse to elaborate on."
"That sounds strange, but what does it have to do with me?"
"Well, the curiosity comes from what part of the country suddenly doesn't want to do business with the agency. All of the rejected calls have come from Hokkaido."
"....!"
"I take it you understand why I came to you. The one that's behind this must be someone who holds a strong amount of sway in the tourism industry there. Someone like, say, the prefecture's secretary. Heiwa Nishikori. One of nine scions of the great Kawagami Steel dynasty. I'm assuming you know her very well."
Kirumi gave a hesitant nod. "Yes. I do. She's my younger sister."
"Have we done something to offend her?"
"In all likelihood, it probably wasn't her idea. My older siblings likely handed the order down. I was worried they'd start to exert pressure on anyone associated with me after we humiliated Genji in court."
"But why my mother? The most I've ever interacted with you was when I came in for my last haircut. Unless..."
"My siblings' information network is vast. My oldest brother, Masayoshi, would most likely prioritize removing the biggest threat to his plan that had some kind of relationship with me."
"...Kubo-sensei."
"I believe so, yes."
"And if I've learned anything about her, it's that her priority has always been the people she holds closest."
"My siblings clearly want to make inroads into Tokyo. Rin has deep connections all over the city. I believe this is an intentional act to try to remove pieces from the board. And it won't be the last."
"Are you and your sister close?"
"....." Kirumi thought on her answer. "We used to be. Her and my younger brother Ichiban were the ones I had relationships with that felt natural. But I haven't spoken with Heiwa in years. I wouldn't know if she'd want to talk to me now."
"I need you to take that risk."
"Ms. Sakuya--"
"Please, Kirumi-san. My mother is under significant pressure to make up for their lost business. Losing Hokkaido during the winter months could be crippling for her agency. I'm afraid that the stress might be too much. She has been sober for two years, and I fear that this pressure is going to result in her relapsing. I CANNOT allow that to happen."
"I want to help, I really do. I don't know if she'll listen to me--"
The look in Sakuya's eyes became more piercing. "You know the three men who were monitoring your every move from a van? I put them in the hospital. Broke one of their arms as easily as I take a breath. My aim is not to threaten you. But I have a very specific way of dealing with problems. Right now your sister is threatening my mother's livelihood. I need you to try to get through to her. Because the alternative is that I stop being as reasonable as I'm being right this second."
"....." Kirumi was stunned by the sudden shift in demeanor.
"Keep my words in mind. Good day." Sakuya bowed, and walked out the door.
Kirumi couldn't muster a response. 
---
"...and then she just walked away. As pleasant as usual." Kirumi finished, sitting in a diner with Rin and Rose. Tan was seated nearby with Uri and Shizuka.
"She actually threatened you?" Rin asked.
"She tried to say that it wasn't a threat, but that look in her eyes and the way she phrased it...it scared me. I can't imagine a girl as otherwise polite as she is being so threatening or putting someone in the hospital."
"Ms. Hanakotoba has a very troubled history. She's mentioned things to me during sessions that no girl should ever be forced to do." Rose said.
"Things you're not at liberty to disclose?"
"Doctor-patient privilege. I take my profession very seriously."
"I'm sure she regrets her phrasing now. Lily--her mother--is the only family she has. They were separated for a long time. I can see why she would be desperate to keep her stress-free." Rin said.
"So desperate as to bring harm to someone else?" Kirumi asked.
"I'll talk to her. I'll make it clear that such a course of action would be unacceptable and would cause much more harm than good. She's a rational person. She'll understand." Rose assured.
"The situation with your sister does sound serious, though. Is there no way for you to settle this amicably?" Rin asked.
"I want to believe that there is. To put pressure on a single travel agency from far away isn't something she would do on a whim. I know she's being coerced. I...have to believe that. If I could just get her away from their reach..." Kirumi responded.
"Call her up."
Kirumi turned to see Tan standing there. "How long have you--"
"The kiddos wanted another round of pancakes. I was gonna see if ya wanted anything. But seriously. Give her a call."
"I don't know..."
"You won't know if you don't try. You said your relationship was good, right? She's still your sister, political funny business or none. You should at least be able to talk like rational adults."
"Between the questionable attempts at rap lyrics, my brother can say reasonable things on occasion." Rin chimed in.
"Why do you gotta bring me down like that?"
"I'm your little sister. It's my job to poke you."
Kirumi got up. "Excuse me for a moment. I need to make a call."
"Right this second?" Rose asked.
"If not now, then I'll second-guess it and that's where things get complicated. There's no guarantee that she'll even pick up, but I have to try."
"Good luck." Rin responded.
Kirumi went outside. She looked at her phone. "(Would she even want to talk to me? Is she too far under the others' thumbs? No...I can't let the butterflies in my chest win out. Here goes.)"
She dialed her sister's personal number. It rang once. Then twice.
"(She won't pick up. There's no way.)"
A third time. Partway through the fourth...a sound.
"...Kirumi?"
"...!"
"Hello? Kirumi? Is that really you?"
"Yes...yes, it's me, Heiwa."
"This is...incredibly sudden. I can't remember the last time I heard your voice. What are you calling me for?"
"I...I needed to talk to you about something."
"I imagined as much. Otherwise you wouldn't be calling me out of the blue. I assume this is about a matter regarding a certain agency. Am I wrong?"
"Yes. I need to know--"
"I can't say anything, Kirumi. Not over the phone, anyway. It would have to be in-person."
"You'd be willing to do that?"
"I would. It has been a while."
"But I can't come to Hokkaido on such short notice. I'm reopening my salon on Monday."
"I see. Then I'll come to you. I can be there by tomorrow morning."
"If it isn't too much trouble, then alright. I know you must be incredibly busy."
"I am. It is the holiday season. But I can spare one day. You pick the place. As long as it's private."
"Alright. I'll let you get back to work, then. But Heiwa?"
"Yes?"
"I'm glad to hear your voice again."
"...I'll see you tomorrow. Goodbye, Kirumi."
Heiwa hung up.
"....."
Kirumi went back inside. 
"How'd it go? Did she answer?" Rin asked.
"She did." Kirumi affirmed.
"Well, great! What'd she say?" Tan asked.
"She said she would be coming to Tokyo tomorrow to meet with me."
"Just like that? Did she at least sound like she was willing to compromise?" Rose asked.
"She sounded...cold. Like she was being careful with her words."
"For all we know, they're listening in on her. Must be if she wants to be private." Tan assumed.
"She called me by my full name. She always had a nickname for me. I hope it's just an act she's putting on. I was the one person she was never cold towards."
"She agreed to come talk to you. Take it as a good sign. We might not have to intervene at all." Rin replied.
"I'm hoping beyond hope that you're right."
"Stay positive. Out of eight siblings, they can't *all* hold a grudge, can they?" Tan asked.
"I lucked out that one out of two tolerates my presence." Rin added.
"Well to be fair, the one that didn't kinda hated everyone and everything. It wasn't strictly a 'you' thing."
"Now where would I get that idea from? Certainly not from how he had himself murdered so he could torment me from the grave and take over my body. Nope, couldn't be."
"...what." Kirumi uttered.
"Just wait until you hear about what my father did once." Rose sipped her tea.
---
Sapporo. The office of the Secretary of Tourism for Hokkaido. A woman sat in her chair, her phone placed neatly on her desk. She was quiet.
"Excuse me, Madame Secretary? Your 10 o'clock appointment is waiting...Madame Secretary?" Her assistant entered.
"Nami. I'm going to have to pack my things. And postpone tomorrow's meetings. I'm going to Tokyo."
"Tokyo? Why now, all of a sudden?"
"I have a personal matter that needs attending to. That is all you need to know. Do be quick about it. Time is a non-renewable resource."
"Yes, Madame. I'll get right on it."
"Tell my meeting that I'll be there in a moment."
"Yes, Madame."
The assistant left the room. With no one else around, Heiwa took a book out from one of her desk drawers. She opened it to a specific page, where a single photograph was placed. It showed two young girls, one with black hair and one with brown hair, standing together with serious expressions.
Her eyes zeroed in on the brown-haired girl. "...is that all you really wanted to call me for, Kiki?"
---
November 30, 2031
Kirumi sat waiting inside the salon, an air of nerves around her.
"Almost time. Nervous?" Rin asked.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. I haven't seen or spoken to her in years. And with everything that's happened lately...what if it's all a trap?" Kirumi responded.
"Best not to think that way. She agreed to come down on short notice to talk. Take that as a good sign. And if there *is* something suspicious going on, we'll be waiting around the corner. Right, Saku?"
Sakuya nodded. "Yes, of course, Kubo-sensei."
"And wasn't there something you wanted to say to Kirumi before we go?"
Sakuya closed her eyes. "Forgive my heated verbiage yesterday, Kirumi-san. Please understand that my mother's safety and happiness are my primary concern. The idea that she's being singled out for something she has no involvement in is infuriating. That being the case, I was raised to be proper and level-headed. Directing my frustration towards you was unbecoming. Please forgive me." She bowed.
"Those kinds of manners are becoming more and more rare these days. Apology accepted. Your anger is understandable given the circumstances. As long as you don't carry out any of what you mentioned yesterday." Kirumi replied.
"Do not misunderstand, however. If there is willful and malicious happenings going on, I won't hesitate to take action if it means my mother never takes another drink of alcohol in her life."
Rin grabbed Sakuya's sword hand. "Absolute last resort, Saku. We're here to ensure it doesn't come to that. Keep that blade sheathed. Understood?"
"...yes, Kubo-sensei."
"Call me if anything is amiss. We'll be right around the corner. Good luck." 
"Thank you, Rin. I really hope it's not necessary..." Kirumi replied.
She was left alone in her shop. "(If there was anyone I could get through to, it has to be you, Hei. The last thing I want is you as my enemy.)"
The door opened. In stepped a woman with mid-length black hair with a braid on each side, wearing a long dark green coat and boots. Her eyes, piercing as they were, were a dark shade not unlike Kirumi's. And those eyes were focused solely on the beautician. "....."
"....." Kirumi returned the gaze.
"I just needed to look to make sure. The woman in front of me is unrecognizable compared to the one I knew."
"Why is that? Because I'm blonde?"
"Because you look free."
"Getting away from that deplorable man has done wonders. You are exactly the way I remember. The very picture of cold confidence."
"I'll take that as a compliment." Heiwa took out her phone, setting it to airplane mode. "Masayoshi won't be hearing this next part, I'm afraid. He can give me an earful later." Her stern look gave way to an understated smile. "I missed you, Kiki."
"Ah...!" Kirumi looked relieved. "Likewise, Hei." She approached her sister, and the two embraced. "I'm so sorry I haven't called you in so long. I've been trying to rebuild everything, and...I just couldn't go back. I can't go back..."
"Calm down, Kiki, I'm not here to take you back. I'm relieved that you're doing okay. I never cared for Kagerō, anyway. Is there anywhere we can sit and talk?"
"Back here in the waiting seats. I just had them installed."
The women sat down. "I never would've guessed that it was in disrepair not too long ago. It looks wonderful." Heiwa said.
"I'm pleased that you think so. My son's father helped with the repairs. He has the scrapes to prove it."
"I haven't seen Uri since he was small. How is he?"
"Still as much of a handful as he always was. He's so happy to be around his father and his family. The others must say such awful things about them, but I assure you that they're all wonderful people."
"You're not wrong in assuming what the others say about them. 'Mediocre store people and flower folk', as Chizuru phrased it. Nue referred to Uri's father as 'the oaf'."
"That...definitely sounds like them. And they wonder why I refuse to go back home. How are things in Sapporo, by the way? I hope Minister Nishikori is treating you well."
"Things are very well. I've actually received a blessing this past year. I have a daughter now. She just turned one."
"You're a mother now, Hei? Oh, how wonderful!"
"Yes. Very enriching. Sleep-depriving, but enriching."
The two giggled.
"...Hei. You must know that I didn't call you just to catch up."
"I assumed as much. This is about that travel agency."
"It's true, isn't it? You're telling your hotels not to do business with them, aren't you? Why would you do such a thing?"
"Please understand me, Kiki. This was never my call to make. I'm not in any position to tell the others I won't do something. It's all because of Ringo Kubo. Masayoshi sees her as a threat. So he's going to have us pressure her and the people around her until they break."
"But why? Why is he so fixated on Tokyo? Surely it's not just for the sake of profit."
"It isn't. Our brother has always had farther-reaching ambitions than money. His ultimate goal is the seat of Prime Minister. Building up a name for himself within Tokyo through Kawagami Steel is just one step to that. Your son's aunt has connections in many important sectors in the city. Connections that would make gaining a foothold in Tokyo incredibly difficult."
"So his solution is to make life difficult for people that haven't even heard of our company? Hei, you must know how wrong this is. You're punishing innocent people. You don't have to live under their thumb any longer. I don't."
"It's not that easy, Kiki. They have people in every corner of the country. Why do you think I shut my phone off? I know they have it bugged. If I had the option of taking my daughter and running, making a life for myself elsewhere like you have, I would. But I'm in too deep. My hands are tied. I'm sorry, but it's what I need to do to ensure I'm around to raise my child."
"There's always another way, Hei. One where innocent people aren't getting hurt."
"So what would you suggest, Kiki?"
Around the corner, Rin and Sakuya waited. "See anything suspicious?" Rin asked.
"...there." Sakuya pointed to a small food delivery truck parked close to the salon. "It's been sitting there since we arrived. I've yet to see anyone get in or out of it."
"Hmm. Definitely sets off a few alarm bells. How should we approach--Saku?"
Sakuya was already gone.
"...not good. Definitely not good."
Rin heard a noise coming from the truck. It started moving back and forth, squeaking. After a few seconds, it stopped. Sakuya got out of the passengers' side and made for the salon.
"Saku, *please* tell me they're still alive." Rin followed her.
"They'll live." Sakuya flatly replied.
Inside, Heiwa rubbed her eyes. "Kiki...I want to follow you, I absolutely do. But do you understand--"
The door opened with some force. The women looked over. Sakuya, her eyes looking straight through Heiwa, was in the entrance. "Heiwa Nishikori. I have words for you."
"And you are...?" Heiwa asked.
"Saku, Saku, please just calm down--" Rin tried dissuading her.
"Do you have any idea what kind of damage you're causing? No, of course not. Why would you? I'm sure none from your old money clan know about the concept of struggling to make a living." Sakuya chastised.
"Sakuya, dear, please. Hear me out for--" Kirumi tried to intervene.
"No, Kiki. Let her vent." Heiwa stopped her. "I assume that my putting a hold on a certain travel agency has upset you in some way."
"How astute. My mother has been placed under severe stress because of your order. Her peace of mind and her sobriety are both on the verge of total collapse as you hand down your ban from the top of your tower of diamonds. I realize the plight of the common person means nothing to one that's had luxury thrust upon them from birth, but I will not tolerate this for another moment. Cease this torment. Or you'll learn the lesson your henchmen just did." Sakuya threatened.
"Henchmen? What are you talking about?"
"Don't play the ignorant game. Those men you had spying on this meeting from the van across the street, currently taking a nap. Were you planning on taking your sister hostage once you'd lured her into security?"
"I...have no idea what you're talking about. I came here alone. Oh, God...he knows I'm here. This is exactly what I wanted to avoid. Look, Ms...Sakuya, was it? I'm truly sorry for what's happening with your mother."
"You...you are."
"I didn't hand down that ban willingly. It was all our elder brother's order. I've wanted to escape from the circle ever since Kiki did so. But it's so much more complicated now. I would step away from it all in a heartbeat, but...I have a toddler. I have to ensure her safety, but I can't go back to Sapporo now. Not with Masayoshi knowing exactly what I'm doing."
"Stay here with me, Hei. There are people here to protect you. I would feel so much better knowing that you're out of danger. And Uri hasn't seen you in so long. Please, dear sister." Kirumi pleaded.
"I want to, Kiki, but..."
"A trade, then." Sakuya interjected. "I'll bring you your daughter."
"Saku, you're serious? After everything you just said?" Rin asked.
"I want peace to return to my mother's work life. Ensure that she can do business in Hokkaido again, and I'll return your little one to you. Do we have an agreement?"
"Are you absolutely sure? My husband is the minister of Asian affairs for this country. The estate is going to be heavily guarded, especially now if our siblings know what I'm doing. Could you really get in and out with a baby without anyone noticing?" Heiwa asked.
"It's not a matter of 'can' for me. It has to be done. And I am no stranger to subterfuge."
"You would really go out of your way to do this? Why?"
"Because this woman here hardwired compassion into our hearts." Sakuya pointed at Rin.
"I hardly deserve all the credit for that." Rin said with some pride. "But if we're going to do this, then it can't just be one person going into that estate. Too much could go wrong."
"Do you have anyone else in mind?" Kirumi asked.
"...I think I might. One that knows Sapporo well, at that."
---
"...you want me to do *what*?" Jin uttered while eating from a box of Pocky.
"I know it's sudden, and a little drastic..." Rin said.
"Sudden, yes. A LOT drastic, absolutely. You're asking me to fly home and break into a government official's house to kidnap a baby. Look, Rin. I've gone to the ends of the earth on your word before. You're one of maybe five people I actually completely trust. But this is insanity. What if it's a trap? How do we know our tourism secretary isn't feeding the rest of the family every word we're saying?"
"It'd be in her best interest not to do that. Considering what a certain someone said to her earlier." Rin looked to Sakuya.
"I really don't know what you mean." she replied.
"Please, Jin. We don't know what the rest of the corporation knows. Heiwa's baby might be in danger. What if it was Rina in trouble? You'd want someone to do something about it, surely?"
"Oh come on, don't. Ugh..." Jin groaned. "Alright. Tenko wouldn't be happy if she knew I turned you down."
"Thank you, neighbor. I promise I'll repay you."
"Don't worry about it. Is it just gonna be me and the magnolia flower here?"
"I have some suggestions. Some you're probably not going to like, Mirai-san." Sakuya replied.
---
"Alright, boys, few more laps around the diamond, hustle!" Tsutsugo ordered his charges, working out of the academy's baseball field. "So. Government espionage and kidnapping, huh, red? Gotta say, didn't think you had it in ya."
"I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't sure that it was for good in the end. You have the same experience as Saku. The more helping hands, the better." Rin said.
"Aww, ain't that sweet. We're gonna be partners again, Tir--"
Sakuya stepped on his foot.
"Yow!"
"Don't complain. Not like it's you out there anymore." Sakuya responded.
"Ugh...so it's gonna be you leading this little adventure, Mirai, huh? You trusting me with this kinda thing?"
"I trust you in a fight. And that you wouldn't endanger a kid's life." Jin replied.
"Heh. Fair enough. I could use a bit of excitement before the season gets underway. Better start writing up excuses for Junko now. Got anyone else in mind for this gig? How about that cat girl? She'd be perfect for this."
"She's all the way out in London. She has to have some sustained time in school. I couldn't ask her to drop everything again." Rin replied.
"Hmmm..." Sakuya pondered. "What about a slightly older model right across the Sea of Japan?"
"...oh, no." Jin uttered.
---
"Nope. No no no no no no no. Mm mm. Hell no." Lin shook her head, being spoken to via Webcam.
"Since when do you say no to a heist?" Sakuya questioned.
"Since I got a boyfriend and a steady job, missy. I'm not about that sneaking life anymore. All it ended up getting me was a really obnoxious eye job that y'all still haven't figured out how to fix."
"I'm sorry. Our resources are more limited since Rose had her powers sealed. If there's a fix for your condition, we'll find it--" Rin began.
"Yeah, yeah, keep up with the sweet talk. Doesn't mean I'm gonna do you any favors. Especially if it means Chuckles is gonna be staring daggers at me the whole time."
"Help us out and I might forget all about the GameCube incident." Jin said.
"'Might'? Oooh, tempting. Look, teacher lady. You might be able to tug at So's heartstrings and get her to do whatever you damn well please, but I'm not that nice of a person. I'm not doing charity work for you when you're playing 'big sis' for a girl that's already got one."
"Is that really what this is all about? I'm not trying to--" Rin protested.
"Save it. I know what the game is. I've got better things to do. Peace."
"What if I called your sister and told her all about this?" Sakuya interjected.
"Eh?"
"You know she would come running at the idea of a child being endangered. That's more time she'd be spending away from the education I know your family so desperately wants her to get. All these frequent absences won't go unnoticed. You wouldn't want Kat-chan's future to be jeopardized like that, would you? You are her loving big sister, after all."
"....." Lin did not look happy. "You people, I swear. I do this one thing, you never call me again unless it's to undo the snake shit. Got it?"
"You have my word. Thank you, Lin. I'll pay for the flight." Rin assured.
"Damn straight you will. I'm out." Lin hung up.
"Well she's as charming as ever." Jin stated.
"Sounds like I have a good deal to do with that. But we have her cooperation. I'll try to get her flight expedited and we'll have everyone in Sapporo by tomorrow morning." Rin dictated.
"Will you be joining us, Kubo-sensei?" Sakuya asked.
"I can't risk it. The family is hyperfocused on me. They'll know something is up if I head up there on a school day."
"How are you explaining away your not showing up to school?" Jin asked.
"Exams are coming up, so classes are already out. I don't need to be back on campus for another week." Sakuya replied.
"Works out for us. I'll get everyone's tickets prepared. I do have a few more preparations to make, so for now just head home to get ready for tonight." Rin said.
Jin and Sakuya left. Rin let out a sigh.
"This is all very calculated of you. You do realize the immense risk that you're taking with this?" 
Rose looked at her from the couch.
"Of course I realize that. But how many times have we taken a major risk for the purpose of righting a wrong?"
"Far too many times. So much so that I'm starting to wonder if we should be touting our espionage skills more prominently. The fact that you've conscripted three former members of Death's Hand for a black ops mission surely isn't lost on you?"
"No, it isn't. But I know this is the right thing to do. I just need to--"
"Why *does* it always have to be you, Rin?"
"Hm?"
"I've said it again and again, that your caring heart is both what I love most and what's most worrying about you. Every problem you see, you need to be the one to fix it. Stop and think about what you're doing for a second. Our nephew's mother's sister comes and says that she's going to leave Sapporo, and is worried about her baby. Your response is to send our neighbor, one of your former students, a baseball coach and a bitter ex-thief up there to break into the home of a foreign minister to essentially kidnap the child."
"She could be in danger, Rose. You've seen that they've sent people to monitor our movements. They could be sending more up there and Heiwa would never see her again. I can't bear that idea. You've never objected to this kind of operation before. You're the one that brought me into this world in the first place."
"Well maybe I've taken a different perspective."
"Have you?"
"Not having power has forced me to rethink certain things. I know that our lives can never be normal. But being in constant peril...it's no way to live. I want us to grow old, watch Shizuka grow up and be successful and happy, sit contented by the fireplace and think about times that don't involve fighting otherworldly monstrosities. Maybe losing my power was a sign that...that we're not meant to do this forever."
"Rose..."
"Does that sound awful to you? The idea of being normal?"
"...I don't know how to answer that."
"You usually always have the answer. I must sound ridiculous. I spent billions of years in hypersleep. There is no 'normal'. I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize for saying what you're feeling. That's what we always tell people, right? Maybe one day we can just enjoy a peaceful life out in the country somewhere. But present circumstances won't allow that to happen. Just bear with me for now. It won't always be like this, I promise."
"Quite a grand promise. Are you, perhaps, a prophet?"
"Worse. I'm an optimist. I'm going to run a few more errands. Then we can--"
"I don't feel like going out. Can't we have a quiet night together? No frills or lights, just..."
"Just you and me sitting by the fireplace? Of course. I can give the love of my life that much. See you in a few." Rin left the house.
"...am I being ridiculous? Me, of all people, longing for normalcy?" Rose sighed. "Should it be ridiculous...?"
---
December 1, 2031
Sapporo, capital and central hub of the northern island of Hokkaido. This Monday morning, snow was trickling down from the sky, a clear sign that winter had come to the region once again. In just two months, the widely famous Snow Festival would take place, wherein artists from around the world would put their frozen creations on display.
Almost two years ago, Rin Kubo's class had traveled her to attend the festival. Today, she had enlisted allies for a much different purpose.
"Not how I was expecting to come home." Jin said, wearing a black and blue hooded jacket which largely obscured his face. He, along with Tsutsugo, were in front of a large manor in the heart of the city. "Especially not with you. Dressed like *that*."
Tsutsugo wore a green hooded hooded cloak, the arms and legs torn off to reveal blue fabric underneath, along with green gloves and boots, and a dark belt. A sword was sheathed on his back. "And just what is so wrong with it?"
"You look like an elf going through his mid-life crisis."
"Not like anyone's gonna see me in it. If they did, 'tis the season and all that."
"You leave the mask at home?"
"Little man kept it. Used it for his Halloween costume this year. His mom was mortified."
"I'd be too if I had to share a bed with you, Tsugi." Lin appeared, draped in a black and green hooded catsuit with lining resembling the scales of a snake, with the hood designed to look like the serpent's head. "Heya, Chuckles." she half-heartedly waved.
"Hrrrm." Jin grunted.
"As much of a skilled orator as always."
"And just what took you so long?" Tsutsugo questioned.
"I stopped by one of those fancy onsens. Figured I needed to relax before I went back to doing crimes."
"It's only a crime if we get caught. This goes off without a hitch, Kubo's gonna swing it as a rescue op."
"And I'll be on a plane back to Seoul before I have to hear any thanks coming out of her mouth. Hey, where's the magnolia? She drop out at the last second?"
"She said she had something to do before she could come back us up. Wouldn't say what." Jin replied.
Elsewhere, at the office of the Secretary of Tourism, Sakuya, in her Metaverse attire, was in front of Heiwa's desk. She thought back to the previous day, where the secretary handed her a letter.
"(Please put this on my desk. My assistant knows not to come inside when I'm not there. She won't discover it until this is finished. In it is my formal resignation, and my last order to remove all holds against your mother's agency. I know how much you must despise me, Ms. Hanakotoba, but please. Do this for me, and bring my Shiki here to me. I'll be forever in your debt.)"
"....." Sakuya stared at the envelope in her hands. She closed her eyes, and put it down on the desk. "No time to waste."
Back in front of the manor, Jin took something from his pocket. "Take one of these. Rin gave them to me."
"Ear comms, huh? The apple's entered the 21st century, I see." Tsutsugo said.
"This chick's watched way too many spy movies." Lin took one, and the three turned them on.
"'...oh, there you are. Took you long enough.'" a male voice came through the communicators.
"What the--?! Who's the dweeb?!"
"Oh, geez. You got pulled into this too, huh Shinji?" Jin asked.
On the other side, sitting in front of a set of computer monitors was a bearded man wearing a green snowcap. This was Shinji Sarada, a schoolmate of Rin's who now owned a computer repair shop in Akihabara. An experienced programmer, he had once instructed Carrie in the fundamentals of hacking. "Well you know what they say about saying no to Ringo Kubo. You can't."
"You wanna fill in the blanks for us, Mirai?" Tsutsugo asked.
"Shinji's an old friend. Rin probably brought him in because of his hacking skills." Jin assumed.
"Earpieces *and* a hacking dork? I can't." Lin uttered.
"'Excuse me, the proper term is 'Nerdy-Nipponese'. You shouldn't be so judgy about your eyes and ears in that place. Or would you prefer going in and guessing what's behind Door Number One?'" Shinji asked.
"I'm here. Apologies for the delay." Sakuya arrived.
"There's our killer. What a touching little reunion we've got. Ain't that right, Tsugi?" Lin asked.
"All we're missing is your sissy, Mirai." Tsutsugo said.
"Nuts to that." Jin handed Sakuya a communicator.
"'Alright, if we're done being snippy, let's get this op underway. I've taken the liberty of getting into their security cameras already. There's guards patrolling all around the place. Once you get inside, you'll need to take extra care not to touch any of them.'" Shinji instructed.
"Alright, Poindexter, so how do we get in?" Tsutsugo asked.
"Easy." Lin walked up to the door, pulling a pin out of her pocket, then inserted it into the keyhole.
"Does that kinda fiddling trick actually work?"
"Yes. I've seen Kat-chan do it many times." Sakuya replied.
"And who do you think taught her all that?" After some more movement, Lin opened the door. "Boom. Magic."
"Well ain't you so good with your hands." Tsutsugo said.
"Funny, your wife said the same thing to me last night. Get to marching so I can go home."
"Could we at least make an attempt to not get on each other's nerves?" Sakuya questioned.
"Seconded. Save it for the after-party." Jin concurred.
The group entered the spacious manor. "Sheesh. How many people even live in this place? A couple and a baby need this much space?" Tsutsugo questioned.
"Pops is still making royalties out of that singing career, and there's still no way in hell he could afford this." Lin said.
"We can sing 'Eat the Rich' as much as we want later. Where's the kid, Shinji?" Jin asked.
"'Feed's not telling me what floor the nursery's on. There is a camera in there, though. Baby's sleeping in her crib. No sign of any housekeepers or babysitters. Just the guards on patrol.'" Shinji responded.
"I don't like the sound of that." Tsutsugo commented.
"We ought to split up. We can cover more ground that way." Sakuya suggested.
"This is all well and good, but what are we supposed to do when we find the anklebiter? We might be invisible to the guards, but they're gonna be seeing a baby floating down the hallway. Definitely won't scream 'discreet'." Lin pointed out.
"I can hypnotize them with my Persona. Either that, or we do it the old-fashioned way." Jin replied.
"Cracking open guys' skulls, perfect thing to impress on a small child. Do you show your kid bloody movies?" Tsutsugo asked.
"Tenko and my mom would kill me if I did."
Sakuya sighed. "Lin-san, would you follow me, please?"
"Yes. God. Yes. Please." Lin followed after her, as the two men continued bickering.
The two women went upstairs. As guards in silver uniforms bearing the logo of Kawagami Steel walked up and down the hall, Lin and Sakuya kept close to the wall, taking care not to brush against them.
One guard they maneuvered past shuddered. "Hey, man. What's with the shivering?" his comrade across the way called out.
"It's nothing. Probably just the cold." the guard replied.
"We've gotta get in the springs when we're done, I'm freezing my ass off out here..."
"How the hell are we gonna figure out where this kid is?" Lin whispered.
"The nursery would likely be the most heavily guarded room here, especially with no hired help around." Sakuya looked around. "Over there. Those two guards are focusing their patrol around those three doors."
"Sounds promising enough. Now how do we get rid of them?"
The two guards in question walked back and forth. "So you think they're gonna tell us what we're here for?" the male guard asked.
"You know the CEO keeps things close to the vest. Don't know what he'd need someone like *that* for. Guy just doesn't look natural. I get goosebumps just from looking at him." his female companion replied.
"Whatever he's here for, he'd better do it quick. Work uniform's not good for the cold."
"I hear you on tha--glk!" The woman held her neck, and was struggling to breathe.
Unseen by both, Sakuya had her arms around the woman in a chokehold. "Sleep."
"What the hell's going--gah!" The man took a blow to the neck, before being knocked to his knees, then a final hit to the head left him on the ground. The woman fell unconscious right after.
Lin peered inside one of the rooms, then motioned to Sakuya. The two dragged the guards inside, shutting the door behind them. The room itself was a walk-in closet.
"Madame Secretary's personal wardrobe, I'm guessing." Lin said.
"Tempted?" Sakuya asked.
"Y'all think the worst of me."
"It's not unearned."
"When I say I'm clean, I'm clean. Now what were these jokers talking about? Some weird guy here for some mission?"
"I truly hope we don't find out. Sarada-san? Do you see anything odd?"
"'Aside from two guards being dragged by invisible people into a closet? Nope. Although...'" Shinji communicated.
"What is it?"
"'One of the cameras is cut off. It doesn't look broken or anything, but...I think it might be covered up. It's the camera in the main office.'"
"Well here's hoping we don't poke in there by accident. Let's peek in these rooms and hopefully, the redhead's magical tour into spy work can end sooner than later." Lin said.
"'You *really* don't care for Rin Kubo, do you?'"
"What was your first hint?"
"You can save it for a less volatile time." Sakuya responded.
"Tell me something, Saku. If that lady told you to jump in front of a flatbed truck, would you?"
"I'm not answering that."
"The hold she's got on people is so ridiculous. Just gotta say a few nice things their way, and they're wrapped around her little finger. And when she does that with the kitten, I take exception to that."
"Why, because she's a better role model than her actual sister, the felon?"
The comment clearly struck a nerve. "Know what? I'm out. Thank your prof for the five minute vacation. Least she could do for sticking her nose between me and So." Lin headed for the door.
"So that's it, you're leaving? A dangerous individual is in this house, possibly threatening a toddler, and you're going to walk away? You truly are a reprehensible coward, Kit Lin-mae. It's a wonder your sister turned out the way she did with such a pathetic example to grow up with."
Lin stopped and turned around. "Alright, bitch. That how you wanna play it? Take out your sword." She put a hand on her dagger. "I'll knock that self-righteous look right out of your sockets."
"I'll not lower myself to your level."
"'Ladies, ladies, ladies, can we calm down and think about this for a second? We've kinda got more important things to deal with.'" Shinji tried to assuage the growing tension.
"Alright. But as soon as this is finished, I never wanna lay eyes on you people ever again." Lin replied.
"The feeling is mutual." Sakuya responded.
The two walked out of the room, Lin peering into the room next to it. "Well, today's our lucky day."
Inside was a nursery, with a crib in the center. "And this must be out little prize."
In the crib slept a baby girl with black hair. 
"'Pick her up gently, ladies. Don't need to draw in attention.'" Shinji advised.
"Think I don't know that?" Lin reached down and picked the baby up, who slowly stirred awake. "Hiya, little lady. You have a nice nap?"
The baby started to cry. "Shhshhshhshh, don't get all sappy. We're gonna take you to your mama, okay? It's gonna be alright. No bad guy's gonna get to ya."
"(Seconds after I call her reprehensible. Perhaps she shares her sister's soft spot for children.)" Sakuya thought. "Sarada-san, we've found the baby. We're going to get out of here."
"'Sounds like a plan. You hear that, gentlemen?'"Shinji communicated.
"Loud and clear, Poindexter. Yo, Mirai, looks like we're done here--" Tsutsugo said, the two men still on the first floor.
"No. Something isn't right here. You smell that?" Jin asked.
Tsutsugo sniffed. "Now that you mention it...that ain't a good smell. It's like...death."
"And it's coming from that room there."
"'Gentlemen, I highly suggest you head for the exit. The longer you're in there for--'" Shinji protested.
"Give is a minute."
Jin and Tsutsugo cautiously opened the door before them. It was dark, so Jin turned on the lights. He looked up to see a piece of fabric draped over the security camera. "Looks like someone doesn't want to be seen."
"Shit, the smell's even worse in here. What is this, an office?" Tsutsugo questioned.
"Looks like Minster Nishikori's quarters...hm?"
Jin noticed something sticking out from behind the desk. A pair of feet in dress shoes.
The two men looked. There on the floor, lying in a pool of blood, was a man in a suit, with a shaved head. "Holy--!" Tsutsugo uttered.
"This man...it's Minister Shingō Nishikori." Jin knelt down next to him to check his vitals. He shook his head. "He's gone. Looks like he's been stabbed. Blood looks fresh. Must've just happened."
"Mirai. We've gotta get out of here. This isn't gonna--"
A slashing sound echoed out. Jin looked up. Tsutsugo had been cut across his back, falling in a shower of blood. 
Behind him, holding a rapier, was a man in formal military garb. "Hello." he greeted with a Welsh accent.
"Shit--!"
"'Jin, what the hell's happening in there?'" Shinji questioned.
The Welshman slashed at Jin, who blocked with the chain swords emerging from beneath his sleeves. "Who the hell are you?" Jin demanded.
"Giving you my name normally wouldn't serve any purpose, but I am a man of courtesy. I am Ezekiel Southgate. The man on the cusp of ending your life."
"'Southgate'? Hold on. I know that name...'" Jin forced Zeke away. He looked down at Tsutsugo, lying prone on the ground.
"Don't fret over him. It's a preview of what's in store for you." Zeke raised his sword into the air. Jin prepared himself for whatever was coming.
Suddenly, Zeke smirked. "Heh."
He spun his sword around, then thrust it backwards. Reality shifted, and Jin appeared behind him, shocked, and impaled on the blade.
"Glk--!"
"An illusionist. How quaint. Your tricks may deceive the eyes, but they cannot deceive the air."
Zeke removed his sword, Jin collapsing in a torrent of blood.
Upstairs, Sakuya and Lin, carrying the baby, snuck their way down the hall. "Strange. The communicator's stopped working. And where are all the guards?" Sakuya pondered.
Lin, meanwhile, kept the baby content. "You are so dang cute, y'know that? Almost makes me want one of ya. Heh, course that's not gonna happen for a good while. I mean, I like the guy I'm with. I met him at the tattoo shop I work at. It's been a fun three months. But a couple days ago, he tells me he's leaving for his military service. Now I've gotta wait eighteen months. Responsibilities suck sometimes. You're gonna find that out someday."
"....." Sakuya listened in. "...!"
"Oi. What's the matter now--"
"This feeling...something dreadful is approaching. We have to get out, fast--"
"You won't be going anywhere."
Zeke appeared before the two women. He held his sword, stained with blood. "Good day, ladies."
"Who's this dipstick?!" Lin questioned.
"I don't know...wait...that emblem on his cuffs..." Sakuya observed. "I've seen that symbol recently...on the island in the other world. The 'Wolfpack'...but how?"
"Ah, good. So you know of us. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ezekiel Southgate, second-in-command of the Wolfpack." Zeke said.
"(Second-in-command...so he's the right hand of that wretched man we fought. Why and how is he here, of all places?)" Sakuya thought.
"You look rather puzzled. All you need know is that I'm here on a mission. Now...hand over what you have there. Before I stop being so polite."
"....." Lin didn't budge.
"You ought to know how precarious your situation is. At this very moment, your comrades downstairs are bleeding out on the floor. Every second you waste here is another moment where they might just lose that needed speck of blood."
"...!" The women were shocked.
"You have two options. Hand the baby over to me, and just maybe you'll have time to attend to your allies. Or..." Zeke flicked the blood off of his sword. "I coat my blade in more blood. And I take the baby anyway."
"The hell's a freak like you want with her, anyway?!" Lin demanded.
Sakuya put her arm in front of Lin. "Don't let him get to you. I need you to heed my words. Get Mirai-san and Tsutsugo-san out of here. Take them and Shiki-chan and run."
"And where's that leave you?"
Sakuya locked eyes with Zeke. "I will hold him off." She drew her sword. "For as long as needed.
"Saku, are you crazy--"
"I called you a coward earlier. Prove me wrong. Get everyone to safety. I'll deal with this wretch."
"Brave words. But it's not as if I'll just let you leave." Wind began to gather around Zeke's sword.
Sakuya looked back to Lin. "Run."
Holding the baby tightly, Lin jumped over the railings.
"Wise words to deaf ears." Zeke slashed with his sword, sending a cutting wind towards Lin. Sakuya leapt in front, slashing it away. Lin landed on the floor below, the baby beginning to panic.
"Shhshhshh, it's okay, it's okay..." Lin started running.
"Heh. Today must be my lucky day." Zeke commented. Sakuya remained silent. "Johnathan mentioned to me that among the group he faced, there was one with the eyes and movements of a trained killer. I'm looking into those eyes right now, am I not?"
"I'm not here for conversation." Sakuya coldly replied.
"That would be a 'yes'. The last time I was in this godforsaken realm, I had to contend with a sorry group. They were more concerned with what became of their fine china than giving me a proper battle. The one with promise took a hit for one that looked as though she was about to soil herself in fear."
"So you're the one that attacked them."
"If not for my infernal brother being transported here with me, I would have eviscerated them all. But I am here now of my own free will. I'll let you in on a business secret. You all have made Johnathan *very* angry. Killing several of our men, along with one of our high-ranking commanders hasn't exactly endeared him to you. He is one of the most vengeful men you could ever encounter. Which brought him to the doorstep of Masayoshi Kawagami."
"So the villains are teaming up because your goals are aligned. That right?"
"A fittingly adolescent way of looking at it. So long as I can properly indulge myself, I'll stomach returning to this world as many times as needed. And if the elitist buffoon wants his siblings and their offspring under his direct control, I'll gladly take as much payment as he has to give."
"I'm afraid you won't be cashing in that payment." Sakuya assumed a fighting stance. "By my blade, your life is forfeit."
Zeke started cackling. "Finally, someone in this world with the right attitude! Time and again I've had to deal with idiots fighting only to preserve their lives. A mutual fight to the death..." He took a stance. "...is the only thing that will satisfy my sword!"
The assassin leapt at his quarry, bringing his sword down towards her.
Downstairs, Lin frantically looked around for the wounded men, while trying to assuage the panicking infant. "Oh, come on, come on, where the hell are you clowns?!"
"Grr...ugh..."
The groaning caught her attention. She turned and saw Tsutsugo, walking with Jin slumped over his shoulders, both of them bleeding.
"Holy hell! Is he...?" Lin questioned.
"He's gonna be if we don't hightail it out...ugh, dammit my back stings..." Tsutsugo uttered.
"C'mon, let's get out. I can heal ya both."
"And turn us into snake people? Not...liking my options..."
"Relax, Link, it's only temporary for anyone that isn't me."
"Well doesn't that suck for you...where's Saku?" 
"Fighting the freaker that did that to ya. Long as she can hold her own, we'll be golden. C'mon..."
Lin directed the men out of the manor.
Upstairs, Zeke and Sakuya clashed swords, each one nimbly moving around, trying to catch the other off-guard.
"Yes, those movements...and those eyes...exactly what I had hoped for. I thought today would be simple and dull, but it might yet be worth the trip..." Zeke mused.
"Are all assassins where you hail from so talkative? It's a wonder how you could have any success when your targets can hear you gloating." Sakuya responded.
"Don't pretend as if you don't enjoy this."
"What enjoyment do I draw from this, other than putting a madman in his place? Is there any grander reason to your madness, or is all of this for madness' sake?"
"'Reason' is a concept made by men who have never faced hardship in their lives. A way to give the commoners beneath them a sense of purpose in a world devoid of it. We merely live as nature intended: without restraint, exactly as we want! Is that not what your noble band desires? To live as you please, regardless of what society tells you is just?"
"We are not the same. I desire peace. You desire destruction. Freedom should only be permitted to those who do not intend to use it to harm others." Sakuya leapt behind Zeke, preparing to kick him. "Something a fiend like you could never understand--"
Zeke caught her leg as she began to strike. He tossed her over the railings. She quickly corrected herself, landing on her feet.
"Here is something you fail to understand."
Zeke suddenly appeared behind her, and though she quickly readied her blade, he slashed at her arm, cutting it and forcing her to leap back. 
"(How is he doing this? Are my movements so easy to read? Does he have some kind of precognitive ability?)" she thought as she clutched her arm.
"You're probably wondering if you have some deficiency in your technique. It is nothing to do with that. There simply isn't a movement I cannot read. Your friend the illusionist experienced it firsthand. My nickname in the Defense Force was 'Cutting Gale Zeke'. The winds are mine to command, and with it, comes perfect understanding of the language of the air. Even the most subtle disturbance in the air is enough for me to detect and react to accordingly. To put it simply..." Zeke gathered wind around his sword. "...I can tell what you're doing before even you do."
He made a cutting motion, and Sakuya was hit with a barrage of wind, sending her flying back. Landing on her hands and knees, bleeding from the numerous cuts she'd accrued, she struggled to get up.
"How miserable. Your purpose for being here...is it truly worth forfeiting your life over?" 
Sakuya manifested several crimson blades in the air. "Someone like you could never...understand our reasons for fighting!" She launched them at Zeke, who parried them all away. He slashed at the air once more, hitting her with a cutting wind that forced her to stand up, bleeding.
"'Tis a shame. Those movements were truly beautiful. But alas, like all beautiful things, it is your destiny to wilt away. I'll give you the honor of dying while standing."
"....." "(Is this really the end? Mother...)"
"('I felt like such a failure. I should've fought tooth and claw to take you with me. I thought I'd gotten you killed. I waited for a year in that town for them to find you. My hope sank with every day that went by and you didn't turn up. My mind swirled with every horrible possibility. Every night I'd go to bed, and I could hear you screaming for me. 'Mommy, Mommy, please help me, don't let him hurt me--!)" The memories of her mother's voice echoed in her mind.
So too did a single image. That tiny seal plush that she loved so much. The one that contained a simple message: that no matter how dark things were, she would always have her mother's love.
"(I can't...fail you now, Mother. I have to use this now...or I'll never come back to you.)"
"Frozen by fear? You don't have any objections--"
"Perhaps I was wrong."
"Hm? What about?"
"I'd thought you could be an opponent I could handle with Mulan's power alone. But that is clearly not the case. Kubo-sensei taught us a great many things about this power we wield. One of those things was that through vigorous training, we could come to an understanding with our innermost selves, drawing out their true strength. The brilliant armor she wields is the end result of such an understanding."
"Now who is the one guilty of excessive talking? Get on with it--"
"My point is, that it is only recently that I've come to understand Mulan's strengths and full capabilities. And that you will be the first to experience them for yourself."
Sakuya lifted her head up. "Bankai."
Crimson lights resembling roots moved out from her feet in several directions, and from those lights, numerous glowing trees sprung out all around the room, all of them glowing with that same shade of crimson.
"Senmokuren no Mai."
Petals began to flutter off of the trees, and started to float around, never hitting the ground.
"...is this what your 'true power' is? Not what one would call threatening. At the very least, your death will be more aesthetically pleasing when placed against all these flowers." Zeke readied his sword, lunging forward, then cut straight past Sakuya. Thinking he'd finished it, he looked behind. "...hm?!"
Sakuya had disappeared.
The number of petals floating around had increased, and they were all lingering around Zeke. Sakuya's voice echoed out. "I'll not be meeting my end amongst these flowers. Not today."
"Where are you hiding?"
"You are the master of the air. You tell me. Or is this something beyond your detection?"
"(No. I would have sensed her moving out of the way. The only explanation I can think of...)" Zeke thought. He waited for a moment, then grabbed a petal out of the air. "You're hiding within the petals, aren't you? A trick I would expect out of an assassin."
"Astute deduction. However..."
Suddenly, a blade of crimson light erupted from within Zeke's hand, the hilt resembling a magnolia flower. 
"...plucking every single petal you see is rather irresponsible, don't you think?"
"GAAAARGH!" Zeke yanked the blade out of his hand as it leaked blood.
"If you believe your hypothesis to be correct, then by all means, keep trying. But know that there are only so many holes that can be poked into your hands." Sakuya taunted.
"...there's no need. I can draw you out quite easily...and scatter you to the winds!"
Zeke pointed his rapier skyward. Wind gathered up around him, and soon, a cyclone formed. The petals were all absorbed into the rushing winds, and eventually, with a single motion, Zeke disippated it, with Sakuya being thrown to the ground by the force of it all.
Zeke loomed over her, pointing his sword at her throat. "Now you can wilt and die. Farewell..."
As Sakuya waited for the sword to pierce her and end her resistance, a shape rose up behind Zeke. An ephemeral snake, black and green in color, bit down around his head.
"Yo, magnolia! Up and at 'em!" Lin appeared, and helped Sakuya to stand up.
"You...why are you...and where is..." Sakuya pondered.
"Everyone's outside and A-OK. C'mon, let's make like a tree."
Zeke cut away the serpent. "You'll be doing no such--hnh?!" He suddenly collapsed to the ground, his movements freezing up. "What's...happemmmmph!"
"Naga's bite contains a neurotoxin. He'll be nice and frozen for when the cops show up. You can thank me later."
"Why...why did you come back..." Sakuya asked.
"Maybe I'm not the spineless coward you think I am. And besides, So would have my head if I left you to die. Let's get out for real this time."
The women fled. "Mmmmmmph!" Zeke angrily uttered, unable to do anything else.
---
"...and how long is this supposed to last for?" Jin held up his shirt, showing that the area where he'd been stabbed was now covered with scales. The group was now on a high-speed train, still in their Metaverse garb so as to be invisible from sight.
"Give it a couple of days to shed off. It was either that, or let ya bleed out." Lin replied, still carrying the now-sleeping baby.
"Guess we'll tell the wives that we got matching temporary tattoos, eh Mirai?" Tsutsugo scratched his back.
"Don't make me vomit." Jin grunted.
Lin looked to Sakuya, hood draped over her head to mask the scales present all around her.
"...I'm not taking back anything I said." Sakuya stated.
"I don't think you should. You weren't wrong. So is doing amazing and it's got nothing to do with me. Saying that, though...I still wanna do my best for her and try to stay on the up and up. Life's not making it easy." Lin replied.
"Try to keep that mindset. The year and a half your boyfriend is going to be gone for should fly by."
"Hmph. Not like I asked..."
The train soon arrived in Tokyo. Waiting at the station were Rin, Kirumi, and a hood and sunglasses-wearing Heiwa. The doors opened, and out stepped the four, now in normal clothing.
"Ma'am. Is this one yours?" Lin asked.
"Oh, my Shiki...thank every deity out there..." Heiwa took the baby and held her tight.
"Oh, Hei, she's absolutely precious..." Kirumi said.
"Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. I just wish that...her father..."
"It's a tragedy that Minister Nishikori didn't make it. We should head back to my house to discuss it, and...other matters. But for now, thank you all for your help." Rin said.
"Yeah, yeah, just remember to put in a good word with So, okay? Let her know that her sis isn't a total disaster." Lin replied.
"Ms. Hanakotoba?" Heiwa asked.
"Yes?" Sakuya responded.
"I am truly sorry for putting you through this ordeal. I hope that your mother can have some peace now."
"Thank you. I was only doing the right thing. I only regret that we couldn't arrive soon enough to save your husband."
"It wasn't your fault. There will be a time to mourn when this all settles down. Until then, I'll need to keep a low profile."
"Leave that to me. I'm a bit of an expert on new beginnings." Kirumi assured.
"Thank you, Kiki. I'll let you handle it."
"Let's get everyone home." Rin said.
"...I am in so much pain right now." Tsutsugo uttered.
"Same." Jin responded.
"There's one more thing, Kubo-sensei." Sakuya pulled Rin aside.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I used my Bankai on that dastard. It still wasn't enough. What sort of fiends are these Wolfpack people?"
"I'm still trying to discern that myself. Them entering the equation definitely makes things more complicated. But don't be too down on yourself. You've only just achieved that Bankai. There's still plenty of room to grow with it. None of the others have obtained their full strength yet. Use this as a chance to grow."
"I will. As soon as these scales start to shed off. How do I explain this to Mother?"
"We'll think of something. Let's get moving."
Everyone started for their homes. Even now, Rin could feel the omens in the wind.
"(Complicated. There's the word for it.)"