As the sun began to set into the horizon, the water began to glisten with an array of gem like colors. The cloud began to slightly thicken, the sky cascaded into a series of colors like a kaleidoscope, the birds slowly began to recede back to their nest and prepare for the inevitable night that was soon to follow. The cool night air swept in like a wave, the smells of the villages to the south flew into the boundaries of Hon-maru, the water by the small dock rippled with the life of fish, who swam in slow spurts attempting to throw off their natural predators; the larger fish, the egret, the large turtles. Fish were the prime example of human nature in its most simplest form, they swam searching for food and attempting not to be killed by predators. In recent years that's how life had been unfolding for one family, swimming quietly avoiding predators and trying to create something bigger, better for itself. Even in the still of night the aversion continued, sleep wasn't a luxury anyone could afford, one had to be aware of their surroundings at all times under pain of defeat and total elimination. But being too aware also posed a problem, greed, insatiability were just as dangerous as not paying attention. Every peak was not to be claimed, every prize was not one's own, the slightest amount of excess could easily create a destructive quality of consumption, like the ant who dwells too close to the ant-lion or the fish that must investigate the hook, a greedy man was destined for a complete and total demise. Even a fellow fish could turn to be a piranha waiting to devour in a flurry of messy deadly attacks, and if one wasn't careful enough they could be fodder.
Today an unlucky fish was too curious, the quiet gleam of the sun reflecting off the water and into it, softly touching the metal of the hook was too much to ignore, before it could even realize it was caught in a trap it was snatched out of the water and on its way to oblivion. As it flopped helplessly on the hook in front of a sun almost engulfed into the horizon the fish's eye met that of its killer, no remorse in its eyes, just a general understanding of its being the killer and the fish being the prey. That look was cold and caring, but the fish did not know that, it only knew fear and the crushing feeling of death approaching, but not of death itself and in that it was lucky, it would pass out into nothingness, never knowing it would not come back. Into the deep sleep of mortality without the pain of knowledge and inherited wisdom.
Was this the luck of life? Was dying less terrifying if one wasn't aware of its existence? Or was knowledge and wisdom an award worth having even in the face of death? Wasn't being the king of creatures enough to wipe out the fear of death? For a human being mortality was in the hands of God and no creature could replicate it perfectly. They boy watched the fish as it jerked a few more times and then eventually died. He pondered if this was his doing, or was God manipulating him? And if it were did that mean he wasn't in control of his life? Was he a servant to God?
"Mishima!" A voice called in the distance, the boy was suddenly thrown from his reverie and standing in the real world. The night air, now cold, nipped at his skin, the fish had gone stiff and he was just standing without purpose. The voice of his father was both frightening and inspiring, for his father was a powerful man, one who's physical power was only rivaled by his knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes he wondered if his father feared death, no one could defeat him in battle and he knew so much about, seemingly, everything that the idea of nothingness seemed impossible. If there was a place of nothing then his father would already know about it and be comfortable in it. The boy wanted to know what it meant to be this knowledgeable, what did it mean to be his father.
Before he could call again the boy ran back to his families small compound and bowed as he entered before his father. The massive man nodded as a confirmation and gestured to his son, as he did the muscles in his arm swelled as if they were about to spring from his body and attack.
"Have you caught anything?" The man asked, his voice vibrated the room, his gaze, his sheer presence was enough to topple a grown bull, and yet his son stood there without breaking into pieces.
"I caught a fish" the boy answered, the man nodded again and stroked his elaborate beard and said nothing for a long moment. The boy waited silently for something more to happen.
"Are you not going to ask me if I caught anything?" The man asked, the boy cringed at his mistake and nodded.
"Master, did you catch anything?" The boy asked, the mood of the man changed, his muscles constricted slightly.
"I am only your master when we are training. I am your father right now." The man said sternly, the boy again cringed and nodded.
"Father, did you catch anything?" The boy asked again, the man smiled and stroked his beard again, he slowly placed his hand behind his back and grabbed something before throwing it forcibly on the table between them. Sitting on the table was a stack of twenty fish, the water from the fish dripped on the floor loudly in the silence of the room.
"Do you know why you caught only one fish?" The man asked leaning towards his son, commanding his attention and looking into his eyes. The boy shook his head and attempting to match his father's gaze.
"No father, I don't know." The boy answered truthfully. The man smiled.
"It's because you lose focus on what you're doing…" The man explained. "…Your mind wanders onto different things and if you don't focus on the hook then why should the fish?" The man went on.
"I…don't understand Father." the boy admitted.
"My son, when you are attempting to bait something, you must put emphasis on what you're trying to bait your prey with. If you don't believe its important then they won't either." The man talked slowly and methodically. The words fell from his mouth and touched his son's ears like a powerful storm in the distance.
"I see, I apologize father" The boy whispered.
"What were you focused on?" The Father asked without pause. The boy hesitated, but, knew that his father had already seen it, to lie to a man with such wisdom was harder than lying to oneself. The man knew the truth before he did, the test was to see if the boy could identify and accept it.
"Death." the boy answered. The man acted surprised and nodded openly.
"Mortality is something many men wonder about" the man explained. "Its something that comes for everyone, but it is not your enemy. Your time on this earthly realm is limited, but your goal is also finite it is always achievable no matter how large it can be. So long as you achieve your goal in this mortal realm death cannot touch you with fear" The man explained. The boy listened, but the man was done and dismissed the boy and began to cook the fish.
That night as the fire crackled under the cooking fish the boy was summoned back. In the dark of the room, the fire cast an eerie glow on his father who looked serious and thoughtful. As the fish cooked there was silence from both men, but suddenly the man spoke.
"For generations God has blessed our family with the strength to achieve our goals, but his eternal enemy has seen our blessings and has poisoned our men. My father, his father, his father and his father have all had the same poison running through our veins for generations and I too am tainted with the mark of the beast…" The boy listened intently as his father talked without looking at him. "…but my son, you do no not have that same dirt running in your veins. My son, you are different from the other men of this powerful family. Your goal in life is to be the savior, this world is not a world of peace, God will return to bring salvation, but you, my son are the one he chose to combat the evil that plagues this world…" The man paused and looked his son deep in the eyes. "…You will achieve great things my son…Heihachi Mishima"
Several Years Later…
With urgency the door flew opened and the two men walked out with speed and precision. The sun gleamed in on all sides of the hallway, which was comprised entirely of a series of square windows on all sides. The tap of the four shoes against the ground echoed through the hallway and even that sound was enough to keep anyway out of their way. Their power was evident and radiating out of their bodies. Behind them a smaller man in a suit rushed out the door himself and called out after the two men.
"Mishima!" The man yelled, but neither man turned or even acknowledged the shout. Instead the continued down the hallway. Almost as if by some psychic command the elevator opened just as the men came close enough to it, they both stepped in and the doors closed silently.
For a moment there was just silence, neither man said anything else as the elevator descended from the ninety-eighth floor. The out door elevator sparkled over the city as sun down beckoned to the sky and put a hazy, dream like state on the world.
"They think we're fools" The younger man finally spoke, the older man nodded and sighed.
"They were counting on our disapproval…" The older man spoke. "…they plan to use our stubbornness against us to the board." He continued.
"The board would never betray us" The young man said confidently, he nodded and felt reassured.
"Indeed, but they're counting on that too." The older man adjusted his tie and sighed to himself again.
"For what purpose?" the young man asked.
"Heihachi…" The older man spoke, exaggerating the downward inflection. "…Must you patronize your old father?" Jinpachi rubbed his eyes and smiled at his son.
"It would be a pleasure for you to admit that the Zaibastu needs a more forceful approach." Heihachi Mishima explained.
"A Military division is going too far, the Zaibastu is not a form of government" Jinpachi explained.
"I'm not suggesting you start your own nation father…" Heihachi explained. "…but a government contract for a private military company would allow the Zaibastu to grow and have security to defend itself from these villains." Heihachi explained.
"But in the processes the Zaibastu becomes feared and mired in legal messes, investigation after investigation. When one enters the world of guns and destruction its not long before those two properties are turned against him." Jinpachi stroked his beard and looked at his son, who he could see was not convinced.
"I understand you want the Zaibastu to be the model for the world, but cooperation like the Genetic Cooperation are moving up in the world and are willing to destroy any competition that comes in their way, and as of right now, we're the only group opposing them, it won't take them long attempt a hostile take-over." Heihachi explained. Strongly Jinpachi nodded and thought over his son's words.
"Of course, that's their end game…" Jinpachi admitted. "…but we are Mishima, their hostile take over would mean removing both of us." Jinpachi explained.
"'Only a Mishima can destroy a Mishima'" Heihachi recited. Jinpachi squeezed his son's shoulder.
"Precisely." Jinpachi agreed.
"But the Zaibastu could be damaged in something like that, so much so it might not recover." Heihachi went on.
"We have time, Genetic Cooperation won't make a move anytime soon, they still fear us." Jinpachi explained.
"I sense that too, they're waiting for an opportunity." Heihachi continued on.
"It would seem so, we'll have time to worry about it." Jinpachi suggested.
"Perhaps Jinrei would be of some help…" Heihachi said, his father turned his gazed to his son in actual surprise.
"I surmised that he could, we're meeting him now..." Jinpachi revealed. "…With insight so attuned you will make a perfect head of the Zaibastu." Jinpachi congratulated.
"One day."
When the two men exited the building they immediately went into a small black car, within moments it drove off. Inside the car was an older man seemingly around the same age as Jinpachi. When Jinpachi and Heihachi entered the man smiled and greeted them.
"Both father and son…" the man spoke. "…to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?" He flashed a grin, Jinpachi happily embraced the man.
"Jinrei…!" Jinpachi exclaimed at the man. "…It's always good to see you." Jinpachi continued.
Wang Jinrei was Jinpachi's oldest friend from childhood, as they grew up Jinpachi mastered the art of the Mishima style of Karate while Wang trained in the ways of Xing Yi Quan, the two became friendly rivals in their teen years and in their adult years Jinpachi served as an unofficial consultant to the Mishima Zaibastu for Jinpachi. Afterwards Wang traveled as a merchant with minimal success and as compensation Jinpachi created the Mishima Gardens, a large chunk of unaltered land and allowed Jinrei to live there knowing Wang's love of nature would be appeased there. Happily Wang accepted Jinpachi's request and became somewhat of a recluse in the gardens, growing vegetables and meditating. Occasionally however Jinpachi would call on Jinrei to do some investigative work, knowing his time as a merchant created an open door for information Jinpachi considered Jinrei as somewhat of a private investigator. Jinrei however didn't think of himself in that way and was always surprised when Jinpachi came to him for a shotty investigative attempt.
"…And young Heihachi Mishima, you're growing to be quite the young man." Jinrei complimented, Heihachi smiled and nodded. "…I heard you're now assistant chief in command of the ever powerful Mishima Zaibastu" Jinrei continued.
"Yes, I work directly under my father now." Heihachi confirmed, Jinrei smiled and tapped Heihachi on the leg.
"You look just like your father when he was your age, only more handsome." Jinrei chuckled. Jinpachi crossed his arms and smirked from the corner of his mouth.
"Jinrei you…" he shook his head. "…I need your help." Jinpachi said shortly.
"Of course you do, you wouldn't bring an old hermit out of his hut and into a limousine if you didn't need something from him." Jinrei commented.
"This Genetics Cooperation is trying to force the Zaibastu's hand…" Jinpachi began to explain. "…they want to make one company to create a powerful company to possibly go to the Japanese government and request a private contract, alone they aren't able to do it, but the Zaibastu has Mishima Heavy Industries which they want to use to create weapons of some sort to sell to the Japanese Government. Heihachi and I agree that we don't want any part of Genetics Cooperation, but something is amidst I sense a great deal of secrecy from them, possibly the idea of a hostile take-over-" Jinrei laughed out loud and slapped his hand on his knee flamboyantly.
"Against not one but two Mishima?!"
"It's beyond foolish" Heihachi chimed in.
"Be that as it may…" Jinpachi restarted. "…Genetic Cooperation is planning something." Jinpachi Concluded.
"…and you want me to figure out what." Jinrei deduced. Heihachi nodded his head but then seemingly lost interest and began to look out the car window as the car approached the Mishima grounds.
"I was only hoping for you to keep your ears open about anything with your merchant friends that might know something." Jinpachi suggested, Jinrei shrugged his shoulders and leaned back.
"Sounds easy enough to me," Jinrei agreed. "…I'll see what I can do." Jinrei finished. Jinpachi smiled a toothy smile and slapped his own knee with a loud crack.
"Wonderful, now when we get back we'll have a drink!" Jinpachi shouted with glee.
"Bah, you old drunk…!" Jinrei waved Jinpachi off. "…'a drink' will become 'some more drinks' and then Heihachi and I will have to carry your large hide to your cot!" Jinrei spoke with decisiveness and clarity.
"Oh bah…" Jinpachi scoffed. "…It will be good exercise for my liver and better exercise for you and the boy!" Jinpachi boomed with laughter, Jinrei also joined in with laughter and nodded.
"Who could say no to that?!"
When the three men got back to Hon-Maru Heihachi went into the forest to train while the two older men drank and talked of women they had not seen in decades. As the night grew dark the men's laughter calmed and they began to talk of more serious things in life. Under the pale moonlight, drinking Jinpachi began to talk of his son.
"Jinrei, I have a remarkable son…" Jinpachi explained. Jinrei, trying to throw off some of his drunkenness stood up straight and nodded.
"I know, I've seen him." Jinrei agreed.
"The other day the two of us sparred for the first time in years…" Jinpachi now seemed to be reflecting to himself more than to his friend. "…Even though I was victorious, it was by the slightest margin. He has become more powerful, more focused and more cunning." Jinpachi continued.
"He's a Mishima" Jinrei suggested.
"Yes, but, he is different, my father was powerful, you remember…" Jinpachi went on.
"Oh yes, I remember." Jinrei laughed at some old memory he hadn't thought of in years about Jinpachi's father.
"…And I see that power within him, but more. He has the power of my father and a wisdom unmatched by any family member I can recall, he reads just as much as he trains." Jinpachi explained.
"A wise child is always a blessing." Jinrei nodded.
"Yes and he's missing this…" Jinpachi pulled the collar of his shirt down slightly and showed a mark that had been growing, Jinrei frowned at the mark and looked Jinpachi in the eye.
"It's getting worse?" Jinrei asked, Jinpachi nodded slowly.
"…much, my physical power is soaring, I feel younger, more agile." Jinpachi explained. The small candle between them flickered causing a momentary darkness, like reality blinking.
"These are all blessings Jinpachi, perhaps this 'curse' isn't as bad as you once thought." Jinrei suggested.
"No…" Jinpachi said sternly. "…Heihachi was too young to remember, but I remember what happened to my father," Jinpachi's eyes unfocused as he went into a memory. "He became more and more powerful as time went on, and over time he went insane he began to hate everything until eventually-" Jinpachi's voice began to stagger.
"I know Jinpachi…" Jinrei interrupted. "…but you're stronger than he was, he didn't know what it was, you do. You've shown the ability to suppress it, even control it." Jinrei suggested further, but Jinpachi shook his head and smiled.
"You always gave me too much credit Jinrei…" Jinpachi took a sip of his drink. "…I can hear it in my mind now, its faint, but each dying day it gets louder," Jinpachi tapped his finger on the wooden table. "I'm not sure what's going to happen to me, but Heihachi…" Jinpachi paused thinking of his son. "…He doesn't have this in him," he pointed to his chest vigorously. "God sent him to me, he's the one who will end this contaminant"
"How do you know he doesn't have it?" Jinrei asked, Jinpachi looked to the sky.
"Before he was completely lost, he explained to me how it worked…" Jinpachi delved. "…It's all one being, just separated, I can sense it as if it were my own self, because in ways it is. And when Heihachi was born I couldn't sense it, to this day I haven't had the slightest clue in his entire life that this…devil gene is within him." Jinpachi explained.
"That is odd," Jinrei suggested. "…what do you think it all means?" he asked.
"It means that when I die, Heihachi will be the last of the Mishima's and the curse of this bloodline will end, and when that happens, the demon will be lost." Jinpachi explained.
"That's not what you really think…" Jinrei stated. "…I've known you long enough to know when you're denying something." Jinpachi sighed.
"When I lose control of this, Heihachi is the only hope for destroying me, and his power is growing and I feel assured he will be able to." Jinpachi explained.
"Your son loves you." Jinrei stated. "…It will be a struggle for him to simply hurt you."
"I know, I'm teaching him still." Jinpachi acknowledged.
"That day is far off." Jinrei explained and he took a long swig of his drink. "…hell if you're this drunk when it happens maybe I'll stand a chance against you!" Jinrei happily exclaimed. Jinpachi, taking a sip of his drink, loudly laughed and slapped his hand on the table breaking off a large portion of it. The two men both stopped laughing to look at the damage, then at each other and let out another loud howl of laughter.
In the following weeks Heihachi began to assimilate more into Jinpachi's role, at meetings he became more vocal while his father listened carefully and tried to play a supporting role to his son. Slowly Heihachi began to show everyone that he was ready to lead the Mishima Zaibastu in the place of his father, the company took time and opened up a main office in downtown Japan and Heihachi was in charge of overseeing business in the office. Jinpachi still was the head of the company dealing with the ever growing pressures of Genetics Cooperation and planning the commencement of another division of the Zaibastu. As time went on Wang Jinrei gained small amounts of knowledge on Genetics Cooperation's plans for the Mishimas. Heihachi continued his training now in the knowledge and focus phase, Jinpachi stressed that knowledge was just as important as physical strength in combat, meditation and reading were the keys to understanding life's complexities and to understand that was to understand your opponent. Psychology, Spirituality and Criminology were among the most important ideas to study, Heihachi would spend sixteen hours a day reading or meditating non-stop. Learning to focus and mentally preparing oneself for combat in different fashions was the height of preparation. When not focusing on his studies Heihachi worked directly in the Japan office of the Mishima Zaibastu, maintaining a fresh office was a hard job on its own but, he was in charge.
Heihachi entered the building on a cool fall day and took the elevator to the top floor, his personal office. When he exited the elevator he was surprised to see a young woman standing behind a desk waiting for him. He looked at her for a long moment and took a deep breath to speak.
"Hello Mr. Mishima, my name is Kazume. I'm your new personal secretary." The woman spoke before Heihachi could speak, hearing this he nodded and readjusted his thoughts.
"Kazume you say…?" Heihachi asked, the woman nodded. "…That's a very pretty name." Heihachi finished. The woman seemed taken aback by this comment and began to blush.
"Thank You." she responded, Heihachi briefly smiled.
"What happened to Tashi?" Heihachi asked.
"She has been moved to archival work." Kazume answered quickly. Heihachi nodded and began to walk into his office.
"Your first bit of work can be to get the Financial Group on the phone, some of the numbers for last quarter are strangely off." Heihachi ordered, Kazume nodded.
"Yes Mr. Mishima" she said as she went behind the desk. Heihachi walked by her took of his jacket and went into his office to work.
The same routine followed for months, and Heihachi sorted out details for the company as his father worried about keeping the company afloat. His training became more intense, physically he began to test himself, he worked all day and would train well into the night and next day. Within months he was working on a thirty six hour day training most of the time and dealing with the Zaibastu the rest of the time, Jinpachi worked less and spent more time meditating at home, his lack of being seen began to spark rumors of sickness, Heihachi training kept him away from his father, though he could sense something was wrong with his father. Taking a rare break from training Heihachi went back to Hon-Maru to visit his father.
He found Jinpachi sitting over a fire smoking a large pipe, something his father did only when in a deep concentration about something serious, Heihachi could recall as a child seeing Jinpachi smoking the same pipe after returning from work and planning out the next course for the Zaibastu. The look in his eyes was vacant, his soul was floating in some other realm looking for answers to something that troubled him. Next to the fire Heihachi knelt on his knees and began to meditate with his father. It was several minutes before Jinpachi came back into himself and paid attention to his meditating son, he didn't speak initially but, after a few minutes began to speak.
"My son…" Jinpachi began. "…I have regressed." Heihachi took a deep breath and sighed silently. He feared this day, the day his father would admit he was losing himself to the poison.
"I know." Heihachi simply answered. Jinpachi lifted the pipe and smoked it with a long drag.
"it was brief but, strong…" Jinpachi raised his hand to his son. "…It knows you are it's enemy." Jinpachi explained.
"I'm not strong enough yet." Heihachi admitted.
"Indeed, but you are getting there…." Jinpachi put his massive hand on Heihachi's shoulder and squeezed. "…and I am still able to control it, a small lapse is not enough to take control of me." Jinpachi explained.
"You wish to ask something of me…" Heihachi suddenly said, Jinpachi looked his son in the eye and smiled.
"Your insight is growing, you are able to sense things clearly." Jinpachi chuckled.
"I have been training." Heihachi simply stated.
"Indeed…" Jinpachi became serious. "…I wish to ask you to take more control of the Zaibastu." Jinpachi explained.
"How so…?" Heihachi asked.
"Genetic cooperation is trying to convince the board that I'm inept, they need to know that even if they go through me, the Zaibastu will not fall. They need to see that Mishima blood is iron clad." Jinpachi went on.
"What can I do?" Heihachi continued to ask.
"I want you to do what you feel is right, Genetic Cooperation has scheduled another meeting, Jinrei has informed me that they plan to make a move against me, claiming that I'm not capable of controlling the Zaibastu and that a merger would be best for everyone. I want you to go to them and do whatever you feel is right." Jinpachi explained.
"Does this mean I'm the head of the Zaibastu?" Heihachi asked, Jinpachi looked up surprised and let out a loud bellow of laughter.
"If only it were that simple, my young son!" Jinpachi exclaimed.
"You're baiting them." Heihachi's thoughts fell out of his mouth, he could sense the deception in his father and could almost make out a plan.
"I've taught you well…" Jinpachi nodded. "…They think I'm the weak link in this company, so we'll falsely advance their plans. With me seemingly out of the picture they will make their move on you and we will finally reveal Genetic Cooperation's plans." Jinpachi explained.
"We have to make them think the bait is most important." Heihachi recited the advice his father gave him years ago.
"Exactly," Jinpachi agreed. "…But to do this I must stay in the shadows, and I put my trust into you, my son. Your meeting with the executives of Genetic Cooperation will reveal things to you and you will then make the choice on how to go about dealing with them." Jinpachi elaborated.
"What if I am not sure on what to do?" Heihachi asked.
"You are a Mishima, your soul will know what to do." Jinpachi reassured him. Heihachi seemed apprehensive.
"When is this meeting with Genetic Cooperation, I need time to think about what to do." Heihachi explained.
"You have plenty of time," Jinpachi assured Heihachi. "…the meeting isn't until ten tomorrow." Jinpachi stood.
"Tomorrow?!" Heihachi exclaimed in shock. Jinpachi nodded.
"Jinrei has found that they are snooping around some of our people," Jinpachi relayed. "…we need to advance their plan to get a sense of what it is they plan to use against us." Jinpachi explained.
"I have not slept in two days, I'm not confident in my ability to sit in a board room with these people." Heihachi explained, Jinpachi nodded.
"Rest is something that even a warrior must use," He spoke thunderously. "…which is why you will stay here tonight and rest. Tomorrow I will wake you with time to do some studies and prepare for your meeting." Jinpachi ordered, not entirely pleased Heihachi nodded and went to his quarters. Sleep came to him quickly as he was more tired than he had initially realized, he thought about the next day and what Genetic cooperation would reveal to him.
The next day it was Wang Jinrei who woke Heihachi and a lot later than Heihachi thought he'd be woken up. Jinrei never seemed hurried or rushed, he woke Heihachi slowly and calmly explained that if he didn't move quickly he would certainly be late for the meeting. Heihachi was woke quickly and ready to leave in minutes, Wang explained he would be riding with Heihachi to the offices so that he may try to identify who in the Zaibastu was aiding Genetic Cooperation.
"I'm not supposed to tell you this but," Jinrei began. "…Your father specifically asked me to wake you up late." Wang revealed. Heihachi seemed marginally interested, focused more on the meeting.
"Is that so?" Heihachi asked while re-tying his tie. Jinrei nodded and watched Heihachi's face.
"He also was adamant about you not seeing him at all this morning" Jinrei added on. Heihachi nodded.
"The people at Genetic Cooperation think my father is sick…" Heihachi began to explain. "…by avoiding me there is no unconscious focus on seeing him today thusly, there isn't anything in my being that can reveal he is in fact well." Heihachi explained, Jinrei nodded.
"What your father would call, 'Plausible deniability'" Jinrei explained. Heihachi smirked.
"He's mention this concept to you?" Heihachi asked. Jinrei laughed.
"Not really," Jinrei shrugged. "…I taught it to him when he was young"
When they arrived at the office building Jinrei explained that he wasn't going to follow Heihachi to the meeting, Jinpachi and He suspected a spy in the Zaibastu and if the Genetic Cooperation bosses were here then there was a large chance that the spy was lurking around. Jinrei was used to finding people who didn't want to be found, his father was a private detective for the Hong Kong police force and a lot of his skills rubbed off on his son. Heihachi thanked Jinrei for all his help and like his father offered him a job at the Zaibastu.
"Oh no thank you," Jinrei laughed. "…I enjoy doing nothing, I'll leave the hard life to the Mishimas" Jinrei added and then walked off into the distance.
Heihachi walked into the building and took the elevator to the top floor, which was formerly a pent house and braced himself for the meeting. When the elevator doors reopened Kazume was standing waiting for him.
"Good morning Kazume" Heihachi greeted, Kazume gave a polite bow and handed over a folder to Heihachi.
"Good morning Mr. Mishima…" She began. "…the board has already assembled and the men from Genetic Cooperation have already arrived, they're waiting in the waiting room and the board is waiting in the conference room." Kazume explained. Heihachi looked at his watch, he was early by ten minutes.
"The meeting is scheduled for ten right?" Heihachi asked.
"Yes, Mr. Mishima." She answered.
"Then the meeting doesn't start until ten, page the conference room and tell them I'm displeased with their appeasement to Genetic Cooperation." Heihachi quickly commanded, Kazume nodded.
"Is your father going to be late?" Kazume asked. Heihachi shook his head briskly.
"No, he's not coming," Heihachi revealed. "…and don't let the board know, I rather see their faces." Kazume nodded and went behind the desk, Heihachi walked past her into his office.
Inside he sat down behind his own desk and closed his eyes, meditation was fairly new to him but, he had found solace in its deepness. The more he did it the further down into this ethereal world he went and understood more of life's complexities. When he meditated he could see so many things he never knew existed, it was the meditating that showed that his father was beginning to sway in his fight against his poison. Heihachi knew that Jinpachi was strong but, this power seemed to be creeping up slowly but, steadily to the surface. Heihachi wasn't sure how much longer his father had or what that meant, Heihachi had never met his grandfather but, he knew than Jinpachi was forced to kill him because he lost control. In his meditation he tried to understand what this cursed blood really was, what was it's power and it's appeal, how could he expect overcome this thing if he didn't even know what it was.
Before Heihachi could think anymore he knew it was time to go into the meeting and do what had to be done, he rose from his chair, exited his office, passed Kazume and entered the conference room.
Sitting at the table were a group of familiar people, most of them were from the Zaibastu angry board members hoping to move the company forward in a new direction. Old men with too much money and too much time, Heihachi knew that this companies money was what their lives centered around he knew they didn't understand what the company was, that it was the Mishima legacy, that it had been built from nothing and crafted by powerful Mishima men into the most viable company in the world. Heihachi knew they didn't understand that this company was more than Genetic cooperation's greedy needs. The Mishima Zaibastu was built to be powerful and just and Genetic cooperation was mired in shadows and doubt. The other men were Genetic cooperation's lap dogs, sent to grovel at Jinpachi's feet and attempt to create a 'bond' between the two companies. Heihachi stood strong in the conference room but, the men looked passed him expecting to see Jinpachi walk in, confidently Heihachi sat at the head of the table and addressed the men.
"I'm glad you could all be here..." Heihachi began, the man nodded and slightly became more relaxed. "…My father has left me in charge of this branch of the Zaibastu and will not be attending this meeting. All of the decisions that will be made today will be of my doing." Heihachi explained; both the Genetic cooperation and the Zaibastu members shifted uneasily in their chairs to the new information that Jinpachi wasn't going to be there.
"Has your father given up the Zaibastu to you Heihachi?" one of the Mishima board members asked. Heihachi eyes focused directly to his and did not falter.
"No," Heihachi began. "…but he has left me in charge of more matters in an attempt to ease the transition the Zaibastu moving into my control." Heihachi embellished, the board members shifted more and the their eyes moved from Heihachi's gaze, a small silence punctuated the room.
"Heihachi, all this time we've been working with you and your father to try and make a deal to merge our two companies and approach the Japanese government for an independent contract," one of the Genetic cooperation personnel spoke. Heihachi recognized him, Tatsumi Hiragi, he was a smart young man whom started off only taking notes in the meetings with Jinpachi but, over time had grown in position and now appeared to be a member of Genetic Cooperation's board. "…it seems most distracting to me to now have to deal with this shift. Perhaps after our deal was done I would feel more at ease with a shift in the company but, as of now I would be more comfortable if Jinpachi Mishima was here to discuss matters we've been dealing with for years now." Hiragi explained, men on both sides of the table nodded in agreement some even lightly expressing their satisfaction with Hiragi's statement verbally.
"That is unfortunate." Heihachi spoke devoid of any empathy, he looked Hiragi in the eye as well. "…my father has expressed his want for me to be more proactive in this companies development and that's the end of that discussion." Heihachi dismissed, the men at the table suddenly seemed more nervous. Heihachi's statements were throwing them off a new plan of action was being concocted as they sat their in front of the young Mishima.
"Well…" Another Genetic cooperation member spoke. "…let's move on to discussions. We left off last time with the formation of a new company, one that would focus on Genetic cooperation's cutting edge Genetic manipulation work and the Mishima Financial Empire's ability to fund military projects and work with the Japanese government. Our work together will have us working directly with the Japanese government as a independent military facility. Within one decade the entire Japanese defense force will be dependant on our biological and robotic soldiers, ensuring the success and continued development of these two companies together"
"The Japanese government isn't enthusiastic about a financial company suddenly becoming a military arms or privately contracted army. They've already expressed their concern with our dealings with the Russians and have already vowed to come down like a hammer on us if we fund another countries military weapons," A Mishima board executive interjected. "The last thing we need is for the Japanese government to not be on our side." He finished, Heihachi's attention was momentarily broken, something broke his concentration. Heihachi turned and saw Kazume was standing in the room taking notes on the meeting, it was just then he noticed something about her that he hadn't consciously noticed before…
"We understand your concerns about the Japanese Government but, Genetic cooperation has a good relationship with the Japanese government and if we merged and offered our services exclusively to the Japanese government we will have their trust." Hiragi explained, Heihachi was suddenly bought back to the meeting by Hiragi's words. Hiragi was staring deeply in Heihachi's eyes there most certainly a contempt between the two of them.
"Exclusiveness to the Japanese Government might not be a sensible aspiration." A Mishima executive explained. The Mishima executives nodded in agreement.
"There's little chance that the Japanese Government will be able to continue to support of financial wants and or needs of our company if we decide to go into contracts with them, we'd almost would have to go to other countries, The Russians have already showed interest in a defense program we've created, it would be a mistake to not take them up on their offer because we promised this Government exclusiveness." Another Mishima executive explained. It was then Heihachi suddenly sensed something he hadn't before. There was a nervousness in the air surrounding the Genetic cooperation members, it came with the mention of the defense program. Heihachi tried to quickly concentrate and come to clarity on this sudden change in mood but, it was not coming quickly enough.
"This may be true but, we can cross that bridge when come to it. For now a government contract would propel out companies into the stratosphere, In a matter of years, together, we could be the most powerful company in the world." Hiragi explained, the Mishima executives seemed to buy this theory.
"This doesn't solve the problem of our shareholders who feel a merging will topple over both companies potentially." A Mishima executive chimed in, Hiragi nodded and began to open his mouth to talk but, Heihachi interrupted.
"I think I have the solution to that problem." Heihachi interjected, everyone at the table turned to face him.
"Go on Heihachi." A Mishima executive spoke, Heihachi felt anger welling up inside of him. They refused to call him Mr. Mishima, that was his father, the same amount of respect wasn't being bestowed upon him but, Heihachi knew one day that would respect him.
"It's quite simple," Heihachi began. "…to avoid the issue of scaring our shareholders out of their money and deal with the Japanese government, this company must take drastic measures and be unwavering it's intent and actions." Heihachi began, he turned slightly to Kazume making notes and then back to the men.
"What are you supposing Heihachi?" Hiragi asked. Whatever restraint Heihachi had left about his choice had vanished; he knew in his soul this was the right choice to make.
"It's simple…" Heihachi began. "…from this day forward the Mishima Zaibastu will no longer do any business with Genetic cooperation." Heihachi finished, in a flurry of emotions men on both sides of the table loudly exclaimed their opinions verbally.
"Mishima…!" A Zaibastu executive blurted out. "…what place do you have to anger our guest this way!?"
"My father left me in charge of this company and I have made my choice." Heihachi asserted, Hiragi eyed Heihachi quietly, angrily.
"You must have the approval of the board to make a decision like this…!" another board member yelled before turning to the Genetic cooperation members. "…and we most certainly don't feel this way!"
"Actually I do not need the approval of the board, this decision is coming from the highest authority." Heihachi reaffirmed.
"Your father is the highest authority, not you boy!" a Genetic Cooperation member leaned over the table to yell.
"You will find that my father will back up every decision I've made today, including the executive order to limit Mishima board members access to sensitive material, you know all work directly under my father and myself." Heihachi explained, the Zaibastu board members were furious, some threw their fist on the table, others stood up out of their seats in protest.
"Have you lost your mind Heihachi, the board is who made you as powerful as you are now, we trusted you, we empowered you and we supported you and you're limiting our say in the company!?"
"Your obvious devotion to this sad company…" Heihachi gestured to the Genetic cooperation members. "…has proven to me that money and greed are more important than your devotion for this company, until I know you can be trusted you will not make a move without my approval." Heihachi decreed, now all the Zaibastu board members were standing and in a fury, most yelled idly, some vowed to overturn this decision, the genetic cooperation members began to stand as well, more calmly.
"Well, Mr. Mishima we will certainly look into your authority and decide where to go, if anywhere, with this company." A Genetic cooperation member spoke, he stood and began to collect his papers.
"Yes, until that time you are not welcomed in this building and must leave immediately, if you should hesitate security will show you the way of haste." Heihachi stood as the Genetic cooperation members began to file out of the room past him, Hiragi was third of the six people to leave, their eyes briefly met but, there were no words. After them the Zaibastu members began to left, most of them walked by with angry grunts but, the last walked to Heihachi's ear and spoke.
"You will never be the great man your father was." He said before walking out of the room. For a moment the words hung there in Heihachi's ear, they repeated in various degrees of severity and volume, Heihachi stood motionless and quiet for several minutes, thinking about what had just occurred. Breaking the silence and stillness was Kazume who walked over to him quietly.
"Mr. Mishima?" She asked politely; it was then Heihachi first realized she was probably the same age as he was, it was almost as if he hadn't seen her before.
"Yes Kazume?" Heihachi responded quietly, coming to sitting in his chair, slumping slightly.
"I think…" she paused, Heihachi sensed a nervousness in her. "…I think you made the right choice." She said quietly, almost as if she didn't want him to hear.
"Oh…?" Heihachi spoke turning his head towards her, he felt a slight elation, it was as if she knew exactly what he wanted to hear.
"I know I just answer the phones and organize papers but, I hear and read a lot and I think Genetic cooperation had adverse plans for this company and the board doesn't seem to care about maintaining the company but, instead getting as much out of it now." She spoke very quickly and with more nervousness. Heihachi stood, the move felt slightly threatening, even to him. He looked Kazume in the eyes, she looked terrified.
"Kazume…" Heihachi began; the woman already looked crushed and crestfallen, her eyes sunk into her face and her brow split into slopes showing great disapproval.
She was a beautiful girl.
"…Thank you." Heihachi finished, he walked by her and as he passed placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled, he felt her whole body go rigid as if bracing for some kind of attack but, he also could sense a great amount of elation in her, and in that he felt elated as well.