6 months earlier
Hajime gazed out the window as the fancy, black SUV cruised down the highway into Shizuoka. Mount Fuji could be seen looming in the distance. Across from Hajime was Fuyuhiko, looking especially somber today. He had barely said a word to Hajime the whole trip. He just looked out the window, which was odd, since the boy had grown much more comfortable around Hajime over the past few months. Rain gently pattered on the windows as the driver took the two of them to their destination.
Hajime checked his phone and of course had a few texts from Natsumi. As he was instructed, Hajime didn't tell her about the details of this trip. He wasn't sure why there was so much secrecy involved, but the orders came down directly from the Oyabun himself, so he didn't question it. Still, something about this whole arrangement gave him an uneasy feeling. Fuyuhiko spontaneously broke the silence.
"Ok, here's the deal Hajime. We're gonna be arriving soon, so I'm gonna tell you about the guys we are about to meet. " He said with a sigh. Hajime perked up and leaned forward in his seat, resting his hands on his legs.
"Sure. It's about time someone told me what's going on here. " Hajime responded curtly.
"It's a long story and I'm gonna shorten it down. So pay attention. You know that there are other, smaller clans that are subordinate to the Kuzuryu, right? Then there are clans that belong to other families, who are our allies. They're basically business partners. But there is one family that is neither of those things. We don't do business with them. We don't talk to them. We don't even talk about them. That clan is called the Minamoto clan. "
Hajime puzzled for a moment. That name sounded familiar. " Wait a minute. Minamoto? You mean like the noble lords from the Heian period? " Hajime asked in astonishment. Fuyuhiko scoffed in disgust.
"That's what they would like to believe, but I seriously doubt any of those bastards actually has a drop of noble blood between them. It's just part of their own bullshit mythology about themselves. " Fuyuhiko grumbled with distaste. Hajime could easily detect his hostility.
"So… why don't you associate with each other? " Hajime asked cautiously. Fuyuhiko was silent for a moment.
"Things weren't always like they are now. The Kuzuryugumi didn't become the strongest syndicate overnight. Back in the old days, before I born, it was a pretty fucked up mess. Families constantly fought for control and territory. It was a different time, Hajime ."
"So, the Kuzuyru and the Minamoto clan were at war with each other? " Hajime asked, feeling even more uneasy about this meeting now.
"Yeah. They were the two biggest players, but it wasn't a fucking game. It was a bloodbath. There is a reason we don't have much extended family. My uncle… not Satsuo, his older brother, the original heir to the Kuzuryu-gumi….. even he died in that war. It's no joke. Both of our clans barely survived, by the end. Their family tree got fucked up even more than ours did. But eventually, our families managed to reach a truce. The Minamoto clan receded back to their original territory and my father, the new Oyabun, became the de facto leader for all the clans in Japan. "
Hajime listened intently but puzzled over some of the details that seemed to be missing.
" So… how did this war end? Did the Minamoto clan just give up? "
Fuyuhiko sighed and looked out the window, crossing his arms.
"Look, I don't know all the details. I was just a little kid when the war ended, so I don't remember much about it. It isn't talked about. It's sort of a taboo subject. All I know is that we are about to walk into their house and have dinner with them. I'd sooner expect these bastards to slit our throats than feed us. So be on your guard ."
"I trust your father's jugement. He wouldn't send us in unless this was safe and legit, right? " Hajime asked, trying to reassure himself more than Fuyuhiko. Fuyuhiko made a dismissive "Psh" noise.
"Who the fuck knows? All i'm saying is, watch your back and keep your mouth shut. You're only here as my confidant. "
"Why isn't Peko here? " Hajime asked perplexingly, as that realization dawned on him. Peko would be a lot more useful than Hajime in this situation. Hajime would feel a lot safer with her here as well.
"I asked the same thing. Apparently, it's a symbol of trust. If I walked in there with my personal bodyguard and hitman, that might send the wrong message. That's what my father said, anyway. I don't fucking like it, but what can we do. "
As Fuyuhiko said that, the SUV finally pulled up to a large mansion on the outskirts of the city. It was enormous, easily on par with any of the Kuzuryu properties that Hajime had seen so far. It was traditional and rustic. It looked very old. There was a group of half a dozen men with suits awaiting them. Many of them had shaved heads and they stood poised and professional.
As Hajime and Fuyuhiko exited the vehicle, the other three SUVs in the caravan also stopped to let their passengers out. They were high level executives in the Kuzuryu hierarchy, direct subordinates of the Oyabun. With them, were their own escorts and well-trained bodyguards. Hajime straightened his suit and looked around as the crowd chatted and bickered. A man, roughly in his 40s, with slicked back hair and a white suit crossed the courtyard with an entourage of a dozen security guards, all clad in suits. He approached the group and donned a smile.
"Gentleman, representatives, and delegates of the Kuzuryugumi, welcome to the Minamoto estate. The standing Oyabun, Shinta Masuichi would like to welcome you all with open arms. It is his hope that today will mark an end to our bitter history and pave the way to a bright future. My name is Tatsuji Hatoyama and I will be your guide today. The Oyabun's personal guards will escort you and aid with your luggage ." He said, with a bow. The crowd conversed with the guards and began moving towards the mansion.
"Are you ready for this? " Hajime asked, nudging Fuyuhiko with his elbow.
" I just hope their food is better than their boring ass speeches, " Fuyuhiko grumbled.
The group funneled into the lobby of the mansion, chattering amongst themselves. Hajime looked around and marveled at the craftsmanship of the architecture and the wide assortment of art that was on display. It was obvious that the Minamoto clan had an appreciation of traditional art and old world aesthetic. Fuyuhiko was either oblivious to these things or jaded to them. The man from before, Tatsuji Hatoyama, called everyone to attention.
"If all of you would make your way to the kitchen, we have a feast prepared. I am certain that you are famished after your long journey. Please feel free to indulge yourselves, " The man said with a bow.
As they entered the banquet hall, Fuyuhiko and Hajime noticed a long table, decked out with a parade of fine cuisine. Unlike the Kuzuryu winter festival, these were purely japanese meals. There was no use of western delicacies. Hajime took a seat next to Fuyuhiko and looked at the food questioningly. It smelled fantastic and it looked appetizing, but he was cautious for other reasons. Hajime looked to Fuyuhiko as the same thought crossed their minds. Everyone else had started eating already. Were they being paranoid to think that it could be poisoned? If it was, everyone else would die. Hajime and Fuyuhiko would then be helpless against the Minamoto guards and they would be killed anyway, if that was their intention. They would be killed either way. Fuyuhiko picked up a roll of golden uni sushi with his chopsticks.
"Ah, what the hell... " he muttered, as he took the whole thing in his mouth. Hajime followed suit and they began chowing down. The room was mostly quite apart from the sound of eating. There weren't many conversations going on now. There was an atmosphere of suspicion and tension in the air now. After an hour or so, Hatoyama stood up and cleared his throat.
"Now that we have all eaten, we will begin the meeting. Those without designated clearance for this information, please exit the room now. " he said, as Hajime looked around himself. The guards and lower members all walked of the banquet hall. Hajime began to slip out of his seat, but Fuyuhiko snapped at him.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going? My dad sent you here for a reason. You're gonna need to hear this stuff too, " he said. Hajime stopped in his tracks and felt a little dumb. He awkwardly took his seat next to Fuyuhiko. The Kuzuryu and Minamoto clan members were seated on opposite sides of the table. Apart from Hajime and Fuyuhiko, there were five top ranking members of the Kuzuryu clan. They presided over the clan's operations in five of Japan's largest cities.
A man in his late 60s, with a white beard, slowly rose to his feet and addressed the room. He was grizzled and had a shrewd stare, as he surveyed the room.
"Now that all parties are in attendance, we can begin this meeting. This is the first time in three decades that our clans have met at the table diplomacy. It is my wish that we do not waste this opportunity. "
The man continued to ramble on and on with the formalities. Fuyuhiko leaned over to whisper to Hajime. " That guy is Shinta Masuichi. He is the standing Oyabun of the Minamoto clan. But he isn't an official Oyabun. He's just holding the position until their heir is old enough to take over, " Fuyuhiko explained.
"To his right, that chick is Maaya Umebayahsi. She is head of finances for the clan." he said, as Hajime's eyes drifted to the busty woman with dyed red hair. She was clearly in her 40s but she had an impressive figure and was quite beautiful. Her Kimono revealed some of her cleavage, at which Hajime caught himself staring. He stared not just at her figure but at her beautiful tattoos that sprawled her chest, shoulders, arms and chest. The dominating shape within the tattoos was a bright red phoenix, burning out of control.
"Wait a minute. I thought that there weren't women in the Yakuza hierarchy? " Hajime asked, a bit perplexed. This clan seemed particularly traditional.
"She is an odd case. She was married to the previous Oyabun and is highly revered by members of the clan. So, she was put in charge of finances and logistical management. She doesn't technically carry any serious authority. But that doesn't mean that she cant get guys to do what she wants and carry out her bidding. I mean, just look at her ."
Hajime could imagine how she could be persuasive. She had an air of confidence and seduction. Hajime mused that it would be hard to say "no" to her if she offered to let him rest his head on her lap. Hajimes shook himself back to reality as his imagination began to run away with itself. He didn't want to imagine the scorn that Natsumi would heap upon him if she knew he was thinking such things.
"So, how do you know so much about what's going on in this clan? You guys haven't had contact in a long time, right? " He asked, wondering how Fuyuhiko was privy to this kind of intel on an enemy clan.
"Come on, Hajime. You think that we don't keep an eye on our enemies? We've been watching every move they make and they've probably done the same to us. It's just the name of the game." Fuyuhiko explained, whispering a bit quieter this time.
"Anyway, the guy sitting beside her is her personal guard and hitman. Kinda like how Peko is to me. I don't remember his name but apparently he is one of the top swordsman in the world. Their training program is even more rigorous than ours, " he explained. Hajime got a good look of the man. He was probably in his 30s and his hair was tied in a ponytail. He had a black goatee and was very handsome. He had a powerful aura of calmness and patience. Like his mistress he donned traditional wear, in this case a Yukata. His tattoos were clearly visible. The scales of a blue dragon were partially visible on his chest. Fuyuhiko continued, gesturing towards Hatoyama.
"You already know the guy on the left of the Oyabun. We saw him earlier. Tatsuji Hatoyama. He is the right hand man of the Oyabun. He's another key player. Their Oyabun is old as dirt, so this guy makes most of the actual decisions. He puts on the act of being a humble servant of the clan, but he is probably the most powerful person in this room. And he's one dangerous son of a bitch. "
Before Fuyuhiko could fill in Hajime on the other members, the Oyabun finished the introduction of the meeting. He sat down and Hatoyama stood up.
"As you all know, the intention of this meeting, is not to simply establish peace, but to unite our clans under one banner. However, do not misinterpret this as a capitulation. We do not intend on subjugating ourselves to you, but rather, to preserve our long term existence, through mutual respect and a bond of blood. "
( Bond of blood? ) Hajime thought to himself. What did he mean by that? He listened carefully as the man continued.
"A consolidation solution was proposed over a decade ago, but has yet to be put into practice. We believe that now the time is right. We believe that reconciliation between our clans should be sought in the traditional means, through marriage. In doing so, our two families will join as one with a shared lineage. We will join the Kuzuryugumi not as vassals, but as brothers, " the man said, raising his arm and balling his hand into a tight fist.
Hajime turned to Fuyuhiko, skeptically. He now had some serious questions.
"Wait a minute. Are you going to be marrying a Minamoto girl or something? " Hajime asked, in shock. However, that shock was nothing compared to what came next.
"That is why it has been decided, between the leadership of the Kuzuryugumi and the Minamoto, that our clan's sole heir, Minamoto Hideki, will marry Natsumi Kuzuryu of the Kuzuryugumi."
"What?! Are you serious?" Hajime accidentally blurted out loud as he stood up, causing all eyes in the room to turn to him. He realized what he had done and his face went pale.
"Who is this kid and why is he in this meeting?" one of the delegates asked, as many more began murmuring. Fuyuhiko stood up, putting his hand on Hajime's shoulder, urging him to sit down.
"Please pardon my colleague here. He's a bit out of the loop with these things. He didn't mean to interrupt, " Fuyuhiko said, awkwardly as he grunted at Hajime " Sit down, jackass! "
Hajime still didn't back down yet. He still had a lot of questions he needed answered.
"What is your name, boy? " Hatoyama asked with spite. Hajime could feel the menace emanating from this man, from across the table.
"My name is Hajime Hinata. I'm Natsumi's….. bodyguard and confidant, and I would like to know what this is all about. What do you mean that Natsumi will marry the Minamoto heir? When was this decided?"
The man sighed patiently and then looked Hajime in the eyes.
"I understand your frustration. As someone assigned to lady Kuzuryu's protection, you would prefer to be informed of these developments. However, these decisions are made at the highest level of clan leadership and are done so in secret. You are not entitled to this information as an underling, " the man explained. However, that didn't address Hajime's actual concerns.
"That's not what I mean. How could this decision be made without even telling Natsumi? Has she even met this guy? " Hajime asked, as murmurs began to flow through the room. Hajime didn't even register the disrespect of referring to the future Oyabun of their clan as "this guy." Fuyuhiko wanted to facepalm. He had already tried his best to explain away Hajime's outburst, but now that was impossible.
"I'm not sure I understand what point you are trying to make, young man. But you are testing my patience, " he said calmly, with a hint of annoyance in his voice. Hajime didn't back down.
"Shouldn't Natsumi have a say in this? You can't just make this decision for her, " he said, as the room grew more unsettled. There were mutterings and gasps.
"Who is this little punk? Who invited him to this meeting? " one of them asked angrily.
Hatoyama looked at him coldly. It was an icy stare that seemed to stab through Hajime's body. " That is not of concern to you. And I suggest you remember your place, boy. You will not disrespect us in our own house without consequences ." He said, threateningly. Fuyuhiko grabbed Hajime's arm and whispered to him.
"Seriously Hajime, sit the fuck down! This is serious! We can talk about this later! " he urged desperately. Then the old man spoke up with a light chuckle.
" Now, now, Hatoyama. This young man was hand picked for this meeting by Oyabun Matsushige, just as everyone else at this table. Hajime Hinata, wasn't it? He deserves to have his voice heard as well. Don't exclude him from our discourse, " he said, as Hatoyama looked at him bewilderedly. He cleared his throat and straightened his tie, recollecting himself and regaining his former composure.
"Very well then. You work closely to Lady Natsumi, so perhaps your input would be useful in this matter. Speak your case, Mr. Hinata. " Hatoyama said, still casting a cold glare towards the young man.
Hajime looked around the room as all the eyes were on him. He gulped and cleared his throat. Fuyuhiko looked at him cautiously.
"I know Natsumi. She isn't going to be very happy about you deciding this kind of thing for her, without her input. She will never agree to it. " He explained, as he received many skeptical looks.
"Natsumi Kuzuryu has a duty, as an heir to her clan, to do what is in its best interests and put those interests before her own. Her compliance will be expected of her, not requested. " Said Hatoyama with a cold and resolute tone. Hajime clenched his fist. At his side, anger swelling inside him.
"Natsumi is her own person! She isn't a bargaining chip to be used by all of you! " he said forcefully. Hajime was shot many looks of contempt by both sides of the table.
"Your naivete is no longer charming, Mr. Hinata. This decision has been deliberated by the Oyabun of both of our clans, as well as the entire Seiko-Kamon. Do you really intend on defying their will for such infantile and self centered reasons? I will offer you one last chance to take your seat and hold your tongue." He said with true menace in his voice.
Hajime gulped as the gravity of the situation was beginning to weigh down on him. He wanted to take a stand for Natsumi, but it was literally him verses the entire crime world of Japan. All around the room, countless pairs of eyes shot daggers through him. He felt like he was the only voice of reason in the room, and he was backed up against the wall. Should he back down now? The consequences could be dire if he didn't.
Hajime suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. Fuyuhiko was standing beside Hajime and he looked up into Hajime's eyes with a look of reassurance. Fuyuhiko turned to Hatoyama and sneered at him.
" Nothing's been decided yet. These negotiations are still going on, so don't try to back my colleague into a corner. As Natsumi's brother and the heir the Kuzuryugumi, I share the same concerns as he does. Are you gonna threaten me too? " He asked in a harsh tone, crossing his arms. Hajime turned to him in surprise.
"This is absurd. You may not personally approve, but the issue has already been settled. This meeting is simply to discuss the details of how this arrangement will be carried out. It's far too late for reservations ." Hatoyama said with a sigh, holding his head with annoyance.
"Wait a moment Hatoyama. Perhaps it would be wise to heed the warnings of these young men. Ignoring these warnings, could potentially lead to disaster. You of all people should understand this. " The Oyabun spoke in a solemn tone. Hatoyama turned to him in shock. Hajime was shocked as well, but, despite that, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"But sir! This was the entire basis of this summit! Without the unifying marriage between clans that was agreed upon, this entire meeting is null and void !" Hatoyama exclaimed in frustration.
"Then perhaps compromise is needed, as one should expect from any negotiation ." Oyabun Masuichi spoke in a calm tone before turning his attention to Hajime.
"You have expressed your concern over the wellbeing of Lady Natsumi, as her underling and as her friend, I assume. Your concerns are valid, but surely you do not intend to stonewall this process entirely, purely based on your own emotions? Your concerns were that Lady Natsumi had not been given time to adjust or give her own consent to this arrangement. Is that correct? "
Hajime stood at attention as he was addressed directly by the Oyabun.
"Yes sir. That is all correct, " he responded, even though, in truth, his reservations ran much, much deeper than that.
"If that is the case, then we will remedy these concerns. It may surprise you, but my lieutenant is not much of a romantic. So perhaps he didn't see fit to allow a courting period. This would allow Hideki and Natsumi get to know one another and grow the roots of their relationship before marriage is finalized. This is what I propose we do, moving forward. I trust this is a suitable compromise, Mr Hinata? "
Hajime still had his reservations, obviously. He didn't want this Hideki guy "courting" Natsumi. The thought made him physically ill. But he realized the position he was in. The Oyabun was prepared to compromise and Hajime was already on thin ice. He had to make a decision.
"Y-yes… That is a much better idea. I am in favor of it, " he said with a nod. The Oyabun put his hands together in a clap.
"Wonderful. It's decided then. And I already have a good idea of how this can be implemented " He said, scratching his beard. " Lady Natsumi attends the reserve course at Hope's Peak, correct? I assume you must as well if you are her personal bodyguard, " he asked Hajime as Hajime began to piece together what he was suggesting.
"Hideki is about the same age as you and Natsumi. So, we will see to it that he is transferred to Hope's Peak as soon as possible. This will give him and Natsumi time to get know each other, and it is the perfect environment for youthful romance to bloom ."
Hajime was understandably put off by the idea. He didn't like it at all, but at least it gave them time. The room rang with unanimous approval from both sides. The negotiations had been salvaged, but the end result still left Hajime less than satisfied. He gave a bow to the Oyabun.
"Thank you for hearing my case, sir, " he thanked the Oyabun before sitting down. Fuyuhiko and Hajime sat down and they both breathed a sigh of relief as the tension in the air died down.
"Thanks for sticking up for me, there at the end. " Hajime sighed, looking over at Fuyuhiko. Fuyuhiko crossed his arms and let out a "tch" noise.
"I couldn't just sit there looking like a fucking chump, while you stood up for Natsumi, " the young gangster said with a look of mild shame and disappointment in himself.
"You did what I didn't have the balls to do. She's my little sister, and I was too chicken shit to stick my neck out for her. Man I'm pathetic, " he said, with self denigrating chuckle.
"It's fine. I don't blame you. The important thing is, what the hell we are going to do about this? They're pretty intent on making this thing happen. Even your dad signed off on it ." Hajime said, with a troubled look on his face.
"I'm still not sure. We'll handle it as it comes. But you're going to have to be the one to tell Natsumi. " Fuyuhiko responded, catching Hajime off guard.
"W-what? You want me to tell her!? "
"Of course I do! Look, Hajime, I'm not stupid. I know how things are between you two. So it only seems right that you should talk it out with her. "
"She's not going to like it… " Hajime muttered as he stared off and put his hand to his mouth, in deep contemplation. He knew one thing. This was not going to end well.