Each face around the table in the boardroom of the Mishima Zaibatsu looked weary and disappointed. The sun beamed into the large glass windows that took up the entire wall on the left side. Every so often a cloud would pass by casting a shadow over the men's faces but, their expression didn't change at all. At the head of the table Heihachi Mishima looked equally unenthused as the rest of the board but, this time Heihachi was the one on the defense of the other men. For two hours they sat in the office bickering with Mishima about the fate of the conglomerate.
"Mr. Mishima," one of the board members sighed loudly. He gestured at the folder in front of Heihachi Mishima. "The report tells it all, Heavy Industries is hemorrhaging money out of this company, we know you have plans for this branch of the Zaibatsu but, at this time we're afraid it might bankrupt the Financial Empire" Heihachi nodded and looked through the papers in the folder quickly before looking back at the board.
"I know that's how you feel," Heihachi started. "but with the completion of this program countries all over the world will be bidding for our services. This is the program that will push the Zaibatsu over the edge!" Heihachi exclaimed, the same board member shook his head, while the others talked under their breath quietly to each other.
Which edge though Mishima?," The man asked, he looked around to see the supporting nods of his comrades. "I don't want to offend you Heihachi but, some of us have been with this company since before you were born. We know your father has bred you to be the leader of this company but, this may not be the right time for Heavy Industries. We've just started to settle in with the Chinese government fully and the new word is that the Japanese government may be warming up to us too, this would be a terrible time to take such risk." The board member explained. Heihachi listened intently and took a moment before issuing an answer.
"Gentlemen, I know I haven't been the most fair of bosses since I took over for my father but, it's only because this dream my father had is beyond the company we have now. We've managed to secure on of the worlds most renown scientist in robotics and hydraulics to work on this program with us. You're right the risk is great but, imagine what the prize of success would be. Countries would be tripping over themselves to pay us for our services to help curb sector and international issues. Within ten years of completion the JACK program could go global making the Zaibatsu the number one source of military commandos in the world and we would push our dream of a less tense world with our support." Heihachi explained, the board members seemed to ease to the idea slightly.
"We know Heihachi but, Abel is fickle at best," Another board member, wrinkled on his brow both by natural aging and staunch disagreement. "We've already had to make serious redirections to our staff just to make him comfortable." The other board members made their disapproval of the situation noted with vocal grunts.
"I know and this is an issue I'm going to deal with personally. Abel is the best there is and we need him but, this is a Mishima run company, he won't be running us. That being said, his support is vital to the success of this project and this company. Need I remind you of the plans I found in that compound some six years ago? Someone had already built a mock-up of our JACK solider." Heihachi explained.
"We know but-"
"Then you know someone finds that this project is important, our competition is how we should be gauging our efforts, and if we play it safe it may result in being behind." Heihachi continued.
"The risk may be too big, we might not have the money." Heihachi's frustration clearly had hit its tipping point, he closed the file and tossed it to the middle of the table.
"Then you'll have to establish a vote of no confidence" Heihachi suggested, several of the board members groaned and the more vocal one shook his head emphatically.
"Mishima none of us want you to be removed from the company we simply want you to listen to us sometime." His hands reached out to Heihachi pleading.
"I listen to everything you say but, Heavy Industries isn't a debate, the only way to close it down is to remove me from this office. I wish I could allow you see the vision I see gentlemen." Heihachi explained, the collective of the men sighed again and began to close their files.
"Well I don't think anyone here is prepared to issue that drastic of a request, I assume this meeting is over then?" The wrinkled board member asked, Heihachi nodded and the man began to pick his papers up and offered a slight smile to Heihachi. "Don't be too happy Heihachi, when the investors hear about this they're going to be less than happy. We'll be back here soon and next time we'll have to be more forceful." He warned, Heihachi stood up and shook his hand.
"I understand but, someday soon we will be reaping the benefits of this JACK program I promise."
The board members left and Heihachi stayed in the room for a few minutes after their departure before picking up his papers and leaving as well. He took the elevator to the top floor of the Mishima Zaibatsu headquarters, a penthouse that had been converted into a working office for himself. When the elevator opened he walked quickly passed the secretary's desk, he didn't look at it, he didn't acknowledge it. He never did anymore.
The years following Kazume's death were slow, Heihachi vanished for several days before emerging from the wilderness and going back to work. He had found resolve in trying to champion the JACK program and all his efforts were instantly redirected into that. Jinpachi had taken the child home and Heihachi didn't see the newborn until a week after the incident. Almost immediately Heihachi moved out of the apartment and was allowed to build a small hut in Hon-Maru a few miles away from his father. He had also began to study more, the library at Hon-Maru had contained hundreds of ancient texts and dairies, he wished to know more about the curse that afflicted his family. Jinpachi had explained that the books were mostly acquired by Heihachi's great grandfather, who was a scholar, the rest were either obtained through purchasing or were displaced to the Zaibatsu. The books had been collected for hundreds of years through generations of Mishima trying to find answers to the curse that had been bestowed upon them but, many were almost too old to read and a great variety of them were in different languages. So since beginning the readings Heihachi had been learned Greek, Italian, Latin and Ancient forms of Chinese and Japanese but, despite these accomplishments in five years of reading Heihachi had only completed three books in totality. The subjects were difficult to understand and many of the books were incomplete and cited other books to complete their ideas. Personally Heihachi had spent more money on books in the previous year than he had ever spent on himself with the exception of the wedding preparations. The readings were gratifying though, some gave him answers but, more importantly some gave him the ability to ask more specific questions.
Heihachi sat down at his desk and pulled out the book he was currently battling through. The book was different than most of the ones he had read or seen so far for several reasons. The first was that it was written completely in English, the least common of the languages found in the books he read, in fact the only time Heihachi came across reading English in his studies were a myriad of notes taken by various travelers and scholars and only a small percentage of them wrote in English. The second was that the book came with a note from a traveler who claimed to have traveled with one of the elder Mishima who was also interested in getting answers about the curse. The note read:
I have traveled with this man for sixteen whole years now. He's become like the family I left behind, his determination and will to find answers about this mysterious force than only few have ever heard of is undying and commendable but, now he tells me that he thinks his time is limited and he has asked me to chronicle what will be left of our travels together so that his brethren also afflicted with this problem may have more clues as to what it is and how to deal with it. I have decided to call it 'The Book of Judges' a reference to my friends favorite book of the Bible.
It then listed various dates and events to be referenced and books to be used to help complete stories they had heard over the years, however there was small writing on the very bottom of the page which read:
I fear for my friend, he looks different, today he informed me that if he succumbs to this disease that it would be best if I killed him. How could I possibly kill this man? He has given me the second chance at life, I'm not sure I can do it but, he did suggest that I get rid of this book to protect it from him, and so I must leave it here in the Jungle of Khan Dhar for protection, if anyone finds it please find that it makes it way to the nearest person with the last name 'Mishima'.
And indeed somehow it had found its way to Hon-Maru and here was Heihachi Mishima reading it. There was one particular section in the book that the elder Mishima had been particular to point out. Heihachi had read it twice already but, in his office bathed by the sunlight of May he read it again. It read:
We arrived in India three full days later than we expected and we couldn't have afforded to arrive any later. Our food supply is completely diminished and my wounds have not healed as quickly as Mishima's. We stumbled across a hut in the Jungle and to our surprise an extremely elderly man was there seemingly waiting for us. He quickly provided us with nourishment and tended to my wounds with some sort of plant that, at first, put more pain on my wounds but, overnight had healed them completely. The rain that had started five days ago has not stopped today and in only seems more intense. The elderly man told us he cannot let us leave in these weather conditions, we asked about him and he was very willing to tell us about his story. He claimed to have been a Monk many years ago and after the separation of the monk clans he began to study and became a sage. At that he told us he knew that my friend was a Mishima and he knew what he was looking for. Needless to say we were both very excited, perhaps now we would get some answers!
Alas he tells us that the affliction is a curse and one that can never be taken off, that it runs deeper than blood and more powerful than the spirit. He told us that the Russians were the most familiar with the affliction and they referred to it as a word he could not say but, could write, and here is my attempt to recreate the symbol: Дьявол. Mishima says he knows Russian and that the symbol translates as 'Devil'. This enlightened us only slightly, we now had a name for our problem but, the Sage informed us that this 'Devil' was a spiritual being looking for a physical body that could handle its power. He told us its genetic and that each Mishima man would be inflicted with the curse until one was chosen and 'Devil' would use that body as its vessel. We asked if there was a way to stop it, the old sage gave us two answers, one was to either end the Mishima bloodline, and the other was not definite. He claimed that when the Monks used to train they would carve training dummies from a certain tree and when the Monks would leave their village on missions they'd line up the training dummies around the village and that when evil spirits came around the wooden men would come to life and combat the spirits. It was possible that wood from this tree could offer some answers. The Sage explained that the tree was all but extinct now but, some remote regions of the world may still have a few, and he gave us a small piece of the bark that he had left. I hope we can come to some kind of answer.
Heihachi turned over the piece of wood, which was a little more than dust now, it seemed familiar. In fact he thought he might have seen this type of wood in Hon-Maru. Heihachi thought for a long moment replaying the forest in his mind, it was possible that he was mistaken about seeing the tree but, if he wasn't it would be a good start to investigate the forest of Hon-Maru. For a moment he sat back in his chair and looked at the buildings in the distance, he wasn't sure if he was going to get any answers. The fact that generations of his family had tried to find answers about this 'Devil' was both distressing and comforting, on one hand it meant he had an better idea than his elders did but, on the other hand the collective of their information didn't help them in time either. It was only a matter of time and Heihachi didn't have to worry about 'Devil' himself but, Jinpachi had already shown signs of weakness. Silently Heihachi sighed, the sun was high and the heat from its glow was surrounding his body, for a moment he felt the purity of nature caressing his skin but, before that feeling was over he was up on his feet and out the door.
Elsewhere the sun laid its heat onto the ground, to the brown dirt and the green grass than had been freshly cut. The smell of the cut grass filled the air with a scent that was akin to the idea of the natural world itself, along with the trees and the fragrances of the flowers that grew in the Mishima gardens. Wang Jinrei walked silently through the fields taking in the sights and the sounds of this remote sanctuary. Often he'd come out to the gardens to meditate or exercise and sometimes even just to sleep on the grass in the middle of the day. Today was a day for strolling, surely he had been through this part of the grounds thousands of times before but, each new day yielded the grass lying in a new direction or the insect crawling to a new hole, there was always something to discover about nature.
Wang slowly eased himself down to the ground to put his ear to the dirt and listen to the vibration of the ravine not far from where he lie. The water flowed past Hon-Maru traveling from an underground passage that opened up right on the outskirts of Hon-Maru, by then the water trickled until it reached the boarder of Japan and into the ocean where it raged again. From here the vibration was nothing more than a simple rumbling against his ear. Sometimes he felt if he was quiet enough he could hear insects creeping up a blade of grass or identify a bird exactly by its call. So long he had been hear he felt as if everything was familiar yet nothing was ever the same, even himself, once he was young and full of vigor, he sprung from one end to the other of the forest in no time, now it took him several moments just to bring his ear to the ground. His hand had once been smooth and clean as it felt through the grass, now it was wrinkled and patched with liver spots as it fingered through the dirt. Wang though was comfortable with his age, he knew he wasn't helpless but, he also knew he wasn't the same Wang Jinrei that could go bursting through windows everyday to catch criminals. His limitations were his friends and he respected them as long as they respected him, each day he exercised and kept his body in as good as shape as he could. Not to mention that the smell and feel of nature always made him feel young again, he could recall being a child and running through the gardens with Jinpachi, running from imaginary night ghast or avoiding the detection of the elders, things were different now but, that same wonderment and cherishing of the natural world filled his heart from time to time.
Living here now was an extra pleasure, he was able to come and go as he pleased and he relatively stayed out of the way of the people who maintained the garden and the foregrounds, though he knew all of them and they all knew him, it was a relationship that thrived on scarcity and the occasional visit. Often they would bring Jinrei wounded animals that he would nurse back to health or help live final hours in peace and Jinrei respected that they saw him as that type of figure. The vibration of the water calmed slightly and Jinrei lifted his head in satisfaction, when he did so he was surprised to see a figure walking in the near distance.
The bear walked on all fours rummaging around the gardens quietly, had Jinrei not looked up he would have probably not have noticed it. It was a great big bear too, its girth was massive, so much so that it made an entire portion of the flowers seem brown of its hide. Jinrei moved cautiously but, without any real fear to sit with his legs crossed to watch the bear and when he did the bear noticed him. For a long moment the bear simply stared directly at Jinrei watching him to see if he would move again and Jinrei just stared back. Though it was close enough to see it was far enough so that the features of its face weren't completely exposed, Jinrei could see the black eyes peering at him though from between the blades of grass and the nose twitched slightly picking up Jinrei's scent. The sight of the bear somewhat surprised Jinrei, in all his years on the grounds he had never once seen a bear before. Some of the gardeners warned him a few times that they had seen a few bears wandering around but, it never came to pass that one would cross paths with Jinrei. The bear nodded its head at Jinrei as if acknowledging that it could see him and so Jinrei did the same, when Jinrei completed his nod the bear moved back as if in shock that Jinrei would mock its movements. For a few seconds it looked around and then turned back to Jinrei and grunted, loud enough for Jinrei to hear but, the volume didn't seem to be threatening and so Jinrei grunted back, again the bear walked in a circle as if confused that Jinrei could mock its movements. A moment of silence came across both of them as the bear seemingly thought of what to do next. Quickly to both Jinrei and apparently to itself because it stumbled slightly, the bear stood up on its hind legs and waved both massive legs in Jinrei's direction and so, now worried what would happen if he had suddenly interrupted their interaction, Jinrei stood up and waved his much feebler arms the same way. The bear descended back to four legs and looked around almost nervously, Jinrei pondered if it thought he was a bear. A slight smile crept on Jinrei's face as he thought of how odd it would be to the bear to see one that looked as old and feeble as him and then as if he wasn't there the bear lost interest and began to retreat back into the forest.
Jinrei stretched and took another deep breath of the clean air, the slightest tinge of smoke touched his nostrils. Jinpachi no doubt.
'If he's cooking and I unexpectedly show up, he'll have to offer me something' Jinrei thought to himself, he smiled to himself happy with his new concocted plot. Indeed he would go drop in on Jinpachi and take food from him, which meant he wouldn't have to cook himself later.
Looking in the direction of where the bear was again, Jinrei noted that it has completely gone out of sight, he took a mental note of that the den of the animal must have been somewhere over the rise. Jinrei then turned and walked into the forest himself following the smell of fire and the familiar trees, a stranger to the land would easily get lost but, Jinrei much like the Mishimas knew the forest like clockwork. Each tree looked different to Jinrei and their differences made it easy to find the Mishimas compound.
There was a science to it though for those who may need the help. The trees were cut at the canopy in a certain way, the more light that got through from the trees the closer you were to the path, the more the trees covered the sun the more one was heading away from Hon-maru. Occasionally when Jinrei was busy thinking about different things to tell Jinpachi he would forget his way and use the system which worked remarkably well, Jinpachi cut all the trees himself and never seemed to forget himself. There was a dangerous drop off in the forest as well that Jinrei had never known about until one time where an intruder attempting to catch Jinpachi off guard wandered into the forest, Jinrei followed him and chased him down, however the man fall off the drop off. Jinrei was forced to rescue him and the rescue was a mission, the drop off fell right into the ravine and had it not been for a small cliff a few meters below the cliff the man would have fallen straight into the ravine and probably died from the drop. Jinrei had made Jinpachi aware of the drop off after the incident and Jinpachi responded by cutting all the trees down in a three yard radius to make it evident when one was coming up to the ravine.
The trees were getting thick, which meant he was almost there, Jinrei was slightly perplexed, how far had he traveled that quickly? In thinking about the old ravine had he walked half a mile already? There was also something else, he felt another presence almost sneaking up on him, Jinrei paid attention to his feelings and continued walking without making any noticeable changes, he let the presence get closer, so close that it was just behind the next tree and when he felt confident enough he struck.
Jinrei's punch was precise and quick, the amount of finesse to perform a punch like this one was probably unfathomable by the average person. The first connected sharply with something but, instead of the object recoiling Jinrei felt pain echo throughout his hand; starting at his knuckles moving down to his hand, into his arm and then all the way to his shoulder. Ignoring the pain Jinrei could see the attacker was throwing a punch of their own and he quickly was able to grab the wrist of the punch and twist it away from landing. Two fingers popped out of his fist position and readied themselves to dig into the attacker's throat, Jinrei pushed them forward but, stopped himself suddenly.
"Aha, Mishima!" Jinrei called out at the sight of Heihachi. Heihachi looked equally stunned as he relaxed his hand, he winced a bit, though they had realized who each other were, Jinrei's twisting of his wrist was painful and precise in a way where he couldn't move it at all without hurting it more.
"Wang Jinrei, I tell you, you appear at the most random of times." Heihachi spoke as Jinrei released him. Jinrei scratched his head before patting the young Mishima on his arm.
"Better than appearing at the most inopportune of times!" Jinrei laughed.
"True," Heihachi flexed his wrist. "What are you doing here?" He asked.
"Oh, I was just going to mooch of your father's cooking." Jinrei admitted.
"Yes, indeed, I can smell the fire." Heihachi commented.
"And your here looking for something aren't you?" Jinrei asked. Heihachi turned to him surprised.
"How did you know that?" Heihachi asked with a chuckle.
"You Mishima all have the same look when you're inquiring about something." Jinrei shrugged.
"Is that so?" Heihachi said quietly. "Well, as a matter of fact I am looking for something," He dug in his pocket and took out the ancient piece of wood. "I'm looking for the tree this bark would come from, if anyone would know you would." Heihachi explained.
Jinrei took the piece of bark into his hand and examined it closely, he held it first very close to his face and then very far away, widening his eyes and squinting them to see better.
"Where did you get this, it must be some hundreds of years old." Jinrei asked.
"It was in one of the diaries from Hon-maru," Heihachi explained. "Do you recognize it?" Heihachi asked.
"I might, there's a series of trees that grow a couple miles deeper in the forest towards To-Muro, there aren't many but, in the winter their bark looks nearly identical to this but," Wang started.
"What's the problem?"
"They say the forest there is cursed of some sort, I've never been but I know some merchants who have gone in that region and have never come back." Wang explained.
"Who does that land belong to?" Heihachi asked.
"Technically To-Muro but, no one from there will step foot that far into the forest, years ago they told Jinpachi he could have it but, he never really went that far. I suppose I could ask him-"
"No," Heihachi quickly interjected. "It'd be best if my father didn't know about this whole conversation Jinrei" Heihachi explained, Wang nodded.
"I understand."
The two men then quietly walked the rest of the way to Jinpachi's compound. When they arrived there a fish was being cooked over a fire, Jinrei immediately went to the fish while Heihachi went to enter the hut. Before he could get too close though Jinpachi came storming out of the hut.
"Who's going after my fish?!" Jinpachi bellowed, he turned to see Wang inspecting the piece of fish carefully and quickly went to him.
"Oh, I was just checking to make sure you hadn't ruined it!" Jinrei lied, Jinpachi lightly tapped Jinrei on the back and laughed loudly.
"This piece is for you anyway," Jinpachi revealed. "I assumed it would be more effective to let the smell of food call you hear than trying to yell my way across the compound" Jinpachi explained. Jinrei smiled widely and turned over the fish.
"You always knew how to get my attention" Jinrei chuckled. Jinpachi turned to Heihachi with an equally pleased smile.
"My son," he exclaimed at the sight of Heihachi. "What brings you here?" Heihachi shook the hand of his father.
"Well, there was something I wanted to discuss with-" before Heihachi could finish the hut door flung open .
"Father!" The boy ran down the stairs across the dirt and latched onto Heihachi's leg.
"Kazuya." Heihachi spoke lightly to the boy, whilst running his hand through the young boys hair. "Do you not wear some sort of footwear when running outside?" Heihachi asked concerned.
"Sorry father, I was just excited when I heard your voice." Kazuya explained, he smiled up at his father and then to his grandfather.
"It's alright but, go back inside and put something on before you hurt yourself like last time." Heihachi ordered. The boy nodded.
"Yes father!" Kazuya turned back towards the hut but, before he could get in Wang interrupted.
"Oh ho?" Wang vocalized. "Do I not get a warm reception?" He asked Kazuya.
"Oh, master Jinrei, I didn't see you there." Kazuya admitted. "Sal-u-ta-tions" The boy said slowly trying to pronounce the word correctly.
"Good, Salutations" Wang bowed slightly to the boy, he motioned him closer and the boy came closer. "Take this but, don't let your father know or your grandfather eat it!" Wang handed the boy a small piece of chocolate. The boy's eyes widened at the candy.
"Thank you master Jinrei!" the boy whispered, Jinrei smiled and chuckled under his breath.
"Now go before they suspect something" Jinrei whispered and the boy was off.
Heihachi watched as Kazuya went into the hut and didn't speak until the boy was gone.
"There are things I want to discuss with you about the Zaibatsu but, since you're about to eat it can wait until tonight." Heihachi explained, Jinpachi nodded at his now fully grown son.
"As you wish," Jinpachi smiled. "Will you be joining us?" Jinpachi gestured to the fish which Jinrei was now intently watching.
"No, I have a lot of reading to do, I'll pick whatever is left or find my own" Heihachi declined.
"Are you sure?" Jinpachi lowered his voice to a whisper. "Jinrei is as greedy as a hog when it comes to food." Jinpachi told his son, by the fish Wang raised his head.
"I heard that Jinpachi!" Wang revealed. Jinpachi bellowed like a fog horn.
"And ears like an owl!" Jinpachi added, the two men laughed and Heihachi found humor in the joke himself it was then Kazuya returned wearing shoes on his feet.
"Good." Heihachi commented. Kazuya smiled.
"Father do you think we could go swimming today?" Kazuya asked, Heihachi frowned.
"Not today, I have a lot of studying to do," The boy looked down to ground in disappointment, Heihachi looked to Jinpachi, who smiled and looked away. Heihachi knelt down to the boy. "but, if my studying ends early perhaps we could and if not, I promise to take you into the city next week." The boy quickly changed moods and hugged his father, Heihachi stood up and nodded at his father.
"How has the studying been going?" Jinpachi asked. Heihachi looked away.
"Slowly, there's not much information but, I'm learning to control my body in new ways from the teachings," Heihachi explained. "Well, I should get to it, I'll see you tonight."
When Heihachi emerged from studying it was very late. Kazuya was sleeping, Wang had already left but, Jinpachi was awake and sitting whilst quietly smoking a pipe in front of his hut looking at the moon. Heihachi approached and sat down next to his father, they said nothing immediately and both took comfort in the cool night air.
"Did your studying go well?" Jinpachi asked. Heihachi nodded.
"The information is plentiful but, not definite; it will take me much more time to understand things more thoroughly." Heihachi explained, Jinpachi rubbed his leg slowly and took another smoke of his pipe.
"So what is it that you want to talk to me about?" Jinpachi asked, Heihachi sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Through some reliable information I've managed to procure a meeting with one of the Zaibatsu worse saboteurs." Heihachi explained, Jinpachi looked at him directly but, Heihachi was still looking at the moon.
"Who?" Jinpachi asked, Heihachi nodded slowly.
"You've heard of him," Heihachi confirmed. "Tseng Yasurgi" Jinpachi rubbed his face with his massive hands an old sign of disapproval.
"Yasurgi is one of the top level Yakuza," Jinpachi explained. "How you managed to secure a meeting with him is only trumped by one other question."
"What am I going to do when I get in front of him," Heihachi finished Jinpachi's statement.
"Exactly," Jinpachi confirmed. "He's a dangerous man, he killed on of my, very able, assistants years ago." When Heihachi was younger, Jinpachi made a habit of having assistants who were trained in the martial arts to aid Jinpachi both in helping run the company and any physical problems he may have.
"Which one?" Heihachi asked.
"Cheng," Jinpachi's voice trailed off slightly. "I rather liked him too, trustworthy, smart. I was heartbroken when I learned what Yasurgi had done to him." Jinpachi explained.
"It happened quickly," Heihachi explained. "I was coming out of a meeting with a supply company based in Japan when I heard a man mention Yasurgi by full name." Heihachi began to explain.
"That's against Yakuza protocol, especially in public" Jinpachi noted.
"Indeed, so instantly I knew this man was stupid and I got out of whatever obligations I had and followed him. In a small amount of time I was in the downtown area, I wasn't doing a great job of following him but, he didn't notice me at all, so then I knew he wasn't Yakuza, not even a low level Yakuza, too careless."
"Alright." Jinpachi followed along.
"Well eventually he turns down an alley and makes another phone call, this time he's talking to Yasurgi directly. He sets up a meeting for tomorrow to discuss the trading of goods. After he's done with the call I jumped out the darkness and confront him, he was terrified and I made him tell me the details of where the meeting was and he was truthful, I threatened him and told him that I'd be taking his place in the meeting." Heihachi explained.
"Do you think he'll interfere?" Jinpachi asked. Heihachi shook his head.
"I don't think so," he said slowly. "He looked pretty terrified." Jinpachi chuckled.
"Heihachi Mishima: striking fear in the hearts of criminals." Jinpachi laughed.
"That one, I doubt I'll have the same effect on Yasurgi." Heihachi sighed.
"Probably not," Jinpachi said seriously. "You're meeting with him in an open place?"
"Yes"
"Then you'll probably never see him." Jinpachi concluded.
"Why not?" Heihachi asked.
"Chances are Yasurgi will check the meeting area from a distance first and when he sees you instead of his planned date he won't even come around, and he'll know you've interfered." Jinpachi explained.
"Quite the contrary, I think," Heihachi rejected. "When Yasurgi sees me, Heihachi Mishima, sitting there instead of that other man, won't he, as a Yakuza, have to see why I'm there?" Heihachi asked. There was slight pause but, then Jinpachi chuckled loudly.
"I suppose that's true," Jinpachi smiled. "Then what?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Heihachi said quietly. "I can imagine how that conversation is going to go." Heihachi stopped talking.
"I know I don't have to say this but, be careful." Jinpachi began. "I know I've taught you about our power as Mishima but, that doesn't mean that there aren't dangerous people out there. Yasurgi is one of the worst, he has ways of winning battles without ever having to raise a fist. When you enter into an issue with the Yakuza you put everything on the line." Jinpachi explained.
"My main concern is the Zaibatsu" Heihachi explained.
"and not me!?" Jinpachi bellowed loudly, straight from the stomach, the whole ground felt like it shook.
"The Yakuza are brazen, not stupid, they wouldn't set a foot against you personally." Heihachi stated.
"Of course not," Jinpachi agreed. "but what about Kazuya?" Heihachi finally took his gaze off the moon and at his father.
"What about him?"
"Don't you think he should be protected?" Jinpachi asked.
"He lives here with you most of the time," Heihachi gestured to the hut. "What better protection is there?" Heihachi asked.
"Well, eventually the boy is going to need proper schooling, there's only so much someone like me can teach him really and he is bright." Jinpachi explained.
"I suppose"
"And when he goes out into the real world how will you protect his identity, he looks just like his father, not to mention his hair grows the exact same way yours does." Jinpachi went on.
"Do you think they'd go that far?" Heihachi asked. The question sparked an incredulous look from Jinpachi.
"They would do it in a heartbeat," Jinpachi bluntly stated. "Anything to tear you down and imagine what prize they would gain by taking the Zaibatsu in your grief, you must think of him before doing this, you must be sure you can weather this storm." Jinpachi explained. Heihachi grunted.
"Do you think I can father?" He asked. Jinpachi smiled.
"My son, I think you can do anything"
"The problem with the Yakuza and the Triads is that they don't fear the police, or the government. I mean they have a natural worry of prosecution but, not one strong enough to deter them because they know they can just infiltrate and change things for their benefit but what if," Heihachi paused and looked his father in the eye. "What if I could make them fear me and the Zaibatsu, then what would happen?" Heihachi asked.
"They'd come after you in their fear." Jinpachi answered.
"And they would err," Heihachi concluded. "If I could just be strong enough, long enough they would have to err and then unravel." Heihachi explained.
"Do you think you can defeat the Chinese and Japanese mafia?" Jinpachi asked. Heihachi grunted again.
"When I say it aloud it sounds silly but, in my heart I know I can" Heihachi stressed. Jinpachi took another puff of his pipe and let the smoke out in a slow stream.
"I am unsure why you are telling me this," Jinpachi spoke. "Even if I were to tell you not to would you not do it anyway?" Heihachi struggled for words for a moment.
"I don't think I came here for you permission," His words came out slowly as he simultaneously began to grasp the answer. "I think I just wanted you to know." Heihachi went on.
"In case I have to go and save you?" Jinpachi lightly chuckled but, Heihachi seemed to miss the joke.
"No, I think," Heihachi paused. "I think part of me still wants your approval, even if it won't change the outcome, I still like to hear it." Heihachi explained. Jinpachi nodded and stroked his beard methodically.
"I want you to be safe more than anything else," Jinpachi said. "but if you can't I want you to be wise. You have my permission because I trust that you are wise and powerful." Jinpachi laid his hand on Heihachi's shoulder and squeezed tightly. Heihachi silently relished the moment, for once he felt like a child again and it felt good.
"Thanks father." Heihachi said.
"No problem," Jinpachi smiled. "Now lets see if we can get any sleep into you." Said while getting up and the two men retired back to their quarters.
The next day Heihachi was out of Hon-maru before anyone was awake. He drove himself downtown and whilst driving regretted not hiring a driver. It wasn't that he couldn't drive but, more so that he liked to collect his thoughts. The meeting was in China, which was all but a small plane ride, at an outdoor diner they would sit at a table together and discuss whatever it was they had to. Being in a different country would have usually raised some concerns but, this man was part of the Japanese mafia setting up a meeting in China, he was going to be as out of place and without help as Heihachi was. Initially in the morning Heihachi considered calling Wulong about the situation but, if he did it was probable that someone else could hear about it and some issue of corruption or some other kind would come up. So all in all Heihachi was alone in this situation with the possibility of contacting Wulong if he needed his help later, it was reassuring but he couldn't allow his doubts to effect his body of work. The plane ride felt a lot shorter than it was, the Chinese sun was shining high and bright when he arrived. The schedule left no time for Heihachi to collect himself, from the moment he was off the plane he was on his way to the diner.
When he arrived he sat at one of the tables outside facing the street like he was instructed to. He arrived three minutes early but, in the three minutes following no one came. In fact no one came for a full twenty minutes and Heihachi was starting to believe that his father's words were true. Just as he began to doubt that the meeting was going to take place a man walked up to the table and sat down in the seat across from him.
The man was weathered but not damaged in his face but most certainly had the feel of have being used or worn very well. His beard was but a small shrub of grey hair and a moustache to match. His face was clean only marked by a few small scars here and there but, those scars ran deep, one could tell they weren't by some unfortunate mistake or small accident, when faced with them one could see they were powerful marks of servility to the underworld and he wore them, they were incidental, they were ornaments, badges to this man, one could tell by the way his skinned moved that he did not care about the appearance in terms of superficiality but, did concern himself with each story they held about his life. He was the kind of man who wore sunglasses not to keep the sun out of his eyes but to keep others out. So that people couldn't see the inherent evil and calculating state of his eyes. Even through the glasses though Heihachi could see that he thought with his eyes, that even the smile he wore when he sat down at the table was out shone by the deep resentment in his eyes. That years of uninterrupted malevolence had twisted his gaze into a perpetual state of venomous calculation. His hands went instantly to the table to be shown a spurious form of security for Heihachi to pick up on, as if the fact that he was caring enough to show his hands meant he was less dangerous but what innocent man has to consciously think of showing his hands? The hair on his head was black and white, slightly disrupted but, probably twisted the same way his eyes were. Damaged, no doubt by years and years of excessive washing, thorough yet, tough treatments to remove blood, or other substances easily acquired by difficultly removed.
Yasurgi sat down with a wry smile, clearly both impressed and unimpressed to see Heihachi.
"Mr. Mishima…" Yasurgi started, letting the syllable drag like a corpse through mud. "I've got to say this is quite the surprise." Yasurgi fixed his gaze on Heihachi and didn't relent, his eyes didn't even stray for a moment to see what was happening around him.
"Well, if it weren't," Heihachi started. "I'd be worried." Yasurgi laughed mildly and watched Heihachi through the sunglasses.
"Well here we are face to face for the first time," Yasurgi explained. "I've met your father quite a few times, he was always very fond of you, too bad you couldn't just wait for your share of the pie," Yasurgi's mouth laughed but, Heihachi could see his eyes never changed moods. "When I heard you took over the Zaibatsu forcibly I was surprised, Your father is a powerful man, that couldn't have been an easy chore to complete."
"It wasn't," Heihachi lied. "but the more powerful man always comes out on top." Yasurgi nodded slowly.
"Yes, that's quite true," he finally looked away only for a split second, Heihachi followed his gaze, a man at another table quietly got up and left. "In my many years of experience I've learned that, that particular equation is often very true, thus why I am able to be here with you today."
"Indeed," Heihachi considered his next line well. "And your many henchmen of course." This time Yasurgi did laugh genuinely with his eyes but, the laugh was not one of strict humor.
"Your emphasis on the plural is intriguing considering I only signaled one person to leave us in private," Yasurgi went on. He leaned closer to Heihachi. "Tell Mr. Mishima, how many 'henchmen' ready to strike left?" Heihachi was careful not to let the surprise of Yasurgi's calling of his bluff show on his face but, it did. If he lied it was just prove he was unaware of how many their truly were and what would that gain him.
"Who knows?" Heihachi shrugged. "You Yakuza are so careful to not travel alone." Yasurgi nodded again and leaned back.
"You're right," Yasurgi complimented. "We have a very hands on approach in our organization, we like the newer ones to really feel the girth of the mission, really take in all of its essence, like when a mother bear goes for a kill with her cubs with her. Its…" He searched for a word slowly as if picking which bone to break first or what pressure point would be the most startling. "gratifying."
"I'm sure," Heihachi mumbled. Suddenly he didn't feel like being here, he didn't know what to say to this man, he didn't know what was going to come next. There wasn't anyway he was going to get up, get back in a can go the airport and go back to Japan in one piece. This was suddenly a situation of irrevocable consequences, something would have to happen for the two of them to part ways, it was like being physically bound to this man now that he was here.
"So how are things at the Zaibatsu?" Yasurgi asked. "Still making award winning machines and systems to make my job more difficult?" Yasurgi continued.
"Oh, some here and there," Heihachi decided to be forthcoming, what did he have to lose? "Nothing on the horizon immediately the ones out there now do their jobs very well." Heihachi crossed his legs.
"Indeed they do," Yasurgi agreed. "I can't tell you how many times plans of ours have been stopped or postponed because of Zaibatsu funded security precautions." Yasurgi explained; Heihachi smiled.
"Don't start flattering me now," Heihachi smugly ordered. Yasurgi stretched slightly. "There is one project starting that should really impress you when its done. It may even put you out of the job."
"Well, when that day comes I'll welcome it." Yasurgi sighed, Heihachi cocked his head to the side intrigued.
"You mean to tell me you don't enjoy criminal work…" Heihachi took a sip of his water. "Stealing, plundering, raping, murdering. The nature of the work seems to befit someone like you." Heihachi concluded. Yasurgi shrugged.
"No, it's not that but, regardless it's a job. " Yasurgi leaned closer to Heihachi. "I mean, I enjoy the work, especially the fine little details it sometimes take to complete a job but, still a man sometimes wants to sit at home and just watch the sun set." Venom spewed from his mouth to Heihachi, the way the words 'fine little details' rolled off his tongue like small beads of death dancing in the night but, his assertion of wanting to watch the sun set surprised Heihachi, something about how cruel this man could be but, how he enjoyed something so simple pure perplexed Heihachi and made him feel uncomfortable.
"And how many?" Heihachi asked prematurely, his thoughts escaping from his mind and out of his mouth like a bat out of hell.
"How many what Mr. Mishima?"
"How many sunsets have you caused in you lifetime?" Heihachi asked. Yasurgi smiled.
"I hate discussing work when I'm recreating."
"Is that what this meeting was originally about?" Heihachi asked. "Recreation?"
"Well," for the first time since he showed up Yasurgi seemed to think about what he was going to say. Up until this point Yasurgi seemed to talk so fluidly as if all the answers were preconceived. "I'm not at liberty to saw but, that does lead me to question why and how you are here?" Yasurgi face seemed to turn to stone before Heihachi's eyes, the seriousness suddenly washed over him.
"Your man had a big mouth, it didn't take much to get the information out of him." Heihachi tersely explained.
"Noted," Yasurgi quietly hissed, Heihachi suddenly felt a pang of fear in his heart, he had probably just sentenced that man to death. "But that still begs the question of why you're here Mr. Mishima, I know our two organizations haven't gotten along over the years but, we never drop by on your meetings." Yasurgi explained.
"No?" Heihachi raised an eyebrow, "I can recall almost being blown out of a building in this country some years back." Heihachi recalled the incident from those years ago.
"Yes, I heard about that," Yasurgi's eyes glazed slightly as he thought back. "they blew off half of the Chinese Defense Ministry's building. That's not quite my company's style. We're a little more subtle." Yasurgi commented.
"Of course"
"And, you must know," Yasurgi started. "This is China, my organization doesn't have any clout here." Yasurgi finished.
"So why are you here?" Heihachi asked. Yasurgi smiled.
"I believed I asked you first Mr. Mishima." Heihachi shifted slightly in his chair. There wasn't really an answer to that question.
"Curiosity, I suppose," Heihachi admitted. "When I heard your name something just told me to follow."
"Well surely you know…" the look in Yasurgi's eyes returned, Heihachi could see the process in his eyes. "Curiosity killed the cat." He finished, Heihachi shrugged.
"I don't often concern myself with such little details," Heihachi aloofly stated. "If I thought I was in any real danger I would have taken some precautions before sitting down here with you." Yasurgi smiled.
"Mr. Mishima," Yasurgi started calmly but, with the slightest hint of malice dripping from his tongue. "Do you know what it is that I do?" Heihachi shrugged and that was a truthful action, he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it is he did.
"You're a crook," Heihachi simply stated. "A swindler not above, murder, rape, deception, betrayal." Yasurgi nodded.
"Not too unlike yourself." Though Heihachi could feel that Yasurgi was prodding around for a reaction he gave it to him anyway.
"I'm nothing like you." Heihachi sneered. Yasurgi raised an eyebrow.
"You're not?" He asked intrigued.
"Not at all."
"Well, what about betraying you're father and stealing his company from under his nose?" Yasurgi asked. "What category of good Samaritan does that fall under?" Yasurgi smirked.
"You couldn't even begin to understand the relationship I have with my father."
"I can imagine," Yasurgi started. "The perfect son, bred and raise to take his father's place at the right time but, his impatience causes him to pull the rug from under his patriarch and take it for himself. And that dynasty becomes all you have to hold on to and you do like a rabid dog with it's last bone." Yasurgi explained. Heihachi remained calm though he knew his face was betraying his act.
"That was quite poetic," Heihachi spoke. "no matter how untrue." Yasurgi's face suddenly opened up as if remembering something dear.
"Oh that's right," He spoke slowly. "You have that little boy of yours don't you, what's his name again?" The slow pill of Yasurgi's words from his mouth indeed placed where his intentions on Kazuya really were. Heihachi's body welled up with anger and it took all of his will not to slam the table from between them and pummel the man.
"Leave my son out of this." Heihachi growled.
"Of course," Yasurgi mocked. "You came here interrupting my business but, now you want to be civil, now you think I should respect your family because of some higher purpose in life you think you have to fulfill," Yasurgi talked quicker with much force and anger. "Again Mr. Mishima I will ask you: do you know what it is that I do?" Yasurgi's words escaped from his mouth like tiny razors to Heihachi's confidence.
"No." He answered simply. Then as if none of the preceding had happened Yasurgi's face softened and he smiled.
"Good," He stood up. "If you'd like to know you'll be here, in an hour" He dropped a small piece of paper with his handwriting on it and casually walked away. Heihachi watched him as he left and not once did he look back. When he was completely gone Heihachi looked at the paper, on it was instructions to a place in the downtown area by the docks. For a few minutes Heihachi sat in his chair, and then he got up and left.
The place he was supposed to go was no more than fifteen minutes away from where the two of them had met. Heihachi knew this and took the extra time he had deciding on whether or not to go there. Clearly this was some kind of trap, Heihachi knew it but, something in him felt that Yasurgi was somewhat shaken about him being there and if that were the case he could be opening a crack that could lead to the further exploitation of the Yakuza and then who knows what could be accomplished from that. That being said if this was a trap how much damage was Heihachi willing to do? And more so willing to take, though there was indirect contact between the Zaibatsu and the gang this would be something much more concrete and if he didn't come out of it right it could lead to a series of problems with the company and his personal life.
The Chinese sun was beginning to set, the bright day turned into a deep orange, Heihachi was already here, how could he not go further? As predicted it only took Heihachi several minutes to reach the area by bus, the rest of the way he would have to walk. Beyond the ports were several residential buildings but, slightly beyond those was the old district which used to be the hub for many companies and processing plants decades ago. Most of those buildings were either abandoned because of better opportunities up town or abandoned because the business could not stay afloat. Eventually the area became somewhat bare fewer and fewer shops were set up there. When the residential buildings were built, they were all built with their backs to the old district and so, no one who lived in those buildings ever went back there, there was no reason to travel that way anyhow.
It was curious that the Triads didn't have this area of the country locked down. How Yasurgi traveled freely in this country without starting firefights on the street was beyond Heihachi and whatever the case was it was something to ponder and worry over.
Before long Heihachi was standing in front of the building that the directions had commanded he go, in the corner out of his eye Heihachi saw someone dash into an ally. It wasn't of concern he'd have to keep it in mind. Heihachi walked into the building and took a look around. It was an old newspaper processing plant and from the look of it it had been used recently. It was clear it was abandoned but, also clear that someone had been using the machinery recently. Above the largest machine was a medium size office, Heihachi surmised Yasurgi was in the office, so he walked to the staircase adjacent to the machinery and into the office. When he entered the office Yasurgi was sitting behind a desk and looked up somewhat surprised.
"Mr. Mishima…" He commented in a low drawl. "You came." Heihachi took a quick inventory of the room, it was essentially empty. Made of pure brick and had a medium industrial style light in the middle of the ceiling.
"Well," Heihachi began. "It was the least I could do." Yasurgi smiled wryly, even that was sinister in its way.
"Please, sit down." He gestured to a chair right in front of the desk. Heihachi sat but, cautiously kept his eyes on the man. For a moment the man seemed to be unfocused as if something had distracted him from far away, a passing thought maybe. Yasurgi scratched his head and yawned slightly.
"So why am I here?" Heihachi asked sullenly. Yasurgi, smiled and nodded at Heihachi.
"You see we're two businessman," Yasurgi began. "and we both want to continue or businesses with as little problems as possible. You could make a foolish move and attempt to bother my operation and suffer some unfortunate repercussions but, since we've been peaceful to this point, I'd suggest we continue that trend."
Heihachi listened closely, in the distance a plane roared in the sky but, it was nothing that a kittens purr where they were.
"How do you suggest we do that?" Heihachi asked.
"Well, I'm willing to make a deal with you," Yasurgi began. "Whatever it is you want we can work out and pretend this meeting never truly happened."
"And what if I refused?" Heihachi asked, Yasurgi frowned and rubbed the back of his neck slowly.
"I really don't know Mr. Mishima," Yasurgi started, the lines is his faced curved as the thoughts in his head sharpened. "But it's something I'm sure the two of us don't really want to confront."
There was a pause, a slight flaw in time almost where the two men were vulnerable to one another, in that moment they could almost hear each other's thoughts.
"Well, to be fair, I don't think there's anything you can offer me." Heihachi spoke slowly. Yasurgi sighed very slowly, in fact it could have been confused with a normal breath but, Heihachi noticed it.
"That's unfortunate," Yasurgi started. "Our two organizations have been working for so many years now. It's a shame it has to come to something like this."
The movement was so fast it almost blinded Heihachi but, he could almost see the electrical signal traveling from Yasurgi's brain down to his arm and to his concealed hand. As a reaction Heihachi's foot smashed right into the desk flipping it over onto Yasurgi causing Yasurgi to miss the shot from his pistol and Heihachi to fall backwards in his chair. The blast from the gun was deafening and disoriented Heihachi slightly as he struggled to get up from the floor. When he was on his feet Yasurgi had already rebounded and tackled him back to the cold concrete slab. Yasurgi sat on top of Heihachi, his eyes wild with excitement, his scars seemed to curl upwards in twisted smiles on his face and his mouth sprawled into a nefarious grin. He raised his right arm high and look into Heihachi's eyes.
"You should have bargained!" Yasurgi yelled excitedly as he plunged the knife downwards but, Heihachi tossed his arm and deflected the stab and twisted Yasurgi's arm into his and pulled it forcing the man to stand, Heihachi stood too and punched the Yasurgi square in his gut causing the man to expel all the air in his body. Heihachi attempted to replicate the action but, Yasurgi caught his wrist and twisted his fist like a pretzel, Heihachi yelled out in pain as Yasurgi escaped his grasp. Heihachi twisted out of the maneuver and they were face to face again, Yasurgi pulled the pistol back up to aim but, Heihachi smacked his arm sending the gun flying out the window to the first floor. Yasurgi watched it be lost and turned backed to Heihachi, he cracked his knuckles and flexed his neck.
"You aren't the first Mishima I fought," Yasurgi wiped a dot of blood running down his chin from his lip. "You won't be the last either." He darted forward and tossed a punch directly at Heihachi's face but, the young Mishima dodged and matched the move with a kick. Yasurgi's eyes lit up at the incoming blow and he quickly grabbed Heihachi's leg and tossed it aside, distracting Heihachi's movements and obtaining several blows to the Mishima's gut. As Heihachi hunched over in pain Yasurgi grabbed him by his hair and lead him to the window and tossed his head into the neighboring wall. Heihachi's head careened into the brick wall and he stumbled back into Yasurgi's grip who proceeded to lead Heihachi back into the wall. Mishima was smarter this time and with all his might grabbed Yasurgi's leading arm and tossed Yasurgi clean out the window.
As the older man began to fall he grabbed Heihachi's wrist and pulled him through the window too. Both men fell to the first level, Heihachi landing on his back Yasurgi on his side, they both wallowed in their pain for a moment but, Yasurgi was the first to stand and approach Heihachi as he only just began to rebound. A swift kick to the face landed Heihachi with his back to the wall, followed by several devastating blows to the gut, chest and face. Heihachi's body began to crumple under the pain, his mind whirred with thoughts, delusions from the pain. He continued to tell himself to stay focus and as he body slumped he saw his opportunity. He foot smashed against Yasurgi's lower leg causing the man to fall to one knee, Heihachi followed up with an uppercut that landed perfectly to Yasurgi's chin, lifting the man off the ground and falling back.
Heihachi struggled to stand as Yasurgi rolled behind a machine and disappeared. Heihachi took the brief reprieve to take a breath and collect himself. He was bleeding from his face and it was evident that his left arm was most likely broken as well as some ribs. The pain was nauseating but, he had to fight through it. The aching was distracting his thoughts were trying to center on where Yasurgi had fled but, his mind only wanted to focus on resting. Heihachi had been in fights before but, this was different, Yasurgi was powerful, the impact of his punches were like stones smashing against stone. When he spared with Jinpachi those blows were sometimes worse but, there was something else, these blows were malicious and disrupting. Heihachi shook his head, as if trying to shake the pain out and began to walk forward.
He turned the corner where Yasurgi had gone but, the man wasn't there. When Heihachi entered the warehouse didn't seem this large but, now he could see the sheer volume of the place. Yasurgi could be anywhere, Heihachi had to remain alert and smart. For a moment Heihachi considered leaving, if he could escape this would be over…for now. Of course if he did leave Yasurgi would tell the rest of the Yakuza, if he already hadn't, and they'd put pressure on the Zaibatsu. It wasn't long before Heihachi realized there was going to be only one way out of this, there was no way he could let Yasurgi go and there was no was Yasurgi could let him go. Heihachi would have to somehow capture the man, maybe bring him to Kai Wulong. That could work, they were in the country it wouldn't take long to reach him, all he had to do was capture-
From the corner of his eye he saw Yasurgi leap out from behind one of the machines and instinctively Heihachi went into a defensive position but, it was then that he realized that Yasurgi had reacquired the pistol and was aiming it, there was no time to duck or dodge, all Heihachi could do was leap forward and attempt to disrupt the shot. Before he could grab Yasurgi's arm and wrestle the gun away two loud pops echoed in the warehouse. The pain pierced Heihachi's right arm twice, enough so that his eyes unfocused for a moment. Though he was shot he did manage to get the gun away from Yasurgi and slam him against one of the newspaper cutting machines, turning it on. The machine bellowed and groaned to life sending a deep vibration through the air. Yasurgi stumbled as he began to bleed from the back of his head. Heihachi swung but, the older man was still quick, ducking and sending his on punch deep into Heihachi's stomach. The blow was debilitating, Heihachi's body gave in and fell, to which Yasurgi got behind him and began to choke him in a sleeper hold. Heihachi thrashed back and forward but, Yasurgi held on repositioning himself on the conveyer belt in a way that Heihachi couldn't escape. The man's arms tightly pressed against Heihachi's neck and chest and already he could feel his mind slowly beginning to blur. Heihachi tried to collect his thoughts and it hit him, Yasurgi was on the conveyer belt, he couldn't stay there, he'd be thrust into the cutter and killed if he didn't let Heihachi though, all Heihachi had to do was stay focus and wait out the attack. Still he thrashed attempting to loosen Yasurgi's grip on him but, the older man didn't waver at all.
"That's the problem with you Mishima," Yasurgi hissed. "You never know where your place is, you never know when to just give up." Heihachi could hear blood bubbling in Yasurgi's throat, as if this battle was exciting his entire body. In his voice there was the undeniable sound of elation as he pressed harder against Heihachi's throat. The blood in his arms throbbed like an erection, as if he was getting some sick orgasmic pleasure from slowly killing the Mishima. Heihachi's eyes began to tear automatically as he strained every muscle, nerve and atom in his body to not pass out, it had to only be a little longer until Yasurgi was forced to let go, but his fingers were numb and the pain in his ribs was nothing more than a slight tingle. He felt invincible but, he knew that was because his body was shutting down slowly.
"Let go…" Heihachi managed to spit out. "You'll fall into the cutter if you don't let go." Yasurgi twisted more forcefully.
"You see you just don't get it Mishima," Yasurgi started. "if you just gave up this could all be over. There's more pleasure in killing you then surviving" He twisted again.
Heihachi knew then he wasn't going to let go, he refocused what was left of his thoughts to push he legs against the ground. For a moment the flailed like fish on cement but, eventually they caught the grip and pushed feebly against the floor pushing his body against the body of the conveyer belt. Heihachi's eyes went dark, he couldn't tell if he had gone blind, or had just closed his eyes, his mind was running in several different directions all he could feel was that his feet was still pushing against the floor, stronger with purpose.
Suddenly the grip on his neck became dire, the strongest he had ever felt but no quicker than it happened it released all together. From the back of his mind he heard a scream that made his skin crawl. His eyes flickered back into working, they were closed but, had just opened. The vibration in the air labored off and on, the machine on his back shook violently like an ill cough. Heihachi breathed in then out. For a moment he sat there, his memory failed, what had just happened? As his mind began to return flickers of reality came to him: China, Yakuza, Kazuya, Yasurgi-
Yasurgi. He forced his legs to stand, he looked around, the man was nowhere to be found. The conveyer belt was wrought with blood. His and Yasurgi's no doubt, the machine labored. Why had he let go? The cutter, Heihachi slowly looked into it. Yasurgi was there dead. His head was intact but, whatever was left of him was grinded and cut into some mass so disturbed Heihachi couldn't identify what was what.
Heihachi cringed at the sight, or was it the pain? He looked at his shoulder. There were two gaping holes in it bleeding out of control. Heihachi wearily ripped his shirt and began to tie the cloth over the wounds. As he tightened the knot the pain climaxed and his whole body shivered violently. He knew he was going to die if he didn't get some sort of emergency help. His face was covered in blood, bleeding from his head, face, neck. He could see the exit, it wasn't far.
One step at a time…
He walked to the exit and out, the Chinese sun had almost completely set, the sky was amethyst above him and black like a void in the distance. The road was a bit further but, he could see it, if a car passed by he could get a ride. He walked slowly to the road but, his body protested. He needed rest, if only for a moment. Heihachi was able to get to a building and lay his back against the wall and slowly sit on the ground. The night air filled his lungs, it smelled of the city but, faintly of the countryside. Like Hon-maru, he missed it much now, he could visit though, in a dream.
Something tugged at him, he weakly resisted, but it persisted. It wasn't long until it all returned to him. How long had he been asleep? His eyes opened, the sky was pitch black, the thing tugged again and again. Not at his leg, not at his arm, at his pocket…a pickpocket? Like a snake Heihachi's hand snapped on to the thing tugging him and pulled it up to his face.
The little face frowned and resisted against Heihachi's grip but even in his weariness the little thing couldn't break free. He was a little Chinese boy in tattered clothing, his hair was already white, he looked like an old person in a young body. Heihachi thought slowly.
"You speak this language?" Heihachi asked, the little boy glared Heihachi could tell he understood.
"Let me free." The boy said with a heavy Chinese accent.
"You want the money in my wallet?" Heihachi asked. "You can have it." He let the boy go. "But, I can give you double that," he pointed to the wallet which the boy was going through. "if you do me a favor. Which would you prefer?" The boy looked at the wallet then at Heihachi. From his expression Heihachi could see that he was in worst shape than he felt.
"You have more money?"
"I am a rich man," Heihachi spoke slowly, he felt his mind passing again.
"Fine, what do I do?"
"Take this money, get to the nearest phone call the Hong Kong police and ask for Kai Wulong, tell him that Heihachi Mishima needs him and to bring an ambulance, then tell him where I am," He paused to keep from passing out. "Can you do that?" The boy nodded. "Now go"
The boy looked at Heihachi once more then stood up and ran away. Every part of Heihachi's body hoped the boy would actually come back and then he passed out again.
When he woke, Heihachi was not were he was last. White lights flooded his vision as it slowly began to recover itself. The air was sterile not natural, his mind sent signals to his arms and legs but they responded slowly and minimally. He was alive, which was good but, where was he and why did he feel so weak? After time, what could have been a minute or as long as a day, the white lights narrowed into dark shadows, they stood over him and appeared to look right at him. They were misshapen, like aliens or monsters, they had a particular interest in Heihachi though, as every time he attempted to move they seemed to congregate over him. After more time, which more likely a few days rather than a few minutes, one shadow gained a form, one Heihachi recognized. His mind was thinking again, memories were being recalled, feelings were coming through. Heihachi could feel his heartbeat, his skin, the light began to burn his eyes slightly so he blinked slowly. Eventually he was capable again, just not functioning, he remembered what happened with Yasurgi, in his mind he tried to estimate how bad he must have been hurt, considering he couldn't place any event that happened after it. The shadow above him stood there intently looking down at him, Heihachi recognized it, now if only he could bring his mouth to speak.
"J…Jinrei?" He slowly let loose the one word, which was much more of a process than he thought it'd be. The shadow's movements stopped, it looked like shock.
"Ho, ho, ho," The shadow exclaimed. "He rises."
Heihachi demanded to sit up but, failed again, his eyes began to focus, now instead of a shadow Jinrei was standing over him smiling.
"Where am I?" Heihachi asked wearily. Jinrei leaned closer and inspected Heihachi a little.
"You're in a Hong Kong hospital." Jinrei explained.
"Was it that bad?" the words came out slowly, but he was talking.
"Ho, ho," Jinrei tapped Heihachi's arm gently. "For a moment there even I got worried." Heihachi groaned.
"How long," He lost his breath but slowed down and regained his composure. "How long have I been out?"
"Three years." Jinrei said tersely. Heihachi's eyes widened and Wang laughed lightly. "No, no, ten days total. You started stirring two days ago but you went back out." Jinrei explained.
"Damn," he paused. "How bad is the damage?" Jinrei nodded and looked Heihachi up and down.
"You have two ribs left, both your arms are broken, your left knee is shattered, a concussion and not to mention you were shot twice in the shoulder!" Jinrei chuckled. "You're most lucky to be alive Heihachi Mishima. It begs the question," he paused. "How did all of this happen? Heihachi stirred briefly thinking over all the details.
"I met with a Yakuza, we had a disagreement now I'm here and he's not." Heihachi groaned slightly.
"Yakuza," Jinrei pondered. "Do you know who it was?"
"Yasurgi" Heihachi spoke. Jinrei rubbed his forehead and though he was looking at Heihachi he seemed to be looking passed him.
"Yasurgi, Well then you are lucky to be alive." Jinrei said. "Was he the only one?"
"Yes."
"Good." Jinrei sighed and turned from Heihachi and pulled a chair over to the bed to sit.
"But…" Heihachi started. "There was a period of time in our meeting where he could have, and probably did tell others where he was and who he was with." Jinrei stroked his beard slowly and didn't speak for a long moment. In the distance bells chimed, too many to count, but not enough to have been late.
"Dangerous," Jinrei finally spoke quietly. "You killed him?" Jinrei asked.
"He's dead."
"Then the Yakuza will want revenge but, they won't do it here." Jinrei looked around. "It's curious that any of them are in China anyhow. You may have opened up a larger can of worms than you anticipated." Jinrei sighed.
"My father…" Heihachi began.
"He is here, I couldn't convince him not to do any personal investigation however," Jinrei sighed again. "He shouldn't be gone much longer. He'll be pleased to see you this way."
"And Kazuya?" Heihachi asked.
"He's fine, he staying with a merchant friend of mine. Someone trustworthy I assure you." Jinrei spoke.
"I believe you," Heihachi looked straight at the ceiling in thought. "How was I found?" Heihachi asked, unable to remember anything past Yasurgi's mangled body.
"A young Chinese boy called Kai Wulong and lead him to you," Jinrei explained. "Is there a story behind that?" Heihachi laughed briefly and it hurt.
"He was trying to steal my wallet," Heihachi recalled. "I told him I'd give twice the amount of money in my wallet if he called Wulong."
"Interesting, it would seem you owe him a little more," Jinrei nodded. "if it weren't for him, I don't think you'd be here now."
"I'll have to employ you to find him…" Heihachi smirked.
"Oh?," Jinrei smiled his toothy grin. "How much would this job be paying?"
"When have we ever not paid you well?" Heihachi asked.
"I suppose," Jinrei laughed again. "I suppose I shouldn't take advantage of you while you're in this position." Jinrei spoke.
"What do you mean?"
"Well the boy remembers your promise, he comes to the hospital every day waiting for you to get up and pay him." Jinrei chuckled. Heihachi groaned quietly.
"A true merchant," Heihachi smiled. "you sure he's not of your clan?" Heihachi asked, both men laughed.
"No, he's not mine, but I don't think you'll be able to slip past him."
"I don't intend to. At soon as I'm ready we'll bring his parents here, I'll set them with a job at the Zaibatsu with good pay plus a reward." Heihachi explained.
"Oh, ho ho?!" Jinrei laughed. "all of that just for saving you? I've got to get into the habit." Outside a car honked its horn, children laughed, people were chattering. The men sat in silence listening to China.
"Jinrei…"
"Yes, Heihachi?"
"I'm tired." Heihachi lazily moved his arm.
"Then rest, there's nothing wrong with resting your eyes. You've seen a lot." Jinrei nodded.
"I guess."
"Just," Jinrei began. "Don't decide to wake up a week from now."