Establishing the New Kaiba Hierarchy™. It's not an easy thing, but it'll work out. I'll admit that my take on this whole operation is a fair bit darker than the inspiration pieces from which I started, but all the same … my boys aren't just fodder for angst. I don't operate that way.
There's a light at the end of the tunnel.
… Eventually.
.
"Sir, if I may . . . make a request? Call me Isono."
Mokuba eyed the man suspiciously, wondering what ulterior motive this man might have, because nobody worked on the Kaiba family's payroll without an ulterior motive or two . . . or three . . . or six. He cleared his throat. "Very well. Noted. I have a question for you, then. Isono."
"Yes, sir?"
"Why did you take it upon yourself to call me? If I recall correctly, we hadn't even talked to each other before today. So . . . why?"
Isono shrugged self-consciously. "I thought it strange, and rather inappropriate, that no one higher up on the . . . ahem . . . food chain had bothered. Believe me when I understand that you and the previous Master Kaiba had no love lost between you." Isono inclined his head. "Forgive me."
Mokuba waved dismissively. "Nothing to forgive. You're right."
"Be that as it may," Isono continued, "that's no excuse to keep you in the dark. I can only imagine how your, ah . . . play, back there, would have gone over, if you'd had no idea what was going on when you stepped onto the grounds." Isono smirked. "I do believe Mister Daimon would have taken over the entire staff by the time school let out. I don't know about you, but . . . that doesn't sit well with me."
Mokuba raised an eyebrow. "I can see why my father hired you."
Isono bowed his head again. "I suppose I've no recourse but to take that as a compliment. Was this all you wished to speak about, sir? Or was there something else on your mind?"
"I'm sure that's why he did it," Mokuba said suddenly. "Daimon was doing what he could to ensure that I was on uneven footing. That he had the edge. No doubt he kept the rest of the staff away from Seto on purpose, too. To sweep in when my brother was at his most vulnerable, and play grand vizier, or doting uncle, or . . . whatever." Mokuba shook his head, chuckled, and made direct eye contact with Isono Tsukuda for the first time.
They were earnest, those eyes. Harsh, heavy, but honest.
"Just doing my part," Isono said idly. Then his face scrunched up as something unpleasant seemed to cross his mind. "Do you honestly think that . . . Mister Daimon would use the young master's grief as a bargaining chip? Even though he was . . . forgive me again . . . the favorite?"
"Absolutely," Mokuba said, without a sliver of hesitation. "Seto was chosen. Seto is special. Daimon is a leech. This is what he does. Imagine what would have happened if Daimon had gotten to Seto before I did. Just . . . picture it. What do you think would have happened? Honestly. Don't worry about insulting me. I know far better than you do what this family's reputation is built on."
Isono drew in a breath, let it out, and crossed his arms. "Likely enough . . . he would have made it seem as though your absence were a conscious choice on your part. As though the only one truly on Young Master Seto's side, the only one cheering in his corner . . . was Mister Daimon himself." Isono raised an eyebrow. "Which is exactly what you managed to avoid, by coming home before he expected you."
Mokuba chuckled. "Exactly. Thank you, Isono. I owe you one."
"Perhaps. But there's still one . . . major question. What is it you actually wanted to talk to me about?"
Mokuba cleared his throat. "I've a job for you, Isono Tsukuda. I want Daimon gone. Now. I want him out of the equation. Can you do that? Can you . . . ensure that?"
Isono's eyes turned flinty. His face went slack.
He tightened his tie, and adjusted his jacket.
"I can, Master Kaiba."
"Will you?"
". . . I will, Master Kaiba."
