Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina, Ken Akamatsu is the mastermind behind it.
Chapter 21
Keitaro was rubbing the back of his head. He knew it was not going to be easy as he talked with his Aunt Marumi but at the same time it was understandable for him why she was questioning him.
"I know that I've made bad decisions for some time and I understand that you are a bit skeptical with but I assure you, I plan to follow through."
"Really?" Marumi replied, "And what can you do to show that you are resolved in what you're saying?"
Keitaro looked down and thought of something that was on his face and then took off his glasses and just stared at them.
Marumi and Yoshinari were intrigued and were curious.
"You two see these glasses?" Keitaro asked.
"Yes, what about them?" Yoshinari asked.
"I got these glasses specifically because they looked like Seta's glasses and I wanted to be just like him…or so I thought. But these glasses…I now see them as symbolizing that I blinded myself and haven't really looked at what was going on…just like I did in high school."
Marumi was intrigued in what her nephew was saying as Keitaro put the glasses down.
"Keitaro, there is something that I need to tell you," Marumi said, "I'm not sure how you will react but there is something that I was told by your grandmother."
"Huh? What is it Aunt Marumi?" Keitaro asked.
"Your reasoning about your goal to get in Tokyo University."
Keitaro flinched and was embarrassed by it, "W-What about it? I already know that it was silly of me to direct my whole life based on a promise to someone that I didn't remember and that I ignored what was happening over it."
"Actually Keitaro…"
Kuromitsu Inn
Naru was escorting a man to his own private room. It was someone she hoped that she would never see again but that hope Naru had was gone and that person was her father, Ushio.
"I'm glad to see you again Naru," Ushio said.
"Well, I'm not glad to see you," Naru said with a frown on her face.
Ushio sighed sadly, "Do you really hate me?"
Naru was ready to lash out but she quickly reminded herself not to do so, "Of course I do. What did you expect?" Naru wanted to know about the guests that were here, "So what's the deal? You're also part of the huge group that's here in the inn?"
"Yes, most of the people I'm with are college students from America who are here to study in Japan and others there are colleagues of mine that are here as well from Yokohama, Osaka, and Hiroshima."
"So, you're still a university professor..."
"Yes," Ushio paused for a moment, "You know I did try to see you many times. I wanted to be there for you."
"You got a lot of nerve to say that when you just left," Naru said bitterly.
Flashback: Twelve years ago at the Narusegawa Residence
Ushio was at the front door with his bag and suitcase. Saori was frowning and had her arms crossed and Naru ran to her father.
"Papa, wait," Naru pleaded and then she held her father's legs.
Ushio looked at his eight-year-old daughter Naru, "Naru…"
"Please don't go Papa," Naru pleaded again with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Naru," Ushio replied with tone of sadness, "but I have to go. Your mother and I can't get along with each other anymore."
"But why? You and Mama are married, you're supposed to stay with each other," Naru then looked at her mother, "Mama…"
Saori went to Naru and moved her daughter away from her now ex-husband, "Naru, it's not that simple."
Ushio bend his knees to face Naru, "I would have liked it to take you with me but I can't, your mother won't allow it."
"That's right, I won't," Saori said firmly, "just leave Ushio. Don't make it harder than it needs to be."
"Saori…you…" Ushio looked down upset and then stretch his knees and then proceeded to walk out of the door.
Naru started to cry, "Papa!" Naru released herself from her mother's grip and ran after her father, "Papa, no...please come back. Stay with me Papa!"
Naru saw her father get in his car and began to drive off. Naru was crying as the car her father was driving left. Saori went and hugged Naru and trying to console her.
Flashback End
"I wanted you to stay but you just drove off," Naru said bitter when recalling her childhood.
"Naru, you mother and I got a divorce because we could no longer tolerate each other," Ushio explained.
"But why? Why did you leave?"
"I had to leave; all your mother and I did was fight, fight, fight. We couldn't get along with each other."
"So instead of working things out, you decided to just leave…leave me behind."
Ushio was silent for a moment and then spoke, "I did try to see you again many times, but every time I tried, you were nowhere around, it was as if you were avoiding me."
"Well of course I was," Naru admitted, "how could I see someone who abandoned me?"
"Naru, I didn't…I didn't abandon you," Ushio replied defensively.
"Yes you did, you didn't care enough about me to stay and now even Mom doesn't even care about me."
Ushio was confused, "What are you talking about? That can't be true. Granted your mother and I can't stand each other anymore but I know that your mother loves you as much as I do."
"Don't give me that! You can't deceive me! Neither of you actually care about me. Mom stopped caring about me long time ago as she stopped paying attention to me, that's why I left to live on my own and I don't even bother to talk to her or that man that she's married to now."
"Naru, what are you saying?" Ushio asked.
Naru looked away with a frown, "So some of the people that are staying are university students, huh?"
"Don't change the subject on me Naru, what's been going on?"
"It's not like you'd understand if I told you," Naru went and opened the door of a room, "This is your own private room, please make yourself comfortable."
"Naru…"
"Please make yourself comfortable sir and while here, I'm not your daughter, I'm a worker of the Kuromitsu Inn."
Naru walked away and left Ushio confused and he looked down frowning. Unknown to Naru and Ushio, Kitsune saw and heard the whole conversation.
"This is quite sad," Kitsune commented, "Naru blowing off her father like," Kitsune shook her head disappointed at Naru, "Naru is unbelievable, she has both parents that love and care for her and she just blows them off. Naru is so lucky that she has a father that still cares about her. I wish my own father still cared about me," Kitsune sighed and thought of something that she was planning to do, "I'll call my brother and see him and my mother. I'm going to do what I can to atone for being trouble to them, especially to my mother…yeah, I get it now."
Hajime Manor
Mutsumi, Kagura, and Chisato were sitting in the living room of manor. Mutsumi looked around and was at awe of the home of Hajime family.
"You have a nice home Kagura," Mutsumi commented.
Kagura smiled, "Why thank you."
A maid came in and brought each of the three girl's tea.
"Your teas," the maid said respectfully.
"Good," Kagura said as she, Chisato, and Mutsumi took their teas and sipped them.
"This is fine, you can go now," Kagura said to the maid.
"Yes my lady," the maid said as she bowed and left.
The three girls continued talking as they enjoyed their tea.
"By the Mutsumi," Chisato spoke, "about that girl we met in front of the steps of the Hinata Inn."
"Oh, you mean Shinobu," Mutsumi said.
"Yes, her, she was quite an irritating girl," Kagura said.
"…It surprised me," Mutsumi said with a sad expression, "Shinobu was never one who would act like that before."
Flashback: Earlier at the entrance steps of the Hinata Inn
Mutsumi was shocked to see Shinobu, "Shinobu, what brings you here?"
"I was invited here by Sen-, I mean, Keitaro," Shinobu answered.
This surprised Mutsumi as well as Kagura and Chisato.
"Wait, Keitaro is here?" Mutsumi asked.
"Yes, he's in the Hinata Inn right now talking to his Aunt Marumi."
"Do you know what about?"
"Yes, he's there to apologize to his aunt and his cousin and is going to support his aunt to take over the inn."
Mutsumi was shocked, "Keitaro…he's actually going to allow it?"
"That's right."
"B-But he can't…"
Shinobu raised her eyebrows, "What do you mean he can't Mutsumi?"
"Shinobu, you know what will happen. If Keitaro allows this to happen, Granny will lose the inn and Marumi will not allow the other girls to stay in the inn."
"It's better this way."
Mutsumi was shocked to hear Shinobu say that, "Shinobu, you can't mean that."
"I do. Keitaro feels that it's the right thing to do and I agree with him."
"But why Shinobu?"
"You know why. Keitaro doesn't feel that he did a good job as manager and he believes that it's right that someone who is sensible and won't let others get away with things that are wrong to run the inn. When his aunt took the deed and had it revised in her name, Keitaro was surprised but then he figured that it would be the best."
"That can't be true," Mutsumi said shocked at what she was hearing.
"It is and in fact, I agree with what Keitaro said and I came by here to give my support to his Aunt Marumi as well."
Mutsumi narrowed her eyes and then looked up at the Hinata Inn, "Shinobu, you're making a mistake and Keitaro is making a mistake as well and I can't see why you would support his Aunt Marumi in what she's doing You don't even know her well."
"Neither do you Mutsumi," Shinobu responded.
Mutsumi started to head up to the Hinata Inn.
"Mutsumi, where are you going?" Shinobu asked narrowing her eyes at the young Okinawa woman.
Mutsumi turned to Shinobu, "I have no choice. I have to go there and stop Keitaro from making this huge mistake. He's feeling so bitter about the bad things that had happened that he has completely forgotten the good that has happened here in the inn."
Shinobu ran up passed Mutsumi and quickly blocked her path, "I won't let you."
"Shinobu, please move," Mutsumi requested as she narrowed her eyes at Shinobu.
"No," Shinobu said with her hands out.
"You're being annoying," Chisato said with a glare, "Mutsumi wants to talk to Keitaro so stand aside.
"I don't know who you are and I don't care, stay out of this!" Shinobu countered.
Kagura and Chisato got angry with what Shinobu said and Mutsumi was shocked at Shinobu's behavior.
"You damn brat, who the hell do you think you are?" Kagura said as she and Chisato grabbed Shinobu by her arms.
"Let go of me!" Shinobu demanded.
"You annoying little bitch, it's you who needs to stay out of it," Chisato said with venom.
"What the hell is going on?" Haruka's voice spoke.
Mutsumi as well as Kagura and Chisato turned to see Haruka.
"Haruka…" Mutsumi spoke.
"What the hell is this?" Haruka asked with anger, "you two let go of Shinobu right now!"
Chisato and Kagura frowned in anger. This gave Shinobu the opening as she kicked both Kagura and Chisato, surprising both of them as they felt pain on their legs. Shinobu ran to Haruka. This angered them and attempted to teach Shinobu a lesson only to have Haruka grabbed both of them and dragged them to front stair entrance of the Hinata Inn and she pushed them to the ground. Mutsumi tried to plead with Haruka but was ignored and when Haruka pushed down Kagura and Chisato, she turned to Mutsumi and slapped her hard in the face, surprised Mutsumi herself as she fell on the ground. Chisato and Kagura were shocked as well.
"H-Haruka…" Mutsumi said with her eyes widened holding her cheek where Haruka slapped her feeling the pain.
"I told you that you can't be here anymore Mutsumi and yet you completely ignore me and made your attempt," Haruka said with venom.
"Haruka, I just…I just want to talk to Keitaro, please, let me see him."
Haruka viciously grabbed Mutsumi pulling her up to her eye level, "Like hell I will let you see my nephew. I won't let you or anyone else attempt to take advantage of him any longer."
"Haruka, why are you doing this? Why?"
"For a long time, I've completely ignore my nephew and the pain he had been going through, I never acted like a real family member to him. I ignored his troubles and didn't do much for him. That changes now, it may be too late for me, but I will help my nephew and protect him from those who will do harm to him and Mutsumi, that includes you. You have done nothing but brought indirect harm to my nephew, well no more, I don't think that you actually care about Keitaro as you claim you do. Now I want you and your two disgusting so-called friends to leave here. If you don't, I'll get the police involved and have you three arrested for trespassing."
"Haruka…you…you…" Mutsumi was in shock.
"Mutsumi, we better leave," Chisato suggested.
"Chisato, surely we could try-"
"Mutsumi, it would be best if we didn't push our luck," Kagura interrupted.
"Yeah…" Chisato agreed.
Mutsumi looked at the glares she was getting from Haruka and Shinobu and Mutsumi glared back at them.
"Fine," Mutsumi said, "it's too bad, Granny will be heartbroken should she hear about this. I never thought you would be so cruel Shinobu and you Haruka."
"Just leave Mutsumi; you don't really care about Keitaro or his feelings," Shinobu said, "anything you say is just sheer stupidity."
"Shinobu…you should be ashamed of yourself, maybe Naru and Motoko were right about you after all."
Mutsumi, Chisato, and Kagura left and didn't look back.
Flashback End
"Haruka and Shinobu," Mutsumi said as she shook her head, "I don't even know them anymore."
"Don't worry, we'll make them see how wrong they were as well," Kagura said.
"I think it's time we discuss our plan," Chisato said.
"Oh right," Mutsumi said, "but will whatever it is really set things right?"
"Are you worried?" Kagura asked.
Mutsumi nodded, "Yes, I just don't know what I can do about…"
"Mutsumi, just leave things to Kagura and I, all you have to do, follow through with what we tell you and things will be set right," Chisato assured.
Mutsumi nodded again, "Okay."
"Good, so here's what we had in mind Mutsumi," Kagura started.
Hinata Teashop
Haruka and Shinobu were sitting at a table and Shinobu was drinking a green tea.
"How are you feeling Shinobu?" Haruka asked.
"I'm fine, thank you Haruka," Shinobu said feeling grateful, "thank you for earlier Haruka."
"Earlier?"
"Yes, you showed up and stopped those horrible girls."
"Oh that, I don't think I really did anything, although you held yourself together and stayed strong."
"I don't know, did I really?"
Haruka nodded, "Absolutely."
"Haruka, why can't Mutsumi just stop thinking she knows what best and accept that Keitaro has changed and moved on?"
"Pointless to ask me, but it is something."
"Huh? What is?"
"You are referring my nephew as Keitaro and not Senpai anymore."
Shinobu simply nodded, "Yeah, we had a lot to talk about."
"Really?"
"Yes, I met Keitaro at the park and we talked."
Haruka was intrigued, "Wow, you're not feeling flushed like you would usually do. You've changed Shinobu."
"Oh, have I really?"
Haruka nodded while smiling, "Yeah, I believe so."
Shinobu looked down smiling, "Well, if you think so, I'm not so sure myself," Shinobu decided to ask Haruka something that she felt was an important matter, "Haruka, you're also supporting your Aunt Marumi of getting control of the Hinata Inn, right?"
Haruka simply nodded, "That's right."
"If that's the case, what's going to happen with the Hinata Teashop since it is also part of the land of the Hinata Inn."
"I don't know. I don't know if I'll still keep it."
"Haruka…"
"Oh but I'll be fine," Haruka genuinely assured, "even if I lose the place, I have enough money to save to get by and I can find something to do."
"But your teashop, you had it for a long time, wouldn't you be sad to lose it."
"I'd be lying if said I wouldn't but it may be better for me in the end…" Haruka felt a bit sad.
"Haruka…" Shinobu spoke with concern for Haruka.
Hinata Inn
Keitaro was shocked at what Marumi told him and Marumi simply sighed.
"You knew?" Keitaro asked, "You knew about my childhood promise?"
"Somewhat," Marumi said.
"When? When did you find out?" Keitaro asked feeling a bit upset.
"Two days after you were transferred to another high school."
"Granny came to see me in the hospital," Yoshinari said.
Flashback: Seven years back, two days after Keitaro's 'transfer', Hinata General Hospital
Yoshinari was eating the food that was provided to him and his mother Marumi was sitting watching her son eat.
"How are you feeling Yoshinari?" Marumi asked.
Yoshinari swallowed his food and nodded to his mother, "I'm fine Mom. I'll be okay; you should go ahead and head back to your company. I'll be all right and I don't want you burden yourself for my sake."
Marumi closed her eyes and waved her finger, "You should only be concerned about getting better. Don't worry about me, I chose to be here to check on you and it's not a problem."
"Are you sure?" Yoshinari asked with concern.
Marumi smiled, "Of course and your father feels the same way which is why he's getting off work early to come see you as well."
Yoshinari had his head down, "I feel bad, you and Dad cutting your hours for my sake."
"Yoshinari, don't worry about it," Marumi assured with a smile, "you are our only child, it's only natural for us to make sure you're okay. So, no sad face for you, okay?"
Yoshinari smiled, "Okay, thanks Mom."
Marumi hummed happily, "Think nothing of it."
"Hello, may I come in?" Hina's voice asked.
Marumi and Yoshinari were surprised to see Hina standing at the entrance of the door.
"Granny?" Yoshinari spoke surprised.
"Mom?" Marumi spoke, "What brings you here?"
"Kyoshiro told me what happened," Hina said and went to Yoshinari with concern, "Yoshinari, are you okay?"
Yoshinari nodded, "Yeah, thanks for coming to see me Granny."
Hina smiled, "It's fine and I'm glad to see you're okay," Hina then turned to Marumi, "Marumi, can we step outside for a moment? I need to speak to you about something."
"Um…" Marumi spoke not being sure and worried about leaving Yoshinari alone.
"I'll be fine Mom," Yoshinari said, "you go ahead and talk to Granny. I'll be okay."
Marumi nodded, "Okay," Marumi looked at her mother, "after you."
Hina nodded and went left Yoshinari's room with Marumi following her. When they stepped out of the room, Hina looked at Marumi.
"Marumi, I need to talk to you about Keitaro," Hina said.
Marumi frowned at the mention of her nephew, "Why?"
"Keitaro told me what happened. Marumi, don't you think you were being too harsh?"
"Too harsh? Do you know what that fool did?"
"Yes, he helped a girl take a book away and led those two hooligans to Yoshinari but Marumi, that wasn't really Keitaro's fault."
Marumi was shocked at what her mother said, "How can you say that it wasn't Keitaro's fault?"
"That Chisato girl deceived Keitaro and those hooligans lied to Keitaro as well. He had no idea what was going to happen."
"He still helped that girl make off with that book without knowing the situation."
"Keitaro was just being nice, he couldn't help it."
"There's difference of being nice and being gullible and naïve."
Hina sighed, "Look Marumi, I'm going to tell you something important."
"What is it?"
"Keitaro also told me that Yoshinari was being cruel when he told him about his goals for Tokyo University."
"Oh that…"
"Maybe Yoshinari may have thought that he was being…helpful but it was not his place to give his opinion of how Keitaro was going on about it and besides, his promise girl will be at Tokyo University as well."
Marumi was confused, "What are you talking about?"
Hina smiled, "I know about the promise that Keitaro made…in fact, I know who is promise girl is."
"Who is it?"
Hina waved her finger, "That's not something you need to know."
Marumi was taken back, "Fine then I'm sure Keitaro will ask you."
"No, he won't."
"Why?"
"Because he doesn't know that I know and he doesn't need to know. It's best that something like this as a surprise for Keitaro."
"…Why are doing this?"
Hina simply looked at Marumi, "I want Keitaro to be happy and he will find happiness with his promise girl. It's also why I'll pass my inn to him as well. The Hinata Inn has always brought couples together and Keitaro will be no exception to that."
"That's ridiculous," Marumi countered.
"Hmm, maybe to you but it has helped a lot of people over the years, whether you believe it or not, and it will continue helping people. Keitaro likes to help people so it would be just as fit that Keitaro would own the place that's known to help people as well."
"Mom…" Marumi didn't like her mother's reasoning.
Hina continued, "Look, what happened to Yoshinari was terrible but you can't really fault Keitaro in any way for it. He was just being kind, he can't help being kind. I'm sure he will attract many people for his kindness."
"He was not being kind, he was being a naïve idiot and I don't think Keitaro would like the fact that you've known and he won't be should he find out."
"Why? Because you'll tell him….you're upset with him and he'll think that you'll say those things out of spite. After all, you haven't exactly been very understanding towards Keitaro."
"Even Keitaro would want to know if I tell him that you know," Marumi countered.
"Then let's make a wager."
"What kind of wager?"
"Keitaro would never believe that I would really keep anything from him so if you can get Keitaro to ask me about his promise girl, I'll tell him but if he doesn't believe you in saying that I actually know, then you have to promise that you will never say anything about his promise girl and the fact that I know. What do you say?"
"I say that you're crazy."
"Oh, what's wrong Marumi; do you not have confidence that you can prove me wrong?"
Marumi was provoked and huffed, "Fine, you have a deal."
Flashback End
"So, that what you were going on about when you came to visit at that time," Keitaro said.
"Yes, I'm sure it's obvious to you about who lost that bet," Marumi said bitterly.
Keitaro felt ashamed and rubbed his head, "I discarded what you said and never bother to ask Granny because as she said, I believed that Granny wouldn't really keep anything from me. So, you had to promise to keep quiet about it since I didn't believe you. You tried to tell me but I didn't believe you because I simply thought you were being cruel and making things up."
"Yes…"
"I'm sorry Aunt Marumi, if I had only believed you and listened what you and Yoshinari was saying, I wouldn't have put myself in unnecessary hardship. I'm such an idiot."
"…Well, the fact that you admit your mistakes, there really is hope for you."
"I agree," Yoshinari said nodded.
"Thank you Aunt Marumi, Yoshinari," Keitaro said happily, "you know, I want to do something."
"Hmm, what?" Marumi asked.
"If…if it's okay with you two, I want to do what I'm doing with my parents and Kanako, I want to start over. I'm willing to do what I can to make amends and I want to start over. Would you two as well as Uncle Sosuke be willing to give me another chance?"
"Keitaro…" Yoshinari said surprised.
"Sure," Marumi said easily.
"You…mean it?" Keitaro asked surprised how his aunt answered.
"If you willing to try and really want to make it up to us then I have no problems doing that."
"The fact is Keitaro is that my mom still had a bit of faith in you," Yoshinari said.
Marumi was surprised at her son, "Yoshinari!"
Yoshinari simply looked at his mother, "What? It's true, isn't it? You were going on about Keitaro was finally waking up although you wished Keitaro did things a bit differently."
Keitaro was surprised and looked at his aunt, "Aunt Marumi…"
Marumi felt a bit embarrassed and looked away with her hand on the side of her cheek. Keitaro couldn't help but to smile. He decided to not to waste the opportunity and to make sure he didn't betray the trust of his aunt and cousin just as he wouldn't betray the trust of his parents and sister.
"Oh yeah, Keitaro, there is something that I need to tell you," Yoshinari said in a serious tone.
"Hmm, what is it?" Keitaro asked.
"Chisato Ichimura, she's back and she's looking for you."
"I see, yeah, I already know because of Mutsumi."
"That's not all; it seems that Chisato has a friend name Kagura Hajime."
Keitaro was surprised, "Kagura…Hajime…her?"
Yoshinari and Marumi looked at Keitaro's expression.
"Keitaro, do you know Kagura Hajime?" Marumi asked.
"Um, well, not personally but I know someone who does. Kagura killed a very dear friend of her and got away with it."
"Oh, so your friend knew Takeru Oyame."
Keitaro nodded, "Yeah…"
"Keitaro," Shinobu's voice called.
"Oh, Shinobu, over here," Keitaro replied.
Shinobu and Haruka showed up in the common room.
"Uh Keitaro, what's going on?" Marumi asked.
Shinobu answered, "I know you didn't expect to see me again but I hope you believe me when I say that I'm here to support me."
"Me?"
"Yeah, Shinobu and I talked," Keitaro said and she wants to help you as well.
"Really?" Marumi spoke.
"Yes," Shinobu responded.
"That's great," Yoshinari said.
"Keitaro, we need to tell you about Mutsumi," Haruka said.
"Mutsumi…" Keitaro said having an idea what Haruka was going to say.
Sarah's New School
Sarah had just finished explaining about her time in the Hinata Inn and how it was more fun and enjoyable to be around then it was in her first day in class. Seta was sitting with his hand on his face wishing that his adopted daughter would just stop. The female teacher was listening on Sarah's every word and the more she listened, more it seemed to her that the people that lived there had absolutely no real sense, not even this Keitaro Urashima, who to her sounded like he was didn't do much as a sensible inn manager and she also couldn't help but feel that the girl's father was just as irresponsible as well.
"So, is that all Sarah?" the teacher asked.
"Yep," Sarah said proudly, "they're more nice and fun."
The female teacher tapped her finger on her desk and had a look of disapproval, "How irresponsible…"
"Um…" Seta uttered.
"It's irresponsible of how something like this occurred."
"What do you mean irresponsible?" Sarah asked.
The female teacher looked at Seta, "You're quite irresponsible Mr. Seta and so is that manager name Keitaro and it seems those tenants of that inn are not really a good influence. Did you even bother to check before you left your daughter with them or were you just too preoccupied with your own work that you didn't really bother to really see as you just left her there?"
Seta had his head down in shame and Sarah was upset at what the teacher said.
"Hey, don't insult my papa, you stupid old lady!" Sarah said upset and loudly.
This shocked the entire staff in the office and they all looked at Sarah.
"Sarah, you're out of line!" Seta admonished.
Sarah looked at her adopted father, "But Papa…"
Seta looked around and saw some of the other faculty members were staring at Seta and Sarah and were whispering to each other. Seta could hear some of them question Seta's parenting skills. One of the faculty members whispered that about how a foreign child like Sarah could not be acceptable and should be just deported. Seta was getting a real bad feeling.
"Mr. Seta, we may feel that we don't want this…" the female teach cleared her throat, "…problem child here in our school."
"Problem child…?" Seta spoke, "No, Sarah is really not so bad, it's just, yes, bad influence, influences that could have been prevented if I had done a better job. Please don't punish Sarah for my poor judgment."
"Huh? Papa, what are you saying?" Sarah asked.
"Sarah, please don't say anything else right now."
"Hmph, we don't tolerate that kind of behavior in our school so if I was you, I have a serious discussion with her because otherwise, I'm going to insist that she goes to a…certain academy."
"A certain academy…?" Seta wasn't sure what the teacher meant.
The teacher pulled out a brochure and handed to Seta. He looked at the brochure and his eyes widened as he looked at the teacher and saw in her expression that she was serious. Sarah was confused at what was happening and Seta looked at Sarah.
Kuromitsu Inn
Su had got through cleaning the shed and sighed of relief. It was also at the time that Shakiko arrived to see.
"I see that you finished," Shakiko said.
"Yep, all done," Su said proudly.
"Very well, now, have you reflected on what you did when you ate the things you should not have eaten?"
Su got sad and nodded, "…Yes, I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
"…Very well, you can help by bringing in extra sheets to a couple, in room 307. You know where we keep the sheets."
Su put her hand up and smile, "Okay, I'm on it."
Su left to do the task and Shakiko looked on and sighed.
Meanwhile Naru was walking in the hallway. Naru could hear people having a good time and conversing with each other. Naru saw a room that was opened and she saw people that were her age laughing and having a conversation with each other. Naru frowned and looked away and decided to get away. She wasn't sure why but she couldn't stand watching people enjoying themselves. She shook her head and moved on.
"Thank you so much," a woman's voice said.
Naru looked and saw Kitsune being helpful to a young woman.
"You're welcome; it's my pleasure," Kitsune said happily and bowed, "if there's anything else you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
"I will," the young woman said with a smile, "you really are a nice person."
Kitsune was a bit surprised but was grateful for the complement, "Th-Thank you."
The young woman smiled and went back to her room. Kitsune turned to see Naru.
"Hmph, a nice person, huh?" Naru said with venom glaring at Kitsune.
"Oh Naru, it's just you," Kitsune said.
"It's too bad that person doesn't know the kind of person you really are," Naru said with her arms crossed.
"You're so annoying," Kitsune said as she walked away.
"Oh, I'm annoying?" Naru replied feeling offended, "you are still a lousy, lazy, money-grubbing, drinking-"
"Naru, what are you doing?" Hikaru asked.
Naru turned to see Hikaru glaring at her.
"Hikaru…" Naru spoke.
"Naru, why are you just walking around when we have lot guests we need to look after? I don't know what the deal is but you need to concentrate on serving our guests, not just walking around and throwing your childish hissy fits."
"You don't understand," Naru argued, "Kitsune is-"
"Is she causing you to stop what you're supposed to be doing right now?"
"W-Well no, but I'm just saying that-"
"Naru, if my grandmother sees you not doing what you're supposed to be doing, you're going to be in serious trouble so stop goofing off and get back to work. Honestly, does work ethic means nothing to you?" Hikaru said as she walked away to do her own duties.
"You don't understand, you-" Naru cut herself off when she saw that Hikaru was not in listen range and saw that Kitsune had left as well.
Naru was very upset and moved on. When she did, she saw a man with black short hair and a woman with long red hair tied to a side ponytail.
"C'mon, I'll show you," the man said with grin.
The woman was very nervous, "Um, I don't know. I'm not so sure…"
"Look, you should give it a try and I know you want to," the man said as he put his hand on her shoulder, "I'll guide you through it. So relax."
"R-Really?" the woman replied nervously.
The man nodded his head with a grin.
"I don't believe this!" Naru said in her head as she was watching the scene, "That creep, he's got a lot of nerve. I'll help that woman right now!" Naru rushed the man and woman and readied her fist, "Hey you pervert!"
The man and woman wondered what was going on and the next thing they knew, the man was punched by Naru, surprising him and the woman and the man flew a little and hit the wall, screaming in pain from the punch and from hitting the wall before landing on the ground writhing in pain.
"That's what you get, you disgusting pervert!" Naru said and then turned to the red haired woman, "It's okay now, don't worry. I won't let him bother you anymore."
The woman on the other was not happy with what just happened, "Wh-wh-what the hell are you doing, you stupid girl?!"
"W-What?" Naru asked shocked at the woman's reaction.
The woman rushed to the man's side, "Kyoji, Kyoji, are you okay?"
"It hurts, it hurts, ow, ow, ow…" the man named Kyoji said in pain, "uh, sorry Chizuka, I guess I won't be able to help you now."
The woman named Chizuka was upset and then she gritted her teeth glaring at Naru.
"You…who do you think you are attacking my husband?" Chizuka asked angrily at Naru.
Naru was taken back surprised that the two were actually a married couple, "But he was bothering you. He clearly wanted you do something that you didn't want to do."
"What's going on here?" one of the Kuromitsu female employees asked.
Soon other guests of the inn arrived and wondered what happened. Shakiko and Hina showed up as well and Kitsune ran to see. Kitsune saw Kyoji in pain and she looked at Chizuka glaring and clearly upset with Naru.
"Naru, you didn't," Kitsune thought although knew that it was definitely the case.
Ushio showed up and went to the couple and looked over Kyoji. Shakiko went to them as well.
"What happened?" Shakiko asked with concerned.
Chizuka pointed at Naru very upset, "That girl punched my husband for no reason!"
Everyone turned to Naru who was looking around nervously.
"Naru, did you…did you do this?" Ushio asked shocked that his daughter would assault someone.
"What kind of inn is this that allows this kind of assault?" Chizuka asked angrily.
Shakiko turned to Naru, "Naru, explain yourself!"
"Look, it was his fault really," Naru said pointing at Kyoji, "he was making her feel uncomfortable and he clearly wanted to make her do something that she didn't want to do, something perverted no doubt," Naru said.
"What are you going on about?" Chizuka asked feeling insulted, "You don't even know what we were actually talking about and it's not really any of your business anyway."
"Oh really?" Naru replied offended, "Then what was it about? I just saved you and yet you're being ungrateful about it."
Some of the guests were shocked at Naru's response and Shakiko was livid.
Chizuka was angry, "It was none of your business but I'll tell you. There's an arcade that is not far from here. I like fighting games but I'm not very good at them. My husband is generally good at fighting games and he was encouraging me to give certain one a try because he feels that I could get good at it. He was trying to help me and you attacked him for no reason!"
Naru was shocked and bewildered, "Is that what it was about?"
Shakiko bowed to Chizuka, "Ma'am, you have my deepest apologies, I assure you that this inn does not tolerate such behavior from our employees."
The other workers that were there bowed as well and Naru was looking around.
"But, I was sure that-" Naru tried to say.
"Naru!" Kitsune interrupted, "You were wrong! Apologize for what you did."
Naru turned to Kitsune, "Hey! You don't have the right to tell me what to do!"
"Then I'll say it," Shakiko said angrily to Naru, "Apologize for what you did!"
Naru was taken back and looked around and gritted her teeth. She then proceeds to bow to Chizuka, "I'm sorry for my actions earlier, it was wrong of me to attack your husband," Naru said while twitching.
Some of the workers as well as some of the guests helped Kyoji to his and Chizuka's room. Chizuka was airing grievances over what Naru did and made some demands and Shakiko demanded Naru to come to her room to have a talk and Hina and Su were very worried. Word spread about the action Naru took and some people were starting losing their faith with how the inn was being run. Su saw that there were people who were not being happy and thought what she could do to cheer them up. She then had an idea and went up to the room where she, Naru, Kitsune, and Hina were staying.
On route to the Kuromitsu Inn
A car was heading to the Kuromitsu Inn. The driver and the front passenger were the two detectives Ishida, the one driving, and Maeda. The back seat passenger was a middle aged man with black hair and a beard, wearing a dress shirt, black slacks, and dress shoes and he was monitoring something on his laptop. It was Sosuke Urashima, Marumi's husband and Yoshinari's father.
"How is it now Sosuke?" Maeda asked.
"I still have the signal," Sosuke replied, "this one is very careless…or maybe she doesn't think that she's in trouble now."
"We better hurry before she tries to kidnap your nephew again," Ishida said.
"…Yes."
The car that Ishida was driving was also being accompanied by the cars of the Japanese Police and two vans that had the members of the JSDF.
Another route to the Kuromitsu Inn
A black limousine was heading to the inn and the limo belonged to the Molmol Royal Family. In the back, Amalla was getting very worried and all she could think of was why she didn't reign in on her younger sister Kaolla when she should have.
"If I don't get to her first before they do…." Amalla said to herself.
Kuromitsu Inn, Shakiko's Room
Naru was sitting facing a very upset inn owner. Hina was there as well and so was Kitsune.
"Naru, I want you to explain this to me," Shakiko said, "what made you think it was okay for you to punch someone in the first place and without knowing what was really going on?"
"Shakiko, I thought for sure that guy was making her feel uncomfortable," Naru answered, "she looked nervous. It seemed like he was making her feel uncomfortable."
"Did you even ask what was going on?"
"Well, no…"
"So you just drew up your own conclusion that something unpleasant was going on without even looking at the whole situation."
Naru flinched, "I…I thought…"
Hina decided to stepped it, "Shakiko, I assure you Naru didn't mean any harm. She was just looking out for one of the guests, that's all."
"Hina, you need to stop covering for what bad acts that they do," Shakiko countered, "you're not doing them any good."
"Shakiko…?" Hina spoke.
"But that guy was grinning, it was already very suspicious," Naru insisted, "I bet that woman just said those things she said and acted angry because she was too embarrassed to admit that she was in trouble."
Shakiko crossed her arms and Kitsune was just shook her head.
"Is that how you feel every time a man talks to a woman?" Shakiko asked.
"It usually the case when I see it," Naru answered, "and especially when they're grinning like perverts."
"Hmm, so was that the reasons why you felt the need to punch Hina's grandson, Keitaro as well?"
It threw off Naru as well as Hina.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about the fact that you would punch Keitaro almost every time he would have words with another girl and when situations that would involve him and when it was clearly not his fault. It's one of the reasons why he quit as manager of the Hinata Inn, because of the unjust assaults that he would get from you and even when you know you were wrong, you wouldn't admit it."
"Wait a minute Shakiko," Hina said.
"Hina, you told me that Keitaro left because he was having a hard time and felt doubt about his life but there's more to that, isn't there?"
"Shakiko, what are you saying?" Hina asked.
"Naru assaulted one of the guests because she didn't really see the situation and assumed something unpleasant was going on," Shakiko looked at Naru, "and it's not the first time, is it Naru? It was a usual occurrence with Keitaro as well."
Naru was taken back and then frowned as she looked away.
"Shakiko, what are you saying?" Hina repeated.
"Don't pretend Granny," Kitsune said, "Shakiko knows what's been really going on in the Hinata Inn. She knows because I told her last night."
Hina and Naru were surprised and looked at Kitsune.
"So you told her," Naru asked with an expression that was not pleased.
"Mitsune, why? Why did you do that?" Hina asked not happy with what Kitsune did.
"Why not Granny?" Kitsune replied, "You chose not to tell your friend everything."
"Kitsune, you…" Naru spoke angrily.
"Well?" Shakiko said.
Hina turned to Shakiko, "Shakiko, whatever Mitsune has told you, it was all a misunderstanding and things got better later on with them and my grandson."
"Besides, it's not like she's innocent in all this as well," Naru said as she pointed at Kitsune, "she played dirty tricks on him and would scam him out of his money and when she didn't get what she wanted, she would lie to make me and the others believe that Keitaro was doing something perverted. You see, she's no better. Did she bother to tell you that detail?"
"Yes, she did," Shakiko answered surprising Naru.
"I know what I did but at least I'm willing admit my wrongdoings, unlike you Naru," Kitsune said.
Naru growled at Kitsune. They suddenly heard loud screams and loud noises.
"What's going on?" Shakiko asked as she got and went to check what was happening.
Naru, Kitsune, and Hina followed Shakiko to see what was happening. When they got to the lobby, they were speechless in what they were seeing. They saw the guests and the workers in the Kuromitsu Inn screaming and running in terror as mechanized turtles were chasing them.
"W-What's going on here?!" Shakiko asked loudly, "Where did these things come from?!"
"Oh my…" Hina said.
"Is this what I think it is?" Naru asked.
"You got to be kidding me," Kitsune added.
They looked around and went to find the source and they found the one responsible for the mayhem laughing her head off and enjoying herself on the second floor with a remote control in her hand. Su was encouraging people to play along and have fun as she had the mechanized turtles run rampant.
"Kaolla, what's the meaning of this?!" Shakiko asked in anger.
Su looked at Shakiko and waved at her, "Hi Boss Lady, I figured this would cheer everyone up since everyone seem so unhappy. Oh, you should try too; see how fast you can run from one of my mechanized Tamas!"
"Are you insane?!" Shakiko replied.
Su directed one of her Mechanized Tamas to go after Shakiko and Shakiko was horrified as she tried to get away.
"Su, stop! This is very bad!" Kitsune said.
"It's bad? Why?" Su asked.
"You're scaring everyone here," Naru said.
"Oh don't worry, it's fun," Su assured with a smile.
"Kaolla, please stop this!" Hina pleaded.
"Don't worry, there's nothing to worry about. After all, I do this all the time with big brother Keitaro and he always bounces back up," Su giggled, "especially after he bounces off literally when he gets knocked around. Don't worry, Keitaro feels a lot better afterwards so everyone here will be feel better as well."
"Su, you…" Kitsune spoke not pleased.
"Oh, I'll think I'll add something to the game," Su said as she pushed a few buttons.
A few explosions occurred and some people were seen rolling on the ground.
"Kaolla, what did you just do?!" Hina asked horrified.
"I just added some explosions, if you don't get away from the Mecha Tamas fast enough, they explode."
"Su, stop this now!" Naru demanded, "This isn't helping!"
There were the sounds of kids crying and Kitsune saw this and ran to them and got them out of the range.
Su saw what Kitsune did, "Oh, you want to join in on the game Kitsune," Su had her thumb up, "okay, you got it!"
Outside in front of the Kuromitsu Inn
The police and the JSDF had just arrived to see some of the damage that was done to the Kuromitsu Inn and there were Mecha Tamas that were shown and running rampant. There people outside who was seeing this and Sosuke was horrified at what was happening.
"What the hell is going on?" Sosuke asked to himself.
"This is more serious than we thought," a captain of the JSDF said as he signaled his troops to move in and help the people in the inn.
The JSDF and the Japanese Police moved in and they began a rescue operation that was led by Detectives Maeda and Ishida and the captain of the JSDF. Sosuke went to the backseat of the car he was riding in and pulled out his laptop and began to type in some things.
In the Kuromitsu Inn
Su was having fun, completely oblivious of the danger and the trauma she was actually putting the people in. The Molmolian princess was cheering people on to keep going and felt that the atmosphere was getting better. Suddenly, one by one, a Mechanized Tama was shutting down and gradually landed on the ground. Su was seeing this was not pleased.
"Hey, what's going on?" Su asked as she pushed the buttons on her remote control.
Su tried to get them up and running again but to no avail and Su was getting upset.
The people in the inn were seeing that the Mechanized Tamas were shutting down and not functioning and the people were relieved.
Su was getting frustrated, "How come this is happening?"
"You, stop right there!" a voice demanded.
Su looked and saw the combined forces of the Japanese Police and the JSDF moving and pointed their weapons at Su.
"Huh? What's going on?" Su asked confused.
"It's over Kaolla Su, put your hands up," Detective Ishida said.
"Oh, I see, another game, okay," Su said cheerfully as she pulled out another device and pushed a button and moments later, a huge robot crashed in the building.
The members of the combined forces were shocked and Su directed it go after them and then suddenly, Su got slapped hard by Kitsune and Kitsune grabbed the device and managed to deactivate it.
Su was shocked and looked at Kitsune surprised, "That hurt Kitsune, why did you hit me?"
"Enough is enough Su!" Kitsune replied angrily, "How could you not see that you're hurting people and being very destructive?!"
"Hurting people?"
Hina was surprised, "Mitsune…"
The authorities moved in and apprehended Su and Su herself was in shock of what was happening and Kitsune handed the device to one of the members of the JSDF.
Outside of the Kuromitsu Inn
The police and JSDF were handling the situation, closing off the area of the Kuromitsu Inn and directing people out of the inn and ambulances had arrive to the people that were injured. Su was being forcibly dragged away by the police and some of the guests and workers of the Kuromitsu Inn were giving their statements and Kitsune was one of them as well. Hina was pleading the arresting officers to show mercy to Su as she explained that she didn't mean any real harm but her pleas were simply ignored and some even questioned Hina's sanity and some wondered if she was just plain foolish. Naru was in shock as well and didn't know what to make of the situation. Hina was saddened and then saw someone being taken with a stretcher and saw that it was Shakiko with Hikaru and the regular employees of the Kuromitsu Inn greatly worried about the old inn owner and Hina was worried as well.
"Things have gone to hell," Sosuke said surprising Hina.
Hina turned and saw Sosuke, "Sosuke, why are you here?"
"I helped the authorities here."
"I see…you aided them," Hina frowned.
"It's your fault Mother."
"Don't call me Mother," Hina said turning her back on Sosuke.
"Hey, who are you bothering Granny?" Naru asked glaring at Sosuke.
"Hmm, short temper…you must be Naru, I've heard about you from my wife."
"Your wife?"
Kitsune showed up as well and heard the conversation, "Someone we know?"
"You met her," Sosuke said, "she's the one who took over the Hinata Inn as of right now."
Naru and Kitsune were shocked and put the pieces together.
"Granny, is this man Marumi's…?" Naru started.
"Yes, he is," Hina said with a frown, "he's my son-in-law."
"I'm Sosuke Urashima, Marumi's husband and Yoshinari's father," Sosuke said.
Meanwhile Amalla with her entourage had just arrived at the Kuromitsu Inn and saw that the police and the JSDF had already arrived and already had Kaolla Su in custody.
Amalla's eyes widened at the fact that the Japanese authorities got to her sister first and the fact of the damage that was done to the inn and seeing people that were injured.
"I'm too late," Amalla said sadly.
Amalla went in the limo and called someone on the phone. After a few rings, someone picked up.
"Oh Amalla, what has happened?" Lamba Lu spoke.
"I was too late Lamba," Amalla said, "Kaolla has been apprehended."
Aoyama Residence, Kyoto
Motoko was in her room and held her knees. She had not left her room after her failed attempt to talk to her sister. She was feeling sad and bitter. Her door suddenly and Motoko saw that it was her grandmother."
"Grandmother…" Motoko spoke sadly.
"It's time Motoko," Etsuko said, "we're going to Tokyo."
Motoko looked down and nodded, "I understand."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The aftermath of the destructive disaster caused by Kaolla Su and Motoko arrives back in Tokyo with her grandmother.
I would like to thank Luffy is King for the idea of having Keitaro take off the glasses as a symbol for his change.