A/N: Another character from the anime will be introduced… Uncle Tenkai! For those that don't know him, he's the Kumichou of Tenkai Group (Episode 5 of the anime if you're interested). He's a fat, clumsy, funny old man that Yankumi calls 'uncle'. He's also extremely fond of her.
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters from the drama or the anime or the manga. Cheers.
Ren exhaled nervously as he fumbled with the cords on his juban. He was currently getting dressed in Shin's room for the inauguration ceremony. He stole a glance at Shin out of the corner of his eyes. Shin was already putting on the last piece of his ensemble, i.e. the haori; but even his actions were slightly tenser than usual. There was a tinge of edginess that accompanied his movements today. It was the first time that Ren had seen Shin look anything other than completely calm and confident. It made him seem almost human. Almost.
Ren examined himself in the mirror. His fringe had been trimmed, so only a small speck of the bleached blond hair remained at the tip of his fringe. His body was much firmer and stouter, a testimony to the rigorous training that he had undergone. The past three months seemed to have flown pass in a blur for Ren. What with the pressure of exams, graduation, combat training, Yakuza knowledge training, and not to mention the constant scrapes and messes his friends were getting into – he was absolutely drained. He had never pushed himself so hard before in his entire life. But then again, Shin was always there for him. He helped him with his studies and training; and stayed up with him until late at night to finish his exam revision. He also bailed them out of trouble more times than Ren could count.
He caught sight of the cords dangling unsightly and sighed. He had never learned how to manage these things. Being orphaned at a young age meant that he and his sister were neither able to afford a proper kimono, nor have many (if at all) formal events to attend.
Shin must have sensed his struggle, because a moment later he came up to Ren and began to work on the cords wordlessly. He chuckled in amusement when he saw the hastily draped juban and the messy knots. "I'm sorry Ren, but I'm going to have to redress you from the beginning."
Ren blushed with embarrassment. He felt like an ignorant toddler waiting to be dressed by a parent. Shin let out a laugh. "It's okay; maybe this will take my mind off the ceremony for a while."
Shin proceeded to teach Ren how to put on a kimono step-by-step; starting with the hakama (pants), then juban (undergarments), followed by the nagajuban (outer robe) and datejima (sash). It was only after all those layers that the kimono was actually worn. Afterwards, the obi is added to the outfit; before finishing with the haori (jacket) and a pair of zori (slippers).
"There, all done." Shin announced. He eyed Ren critically to make sure that not a single crease was visible on his kimono; and that not a single item was out of place.
Shin frowned slightly. "Ren, am I forgetting something?"
Ren shook his head. "I've worn everything you set out for me." He gestured to the empty clothes hanger.
"I feel like I'm forgetting something… But I've double and triple-checked both our outfits and nothing seems to be out of place." Shin paced around irritatedly, trying to force himself to remember.
Ren shuffled nervously. Shin's pacing was making him feel uncomfortable too. Out of habit whenever he felt nervous, he brushed his fingers across his upper arm. Immediately, he knew what they were missing. He started to sort out the clothes they were wearing before changing into their kimonos. Soon he extracted two deadly-looking tantōs, each with the Oedo clan insignia. The first one was golden from hilt to tip with an elaborately carved handle; while the second one was entirely midnight black in colour, and with just as elaborate carvings on it. He threw the golden tantōat his Aniki's back.
Even in his nervous condition, Shin instinctively turned around to catch the tantō. Relief immediately flooded his face the moment his hand came into contact with the tantō. It was kind of strange, Ren thought, the amount of comfort they derived from a simple blade. But that was what made them part of the Yakuza. It was their lucky charm; their sense of security.
They both tucked the tantō away securely. Finally, they were ready.
Kumiko smiled graciously as she welcomed the guests into the Oedo house meeting room. The sitting in the room had been arranged into a U-shape for the ceremony. The right arm of the 'U' was reserved for the Kumichous and/or representatives from allied clans; whereas the left arm was occupied by members of the Oedo clan itself. Everyone, including herself, was dressed in formal Yakuza outfits. The Oedo family members, which consisted of Wakamatsu, Makoto, Tetsu and Minoru; wore dark blue kimonos with the characters 'Oedo-ikka' displayed clearly on their lapels, and a huge Oedo family insignia on their backs. The Division Leaders, on the other hand, wore black and white kimonos with two small insignias on their chests. Henchmen who had yet to earn an Oedo clan kimono either dressed in a plain black kimono or a western suit.
She greeted everyone good-naturedly, paying extra attention to the Kumichous from other clans. For safety reasons, only the Kumichous from allied clans were invited for the inauguration ceremony. Uncle Tenkai from Tenkai Group, as usual, was bubbling excitedly about how much she had grown and how beautiful she looked. She smiled at him appreciatively. He was slightly slow-witted and easily-excited at times; but he was a good man and a good leader.
"Kumiko! What a shame that you are not taking over the clan!" Uncle Tenkai exclaimed dramatically. "This is dreadful, absolutely dreadful!"
"Don't worry, Uncle Tenkai," Kumiko answered. "Ojiisan's new heir is much more capable than me."
"But still!" Uncle Tenkai lamented. He was a distant cousin of Kuroda, and was extremely fond of Kumiko. He simply refused to believe that there would be anyone 'more suitable' than his little princess to take on the helm of Yondaime.
As soon as everyone had settled into their seats and the saké had been served, Kuroda started his speech.
"Fellow Kumichous, Division Leaders and clan members; thank you very much for making time to join us today. I hope that you will find the Oedo family's hospitality adequately comfortable throughout your time here. As you all know, I have gathered all of you today to celebrate a proud and joyous occasion – not just the inauguration of my heir – but also to celebrate the bright future of the Oedo clan. The reason I can say this with such great conviction is because I am confident that my heir, whom I will present in a while, will lead the Oedo clan to greater heights and grander successes than any of his predecessors combined. Therefore, I sincerely hope that in the days to come, you will open up your heart to him just as you have to me; and that at the end of it all, you will deem him worthy of your loyalty. Let me introduce to you – my heir apparent and Yondaime of the Oedo clan – Kuroda Shin!"
The door behind Ojiisan slid open to reveal Shin and Ren, both looking absolutely formidable. There wasn't a single trace of nervousness in their eyes. In fact, they gave off an unmistakable aura of confidence. Shin was wearing a black kimono with a dark silver obi, with a majestic red lion embroidered across the back of his haori. Ren, on the other hand, wore a contrasting dark silver kimono with a black obi. The silvery material of his kimono shimmered slightly with his every move, accentuating the fluidity and gracefulness of his movements. On his haori was a fierce white tiger standing on all fours, looking ready to pounce. Shin projected an air of grandeur and authority; whereas Ren projected an air of strength and stability. Kumiko was impressed. Both their kimonos had captured their essence and their positions perfectly.
Kumiko noticed that the longer she stared at them – especially Shin – the more she felt light-headed and dizzy. She was beginning to wonder what was wrong with her surroundings when she realised that she had forgotten to breathe.
Shin knelt before the audience and bowed his head. "Hajimemashite. My name is Kuroda Shin. I hope to be recognised hereafter." He paused and lifted his head before continuing. "This is my Shatei, Kuroda Ren."
Ren mirrored Shin's actions and bowed deeply. "Hajimemashite. My name is Kuroda Ren. I hope to be recognised hereafter."
Ojiisan beamed proudly at them. "Come, sit." He gestured to his side. Both of them complied dutifully.
He raised his sakazuki towards Shin. "With this, I bless you with wisdom and health. May your reign be peaceful and long-enduring."
Shin bowed his head and raised his sakazuki in response, and then drank the saké. Ren immediately refilled the empty sakazuki with more saké.
Next, Uncle Tenkai raised his sakazuki. "With this, I bless you with riches and wealth. May your reign be overflowing with abundance." Kumiko stole a look at Uncle Tenkai's solemn expression. It looked like his first impression of Shin had completely changed his mind about Shin's alleged unsuitability.
Shin responded in the same manner as he had to Ojiisan, consuming the saké swiftly and respectfully.
The other Kumichous present followed suit with their sakazukis.
"With this, I bless you with strength and perseverance. May your enemies be crushed and their ashes be scattered."
"With this, I bless you with pride and honour. May your reign be an upstanding testimony to the Yakuza."
"With this, I bless you with faith and confidence. May your reign be righteous and true to yourself."
"With this, I bless you with courage and fortitude. May your reign be powerful and invincible."
"With this, I bless you with loyalty and devotion. May your reign be fruitful and your numbers multiply."
One by one they passed on their blessings and well-wishes. Shin accepted them all politely.
Once the Kumichous were done, Wakamatsu led the rest of the leaders and henchmen of the Oedo clan to raise their sakazukis to him. "Young Master, with this we pledge to you our body, mind and soul. We swear to you our eternal loyalty until the last drop of our blood runs dry. We dedicate to you our lives until we breathe our dying breath."
Shin nodded slightly as he raised his sakazuki. "Thank you."
Ren refilled Shin's sakazuki for the umpteenth time, marvelling at how much saké his Aniki could take. Shin had not lost his concentration by the tiniest speck.
This time, it was Ren's turn. He extracted his tantō and made a small cut on his thumb, allowing a drop of blood to drip into a small golden ceremonial chalice filled with saké. "Aniki, this is my blood, which I pledge to you and you alone. I promise to uphold and defend your name with all my might for as long as you need me to. From this moment onwards until your reign prevails, I will have no other master. May the gods bear witness to my pledge."
Shin nodded solemnly. He too, cut his finger and added one drop of blood into the chalice. "I accept your pledge. In return, with my blood I swear protection to you on behalf of the Oedo clan. May the gods bear witness to my pledge."
Both of them took turns drinking from the cup. When it got to him, Ren realised that Shin had drank most of it; so he only had to drink the last sip and pretended that he was drinking half the chalice's contents. Shin was trying to help him as he had only turned 18 recently and was still learning how to handle saké, especially the high-grade saké they use for formal ceremonies. Even the three tiny drops of saké burned his throat insanely and Ren had to fight to keep his expression steady.
Kuroda reached out behind him and took out two long items that were securely wrapped in fabric.
"Kuroda Shin, Kuroda Ren." Kuroda called.
"Hee." They answered, kneeling in front of him.
He unwrapped the first bundle; revealing a shiny, golden katana with a beautifully carved handle. A perfect match to Shin's tantō. Half-hidden among the complicated motive on the hilt was a dragon and a lion, representing both Kuroda and Shin – the predecessor and the successor. Holding it out to Shin, he said, "I present this blade to you – may it stay by your side from this day on until the end of your life."
"Thank you, Ojiisan." Shin replied, accepting the katana with reverence. The inauguration katana was more than just a pretty blade. It was his personal battle sword, as well as a symbol of his reign.
The second bundle opened to reveal a magnificent katana as black as night itself, which he offered to Ren. "This blade is for you. May it bring you victory for as long as you desire."
"Thank you, Ojiisan." Ren answered as he took the katana.
Kuroda gestured to Shin to give his speech. Shin gave a firm nod. "Ojiisan, allied Kumichous, Division Leaders and fellow members, once again thank you for attending this ceremony. I would like to especially thank the Kumichous present for their generous blessings and well-wishes. I will strive to achieve all the hopes and dreams you have for me; and I hope that you will stay as allies with us to the end to see them come to fruition. Lastly, both my Shatei and I promise that the transition of power will be a peaceful and strife-free process. Thank you in advance for your support and for having faith in us. I look forward to learning from all of you in the days to come."
A wave of applause resounded at the end of Shin's speech. Kumiko marvelled silently to herself. Even with such a simple speech, Shin knew perfectly well how to balance just enough confidence with just enough humility. A small part of her still worried about his safety, but deep inside she knew that Ojiisan was right – Shin was born to be a leader. It was the Oedo clan's honour to have him as theirs.