"Ne Ren," Shin began. "Have you decided on what course you want to enrol in and which university you want to attend?"
"I'm considering law, actually… What do you think?" Ren asked.
"I've told you before, Ren, do whatever you like. My opinion doesn't matter." Shin said.
"Hmm… The thing is, I really like learning about the law; but truthfully I don't see myself practising as a lawyer…" Ren said slowly. "Not to mention with my less than savoury history – even as Kazama Ren – I'll never be admitted to the bar."
"That's okay. You don't necessarily have to become a lawyer; there are a lot of law graduates that venture into other professions." Shin replied.
Ren hesitated for a while, wondering if he should tell Shin his thoughts. "Ano, Aniki…" He started. "You know, I was thinking… Maybe I wouldn't mind doing this permanently…"
Shin inhaled sharply. He had not seen that coming. He wanted to train Ren's leadership skills, but he never thought that he would actually want to join the Yakuza. Nevertheless, he had promised Ren that he can could pursue any path he wished; and Shin was a man of his word.
"That is your decision to make, of course. However, may I ask the reason why? From my observations, you're not a big fan of all the blood and gore associated with the Yakuza." Shin commented lightly.
Ren pursed his lips. As usual, Shin's observations were accurate. "I guess it's nice to work with you and all the Division Leaders; as well as the rest of the Family."
"That's not a good reason to base your future career on, Ren." Shin chastised gently, before adding, "And I'll always be here for you, even if you're no longer my Shatei."
Ren nodded slowly. He knew that his reasoning was a little childish, but he couldn't help it. He was afraid that he would lose all of them if he left the clan. It has become almost second nature for him to stand by Shin's side.
Shin looked at his brother fondly. He understood Ren's attachment to him and the Family. He too, had grown to expect Ren to be there every time he turned his head. He felt as if he had known Ren his whole life, as opposed to the reality which was only six months. And the Oedo family provided both of them a sense of belonging, something that they never had in their lives. He decided that it was time to come clean with Ren.
"I have a proposition for you, actually. I was going to wait until you finished university, but I think now is as good a time as any. Ren, how do you feel about running a company?" Shin asked.
Ren thought about it. "I don't know much about that, Aniki. What am I supposed to do?"
"About the same thing as you do now, except in a different context. Instead of henchmen, you will be dealing with employees. Instead of combat training, you will be analysing business strategies. Instead of protection fees, you will be collecting profits. Instead of enemy clans, you will have business competitors."
"You make everything sound so easy…" Ren said slowly. "But what sort of company are we talking about, Aniki?"
"I got the idea when we were acting putting on the show for the Superintendent, actually. You see, our position now is quite precarious – should anything happen to me or the clan, all our business assets run the risk of being confiscated under criminal proceeds laws. Therefore, when I take over, I plan to separate the legitimate businesses from the clan. I want to incorporate a parent company as a separate entity to oversee all our businesses. And to eliminate all risks, neither I nor the clan leaders can become directors of the new company. However, that also means that I will have no way of controlling the company, or the designation of profits. The latter part may present a bit of a problem, since the clan members rely largely on the income of those businesses." Shin explained.
"So you want me to run this company?" Ren asked. "That's effectively running all the Oedo clan's accounts and businesses! Are you sure?"
Shin smiled at him. "I've already entrusted you with my life, Ren." He pointed out. "I hardly think that I can't trust you with my money. But, it's up to you, really. Don't feel obligated to take up the position if you are not comfortable with it. I want you to do what you really want."
It was an easy decision for Ren. "I accept your offer, Aniki. I'll give it my best shot."
Shin smiled. "That's great! But remember, you can change your mind any time. I won't be offended. If that's settled, which university are you planning to apply for?"
"I'm quite indifferent, actually. It would be good if I can go to Toudai University with Ryu, but I don't think I'm smart enough to enter." Ren said. Ryu had finally decided to continue studying and had informed his father accordingly. Chief Police Odagiri, as usual, had demanded that his son attend the best university in town. As a result of his shameless string-pulling, Ryu had been accepted into Toudai even without sitting for the entrance exams, much to his the young man's chagrin. Nevertheless, Ren had convinced him that this was one of those times that his father's meddling would be beneficial.
Shin scoffed at him. "Have you forgotten that you have a natural genius Aniki? If you want to go to Toudai, then Toudai you will go! I'll tutor you personally for the entrance exam. I'll have you know that I scored 100% when I took it 4 years ago!"
"Ku-mi-ko." Shin called lightly. "Ren and I are going to Gifu this weekend to visit the divisions there; do you want to come with us?"
"Umm…" Yankumi wavered slightly. She did not want to get in their way of work, of course. Shin was rushing the visits as fast as possible because Ren was starting university in three weeks' time.
"You should go, Kumiko. You haven't had a getaway the entire summer. It would be good for you to wind down before you face your next batch of students." Kuroda said gently, giving Shin a not-so-subtle wink.
Yankumi's cheeks coloured. She had been spending more and more time with Shin, especially since she was not working during the summer months; and for some reason Ojiisan seemed really pleased with it. That all-knowing look on his face was quite unnerving to say the least. It seemed like everyone was in on a secret that she alone did not know.
"Very well then… If you guys don't mind…" Yankumi looked at the two brothers searchingly, only to be met by two identical stoic expressions. "Oh for the love of god, stop looking like Kaonashi, will you?"
(A/N: A faceless spirit in Spirited Away)
Two matching sets of eyebrows cocked to one side comically, before asking "me?" innocently at the same time.
Everyone in the room laughed, including Yankumi. The two brothers could be absolutely annoying and adorable at the same time. They tended to behave and talk similarly, resembling a pair of very mismatched twins. The thing that grated on her nerves the most, however, was that they both understood what Shin dubbed as 'diplomatic speak' effortlessly. They could practically carry on an entire conversation without anyone other than Ojiisan understanding a single word of it.
"Aniki, I will make the necessary preparations immediately. Do you expect inadequate hospitality?" Ren asked.
Shin looked at Kuroda. "What do you think, Ojiisan?"
Kuroda shook his head. "The divisions in Gifu have always been the warmest group of people in my experience. Although I would not recommend you letting your guard down for that reason alone, of course."
"I understand. And Kumiko?" Shin asked.
"Definitely not a problem. She used to live in Gifu when her parents were still alive, so the folks there bear a special attachment to her." Kuroda confirmed.
Yankumi sulked visibly. It was one thing when they talked in their ridiculous code about other things, but it was another thing altogether when they were talking about her!
Shin sensed her irritation and looked up. "Sorry, Kumiko. Ren was asking me if I expect a hostile reception from the men there, which I in turn passed on the question to Ojiisan." He translated. "Ojiisan said that he thinks it would be okay, but warned us to be careful nonetheless. I then asked him if you will be in any danger… I think the last part was pretty understandable."
"Sorry, Yankumi." Ren piped up apologetically. Shin had informed him that Yankumi got annoyed when they used diplomatic speak, but he personally could not differentiate between the two. It all meant the same thing to him, whether spelled out or not.
Yankumi sighed. 'If you can't beat them, join them.' She thought silently to herself. "It's okay. Maybe you can teach it to me too?" She asked Shin.
He smiled broadly at her. "Of course, Kumiko."
"Thanks for coming with me." Yankumi said as they hiked through a narrow path.
"No problem." Shin smiled easily.
"Do you think Ren will be okay going back to Tokyo on his own?"
Shin snorted. "Kumiko, he's 19 years old and the incumbent Shatei of the Oedo clan. I sure as hell hope that he can board a plane by himself."
Yankumi smiled a little embarrassedly. She could not help being overprotective of her students. They were like her babies. "Here they are." She said softly. She couldn't leave Gifu without visiting her parents' graves, of course; and Shin had volunteered to go with her. Ren had gone back to settle some issues that had arisen in the course of their discussions with the Division Leaders in Gifu.
"Greetings, Ojisan and Obasan." Shin said politely. "I'm Kuroda Shin, your adopted nephew of sorts."
"Otousan, Okaasan." Yankumi murmured lovingly. "Shin was my first student, and is now the Yondaime of the Oedo clan. You won't mind, will you? I've decided to become a schoolteacher for the rest of my life."
Shin smiled at her fondly. "I'm sure they wouldn't mind, Kumiko. After all, your mother, too, left to pursue her own dreams." He knelt before their graves. "Ojisan, Obasan, there is something that I need to ask Kumiko in both of your presence."
Yankumi looked at him questioningly.
Shin took a deep breath. "I don't know when it started. Was it that time when you stopped Sawatari from expelling me after I got into a fight with Minami? Or was it the time when you came up with that decoy plan to clear Uchi's name? Or maybe that time when you came up with those misspelled English lessons to help Noda set things right? Or even that time when you got my father to sign my release form from the police lockup? I honestly don't know how or when it started, Kumiko; but before I realized it, I was already head over heels in love with you."
"Shin?" Yankumi whispered in disbelief.
Shin smiled at her and turned to face her parents' graves. "She's the most wonderful person I've ever met, Ojisan and Obasan. Her beauty shines from within her, and I just know that it is the kind of beauty that will improve – rather than fade – with age. I've loved her from afar for more than 4 years now, Ojisan and Obasan; and I believe that I can continue to love her for the rest of my life. Will you allow me this privilege?"
Yankumi's heart was thumping in surprise, excitement, joy and warmth all at the same time. She knelt beside Shin. "Is everything you said really true, Shin?" She breathed softly.
Shin stared straight into her eyes. It felt like he was looking at the very depth of her soul. "I swear it on my honour."
A tear ran down her cheek. Men like Ojiisan and Shin never swore on their honour, unless it was something that they were willing to die for.
He reached out to touch her hand. "I'm not pressuring you into anything, Kumiko. I'm just asking you to allow me into your heart. With time, I will surely prove to you that I am worthy of your affections. All I ask for is the chance to do so."
Yankumi smiled. "What do you think, Otousan, Okaasan? Is he a keeper?" She turned to look at him. "Take care of my heart while you're in there, Shin."
For the first time – but would not be the last time – in her life, Yankumi saw Shin cry openly. "Always, Kumiko. Always."
