Hey guys. I'm glad you're all back because I'm here with the next chapter of AAU. I hope you enjoyed the Kencho Era and are still ready for more. Anyways…
Enjoy!
Chapter 43: A long day.
"Morning Snugbug," Genka said to her husband as he opened his eyes.
"Morning Genka," he responded before smiling at her, "aren't you forgetting something?"
The counsellor smiled before kissing him, "too bad the weekend is over."
"Oh yes," he responded, "I enjoyed every night of it," he purred causing his wife to blush.
"I forgot to ask," she started, "how is it working with Jin?"
The man's smile quickly turned into a frown, "He's terrible, Genka."
"Whoa, he can't be that bad," she said in concern.
"Genka," he said before sitting up, "the boy didn't do anything right. He just barked at the employees and slacked off while flirting with the interns."
"Well…" she started while leaning on his shoulder, "that's why his father brought him to you. So that you can help him change."
"You're right," he sighed before getting out of the bed, "I'm going to take a shower. You can join me if you wish."
"Of course I'm joining you," she said before smacking his butt and following him into the bathroom.
Later, the couple walked into the dining room and found no one at the table, "we're first," Genka said.
"As usual," her husband responded before pulling out a chair for her to sit on, "milady," he said before winking at her.
"Thank you, sir," she responded before sitting. She then glanced around the empty room and took it as her opportunity to ask a question that had been on her mind for quite some time. She looked at her husband who was sipping on a glass of wine, "Kiyoteru."
"Yes Genka," he responded while looking at her, holding the wine glass in his gloved hand.
"If I were to tell you I was pregnant, what would you do?" she asked hoping to get a funny response.
The businessman then put the glass on the table and gave the look he would give to any uncooperative client at SaikouCorp, "Well Genka," he said before making eye contact with her, "I would suspect you of adultery."
Genka didn't know what spooked her more; his response to her question or how professional he sounded when saying it, "W-Why would you think that?"
"Well, honey. It's complicated."
"O-Oh, I understand," she responded with a look of realisation, "I understand that at this age you may be facing complications and…"
"Genka, for the last time, I'm not an old man," he groaned before gaining a much calmer composure, "The thing is, when I had Megami, I was so upset that I didn't want to risk having another girl child again so I abstained from sex completely," he explained, "a few months later and well, you know me and how I can get sometimes. I had urges that needed to be satisfied so I decided to get a vasectomy and I was killing two birds with one stone," he said before looking at her, "I'm sorry if I have crushed any of your dreams."
The counsellor only smiled in response, "It's okay honey. I was actually worried that you would want more kids."
"Well that's a shame, I was hoping to get a little sister," Megami's voice said startling the adults.
"What time did you get here?" the businessman asked.
"I got here at the time you started explaining your situation," she responded before sipping her tea, "don't worry, I wasn't offended."
"Wait a second," Kiyoteru realised and pointed at the entrance, "go back to the door and walk in again."
"Why?" she asked confused.
"You didn't bow."
The other teens walked into the room and joined the family at the table. Genka smiled as she greeted everyone else but noticed Kenji had removed the dye and contacts. He was the kenji she has always loved but when she was about to greet him, she decided to hold back and just ignore him.
"Well, I have to go. Have a good day everyone," Kiyoteru said as he stood up. He then looked at his nephew, "Jin, let's move."
"Yes sir," he responded before following his uncle out of the room.
The businessman walked toward the door wondering how his second day at work with Jin would be. One of the bodyguards opened the door for him and he walked towards the shiny black limo where the chauffer held the door open for the Saikou men.
The pair then walked into the limo and took their seat inside the white interior before the limo began moving.
Kiyoteru then sighed before grabbing a glass of wine and downing in in a single go, "that's perfect."
"You sure love your alcohol, uncle," Jin said from across him.
"Oh, you have no idea," he responded before pouring wine into two glasses and handed one to his nephew, "believe it or not, this helps maintain me a lot at work."
"Aunt Genka wouldn't be too happy about this," Jin said before sipping his drink.
"That's one of the reasons I love going to work," he said, "there's no one to tell me how to drink."
"I see…" the younger male responded.
The limo soon stopped and a bodyguard opened the door to let the Saikou men out. The pair then walked into the large building into the reception where several employees rushed around setting things up for the day.
Kiyoteru sighed before looking at his nephew, "okay Jin, I'll see you later. Remember to do your best." With that he made his way towards the elevator.
"Morning Mr. Saikou," the receptionist greeted the businessman who waved.
"Good morning Kim," he said before calling the elevator and riding it up to the top floor.
He stepped out and was met with another group of employees running up and down. His secretary ran towards him, "Good morning Mr. Saikou, how was your weekend?"
"It was great, Julie," he said before he started walking with the woman walking beside him, "how was yours?"
"It was exhausting," she sighed.
"How so?" he said before glancing down at her, "I thought I told you to relax."
"I tried but," she said while looking at her hand, "I got bored and decided to do some paper work."
"You're a young woman, Julie," he said before stopping at the door to his office, "you should've been clubbing or something. Wait, are you even seeing anyone?"
"Well… no. I decided to put work first."
"You should seriously ask for time off. I'll give it to you," Kiyoteru said before opening the door to his office and walking in, "What are this week's details?"
"Well…" she started before scrolling through a tablet, "You just have to attend the technology conference the whole of this week."
"Wow, the week will exhaust me," he said before sitting at his desk and booting his computer, "what time are these conferences starting?"
"They'll be at 12PM the whole week. The duration is not specified."
"I see," he said before looking up at his secretary, "Thank you Julie. I'll call for you when needed. Right now, organize a limo to take me to the conference."
"Okay sir," she said before walking out of the room.
The businessman looked at his computer and began to read through the SaikouCorp portal. "Exploding Saikouphones? Despite how ridiculous that sounds, I'll have to hold a meeting." He then opened another file, "Ah yes, MIT has suggested that some of its engineering students acquire internship at SaikouCorp. That sounds fine."
"Talking to yourself again?" Kireina's voice said causing him to look away from his computer.
"It helps me focus," he responded as he watched the woman walk towards the wine fountain and fill two glasses.
"Wine sure is satisfying," Kireina said before handing her boss a glass and taking a sip as she stood next to him.
"I agree," he responded as he also drank, "I just thought about this. If an inspector came and passed through SaikouCorp, would we be in trouble because we're literally drinking while working?"
"You have a point," she said while looking down at him, "say, did you know anything about those exploding phones?"
"I just found out this morning," he responded, "I'm going to meet with the Chief Procurement Officer, Sales Manager, and the Manufacturing Department's Manager."
"I would like to know how that turns out," she said before sipping more of her wine, "say, how's Jin doing today?"
"Oh…" he groaned before accessing some of the surveillance cameras, clicking through different rooms until he found one focused on Jin. He was flirting with one of the interns who looked very uncomfortable, "well, he's just doing what Jin does."
"I thought all Saikous loved to work," the COO said.
"Well, not Jin," he sighed, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do with this kid."
"Kiyoteru, you should go down there and correct him," Kireina said while looking at him, "you need to guide him more. He's your brother's son so take him as your own son." She then took her final sip, "you should do what your father did with you and your brothers. You know, mentor him. Have him attend meetings and the like?"
"I see your point," he said before getting up, "Thank you Kireina. Now I'm going to check on Jin."
"How bout I take you to a nice hotel for some dinner. Trust me, I can get us a penthouse," Jin said to a young woman as he leaned against the wall.
"Sorry, I'm just an intern," she said as she pushed a coffee trolley with the Saikou following behind.
"And I'm your superior," he said while grabbing her arm, "so if you wanna get a better job than delivering coffee…" he said before looking her up and down, "you should go out with me."
"Excuse me young man," a full time employee said as he approached them, "she's not interested so why don't you leave her alone and let her do her job?"
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?" Jin asked, unamused.
"I'm Tatsumi Misaki, Human Resource Manager," he said confidently, "I'm not comfortable with you harassing my interns."
Jin then scoffed as he rolled his eyes, "Listen Tatsumi. I don't know who you think you are but I'm not gonna take this crap from someone who probably earns less than my weekly allowance," he said while walking up to the HR, "instead of getting involved in your superior's business, you should get to work pronto."
The man couldn't help but feel offended. Sure the kid was related to his boss but there was no way he would let some entitled brat disrespect him, "Listen young man, you can't be talking to me like this."
"Oh yeah, what are you going to do about it?" Jin asked showing no signs of backing down.
"Why I…"
"Enough, gentlemen," Kiyoteru said as he walked in between the two men. He then turned to his employee, "Mr. Misaki, good morning."
"Oh, good morning Mr. Saikou," Tatsumi said, "I was just…"
"No need, Mr. Misaki," Kiyoteru dismissed before glancing at his nephew, "I know what happened and all I can say is that Jin was wrong and he has to apologise." He said the last part with emphasis, "You shouldn't have disrespected Mr. Misaki. He is a hardworking and successful man you could learn from. Now apologize to him."
"Do I have to?" he asked while looking away with his hands in his pockets.
"Are you questioning me?" Kiyoteru asked with an eyebrow raised.
"No sir," Jin said before sighing, "I'm sorry Mr. Misaki. I was being very immature and disrespectful when I spoke to you the way I did."
"Oh, it's fine Jin," Mr. Misaki said, "Have a good day," he said before walking away.
"Now, Jin," he said before motioning towards the intern, "you may have been given the post of intern supervisor but that doesn't mean that you should disrespect them as you did to her. You're supposed to be their leader."
"I understand…" he muttered.
"Apologize to her," the businessman said to his nephew.
"I'm sorry," he muttered at the girl who nodded before pushing the cart away.
"For a twenty-year-old, you really act like Kenji," Kiyoteru said while looking at the younger male. He then put his hand on Jin's shoulder, "you'll be spending the rest of the day with me."
"How come?" he asked as they started to walk together.
"I'm going to show you what being in charge is all about," he responded.
"Okay."
The lunch bell at Akademi Junior high rang as many students rushed out of their classrooms. Kenji walked with his bento box on his own. His crew was gone. Uzu was at an all-boys' school, Ginji was in India with his brother and shockingly, Shiori didn't go to a boarding school. She was still at AJH except she was all alone.
"Where am I going to sit?" Kenji asked himself as he glanced around. None of the students wanted to welcome him so they made their tables look full. The only table with space was Endou's table. He sighed before walking towards the lone Saikou.
"Hey, can I join you?" he asked his cousin who ignored him as she ate her ramen. Kenji then sighed before taking a seat, "so uh, how are you?"
"Kenji, I don't remember giving you permission to sit," she said while glaring at him.
"Look Endou, I'm sorry for ditching you like I did last week. I should've have listened."
"Yet you didn't and still went on to hang out with Uzu and friends only to end up getting caught shagging," she said while wiping her mouth.
"I guess I just wanted to fit in," Kenji started, "look, joining this family hasn't been easy. I sometimes feel out of place at home and I felt worse when I got here. Still, I shouldn't have been so rude to you when you tried to protect me. I'm sorry."
"Well, I don't know…" Endou said as she thought before sighing, "I'm going to accept your apology Kenji."
"Really?"
"Yes," she started, "I understand what you went through and I can't judge you because I was once in a similar situation but I'll tell you about it later. Plus, I don't have any friends so you're all I've got."
"Heh, thanks," Kenji sighed as he began to dig into his bento.
"Um, excuse me," a calm voice went, causing both teens to look up only to lock eyes with the one and only Houka.
"Houka, what's up?" Kenji asked.
"Can I eat lunch with you guys?" he asked causing the two to glance at each other before nodding.
"Sure, take a seat," Kenji said as the boy joined them, "this is my cousin, Endou."
"Hi," she said while they shook hands.
"You know Houka," Kenji started, "I always wondered why you never took part in whatever we did as a gang."
"I lost interest because I realised how terrible Uzu and Shiori were as people. I couldn't stand being friends with such fake people so I slowly started distancing myself until we would stop hanging out. Luckily, the whole Saturday Fiasco happened and I'm free."
"Oh okay," Kenji responded, "speaking of Shiori, how is she?"
"Well," he said as they all glanced at the blonde who sat alone on the floor. She wore a uniform with a much longer skirt than any of the girls at the school. Also, she had no makeup on and had her hair tied into a low pony tail, "her parents tried to send her to boarding school but her reputation ruined all chances of being accepted at any of them so her parents just brought her back and took away all her accessories including her phone."
"Whoa…" Kenji and Endou said in unison.
"Yep, her life is over," Houka responded.
"Alright, is everything set?" Megami asked as the student council organised the meeting room.
"Yes, darling," Akane responded with a warm smile.
"…We should talk about that later," Megami responded before the club leaders began entering the meeting room.
The club leaders all took their seats and settled down waiting for the meeting to begin.
"Good afternoon everyone," the president greeted as everyone responded, "I'm sure you're all aware of why we're meeting so we shouldn't take too long with our discussion. Your budgets were all reviewed and Shiromi will tell you what you need to know."
The treasurer grabbed some papers and began to read aloud as Akane took down minutes, "Alrighty, the science club's budget has been reduced because the ruckus you created around here."
"What do you mean, ruckus?" Kaga asked.
"By ruckus I mean all the crazy shit-ow… I mean the noise you guys have been making around school. Your budget has been increasing from the time I got to this school and no one knows where the money's going."
"You don't have to know what we're up to," Kaga defended, "you'll find out when necessary."
"When exactly is necessary?" Shiromi asked the scientist.
"I don't know, it depends on the resources," he responded.
"Oki doki then. Does anyone else think the science club needs more money?" she asked while looking around as no one raised their hands, "Ok then," she said as the scientist groaned while she looked at the paper.
"The Sports club has received a deduction."
"Whoa… what?" Asu asked as she leaned forward, "why?"
"You guys broke three windows and a door last year so you're paying for that."
"Ugh, whatever," she groaned before remembering, "what about the new wrestling part of the sports club? We'll need more money for gear and equipment."
"Unless you're willing to merge your budget with the martial arts club, there ain't a chance of you getting more cash for wrestling. Just make it work," she said before the athlete backed down.
"The Drama club's budget is too high," Shiromi said, "why do you need so much money?"
"We're going to be doing a lot as drama club this year. I mean, talent shows, variety shows, movies, plays, everything," Kizana explained as she filed her nails.
"Sounds reasonable enough," Shiromi answered acknowledging the amount of entertainment offered.
"Hey man, that's not fair!" Asu started as she got offended by the favouritism.
"Yeah, what makes the drama club's needs more important than our clubs' needs?" Kaga asked in support.
"Oh will you two shut up," Kizana said, "my club actually benefits the whole school so of course we deserve the increase in funds."
"Well if that's the case then the gardening club needs an increase as well," Uekiya added, "we do make the school beautiful after all."
"The cooking club does offer food to everyone including those that may not have any food so we'll need extra funds as well," Amai also joined.
Shiromi sighed as she watched more club leaders butt in. she looked towards the other council members who gave her the 'you did this' look. This was going to be difficult.
"The photography club will need more money for new cameras. Our models are getting old," Furredu said before he was attacked.
"Oh shut up, slacker!" Kaga growled out of frustration, "your club is the least productive out of all of us."
"You're just as useless as the Occult club," Kizana added.
"T-There's no need to… bring me into… this," Oka said quietly.
"Now, now, guys," Budo said trying to calm the situation, "let's be civil."
"Civil my ass," Gemma said, "I can't believe how people around here don't appreciate video games."
"This is getting out of hand," Shiromi said to the other council members.
"They won't shut up at this rate," Megami said as she remembered how it was the previous year. The disciplinarian would always calm any fire. She then turned to Aoi, "take control of the situation."
"Uh okay," Aoi said before turning to the group, "Hey everyone, keep quiet," she said as the crowd kept on arguing.
"Great work…" Shiromi sighed sarcastically
"I don't know if I can get them to shut up," Aoi said to the older council members.
"Come on, you were a delinquent weren't you?" Megami asked.
"I was but I don't think I can do what I used to do anymore."
"Listen. To do your job, you have to be tough," the president spoke from experience, "you can't let anyone push you around so come on. Shut them up."
"Okay everybody," Aoi said while standing up, "shut the hell up!" all the club leaders went quiet and glanced among themselves.
"You can't talk to us like that!" Gemma said, "who the hell do you think you are to talk to your Seniors like that?"
"Uh…" Aoi felt cornered.
"You've got a lot of nerve challenging your disciplinarian like that," Megami defended, "you better shut up and learn some respect before your ass gets dealt with," she said but got nudged by the vice president when she said last part.
"Ugh, you're such a hypocrite!" Gemma spat.
"What was that?" the president growled.
"You used to be a part of us but yet, here you are bashing us," he responded, "you're so fake!"
"No… you did not just…" she started but before the situation could escalate, Kuroko stepped in.
"Please, there's no need to get hostile towards one another," Kuroko said, "I'm sorry the meeting turned into a large dispute but that's not supposed to be as it is now." She then turned to Shiromi, "Shiromi will finish her duty and we can all leave."
"Uh… okay," the treasure chuckled before sighing, "oh well, let's continue this," she then looked back at the paper, "Um everyone else's budgets were approved."
"What about the drama club?" Kizana asked as she twirled her right drill with her finger.
"Okay, we'll put into further discussion together with the sports and science clubs," she responded, "yeah, we're done."
"Okay everyone, you are free to leave," Kuroko said but before anyone could leave, Asu spoke up.
"Wait, I know this sort of stuff is discussed with class reps but I just had to bring it out," the athlete started which caught everyone's attention, "I've been thinking of having an inter class sports tournament."
Everyone else in the room broke into a chorus of negative murmurs, "Now, now everyone, "Kuroko said once more as she had decided to preside over the meeting, "please explain more, Rito-san."
"Alright, check it," she started, "each class has to organise itself in order to have participants for a variety of sports. I'm not sure if you'd prefer ball games or athletics but yeah. The classes compete and the winning class gets some big prize. Heck, if you need help organizing, the Sports Club can help."
"That sounds like something we can put into discussion," Kuroko approved before looking around, "does anyone else have a suggestion?"
"I've got something," Budo boomed, "camping trip."
"Camping trip?" Kuroko asked.
"Yes," he nodded, "I was thinking we should have a third year camping trip. It's going to the last year majority of us in this room and others out there are going to spend here. Why not do something new and have a camping trip."
"Wait, as in a camping trip on school grounds or out in the woods?" Uekiya asked sounding interested.
"No, like at an actual camping site," he clarified.
"Ew, no one's going to want to sleep out in the woods with filthy animals," Kizana said in disgust.
"Speak for yourself. I think it'll be fun to spend a night out in nature," Uekiya said, "just think of all the fun we could have."
"Yeah, you could bring snacks, drinks and games" Budo said.
"Don't forget booze," Furredu added causing the other club leaders to shift the attitude in the positive.
"Alright then," Kuroko said, "your idea will be discussed as well. Anyone else?"
"What about this year's festival?" Miyuji asked causing everyone to shut her up, "whoa, what?"
"Unfortunately Shan-san, we cannot discuss that when there are non-third-years in the room," the vice-president said, "alright, I think we can all agree that it is getting a bit late and that we all need to get home so you are all dismissed." With that, all the leaders left the room, leaving the council members alone.
"Well that was exhausting," Shiromi sighed as she took a seat.
"I couldn't agree with you anymore, "Megami responded before standing, "I think it's about time we left. I'm exhausted."
"I need to have a word with you," Kuroko said to the president after the others left the room.
"What is it?"
"Megami, now that you're the president. You have to make some adjustment to the way you carry yourself," Kuroko explained.
"Oh…" she said, knowing exactly where she was going.
"You have to learn how to maintain your composure. You cannot be losing your temper at silly remarks," she continued, "you were wrong to engage Gemma in that manner and I feel you should be the bigger person and apologize."
"There's no way I'm apologizing to him."
"Oh well," Kuroko sighed while adjusting her glasses, "at least you should learn to keep yourself under control. Remember that the whole school looks up to you. Oh and please refrain from swearing," she continued, "I believe I've said enough. Goodnight Megami." With that, she walked out of the room.
"This president thing is hard, "Megami groaned before also walking out of the room.
"Is that all you got?" Osoro asked Umeji who was lying on the ground breathing heavily, "you should be able to take a hit from anybody. There's no way you'll survive the gang if you can't even survive a practice fight. What if I was an armed enemy?"
"I-I'm sorry," he grunted in pain as he slowly sat up.
The other boys were all resting by the walls. Each of them was bruised from that day's training. Osoro sighed as she looked at the boys. It was going to take a while until they would be ready to be a gang.
"Hey boss," Hokuto panted as he limped towards her, "when do we get weapons?" he asked while pointing at Coco who was polishing her bat.
"You'll get them when you learn how to fight with your hands. You're not ready yet," she sighed before looking at her phone. The was a text from an unknown number, "Who's this?"
"Hey," Megami's voice startled her before she put her phone away.
"Hey look, student council," Hayanari pointed out causing all the boys to gather in front of the president.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Umeji growled while they all sported tough personas.
"Yeah, princess, this place ain't safe for yah," Hokuto added.
The president only rolled her eyes before pushing them aside, "Get out of my way," she scoffed as she walked past them.
"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Hayanari asked before shutting up when she flipped them off over her shoulder as she approached Osoro while Coco laughed.
"Who are these losers?" Megami asked as she walked up to Osoro.
"Those are my new recruits," she responded while pointing at them, "how was the meeting?"
"It was annoying as hell but eventually it finished," she sighed.
"You look upset," Osoro asked, "what happened?"
"Nothing serious," she responded, "I'm alright. I just decided to chill with you while we wait for the Limo."
"Well actually, I was gonna hit the bar… I mean café after this," she responded with a fail to cover up her actual destination.
"Whoa, bar?" she asked interested, "I'm going with you."
"Whoa… you can't come," she said, "you're a minor."
"Dude, so are you."
"Okay look, that's a gang spot and I don't think you'd be safe in that sort of environment," she explained to the silverrette who shook her head.
"In case you forgot, I can beat you in most of the martial arts except Kendo," she said confidently.
"Listen, it's a gang hideout. You'd draw way too much attention in there. There are some really bad people who could do some bad stuff to you," the delinquent tried to warn but still failed.
"That's why you'll be there," Megami said, "we're invincible together," she said to the taller girl who just sighed, "…please don't tell anyone at home about any of this."
"You know me," she said before Osoro addressed her gang.
"Alright guys, you can head home. You need to rest up for tomorrow," she said before her gang members started to leave. She then turned to her sister, "let's get going. I don't intend to be there for long."
"Aye sir," she responded as they started to walk.
The delinquent looked at her phone once more.
+81########: Hey, come by the bar. We really need to talk.
She then sighed before putting her phone away. She then looked at the silverrette who was looking around, "you okay?"
"Oh yeah," she said, "I'm just enjoying the view," she explained as she admired the cherry trees, "the outdoors can actually be beautiful."
"Yeah, I agree," she nodded before realizing, "let me tell you a bit about how to act in the bar."
Hey guys, I hope you're enjoying this so far. I tried to look at for different people's points of view in this chapter and I hope I did a good job. Anyway, see you in the next chapter.
Bye!