Beep. Beep. Beep.

Ugh, did someone catch the license plate of the truck that ran me over.

I already know the name, Azusa Karuga, he died last night, this time, for real.

At least, I think it was last night, kinda fuzzy. I remember waking up to eat and just falling asleep as I was finished, it happened three times. And a fourth when Asuka tackled me and it knocked me out.

I laughed at the memory.

Though, I'm fairly sure Shirohime snuck in to finish the irezumi since it's now colored. The cherry blossoms colored pink, the fox mask colored white and red, and the koi colored a red and black.

It was beautiful, honestly.

I took this time resting on a hospital bed to remember what started it all, the argument that had me running out of the house and led to me being kidnapped.

If I remember correctly, the argument I had before I was kidnapped was about why she wouldn't let us go out alone. I wanted to be an adult at that time.

A wry grin appears as sadness appears in my chest.

What a joke. If this is what it's like being an adult, I'd rather stay a child.

I sigh as I leave the sad topics for later.

Until the door opens, "Yo!"

I look to see a blonde and a black-haired girl. Katsuragi and Ikaruga, not the twins I fought.

"'Sup, bitches. I'm up," I say.

An awkward silence encroaches the room as I ask, "So, shinobi, right?"

They both stiffen, but to the untrained eyes it was barely noticeable, "What are you talking about?"

I smirk, "I'm not that stupid, you saw the woman and didn't ask anything when you found me, I'm guessing Kiriya is the teacher?" Their silence was telling enough.

"'Sides, not like much is going to change, I already knew Shinobi existed so that's no life-changing revelation, and I'm strong enough to hold myself against stronger opponents and smart enough to get myself out of most situations I can't fight through."

They seemed to relax as the air was cleared, "What else were we expecting from the 'Vermilion Dragon'?"

The name rings a bell, "Wait, that's what they're calling me? Isn't that kinda, I dunno, chuuni-ish?"

"With the show you put on during the Millenium Tower fire, it was caught on video and fairly popular." Ikaruga says while Katsuragi giggles.

Their eyes blank out in what looks like resignation, "A lot of the higher-ups are fairly… eccentric."

My brow quirks, "Well duh, with what they've seen, it's a wonder they're still sane."

Soon, our conversation becomes more mundane, well as mundane as it could be for a duo of shinobi and a yakuza. I was especially interested when I heard that the criminal underworld has taken to calling me that as well, and the fact that Azusa's funeral is being postponed until I was up to stuff.

That reminder had them worrying over my reaction, but I only lean back and breathe deeply while showing a wry grin.

I think Azusa's happy, wherever he is, he had the best fight of his life, saw his grandson beat him, and protected him from death. Honestly, if he was still around, he'd probably have a bottle of sake ready to congratulate me.

I shake my head, "I'm fine, well not fine, but good enough."

They look at each other worryingly but let it drop.

The topic soon switched to the shinobi world, "You've really~ shaken up a lot of people, like really. Some just want you killed, others want to see if they can convince you to join their schools, some just straight-up want to kidnap you," my eyes blank out at the cheery tone she used.

"Well, why are you so happy?" I ask.

Ikaruga stepped forward, "Because, Hanzo-sama spoke on your behalf, went in front of the council and threatened anyone who would try anything if they went after you."

"What if I go to them?" I ask in curiosity.

"Someone asked that and Hanzo just said, 'If the kid's smart enough to get in, he can find his way out. If he attacks first then that's on him. I just don't want to see my granddaughter's boyfriend die any time soon.'"

I cover my face in embarrassment, "And everyone knows this?"

Ikaruga sadly nods. Katsuragi bursts out and grabs my shoulders and asks, "That's it I have to know, I couldn't get it out of Hanzo since he never asked but I've gotta ask, Life or Hometown? Tits or ass?"

My back straightens as I feel a strange force possess me and I start, "Oh, young Katsuragi, you have much to learn," I gently remove her hands from my shoulders and leave my right hand up and my left down while crossing my legs, emulating the picture of the Buddha meditating, I feel my eyes squint and a smile grace my face, "For there to be life, there must be a hometown an origin, so if there is no hometown or origin, life has no meaning. Even if there is no life," Ikaruga covers her eyes as a light shines behind me and Katsuragi looks on stunned, "There will always be an origin."

Ikaruga stuttered out, "W-what is he talking about?"

Katsuragi on the other hand was stunned, she had tears rolling down her eyes, "I was blind," she fell to her knees, "so, so blind."

Ikaruga was shocked at this turn of events, "Master show me the way, please," Katsuragi got on all fours and bowed.

"Dogeza too?" Ikaruga yelled, shell-shocked at the turn of events.

Then I got up and fell to a knee and raised her head gently by her cheeks, "Young Katsuragi, raise your head," she did as asked, "There is no 'right' way, there are only choices, and these choices will lead us to wonderful palaces or forgotten graveyards. The same can be said for perversion, you must choose how you act carefully, lest you find yourself in an early grave, and for such a beautiful maiden,"she blushes but listens, "such a fate is unbecoming, now young Katsuragi, go, follow your path or pave your own but remember to look at your surroundings, if you don't, you may miss choices or opportunities."

Her eyes are full of awe and wonder as she instinctively nuzzles into my hand and I bring back my hand as Katsuragi wipes away her tears, eyes full of conviction and awe, while I walk back to the bed, with a grace unfound before.

Only to groan in pain as my side aches from the bullet wound from the Mistress. I get back on the bed as the other two worry for me and I wave them away, "I'm fine."

"What was that?" Ikaruga exclaimed.

Me and Katsuragi stared at each other and answered, "The teachings of the ascended."

Ikaruga looks absolutely flabbergasted and I'm having trouble keeping my face straight, "Eh~?!"

Soon as everyone calmed down they called my family in, not even five minutes later, they nearly broke down the door as they stared at me with worry, "What? I know I'm handsome but you don't have to stare that much."

They all groan but smile before one by one, they come up to hug me. Starting with my parents and ending with my brother. Once everyone was relaxed Akira asked, "I'm guessing you've heard the news?"

A wry grin returns as I retort, "Who hasn't? Honestly, though, I'm as good as can be."

"You've been asleep for three days, going in and out of consciousness, your body's probably aching and you're still hungry, probably," Hiroki says.

I remember something, "How's Ren, is he fine?"

"Yeah," Hiroki nods, "The police interrogated him and his mother and were able to find out that the higher echelons of the Karuga family were smuggling in immigrants and paying the Noru Alliance for the fake identification, though now that Azusa's dead," he said this part tentatively and carefully watching my reactions, once he didn't notice anything drastic he continued, "that deal is null and void. Thankfully, we were able to get legal papers for Ren and his mother, so both are staying."

I sigh in relief, I really would rather not have my first friend aside from Hiroki or Asuka be shipped off to China. Regardless, there are other things that interest me, "Why do you look so happy Hiroki?"

It was true, he looked somber but his Heat was dancing, "Oh, that, um, you wouldn't believe it, anyway."

Mom smirks, "Do you really think he wouldn't believe us when told that you were offered an internship at the Tokyo U hospital?"

Silence reigns while Hiroki squirms uncomfortably at the attention, "Tokyo U?" I asked and they nodded, "The Harvard of Japan right?" They nodded again.

I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I got up, ignoring the pain, and hugged my brother before picking him up and spinning him around as he exclaimed in surprise, "Hiro-chibi, that's wonderful. You definitely deserve this, guess all those years practicing patching me up was good for something, eh?"

"Let go!" he tries to struggle out of my hug.

"Never!" I exclaim as I laugh.

I didn't notice at the time, but Ikaruga was looking almost longingly at our interaction.

Soon, visiting hours ended and I was up to speed and I was informed of the preparations for Azusa's funeral.

It would take place in the Motokasu Estate, I would be healed up enough by tomorrow, and would have to wait for a week for the funeral, where they'll read his last will and put him to rest.

I sniffle as I try to keep my emotions in check but find myself unable to as tears fall and sobs leave my mouth, I start taking stuttering breaths as I try to calm myself down.

I hear the sliding door open as I try to compose myself and look up to see a familiar face, "Asuka?"

She looked heartbroken, probably gathering courage to enter outside the door when she heard me cry, "Akio, are you okay?"

At that point the dam broke, my attempts to gather myself failed miserably as I say, "I just saw my old man die right in front of me, I don't think okay is a word to describe me right now."

Azusa raised me when mom and dad couldn't, he taught me the importance of loyalty, the meaning of a fight, and what it means to be a yakuza.

I felt a warmth surrounding me as I heard Asuka say, "It's okay to cry, no one will think less of you if you do. I'll be here if you ever need a shoulder."

So I cried into her shoulder until I could compose myself enough to breathe normally. I wrapped my arms around her waist as we stayed like that, enjoying each other's company, until I got uncomfortable.

"Wait, what are you-?!"

I carried her onto the bed next to me, "What? I can't sleep with my awesome girlfriend?"

The reminder has her blushing up steam from her ears as I chuckle and cuddle into her, "Thanks, Asuka."

She smiled and snuggled in, "No problem."

I woke up in a better mood than before, though I feel like I'm grabbing something that's really soft.

Wait, my hands feel a little bit too low.

And they were, at some point at midnight my hands went from her waist to her ass.

I'm making a conscious effort to move them but they won't.

I wonder why?

I stop acting sarcastic and move my hands before I notice something. Namely, the other person in the room, who was looking at me smugly.

It was Hanzo.

I glared at him as he tried to hold in his perverted giggles.

I just sigh and look for a way to wake up Asuka.

Now at this point in time, keep in mind, I was still waking up, hormonal, and really curious so I did the one thing I could think of at the time.

I raised my hand and brought it down with force, as a slap rings out and a, "Kya~!"

That wasn't the only slap that was heard that morning.

I'm currently walking out of the hospital with a black shirt that ended at the bottom of my hips and was black with a design that made it look like someone splattered white paint from the bottom, some baggy jeans, my necklace, gloves, watch and sneakers.

I was also sporting a hand mark across my jaw but that's another thing entirely.

I regret nothing.

A pouty Asuka was also accompanying me, arms crossed.

Damn, less than a day and she's already angry with me. Though she does look adorable.

"Asuka~, are you still angry?" I couldn't help but ask.

She puffs and pouts harder, "You know, if you keep doing that face I'm gonna be tempted to tease you, right?"

She stares at me before continuing on with her face pouting, puffed cheeks and closed eyes while turned away.

I stare at her legs, openly visible with her school uniform.

Two can play at this game.

I put on my earbuds and listen to music as we travel on to Asakusa.

I could tell Asuka glanced at me before going back to pouting. Though with slightly less quality this time.

Hanzo could only sigh at the two stubborn teenagers behind him.

Once they were back Hanzo led us back to my home and Asuka finally started talking to me.

It only took me mentioning her promise, "You can't just say that in front of an entire crowd!"

"In that case they should mind their own business," I retort.

"Anyone would be surprised if they heard 'So when can I grope your tits' out of nowhere," she yelled, imitating my voice.

"At least they didn't find us when I said it," I retorted again, smirking as her face blushes.

"Mou! That's not the point!" She yelled as I burst out laughing.

Silence overtook us until I just had to ask, "So, can I?"

I was slapped across the back of my head as she walked away but I can see a blush on her cheeks and Hanzo's shoulders shaking in mirth.

Regardless, we were near my house and the guards weren't there, so I knew something was wrong.

I stepped forwards and grabbed Asuka's shoulder as she must have noticed the same, though Hanzo still looks relaxed for some reason.

Me and Asuka had a silent conversation over who would go first, though instead of nominating each other…

I'm going first, no questions asked. I shoved her shoulder back and stepped forward only for her to put her foot in front of mine.

What if you're hurt? Her eyes asked me with a worried stare.

I'll be fine. My eyes retort with an eye roll.

This keeps going until I just walk forward and open the door.

"SURPRISE!"

And socked the man closest to me to the wall, I think I heard the wall crack, and the jaw.

There was silence before the man chuckled, "Boss, your son's got a mean hook."

"That was a jab," even more silence.

The man laughs again, "Then his epithet truly fits him, eh 'Vermilion Dragon'?"

I had to cover my face as everyone laughed at my expense.

Soon, the celebration continued as we all celebrated my return, in hopes of staving off the sadness for a little longer.

It's the day of the funeral, a week after my return celebration, I was wearing a black suit as we headed to the Minazuki estate, a somber mood hung in the air.

Once there, the lower-levels bowed as me, mom, dad, and Hiroki walked forward. Flowers in hand.

My sadness was already used up, even if I had any more I wouldn't cry, because I know Azusa is happy wherever he landed and he would want me to be happy.

And to get laid but that's a problem for later. I enter the estate and see large doors open to where Azusa's photo was placed with flowers in mass.

As my turn to see inside the casket came, I was anxious. No real reason, just anxious.

And when I finally did, it took a lot of my willpower to not burst down.

There in a suit is my grandfather, laying down with the most peaceful face I have ever seen on him. I tremble for a bit before gathering myself to say, "Stupid motherfucker couldn't even let me beat him twice before he croaked."

I had to wipe my eyes of tears before finishing, "I'll miss you, Jii-chan, but that doesn't give me an excuse to stay in the past. I'll live up to your legacy and surpass you, so try not to look away or you'll end up missing me entirely. For now," I smile as I say, "just enjoy what will happen next."

It's the middle of the night, I got out of the hospital on Monday and had the funeral the next week on Tuesday, it's currently Wednesday and I'm in the funeral near the tombstone of my Jii-chan.

In my hand is a bottle of high-quality sake and two cups for it.

"I may not be twenty," I place a cup on the tombstone, "Nor am I a true Yakuza yet," I pour sake in his and then mine," but I am a man of my word."

I look up into the moon as I raise my cup, "Azusa, more than a week ago, I beat you for the first time. And today, I raise my cup to you, I'll never forget you, so watch over me, okay?"

I was going to take a sip when I noticed something, the cup was nearly full. Per tradition, the higher-ranking member usually gets the cup with more sake while the lower-ranked member would get less. Yet, both cups were filled to the brim with sake when I knew I poured less for myself.

I couldn't help but wryly grin, "You were always a stubborn fool."

"I'm not the only one."

I don't react as I see the translucent visage of Azusa, grinning with closed eyes in happiness.

"Ain't that the truth," I bring up my cup, "To my future."

He raises his as well, "In hopes that you'll lose your virginity sooner rather than later."

We both gulp down the drink as our gulps are the only thing heard in the silence until a green light flashes as I put down the cup and I exhale while opening my eyes to see a tanto blade.

The sheath and handle were mostly white with a picture of a maple branch with leaves falling down onto the water as right below the steel where it separates the sheath from the handle is a circle with lines added to look like a fox. I unsheathe it to see that on the base of the blade is the same inscription. On the base of the sheathe is my name inscribed in it with the characters for bright and male.

"Is this the last surprise, Azusa?" I ask as nothing responds. Soon, I'm headed back, sake bottle and cups ready to hide somewhere lest mom find out and beat my ass.

I was waking up, dreading the day of class as I got up and ready to face it.

Once I was wearing the baggy jeans and button-up shirt with the last three unbuttoned, I headed to the kitchen for breakfast.

It was weird, everyone was staring at me or giggling, Ren looked anxious, mom and dad looked proud, while Hiroki looked like he was holding back giggles.

I was apprehensive and suspicious, "Why is everyone looking at me? Did something happen?"

That seems to have gotten their attention, "No, it's just a little surprise that's outside, you'll see in a bit."

Mom's words had me more confused than before and it showed.

Finally, we were ready to leave. I was scared to open the door since Hiroki was still smirking at me.

I resolved myself and opened the door…

"Good morning, Goushoujin/Oyabun-sama!"

There were two rows of people and two very familiar maids at the front, the maids I fought were bowing as there was a row of people dressed in a variety of ways, but the most telling sign was the pin they wore, the pin that looked like the face of a fox using simple lines.

I was stunned silent, "Eh?"

"As per the wishes of the deceased Azusa Karuga, Akio Mizuki is now the patriarch of the Karuga family," the maid with blonde curly hair speaks up as she straightens up, though I noticed she was wearing the Hanzo Academy uniform.

The black-haired girl speaks up, "And our master until the day any one of us dies, my name is Ashley."

The blonde speaks up, "And I'm Elena."

Then in unison, everyone said, "We hope you'll treat us well."

I could only say, "Huh?" as this chapter of my life started to come to a close.

From a strong civilian to the father figure of a family of criminals in a few weeks. What a story?

A/N: I hope you enjoyed, this is 501ar, leave a comment, favorite or follow. Leave your opinion on how it went and sorry for how short it is. next one is Hiroki's arc, then Akira's, finally Sasha's with a timeskip in between each one.