Kazuya stood before the door. He straightened down his purple blazer. It was starting to feel more familiar on him, and he liked the shield of attention it brought him. People felt drawn to inspect the impressive suit, leaving him free to evaluate them before they'd even had time to meet his eyes. Unfortunately, it still couldn't help with the shards of anxiety resting in his gut at the thought of walking into that room and having to be in the spotlight.

Kazuya took a deep breath. He'd done the worst already. Last week he'd managed to get through the expected rituals of a wake, maintaining a perfectly stoic face through all the chanting as they sat before an empty urn. Kazuya had contemplated sending Bruce out to find Heihachi's body, but drawing attention to the Mishima Estate like that, along with the highly suspicious state of the body itself, would bring all the wrong attention.

The official line was that Heihachi had died of heart complications after overstraining himself in his fighting tournament. He'd passed away peacefully in his sleep, according to his personal physician, the Mishima family doctor for many years, who had quietly accepted a hefty check and agreed to stay on to serve the next head of the Mishima family. Now all that was left was to meet and greet all Heihachi's old business associates who one way or another propped up the Mishima Zaibatsu. They needed a gentle nudge to help them see that they should lend Heihachi's son the same support. Kazuya was willing to try and play nicely to get them onside, but the idea of meeting a whole room full of Heihachi's old allies was sickening. He would have been in favour of beating some of these people into submission, were it not for the new elevated image he was trying to cultivate.

He looked over at Lee. His brother had had a hand in setting up this ceremony and most of the rituals last week. Kazuya found he complained less if he was overworked and mildly stressed, so rather than dealing with the conflict between them, he just kept piling more work on his brother to shut him up. He did regret not having found a peaceable solution before now, not least because he tended to rely on Lee when it came to social situations, so today really wasn't the time to be at odds with him. Rather than acknowledge any problem though, Kazuya tried the tactic of just acting a little kinder towards Lee now that he needed him. His brother was usually pretty easy to emotionally manipulate, so Kazuya would just have to rely on that for now.

"You did well finding someone to organise all this so quickly. I'm glad I asked you." He turned towards Lee, hoping he'd placated him enough, because he was the one who really wanted some reassurance right now. His voice lost a little of its imperiousness and took on a fraction of agitation. "Is this cravat okay? It gets messed up so easily. Please can you sort it out? You always look so perfect, I don't understand how..."

Lee was eager for when all this would be over. Not only was losing their father hard while also being liberating, all of this still being so confusing, but it was also hard to face all those people while knowing what really happened after the fight… They could be investigated… But at the same time, Heihachi asked for it… He organised that tournament, he planned himself on killing his son, he made himself be hated… He deserved what he got. It was only self-defense. Last week at the wake, Lee sometimes wanted to yell at everyone there that Heihachi was not as perfect as he let show to all those people crying for him, even if he also was crying for him… And beginning with the wake, in fact since Kazuya's entrance to the Zaibatsu as CEO, it was also the start of his grueling tour to humble himself in front of everyone… To show how he had lost, how he was nothing… He was eager for those moments to end… For those multiple public appearances be over with… While in it, he could only try to put himself in a daze to avoid facing the reality and the humiliation in the eyes of others on him and his failure ... To not feel everything too directly… Trying to push everything away, he was there and not there. Actually those pills the doctor prescribed him were not too bad… It did help to feel a bit distant… Though he could have been in a far better state of daze if he had been able to take some of those drugs he tried in the United States. They had some pretty good stuff at those parties, but he also had to be there in spirit to understand all the many requests Kazuya was asking of him so he had to stay mostly sober now… Kazuya would be angry if he was not… And those pills were only temporary since he only explained to the doctor how hard it was to lose his father, not everything else…

Honestly, he had even thought for a moment about leaving the Zaibatsu. But he didn't know anything else beside that corporation… He feared to be stuck in the streets again… When they were young, Kazuya had always assured him that he would come and look for him if Heihachi threw him back in the streets like he so often threatened to do. But now if Lee left on his own, while under Kazuya's leadership, his brother certainly wouldn't come looking for him… He'd feel like it was a complete betrayal. Kazuya already gave him much money and let him live in the house, assuming Lee had to work for it, in that humiliating secretary position… And Lee didn't dare leave, not only because he didn't know how he would find a job, he probably would find one in fact, maybe, he had many competencies, but it mostly was that he expected Kazuya to give in one day and finally give him a better position. If he left, he would be stuck with whatever job he could find with no hopes of getting higher… Well, not as much as he could with the Zaibatsu… He would lose much of his expensive lifestyle… He could not let go of that… Even though he was now intent on avoiding most of his previous friends so as to not show his dishonour to them as well… But he still had his cars, his shopping trips, his expensive beauty sessions… A lot of things he could not let go of…

And there were those moments, like now, where Kazuya lacked so much assurance… and when Lee pitied him and felt protective of him… He knew all that Kazuya had lived under Heihachi and how it was hard for him to gain self assurance in a normal, non-fighting context… And how all those eyes would go on him mostly… All those Heihachi friends, looking at Kazuya with hate or scorn while they would only ignore him… Just like Heihachi did… Hating on Kazuya and ignoring him… Somehow he could not abandon Kazuya to those people… Once Kazuya felt more self-confident, he would be able to confront those people on his own and Lee would be able to leave, but it may also be then that Kazuya would realise his value and give him a better position. He had to keep up until then… While hoping Kazuya will change his mind…

Keeping his head slightly bowed, Lee lifted his eyes over Kazuya's cravat and looked at it, before he fixed it a bit better. He gave a small smile to his brother and said, "Thank you for the compliments." Though he would like to have more than compliments… But now, pushing all aside, he had to prepare for the ceremony and look more dignified so he lifted his head and took a more assured pose while also preparing his mind to not really be there… He then told Kazuya: "You look excellent. They will all notice it."

Kazuya was glad when Lee fixed his cravat. He didn't have time to try and work out all the subtleties to Lee's posture and expression. Probably he was still furious and miserable. At least he was willing to make an effort for him though, and give him that smile.

"Thank you. Stay at my side as I walk in, I want you near me to evaluate the room. I may need you to sweet-talk some of my enemies."

Lee nodded. "Yes, Mishima-Sama."

Since Lee was comparing the businessmen to Heihachi somehow, he would stay by his brother's side and put aside their differences to confront the enemy. They really had to see who was friendly or hostile… Thinking about it this way would also make him think less of his own problems…

Kazuya felt a little more isolated when Lee addressed him formally. He was reminded that it was him alone that really had to weed out dissent. He held his head high and motioned for a Zaibatsu guard to open the door.

The door opened onto the vast hall, gothic rafters, and handsome pillars of the Mishima Zaibatsu throne room. A fine red carpet rolled all the way up to a dais, upon which was an ornate, gold, carved throne. Heihachi always had to be ostentatious in his decor choices. Kazuya was glad for it today though. He would strut up that carpet and lord it over these annoying troublemakers until they were crushed into their proper subservient role. Just to the left of the throne was a large floral display with a centrepiece bearing Heihachi's portrait. There had been a dull murmur of conversation before the door opened, but the room full of black-suited people abruptly fell silent when Kazuya and Lee appeared in the doorway.

Kazuya froze on the spot. All those faces had turned as one to look at him. He could feel his chest rising and falling very fast.

When the door opened, Lee looked around. He first gazed at that coveted throne before his eyes went to Heihachi's portrait with the many flowers and then to the many people around. Lee tried to see the expression of some of them but then realised that Kazuya wasn't moving. He probably was too shy...

Lee whispered, "Kazuya-sama, you can do it. Walk to the throne."

Kazuya tried to focus only on Lee's words. He tried to imagine there was no one but him and Lee. They were maybe at home, and that long carpet before him was just a corridor. Those faces were just painted on the fusuma walls. They weren't real. He strode forward, not glancing left or right, keeping a sedate pace. Painted faces, he told himself. He could see Heihachi's portrait leering at him from out of the cacophony of flowers. Heihachi would think he couldn't lead this corporation. Well, he'd show him. Kazuya walked the length of the throne room, then stepped up onto the dais and sat on the throne. He rested his arms on its carved supports and looked down at the room. Now those faces had to look up at him. The way they should. The pace of his heart settled a little. He motioned for Lee to stand at his side.

Once Kazuya started to walk, Lee followed closely behind, not looking at anyone either but not for the same reasons. He tried to look serious and dignified and went to Kazuya's side as his brother motioned. He was glad that he wasn't giving a speech either and that it would be different executives who would say what needed to be said. Besides, the formalities wouldn't be short since it would then be the turn of the guests to bring their gifts...

Kazuya sat, silently glaring down at the room. He stayed exactly like this as one of his corporate executives gave a formal welcome to Heihachi's memorial. There was an empty, placid account of Heihachi's achievements that covered all the expected details and exactly no more. Kazuya could barely stand hearing anyone talk of Heihachi this way, so he'd order the speeches short and to the point. Another two executives gave speeches: more empty words about Heihachi, then some more enthused lines about his successor and legacy. The final speech painted the future of the Zaibatsu under Kazuya in glorious colours and imagined its expansion and promise, and the wealth and success of all those who chose to aid the Zaibatsu in this transition into a new era. Kazuya mostly used the time to pick out different factions in the audience. He had a pretty good idea of what he was up against by the time the speeches ended and they were moving on to the gift giving. Kazuya turned his eyes to the first guests who were approaching his throne.

Lee discreetly whispered to Kazuya, "The first ones are the Russians delegates, commanded by General Svetozar Molchalin. After trying to stop you from taking the Zaibatsu, I think they realised that they had to accept your rule and came to offer you their support. I'm still not sure if they are true or not..."

The general and his staff bowed to Kazuya and the general offered a black and silver envelope to Kazuya while saying, "The whole of the Russian Federation offers you their sympathies, Mishima-sama."

Holding the envelope as he still bowed, a Mishima Zaibatsu executive came toward him, reverently took the letter and brought it to Kazuya, respectfully bowing in front of him as well as he presented the envelope.

Kazuya looked with interest at the Russian delegation. These people had been his enemy even before he started his tournament match with Heihachi, somehow perceiving him as a threat before he'd done anything. They would be welcome allies though if they truly intended to recognise him. He looked over this General Molchalin. He appreciated that they'd sent someone military, and someone high up. Perhaps he would have a word with this general after the gift giving was over. He made a mental note. He received the gift and inclined his head in thanks, then handed the envelope to Lee to take care of.

The next to approach was an old associate of their fathers. Yamamoto Osamu had been a staple stale face at many meetings Kazuya and Lee had sat in on. He had iron grey in his thin hair and his weathered features, and even in the fur lining his otherwise black coat. He was the sort of man who backed winning horses. Kazuya hated the man on principle, but if he could get him on side, a lot of other businessmen might follow suit in placing their trust in Kazuya's Zaibatsu. Mr Yamamoto offered his envelope, and Kazuya received it the same way he had the Russian gift. After Yamamoto though, was a businessman Kazuya was less pleased to see. The young and enthusiastic Mr de Rochefort, whom he had met some years ago on a trip to Europe. Kazuya merely watched the man darkly as he offered his gift, and barely inclined his head at all as he received it. He turned his head fractionally to Lee.

"Will de Rochefort cause us problems?" Kazuya murmured to him.

Lee came back from where he put the previous envelopes on a small elegant table resembling the architecture of the place, a little behind the throne. He then heard Kazuya's question and answered, "He is a pacifist, but not principled enough to really oppose anyone. He mostly wants good relations so I don't think he will cause any problems."

"I hate pacifists," Kazuya muttered. "Keep an eye on him."

After de Rochefort departed, Kazuya prepared himself to receive a seemingly endless string of even more businessmen with their empty platitudes and gifts. He sat on his throne and tried to look imperious even if not interested. His mind was drifting to that Russian general and whether the Russians might be interested in a partnership if they'd stopped trying to kill him. He zoned back in on the proceedings when he recognised a businessman approaching with whom he had some unsavoury history.

Maeda Saburou approached the stairs and politely bowed while handing his envelope to the executive. He then addressed Kazuya and Lee.

"Mishima-sama, Lee-sama, I am deeply saddened by the death of your father. It has been a pleasure working with him and I shall always remember him fondly. You have lost a great mentor in both business and martial arts, though I am confident you shall remember his teachings and I wish you the same success as he had with the Mishima Zaibatsu."

Kazuya's eyes narrowed. The last time he'd seen Maeda, he'd been cowering in a corner after Kazuya backhanded him across the face. Sometimes the business contracts Heihachi wanted weren't always exactly agreed upon by both parties. Maeda was one of those characters who'd been reluctant at first to agree. Kazuya had been ordered to help him see sense with his fists. Right now though, the thing bothering Kazuya was that glowing recollection of Heihachi. 'Confident you shall remember his teachings' ? This man had a lot of nerve saying that to him. For the present Kazuya gave him a curt nod. He murmured to Lee though,

"Did he sound rude to you? He sounded impertinent to me. Do you know of my history with him?"

Lee did appreciate the Lee-sama appellation though it was true that the man didn't say what others would say. "No, I do not know your history but I must admit I rolled my eyes, or thought to do so, at his teaching mention... We will remember, just not the way he thinks... He does sound very attached to our father..."

"I think I might have manhandled him and his people on behalf of our dear father," Kazuya muttered. "There's a lot of people I need to keep track of. Remind me to check on this guy. I don't want him trying to back out of our current contract with him."

Lee raised an eyebrow at the mention of manhandled. "Oh. And he still sucks up to our father? I don't think he wants us to remember his real teachings... But yes, Mishima-sama, I will remind you."

A small smirk appeared on Kazuya's lips when Lee agreed with him. This, combined with hearing that 'Mishima-sama' again, made him feel comfortable. His enemies were small next to the power he could wield against them. He was beginning to feel a little more at ease with his new position. He'd dearly like to physically remind that Maeda of their last altercation, but for now just staring him down would have to do.

Kazuya sat through the stiff, formal procedure of the gift-giving for another hour, barely paying attention to most of the guests. When there were finally no more envelopes to receive, he gave a signal to the side of the room. Low tables were brought in to the back of the hall, all laden with traditional dishes, hot and steaming. Choko bottles filled with clear, cool sake were set down too, along with an abundance of small cups. Cushions were laid on the floor so that guests could sit if they wished. The sombre thrum of a koto sounded in the hall. With the first twang of its picked notes, the room seemed to breathe a collective sigh and the murmur of quiet, smaller conversations began.

Kazuya sat back in his throne. "You're dismissed," he said to Lee, when eyes had turned from them. "But you better not have plans of running off. I know there are Tokyo cops here who were close to Heihachi. Find out if they're here to swear allegiance to me or sniff around Heihachi's death. Work some charm on them. It will be annoying if I have to go to war with the city police force."

Lee was looking at all the preparation and food until he heard Kazuya tell him he was dismissed. His first reaction was backing away to leave but he stopped in his tracks once Kazuya told him to not run off. "Cops? I guess... Indeed... Who exactly? I'll ask Bruce?"

Lee didn't really feel like working his charms, but technically he just survived the most trying part of the event so he probably could engage in conversation with people... Though he would like to ask Kazuya if he could present himself as something other than a secretary, but he feared Kazuya not being happy about it... He'll just try to always inform people about the brother tie, not his job...

Kazuya gave Lee an unimpressed look when he immediately started slinking away. "Indeed. Ask Bruce. I told him to case the place and he's good at spotting police. He should be able to point them out to you. And don't stray too far. I want to be able to summon you if necessary." What he meant was 'call for help if I need you', but that sounded weak. His eyes roved around the room as he made plans of his own to attend to.

Lee bowed to Kazuya. "Yes, I'll go see Bruce then." But once he bowed, he felt once more the pain of his defeat. He'd never have another chance to get the Mishima Zaibatsu again... He really hoped he would not be forever a secretary... Lee thought Bruce was probably near the doors so he went toward them while avoiding looking at the Heihachi flowery display that was also troubling. Once alone, all those feelings were coming back far stronger...

Lee went to see Bruce and they talked for a moment, then Bruce discreetly showed Lee some cops without them noticing. Lee thanked him and wondered how he would approach them. He still had to put on a charming face despite not wanting to smile at all... He could not even ask how they were enjoying themselves since it was almost a funeral... Though technically it wasn't a funeral, that had been done already... It was Kazuya's coronation, which was not a subject to smile at either... Lee sighed and put on a smile again before he went over to a policeman drinking some sake. He politely smiled and asked him,

"Is the sake to your satisfaction?"

A large man, with broad shoulders and a rotund stomach stood in a long formal black coat and black suit. Beside him stood a lean man with neatly combed, thin hair and a dusting of a moustache on his lip. The large man looked up from where he'd been engaged in a slightly conspiratorial conversation with the man beside him. He gave Lee a slight bow of his head.

"Very good. As one would expect. Top class," he said. He listened as the other man murmured something in his ear, then gave Lee his full attention. "Hm. So you're the other son. Not seen much of you around Tokyo. It's Lee Chaolan, is that right? Mochizuki, Commissioner of the Tokyo PD. My associate is Sugiyama-san, Info-Communications Bureau."

The other son. Lee didn't really like that appellation... but then it also took him away from the police or hateful spots... Yet now he had to talk to those annoying and slightly scary police... Who could be friends or enemies...

"Indeed, it is my name. Nice to meet you, Commissioner-san. It is a pleasure to meet you." Lee politely bowed to him before he also slightly bowed to his associate. "Nice to meet you as well, Sugiyama-san." He then added, "Indeed. You may not have noticed me because I haven't been in Tokyo lately. An international conglomerate needs to send their people all over the world. So did you meet my father very often? He knew so many people around Tokyo or in Japan... Were you a good friend of his?"

"Oh yes... an international conglomerate. Mishima-sama was a very international man, a credit to the nation. Oh, hm... Mishima Heihahi, I mean." The commissioner's eyes wandered to where Kazuya was sitting on his throne. He frowned slightly. "And yes, dear Mishima Heihachi-sama was a good friend. He even once attended a party I organised - my daughter's wedding ten years ago. He came in person." The commissioner puffed up his chest and looked at his colleague. Sugiyama made no response to this. The commissioner continued anyway. "Yes, Mishima Heihachi-sama came in person to her wedding reception. He's always had a personal line to my office. I was always very happy to pick up the line for him. He was such a reasonable man. What a terrible tragedy, what a great loss to the world." Commissioner Mochizuki raised his sake glass to Lee, then drank. "But you know, he was in such good health, I heard."

His partner finally leaned in. He had a nose a little like a pointed bird's beak, that helped him lean in further.

"Very good health," Sugiyama put in. He pushed his glasses up his beak and fixed Lee with dark, inquisitive eyes. "And no history of... how did the coroner announce it? ... Heart complications?" Both policemen were looking at Lee intently now.

Lee noticed that the man didn't seem to appreciate Kazuya very much… and if he was telling the truth, he was one of Heihachi's sell-out police… Lee smiled, looking like he was approving that marriage party with Heihachi as a guest.

"Oohh… When Otousama comes in person to a party, it really means something… and he was such an excellent addition to any parties…" Thinking of Heihachi's good cheerful sides and how he would have loved for this cheerfulness to have been more directed at them instead of his indifference or hate, Lee looked sad, and he added, "Not just for the prestige but he was a very lively person… We already miss him…" As the man lifted his sake glass, Lee wondered if it was Heihachi himself who called him 'my other son' or 'the other one', and he still felt sad about it. If that man really was close with a personal line and wedding invitation, he'd have heard all about the value Heihachi gave to his sons… which would explain why he also seemed to dislike Kazuya… That commissioner would probably try to avenge his good friend from that 'devil child' as Lee had sometimes heard Heihachi call Kazuya… "That is what he always let show but his heart was always weak… He had a history. He had that tendency to overexert himself to prove the doctor and everyone wrong. Otousama was a very proud man, never giving up, and he helped us have faith in our talents by following his example. He was an excellent father and teacher, but he went too far this time…" Lee then added, "But we are very proud of him. He is certainly an example..."

The commissioner's suspicious expression burst into a sunny day when he heard Lee say it really meant something to have Heihachi come to a party. He beamed and nodded all the way through Lee's explanation, except at the part where Heihachi had heart trouble, at which he pulled an appropriately sad expression but continued nodding.

"Oh, as you should be. Yes, be very proud of such a titan of a figure. How can there ever be another like him? The world has lost a bright star. I'm so very glad to hear that his sons honour and respect his legacy and all it represented."

"He had a history of a weak heart?" Sugiyama stroked his chin.

"There's no way Mishima-sama would ever have made such a thing known." Commissioner Mochizuki turned to his colleague. "He was a man of grand exterior. Proud and honourable in a way that men from an older era are. He was one of the last of his kind. Good, solid people. Grounded. A credit to the nation. It used to be that if you had some trouble, you didn't go sharing it out as news everywhere. And besides, Mishima-sama had many enemies that would seek to use such information against him."

"Indeed..." Sugiyama said, "...many enemies." He narrowed his eyes at Lee, then looked over at Kazuya, sitting dark and frowning on his imposing throne.

Lee nodded at everything the Commissioner said and even at what Sugiyama said while still looking sad. It was easy since he not only had some talent for acting, but he was still confused in his feelings and sad for many things.

"Yes, Otousama was an admirable man… Many were jealous… I don't think we will ever have another like him… It is very stressful to try and honour him and his legacy as he should be. He was such a bright star as you said, Commissioner-san, I'm not sure we will be able to represent his legacy as we should… We both hope to do so but, without him… It will be hard… I wish he had stayed many more years… We are not really prepared…" After a moment, Lee added, "Kazuya feels a lot of stress upon his shoulders for having to represent our father and be as good as he was. But please do not tell anyone: he is like our father - he is proud and wants to follow our father's example in being strong, in courage, morals, and everything… Like Otousama taught us to be… We want him to be proud of us."

The commissioner took another sip of sake. His cheeks were a little red from the alcohol. He wiped an eye. "You have a beautiful way with words, Lee-sama. Truly you are your father's son. When Mishima-sama spoke, all the world paused to listen! He had such eloquence. I'm sure he would indeed be proud of you. What filial virtue! I hope my own children one day speak of me like this."

"Indeed, very nice words," Sugiyama said, not quite so impressed as Commissioner Mochizuki. "And does your brother feel similarly? He certainly seems to feel the burden of something..." Sugiyama looked again at Kazuya who had a deep frown as he surveyed the room.

The many compliments the commissioner gave Lee touched him deeply. He only wished it had been Heihachi who told him that instead…

"Thank you… You are very kind to tell me this… I really hope I make him proud…", Lee said to Commissioner Mochizuki, slightly bowing in gratitude. He then turned to Sugiyama. "Of course he does… He not only has to represent the Mishima Zaibatsu, but Otousama died not long after that tournament… My brother feels very guilty about it… Otousama certainly overexerted himself there… Had we known it would kill him, we would have tried to change his mind and call off the tournament. Yet Otousama was really proud and never really told us about his heart condition. We always saw him as an invincible man... We learned from the doctor…" Lee slightly lowered his head at the end.

The commissioner gave Lee a sad smile and drained his sake cup.

"So Mishima Kazuya feels guilty, does he?" Sugiyama stepped a little closer.

Commissioner Mochizuki slapped him on the back. "Ah, Sugiyama, give it a rest. I think Mishima-sama's sons have been through enough." The commissioner put a hand on Lee's shoulder when he lowered his head. "Never fear. Your dear father may be gone, but here at the Tokyo PD, we will always remember him." Mochizuki now leaned in close and murmured to Lee, "And if the new Mishima CEO wants to discuss his relations with the local constabulary, I'm not uninstalling my private line to the Zaibatsu any time soon." He winked.

Sugiyama looked a little sour, but said nothing.

Lee didn't really like how Sugiyama always seemed suspicious but he had to talk about the culpability, everybody knew Heihachi died after the fight and to not mention it would probably look more suspicious. He was very happy that Commissioner Mochizuki seemed to be on their side though, and once more looked at him gratefully before bowing slightly. "Thank you. We do need as much help as we can from people who were here when Otousama was, it will feel more like he is still here with us..." Lee then thought about the purge Kazuya was doing at the Zaibatsu, firing everyone who had close ties with Heihachi... Whatever... As long as that commissioner liked them...

The commissioner puffed out his chest. "Well, you can count on my help. I've always liked the idea of family succession. One great businessman falls but his legacy lives on in his son. Yes. Yes, I like the sound of that. Tell Mishima Kazuya, if he has any troubles, he's always welcome to come to me. And Sugiyama-san will help out too, won't you." The commissioner turned expectantly to his colleague. His face went a little hard as he did so.

Sugiyama bowed to the commissioner and Lee. "I am of course at the disposal of the Mishima Zaibatsu," he said. "The corporation has a great legacy and has done much for Tokyo and indeed all Japan. I only hope Kazuya-san will live up to his father's magnanimous deeds."

Lee bowed once more to the Commissioner, then to Sugiyama. He then told them while facing mostly Commissioner Mochizuki, "Thank you, it is very reassuring to know we will have your inestimable help. My brother shall be very pleased." He then addressed Sugiyama: "Of course. Have no fear, we do intend to keep on with all of Otousama's magnanimous deeds. Our father succeeded in making the Mishima Zaibatsu what it is and in helping the people of Tokyo and Japan as much as he did with the wise decisions he took. Kazuya will follow his example." Though Lee still didn't trust that man... He didn't seem to address Kazuya as politely as he should...

"Well spoken!" Commissioner Mochisuki said. He smiled at Lee. "I'm sure the Zaibatsu will be in good hands when Mishima-sama's sons are so eloquent. Sugiyama here won't be a problem for you, he knows his place." The commissioner glanced at his associate again. Sugiyama bowed to Lee, this time respectfully. He said nothing, and kept his eyes lowered. "Pass on those regards to Kazuya-sama, won't you," Mochisuki said. "It's very important that he hears that we won't be an obstacle to the Zaibatsu. We've always found a way to get along together, and I see no reason not to continue the arrangement."

Lee smiled at Commissioner Mochisuki. He was happy with himself, and felt like he'd succeeded in keeping that commissioner's loyalty for now... Yet the Mishima sons' eloquence came from him and he should have got the Zaibatsu, not Kazuya... Yes, Kazuya won and he was the oldest son but still Lee felt he deserved it more, he knew more about all of this... Kazuya was already sitting there, not doing anything while he was walking among people to try to get them on their side... While he had to step on his pride... But again, Kazuya suffered more at the hands of Heihachi and he was shy... It was not his fault... But still... But keeping all of those confusing feelings inside, Lee only let show his politeness and gratitude to the two men as he bowed once more and said,

"Thank you. Yes, I shall pass those regards to my brother. Our relation was excellent under our father and it shall continue being excellent under my brother. Thank you again for coming to honor our dear departed father and to assure us of your continual friendship, it really means a lot. But I must now leave you to go meet the many guests. Otousama was very loved and, while I am sad for his departure, it is very pleasing to see all these people loving him..." Lee bowed once more to the commissioner and his associate.

"Indeed yes, don't let us keep you. Thank you for coming to speak with us in person, Lee-san." The commissioner and Sugiyama both bowed to Lee as he left.

Lee went away, looking for who he should address next… He may feel frustrated by having lost the Zaibatsu and being forced to show himself everywhere, but at least the commissioner and his associate were very polite to him…

Authors' Note: This story is the second in a series called 'The Second Mishima Empire'. The first story in the series is 'As the Sky Comes Apart'.