Chapter 1

Today was the day for the wedding of Momo Hinamori, the adopted daughter of Don Shunsui Kyoraku. Because the Don was in such a great mood, he was allowing anyone to let anyone ask him for a favor. As one might expect, many visitors came flooding to the wedding to get a favor from Shunsui Kyoraku.

Despite his fearsome reputation as a mobster, the people of the community respected. After all, they owe him a great debt when he made their lives easier. The previous Don only attempted to make things harder for the hard working people. But with the previous Don out of the way and the day Shunsui took over, things seemed a lot easier where their businesses can now prosper.

Entering the room to ask Don Kyoraku for a favor was a middle-aged man named Chojiro Sasakibe. He was distraught as he began to explain his problems and what favor he was asking of the Don.

Chojiro began. "I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom, but I taught her to never dishonor her family. She found an American boyfriend. She went to the movies with him and stayed out late. I had no problem with that.

"About two months ago, he took her for a drive and they went to meet some of her boyfriend's friends. They shared drinks, but they ended up getting her drunk and trying to take advantage of her. She fought back. Unfortunately, they were too strong for her and they beat her like an animal.

"When I went to the hospital, I was horrified by what they had done to her. They broke her nose and her jaw. The doctors had to wire her jaws shut to stop the pain. I cried seeing her in such pain. She was my beautiful little girl. And now, she will never be beautiful again."

Chojiro broke down crying. Shunsui gestures for his adopted son Renji Abarai to get him a drink. Renji handed him a small glass of whisky. After having his drink, Chojiro calmed down.

He continued on. "I went to the police, like a good American. These boys were brought to trial. They were supposed to receive a three year sentence in prison. But the judge suspended their sentence. They went free that very day. I stood in the courtroom like a fool. And those bastards laughed at me. Then I told my wife 'for justice, we must go to Don Kyoraku.'"

When he was finally done, Shunsui, petting his cat, replied, "Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?"

Not responding to that answer, Chojiro simply said, "What do you want from me? Tell me anything. But do what I beg you to do."

'What is that?" Shunsui asked.

Chojiro walked up over to the Don and whispered it into his ear. He wanted those boys dead. Shunsui remained silent for a while thinking about it and simply shook his head.

Shunsui answered, "That, I cannot do.

"I'll give you anything you ask," Chojiro pleaded.

As he petted his cat, Shunsui looked at Chojiro and said, "We've known each other for many years, but this is the first time you came to me for counsel, for help. I can't remember the last time you invited me to your house to share a few drinks, even though my wife is godmother to your only child.

"But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you were afraid to be in my debt."

"I didn't want to get into trouble," Chojiro told Shunsui.

Shunsui nodded. "I understand. You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made a good living. The police protected you. And you didn't need a friend like me. But now you come here and say, 'Don Kyoraku, give me justice'. But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship.

"You didn't even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to murder for moeny."

"I'm only asking you for justice."

"That is not justice. Your daughter is still alive."

"Still, they must suffer like she's suffering. How much shall I pay you?"

Shunsui put his cat down on the table and got up from his chair, looking out at the window and turned back to look at Chojiro.

"Chojiro," Shunsui spoke. "What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? Had you come to me in friendship, then these scumbags that beat your daughter would be suffering this very day. And should you make enemies, they become my enemies as well. And then they would fear you."

Standing nervously before the Don, Chojiro replied, "Then… will you accept my friendship, Don Kyoraku?" Chojiro bowed his head before the Don, who nodded as he kissed the upper part of his right hand.

With their business coming to a close, Shunsui walked Chojiro to the door and said, "Someday, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, accept this justice as a gift on my daughter's wedding day."

Chojiro smiled. "Thank you, Godfather." He then left the room to enjoy the wedding.

Once he was gone, Shunsui looked at Izuru and said to him, "Give this to Jushiro. I want reliable people that aren't going to be carried away. I mean we're not murderers, despite what this undertaker says."

"It will be done, Godfather," Izuru nodded.