Kazuya made his way to the exit. He pushed open the door into a cool, empty side corridor, then opened another door off it and stepped inside. It was a darkened conference room with a semi circle of empty chairs. Kazuya waited for Lee to enter, then closed the door behind him. He set Lee with his eyes and said nothing.
Lee followed Kazuya to the room and bowed once more to him. He was kind of certain Kazuya was angry. Kazuya was apparently waiting for something so he said,
"I wanted to reaffirm what I told Commissioner Mochizuki and tell everyone that your reign will be excellent."
Kazuya kept looking at him. Then he said quietly, "You want to tell me what that was in there?"
"A dance?" replied Lee, not too sure of himself anymore.
Kazuya's breath came as an irritable hiss between his teeth. "And do you think that was appropriate?"
"Yes." Lee said quickly, before he added, "Some people were not respecting me, and you, and were... needed to know that the Zaibatsu changed hands now." Lee knew he was talking a bit confusedly, he then added, "Now they know you rule."
Kazuya's frown deepened. He took a step closer. "So you were dancing on my behalf, little brother? You weren't trying to make a mockery of me? And of our father's memorial?"
"No. Quite the contrary. I was trying to show that the king is dead so long live the king, that despite the hardships that happened lately, the Zaibatsu would not fall, would keep on with continuity and progressiveness. I wanted to show that you would go on the same way but with a younger and more open mind. So both keep our old allies but also make new ones! Some wanted too much to hold on to Heihachi..." Lee was really getting nervous...
"A younger and more open mind?" Kazuya stepped nearer again, so that his face was close to Lee's. "Is that what your choice of dance partner was meant to demonstrate?"
"Yes," said Lee who kept on looking at Kazuya while trying not to look defiant or scared... Yet he was scared and he could hear his heart beating very loudly...
"You divided a room that was all but in my pocket. They do not want young and more open minded . They want Heihachi. And Heihachi is dead ." Kazuya stepped back, but also began pacing, and his voice got a little louder. "How am I meant to go back in there now?! Talk that Russian General, to the Police Commissioner, to old school businessmen like Yamamoto - who I had on my side before your fiasco!" He paused in his anger and looked at Lee. "You said someone wasn't respectful to you? Who? If someone disrespects you, you come to me . I don't want to ever see this -" He waved a hand gesturing vaguely at the hall, "-again. Am I understood?!"
Lee looked at Kazuya in a distressed way and said nothing. He didn't really know what to say... He then lowered his head and said,
"I'm sorry, I thought it would look good, I thought it would put you in your own light, not Heihachi's light." Looking at Kazuya, he added, "But I also did try to keep you tied with him so that the old allies would also be loyal to you. The Police Commissioner said his phone would be open to you..."
Kazuya calmed a little when Lee lowered his head and apologised. He could still hear more clever attempts to placate him in those words, but he didn't feel so threatened by them when his brother took that more deferential tone.
"It's true that I want to build my own legacy and not just continue Heihachi's," he said more slowly. He touched his brother's chin with a finger to assert his dominance. "But now isn't the right time for that. We must first make them feel safe and reassure them that they're right to keep their ties with me. Later we can scare them a little by showing them how different we are to our father." He said that with a more gentle tone. "You did well to get the commissioner on side." Then a little more firmly: "Though I hope he is still on side after your little peacock display." His expression darkened once more and he added, "And who is that man that dares think he can dance with my brother?!"
Lee nodded when Kazuya mentioned that they would scare them later. Though he did enjoy the gentler tone Kazuya used. He had feared him a bit too much before that and he somehow realised that he was now feeling relieved and even grateful that Kazuya took this tone, like when Heihachi was showing a kind side to him. Maybe because Kazuya was now the one with the power over him? Though at the same time he was still extremely jealous… Kazuya was not his father, Kazuya was his barely older brother and he could have had all that power… And at least Kazuya knew he could have spoiled things with the commissioner with his dance… He won't be surprised if that favorable attitude Lee talked about now changed… But Lee was still really annoyed at how that commissioner was offended… He somehow could have used him on his side… He somehow could have been the one Kazuya had to rely on to get good relations with him… But anyway that old man was an old conservative man, Lee would have to still have acted like Heihachi's obedient son all the time… and now he was free from Heihachi… Maybe not from Kazuya but Kazuya may change maybe… Maybe he was now more tyrannical since he just got the Zaibatsu and would soften later… Like he just did now… .
But Lee then noticed how Kazuya's expression darkened while asking about Sep… Lee first thought about hiding Sep, not telling his name, but he knew Sep was here to see Kazuya… Yet being in a gang, he suddenly wondered if Sep was also here to kill Kazuya… Probably not, with the way he talked… He really was there to talk to him… Lee wondered if he would have to protect both Kazuya and Sep…
He told Kazuya, "His name is Sep, I don't know the rest. He told me but I don't remember. I asked him to dance with me, I thought he looked cute… But he cannot speak Japanese, yet he needs to see you… He wanted to congratulate you on your success. He is someone you could easily get on your side… He already is. He is that new generation you can get on your side, that doesn't drool over our father." Lee wondered if that journalist was now after Sep or if Sep decided to flee…
Kazuya's expression darkened the more he heard about this 'Sep'. His lip twitched when Lee said the word 'cute'.
"A name? That's all you know about him? You don't even know what faction you've aligned yourself with and proclaimed to all the world that you're dancing with?" he asked, mockingly. He hated the idea that there was someone trying to get close to Lee, probably preying off his unhappiness in that setting, getting between him and his brother and sowing discord. Lee was meant to be at his side doing everything he said, not dancing with some stranger. Kazuya's anger was simmering again and his voice started to get louder. "He wants to congratulate me, does he? But what, he thought he would dance with the brother of the Mishima Zaibatsu CEO in the meantime? Does he know who you are?! You aren't just some nobody! I will keep you in whatever position I see fit and use you how I wish, but everyone else should show you respect! If they disrespect you, they disrespect me and the Mishima name! And this nobody thinks he can walk into Oyaji's memorial and start dancing? With you?! Was this his idea?! I bet it was. You wouldn't have dared come up with it yourself."
Lee somehow knew he made a mistake when Kazuya's expression darkened again. But he got a hurt expression when Kazuya mocked him over not even knowing who Sep was... and worse was that Kazuya was right, he didn't know him... Sep had been very encouraging, very kind and charming but Lee still had no idea who he was... A small gang not speaking Japanese... But that was about all... or Lee didn't remember, he was too caught up in his own problems and thought anyway he would ask Sep more before presenting him to Kazuya, he didn't think it would go this fast...
"I don't think I told him who I was, he probably now knows after I made my speech but I asked him to dance, I... I wanted to dance... he did not disrespect me by accepting... He never intended to disrespect you, he always spoke highly of you with the small conversation we had. Kazuya, all of that stupid act was my idea. He just smiled at me first." Lee thought he certainly didn't say what he should. Kazuya was making him panic. He hoped somehow that Sep decided to flee the place... But there was probably no escape... Everyone saw them, he had to find what to say...
Kazuya was still fuming internally, but he could see Lee was more agitated now and didn't seem so scheming. Lee probably hadn't plotted against him and conspired to make a mess of everything. Probably. If he found out he had... But he couldn't go turning the few people he had against him, at least not on so little evidence. Lee seemed to want to make amends and wasn't throwing some stubborn tantrum. He did seem apologetic, and Kazuya always found it a little hard to stay cold with Lee when he seemed desperate and contrite. He controlled his temper, though there was still anger simmering in his gaze. "Since this Sep wants to speak to me so much, you will bring him to me. In the meantime, I have work for you. You sauntered off when I wanted you. There is a businessman, Maeda Saburou. He's proving a problem for me. I want you to work your charm on him and bring him around."
Lee listened to what Kazuya was saying and nodded when he told him to bring Sep to him. Anyway Sep wanted to see him...
"In the meantime? You mean I bring Sep to you, then leave you both to see that Maeda-san? I offered to be his translator... And how is that Maeda-san proving a problem?"
"Yes, I think some alone time with him will work just fine." Kazuya flashed Lee an unpleasant smile. "His translator? I'll condescend to speak English for him, will that do?"
Kazuya dragged one of the chairs around and sunk into it heavily. He crossed one leg over the other. His face had become more sullen. "Maeda won't renew his contracts with us. I can feel it. There's hate and fear in his eyes. He probably thinks I acted on my own to coerce him when Oyaji ordered it of me. He probably expects me to corner him and beat him up again. I don't think violence will get me what I want this time. I want you to try and coax him round. He needs to believe in me. And more importantly, give me his money." Kazuya's eyes snapped up to Lee. "But whatever you do don't bring up Oyaji ordering me to attack him. He won't believe it anyway and it makes me look weak. It's better to just play into the worst beliefs people have of me, then make them think twice about crossing me."
Lee feared he put Sep into much more trouble but then again, he needed to see Kazuya and he couldn't speak the language, Lee could not change that... Though he really hated that smile... And he needed to be there, either if Sep wanted to kill Kazuya or Kazuya wanted to kill Sep... Or maybe they will talk in a civilized way... But Lee then listened to what Kazuya was saying. Indeed, Heihachi goes with all the flowers and Kazuya keeps all the bad reputation... Lee also had some dirty jobs like this to do in the U.S. but he mostly tried to not do them himself if he really could not do them at all in a civilized way... Though there are certainly some people who didn't like the allusions he made sometimes... But really, the amiable way was always the best... He would have to try it with that man... Lee was about to ask if there was proof of Heihachi sending Kazuya somewhere in the Zaibatsu files but yes, Kazuya would not want to look weak... Lee also wasn't sure if ruling with fear would be the best. They had an occasion to start anew and be better than Heihachi had been... But he didn't dare say it for now and would take up the subject another day, once Sep's life wasn't in danger...
"Okay, so I present him the offer that, despite what he knows of you, that I don't mention, you are gracious to give him something that will also benefit him a lot and that it would be stupid to refuse. Somehow I may bring in his loyalty to Otousama and appeal to his feelings for him while mentioning that it would also be what our father would have wished... Fine, I'll try to appease him..." Yet Lee also wondered if he could ask for a better position to be able to discuss with that man. A secretary would not look good for him or for Kazuya's reputation since he would also look like he attacks his own brother... Though it could still put Kazuya in a bad mood... If it wasn't for Sep, Lee would try to ask. Maybe he should, his whole future depended on it... But again, not yet...
"Yes, say whatever you want to him, as long as it doesn't make me look weak, I don't care. I can't have people backing out of contracts with the Zaibatsu, if one does it, others may follow. One way or another, Maeda can't be allowed to refuse." Kazuya was calmer now that they were talking business and on the same side again. He thought for a moment, then said, "I'm annoyed you had to go and show off in public, but I'll stand by what you've done. If anyone gives you any trouble on this - for whatever reason - tell them they're welcome to raise their concerns with me. I'll make sure they won't even dare look at us the wrong way, let alone dare criticise you."
Lee was happy that Kazuya seemed to have calmed down. If Sep was not a killer himself, it will probably go well between them... And Lee was even more grateful when Kazuya said he would take his side... He slightly bowed to him and said,
"Thank you, Oniisan. I will go look for Sep and take care of that Maeda-san." It definitely was not the time for the secretary thing... But tomorrow... Yet Kazuya said he didn't want anyone criticising him, so if he was not a secretary anymore, there would be less critics... but that decision must come from Kazuya or else he may be angry again... But in a way he was still at the start of when he left earlier... yet maybe less ashamed...
Kazuya stood. "We will re-enter the room together. And behave properly from now on. No more surprises." Kazuya strode to the door and led the way back to the throne room.
But can I still speak with Sep? Lee wanted to ask but he didn't dare and Kazuya was already out of the room. So Lee followed and told himself that he would see Sep again, provided he was not an assassin intending to kill Kazuya but he would still see him. Unless Sep didn't want to... Maybe it was better that they didn't see each other... But Sep helped him so much and they danced together. Lee still wanted to dance with him... It was his first dance with a man... and a nice looking man... And maybe he was also deciding a bit too fast... Anyway, Lee followed Kazuya outside the room and into the throne room where he tried to see Sep while remaining near Kazuya.
As they re-entered the throne room, they came upon a sea of people doing mournful shuffling dances to the now more melancholy and sedate music. Kazuya smirked at the sight, amused. He inclined his head to Lee though kept his eyes on the room.
"Find this Sep and send him to me. Then get on with sorting Maeda out. I will be near here, enjoying this view."
Lee did wonder how Kazuya would speak with Sep. He didn't know how to approach Sep again if he didn't know how things would go... He would feel bad saying everything was excellent to Sep while Kazuya was waiting to scold him... But if he arrived with a mournful air, it wouldn't help Sep's attitude... At least the dancing people put Kazuya in a good mood... He bowed to Kazuya and said,
"Yes, Mishima-sama."
Lee then left and looked around to find Sep. After a moment, he noticed him near the buffet. He went to him and asked,
"How have you been? No one annoyed you?"
Sep had his sunglasses back on and was picking at curls of fish with a pair of chopsticks. He was leaning over his plate a little at the buffet, perhaps to hide his features.
"Chaolan!" he said with some relief. He glanced around them, before saying in an undertone to Lee, "That cursed journalist is buzzing around. She was asking me all sorts but I didn't tell her anything, not even my name. Well - she asked why I was dancing with you, and I did tell her the truth." He shed some of his agitation and his playful smile made a return. "I told her you were hot, who wouldn't want to dance with you? Then I asked her if she'd dance with you if she had the chance, and she blushed enough to turn away and give me a chance to escape and lose her." He placed another coil on his plate. "This fish is good by the way, I like it - I never had sushi before. This is sushi, right?" He pushed a strand of hair that had come free back out of his face. Still looking at his food, he said, "I hope it didn't cause too much trouble for you with your brother."
Lee didn't think he would appreciate so much hearing his name spoken in such a relieved way by Sep. He seemed to really mean something to him... Sep certainly wasn't a killer... He was too genuine... He then listened to what Sep told him about the journalist and wondered what that truth was. But he got charmed by Sep's playful smile and slightly blushed while chuckling at his reply. Sep was so hot too... So charming... He then chuckled once more at the journalist's reaction while being also flattered... So she was jealous...
"Yes, it's sushi." He then added as Sep pushed the strand of hair from his face, "You truly are beautiful..." Then taking a serious air but trying to not be too mournful or too cheerful, he said, "I'm okay. I spoke with my brother and told him you wanted to see him. He wants to see you now. But he says he will speak English with you so he doesn't need me, and I need to speak to some guest. But if Kazuya asks, I asked you to dance, okay? You smiled at me first and I didn't tell you who I was. Remember all that I told you before: no mention of our father and give much respect to my brother and things will go well." Lee wondered if he should ask Sep what his reason was for being here exactly. Now that he saw him again, all doubts about Sep killing Kazuya were almost gone, Sep was too genuine for that but still maybe... and maybe even if it wasn't that, maybe he should know. Kazuya did laugh at him for not knowing... But it was a bit late to know now... It wouldn't change anything... But still, Lee asked him, "Do you need some help in presenting yourself? May I do something to introduce you?"
Sep ate the sushi, savouring its flavour. He gave Lee a glowing grin when he said he was beautiful. That radiance slowly slid from his face as he listened to the rest of what Lee had to say though. He swallowed down his sushi, then poured himself a large cup of sake and downed it in one gulp.
"This isn't going to be quite the way I envisioned introducing myself to the head of the Mishima Zaibatsu." He laughed nervously. "You asked me to dance - okay, and I didn't know who you were - alright." He could feel this was damage control for a much worse situation so didn't question those lies. He set down his plate and turned to Lee. "How should I address him? Is 'Mr Mishima' okay?" Sep paused. He reached a hand forward and brushed against Lee's fingers with his own. "Don't worry about introducing me. I don't want to drag you further into this. My background isn't exactly considered reputable by everyone. I think I've already caused you a fair bit of trouble." He stepped a little closer though, and murmured, "I don't regret dancing with you for even a second. It made me feel alive."
"It will be 'Mishima-sama'. And you bow very low for him. Respect is extremely important, and you also respected me. It's important too. I know you did but you mention you did if he asks and don't directly mention to him that I am hot. Of course he guessed it, but say it in other words. What the journalist will write is not important. Though it is to me because I definitely appreciate your reply." Lee was still very flattered by that 'hot' mention… and a bit troubled but in a good way by Sep's touch… He slightly touched his hand back as he listened to what Sep said more and wondered about the 'dragging into this'… He still wondered what was happening with Sep and who he was… Maybe it was just that he was in a gang… The Zaibatsu was not always the most honest corporation, Lee wasn't too surprised if gangsters were here to get contracts… .
And he somehow didn't want to embarrass Sep with questions, he knew how it felt not to belong in a place but to try and do so, so he didn't want to shame Sep… Anyway, if Sep really wanted to kill Kazuya he wouldn't say it… and again Sep was too genuine for this… But Lee also still feared for Sep… With all his temper and bad mood swings, Lee just didn't know how Kazuya would react toward him… Since Kazuya got the Zaibatsu, he began to scare Lee a lot more… But Lee enjoyed the words Sep murmured to him and closed his eyes while listening. He would love to kiss Sep to show his affection but he just didn't know what he could do anymore… All those annoying people were in the room… But they could touch hands… He opened his eyes and said,
"I also enjoyed dancing with you, you helped me so much… I felt desperate before meeting you. I want to see you again." He then added in a more normal tone, "Background is not important to Kazuya. Some people close to him came from the street and he doesn't mind. What matters to him is the respect and what you can offer him. I'll tell you what you told me, be sure of yourself and what you can offer to him."
Sep took a deep breath. He gave an easy, more relaxed smile, though his fingers against Lee's trembled. "Mishima-sama, bow very low, respect for you, make my offer." He counted off the things he was remembering. "And of course, I won't dare mention how attractive you are. Like the bosses back home - only business, no matters of the heart." Sep took another breath. "Be sure of myself. You're already doing a lot better at that than I am." He laughed again, still with anxiety tainting it. "I hope I see you again too," he said quietly. "If I make it through today, I'll find you again some day. Even if it's just a glance from a distance." He gave a more confident grin. "Some things are worth the risk."
Lee chuckled a bit again at the attractiveness mention and said,
"I was lucky to meet the most encouraging person on earth tonight so it was easier and yes, we will see each other again." Lee said that in an assured tone but he still was nervous about what would happen. But he wouldn't show it... Yet he looked lovingly at Sep when he talked about the risk... And at the back of his mind, he also wondered how much Kazuya would control his love life... Maybe he won't, maybe it was just for that party... He grabbed Sep's hand to lead him to Kazuya but then wondered if it would still offend, so he gently squeezed it for a moment and said, "Everything will be excellent." He then let go of Sep's hand and began to walk to where Kazuya was last seen.
Sep gave Lee another smile though it faded more quickly this time as they walked. He didn't say anything more, and only followed Lee quietly.
Kazuya was still near the doorway. He wasn't speaking to anyone, and instead seemed to be watching the guests closest to him with a malicious enjoyment as they kept awkwardly dancing to the mournful music. He looked up when Lee and that young man from before approached and frowned.
Sep took off his sunglasses and immediately bowed low.
"I'm honoured to meet you, Mishima-sama." He stayed bowed and fell silent.
Lee noticed Kazuya's enjoyment and had to say that he also enjoyed all those people being forced to dance after most of them looking at him in an almost outraged way. A slight smile appeared on his face while he looked at them but quickly faded since Lee didn't want to look mocking or something in front of Kazuya who may think he was mocking him instead. Once near, he also bowed to Kazuya for a moment then said,
"Mishima-sama, I present you Sep-san." He then regretted very much not remembering the rest of his name, he should have asked, stupid that he was, and looked slightly embarrassed while trying to hide it as best he could...
Kazuya's eyebrows arched and he looked imperiously at Lee and Sep. Once Sep heard the introduction Lee gave him, he stayed bowed and addressed Kazuya.
"It is a great honour, Mishima-sama. I am Septimus Yau Yeun-Sai. Yau is my family name. I am Deputy Mountain Master of the Maa Tau Hing Dai , the Triad who hold the largest amount of power in Hong Kong. Although we are small in number and territory compared to something as grand as the Mishima Zaibatsu, we have much to offer you since a vast amount of international trade comes through Hong Kong, all of which is overseen by us. If it is to your liking, we would propose an agreement between our organisations."
Kazuya was quiet for a moment, and glanced at Lee, eyebrows still raised, though now more in surprise.
"Stand." Kazuya motioned for Sep to rise. Sep did so, cautiously. He looked at Kazuya with some trepidation. "You keep interesting company, Chaolan," Kazuya said, eyes still on Sep.
Lee wondered what that big title was for and was a bit surprised to know how powerful Sep's gang were... He had some suspicions about the gang thing but the whole revelation still surprised him a lot. Though when Kazuya addressed him, Lee made a small smile and replied,
"I know." Of course, he didn't know, or not exactly that part that was interesting... which somehow was a bit troubling... But again Heihachi did conduct a lot of illegal business. It's not like they were clean before... Yet Lee wasn't sure now if he did well to bring Sep to Kazuya...
Kazuya turned to Lee. "I will hear what Mr Yau has to say. You may leave us now. Return to me when you've done what I asked of you."
Sep chanced a look at Lee and gave him a small smile that was just a little bit apologetic.
Lee gave a small smile back to Sep before he bowed to Kazuya and left. Lee didn't like to have to leave that meeting though he told himself that at least Kazuya seemed respectful of Sep now… and Sep also didn't want to kill Kazuya. Looking around the place for Maeda while still thinking somehow about the criminal Triad, Lee thought that they already were doing immoral stuff, only in accordance with the law and the money… A Triad was just a corporation with a little bit less open protection and public recognition… All those people around were all criminals and dirty people, their companies were bad for a lot of people: Sep was no worse… He just started from a poorer position… One he may himself had had if it wasn't for his adoption. That was how it was… Everybody needed to survive or more… Besides if they gained Sep's group as associates, they would be able to not really control but somehow still control a bit what they did… Lee knew he was troubled anyway since he had to tell himself all those excuses… He would like to go smoke again outside but he needed to go meet some man… Though all of this didn't take away Sep's charm. He did help him a lot and he was still very interesting… Lee longed to dance with him again… But yes, the Mishima Zaibatsu were the biggest gang as Sep said… .
Thinking about all this, Lee arrived at where that Maeda-san was standing. The task would prove to be hard since the man was not dancing and was now standing before Heihachi's portrait… Lee still felt something as he noticed his dead father's picture: a mix of anger, relief, love and sadness but he knew that Maeda wouldn't think he felt sadness after that dance that probably really offended him… He went to the businessman and bowed.
"Maeda-san, I am honoured that you think of our father in such a respectful way…"
"Someone has to do…" replied the businessman in a slightly cold and sad tone.
Lee didn't speak for a moment then said, "Everyone in the room respected him. I wanted to respect his wish to never give up and never feel down in face of adversity. My father would have wanted this."
Maeda didn't reply anything and barely looked at Lee, but for a moment he somehow showed some signs of incredulousness…
Nearby, Yamamoto Osamu had excused himself from the 'dancing' to also pay his regards to Heihachi. He shuffled towards the shrine in his large dark coat. He bowed to the portrait, then he gave a small bow to Lee and Maeda. He turned his attention back to the portrait.
"I couldn't help overhearing. But, it's as Lee-san said. Everyone here respected Heihachi." Yamamoto put a finger to his lips and added, "If you'll excuse me a moment, I'll fetch us glasses and a good sake. Then we can remember Mishima Heihachi properly." Yamamoto moved away, weaving between the dancers to head towards the buffet table.
Maeda Saburou was a bit surprised and embarrassed by the new arrivant's words. Of course, he didn't really mean no one respected him here... He mostly meant Heihachi's sons and that young man who danced with Lee Chaolan... He didn't mean to insult others... But the perspective of reminiscing on Mishima Heihachi appealed to him very much... He still couldn't get out of his painful grief... Heihachi died so quickly... because of that brutish son, Mishima Kazuya... Maeda still wasn't over it...
Lee was glad when Yamamoto-san arrived and took his side. It may help with his goal... An ally was welcome and good sake often changed someone's opinion... He made a small smile while politely bowing to Yamamoto Osamu...
Yamamoto returned shortly with a sake pourer and three small cups. He set them on a nearby table and poured a measure into each. He offered a cup to Lee and Maeda.
"Let us drink to the memory of the greatest among us." He turned to the portrait. "Mishima Heihachi."
Lee did as Maeda did and accepted his cup while politely bowing once more as he thanked Yamamoto. But when the man mentioned Heihachi as the greatest among us, Lee kept his sad face but something inside of him was really outraged... Yes, he loved his father but he was deeply angry that Heihachi was going away with such a flattering image while people didn't know what he really was... While people were judging him and Kazuya now... Lee looked at his sake cup while thinking how much Heihachi made him and Kazuya suffer... He was now sad at both the departure and the mistreatment and lack of love, so he closed his eyes and tried to chase away all those mixed feelings...
Meanwhile Maeda Saburou didn't hide the small tears that came from his eyes as he nodded respectfully at Yamamoto Osamu's words and said,
"He was a great man... Never will someone be like him..."
Lee knew he should say something to look more sad and win Maeda over but he didn't know what, so he only repeated, "Yes, he was..."
Yamamoto nodded at Maeda's words, sipping his own cup after he'd raised it to Heihachi.
"Indeed, it is such a hard legacy to look up to. But I am comforted by the knowledge that Hehachi has raised his two sons in his image to be both martial artists and businessmen. They might still have a lot to learn..." Yamamoto added, glancing at the dancing crowd and then at Lee,"... but I'm sure they will grow into Heihachi-sama's legacy."
Despite already trying to defend his action, Lee stated once more as he looked at them both,
"You both know my father would never give up and would always enjoy life in front of adversity. Otousama would have cheered people up and I tried to follow his example…" Lee lowered his head and looked at his sake cup again. "…but I guess I took the wrong way in trying to respect his legacy… I am deeply sorry… I should have shown his lesson in another way… another time…" Lee was annoyed to have to present his excuse for that action he certainly didn't regret. But what was the opinion of those men to him? They were only there for business, he had no intention of getting closer to them… Looking at them both once more, he then said, "That is why your support is also very precious to us, we need associates who know how to give us some example. I mean we do know how to behave - we will try to act and do as we learned, but Otousama left us too quickly… We are a bit lost…"
Maeda looked at Lee with a stern face. That young man was clearly misguided to dance in front of everyone while his father just died… That was certainly not respecting his legacy… and again that Mishima Kazuya was certainly not the same material as his father… He was such a brute… Heihachi left them because his son killed him… Maeda had no intention of coming here after his last respects to Heihachi… with those degenerate sons…
Yamamoto looked a little uncomfortable when Lee mentioned the dancing. It was hardly just the dancing that had been a problem in his mind... And to speak so brazenly of the matter before Heihachi's remains... He gave a small cough.
"Youth does strange things to one," he said stiffly. "But Heihachi-sama was not without his eccentricities. Who expected to meet a pet bear when they went to a meeting with him!" He gave a small laugh and sipped his sake. "It's good that you see your error, Lee-san. Your father's friends like Maeda and I are here to help you and Kazuya-san grow into fine businessmen. With our guidance, you will both surely shoulder your father's legacy and empire well."
Shoulder their father's legacy and empire... Now Lee was feeling jealousy toward Kazuya once more... Who had all that legacy and empire? Kazuya. While he was just a mere secretary... Lee once more wished he could run out of here... Having to ask for forgiveness for what made him feel more free and getting no good position in the Zaibatsu, Lee once more felt the humiliation he felt before meeting Sep. He had to remember what Sep told him... But he tried to hide all of this and bowed to Yamamoto and Maeda while saying,
"Thank you, I am grateful that you will both help us. I know my father held both of you in deep esteem, he would be very happy about this. Thank you, Yamamoto-sama, Maeda-sama..." Lee looked at them both and noticed that Maeda still remained cold, saying nothing. That man definitely hated him and Kazuya... Lee didn't really know what to say... He still only wanted to go smoke outside or go back home... "I know we will organise a meeting soon to discuss a new animal sanctuary that Otousama wanted to open. It was a project very dear to him. Will you come?"
Maeda looked at Lee in a slightly less stern way but still didn't seem very friendly. After looking once more at Heihachi's portrait, he said, "I am sorry. I... don't think I shall be able to attend."
Lee didn't like the answer, it really looked like Maeda wanted to cut all ties...
Yamamoto gave Lee a smile at the acknowledgement. He sipped his sake, then nodded.
"An animal sanctuary... How fitting. This is a good way indeed to honour Heihachi-sama. Maeda-san, I'm sure you can approve, you know how Heihachi-sama loved animals - certainly all of his old business associates should oversee the arrangements. And after all, it will be a good opportunity to get to know the new CEO and make ties anew with the Mishima Zaibatsu. We must show our firm support for Heihachi's heir."
Lee gave a small smile back at Yamamoto and while also sipping his sake, listened to him trying to convince Maeda. His voice may have more impact than his... Maeda listened to Yamamoto with a bit of regret in his face, he wanted to support that project but he definitely wanted to cut all ties with the Mishima Zaibatsu... And his eyes also showed some fear once the mention of getting to know Kazuya was evoked... He had already had enough contact with him... But he also had some difficulties to refuse in front of Heihachi's portrait... though it was Kazuya who killed him...
"I am actually extremely busy... I... do not know."
Yamamoto frowned. After a moment, he sighed. He turned and looked sadly at the imperious portrait of Heihachi nestled amidst its riotous blanket of brilliant coloured flowers.
"Well, I suppose now is hardly the time to solidify future dates. What is most important is honouring a dear friend. Business can wait for another day. What matters now is respecting the dead and supporting his heir. Shall I pour you both another drink?" Yamamoto poured himself another cup then held up the bottle, offering Lee and Maeda.
"Thank you. Yes, you are right, my father would have said what you just said," Lee said as he slightly bowed again and presented his sake cup. Maeda still was hesitant. Lee wasn't the only one who didn't want to be here... But he remembered he came to honor Heihachi one last time so he also thanked Yamamoto and presented his cup. Meanwhile, Lee wondered how to convince that man... It probably would have to wait another day... The man was too caught up in his sadness over losing Heihachi and his anger toward Kazuya... Ganging up on him wasn't the way to convince him... He would have to be convinced in a calmer time and place...
Yamamoto poured out both their cups. He raised his own in a toast. "In honour of Mishima Heihachi-sama, and to the new CEO of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Mishima Kazuya-san." Then he drained his glass.
Both the men raised their glass to Heihachi and Lee was at least glad that Yamamoto recognised Kazuya as the new CEO. He once more looked at Maeda who was still very focused on Heihachi's portrait and wondered what more could he say... If only he knew Maeda a bit more...
Yamamoto bowed to Heihachi's portrait, then returned his attention to Lee and Maeda. "Thank you both for the company, I hope we will all be working closely together in future." His weathered face turned to Lee. "Stay out of trouble, Lee-san. I will take my leave now, I must catch the police commissioner on a matter of business."
Lee bowed to Yamamoto-san and said,
"Yes, I will, Yamamoto-sama."
Though Lee was still annoyed by all those judgmental people around here... But he had to look repentant for that man to remain an associate and to try to appease that other annoying man... The mention of the commissioner also made him a bit uneasy since he had seen how that man had also looked at him... All those people around were so annoying... They all spoiled his lovely dance... But he glanced once more at Maeda. Apart from bowing to Yamamoto when he left, Maeda Saburou seemed closed to anything else but looking at Heihachi's portrait in a sad way while holding his sake cup. Lee thought he may have to talk to him a bit later, once he left the portrait and when he may be in a less taciturn mood... So he bowed to Maeda and excused himself.