CHAPTER XXI

…

"I want to ask you for a favor."

"I don't even know if I actually want to do anything for you at all."

Hachiman did not expect to see the day that Haruno Yukinoshita herself would be the one to approach him in an amicable position. Hachiman was seated across from her, drinking a cup of coffee as usual. They were alone this time inside the café, and a gray sky was beginning to form outside. His eyes were glued to the newspaper he was skimming through, not necessarily paying attention to Haruno in front of him. Haruno knew where to find Hachiman, and so took the initiative to approach him. It was as if Hachiman was intentionally being obstinate just to spite her.

"Please," Haruno finally said. When Hachiman did not budge, she gently pulled down the newspaper he was reading and looked at him. "There's no one else I could ask."

Hachiman raised his eyebrows and stared at her wearily. "And what do I get in return? Do you think of me as all-benevolent and compassionate?"

"Am I wrong?"

Hachiman snorted. "Very. You see, if you can do something good, never do it for free. That's me."

Haruno looked away, diffident. She muttered slowly, "if it's money that you want… or connections..." she became sly for a moment. "Or is it something else? Something perhaps more… intimate?"

Hachiman grinned at this. "I find it curious that you'll go to such extents just to get this favor. And I wonder, what is the magnitude of this request you are about to ask."

"I never said I would do anything you ask for in return," Haruno quickly said, frowning. Hachiman shrugged.

"That's not really my interest, so I assure you we're on the same page. So tell me, what is this favor I can do for you?"

Haruno was a bit surprised and unsure. "You'll help me?" She continued skeptically.

Over a week had passed since the incident. Haruno remembered what had happened last Sunday, and the confrontation between Mrs. Yukinoshita and Hachiman. If Hachiman could stand up to such an overbearing individual such as her mother, then it was likely that he had something to back up his heavy words. Hachiman might just be someone who could solve a little problem of hers - a problem too big for others at least.

Hachiman put down his cup and laid back, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes did not betray a sliver of concern. However Haruno felt that Hachiman was inwardly smiling at this. She knew it might be - likely was - a grave mistake to put herself in this position with Hachiman. He said, "all I ask of you in return is for you to return the favor in time, and pray that time never comes."

…

"Your arraignment is set on next Sunday. They might try to bring up that smuggling charge from last, last year. Or worse. Everyone's going to look for any kind of dirt on us now, Hikio."

Hanzo sat in ease as he tallied the wads upon wads of cash on the table in front of him. There were four more briefcases to be opened - compliments of the surrendering remnants of the Inagawa-kai. The tranquility in the Ieyori household was restored, save for the commotion that visiting neighbors raised, which Mama Imoguiri had to deal with. The family was now held in the highest regard not just around Sakaecho, but even in the city. They now commanded a certain prestige that rivaled the upper classes of society. Though they weren't quite aristocrats yet.

Hachiman stood across the living room in front of an antique mirror, his face pinched as he fussed with his tie. "Of course they would be doing that," he said. He turned around. "And your hearing will be this week?"

Hanzo answered coolly. "On Wednesday. Kenji is going to court on Friday. A lot of us are facing summons and indictments, Hikio. This ain't looking good," he added in a lower tone.

After the unnatural and suspicious surge in crime during the past week, the police began investigating. In some cases, indictments would be tried. Hachiman anticipated it, and prepared accordingly. "I wouldn't tell you to relax, but we've got the lay judges and potential witnesses and all that taken care of. We might have to throw some red herrings here and there just to get the agencies off our trail, but I've tied the loose ends. Nobody's getting pinched, I've sorted it all out." Hachiman walked towards the table just as Hanzo got up. "If it makes you feel better, I know someone who can take care of the courts."

"I'm not just talking about that. We still have that damned stash of guns. It's time we really get rid of that shit."

"You're right," Hachiman agreed. He fished out his pocketbook from his coat pocket. His eyes began to run over a particular page attentively, and he furrowed his eyebrows. "You know, Hanzo, the inspector met me the other day."

Hanzo was suddenly concerned. "What'd he say?"

Hachiman paused, his gaze darkening slightly before he shook out of it. He glanced up at Hanzo before brushing himself off.

"You'd be best served not to know about it."

Hanzo was suspicious. "Hachiman, don't do anything stupid. I know that look when you're plotting something fucked up," he warned.

"Me?! Do something stupid?" Hachiman scoffed. "I think that's too much."

"Well you get my point. Don't forget we're in this together, you're not obligated to take on everything. Anyhow, what's with Zaimokuza-kun? And something about investing our money, what's this all about?"

"While we're busy running things on the front, I had him work his way up in a company, the one owned by the Miuras. Only a few months in, Zaimokuza is now the youngest floor manager in one of their offices downtown. Can you believe that? I had to insist on arrangements… but it worked out. Now, we can send our capital to Zaimokuza and he'll put it to good use."

A relieved smile crept on Hanzo's lips. In addition to laundering the money, they were earning revenue via return of investments - Hanzo was no economic major, but he knew that money made more money when handled right. "OK," he said, "Well, after this final meeting of yours we can start working on new jobs in the city. There's no more Yakuza inhibiting us. Let's start talking about Metro Tokyo. I'll put you in a construction job, and we can breeze through the summer." Hanzo added quickly, "another thing as well. Mikaeru, Mr. Sieyes' younger brother? I'm putting him in charge of an operation in the docks. That kid has potential. Let's take him with us to the city." Hachiman smiled and agreed with Hanzo's vision. He put on his hat before strolling out of the door. Michael Sieyes was already waiting inside the car to accompany the boss to his destination.

By now Hachiman was accustomed to social events, though he didn't necessarily indulge in it. To him it was just another matter of business. He was meeting different people from different heights. He'd met great families and few self-made men. However he remained seeing them through a distrustful perspective. There was nothing worse than being on the back foot against such people.

He expected two important families to be there, namely the Hayama and the Miura families. This was a very different occasion because the Yukinoshitas were not present. In fact, they were deliberately excluded. Hachiman was of course invited to Edogawa city, along with several of his associates. Hachiman recollected his thoughts for a minute as he walked through the lounge of the Funabori building. He could not help but stop when he saw Miura Yumiko there.

"You look different."

A smirk formed on Yumiko's lips as she watched her friend approach. "What do you mean by that?"

Hachiman looked at her. Yumiko cut a sharp figure in the room wearing a fashionable mouse-gray dress. "Well I mean, usually you don't look all that dolled-up and pretty," he commented.

Yumiko pouted. "Oi, Hachi. Is that a compliment or an insult?"

Hachiman grinned. "Whichever one flusters you the most."

"Ugh, you're such a dope." Yumiko rolled her eyes. "I'm surprised you showed up again. Somehow you got invited?"

"I'm just tagging along, or something like that."

"Been busy the whole week?" Yumiko asked, but noticed that Hachiman seemed to hesitate at her question. She wondered why, but decided not to push it. They both walked and got inside the elevator, which took them to the twentieth floor of the building. Faint murmuring from the meeting room could be heard in the hallways. Yumiko shrugged.

"I feel you. I had to do a hell lot of things these days. Grandma started coming around and is making me go with her to church and business meetings."

"Tell me about it." He sighed. "And church and business? Isn't that fun?"

"Miyako-sama keeps insisting on 'refining' me into a lady. Isn't that fun?" Yumiko sarcastically replied.

Hachiman was amused. "Hey, are you being unusually reserved right now?"

"No, I don't know what you're on about."

"I see," Hachiman mused. Yumiko was being less outgoing than usual, and this Hachiman immediately noticed. Well this was a welcome change in any case. Hachiman pointed towards several ladies that had just entered the hall. "Aren't those your friends? Could've sworn I've seen them with you before."

Yumiko was delighted. "Oh right! Listen, I gotta go to them for a minute. Talk to ya later," she waved at Hachiman before walking off. He smiled as his friend walked away.

Hachiman already noticed that someone had been quietly observing both of them before. He turned around to face Hayama Hayato, who began to approach him. The smile on Hachiman's face vanished, and he stared at Hayato.

Hayato returned with a smug look. "You know, I'm beginning to think that the two of you are actually getting together, you and Miura-san."

"And you aren't really crazy to suspect that at all," Hachiman deadpanned.

"You're not going to deny it?"

"OK, I wouldn't. And I'm pretty tired of pretending that we don't look close." Hachiman shrugged. He smirked and said, "besides, it's not so bad don't you think? I might actually give it a shot."

Hayato merely let out a soft laugh, and took his words lightly. Hachiman was being indifferent as always to such matters. "If you're ready to change, I think you do have a shot at her."

Hachiman scoffed, grinning. "Spare me, I am a changed man. I've decided to stop taking life seriously."

"What a poor way to see the world then." Hayato passed by Hachiman, and the two walked along the hallways. "You're not going to get far in life with that line of thinking. You do know that, Hikigaya-san." Hachiman raised an eyebrow, hearing Hayato mention him properly. Now, he knew that Hayato was being serious.

"I don't know about that. So far, I've been great. With luck things are working out for me, there's no asshole dragging me down, I've got friends - and I'm right here now. What more?"

Hayato shook his head. "Your streak won't last forever, you know. And these people around you? I know them. They're all the same, in that they only recognize you when they have a use for you. While they know your name right now, they'll open the doors for you, hold an umbrella over your head, and appeal to you for favors. They don't really care about you. But I'm sure you already knew."

Hachiman remained silent for a moment. He then turned his face towards Hayato and grinned. "Do you know the best part about all this? The best part is I get to stir up the status quo. Nothing delights me more than spreading discourse and havoc in you people's little circle."

"Are you talking about your little exploits in business?" Hayato pertained mockingly. "That's big, isn't it?"

"Well, I should say I'm pretty pleased with myself."

"You said it yourself, you were just lucky."

"Luck, huh."

"Do you think you're going to pass into the Minato Lyceum this year?"

"What the hell for?"

"As expected." Hayato shook his head. "If you didn't know, a lot of college students are competing to get into the most prestigious schools in the country. An accredited diploma from an institution such as the Minato Lyceum in Tokyo is worth more than money. Think of it as bragging rights. Prestige."

Hachiman scoffed. "How petty."

"You wouldn't get it. It's more than that. But I'll tell you this. Japanese students who studied overseas are flying back into the country in order to finish their fourth year at the Lyceum."

Hachiman raised a curious eyebrow, before remembering. "That's partly why Yukinoshita came back."

"Right," Hayato nodded.

"I see what you're implying. What do you think you're getting at, Hayama?"

"Miura-san will be transferring to the Lyceum as well."

"She told you so?"

"She should. When you've got wealth and a class background, it's kind of the norm."

Hachiman was skeptical. "What makes you think I'll bite?" He asked.

Hayato chuckled a bit, as if pressing forward some sort of victory. "Oh don't get me wrong, I'm sure you have a winning chance at passing the entrance exams at the Lyceum. You're better than the lot of them."

Hachiman thought for a long while. "All that for a lousy diploma," he scoffed. "Well congratulations then. Do me a favor and look out for Miura-san while you're there."

"What if she asks you to go with her?" Hayato challenged.

"Really now, what do you think I am, her patron saint?" Hachiman retorted.

"So that's how quick you are to dispose of friends."

"Maybe you're right. Irregardless, it's not like she needs me. What you should mind is the relationship between you two, if it even existed at all."

Hayato's eyes narrowed. "We're just friends. That's all," he said coldly. However Hachiman shrugged and continued.

"First times are special. They're unique. The first person to ensnare your heart will hold a piece of it forever. That person never leaves your memory. It's kind of like a chronic disease you can't get rid of." Hachiman did not look at Hayato in the face. He simply trained his gaze blankly, as if contemplating. He watched the other people in the room. "Miura-san, she really fell in love with you. But I guess you didn't feel the same way about her, huh? You really did a number on her, Hayama. You fucked her up."

"Don't talk about her like that."

"You've really got to be fucking careful with what you put inside your head, because you'll never get it out," Hachiman mused to himself, shaking his head.

"Like you're in a position to talk about that! You're indifferent towards any sort of sentiment from other people. Isn't that a hundred times worse?" Hayato exclaimed. He was suddenly sullen. "Careful there. You're being too nice to her, no? You might even end up leading Miura-san on. Just like how you led on Yuigahama-san."

"I presume from the way you're talking to me, you've found true love, haven't you?" Hachiman sneered at him. "You're really head over heels for Yukinoshita Sr."

"You don't think so," Hayato muttered.

"It's obvious."

Hayato was exasperated. "Everything is so obvious to you, huh? You immediately assume we're engaged for money and power. That there's no mutuality. That it's all a show."

Hachiman snapped his fingers. "Correct."

"I didn't expect you to understand anyways."

"What is there to understand? Don't tell me you're actually marrying Haruno out of love? What a make-believe."

"Yes? And why shouldn't I?"

"Aside from the fact that you don't really hold any sentiment towards her?"

"Again, what do you know? You've fallen for who, Yukinoshita? Yet you didn't even fight for her. You've been a cynical reject all your life, what makes you think you know anything about sentimentality?" Hayato turned away. There was a sudden dark gleam in Hachiman's eye, and he grinned at Hayato as if belittling him.

"Come, listen. I'll tell you what I know." Hachiman cleared his throat and began speaking. "Marriage? There is no worse tragedy for a man than to be married and controlled by a woman. In that case you are neither yourself nor your wife, but a perfect nonentity. You'll realize this once her headaches interrupt sex and she's leaving the house whenever she likes. And while you're in some miserable nine-to-five job, she's in the CEO's office sucking off your boss. Naturally you'd think beating her would teach a lesson, but that's exactly what she wants you to do because then she'd file for abuse and a divorce. Do you know what that means? From that moment on, that bitch takes half of everything and you're the bad guy in the love story.

"Take it from me, I've seen it happen countless times. I suggest you give yourself another chance to think twice before you commit something you'll regret for the rest of your life."

"...son-of-a-bitch, what is wrong with you?"

Hayama whipped his head towards Hachiman, enraged. He clenched his teeth and restrained himself from exploding. He stood in front of the cynic, blocking his way indignantly.

"You're sick," Hayama spat disgustedly. "You don't know what the fuck you're talking about."

Hachiman smiled carnivorously, then laughed. "I'm not telling you how to live your life," he said gently. "I'm merely offering a suggestion so that we can avoid an affair. Consider this my better nature and a gesture of friendship. I am a very sentimental person, you know."

"Don't make a mockery out of this. You really don't know the meaning of being friends and truly caring for someone. You never understood and you never changed. And here I thought you couldn't become any more of a lunatic than you already are!"

"What's going on between you two?"

Yumiko suddenly chimed in, oblivious. Hachiman's smile grew even wider, as he turned to look at Yumiko, evidently pleased at her presence. Hayama found himself struggling to put on a polite look, even though he'd been doing it for years. He forcibly pushed down the disgust and apprehension that welled up inside of him. Hayama felt sick to see Yumiko close and oblivious to the malice behind Hachiman.

Hachiman answered, "we're just having a chat. It's fun to throw back with old friends, don't you think?"

"Yes. That's right. Now if you'll excuse me," Hayato shot a scornful glare at Hachiman before turning to Yumiko. "Miura-san? Would you like to join us at our table?"

"E-Eh, I'll pass."

"Suit yourself." Hayato smiled dryly. "Have fun with Hikigaya-kun," he added coldly before walking off.

Yumiko was puzzled. "What was that all about?" She asked.

"Beats me. Hayama never liked me at all."

"W-Well, anyway. Grandma asked me to tell you to come over to their table."

"Miura-sama? What does she want?"

"Didn't ask, but your geeky friend Zaimokuza is there."

Hachiman crossed paths With Zaimokuza Yoshiteru halfway towards the table. By now Zaimokuza was different than from months ago. He was decked in a blue suit and was refined. If Hachiman didn't recognize him he would've made a stereotypical businessman.

Hachiman was impressed. "Zaimokuza-kun? It's good to see you." After fending off Zaimokuza from embracing him, he begrudgingly said, "look at you, a manager now."

Zaimokuza was enthusiastic. "I know! What'd you think I was working on all this time?"

"You're well acquainted with Miura-sama."

"Of course, thanks to you. I'll tell you all about it!" Zaimokuza ushered him towards the table. He began talking rapidly. It had been months since the two spent any significant time working together. But Zaimokuza had come far and now could serve a very important purpose to their grand scheme. "Now, are you going to go through your deal with them?"

Hachiman glanced to his side. "That's what I came here for. Zaimokuza, you already know the details."

They reached the table, where three people were present. Mr. and Mrs. Hayama sat, conversing with an older lady. Miyako-sama turned to look at the two young men and gave a pleased smile, without saying anything else. Hachiman returned a greeting. It seemed that the two families were being on good terms, something that was not seen in the past meetings. Hachiman and Zaimokuza both took their seats at the table. Zaimokuza was first to speak up.

"Hayama-san, I understand that you are in a bit of a financial bind regarding your law firm and investments. That's why I am pleased to inform you that someone has already bought up the remaining shares of your assets."

At this, Hayama-san was surprised. "But that is a bit too sudden. From the current state of things, it doesn't seem to be looking any good for us in the future. Who would throw in their money on a bankrupt scene?"

"Hayama-san, I presume you remember my friend, the one who recommended me to the Funabori Corporation?"

Hayama-san glanced at the young man wearing a blue pinstripe suit. He quickly recognized him without mistake. "Hikigaya-san?"

"Good evening." Hachiman glanced around and acknowledged everyone, before addressing the blonde-haired gentleman across him. "Hayama-san, you can be assured that your debts have been, more or less, taken care of. Of course, let's not forget that this is simply a matter of business," Hachiman continued, before picking up a certain folder that was already on the table and opening it. He produced an article, which turned out to be a certificate. In detail, it cited the stakes and shares that had just been acquired. It was all written under a new name.

"Please don't mistake me for being sympathetic. But also I do not want you to see this as a move against you while you're cutting losses."

Mrs. Hayama, who had been silent for the most part, suddenly exclaimed. "Of course not. I should say we are very grateful for this, Hikigaya-san. But it just seems out of the blue, for us at least, don't you think?" She asked, shocked.

Hachiman simply nodded and smiled. "That is kind of how I operate, ma'am." He continued. "So, does this make me a shareholder of your firm now? What, thirty, thirty-five percent?"

"On the contrary, you are holding almost over half of our assets now. And now I am indebted to you," Hayama-san finally said, almost bitterly. "I assume you have something in mind? A favor to be returned, surely?"

Hachiman thought for a moment. As soon as Miyako-sama had caught wind of the Hayama's misfortune and impending bankruptcy, she was quick to react, not allowing the Yukinoshitas to take advantage. She held the other half. Hachiman of course, was quick on the uptake and soon followed. With this move, they were certain to drive a wedge between the Yukinoshitas and the Hayamas. Then everything else would soon follow. Hachiman would go on about his own business, and Miyako-sama, hers. It was a simple strategy: divide and conquer. And to have a family of lawyers under your thumb was a definite plus. It was all in their favor now.

"I want to thank you, Hayama-san."

"For what?" Hayama-san said.

Hachiman smiled. "For all the good you are going to do for me."

.

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Author's note: late chapter upload, eh? Procrastination and writer's block is a real bitch. Sure, you could have an entire story in your head but to put it down in print is another story. Halfway through I'm already banging my head against the wall to get an idea to fall out. I hope y'all still tuning in. Three chapters dropped at once, because I don't like leaving it one by one - it seems incomplete. Out of context.

I just wanna write these tense confrontation moments between characters, and I guess readers are going to be more interested in the interaction than the crime details. Still, I'm not gonna let this devolve into a light novel-ish story, oh no. I wanted a story with equal parts crime and drama, dialogue and narrative. What else? There's only two or so chapters left to wrap up Part 2. God damn, this is something. I apologize if my writing qualities are mediocre or worsened, this isn't exactly the final draft at all.. I can't say when, but the last few chapters I could get done soon enough.

If I could reach part 3, what a miracle. It's so close. At that point the storyline is pretty different. I said it before, I had intentions of a crossover between characters, mainly in Oregairu and Classroom of the elite. I'm a guy who sees an anime and thinks, "not enough drama and suspense!" So as you can see.. pretty insane of me. CotE just isn't- it could be better. It gets boring after a while, knowing Ayanokoji is just an op high schooler. That's it. And every Hachiman story also gets predictable - he changes, has friends, yada yada. So think of a story along the lines of CotE, but the conflict is real. And a continuation of what everybody wants to see happen between Haruno and 8man. We'll just have to see how it turns out. But it seems this story has 100+ people interested in it, so that's more than enough for me. You want a hell of story, I'll give you one.