"Behind every great fortune lies a crime." -Balzac

…

The Minato Lyceum in Tokyo city has risen to be acknowledged as one of the most exclusive and elite academies in the world, and the most prestigious in the country as of today. This was where business moguls, political clans, famous stars and even influential families with connections to the Yakuza and the underworld would send their children to complete a highly sought-after accredited diploma. It was the equivalent of an Ivy League or a Harvard degree. This accomplishment would open immense doors to those who have obtained it, and already put them in the highest stratum of Japanese society. Hikigaya Hachiman did not plan to compete for such an accomplishment he considered trivial - not originally.

But his plan had changed. Hachiman had always been pressed by his parents to take up a course on medicine and earn a doctorate degree. No doubt, a PhD to his name was something to be respected. But he had grown disinterested with that sort of career. Hachiman excelled in the linguistics and sociology courses - he could take up a career as a professor as soon as he finished this final year. On the other hand, he was a man who already had a business to manage and a second family he cherished. He was a close friend of the Ieyori family, the top boss of the Chiba Outfit and one of the more influential representatives of the labor unions in Chiba, Ichihara, Yotsukaido and soon Tokyo; that position made him extremely powerful, and it made attempts to live his life in normalcy dangerous.

If he wasn't in school, he sidelined managing the RePublic bar in Fujimi, supervising their operations from a cabstand office on Sakaemachiazuma street, or spent the afternoon in the construction sites as a junior foreman. He had studied and taught himself some about electrical engineering, enough that he could work with his hands, and was even competent in dictating the schematics of a building to the workers on site - after all, it was a part of his front. For a young man his age, he had already established himself well. But moving to Tokyo city, on the insistence of a certain friend of his, meant having to practically start from scratch setting up his itinerary working routines. It would be quite a task, not to mention moving and expanding the Outfit's operations into the metropolis which was, in Hanzo Ieyori's words, already due.

For him, the present was more than good enough for him. Hachiman didn't necessarily have to worry about the future and the long run anyways, but for the sake of goodwill towards those he considered family, he promised to leave them a good fortune. He had a few glorious years still ahead of him. Anyhow, Hachiman thought, the bridge would be crossed once he got there. This week, he was to take the entrance exams to the Minato Lyceum. But he'd arrived earlier, for an advantage and to hit two birds with one stone. He wanted to get an understanding of the place he would soon venture into, but not just that.

Hachiman drove up to the Lyceum in Shirokane, Minato that day. Hachiman had come here, posing with the identity of someone brilliant; in such a way that everyone around him would be fooled into thinking he was a genius. Someone who is a big deal. A name that was far more recognized than his. On the other hand, he thought, Hanzo Ieyori would not be too happy to find out he was posing as the long-dead cousin of his.

The Lyceum itself possessed a large, magnificent campus - it was more European, and held state-of-the-art facilities. The national flag and the Lyceum insignia were raised high on two poles that stood in the plaza. He chose to get off just in front of the main gate. The driver would keep the car running and wait for him, and he wouldn't take more than an hour. Thursday was when the third batch of applicants took the exams; tomorrow would be his turn. As usual, he wore an inconspicuous pair of slacks and a dress shirt. His white fedora and blue overcoat was thankfully presentable enough to wear with him. There was no need for a suit, his purpose was not so formal. Unlike the other students though, when he entered the lounge he was perhaps the only one who didn't wear a tie. He disregarded such details.

There was no margin for errors in making a first impression. Hachiman entered the lounge of the Lyceum, where numerous students were also moving about. Some seemed to be taking the tests today. Others seemed to have just arrived from another country, judging from their different uniforms. But all of them were definitely here for a reason. A few of them threw glances at him. Hachiman quietly scanned the place, as he walked confidently towards the reception desk.

Hachiman spoke gently but clearly to the lady behind the desk. "Good morning. I am to meet one of this institution's valedictorian students. She's the daughter of this lyceum's patron."

The receptionist momentarily looked at him without an answer. Hachiman smiled.

"Apologies. My name is Nikkoro Ieyori, a junior representative under the Yukinoshita Constructions Union. I was told I could find Shinomiya Kaguya-sama here, if not at the offices."

"One moment please," the receptionist finally smiled, and began typing on the computer.

"Much obliged, thank you."

Hachiman remained standing, and slowly turned around to take a better view of his surroundings. The other reason for his visit was to see who one of the Shinomiya-zaibatsu's heirs was. The Shinomiyas were the most powerful and influential family in the city, if not the whole country. They controlled the largest industrial monopoly in Japan, and they were closely tied to politics and other wealthy families. It didn't come as a surprise to find that one of the Shinomiya children was sent to this institution in order to obtain the highest possible education and accreditation. Hachiman had no interest in dabbling with such people, but if the Outfit were to make a move into Tokyo and beyond, it wasn't just the rival organizations that would hinder their progress. Thus he decided to pursue a better grasp of another potential rival.

He could later meet the three Shinomiya brothers downtown in the Wall Street-esque area of Tokyo, where the Shinomiya-zaibatsu headquarters were located, but Hachiman decided to first accomplish the task at hand. His simple intention was to be able to avoid crossing paths with the Shinomiyas as much as possible. Dealing with them was only a secondary concern. Because the Yukinoshitas were connected with the Shinomiyas through business, it was convenient for Hachiman to arrange a circumstance where he could meet one of them. A pretext for a larger scheme at play.

Hachiman set aside his contemplation for now. He rapped his shoes on the linoleum. He surveyed the bulletins carefully, and read the placards that gave directions. Growing impatient, he decided to move, starting to walk towards the grand staircase that led to the second floor of the building. The receptionist hadn't noticed that he had already gone off.

He was being observed by watchful eyes. Hachiman hadn't made it halfway up the stairs yet when a woman suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his way.

A feminine voice spoke up to him. "Excuse me, where are you going?"

He looked up at the stranger. She was a blonde, with sky-blue eyes and dressed in an immaculate suit and tie. Her hair was tied back neatly. It gave Hachiman the impression that she was perhaps part of the security of the place, though she did seem quite young.

Hachiman stopped. "Oh, hello. And you? Do we know each other?" He asked.

The woman was unfazed. "I'm asking you where you're going." She repeated.

"I have an appointment with Miss Shinomiya of the Shinomiya-zaibatsu. Where are you going? For a walk? It's a beautiful day."

"You were told to wait down here. Someone will get you."

"Well, no one came, so I'm going up. I know the way."

The two remained locked in each other's stares for a moment. Hachiman inwardly noted that there was a certain charm to this girl - an almost stoic, serious nature. Clearly, she was an agent of sorts. Hachiman reckoned that she'd been watching him since he walked into the place. She had no intention of stepping aside, and Hachiman considered excusing himself. Luckily, the receptionist finally caught up to them.

"Ieyori-san?"

"Yes ma'am," Hachiman smiled assertively as he took the receptionist's hand. "Thank goodness."

The receptionist led him forward. "Sorry for the wait, sir. Shinomiya-sama will be with you shortly," she stated politely.

"Excellent."

"Right this way."

Hachiman glanced back at the agent and grinned. "Have a lovely day."

"May I join you?"

The woman flawlessly interjected, and Hachiman nodded without a doubt. "With pleasure," he answered. He already knew that there was no getting this woman off his tail anytime soon. Naturally, a good security detail was always wary of new guests. But did he really look that suspicious? Hachiman thought. He gave one more glance at the agent, who walked just a step beside him. She returned with a monotone but piercing gaze that matched his own.

When they entered the Student Council room, it was quiet and seemingly devoid of people. Hachiman could've mistook it for the Dean's office if not for the placard in front of the door. It was an expensively furnished and fine place, carpeted and with a large mahogany table in the centre of the hall. The receptionist went to inform her superior of the guest, and left Hachiman alone. The young woman beside him did not speak, yet kept her hands together and her eyes watchful of him.

After looking around for a bit, Hachiman automatically stepped forward to take a seat in one of the chairs at the table. However the agent once again stepped in front of him, glaring at him with those sharp blue eyes.

Hachiman, allowing a slight tone of impatience to his voice, asked, "may I sit down?"

"Of course," the agent nodded, replying in a soft voice. "But you could also stand and wait for lady Shinomiya-sama."

Hachiman soon understood. "I presume you're the personal security detail for Miss Shinomiya." He stated.

"That is correct."

"What is your name, if I may ask?"

"You may call me Ms. Smithee."

Hachiman then gave a subtle, amused look. He stepped aside Ms. Smithee, still keeping his gaze on her. "Miss Smithee. In some ways, you and I have the same profession," he said. "We both work to protect our interests. I think we're very much alike, don't you?"

"No. We're not alike at all. I protect my interest, which is the safety of Shinomiya-sama. You, on the other hand, do it for money. It's not the same," she answered emotionlessly, but with a certain conviction to her words.

"See, we're very much alike." Hachiman smiled at her. "You also seem perceptive and very… observant." He turned his eyes to his surroundings, then back at Ms. Smithee. "What threats to the Shinomiya's interest do you see at this exact moment? Purely out of curiosity."

"If I'd seen any threats to Shinomiya-sama now, they would be gone already. You understand that, sir."

A tension between the two ensued. Ms. Smithee narrowed her eyes, judging the possible implications of the stranger in front of her.

They were interrupted. The receptionist came back from the private room with another person. The lady was no doubt Shinomiya Kaguya, one of the heirs to their family's conglomerate empire. She was dressed in a delicate white blouse and a long black dress. She was glamorous as she was sophisticated, like a true royal out of a novella. Most striking were her eyes, which were the color of blood-red rubies. When she smiled, it was almost bewitching. She greeted Hachiman politely. "Ieyori-san, how are you?"

Hachiman immediately took off his hat in respect. "Very well, thank you," he answered.

"Shall we sit?"

"Yes please."

The receptionist stood beside Shinomiya-san, as she sat down on a cushioned chair. Shinomiya-san spoke softly to the lady beside her. "I'll have Ceylon tea. And how about you?" She looked at Hachiman.

"Well, an Earl Grey with lemon would be incredible. If not, any black tea is also fine, thank you." Hachiman nodded towards the receptionist. The lady bowed and left to fix the requested beverages.

"You are very straightforward, Ieyori-san," Shinomiya-san commented finally after they had exchanged a few pleasantries, noting how quickly Hachiman shifted their relatively trivial conversation towards a matter of business. "You get right to the point, don't you?" She smiled.

Hachiman chuckled lightly. "Well, I wouldn't want to waste too much of your time."

"In that case, I'd prefer the same."

Hachiman cleared his throat, and produced a folder from his overcoat which he placed on the table. "I've brought the latest national economy reports from the Funabori Corporation."

Shinomiya-san was piqued. "But they're not published until next month, no?"

"Yes, we're still working on them, but this is practically the final version. The results are not very encouraging. They're going to affect the rate of the Shinomiya-zaibatsu's debt."

"Any recommendations?"

"Officially, liquid assets in the bank. Anti-inflationist measures. You know, the standard procedures. If you'll allow my personal opinion, which will never appear on this report… invest in infrastructure."

"Excuse me?"

"Buy into the construction projects. The government is starting to open up its foreign policy, and construction is going to push the employment rate upwards. Infrastructure is constant in Japan. It's the only choice that will give you a guarantee in this market. If I were you, I'd start looking into foreign labor firms like the Black Union, and put my money behind them. Look here, the 2008 depression was nothing. This decade, the economic crisis is underway."

"Are you suggesting that I gamble our combined capital on a cheap foreign business?"

"No. I'm telling you to bet everything on the winning team: development."

"If that's the case… then it will be the smaller firms that will capitalize on this venture."

"That is inevitable."

Shinomiya-san sat back and remained silent a bit, clasping her hands together. She was calculating behind those ruby-red eyes of hers.

After a moment she gave a small smile. "Ieyori-san, thank you for your insights. I think we can discuss this another day."

Of course, the entire conversation up until now was simply small talk for the both of them. Now, Shinomiya-san had a different question in mind. "Excuse my curiosity, but you seem to be an alumni of the Minato Lyceum?"

Hachiman shook his head. "Not at all, Shinomiya-san. I am in fact a transferee to study under the Lyceum this year."

Shinomiya-san raised her eyebrows at that. "A fellow student as well. I see."

Hachiman did not bother to finish his drink. "It's been a pleasure, Shinomiya-san. Have a good day." He stood up and gave a slight, polite bow towards Shinomiya-san before putting back his hat. She showed him out of the room. The security agent, Miss Smithee did not follow Hachiman this time, instead staying beside her lady. They both watched the newcomer with a subtle interest.

…

By the time Hachiman had exited the lobby and had sighted as much of the campus as he desired, he noted that he still had a few minutes on his watch. No doubt, Hachiman thought, the Shinomiya girl was an interesting character. It reminded him of a certain rosy-eyed devil of a woman, yet not quite. If Shinomiya-san was anyhow alike to Haruno, then he would already know to be wary of her. He had to wonder how Shinomiya-san dealt with her peers, as someone of her stature must have a lot of rivals plotting against her.

Still, Hachiman did not worry; if he passed into First Class as planned, all he needed to do was avoid crossing paths with people like her whenever possible. However, he had yet to see someone who isn't from a blue-blooded background in this place, someone like him.

Hachiman sat down on one of the benches along the path in the plaza. In his inner monologue, he did not notice right away another person on the same bench as him.

"There's a lot of prospective students today, don't you think?"

"Yes. It seems so."

Hachiman answered, and glanced at the guy to his right. The tall, blonde man seemed to have the build of a soccer captain, or even a football quarterback. He looked like a handsomely foreigner, dressed in a khaki shirt and blue jeans, but he spoke Japanese naturally.

"I presume you are also applying for the entrance exams?" The guy enthused.

"That's right."

"The name's Rokusuke Koenji. And who are you?"

Hachiman glanced at him again. "Hikigaya."

The two briefly shook hands, before Hachiman sat back again and crossed his arms. He did not mind talking with this fellow here. It was a clear day, and they could see the groups of anxious and ambitious students filing into the Lyceum to take their exams. Koenji continued to talk.

"Huh. Never heard of that name before. Are you the governor's illegitimate son or something?" He joked coolly.

"You think?" Hachiman chuckled along. "No, my family runs a little business down in Chiba."

"Nice," he simply commented. "On the other hand, we work in politics. Well, I still have to deal with the bar exams to become one, but that's not important. Most transferees are either from elite colleges or overseas universities. A lot of 'em are coming home to the country because the Lyceum is that renowned. Anyway, wanna bet that most of these rich kids in the exams simply bribed their way through?"

"That's not a surprise at all."

Koenji smirked. "What about you, Hikigaya? How much did you hand over? Don't be shy, shit - I did that too."

"To tell you the truth, I didn't pay anything at all. I'm just a graduate from a regular university. I've yet to start my exams."

"You're from a public school?"

"It doesn't matter irregardless," Hachiman shrugged.

The expression on Koenji's face suddenly changed. "Aha, I see how this is. You're a Street-boy, huh? From a poor family?"

It gradually dawned upon Koenji that this man was not as he expected. The way Hachiman was with his words, keeping his story vague, and playing off a generally lax attitude revealed that he was merely a commoner. One of the lower classes in society. This Hikigaya-san must've lied his way up to this point, Koenji thought, inwardly grimacing. Another one of those rogues who forget their place in the grand scheme of things. This, he would not tolerate well.

"Get out of my face immediately."

Hachiman raised his eyebrows blankly. "Excuse me?"

Koenji was amused. He stood up and spoke superciliously. "A pleb like you, thinking he has any chance of getting into the Lyceum? What ambition! Do you actually think you can pass the written exams? You moron," Koenji sneered, looking down on him. "It takes more than that and money to get in, something you probably don't have, Street-boy."

Hachiman inwardly shook his head. The fact that the Minato Lyceum was sponsored by the government to raise future leaders of this country, and did not require a tuition fee per se, technically made it a public school. How ignorant this Koenji must be to think that only the rich could enter the institution, but alas, Koenji also did have his points. Hachiman changed his mind and instead chose not to say anything else. He raised his hands, understanding. "Alright, alright."

As Hachiman stood up and started to walk past Koenji, the latter jerked his foot in front of Hachiman's path, causing him to trip. Hachiman staggered, and unable to maintain his balance enough, fell down. Hachiman glanced up in surprise.

"Watch your step, Street-boy. You dress good, that's all you're worth today."

Hachiman got up and brushed his pants off. Koenji passed by, ignoring his existence.

The look on his eyes became silent, vicious, as he watched Koenji walk away. No matter, Hachiman thought. He can be dealt with later. There was little point in launching an equivalent response at the moment. Unfortunately, this little episode raised some attention, and surrounding students began eyeing him curiously. Now it was really time for him to leave. Hachiman noticed another presence that had been watching him from behind.

Hachiman spoke without facing the stranger yet. "Do you know him?" He asked.

"No."

"Then what're you looking at?" Hachiman grunted rather impatiently.

"You're just going to let him do that to you."

Hachiman turned to meet a young man, around his age, standing with a gray expression. He looked like a person of social standing, well-kempt and shrewd like many of the other students he encountered. Most striking were his golden-hued eyes, which were devoid of any emotion, at least of any that Hachiman could notice. Otherwise he seemed like another ordinary transferee.

Hachiman gestured. "Seems like you have a better grasp of the situation than me. Be my guest."

The student shook his head. "No. You don't look like the kind to be pushed around." He paused for a moment before continuing quietly. Those silent eyes continued to face him. "What are you going to do about it?"

"Well, that's for me to know."

Hachiman watched the student quietly. The young man eventually spoke again.

"Most people make the same mistake of thinking they can take on people like Koenji-san. But you knew better than to fight with him, Hikigaya-san. I should tell you that this institution isn't what you think it is. It's not often individuals like you come this far."

He hadn't even started on the entrance exams yet, and these people were already straining potential students. No wonder he hadn't seen anyone else who wasn't an arrogant punk. Hachiman remained silent for a moment, eyeing the young man in front of him. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "What's your name?" He asked quietly.

The young man did not answer, instead continuing to look at him with that same apathetic expression.

"Very well," Hachiman sighed. Instinctively he brought out his pocketbook from his coat pocket and jotted down a swift note before tucking it away again. He glanced one last time at the quiet young man and offered a curt smile. "I have your advice noted. Have a good day."

Hachiman strolled out of the campus and into the street, where his ride was waiting by the curb. He got inside the backseat, and Zaimokuza was next to him. Zaimokuza snapped out of his shallow nap and immediately posed a question.

Zaimokuza was anxious. "How did it go?"

Hachiman rested into his seat as the sedan sped off. He reconsidered lighting a cigarette inside of the car, in respect to his friend. He answered slowly. "I've met the Shinomiya girl all right. And I have the impression that she's the weak link among Gana'an-sama's children."

"Why do you say that, Hachiman?" Zaimokuza asked.

"She's an acting board representative in the zaibatsu, the youngest one to boot. Her father is the one who placed her there, and it's obvious her older siblings are company heads as well. Shinomiya-san is inexperienced. She can deal with people, but passing judgements is another thing."

"What did she say?"

Hachiman broke out a miniscule smile. "That Shinomiya girl is smart, as expected. Soft-spoken. She knows not to speak her mind. She's also very cautious about business matters. I was testing her, and she may prove to be a tough one."

"This wasn't part of the original plan per se, you getting up-close to our rivals, but I have to say it's not bad at all."

"Agree. The corporate families' children are all in the Lyceum, and I've recognized many of their surnames. The Shijo family; the Fujiwaras; the Sakayanagis, and more. Would it surprise you that there was even a Yakuza name in the bulletin at the lounge? We might cross paths with the Ichijous again soon."

Hachiman recalled what he had noted from the bulletins in the Lyceum lounge. All of his enemies' friends were in there, but also, there were potential allies. Then, he remembered seeing Yukinoshita's name as well. Hachiman needed to ponder another matter regarding that. He wanted some sort of amendment or confrontation - anything with her. But what exactly? Their past interactions left him unsatisfied, and he was not going to leave the matter open-ended anymore.

Zaimokuza nudged Hachiman and snapped him out of his thoughts. He brought up another concern.

"Look here, I'd prefer if you don't involve me with any of the stuff that's going on inside the mob. It's a hassle enough dealing with envious managers in the office. Just watch your footing, Hachiman."

"There are scores I'd like to settle, you know. An overdue payback to one of these people." To this, Zaimokuza turned a wary eye. Obtaining an accredited diploma was his prime objective, but now he had renewed interests in mind. Hachiman continued, evidently in a pleased mood. Hachiman relaxed into his seat. "Anyway, it will be hitting multiple birds with one stone. I'll tip you off Zaimokuza, when I learn more about these people."

Zaimokuza warned him regarding potential trouble. "Is there any chance of you getting recognized? After all, even though you've gone by a false identity..."

Hachiman crossed his arms. He sighed, his head drooping down. He closed his eyes, then smirked. "I should hope not. They'll think I'm a big enough of a deal to get into the place. A union representative, a wealthy heir, anything along those lines. Shinomiya-san will eventually find out that I'm not an Ieyori at all, but… that's okay. This is an ode to Nikkoro-san, don't you think? And we're not about to fail at this."

…

PROLOGUE: PART 3, or rather, "The Tokyo City Story".

A.N. well, here we go. Took me some time to finalize some of the key plot lines, and now this is gonna be one hell of a ride.. Not gonna lie, every review that criticizes Part 1.. No doubt it's a horrid mess. I'm thinking of really taking it down until I can do something about it, but that'll be painstaking so instead I encourage the readers to jump over it if they wish! As for the title, well the only thing that kept coming to mind when I have to describe this whole story is: "The Tokyo City Story." Or call it the life of boss Hikigaya Hachiman.

And because I'm too unimaginative to make new OCs, I just crossed over characters from Love is War, COTE and some other anime series because why not? But to be fair, we're giving them solid backgrounds and going back to a classic college-life setting, bordered with high-stakes crime conspiracies. Sit back, relax, and the weekly updates should resume again :D