Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. My seasonal allergies flattened me and my beta had an awful cold. We're feeling much better now.

Ryoji growled, "And just who wants to know, Tachibana?" Ryoji had debated with himself about answering the call when he saw who it was. "That young pup better not think he can get away with hurting my baby girl and then sending his lackey to smooth things over. He needs to man-up and apologize himself."

"I'm worried," Tachibana admitted. "No one has seen her all day, her car is gone, and her phone goes directly to voicemail. After what happened last summer, I just want to be sure she's safe." He rubbed his forehead, trying to forestall a headache.

After a long pause, Ryoji finally admitted begrudgingly, "Yes, she's here. Her phone is dead because she forgot her charger. We don't have the right one here at the pension, so she's going to pick one up in town tomorrow morning."

Tachibana sighed in relief. "Is she okay?" He glanced over to see Kyoya take off his glasses and rub his eyes. "I hope those two can work things out. Haruhi has been so good for him. I hope I really got through to him today."

An internal debate raged for Ryoji. "I know Haruhi can take care of herself…and others, as she proved again today protecting Misuzu. But I'm still her father and I will do everything in my power to protect her as well." Finally, Ryoji said reluctantly, "She's understandably upset-and I think you know why."

"Yes, I heard the argument they had last night," Tachibana stated. "During the flight this morning, I contrived to get him to admit to the subject of the fight." He took a deep breath and then continued. "I also had a talk with him on the way home."

Ryoji's voice was hard as he replied, "I'd like to have a talk with that young pup myself."

"Shall I send him your way in the morning?" Tachibana continued, half-joking. "Promise not to leave too many lasting scars?"

Huffing, Ryoji relented, his tone softening. "I suppose. Could you send up a selection of Kairi's jams and jellies, too? We're getting a little low."

Tachibana laughed. "I'm sure we can sweeten the deal that way. I'll have Aijima drive him up in the morning and deliver a selection of Kairi's condiments while he's at it."

"Then we have a deal," Ryoji said good-naturedly. "I know I need to make allowances for his upbringing, but nobody hurts my baby girl. You know what I mean, you have a daughter too."

"I understand," he confirmed. "I'll let you go so I can make the arrangements for tomorrow. I'd come along, but someone has to man the office while the investigation into Seiji's death is still on-going."

"Of course, good night." Ryoji ended the call.

Tachibana sent a text to Aijima.

***Need you to drive to Kariuzawa tomorrow with jams/jellies and Kyoya.***

Then he sent a text to Kairi.

***Pension almost out of jams/jellies. Can selection of condiments be gathered to leave tomorrow morning?"***

Before he could hit send on the text to Kairi, his phone pinged with an answer from Aijima.

"Have you found her?" Kyoya asked, his voice sounding tired and slightly fearful.

"She is safe. That's all you need know right now," Tachibana responded as he read Aijima's text asking for the departure time. "You will be leaving in the morning at eight o'clock to take a selection of Kairi's preserves to the pension in Kariuzawa," he informed Kyoya while texting the time to Aijima.

Kyoya's expression hardened as he demanded, "How can I go running errands when Haruhi is missing?"

Tachibana looked him squarely in the eye. "You are going to Kariuzawa in the morning because that is where Haruhi is."

"Why not now?" Kyoya crossed his arms and glared at Tachibana.

Tachibana mirrored his posture and expression. "For two reasons. First, it's too late to drive there and back. Second, you need to give her time to cool down and think things through."

Kyoya sagged back onto the sofa. "You're right. The last thing I want to do is drive her away."

With his hand on the doorknob, Tachibana said over his shoulder, "I know it's still early in the evening, but get some dinner and then try to sleep. Things will look clearer in the morning."

Standing up and watching the older man open the door, Kyoya said, "Thanks, Tachibana. I don't know what I'd do without you."

OHSHC

Fuyumi sat at her desk, reading through the article Yuzuru had written about the incident at Seiji's funeral. "He did a great job capturing the arrogant disrespect displayed by Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato. Once this is published, it will expose them for the manipulative, heartless fiends that they are. It should definitely hit them in the wallets by making people think twice about doing business with them."

"Let's see. Today is Wednesday so this should be published in the Friday edition of the newspaper." Fuyumi attached the file to an email addressed to the journalism professor who was acting as editor for the newspaper owned by the Hinan family. After sending the email, she sat back with a satisfied smile on her face.

Fuyumi stood up and headed for the kitchen. "Maybe I'll have a cup of tea while I draft my take-over strategy." When she opened the cupboard to get a cup and saucer before she started the kettle, she saw an unopened bottle of sake. A sob caught in her throat as she remembered buying it to celebrate with Seiji when he returned from his trip. Pulling it out of the cupboard, she held it to her chest as tears started to fall and she slid down to sit on the floor.

It took a few minutes before she could catch her breath. Looking at the bottle in her hands, she decided, "I am going to drink a toast to Seiji with this. Then I'm going to sit down and figure out how to make those three pay for the way they've used people." Standing up, she grabbed a glass from the cupboard and headed back to her desk.

Opening the bottle, she poured a small amount into her glass. She raised the glass in the direction of the butsudan where Seiji's urn sat. "Here's to making them regret disrespecting you and trying to treat me like a piece of property." Resolutely she drank the liquid, set down the glass, and opened her laptop. She logged into her brokerage account to check balances on the kids' accounts as well as her own. "I wonder how long it will take to have Seiji's and our joint account released. Those funds will go a long way to help take them down. At least they'll be in reserve if the plan takes longer than anticipated."

Making note of the available balances, she pulled up three research tabs and started compilations of the holdings of the Otori, Suoh, and Mikoshiba groups. When she saw Ouran listed on the Suoh holdings, she thought, "That's right, I still need to talk to Yu, Aki, and Matsu about the collection agency Yuzuru and I discussed."

Picking up her phone, she sent a text to the trio.

***Dinner in my apartment tomorrow night. I have a business proposition for you.***

Within minutes, she received three affirmative answers. "Well, that puts that piece in motion," she thought, tapping her index finger against her bottom lip.

Because she was least familiar with the Mikoshiba holdings, she decided to start examining the potential for buy-out and take-over. For the next hour, she scoured the annual reports looking for vulnerabilities. Raising an eyebrow, she followed a sentence in the financial statement notes with her finger. "If I'm reading between the lines correctly, they are overextended on their loans with the Suoh bank and barely meeting bank covenants. Hmm, I wonder if they've done some creative accounting to stay, or at least appear to be, in compliance."

Fuyumi poured herself a little more sake to celebrate her discovery. Over the next two hours, she drank about half the bottle as she made notes of where to strike first at each of the three. As she identified weak spots, she placed low-ball bids with each of the four accounts she had available to work with. "Once people read that article in the newspaper, I'm sure a lot of investors will want to distance themselves from the Otoris, Suohs, and Mikoshibas. I really need at least three more investment accounts to pull this off with the smallest outlay of cash and without throwing up any red flags for my targets."

She pulled up the balance of the account where her Hinan management wages were deposited. "Well, that's surprising. I didn't realize the balance had gotten that high." She looked back through the history to be sure there was no mistake. After checking the calculations, she determined that the balance was correct. It was so high because she hadn't made the usual transfers to her individual and the joint investment accounts. "I guess being distracted worked in my favor. Now I just need to figure out how to establish three more investment accounts that aren't connected to mine so my purchases don't set off any of the usual block purchase alarms."

Fuyumi picked up her glass and twirled it around, watching the small amount of sake left in it slosh back and forth. A slow grin spread across her face. "That's the perfect answer," she said aloud as she saluted Seiji's urn and drained the glass. "Now it's time for bed. I have a lot of machinations to set in motion tomorrow." She picked up the glass and bottle of sake, taking them to the kitchen. She put the bottle in the cupboard and washed the glass before turning out the light and heading to bed.

OHSHC

When they arrived at the pension in Kariuzawa, Kyoya and Aijima carried the crates of jams, jellies, and condiments into the kitchen where they were met by Ryoji and Shimura. Ryoji scowled at Kyoya and muttered, "You and I need to have a talk before you see Haruhi."

Setting the crate down on the counter, Kyoya followed Ryoji to the kitchen breakfast nook. "I apologize for upsetting Haruhi," Kyoya said as he sat down facing the older man.

Ryoji looked deep into the eyes of the younger man, noting the tired expression and dark circles under his eyes. Finally, he asked, "Do you love her?"

Taking a deep breath and folding his hands on the table, Kyoya replied, "I'm not even sure I know what love is. It was not part of my upbringing." He paused for a moment. "That's no excuse, I know. I can only assume that the care with which Haruhi as treated me is at least a small glimmer of what love is. You might say Tachibana took me aside yesterday and opened my eyes to the consequences of my attitude toward Haruhi."

Watching Kyoya wrestle with his thoughts, Ryoji realized that Kyoya really was doing the best he knew how. He'd never had someone like Kotoko in his life. And no one could ever accuse Yoshio of being affectionate or caring. He reached over and placed a hand on top of Kyoya's. "She'll teach you if you give her a chance. She learned well from her mother, even though it was for such a short time."

"I know. Tachibana made me realize that," Kyoya murmured. He looked pleadingly at Ryoji. "Can I speak to her now? I need to apologize and ask for her forgiveness."

"Should I wait until the police officer leaves? Or let him see just how capable Haruhi is?" Ryoji debated to himself before he nodded and said, "She is in the front parlor."

"Thank you," Kyoya responded. He squeezed Ryoji's hands before getting up and heading for the door.

Stepping into the front parlor, Kyoya was surprised to see Haruhi and Misuzu talking to a police officer. Misuzu's arm was in a cast and her other hand was fluttering as she related something to the officer.

"…don't know what I would have done if Haruhi hadn't come along. She pulled them off of me and then told me to go into the store to call the police. I really didn't see what happened after that," Misuzu related excitedly.

Haruhi just shook her head and suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "It wasn't much of a fight. Both of them were practically falling down drunk to begin with. It barely took me two minutes to deal with them."

The officer sized her up and stammered, "How did you…"

"I was trained by my friends Mitsukuni and Takashi. They're both Hinans now but they used to be Haninozuka and Morinozuka, respectively."

"That explains so much." The officer laughed. "The two officers said they weren't sure at first who they were supposed to arrest, but they really hoped it wasn't you. They were so relieved it was the two guys on the ground."

Blushing with embarrassment, Haruhi said, "Would you pass along my apologies to those officers? I didn't mean to scare them. I was just upset by some of the comments those jerks made." She twisted her fingers together. "My friends have told me that I can look very scary when I'm angry or disappointed."

"I'll pass along your apologies and explanation." The officer closed his notebook. "Will I be able to reach you here if I have further questions?"

Though she was aware that Kyoya had entered the room, Haruhi gave no indication that she noticed him yet. Focusing on the officer, Haruhi shook her head. "I only came for a couple days to see my dad. I'll be heading back to Hinansho soon. If you need me, Misuzu and my dad both know how to reach me."

"Then I'll bid you a good day." The officer stood and bowed before leaving.

After the officer left, Kyoya approached and, without turning, Haruhi greeted him cordially though distantly. "I am aware that you have been standing there through most of our interview. Do you still think it was too dangerous for me to accompany you to Beijing?"

Misuzu, unaware of the argument, turned to see Kyoya and gushed, "Oh, Haruhi. Look, your fiancé has come to see you. If you want to talk alone, why don't you go to the breakfast nook in the kitchen.

Kyoya looked at Haruhi with pleading in his eyes, so she relented and nodded. Turning to face him, she beckoned for him to follow as she led the way to the kitchen. Haruhi settled into a seat in the breakfast nook, crossed her arms, and waited for Kyoya to speak.

Getting down on one knee, Kyoya held his hand out to her. Reluctantly, she placed a hand in his. Kyoya's voice was strained as he looked into her eyes. "I have an apology and a confession." When she didn't respond, he continued. "I am sorry for not treating you with the care and respect you deserve. You should not have to fit your life around mine, catering to my whims as if I were the only important person in the relationship. I should talk to you so we can coordinate our schedules and work out what is better for both of us." He squeezed her hand and kissed the back of it. "Do you accept my apology?"

Haruhi was skeptical, but she looked into his eyes and found nothing but sincerity. "I accept your apology. Now what is it you want to confess?" She braced herself for the possibility that he decided he didn't want to marry her after all.

"I don't want it to look like I'm hiding anything." Kyoya pulled off his glasses and laid them on the table. "Haruhi, I love you and I want to marry you. However, Tachibana pointed out to me yesterday that I don't have the slightest idea what it means to love or be married. The only thing my father ever told me about marriage was that he would choose a wife for me that would benefit the Otori Group."

Haruhi breathed a sigh of relief as she stood and pulled Kyoya up to stand. Wrapping her arms around him, she murmured, "I thought you had changed your mind and didn't want to marry me after all. I just seemed to be getting in your way and distracting you from your important business."

Kyoya tipped her chin up so he could look her in the eye. "You are my important business. I'm sorry I've fallen back into bad habits. Can we work it out and move forward?"

Pulling his head down, she kissed him tenderly. She smiled as she replied, "Yes, I think we can work it out."

Caressing her cheek with his thumb, Kyoya whispered, "How about we go for a walk? Tachibana gave me some ideas of things we need to talk about so we're on the same page about our relationship."

"I'd like that…"

"Haruhi, Kyoya,' Ryoji called as he walked into the kitchen with Shimura in tow. "Do you two have any plans for three o'clock this afternoon?"

The couple exchanged a glance. Haruhi shrugged. "I suppose we could make time if it's important."

Shimura cut Ryoji off. "We'd like you to be the witnesses for us at our wedding ceremony at the courthouse this afternoon. We're finally going to make it official."

A grin lit up Haruhi's face as she threw her arms around her father and stepmother-to-be. She looked over her shoulder at Kyoya expectantly. He smiled and stated, "We would be honored to stand as your witnesses. Shall we meet for lunch at one before heading into town?"

Ryoji clasped his hands together and squealed. "Thank you. This is going to be great."

Shimura took his arm, leading him away and calling over her shoulder, "See you at one."

Haruhi wrapped her arm around Kyoya's waist. "Now, about that walk."

OHSHC

Yuzuru was reviewing files and organizing folders when Fuyumi arrived at the office in the morning. He looked up and commented, "Running a little late this morning?"

She waved a handful of folders as she placed her laptop on the desk. "I got caught up in my research of the Mikoshiba family last night."

Slipping three folders into the upper pocket of his briefcase, Yuzuru asked, "Anything interesting?"

"New money of questionable origins, buying their way into upper class society, hence the deal with Yoshio." Fuyumi shuddered as she remembered the invasion of Seiji's funeral. She continued, "Their stock-and-trade is purported to be pharmaceuticals. However, the bulk of their assets are land located in the areas where the only crop is opium poppies. That would seem to imply that most of their income is from the illicit drug trade."

"Couldn't they be producing medical-grade opiates?" Yuzuru inquired.

Shrugging, Fuyumi responded, "It might be possible if they had the equipment or were partnered with another firm that did, but even their product catalogue doesn't support that. They don't sell any opiates or opium-derivatives."

"And the police have not been tipped off?" Yuzuru raised an eyebrow.

"More likely paid-off than tipped off," Fuyumi huffed. "So, what's on your agenda for today?"

Placing the remaining folders in his briefcase and securing it, Yuzuru replied, "Between today and tomorrow, I am meeting with all of Ouran's vendors to discuss unpaid invoices."

"Speaking of which," Fuyumi started, "I plan to spend today getting the collection agency set up." She opened her laptop and pulled up the filing documents. "I invited Yu, Aki, and Matsu, my old security team, to dinner tonight to discuss the collection agency and another project I have in mind." She was typing as she talked when she started laughing.

"What's funny?" Yuzuru asked in confusion.

"I just realized what their initials spell—Y A M—yam." Fuyumi giggled and shook her head. "You'd think I would have realized that when I was a little girl."

Yuzuru chuckled. "It's not like Yoshio encouraged such frivolous pastimes as word play."

"How's this for a tagline? YAM Collections – How Sweet It Is." Fuyumi laughed as Yuzuru shook his head at her silliness.

Picking up his briefcase, Yuzuru said, "Well, I'm off to my appointments. Try not to have too much fun."

OHSHC

When Kyoya and Haruhi joined Ryoji and Shimura for lunch, they looked much happier and at ease. While they waited for a table to be made available, Shimura asked, "Were you two able to work everything out?"

The pair exchanged a glance and Haruhi nodded for Kyoya to answer. "We have begun a dialogue and are now on the same page. However, it would be impossible to work out everything in just a few short hours." He smiled softly at Haruhi as he slipped an arm around her waist. "We have agreed upon some ground rules that will serve us well as we move forward."

Ryoji threw his arms around the couple and squealed, "I'm so happy!" Then he turned serious and looked Kyoya in the eye with a hard glare. "You understand I will end you if you hurt my baby girl, right?!"

"You'll have to get in line behind Haruhi," Kyoya replied with a straight face. "She claimed dibs on setting me straight if I get out of line. Though Tachibana may want to get his licks in too."

"Okay, enough with the threats," Shimura interjected when she noticed the dining room attendant approaching to escort them to their table. "This is essentially our rehearsal dinner, so it's a celebration."

"Yes, dear," Ryoji replied sheepishly as the attendant led the quartet to a table.

It only took a few minutes for them to order their food and then they settle down to talk about Ryoji and Shimura's plans for the ceremony and their future.

"Judges Ryuzaki and Hatori will both be presiding at our ceremony," Ryoji explained. "They happened to be in the courthouse last week when we were making the appointment for the ceremony. They insisted that they be involved as friends of the family."

"That reminds me," Haruhi interjected. "Did you know Arai and Mei got married last year and they are expecting?"

Kyoya smirked at Haruhi. "So, Arai found himself another strong woman since you were too oblivious to his charms, hmm?" He nuzzled her ear.

Ryoji slapped his palm to his forehead. "I knew I forgot to tell you something that Misuzu wanted me to pass along."

"Married a year and expecting already? That seems quick," Shimura commented.

Haruhi shrugged. "They'd been dating for a while and were going to take it slow while they saved up. Circumstances changed and they got married last year. They really seem happy." She reached under the table and squeezed Kyoya's knee, then left her hand there.

"Speaking of babies," Ryoji said. "When will I get to be a grandpa?

Blushing brightly, Haruhi muttered, "Dad! Really!"

Kyoya patted her hand on his knee. "That was actually one of the points we discussed today," he replied, turning to look Ryoji in the eye. "We want to have at least one year together before Haruhi gets pregnant. Depending on how things go, we want to have two or three children."

"That sensible," Shimura commented. "Have you set a date yet?"

Exchanging a glance, Kyoya answered, "It will be next summer, after Haruhi passes the bar exam. We have not established an exact date yet."

"He means after I sit for the bar exam," Haruhi said modestly. "There's no guarantee I'll pass the first time I take it."

"I have full faith you will pass it the first time," Kyoya and Ryoji said in unison, completely unplanned. They looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Shimura smiled. "Don't sell yourself short. Given your experience and academic record, you should easily pass the first time."

"I just don't want to jinx it," Haruhi murmured. Before she could say anything more, their food arrived.

After eating in silence for a few minutes, Ryoji asked, "So, are you kids staying for the weekend?"

Shaking her head, Haruhi responded, "Sorry, Dad, we can't. Takashi's last tournament is on Saturday."

"His last?" Shimura said in confusion. "Did something happen?"

"No," Kyoya clarified. "He has decided to retire because he does not feel he can devote the necessary time and attention since he starts work next week and he's getting married in a few months. It was a difficult decision that he has been wrestling with for nearly a year."

"Very mature of him," Shimura commented as she returned her attention to her meal.

"We'll stay tonight and then drive home in the morning," Haruhi said. "That should give us plenty of time." She left her comment opened ended as to what there would be plenty of time for.

"Well, I'm just glad you're here for our ceremony," Ryoji said as he finished the last of his tea. "Whenever you all are ready, we can stroll into town and head for the courthouse."

OHSHC

Fuyumi stood in the doorway of the kitchen and watched the expressions on Yu and Aki's faces as they read the article Yuzuru wrote about Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato that was set to be published in the newspaper the next day. "I have absolutely no doubt they will be delighted to help take down that trio." She smiled as she looked at the time. "We'll have dinner as soon as Matsu gets here," she said offhandedly just before there was a knock on the door.

"Hey, Matsu, about time you made it," Yu called from the sofa when Fuyumi opened the door. "Did you get lost, or something?"

"Ha, ha, very funny," Matsu responded. "It's your fault I lost that bet with Kairi."

Grinning, Yu said, "And how do you figure that? I warned you it was a sucker's bet."

"Even I knew Kairi studied in France and could make a croquembouche to charm a bridezilla," Aki interjected, not looking up from the article he was reading. "They always say it's the quiet ones you have to watch."

Matsu huffed, "When I made the bet, I figured I'd be doing something in the kitchen if I lost. I wouldn't mind washing dishes or mopping floors. I had no idea I would be preparing organic fertilizer for the winter rose beds in the greenhouse for Momo."

"So that's what that smell is," Yu teased. "I thought you'd been chasing rats through the barn again."

Fuyumi laughed silently at the antics of her former security team. "I've missed this teasing, guys, but it's time for dinner and I have some serious business I'd like to discuss with you." She gestured for them all to join her at the dining table. She handed Matsu a copy of the article. "You can give this a quick look while I get the food on the table."

As Fuyumi carried in the pot of fluffy rice, Matsu commented, "Yuzuru didn't pull any punches with this article. Not only did he call out Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato, he included Yuuichi and Akito in his scathing commentary. He left nothing to the imagination on their motives and tactics."

"I think he let them off lightly," responded Aki. "Yoshio planned that little attack at Fuyumi's most vulnerable moment. That just shows how manipulative he is."

Fuyumi didn't say anything as she set the rice on the table and headed back to the kitchen to get the pot of curry. When she returned, she said, "We all know that is how Yoshio works-hit an opponent when they are down."

Yu placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as she took her place at the table. "But you weren't alone, and he didn't stand a chance against them, especially Kyoya and Haruhi."

Slapping her hands onto the table, Fuyumi declared, "You are right. Those five don't stand a chance. I've already decided that I will not let them get away with treating me like a piece of property to be bought, sold, or traded." Taking a deep breath, she looked around the table. "In fact, that's part of the reason I asked you guys here tonight."

Aki rubbed his hands together in glee. "How can I help? Your wish is my command."

Laughing, Fuyumi dished rice and curry onto plates and started handing it around. "I have two things I want you guys to help me with. The first is a collection agency."

Matsu flexed a bicep. "You needing muscle to shake them down?"

Yu rolled his eyes. "She could probably take you given that Mitsukuni and Takashi have been training her lately. Now let her explain." He picked up his spoon and tasted the curry. Nodding his head in approval, he gestured to her to continue the explanation his colleague interrupted.

While they ate, Fuyumi explained the situation at Ouran, the suspected cause, and the steps she and Yuzuru were taking. "I have all the paperwork filled out to create the YAM Collection Agency."

"I YAM what I YAM," Matsu chortled as he flexed his arms.

Aki muttered, "Please spare us the quotes from the old American cartoons."

Overtop their antics, Yu said, "We would be happy to run the agency for you. How soon do you want us to start? We'll need to give at least two-weeks notice."

Fuyumi looked at him a little confused before she realized what he meant. "Oh, you don't have to leave your jobs at Hinansho if you don't want to. It can be a second job that you can do on the side. I just need people I can trust to manage it. We're starting with the vendors for Ouran that haven't been getting paid, but I have a detective looking into similar debts for the Otori, Suoh, and Mikoshiba personal holdings."

"So, this is just a temporary company?" Yu asked, sounding disappointed. He pushed some rice around on his plate.

Fuyumi faced him. "No, this is a business I want to grow into something more. Those three families are just the stepping-stones to get it off the ground. Though, we will be selective of our clientele and the debts we purchase to collect. I would prefer to pursue rich people who think they don't have to pay for the things they get rather than people who've fallen on hard times and want to pay but can't."

"I like that idea," Yu admitted. "It's incredible how many people who have the money don't think they should have to pay for the things they get. I'm in."

"Me, too," Aki confirmed.

Matsu waved his hand. "Don't forget me."

Smiling, Fuyumi said, "Glad to have you all on board for that venture." She paused for a moment before she added, "I have a little side project I could use some help with, if you would be willing."

"What kind of side project?" Yu asked. "Nothing illegal, I hope," he teased.

"No…not really. I just need a few extra investment accounts that aren't linked directly to me. I have my own and the ones for Masaya, Hibiki, and Ageha, but I need three more to spread around the stock purchases, so they don't see the takeover coming."

"If we're talking about taking over the companies of the trio, I'm in," Aki said. "This is going to be fun."

"I take it you will be calling the shots?" Yu confirmed.

Nodding, Fuyumi outlined her plan to use her current broker for the four accounts she already had and giving them the funds to set up accounts with Yuzuru's broker.

"Are you sure you have enough funds for this?" Matsu asked. "I'd be glad to fund my own investment account."

"Even with Seiji's account and our joint account currently unavailable, I have plenty to get the ball rolling." Fuyumi rubbed her hands together. "I have my eye on the long game in this. They won't know anything is wrong until it's far too late for them to make any moves to recover."

The three men stood up and each raised an arm as if holding a sword. "We are at your command. Let the games begin."

OHSHC

The Hinan family, their significant others, and a number of Hinansho employees took up several sections of the seating so they could cheer on Takashi at the kendo tournament. Everyone was excited to see him compete

Chiharu said proudly, "I knew Takashi would make it to the finals."

"It's no surprise that Satoshi is his opponent." Haruhi looked through her notes from the matches. "Both of them were undefeated and neither of them gave up any points."

Mitsukuni grinned. "They are very evenly matched. The final is going to be a really exciting bout."

"How much time to we have until the final bout starts?" Rene asked. "I really need to get something to drink. I've been yelling myself hoarse."

Kyoya check the time. "Since Satoshi just finished his match, there will be a thirty-minute break. Plenty of time to get beverages and snacks, check emails, or use the bathroom."

"This is all so exciting," Chisato commented. "Thank you for letting me come along."

The twins exchanged grins. "The more the merrier to cheer on our brother."

Estee stood up and said, "I'm headed to the bathroom, who's coming?"

"Me," Coco replied jumping up from her seat. "I've had to go, but I didn't want to go alone and get lost. You know about my sense of direction."

Fuyumi waved her hands in the air. "All right, ladies, let's all head out together. Safety in numbers." She turned to Rene and the twins. "How about you three go get snacks and beverages for everyone. We'll be back before the final bout begins."

"Yes, ma'm," Rene said cheekily while the twins saluted sloppily.

Fuyumi just shook her head at their antics as she led the ladies in the direction of the bathroom.

Kyoya looked at Tachibana, who nodded in response. "Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but our group is a little too high profile right now for me to relax. I'm glad Tachibana arranged for extra security to accompany us without alerting the ladies. Haruhi commented on our drive home from Kariuzawa that we could be vulnerable today." Kyoya watched as security details discretely followed the ladies as well as those headed to the refreshments area.

Mitsukuni stepped up next to Kyoya's elbow and asked quietly, "Any news yet?"

Kyoya shook his head. "Nothing definitive yet. I have several inquiries out. Hopefully I'll hear back within the week."

Pensively Mitsukuni tapped his chin. "How is Fuyumi doing? Especially with the kids away?"

"She's been busy helping Yuzuru with the Ouran situation. They want to have a good grasp of the details before school starts in just over two weeks," Kyoya replied. "I think she has some other projects in the works, but she hasn't mentioned them to me and I don't want to pry."

Meanwhile, in the ladies' bathroom, Fuyumi was chatting with Haruhi while waiting for everyone to finish up. "Hey, Haruhi, I have a legal question," Fuyumi murmured.

"I'll help if I can," Haruhi replied, turning her full attention to her fiancé's sister.

"Do you have any idea how long it will take to release Seiji's assets—in particular, his investment account and our joint accounts?" Fuyumi explained.

Haruhi thought for a moment before she responded. "I don't think it should take long. The joint accounts should be easy since you are already legal owner. I'll look into it on Monday."

"Thanks. I keep coming across things that need to be done, but I hadn't thought about," Fuyumi confessed.

Patting her arm, Haruhi smiled and said, "It's new territory. You've never lost someone close, so you don't know what you don't know."

"That sums it up perfectly." Fuyumi pulled Haruhi into a hug. "Thanks for everything."

Before they could continue their conversation, Estee and Coco popped out and announced in unison, "Your turn!"

Rolling her eyes, Fuyumi stage whispered, "Do you think they practiced that?"

Haruhi just shrugged. "We need to finish up and get back. I don't want to miss any of that final bout between Takashi and Satoshi."

Hikaru grabbed one box of snacks while Kaoru grabbed the other. Rene stood contemplating the two boxes of drinks. "I just know I'll drop and spill all of these if I try to carry them myself," Rene commented.

"Can I help, Tama…Rene?" Yuzuru asked, startling the trio.

"Dad…um…how do I address you?" Rene huffed. "Shizue never allowed you to let me call you 'Dad' or 'Father' and now you're my adopted brother, but it would sound weird for me to call you 'Brother' all the time." He waved his hands around, trying to figure out how to express himself.

Yuzuru nodded. "I get how confusing this situation is. Why don't you just call me Yuzuru. It's what all your other siblings call me."

Rene considered the suggestion for a moment, then heaved a sigh. "Okay, that makes sense. I'll give it a try."

Picking up one of the boxes of beverages, Yuzuru said, "Let's get back to the seats. We don't want to miss any of Takashi's bout with Satoshi."

"Right," Rene remarked as he picked up the other box. "Let's go."

Satoshi settled on the bench in the locker room, sipping water slowly. His gear hung on the nearby rack, drying and cooling before the final bout. "I'm glad Father insisted that I train at those other dojos during the past six weeks. It made a big difference in several of my matches today." He ran a towel over his face to wipe away the sweat before hanging it around his shoulders and taking another sip of water.

Settled comfortably on a mat on the floor, Takashi closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. "Those were some interesting moves that Satoshi used in his matches. He must have been visiting other dojos to study additional techniques. I wonder if I should have warned him that I've been sparring with Atsuhiro. Even though it's been nearly ten years since Atsuhiro's last championship win, he's still a formidable opponent." Smiling to himself, Takashi rose gracefully from the floor. "Time to get ready for the final bout."

At the table for the officials, the three referees for the final bout consulted with the tournament officials. "Given the skill of the two opponents in the final bout, we should agree in advance what course to pursue should there be a tie at the end of the five minutes."

Leaning back in his chair, the oldest official nodded agreement. "These two are well matched and studied together for years. I recommend that the match continue until there is a clear winner."

"That would be the wisest course of action," the head referee agreed, bowing respectfully. "Then there will be no doubt of the winner."

"Now that that is decided, we shall decide who will wear the white ribbon and who shall wear the red," the oldest official commented, standing and pulling the ribbons from a box.

The youngest member at the officials table took out two small cards, wrote 'Satoshi Morinozuka' on one and 'Takashi Hinan' on the other. Folding them in half twice, he slipped them into a small silk bag and held it out for the head referee to draw a name.

The oldest official handed the red ribbon to the head referee who drew out a name and announced, "Takashi Hinan."

Takashi and Satoshi walked out of their respective locker rooms and along their side of the mat, meeting in the middle at the far side, facing the officials' table. They bowed respectfully as the three referees joined them.

Taking their places on their starting marks, both squatted and waited for the signal to begin. When the signal came, Takashi made several feints to judge Satoshi's reactions. Satoshi reacted and then made several feints of his own.

Takashi grinned internally as he parried each of Satoshi's feints. "He has improved significantly." Now that he had a better idea of Satoshi's additional skill, he started attacking more aggressively, studying responses and looking for openings.

Satoshi's expression was determined as he attacked using several moves he had learned at the other dojos. "In the past, we were evenly matched because we both learned from the same person and sparred with each other. Now I have some moves he doesn't know."

As the pair circled one another, trying to gain an advantage and score a point, Takashi's foot found several drops of water of the mat. Although he recovered immediately and the referees were unaware, it gave Satoshi a split-second to strike his do, or chest plate, and two white flags were raised, awarding him a point.

Moving back to the starting marks, Takashi surreptitiously wiped the balls of his feet against the lower hem of his hakama. Satoshi caught the movement and was about to protest the point he had been awarded when Takashi shook his head slightly.

They were given the signal to begin again. Takashi allowed Satoshi three attempts to strike his do again when he feinted as if to deliver a blow to Satoshi's men, or helmet. When Satoshi shifted to block a head blow, Takashi shifted lightening quick and instead scored on his kote, or wrist guards. Two red flags flashed from the referees.

After the point was awarded to Takashi, they returned to their starting marks. As they were given the signal to begin, they both focused on finding or making an opening. There was less then thirty seconds left in their bout and both surmised that the referees would not allow it to end in a tie. Neither young man wished to drag this bout out for hours as they sometimes used to during training.

Takashi decided to use a move Atsuhiro had taught him. He dropped his stance slightly, as if he were going to try another kote strike, enticing Satoshi to shift his wrists during his attempt to strike Takashi's men for the winning point.

Taking advantage of Satoshi's shift, Takashi used his superior reach to deliver a blow to Satoshi's do and receive the winning point. Red flags were raised by the referees and the bout was over.

The crowd cheered wildly, especially the Hinan section, as Takashi and Satoshi bowed to each other and then the officials.

After the ceremony, Satoshi approached Takashi in the locker room. "What happened out there? How did I score that point?"

"You saw an opening and took it, just like you were trained," Takashi replied calmly as he stowed his gear in his bag, wiping each piece down carefully.

"It wasn't fair because you were distracted. What did you step on?" Satoshi demanded.

Looking at the younger man with a serious expression, Takashi stated, "I believe it was a few drops of sweat. Nothing unusual for a final bout. You did a good job. Stop trying to dismiss it."

"Whose?" Satoshi demanded again, his hands balled into fists at his sides.

Takashi shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Those things happen and they are a part of the bout." He paused for a moment before he teased, "If this is how you get when you lose, what would you be like if you'd actually won."

Satoshi just gaped at the older man. Shaking his head, he replied, "I guess it's just because I know this is your last competition."

Hefting his bag over one shoulder, Takashi grinned. "We've got people waiting for us out there. Grab your gear and let's go."

"Right." Satoshi picked up his bag from the floor where he'd dropped it during his discussion with Takashi.

As soon as the pair stepped out of the locker room, they were surrounded by reporters. "Will this become a regular occurrence? You two battling it out in the final bout at tournaments?"

Satoshi nudged Takashi forward to address the questions. Handing his bag to Satoshi, Takashi stood tall as he said, "I regret that this is my final competition. My future is not in the dojo and my path does not afford the necessary time to devote to training and travel."

He paused to allow his announcement to sink in. "I will continue the practice of kendo. Perhaps participating in exhibitions or teaching classes, but I will no longer be competing." He bowed respectfully, retrieved his bag, and headed to the crowd of family and friends that were waiting for him.

18