The Hinan family invited the Haninozukas and Morinozukas to join them for a celebration of the champions. This made for quite a crowd in the private dining room, congratulating and toasting Takashi and Satoshi.

After everyone had settled down to eat and talk, Akira approached Takashi. "May I speak to you for a moment?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Takashi replied, gesturing to the corner near the kitchen door that was empty at the moment.

Taking a deep breath, Akira said, "First, I want to congratulate you on your championship win. You recovered well from the slip."

Takashi dipped his head in acknowledgement of the compliment.

"But mostly, I wanted to commend the maturity of announcing your retirement from competition rather than just disappearing without an explanation," Akira continued. "It's the same maturity I first saw a little over three years ago when you stood up to Yorihisa and me. Our partnership with the Hinan family has given us a glimpse of your dedication and passion." A wave of emotion caused Akira to pause before he added, "Although I foolishly forfeited the right to be your father, I am still proud of the man you have become."

Pulling Akira into a hug, Takashi whispered, "Thank you. That means more to me than you know."

Asami and Satoshi joined them in the corner. "Can I get in on that hug?" Asami asked hopefully. Without a word, Takashi pulled her in as well.

Satoshi teased, "Just because you won the tournament doesn't mean that you can steal my parents, you know."

Laughing, Akira pulled Satoshi into the hug as well. "He's not trying to steal anything from you. I just wanted to congratulate him and tell him I'm proud."

"We both are," Asami said quietly. "Shall we head back over to the table and join the conversations?"

Giving one last squeeze, Takashi released them. As they moved back to the table, there was a knock on the door. Takashi, still standing and closest to the door, opened it. "Yes?" he inquired.

The front desk attendant said, "Just the man I needed to see. There is a courier with a registered letter for you. You have to sign for it personally."

Takashi waved for him to lead the way. Minutes later, he was back in the dining room examining the return address on the registered letter.

"Who is it from?" asked Chiharu curiously. "Why was it sent registered mail?"

Opening the envelope, Takashi pulled out the folded documents. After reading for a moment, he said in a flat tone, "I am to make myself available upon notice to appear in the World Court to testify in the trial of the conspiracy ring I helped identify earlier this summer."

"When?" Chiharu asked, he voice full of dread.

"No date is given. They will give me seventy-two hour notice before I have to appear in court." He looked at the letter with a pensive expression. "I wonder how my supervisor will react to a brand-new employee on their first day at work arranging to appear in World Court as a witness for the prosecution."

Haruhi got up from her place at the table and held her hand out in a silent request to examine the documents. Absently, he handed them to her as he was lost in thought and sat down at the table between Chiharu and Mitsukuni.

After taking a few minutes to read through them, Haruhi patted Takashi's shoulder. "I'm sure your supervisor will see this as a mark of the quality and dedication you put into your work. It also speaks well of your internship."

Nodding, Takashi responded, "You're right. I guess I'm just a little worried because Deloitte Japan, one of the premiere accounting firms in the country. It' is a whole new arena I'm stepping into and I need to learn the ropes." He twirled his cup between his hands.

Turning to look at him, Mitsukuni said, "That's right. We all had internships where we will be working. You interned with Ms. Watanabe, but you'll be working at Deloitte Japan." His expression was pensive as he thought about the adjustments Takashi would need to make to his new work environment.

Scooting her chair closer to Takashi, Chiharu considered Mitsukuni's statement for a moment. "He's right. I interned with Shima here at Hinansho and now I've taken over so she can do special projects for Kyoya."

"I start work on Wednesday at the physical therapy clinic at the Hinan hospital where I did my internship," Mitsukuni added.

Kyoya commented, "I interned at my own companies, so I had an inside track as well."

From across the table, Hikaru and Kaoru said in unison, "That's basically what we're doing at Hitachiin Fashions, too." Hikaru waved to include Estee and Coco in their comment.

"Even I will probably be working at the law firm with Mr. Naruse after I finish my law degree next year," Haruhi admitted sheepishly.

Rene stood up and declared flamboyantly, "I have no idea where I will be working after I graduate next year. I may end up in the same position as Takashi." He beamed at the group and held both hands over his heart as if embracing the challenge.

Everyone chuckled at his attempt to lighten the mood. Suddenly his expression fell and he flopped into his chair. "I just realized I need to find a new roommate. Kyoya has graduated and I still have a year left. The twins and the Beringars are roommates. Haruhi has her studio apartment. I'll be all alone."

Kyoya reached over and laid a hand on Rene's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Don't worry. I guess I forgot to tell you that I planned to stay in the apartment and work from there this year. It's just as easy as working from my office at Hinansho." He paused and looked over at Haruhi. "I also want to be close to my fiancée. We have a wedding to plan."

Haruhi smiled softly at Kyoya as Rene reached up and placed his hand over Kyoya's on his shoulder. "Good to know," Rene murmured in relief.

"This is supposed to be a celebration," Fuyumi reminded everyone. "Takashi and Satoshi really battled it out in their match today." She paused for a moment before she turned to Satoshi. "Since we're discussing plans for the coming year, what are yours?"

"Well," he responded thoughtfully. "I'm starting my second year of University. I'm studying Business Management so I can take over management of the dojos in the future. I will also be teaching kendo as well as competing."

"How about you, Yasuchika?" Fuyumi asked, turning to the Haninozuka heir.

He shrugged as he replied, "I'll be in my second year as well, studying Business Management with an emphasis on real estate. I'll be teaching and competing as well, but in karate and judo."

Fuyumi smiled at the cousins. "Sounds like you've both given a lot of thought to your future. Very commendable."

Yorihisa motioned to himself, Akira, and their wives as he said, "We're all very proud of our sons. They have good heads on their shoulders."

Twirling her glass between her hands, Fuyumi sighed. "I miss Masaya, Hibiki, and Ageha. I'm so glad they will be back from their trip with the Shidos on Saturday. It's hard to believe that Masaya will be in his first year of middle school."

Asami sighed as she nodded in agreement. "They grow up so fast." She looked at Takashi, then at Satoshi. "It seems like just yesterday they were little boys playing in the garden."

Smiling, Izumi added, "And getting into all sorts of mischief."

Mitsukuni, Takashi, Satoshi, and Yasuchika all colored slightly at the implications behind their mothers' comments.

Seeing their embarrassment, Fuyumi changed the subject. "I just hope we have enough time on Sunday to get everything ready for the opening ceremony on Monday. I hope Masaya hasn't had a growth spurt while he was gone, or he might not fit into his uniform."

Kyoya turned to Yuzuru. "Speaking of Ouran, how have your plans been progressing?"

Yuzuru smiled almost gleefully. "We have a plan of action that will allow Ouran to open as scheduled. In the long term, it should address the root of the problem and prevent any recurrences in the future." He paused to glance at Fuyumi. She nodded and he continued, "There will be a special Board Meeting on Wednesday. I will be there as the Headmaster and Fuyumi will be there as a concerned parent. This meeting is in response to a letter Fuyumi sent questioning the rumors she has been hearing about the continued viability of the school."

Fuyumi interjected, "Ms. Watanabe may be there as well, depending on what she finds in her examination of Ouran's financial records."

Takashi tried to hide a grin as he commented, "If the Board knows what's good for them, they should be very afraid. I only did a superficial review of the records, and I can tell they've been up to something."

Suddenly, Fuyumi turned to Yuzuru and tapped on the table. "I just remembered that we have an appointment with your broker tomorrow morning to set up those investment accounts. I need to go to my bank first to get the drafts to fund the accounts."

"Not a problem," Yuzuru assured her. "My broker is just a few blocks from a branch of your bank. I just hope we can get everything in place in time to take advantage of the anticipated sell-off from the article that was published Friday."

Yorihisa chuckled. "I saw that article and if I hadn't already sold all Otori and Suoh stock, I'd be divesting myself just as quickly as I possibly could."

"As soon as I read that article, I checked to be sure we didn't have any Mikoshiba stock," Akira admitted. "We didn't have any, but I'll bet that a lot of people holding shares in those three companies will be submitting 'sell' orders if they haven't already."

Rubbing her hands together, Fuyumi grinned. "That's exactly what I'm hoping for. With so many 'sell' orders, I should be able to buy their stock up cheap. Soon they'll be dancing to my tune."

Haruhi turned to Kyoya and whispered, "Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato aren't going to know what hit them, are they?"

"Yoshio always dismissed Fuyumi because she was 'just a girl.' I predict that his misogynistic attitude is about to be his downfall because she probably has the best mind among my siblings," Kyoya replied, keeping his mouth close to her ear and kissing it when he finished speaking.

Talk moved on to other topics and the party continued until late in the evening.

OHSHC

Fuyumi tossed the duvet off the bed and swung her legs over the side. She held her head in her hands, shaking from the after images of the dream. "That seemed so real. I could feel Seiji's arms around me and his lips on my neck." She pulled her hands through her hair. "How am I going to live without him?"

She pulled on a light robe and headed to the kitchen. Her hands trembled as she filled the kettle and put it on to heat. While the water heated, she pulled a teapot and teacup from the cupboard and set it on the counter. Next, she pulled out several tea blends, considered them, and shoved them back into the cupboard. "None of these will help. Where's the chamomile?" she grumbled.

In her frustration, she pounded her fists on the counter. "It's not fair! Why did you have to die, Seiji? Why did you have to leave me?" she shouted. Sliding down to the floor, she buried her head in her arms and cried.

Several minutes later, she was brought back to herself by the whistling of the kettle. Wiping her eyes on the back of her hands, she stood up and removed the kettle from the heat. "Maybe I should just skip the tea." She was about to put the teapot back in the cupboard when a box tucked away in a corner caught her eye. "Sensha green tea…Seiji's favorite."

With a sad smile, she picked up the box and pulled out a sachet that she dropped into the teapot, which she then filled with hot water. "Seiji always like this one because it didn't need to steep very long," she murmured aloud as she set the kettle aside.

While the tea was steeping, Fuyumi set up her laptop on the dining room table. "It's only five o'clock in the morning but I can't get back to sleep. I might as well do some more research." She went back to the kitchen and poured a cup of tea from the pot. Deciding that she didn't want to run back and forth for each cup of tea, she carried both the cup and the pot to the table. Then she settled down to search for office spaces.

An hour later, Fuyumi had identified four possibilities for the location of the new YAM Collection Agency. Each has an office on the first floor and three or four apartments above it. "That will be perfect. One for the secretary/receptionist and one for the accountant. The others can be rented out for additional income or used by other employees as needed. All four are in nice neighborhoods that should attract good job candidates."

Feeling like she had accomplished something despite her restless night, Fuyumi stood and stretched. "I think I'll go shower and dress before making breakfast. I have plenty of time before my lunch meeting with Nishi Goro. Hopefully, he'll have enough time to get what I need before the meeting on Wednesday."

She picked up the teapot and cup to take them back to the kitchen when the incoming email tone chimed. "I'll look at that after I take care of these," Fuyumi thought as she continued on her way.

After rinsing out the teapot and cup, she started the rice before heading back to her laptop to check the email. When she saw that it was from Ms. Watanabe, she opened it immediately and started reading. Opening the attachment, Fuyumi grinned at the information Ms. Watanabe had uncovered in her examination of the past three years.

The email ended with the note, "I plan to work my way back to Ouran's inception. Most likely, nothing beyond seven years will be recoupable, but you will have the information about who has been involved and what part they played."

Fuyumi sent a quick acknowledgement and thanks before heading in to grab a quick shower and dress for the day.

OHSHC

Kyoya knocked on Haruhi's apartment door. "I hope I'm not waking her, even though she is rather fetching with her pajamas rumpled, hair tousled, and eyes half-lidded with sleep," he thought, smiling at the image his mind created.

When she answered the door, it was obvious that Haruhi had been up for a while. "Kyoya, good morning," she greeted, standing aside so he could enter. "Come in. I was just putting the finishing touches on my breakfast. Would you care to join me?"

His expression softened as he looked at the petite young woman who had agreed to become his wife. As soon as Haruhi closed the door behind him, Kyoya pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. When he finally pulled back, he murmured, "I would love to join you for breakfast. Today or any day."

Haruhi blushed lightly at the innuendo in Kyoya's tone. Leading him to the dining room table, she looked over her shoulder and asked, "To what do I own the honor of your presence this morning?"

Stepping up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, he whispered breathily in her ear, "Can't a guy just show up to see his lovely fiancée?"

"Of course," she teased as she caressed his cheek. "However, my fiancé usually has something in mind when he gets up this early in the morning."

He kissed her forehead and pulled back so he could look her in the eye. "There's no getting anything past you, is there?" he teased. "Actually, all I wanted to do was ask if you would like to leave on Thursday to head to the new beach house at Okinawa?"

"What about the others?" Haruhi asked as she pulled away to dish up breakfast.

Kyoya shrugged. "They can go on Friday evening as planned. I just thought we could have a little time to ourselves. We still have some wedding details to discuss." He paused and the tone of his voice dropped seductively as he continued, "Not to mention some after-the-wedding details."

Haruhi set the plate of breakfast on the table and swatted playfully at his shoulder. "Just so long as we respect the boundaries, I would enjoy having some alone time with you."

"Then I'll let Fuyumi and Tachibana know about our plans, just in case an emergency comes up," Kyoya replied as he picked up his utensils and took a bite of breakfast. He hummed and murmured, "Wonderful…as always."

OHSHC

Fuyumi looked at herself in the mirror, gauging the message the suit she was wearing would send. "Definitely no-nonsense and all-business. Just what I was aiming for," she thought as she turned this way and that to be sure there were no seams out of alignment or stray threads.

There was a light knock on the door and Yuzuru's voice called out, "Are you ready?"

Smiling, Fuyumi picked up her briefcase as she left her bedroom and headed to the door. When she opened it, she asked, "Do I look ready to do battle in the business world?"

Yuzuru's eyebrows shot up. "Your demeanor just shouts, 'Only unconditional surrender will be accepted.' My broker will practically grovel at your feet to get your business."

Nodding once, Fuyumi smirked. "Just the look I was trying for. Shall we go? Yu texted that he, Aki, and Matsu are waiting out front next to your car."

Yuzuru chuckled. "It's going to be a little strange. I'll be driving and security will be in the back seat."

Fuyumi punched him lightly on the arm. "The Host Club has been rubbing off on you, haven't they?"

"I guess they have, even though the Host Club really hasn't existed in nearly four years. They disbanded after the Hitachiins were killed in the bombing." Yuzuru stopped in his tracks and turned to Fuyumi. "I'm so sorry. That was insensitive of me."

Taking a deep breath, Fuyumi shook her head and said, "In a way that actually just reinforces the idea that I belong in the Hinan family. We each have more in common than we realize."

Yuzuru offered her his arm. "Shall we head off to begin our latest battle against corruption and greed?"

"Certainly." Fuyumi placed one hand on his arm and pushed the elevator button with the other.

Yu looked up as he heard laughter and saw Fuyumi and Yuzuru approaching. He opened the door for Fuyumi while Aki opened the door for Yuzuru. Matsu climbed into the back seat and settle in the middle. Once everyone was secured, Yuzuru started the car and they headed off on their errands.

Yuzuru decided to park at a restaurant halfway between Fuyumi's bank and the broker's office. "We can come back here for lunch after our errands are complete," he said as he secured the vehicle.

Yu, Aki, and Matsu took up positions around Fuyumi in much the same manner as they had when she was a child. However, instead of looking like they were babysitting a minor, they looked like they were protecting a high-powered businesswoman.

Hanging back, Yuzuru watched the interaction of the quartet. "They look like they do this everyday rather than having picked it up after over a decade apart."

When a clerk tried to insist that Fuyumi's male relative would have to conduct her business, she turned her back on him and looked around for the manager. Helpfully, Yu pointed to an office off to one side. With a nod to Yu, she walked smartly to the manager's office and rapped once on the door frame.

"What do you want?" the manager demanded without looking up.

Nearly mimicking Yoshio's tone, Fuyumi said bluntly, "I want some service."

The manager's head whipped up at the sound of such a commanding voice. He bolted out of his chair and bowed. "I apologize. I thought you were an employee. How may I serve you?"

Still feeling slighted by the employee's attitude, Fuyumi stated, "I need three bank drafts from my account. Your employee refused to assist me because of my gender."

"Well, it is our policy to conduct business with the male head of the household," the manager explained.

"I see. Please tell me the current balance of my account," Fuyumi responded coldly. When he asked for the account number, she said each digit in a clipped tone, trying very hard to keep her temper in check.

The manager was shaking as he looked at the balance of her account. "Um, your current balance is 495,382,107 yen."

"Then I shall need three bank drafts in the amount of 150,000,000 yen each. I will also need a fourth bank draft for the balance as I will be closing my account here."

"But...but…" the manager started to protest. "But why?"

Pinning him with her gaze, she said slowly and succinctly, "I am a perfectly capable businesswoman and I DO NOT need some man to conduct my business for me. This account was set up just over four years ago in my name only. I refuse to support your archaic and misogynistic policies."

"Then I guess you'll have to go to the Suoh Bank. She's the only one that is matriarchal," the manager sneered icily.

"Unacceptable." Fuyumi looked at Aki. "Please make a note of what is required to start a bank."

Waving the four newly printed bank drafts, the bank manager snorted haughtily, "You need a lot more than this to start a bank."

Grabbing the drafts deftly from his hand, Fuyumi looked at him disdainfully. "As if this were my only fiduciary account." She turned on her heel and marched out of his office.

Matsu tapped her shoulder and, when she stopped, he whispered something to her. With a nod of her head, she turned to face the bank manager once more. "Just so you know, I will be informing the Hinan family of my treatment here today. I am sure they will be moving their accounts as well."

Fuyumi didn't stop again until she was outside the bank. "I can't believe the gall of…"

Yuzuru started laughing, pounding his fist on his knee. Yu, Matsu, and Aki were chuckling as well.

"What's so funny?" Fuyumi asked quizzically.

It took a moment for Yuzuru to catch his breath. "Think about it. He told you to go to the Suoh Bank. You asked Aki to make a note of what is required to start a bank."

Slowly it dawned on Fuyumi what was so funny. "Oh, that is rich. I am currently on a path to take over the Suoh Banks, so in a way I will be starting my own." She laughed and shook her head.

Yuzuru offered his arm. "We still have another errand to complete."

"Right you are." Fuyumi gave each of her old security team one of the drafts for 150,000,000 yen. "Let's go get those investment accounts set up and start the take-over." She place her hand on Yuzuru's offered arm.

"What will you do with the fourth draft?" he inquired.

"I'll just set up another investment account for me. It's not a lot compared to the others, but it's still another net to catch those fish in." Fuyumi was still smiling as they entered the office of the investment broker.

"Yuzuru, it's so good to see you. Your investments have been recovering well after those unexpected sell-offs in the spring," greeted the broker verbosely and bowing respectfully.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Kanagawa. That's good news." He gestured to the quartet accompanying him. "These are friends of mine that wish to set up investment accounts with you."

"Oh, very good. Very good. So glad to help," Mr. Kanagawa murmured, bowing respectfully to each of them.

They spent the next hour setting up the four accounts. When Mr. Kanagawa asked which stocks they wanted to invest in, Yu acted as spokesperson for the security trio. Handing the broker three sets of instructions, Yu said, "We are conducting an experiment. We wish to purchase blocks of no more than one thousand shares at a time at no more than one hundred yen per share of Otori, Suoh, and Mikoshiba stock. I realize that with these stipulations, it will take time to fully invest the sum we have each deposited today."

Nodding to the instructions in the broker's hand, Yu continued, "Each of us is using a different purchase interval to acquire the next block. Will this be possible?"

The broker smiled. "No problem whatsoever. Normally, I would not expect there to be any shares available for you to purchase from these three companies, but there was a plethora of sell orders this morning." He turned to Fuyumi. "Do you wish to purchase these stocks as well?"

"Yes, I do. However, rather than setting intervals, I will be taking a more active role in directing my investments," she replied, nodding in thanks at his including her in the conversation.

While the broker was entering the buy order parameters into his computer, Fuyumi called her broker and made similar buy arrangements for Masaya, Hibiki, Ageha, and her accounts.

Smiling, the broker turned to the group. "All your orders are in place. I look forward to seeing what happens."

OHSHC

Takashi sat in the room with twenty-four other new employees filling out paperwork. He was nearly done when his new supervisor, Isami Kondo, called his name.

"Yes, sir?" Takashi responded.

"Please come with me." Mr. Kondo gestured toward the door.

"I hope nothing is wrong," Takashi thought as he followed.

Mr. Kondo entered an office and waved Takashi to a chair. Sitting behind his desk, Mr. Kondo pulled out a folder and laid it open. "Last week, I received a letter from Ms. Watanabe that you and she may have to testify in the World Court regarding a conspiracy you helped identify during the summer."

Takashi nodded. "I received a registered letter on Saturday." He opened his portfolio and handed Mr. Kondo a copy. "I was going to speak to you about this after I finished my paperwork."

"Very thoughtful of you," his supervisor replied, placing the copy in the file with Ms. Watanabe's letter. "Have you completed your paperwork?"

"Almost. I just need to finish the direct deposit form." Pulling out his wallet, Takashi copied the routing and account numbers for his bank account. After signing and dating the form, he handed the stack of employment forms to Mr. Kondo.

Flipping through the stack, Mr. Kondo murmured, "Everything seems to be in order. Do you have any questions?"

"Just one, for right now," Takashi admitted. "How do I request vacation from Christmas through New Year's?"

Mr. Kondo considered the question for a moment. "I think we can approve it. May I ask why?"

With a small smile, Takashi answered, "Because I'm getting married Christmas Day and we want to go on our honeymoon through New Year's Day."

Grinning, Mr. Kondo pulled up his calendar on his tablet. "I will arrange it right now so there will be no question about it later."

"Thank you, sir." Takashi relaxed his hands from the fists he had on his lap.

"No problem. Congratulations and welcome aboard."

OHSHC

While they ate lunch at the restaurant, Fuyumi showed the others the office spaces she was considering for the collection agency. "Each of them has three or four apartments above them for either the employees or to rent out for additional income."

"What employees will the agency need?" Yu asked, looking at the details for each office space.

Fuyumi took a sip of tea. "There should at least be a secretary and an accountant. We should also consider having a lawyer on retainer that specializes in liens and debt judgements."

"These are excellent choices for office spaces. How about we go look them over after lunch?" Aki said as he read through the printout Yu handed to him.

Matsu tapped the table to get everyone's attention. "I think Fuyumi has the right idea about the employees. Both having a secretary and accountant, as well as offering them on-site quarters. It will definitely be a good incentive."

"I wonder if the Haninozukas or Morinozukas have any available secretarial or accounting candidates?" Fuyumi muttered to herself.

"Well, if not, the University would be a good place to look as well," Yuzuru suggested.

Glancing around the table, Aki stood up and stated matter-of-factly, "If everyone is done, why don't we go examine these properties."

OHSHC

Tuesday morning, Fuyumi was in her office posting investment account sheets on two walls. On the right side of her desk were the investment accounts for Masaya, Hibiki, Ageha, and her. On the left side were the ones for Yu, Aki, Matsu, and her.

As she was hanging the ones to the left, she chuckled as she thought, "YAM and me." Then she looked back at the first ones she'd hung up. "If I rearrange them to Hibiki, Ageha, and Masaya, it will be HAM and me." Fuyumi started giggling. "HAM and YAM. That just makes me hungry and I just had breakfast."

Hearing a knock at the office door, Fuyumi looked up to see Nishi Goro and Ms. Watanabe standing there, each holding stacks of files.

"Come in. Come in." Fuyumi waved them to chairs and gathered up the papers scattered across her desk so they would have somewhere to set their files.

Nishi grinned as he placed the stack of folders on the corner of Fuyumi's desk. "I know you only gave me the assignment on Sunday, but these five had such…interesting lives, I just couldn't stop until I found all their dirty little secrets. And they really weren't all that secret, probably because of their entitlement mentalities and the connections that allowed them to get away with anything." He sat down and put his feet up next to the stack of folders.

Ms. Watanabe shook her head as she placed her files on the desk. "Frankly, I am surprised that Ouran was able to operate this long without Yuzuru having to pay expenses out of his own pocket. Between the unauthorized loans taken and never repaid by the Board and Shizue's redirecting funds to her pet projects, there was barely enough each year to cover expenses."

Fuyumi rubbed her hands together gleefully. "This is going to make the meeting tomorrow so much fun. For me that is."

"Will you be needing me to attend tomorrow?" Ms. Watanabe asked.

Looking at her quizzically, Fuyumi asked, "Is there a problem?"

The forensic accountant smiled. "Not a problem. I am just very busy preparing for the eventuality that I will be summoned by the World Court to testify."

"Then don't worry about it," Fuyumi assured her. "I think I can handle this."

Nishi dropped his feet back to the floor and slapped his thighs. "Well, if you won't be needing me any further, I will head out and work on those other assignments you gave me." He grinned vindictively. "I had clients in the past who were hurt financially, socially, and psychologically by that unholy trio."

"I have no doubt," Fuyumi responded. "Thanks for all your work on these projects for me."

After he left, Ms. Watanabe stood. "You should suggest to Yuzuru that he request detailed incoming banking information for the Ouran accounts. Given it is a Suoh bank with Shizue in charge, they may balk at the request. He could cite student payment posting mismatches as the reason he needs it."

"You think something…fishy is going on?" Fuyumi asked.

The forensic accountant sat back down. "Well, I noticed that every time Shizue redirected fund, it was preceded by incoming payment or payments that did not match the usual tuition or dining room amounts." She paused to consider her next words carefully. "I suspect Shizue may be laundering money through Ouran."

Fuyumi bristled at the implications of that supposition. "That type of transaction is usually indicative of illegal activities and could potentially put the students—including my children—at risk." She clenched her fists.

"So, you recognize the risks as well?" Ms. Watanabe clarified. At Fuyumi's curt nod, she stood again. "I marked the most worrisome transactions and attached as much information as I could."

Consciously relaxing her hands, Fuyumi stood and bowed respectfully to the forensic accountant. "Thank you for your diligence."

Fuyumi dropped into her chair as Ms. Watanabe closed the door. "Boy, have I got my work cut out for me!"

OHSHC

Kyoya and Tachibana sat in Kyoya's office, staring at the map on the wall covered in notes for the bombing investigation. Standing up and starting to pace, Kyoya growled, "I have a feeling the answer is staring me in the face, but I'm just not seeing it." He slammed his fist down on his desk. "What am I missing?"

There was a knock on the door and Tachibana got up to answer it. He opened it and found the front desk clerk with a manila envelope in his hand.

"A courier just dropped this off for Mr. Hinan. It's from his banking analyst group." He handed it to Tachibana and returned to his post.

Raising an eyebrow, Tachibana turned to Kyoya. "Were you expecting this?" Tachibana asked before surrendering the envelope.

Kyoya looked pensive for a moment and then a smile spread across his face. "Actually, yes. It should be about the banking information I sent to them the day I returned with the remains of Seiji and the three scientists. It looked familiar, but I couldn't place it."

Satisfied with Kyoya's answer, Tachibana handed over the delivery.

Opening a desk drawer, Kyoya pulled out a letter opener and slit the flap of the envelope. Examining the documents, his expression turned grim. "No wonder that banking sequence looked familiar. It's for Ouran Academy. I think I need to go talk to Fuyumi and Yuzuru."