CHAPTER X

…

The sudden exit of our boss Manuel Ieyori from the scene meant a massive shift in the power structure inside the mob. And the delegation of the position to me made things even more complicated. An outsider who is not a member of the ruling family by blood being made the patrón was unheard of. It was a humorous notion. It has never happened before, and never will. The only ways an outsider can ascend to the position of boss is through a bloody coup d'etat or by usurping power using deceitful and malicious methods. Even if the position is handed over to another member rightfully, it doesn't stop the other underbosses from taking shots at the throne. Having been entrusted to rule the Chiba Outfit and given the title Patrón only several nights ago, my position in the grand schemes of things was more precarious than ever.

Before Manuel Ieyori left, he had given to me a collection of books and ledgers containing important information. It was a catalogue of his connections in this world. He had the contacts of politicians, judges, businessmen, lawyers, bondsmen, the police and even Yakuza people. These people knew him and owed him a favor of some sort, and would be able to help him if need be. All Manny needed to do was make a call on the phone.

It wasn't that simple. First of all, these people owed a favor to Manuel, not to me. Second, they do not know who I am. They were under no obligation to accept a favor from me. They weren't my friends. Even if I am the new boss, it was only titular. Why should they listen to me? And so comes the most difficult phase yet in securing my position: solidifying my connections. It meant getting in contact with people who have certain powers and capabilities that I do not have. It meant showing up in the flesh and dealing with these people face to face. I would have to introduce myself, compromise and reach agreements with the cops, judges, diet members and businessmen who knew Manny, and inform them of the change in management. Those contacts must be transferred into my name.

Hanzo was willing to help me in all this. As soon as he realized that the position of the right-hand man was nearly better in every way as opposed to being the top boss, he felt satisfied. What does he have to fret about? He didn't have to worry about death threats as much. He was away from the focus of the law, who were hell bent on taking down the head of the mob. He was only a step below the top, and it was a perfectly convenient spot where he can exercise his power with ease. And it meant that he did not have to take on as much responsibilities. Even I myself would settle for being the second-in-command. There were known cases when the underbosses themselves were more powerful than the boss. I do not want to be labeled as the boss of a criminal empire. If history taught me anything, it's that the leaders always take the fall. And when you've reached great heights, the fall can be devastating.

I shook my head. Tonight was the eve of the New Year. It was almost poetic, given everything that has happened. Hanzo, Yumiko and I met up at a café in Shinmachi that evening to go to the gala event together. The grand party was being held at the Makuhari tower in Mihama, overlooking the bay. I had promised Yumiko the favor of coming with her to the gala as her companion, where I inevitably have to appear before the judging eyes of not just the Miura family, but the Yukinoshitas and the Hayamas as well, who were the hosts to this event.

This was also a pretext for a business meeting. Many of the respectable elites from Chiba prefecture would be present in the gala. This was an opportunity to get in touch with Manuel Ieyori's contacts and see which connections could be sustained. It would be an opportunity to oversee the mediation of the construction jobs, and an agreement finally being reached, with us receiving the billion-yen sum and the Yukinoshita Constructions company being left in peace.

I must've been spacing off again because Yumiko shook me, annoyed. We were just coming out of the café after having a drink, and the cold air tickled my cheeks. The sidewalks were encrusted with a thin layer of snow, and it was as if someone scattered Christmas lights everywhere. All the storefronts along Chiba-kaido avenue were open, windows filled with innumerable trinkets and people going in and out of the buildings. There were bands of musicians playing in the street corners, patiently waiting for their upturned hats to be filled with coins. The traffic was heavy. Every now and then, there would be a lone firecracker booming across the sky. A lot of people wore thick overcoats and hats, making our wiseguys almost unnoticeable in the crowd.

Yumiko was exasperated. She pulled me down by my collars and made me face her. "You gotta wear a tie!" She said. "What are you, a peasant?"

I rolled my eyes. What an overstatement. Dressed in my three-piece, dark blue pinstriped suit and a pair of freshly polished Oxfords, I could easily fit in with the elites. Before entering the venue though, I must take off my rather worn-out looking overcoat. I wore my white fedora hat. But I never liked wearing neckties. To me it was needlessly stylish, it felt suffocating like a noose and it was just another hazard when getting into a barroom brawl. Your opponent could seize you by the tie and easily throttle you around. I know, because it did happen one time. And it's another icon of subservience; the necktie is to the working-class, brainwashed and enslaved salaryman as the collar and leash is to the domesticated pet dog.

"This is ridiculous," I huffed, trying to push her away. "I can't breathe." She suddenly pulled my tie and tightened it around my neck, irritating me. I gasped.

"Now you look better," she smiled, scanning me up and down approvingly. "Damn, Hachi. You're one good looking bloke, you." I grumbled, ignoring her compliment. I hate neckties. I started pulling it loose to restore blood circulation back to my head as soon as she turned away.

Yumiko presented herself, bridling a bit and making a turn gracefully. Her rouge lips had a certain charisma within that damned smirk. She only put on a minimal amount of makeup. She had really long eyelashes, and her emerald green eyes were mesmerizing. Her blonde hair was pinned up into a French roll with a hairstick, and strands dangled messily over her forehead. She wore a beige coat over her white frilled, laced blouse and blue dress. She wore black winter stockings. "How do I look?"

"Okay."

"You didn't even look properly!"

"It doesn't matter, you look good anyhow!" I scoffed. Yumiko blushed at my sudden answer. I said, "Hanzo, what do you say?"

Hanzo, also dressed in a three-piece suit of a darker color, a bow tie and a black fedora, gave a thumbs-up. "Twelve out of twelve."

I shook my head profusely. "Now, don't feed her ego."

Yumiko was annoyed. "Hmph!" She sulked and pushed me gently.

The three of us got inside Hanzo's brand new Chevy and sped off to Mihama. This was going to be quite a night. It was around ten o' clock when we arrived at the Makuhari tower, and the gala was going to stretch well into midnight. Rows of decorated pine trees lined the avenue. The tower itself was huge, well over forty stories tall and sporting multiple terraces on several levels. Floodlights lit up the façade of the building and cast complex shadows. There were limos and sedans lined along the parking area. The steps towards the luxurious entrance was impressive.

We were greeted by the maitre d' and his assistants, who helped us with our coats and led us down the lounge. The room was exquisitely furnished and the marble floors lined with red carpet. There were other people who were guests to this party as well. We reached the grand ballroom. It was extremely large and cavernous like the inside of a cathedral, and round tables were placed around the centre of the floor, which was depressed in an oval fashion. Up on the second-floor mezzanine was where the more eminent sat, as if overlooking in a theater. It was intimidating to be inside of all this high society.

I would rather take a seat at our table right away, but Yumiko had other plans. It was still a moment before the attendance was filled in and the food was served - which was probably the biggest concern of Hanzo. The music was beginning to come in full swing, and the dance floor was filled with ladies and gentlemen who danced to the flow. Yumiko watched them, interested.

I glanced at her, noticing. "If you want to go, go ahead," I encouraged her.

"I'm embarrassed." She looked at me anxiously. "Hachi, come with me please?"

I chuckled dryly. "What? No, I have people I've got to meet with." I led her along and looked at her straight. "Look, you're too nervous. Just loosen up a bit. I'm supposed to be the one who feels awkward around other people, not you."

She sighed, pursing her lips. "Okay."

"I'll be watching you. Now go and mingle with the rest of 'em. Maybe you'll find some handsome guy, have him ask you to dance."

"Why don't we dance?"

"No. Not me," I shook my head profusely. She kept staring at me intently, until I gave up. "Fine, just let me finish my business, okay? Now run along."

Yumiko was delighted. She let out a lousy giggle before walking off, but not before looking back at me, telling me not to forget. I knew she wouldn't have any problems finding a date tonight. Almost immediately, there were eyes on her. When she walked towards the crowd, she was immediately received with warmth. It wasn't a surprise to me anymore. Yumiko always had that certain magnetism with people. She really stood out like a star. In no time at all, there was a young guy coming up on her. I hummed, smiling slightly.

I then looked around, knowing who I anticipated to see. There was another motivation for me going to this gala. Thinking that maybe this time I would be able to do what I ought to have done, and say what I ought to have said a long time ago. I approached her slowly, keeping myself reserved.

Yukino was surprised to see me. She narrowed her eyes as she stepped closer towards me. "My, my. Aren't you a fish out of water?" She said in her usual haughty voice. "What brings you here, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Still cold as ever, Yukino," I grinned, teasing her. "Are you not pleased to see me?"

"Not quite. What gave you the impression?"

I pulled a sulky pout and theatrically pressed my hand over my heart as if hurt, to annoy her. "Did you miss me?"

"Maybe if you disappear for ten more years, I would," she said. Though, she couldn't seem to look me in the eye.

"So you did."

Yukino was hardly flustered, but her cheeks took on a pinkish hue. She glanced away. "Stop playing games," she sighed.

"Hikigaya-kun, this is my fiancé, Horikita-san." She turned towards him and made a gesture to introduce me. "And this is Hikigaya-kun. He is a friend of mine. We knew each other back in high school."

Horikita-san looked at me and held out his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Hikigaya-san."

I smiled softly and nodded, accepting the handshake cordially. "And you too."

"Yukinoshita-chan has told me about you."

"Oh, has she?" I chuckled. "Mentions of a certain 'dead-fish eyed loner' and inveterate pessimist?"

"Afraid so," he laughed naively. "But she does talk highly of you as well. Yukinoshita-chan credits her successes to you. She said she wanted to surpass you, I think. You've helped her a lot."

Yukino closed her eyes and frowned slightly, putting a hand over her mouth. "Ahem… there is no need to share that with him."

I glanced at her, amused. "That's quite flattering, Yukinoshita-san." I sighed, putting up another content smile. "Well, I'll leave you two be. Have a good one, Horikita-san, Yukinoshita-san." We exchanged nods once more. The couple turned around and began to walk towards the other crowds of people, presumably their acquaintances from high places.

As I watched them, the fake smile from my lips fell away.

I noticed someone come up behind me and I guessed who it was. She showed up once again, moving beside me and giving me a sly look.

"We just can't keep away from each other, don't you think?"

"That's how it appears to be."

Haruno poked at me, then turning her gaze at her sister, who was now in the company of other people, leaving us both to each other. "Ne, Hachiman. Why is it that when you're with Yukino, you seem to be very reserved?"

I raised a brow at her. "Reserved? Do you think so?"

"Mm-hm. It's as if you're scared of pushing the wrong buttons."

"But there is nothing much to be said."

Haruno stared curiously at me, smiling. "I think you're being a coward. You simply don't have the courage to say something. You want to really talk with her, don't you? But time and again, you let the chances slip. You don't say what you really mean."

A coward, huh? I gave her a deadpanned look. "I mean what I say. That's the same thing, isn't it?"

"Nope," she giggled friskily. "Not one bit. And I don't think you mean what you say either."

I finally chuckled. "You're a playful girl, Haruno-san. That's not good."

She pouted, feigning dejection. Even though she's my senpai, three years older than me, strangely it doesn't feel like it. Haruno looked as beautiful as ever. Her soft, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, perhaps slightly longer than last time. Her cheeks were blushed and her head was tilted, as she looked up at me with coquettish eyes. I stood only a couple inches taller than her but it was as if we were on the same level.

What's unusual is that everyone around Haruno seemed wary of her, as if intimidated. I could sense the scrutinizing gazes of people on us. They were all aware of her social standing and eminence, being the eldest daughter in the Yukinoshita family and the heir to their company. Which I really didn't bother with, because why should one be intimidated of someone who happens to have a gilt-edged birth certificate? No, there weren't many gentlemen making efforts to approach the proud Haruno. And she would've curtly refused their efforts anyways. It must've been a spectacle to see me, a nobody, in the company of hers. We continued talking.

Haruno leaned in closer. "I'm flattered that you came all this way to see me."

"So you were expecting me."

"Mm… something like that." She followed my eyes and glanced forward. I was watching Yumiko, who by now was getting comfortable around people and being jovial. Haruno realized, and softly giggled. "You're with her?"

"Yes," I answered. "Surprised?"

"Very. And you've dressed much better now. Confident, are we?"

I merely nodded in agreement. I noted that I hadn't spotted her own fiancé since I first arrived here. Haruno was even more amused when she saw Hayama Hayato near Yumiko. There he is, the rascal, I thought. I was surprised.

Hayato and Yumiko seemed to be hesitant towards each other at first, but began to talk in a very reserved manner. It seemed he hadn't changed in his appearance, still bearing the image of a handsome prince as ever. Yumiko was just as well-kempt; she was demure and reserved like a lady, completely different now from when we're together. The flower was finally in full bloom, and I felt pleased knowing I had been a part of her growth. I wouldn't be surprised if Hayato fell head over heels for her right there and then, in fact I was betting on it inwardly.

She made little, sophisticated gestures, pulling her hair behind an ear and keeping a straight face, almost prudent and self-possessed. Between the two, Hayato was the one who must feel unnerved. They began to smile and laugh lightly, before Yumiko moved and began holding Hayato's arm.

Beside me, Haruno looked upon them coldly. All of this entertained me, but I did not show. If Haruno was jealous or vexed to see her fiancé making contact with another woman, a girl from his high school days no less, she did not show either.

"Shall we?" I gestured. Haruno smiled, wrapping her arm around mine in turn.

We went back to our table, where a discussion had started taking place. While I was carrying on with this little reunion with acquaintances of mine, Hanzo had his own confrontations to deal with. Hanzo excused himself earlier to get himself champagne and have a look around the place, meaning to familiarize himself and see if there were any broads that caught his fancy. Instead, he ran into the hosts of this gala. Yukinoshita-san, the Hayamas, and the D.A. himself, Miura Sanada.

Yukinoshita-san was the first one to notice this new fellow before them. "Ah, young man. What is your name?" He asked gently.

"The name's Hanzo Ieyori, sir."

Yukinoshita-san was surprised. "Aren't you the son of Ieyori-san? The - if I may be so bold - alleged racketeering chief?"

Hanzo was slightly perturbed, but kept calm. He was offended that that was the first thing Yukinoshita-san associated him with. "Ieyori-san is my uncle, sir. And he's a businessman just like you. He owns a string of local establishments and is a supplier to retail shops. He also happens to be in the construction business."

"I see. Is he alright? We've seen the news, and I know it must be terrible for you and your family, especially during such a time for joyous celebrations. Allow me to extend my condolences, Hanzo-kun."

"Please," Hanzo smiled, laughing softly. "There's no need. Thank God he's still alive. Do not worry, my uncle will get better."

"And I suppose Hikigaya-san is a friend of yours?" Yukinoshita-san asked.

"Yessir. He's my right hand man. My partner. You wanna talk business, you talk with him. He's the chief technical officer, you can say. He knows everything. Is that right, Hikio?"

It happened that we were given a seat at the round table where the Yukinoshitas and the Hayamas were also seated at. There was space for up to twelve people, and as of the moment there were four men and a woman present, talking quietly. One of them was Hanzo. I instantly recognized Yumiko's uncle. Mr. and Mrs. Hayama was there. I took my place next to Hanzo, and Haruno sat down beside me to my left. I had caught the conversation right when Hanzo turned to me and asked for my say.

I interjected. "Well, what Hanzo said was a bit of an overstatement," I chuckled, "but yes. I do keep the tabs and handle our finances in the business."

Yukinoshita-san was impressed. "Hm. That's excellent. And good for you, to learn how to do business at such a young age, so."

The attorney suddenly spoke up with a question. "But Hanzo-kun, if I may ask, how would Ieyori-san deal with the current fiasco that is dogging him? From what we've heard, he's gotten into a brush with the law and is possibly in for another court trial."

Hanzo answered confidently. "My uncle will surely handle it. There are people who have ill intentions against him and want to see him ruined. They are bad people. But I know that justice will prevail, and these false and slanderous allegations against him will be cleared."

"Pardon me, I haven't introduced myself yet," the attorney said, offering his hand to Hanzo. They shook. He introduced himself, "my name is Miura Sanada, District Attorney and Chief Prosecutor in Chiba prefecture."

"It's an honor to meet you, sir."

"I do not mean to jump into conclusions, but I believe we've met before."

"How do you say?"

"Don't you remember the incident when you went to court? Back in 2017."

Hanzo grinned, remembering. He laughed. "Ah, of course. You were my prosecutor."

"Yes."

"It was because I nabbed a motorcycle," he exclaimed.

"Maybe you've learned your lesson by now," Sanada-san mused superciliously. "What went through your mind that you stole a motorcycle?"

"Well, I remember I got into an argument with the family one night and decided to go away for a while. I was mad at everybody, and I needed to just clear my head and think. So I went and stole a bike. But I never really meant to steal it for myself. I was just being a stupid kid back then."

"Why, what was wrong at home? What's wrong with your family?"

Hanzo merely smiled, though it was a smile that did not reach his eyes. "That's none of your concern."

"Of course. I was getting ahead of myself there, pardon me."

Haruno and I were sitting back, listening for the most part. The mood became tense with Hanzo's sudden sensitivity towards matters over family. It was a red line we both knew not to cross. Sanada-san understood and refuted himself. I spoke up in a light-hearted manner. "'What happens in the family, stays in the family.' That's how it is with our folks down there." I let out a soft laugh, which everyone else shared. After carrying on with small talk, we began to discuss business.

It dawned unto Yukinoshita-san and Hayama-san the extent of our relevance in the presence of high society like the one we found ourselves in. And keeping up with an inconspicuous, and of course legitimate façade Hanzo and I both took on respective personas. Hanzo Ieyori was an entrepreneur, he ran the Grandeur nightclub and dealt in retailing and supplying food, liquor and the necessary items to different storefronts and restaurants. After Manuel Ieyori left the country, we began transferring his uncle's assets into his name. Business was written in his name. I on the other hand was a junior delegate in a construction union, a young bar owner and a sports promoter.

These were our fronts - disguises for our dirty secrets. In fact, Hanzo was the 'front boss'. In public appearances, he was the leader. His dashing personality and likeability with people made him popular. I stood beside him as his silent advisor. But behind the curtains, it was the other way around with me dictating the objectives and him following through the plan. He knew how to lead hands-on, and I guided him. The tactician and the strategist. One cannot do without the other.

So when Sagawa Kino, our inside man in the construction scheme appeared and greeted me, Yukinoshita-san realized: if big people from the unions knew me, then that meant I had real connections. I was updated on the job. We began discussing the current predicament, that being the issues at the construction sites. The strikes, the dissident workers, and the financial problems coming with it. The Yukinoshita Constructions was beginning to concern itself. They'd lost money, time and reputation during the past few weeks due to the strikes. And with the Chiba Outfit influencing the scene from the sidelines, infiltrating and manipulating the unions, Yukinoshita-san was now more open to reason.

Yukinoshita-san then asked me. "Well, Hikigaya-san. What would you do if you were in my position?"

I said quietly, "if I were in your position, I would compromise. This isn't so much as an unreasonable plea or an extortion as it is an opportunity to better relations with the unions. To give them a raise would be, in a way, an investment. A benchmark for future business." I reasoned gently, not to appear forceful. "It's a three billion sum. If you lose, you don't become a poor man. If you don't take the risk, you don't gain anything either. A small price to pay for massive benefits I say, and both parties win."

Yukinoshita-san was skeptical. "Benefits, you say?"

"Yukinoshita-san, we know friends in the unions. We have influence. What we could do for you is mediate a compromise between your company and the construction unions and reach an agreed settlement." I brought a glass of water to my lips and put up a hand. "Not much, you may think, but it'll stop the strikes which are costing you money, and I'll throw in a word with the union boss for you. Your company would get better deals in the next construction bidding."

"You are reasonable."

"Well, that's what I do. I make deals for a living."

Hanzo inwardly smiled, pleased with the progress. Sagawa-san, who stood near me was impressed as well. He excused himself. Sanada-san, Mr. and Mrs. Hayama and Haruno were all silent for the most part but were listening intently.

For a junior delegate of a union, Yukinoshita-san thought, the kid knows well how to negotiate. He admitted that he was on the back foot in this deal, but there wasn't much to lose indeed. Though, Yukinoshita-san was not aware of our true nature. He hadn't the slightest suspicion that we were mobsters looking to hustle him out of his money. Because that's the whole point of business after all. He saw that we weren't as powerful as him, and supposed that he could court us into working under him, like every one of his so called allies.

And so Yukinoshita-san grinned, and shook our hands. "It's a pleasure doing business with you, Hikigaya-san. Ieyori-san."

We left the gala early, just when the fireworks display had begun. We watched the colorful explosions streak across Tokyo bay, and for a moment the entire city was illuminated. Hanzo and I both decided that such elaborate, sophisticated and dazzling celebrations such as these weren't to our taste. We obviously didn't belong around here and only came on the excuse of business and accompanying a friend. Hanzo wanted to get back home as soon as possible in time to drink with his friends. I wanted to sleep already.

At this point I was only going to cross paths with Haruno again soon, and she knew it too. As for Yukino Yukinoshita, I'd want to settle some unfinished affair with her. Something I needed to get off my chest. And Haruno knew I was going to keep trying to get close to her sister. This intrigued her verily and she anticipated seeing me around. She would find it entertaining to pry into my relationship with Yumiko and see how it came to be. Haruno, mischievous and wily as ever, had me kiss her before leaving. Maybe to show off to Hayama Hayato, who watched us, bewildered.

But Yumiko insisted on coming with us on the way back. I thought it a silly idea. Would she go drink with us guys at our own backyard party? Play poker and get drunk? No way. And I myself was headed straight for the sack. She didn't want to stay either, saying she'll get bored without me. With her grandmother and uncle and the other ladies doting on her, she easily got tired.

On the road, Yumiko easily fell asleep. I decided to just drop her at her house, and asked Hanzo to drive by Konakadai. I wondered where Yumiko's father could be. It was strange not to see Saito-san present with her daughter on new year. He could be at work. Doctors never stop working around the clock, as they say. He might be at home, waiting for his daughter. It was almost one o' clock in the morning.

Hanzo's demeanor changed while we were inside the car, as our masks finally fell off. We were both relieved, finally away from all those people. I relaxed into my seat and folded my arms, closing my heavy eyelids.

Hanzo was sullen. "This is inconvenient for us, Hikio. Listen to me."

"What do you mean?"

"You can't trust these guys. They're politicians, lawyers, fucking businessmen."

I half-opened an eye and glanced at him tiredly. "Why do you have to judge everyone we just met?"

Hanzo Ieyori was adamant. "That Yukinoshita-san, he is a politician and a businessman to boot, and that's enough reason to distrust him. He has criminal friends. He himself is a criminal."

To Hanzo, it's all the same in the business world. He continued his cruel tirade. "They're all sinister. Everyone knows by now that all businessmen are completely full of shit; the worst kind of lowlife, criminal cocksuckers you can expect to meet. You want proof? They don't even trust each other! When a businessman sits down to negotiate with another businessman, the first thing he does is assume the other guy is a complete lying prick who's trying to fuck him out of his money. So he does everything he can to fuck the other guy a little bit faster and a little bit harder. And he does it with a big smile on his face. That big, bullshit businessman's smile. They're nothing but fancily-dressed banditos. You'll learn that."

It did sicken us both to see ourselves pretending to be one of them. A wolves-in-sheep's-clothing sort of situation. But I beg to differ, not all of them are treacherous. And all we needed to do was make sure the other party didn't get the wiser of us in this affair. Still, we didn't find pretending the slightest bit amusing. The last thing we needed was getting our cover blown open. Hanzo lowered his voice.

"What about the District Attorney?" I said.

"That man cannot be reasoned with. He is incorruptible. And now he is after me. Maybe we should reconsider our options."

"Do you know what is wrong with you? You're narrow-minded. You have no vision, you don't know how things are- "

Hanzo cut me off abruptly. He said sharply, "so any asshole comes and tells us 'it is a pleasure doing business with you, I hope we meet again'? You think that is vision?"

I chuckled incredulously. "And why couldn't we do business with these people?"

"'Cause you can't."

"Hanzo, our operations are increasing. We can now expand into other kinds of businesses. It is only logical to expand our connections as well and compromise with other people. We can't handle it all and at the same time manage our schemes by ourselves. We have the support we need- "

"Get you head out of the clouds for a moment!" Hanzo sighed, kneading his temples. He warned me, waving his finger. "That man wants to use you, Hikio. Wait until he starts asking favors."

"I hear you." I looked at him. I touched my hat to adjust it. "We know our part of the deal. We won't allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. This will benefit us most of all."

Hanzo said, "and I know you've been looking at one of the Yukinoshita sisters, Hikio." He shook his head. "Don't even think about it. You know they're both engaged, and this is serious business we're in."

I was appalled, and frowned at him. "That's a bold assumption, Hanzo! On what facts do you base that accusation of yours?"

"All I'm saying is you better watch yourself. I know things haven't turned out so well between you and Yukinoshita-chan, but the past is the past. Let go of it."

"You're correct, the past is the past. Let's not bring it up anymore now."

"And Miura-chan?"

"What?"

Hanzo scoffed. "Her father is an ex-politician, her uncle is the DA and my former prosecutor, her grandma is the head of a business corporation- must I make a list of why Miura Yumiko is another potential hazard to us? We literally have the daughter of the people who're after us in the backseat. This is unbelievable."

"Now you're overreacting. Yumiko isn't a 'hazard'. Why, she's our friend."

"It's just that seeing someone like her with someone like you… I don't mean to offend or anything, but it's peculiar, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is peculiar," I murmured, dripping with sarcasm. I squinted at him. "She's my dear friend. Do you think otherwise?"

Hanzo gave a strange grin. "Okay!" He stifled a laugh. But he meant well and did not mean to mock. "Well, you better be careful, is all I'm sayin'. Be nice to her, we don't want to make an enemy out of the Miuras. And better not show yourself around her family neither. Don't want them having unneeded opinions about you."

...

First of all, a happy New Year to everyone. We're finally through 2020, let's see if this time everything goes right..

It's all coming together now. I know this isn't my best chapter yet, and I'm trying to keep it no more than 5k words at most. With that, we're starting to get into the dramatic part of the story. I'm laying the base for what happens down the line, and everything going on now will lead to a climax. Also might throw in an omake or two, just to lighten things up.

Anticipating 8man's interaction with Yukino? it'll come very soon. 8man x Haruno? a bit later in the story, because that one is complex. There's scenarios I've wanted to write for a long time now, and I hope you'll enjoy it. Next time!