No way Shuuichi was going to miss out on a grand opportunity wearing the same dingy clothing he wore in the garden. If this meeting was going to be about what he thought it was going to be about, Shuuichi had to look presentable. Leaving his Eve behind in the greenhouse, Shuuichi made a beeline for his dorm to freshen up and change. A pearly white sweater over a cherry red, short-sleeved polo shirt, black slacks, and matching dress shoes became his armor for business.

Standing outside, Shuuichi waited for his guests to arrive. Touma showed up first.

"Mister Minamino. Good afternoon," Touma was all business as he approached the church from attire to mannerisms.

"Good afternoon. How are things?"

"Considering what's about to happen, I can't say for sure."

"Do you know what this meeting is about?"

"Partially. I was told that Shinobu had sat down with a couple of lawyers to discuss the future of this."

"This? You mean Lighthouse?"

"Yes. Good or bad, I'm not sure. We'll both find out soon."

Shuuichi grew a bit nervous. If Shinobu decides to tear the church down, all of Shuuichi's plans will go with it. Not to mention, all of the residents will be sent out into the street. Shinobu wouldn't be that heartless. Would he?


For something this big, the meeting took place inside Shinobu's office. Shuuichi found it strange sitting in Sensui's chair for the first time in his life. To his left was a photo of a younger Shinobu with Shuuichi and Touya as children and Natsume as a preteen. Good times were had that day. Just where did things go wrong? Easy. The day Shuuichi's very young body became a host to a deceased fox yokai. However, now wasn't the time to get upset. The trial on earth had already ended. The next one will come at a much later date and in a much different setting. That's the one that matters.

"Kurama," Touma beckoned, escorting another guest.

"Oh, sure," Shuuichi acknowledged while standing, "Come. Please have a seat. I would provide some refreshments but things have become a bit hectic as of late."

"It's alright," the man introduced himself, "Watanabe Kiso. I'm an insurance agent for Mister Sensui."

"Nice to meet you. Minamino Shuuichi. Deacon of Lighthouse Tokyo."

"Yes, I've heard of you. You had quite the case with my client."

"Indeed. Have you spoken with him?"

"I did. Yesterday. Our discussion is why I'm here actually. We thought it best to go over some things while moving forward."

Both Shuuichi and Touma glance at each other.

"I'm listening," Shuuichi said.

"Well, first and foremost, to put it bluntly, no. Mister Sensui does not want the church to be torn down."

Shuuichi sighed in relief, "That's...very reassuring."

"Yes. He said that it wouldn't be fair to put everyone out on the street while it's still cold outside. Second, in terms of ownership, Shinobu has asked me to turn it over to you."

Despite his assumptions about the church's future, Shuuichi was shooketh, "Me?! He wants me to run the church? But why?"

"He said even though the two of you had your differences, he couldn't think of anyone else who could run the show. He said that everything you went through was to prepare you for your priesthood."

"Yes, I remember the priesthood part but he never said anything about me running the church. There has to be a more succinct reason."

Kiso opened his suitcase and pulled out some documents, "Here. Maybe this will answer your question."

Touma stood over Shuuichi while both skimmed through the paperwork.

"An insurance policy," Touma asked.

"But I thought that was already used for the recent repair work," Shuuichi contested.

"Partially, yes," Kiso replied, "That is part two. Part two of three."

Both Shuuichi and Touma repeat, "Part two of three?"

"Yes. You see, Mister Sensui took out two insurance policies on the off-chance that yokai may run amok in the church. Seems like it did to me. So, for now, the amount of payment written on that document is the payout for repairs. The rest will come upon his passing...which, I'm sorry to say, will not be long."

"Explain," Shuuichi requested, "We know Father didn't get the death penalty."

"I see. He never told you. Mister Minamino, I'm sorry to tell you this but, Mister Sensui has been diagnosed with cancer. Brain cancer, specifically. There is a tumor growing in his brain as we speak."

Shuuichi was shocked again, "How long has he been…?"

"A little over three years. It stopped at one point then grew exponentially over time. His lawyers fought tooth-and-nail just to grant Mister Sensui a life sentence so he could live out the rest of his days in peace."

So when he raided the party Kiyoni talked about, was Father already diagnosed then…?

"I…" Shuuichi admitted, "This is a lot to take in. I…"

"I realize that. However, Mister Sensui wanted you all to be well off."

Touma read the document again. Bottom line, the insurance payout would be cut in half. The first payment is the rest of the money that wasn't used for the previous renovations. The second amount will come upon Shinobu's passing. Totals are in the millions in yen and just enough to bring Shuuichi's dreams to life. All that was left to do was stamp on the dotted line.


In the greenhouse, Kiyoni was trimming some marijuana branches while blazing some of Shuuichi's recently bred hybrids and swaying her hips to the tunes of Japanese hip hop star, Awich. Life felt good for the time being and Kiyoni thought of nothing but sunny days ahead.

"It's the queendom. It's the queendom. It's the queendom. This is my queendom."

Shuuichi returned to his garden still in disbelief over what just happened and what he just learned. He removed his shoes and sweater and collapsed on the couch.

"Kiyoni?"

That was her exit cue. Kiyoni sat the branch down and hurriedly stepped out to meet with Shuuichi.

"Suu'chi? Suu'chi, is that-oh, shit. What happened?"

Shuuichi caught a whiff of what Kiyoni was smoking and wanted to partake in it. He didn't care what it was as he blindly held his hand out.

Kiyoni toked one more time before passing the joint over, "I have a bad feeling about this."

Shuuichi took one good hit and deduced, "Afwreck. Nice. My mind could use a numbing agent."

"Suu'chi, what happened? Talk to me. What's going to happen with the church?"

"First, nothing. It's not coming down."

"Oh, that's good."

"Two, it'll be repaired."

"How? All that damage?"

"Three, with the insurance policies Shinobu took out."

"Come again? Insurance policies?"

"Yes. Shinobu took out a couple of insurance policies. The church will get part of it now to restore anything that was damaged. The second part will come upon Shinobu's passing."

"Tuh. That'll be a while since he got a life sentence."

"Maybe not."

"Excuse me?"

"Maybe not."

"Seriously?! It's been bumped to the death penalty?!"

"No."

"Then what?"

"Four...Shinobu is already dying."

Whatever mental high Kiyoni was developing suddenly took a turn. Shinobu? Dying? Hands met face as Kiyoni tried to process what she just heard.

"Okay. Pause, rewind, playback. What?!"

"Shinobu has been diagnosed...with brain cancer. He has been dealing with it for three years now. There's a tumor growing in his brain as we speak."

"Well, no fucking wonder he's been batshit crazy! That tumor has been running the show! Wait, you said three years-"

"He may have already been diagnosed by then."

"...Shit."

"Nicely put."

"Do we know how much time he has?"

"...No."

"Well, the church has to."

"They will. Bible study."

"Huh?"

"Shinobu left me a video file to play that night. It's a message from his own lips."

"That's insane. All of the trouble he caused…"

"Why? Why would he go through so much, put us through so much?"

Kiyoni shook her head, "Probably... because he was scared."

"What?"

"Think about it, Suu'chi. There's not too many people, human or yokai, Christian or otherwise, who aren't afraid of dying. I was scared of it while I was in the hospital. You remember that story I told you about me meeting the gods? I was scared shitless. Shinobu must've been terrified. Resorting to such great lengths just to keep himself in high spirits. I'm willing to bet he used Abramelin magic just to keep himself alive or else he would've been dead by now."

"Sounds logical. The insurance agent did say that the tumor stopped growing at one point. Must've been at the time Shinobu started using magic again."

"Maybe…or maybe it's karma. Magic karma."

"Come again?"

"Well, while I was studying, I went through the materials I had about Kemetism. When practicing Heka, there are certain days when it can be used for one's benefit and days when its use is detrimental. Timing and intention are forever factors when practicing magic. Long story short, when Shinobu…made you, it must've been a good day. When he started using magic again, it must've been a bad day or considering the intention behind his usage, karma came to bite him in the ass. Put out bad energy…bad energy comes back at you, I guess."

"I see. No matter what, karma will always find a way to have the final say."

"Exactly. It worked for you while it backfired on him."

"...I feel...sorry for him. What he did was entirely wrong but his reasoning for it was…"

"Understandable?"

"...Yes!"

"Well, look on the bright side. He may have been a fruitcake but at least he looked out for you, the church, and its people. I mean, remember when you told me that you were in training to be a priest? Who's to say that wasn't what Shinobu was doing with you?"

"That was what Shinobu was doing with me. In fact, I was right. He's leaving the church with me. …I just signed the paperwork."

Kiyoni gasped, "Shut up! Really?! It's yours?!"

"It is."

"Ahhhhhhh," Kiyoni jumped up and down in celebration, "Ahhhhhhh! Suu'chi! Suu'chi, you did it!"

"You're excited for me?"

"Is the sky blue? Damn right, I am! Do you know what this means?! You can get your plans off the ground. Suu'chi, you can do it. I know you can! With the money you're going to get, I know you can do it."

Shuuichi took a look around his garden. As much pride he took in building it from scratch, he knew it could be so much more.

"You're right. I can. I'll start here."

"Here? This greenhouse?"

"Yes. Remember Romeo and Juliet? I'm going to have a greenhouse just like the priest."

Kiyoni gasped again, "With sunlight!"

"Plenty of sunlight. Natural sunlight."

"And on the roof. A roof."

"Definitely. Everything, here, will be on the roof. I'll keep the green underground."

"Makes sense to me."

"And I'll make the rooftop garden accessible. Provide fruits and vegetables for those in need. It'll be indoor as well as outdoor to accommodate the seasons."

"Ooh! With special herbs and plants for medicinal and culinary purposes."

"That as well. And given that I'm a yokai, I think... I think I will incorporate some... uncommon plants as well. For security."

"Uncommon?"

"Think additions such as Venus flytraps…but a little more threatening…and possibly larger. I have been thinking about this ojigi lately."

"Yes. Yes. I like it already."

"And then…" Shuuichi caressed Kiyoni's cheek, "I'll make sure to save a special area, a sacred space...just for us."

Feeling flattered and grateful, Kiyoni kissed the hand that touched her cheek, "You better. I like it here."

"I like having you here...my Eve."


Later that week, Shuuichi called for a special bible study session. Yukina joined him in the community area of the residential building in the set up. Using his laptop and the HDMI cord from his gaming console, Shuuichi activated the machine and accessed the video file given to him by Shinobu.

Meanwhile, Yukina prepared the table with water bottles and snacks that were purchased using the insurance funds, "I wonder what tonight's lesson will be."

Knowing there won't be a "lesson" taught today, Shuuichi responded, "I honestly don't know. I kinda miss his study sessions."

"Same here. It was nice for the prison to let him do this."

"I would have to agree."

"Any word on Touya or Natsume or anyone else?"

"Sadly, no. I honestly thought they would get off like I did but I was wrong."

Both Touya and Natsume pleaded guilty for their crimes and have received five years prison terms due to the supernatural influence clause in Japan's constitution. Even though they were unconsciously influenced and were victimized like Shuuichi, both felt responsible for the harm they caused and were willing to be punished for it. For Zeru and Makihara, they received lighter sentences due to the constitutional clause and have declared themselves separate from Lighthouse Tokyo. As for the youngest members, Rinku and Amanuma, the former will serve some time in juvenile detention while the latter was released into the custody of his parents. The family has since joined a different church.

Yomi's charges and trial were handled under a yokai judicial court. He was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a violent or harmful act, two counts of unlawful kidnapping, and one count of aiding and abetting for his involvement in Shinobu's plans. His sentencing is pending. His replacement, Judge Enki, will succeed Yomi as a member of the correlation in the coming days. Mukuro mailed an invitation to Shuuichi to which he promptly declined.

"Well...they were more involved than you," Yukina clarified.

"True. Did you receive the flowers Kiyoni sent you?"

"Oh, I did. They were very lovely."

"She said she had to do it not only out of appreciation but something her mother taught her. It's nice to give someone flowers while they're still alive so that they may see the joy they bring to others. There's even a song about it. Interesting concept, don't you think?"

"Very. Is that what you're doing for her?"

Shuuichi hummed a laugh then mumbled, "Why give her flowers when I can give her a garden?"

"Don't start the party without me," Kiyoni announced as she entered, "Oh, wow. I'm early."

She had arrived as if she had a dance audition to attend, complete with black athletic pants, a white tank top, and a gym bag containing her everyday clothing.

"Hello, Kiyoni," Yukina waved.

"Yukina! You angel, you. How are you? Did you get the flowers?"

"I did and they're very lovely. Thank you."

"No. Thank you. I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for you. You, my friend, are the real MVP."

Yukina blushed, "Thank you. I'm honored to be your friend."

Shuuichi noticed, "You were in a rush?"

"Yeah. I just realized my interview was cutting things quick so I came over here like a bat out of Hell," Kiyoni released a giant sigh and sat down, refreshing herself with some water.

"How did it go?"

"Smoothly. I start next week."

"That's great! Congratulations."

Yukina wondered, "What did you do?"

Kiyoni answered, "I am going to be working with a former coworker teaching pole dancing. Well, I guess I shouldn't say former since we'll be working together again. You should attend a class, sometime."

Even though Kiyoni did have some of Butajiri's money to play with, Shuuichi convinced her to find a new job just to polish her employment record. The dance studio Kiyoni will be working at is part of a female-focused training center and bar where women could train however they please with a fair amount of them bodybuilders. It's the perfect opportunity for Kiyoni to network and build a potential client list for her career in physical therapy.

Yukina blushed, "Well…I…eh…"

"Suu'chi, would you go?"

Shuuichi blushed as well, "Yeah, no. You will never see me do something like that. I believe I mentioned that before."

"Oh, you two. C'mon. It's not what you think. It's a beginner's course. Just learning the basics such as how to grip the pole and control your speed. Then again, I was offered to teach a more advanced course if the demand is high enough."

At that moment, people from the second level started to come down. It was nearing the hour anyway.

"Everyone…" Shuuichi greeted, "welcome. Please make yourselves comfortable. We have drinks and snacks available and we'll begin the course shortly."

Kiyoni whispered, "Hey, Suu'chi?"

"Yes?"

"I know you've been making plans with the greenhouse and everything but may I…put in a request?"

"Depends on what it is. Shoot."

"May I…do you think you could…install a pole…for me?"

Shuuichi raised an eyebrow, "In the greenhouse?"

"Probably not on the rooftop but the underground one, perhaps?"

"I'm not sure. Will you be a good girl until then?"

Kiyoni grew flirty, producing an innocent, childlike smile, "The best you'll ever know."

Shuuichi slyly raised an eyebrow again, "...I'll think about it."

Shuuichi never really thought about having a stripper pole in his garden but may change his mind now that Kiyoni made that proposal. It would be kind of fun to see Kiyoni swirl and dance like a seductive earth nymph on a green colored pole.

As Shuuichi stepped away to play the host role, Kiyoni did a little celebratory jig quietly singing, "I'm getting a stripper pole. I'm getting a stripper pole."

Upon everyone getting settled in, Shuuichi opened the video file, "If I may have everyone's attention please? Tonight's bible study session will be a little bit different than before once again. With another round of repairs taking place in the sanctuary and the aftermath of the…trial… Anyway, Father Shinobu has left a message for us. So tonight's meeting will be about that. So with that being said…"

The video played without any delay. It featured Shinobu in a hospital bed of a correctional facility and his head wrapped in surgical gauze. He just had his brain examined but was well enough to speak. He got right down to the chase, explaining things from his perspective in an honest manner. His words put the entire puzzle built by Kiyoni and Shuuichi together. Yes, he did manipulate others into doing his work around town. Yes, he did subject some of his followers to unusual torture in God's name. Yes, he was the one responsible for the way Shuuichi is. And yes, it was those two who got into a fight that practically destroyed the sanctuary. Since his diagnosis, Shinobu had been in panic mode, making sure he would leave the earth on his own terms. One of the things he wanted to do was to make sure the world would know of God's power, subjecting himself to unheard of alchemic practices just to get the job done. Yes, he should've come clean in the first place but never did because of fear, shame, and embarrassment all brought on by his position in the church. For all of those things he was truly sorry.

Now, to the issue of the church's future. Number one, it will not be torn down since repairs are underway. Due to the insurance policies Shinobu took out, both the church and the rest of campus will receive some much-needed repairs including the installation of a bathhouse that had been planned for a long time. Also, as of the recording of the video and subsequent signing of the necessary documents, Shuuichi will be given the property to do as he sees fit. That surprised about half of the congregation. Kiyoni couldn't be more proud. There will also be another insurance payout coming their way. Unfortunately, it'll be from a life insurance policy. Since Shinobu is within the final stages of cancer, it'll only be a matter of time before his passing and plans for his funeral are underway. Everyone broke into tears after that.

"I want everyone, all of you to know…" Shinobu continued, "that my time on this earth was precious. The connections I made with all of you I will never forget. You are what made Lighthouse Tokyo what it is and under the guidance and divine blessings of Deacon Shuuichi, you will only make it better. Until we meet again. God bless."

Even Shuuichi shedded a few tears, "So you see, that is the honest truth behind what's going on. I'm even saddened by the news. However, the only thing that I ask is that you all bear with me as I take on this…new level of my life's journey. I hope to earn the same love and respect you've–we've given Father Shinobu in the coming days. For now, let us pray."

Everyone got on one knee, including Kiyoni, to recite the Lord's prayer.