Chapter 10

Meanwhile…

"Miss Ozawa, we have reported to you about possible companies to acquire, and yet you have yet to make an decision!"

"Miss Ozawa, this needs to be decided now!"

She sighed aloud. Despite her best efforts to clean house in a sense, there are still people who work within Papa's office that push their own agenda. Thanks to the foxes and the blessing she got from the moon fairies, she has been able to see things clearly as well as understand what would be a good deal and what to refuse. So far, all the business that have been brought before her, have not offered any sort of sign that they are good for what she is doing.

"I have told you before, these companies… I am NOT interested in," she said in a stern tone. "I have explained this time and time again, I will not be investing or purchasing these companies."

They froze, there were two really pushing her to buy ten companies that they have scouted, but the look of anger and resentment came over their faces. "I thought you were some sort of business woman, you would want to grow your company…" she muttered.

Yuko glared back at her. "I do, and I do so every day. I don't need people like you forcing their ideas down my throat either," she said in a warning tone.

They were about to snap back when suddenly, they froze. Yuko could sense him now, Tenko came into the office and began to set up a small snack for her, as the tea poured he said aloud. "I do believe this is the end of the meeting, you can go now."

Despite his position, no one had the guts to tell him off. He emits an aura that compels people to listen to him. The two froze and suddenly slinked out of the office.

She sighed to it all. "Sometimes I wonder if I am cut out for business…"

Tenko smirked. "Madam, you have been called the dragon of the corporate world, before it was the dragon of the black business, but since you don't turn over employees like others, you are considered to be quite the CEO…"

"Well I know what it's like to be worked to death!" she protested. "I don't want people to suffer like that for trying to make a living to provide for their families!" she sighed aloud. Because of this, she ensured that her raises were redirected to the employees that run the offices and are stuck at their desks. Ever since she has taken over, production, profit, it's all gone up. Even employee happiness has as she ensures that they are paid well, get overtime pay if needed, free lunches and health benefits.

Her takeovers have gone a lot more smoothly, many have been willing to allow her to merge companies, at the same time improving the quality of work and output. There have been very few hostile takeovers, those are only necessary when needed.

"Nonetheless, young master. I think you have done remarkably well. Not to mention balance family life as well…"

She sighed. Kiyoshi just started to walk recently. Which was remarkable for a baby that was nearing a year old. He's strong like his father, and the more he grows, the more she sees it. "How is Yuuji?" she asked.

Tenko sighed. "I am not at liberty to speak of it. But I can assure you, he's doing well… in fact he is facing a trial himself, however, he has gotten farther than anyone else who has come before him." he said proudly.

"Oh?" she asked.

"I will leave it at that," Tenko said and smiled warmly to her. "For now, rest, take a break and go see your son. I do believe your adoptive father has been hogging him…"

She snickered. Despite being retired, Papa stays to watch over Kiyoshi as she handles things at the office.

Still, she worried for Itadori, but there was also something else afoot too. "Have you and your brothers run into any trouble?" she asked. "I know… I know that the attempts haven't stopped yet…"

Tenko merely nodded. "They have not stopped at the same time, young master. They are not getting any closer to you. Our latest brother, Ace, knows all the ins and outs of the hitman business due to his past connections. He has been rather careful and informative to us. Knowing what patterns to look for as well as how to intercept a hitman and thrown them off. He's rather remarkable."

"He was one who tried to take me out… how can you trust him?" she asked.

Tenko snickered. "Young master, please let me explain something. The moment one becomes a fox, all their human intentions vanish, for they are no longer human, the lust for money becomes nothing more than an embarrassing memory. When one joins the family, all previous human dreams, ambitions, desires… die with their human form. They learn of what we do, how important it is, and if any show their lust for their previous life… well… it very rarely happens, but they are killed."

She gasped at the notion. Tenko only smiled to her. "I haven't had to do such a thing for a few thousand years, so far I have a good track record when it comes to finding and adopting new brothers."

She sighed with relief.

Before she could speak another word, HE appeared.

Ace came out of the shadows in his human form. His head lowered to her as he spoke. "Miss Ozawa… I need to advise you on something,"

She paused but nodded. "Very well then, please speak." She said gently.

Ace raised his head and said. "I am to understand that you are invited to a banquet? One for the CEOs and COOs of various businesses?" he asked. Her head nodded once more. "I suggest you not attend."

Tenko was taken aback. "Have you learned something?"

He nodded. "I have, but it would be best if I not explain what I have learned, I only suggest you not attend. Despite the power of my brothers, it won't be enough."

Now Tenko appeared interest to what he has learned. "Will you speak of this to us? This sounds rather concerning."

He appeared reluctant, yet since Tenko asked of him he nodded. "The banquet was a trap for our young master. I have learned through various sources that they intended on taking her out, the banquet itself is being hosted by her business rivals as well as those who do not wish for her to succeed. I even learned one had gone an extra step… hiring a sorcerer of all things to curse her. I merely say we are not enough for these are the elite of Japan. If something were to happen to them, then exposer would be certain."

Tenko froze. "How did we not see this?" he whispered.

"Older brother, this information I only gathered recently, as well as noticed some of my former rivals who have yet to make a move, started making odd purchases. Many of them, high ended tuxedos, perfect for a banquet and to blend into the crowd."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing, but it only made her realize that despite what has been done to keep her family safe from the sorcerers. Humans are just as vile and desperate to be rid of her!

"When is this banquet?" Tenko asked.

"Tonight," she whispered. But then, she smiled. "Cough, cough… oh my… I suddenly don't feel well…" she said and smirked.

"On my poor young master, we must get you to bed this instant!" Tenko said and snickered along with her. "You have done well brother, very well done."

"May I make one other suggestion?" he asked aloud.

Yuko nodded to him. "What do you suggest?"

"Send another in your place." He said and smiled wickedly. "Permit me to be your proxy, and I will represent you. I also have a plan as to how we get these attacks from stopping… if brother permits of course."

Tenko paused as he considered the notion. "Hmm, that's not a bad idea, as for your plan, I will hear of it soon enough…"

Yuko agreed. "If you wish to do so, I'll allow it." She said. She stood from her desk. "Perhaps I will leave now and just tell everyone I have fallen ill…"

However Tenko went on farther. He reached into his pocket and took out a small seed. "Young master, swallow this. It will make you unwell for about 24 hours, nothing more than a mere cold. However it will convince those around you that you are unwell and unable to attend the event of the night."

She nodded in agreement. Her acting skills weren't all that great, something convincing was needed, especially with Papa who wanted her to go to this to begin with. He thought the business world had accepted her at last, when in reality; it was the biggest hit on her yet!

Consuming the seed, she instantly felt the effect the moment it hit her stomach. Perfect timing too as Papa entered the office with Kiyoshi. "Yuko?" he asked with worry.

"Oh… Papa… I… don't think I am feeling too well."

"She has a fever," Tenko said as he placed his hand to her forehead. "Indeed, it's rather high and it came about suddenly."

Papa froze. "Home, right now, this instant!" he ordered. "You are too sick to work, the banquet will be canceled!"

"Sir, if I may suggest…"

Papa jumped at the sight of Ace. "Who are you!?" he demanded.

"Oh… Papa… he's our new Image consultant." Yuko said weakly. "He's going to the banquet in my place representing me. He thinks it would be rude to cancel it, as well we are not the ones hosting the event."

He paused for a moment as he stared at this fine dressed man before him. He had a rather sophisticated look, and yet carried himself well. If anything he would be prefect to represent Yuko. He nodded to the notion. "I am expecting you to represent us well,"

"I promise you sir, by the end of the night… everyone will know of your daughter's greatness, even if she isn't present." He said in a very calm tone.

Yuko couldn't help but get a chill from his words…