It was about three in the afternoon.

The sun streamed through the windows of Shinobu's room, lighting up the covered paintings leaning on the side of her apartment. In the corner, glass bottles holding her paints reflected the current inhabitants faintly.

The door was closed, Juzo sitting with his back to it to keep it shut, while Haruka sat with his back to Shinobu's rolled-up futon. In front of them, Shinobu prowled back and forth around the room in her cat form. If a cat could look simultaneously distressed, embarrassed and irritated, Shinobu had just pulled it off.

"Did you know she was a cat?" Haruka inquired, glancing at Juzo. He shook his head.

"I swear, I've never seen this happen before. I mean, she doesn't like anyone gettin' too close, but…."

"That makes sense, but to think it was hiding something like this," Haruka agreed, nodding along. "This is….I've got no words."

"You think she's secretly a bakeneko? That would explain the cat thing. Maybe she can do magic. Or sumo. Sumo would be cool."

Shinobu hissed at Juzo, getting his attention.

"Sorry!" he yelped. Shinobu groaned, settling in front of the two.

"No, I am not a bakeneko or any other fairytale creature!" she insisted vociferously. "I'm just….a girl who turns into a cat sometimes. Especially when people of the opposite gender hug them. Or get too close."

Haruka stared at her, dumbfounded.

"….that's not what I'd call simple, Satou."

Juzo snapped his fingers. "That would explain why you never join Uncle Sousuke, Hanajima and I for Rich Man, Poor Man. Two of us are men, his place is small, you get too close, and boom, you're a cat now."

"Who's Hanajima?" Haruka interjected.

"The other tenant. She also works at Shinobu's gallery as a consultant. She's out right now. I'll introduce you later. She's a smooth talker, real fun, loads of great stories- and she plays a mean game of cards. Takes us for all we're worth like she's a professional."

Shinobu shook her head. "No, it's not just touching someone else. You have to hug me. It's not like I'll turn into a cat if you hold my hand or touch me."

Juzo glanced over at Haruka. After a few moments, he playfully punched him.

"Haru, you dog," he remarked teasingly. "I leave you for a few minutes and-"

The youth's cheeks turned red as he pushed himself away from Juzo. He shook his head vigorously, flailing his arms about to emphasise the absence of any ill intent towards the young woman before them.

"I-It wasn't like that, I swear! She fell over, I-I tried to catch her a-and she told me NOT to touch her b-but she was already falling over so-"

"Well, I guess we'll have to wait until I turn back," Shinobu remarked, sighing. Her tail lazily wagged behind her. "I can't exactly go anywhere like this. Arisa's going to kill me."

"How long until you turn back?" Haruka asked, concerned. "If there's something I have to do to turn you back, I'll do it! I'm really sorry for turning you into a cat, Miss Satou! Please, if there's-"

"Don't worry about it, Haruka," she reassured him. "Again, just call me Satou. I don't like being called Miss. It makes me sound old. And there's nothing you can do to make it go faster. Sometimes I'm stuck like this for a few minutes….longest, I've been stuck like this for about an hour."

"An hour?!"

"It's not an exact science."

Juzo whistled. "An hour of waitin' for you to turn back? Well then. You said it was a long story, how you came to be like that. We got time, right?"

Haruka gave him a disapproving look. "It might be private for her! Give her some room!"

"Aren't you the least bit curious that our artist neighbor is currently a cat?!"

"Well, yes, but it's not like she introduced herself like "Hi, I'm Shinobu Satou! I'm an artist! I also turn into a cat!"

"It's not exactly something I want to explain in public," Shinobu admitted.

"Does Uncle Sousuke know?" Juzo inquired excitedly. "Ooh, maybe you get him to get you catnip!"

"Knock it off," Haruka chided him. "I'm really sorry about him, Satou. He's a real….wannabe comedian."

Shinobu closed her eyes. "I've heard him try to tell jokes before you arrived. Don't worry. I'm used to it by now. Him making cat puns around me will be the least of my worries."

"Well, does he know?" repeated Juzo. "Serious question."

Shinobu looked around briefly, before sighing.

"Yes. Uncle Sousuke knows I turn into a cat," she admitted. "He's sworn to secrecy and he won't tell anyone else. I want you two to promise me you won't tell anybody."

"If you're okay with cat jokes," Juzo mirthfully replied, grinning, before nodding and pounding his chest with his fist. "Don't worry. Haru here can confirm, I'm anything but a rat."

"I won't say a thing, Miss Satou," Haruka concurred. "And yeah, you can trust Juzo. You might not be able to trust him not to poke fun, but you can trust him to keep a secret to the grave."

Shinobu eyed Haruka and Juzo closely, to determine just how genuine they were. When, however she did so, she satisfied herself that they were being genuine, she continued.

"One word out of either of you, I'll make you pay. It's very important nobody else finds out."

Haruka nodded in a solemn manner. "Is it just you?"

"….my family has had this issue for hundreds of years," she explained. "I have the Cat spirit, so I turn into a cat. They all turn into different animals if we're hugged by someone who isn't also in possession of a spirit and of the opposite sex. We keep it secret for a reason. People aren't exactly ready for that kind of thing."

"Wait. Different animals? Like an octopus?" Juzo inquired. "Again, serious question."

Shinobu looked deep in thought for a few seconds. Haruka's eyes being sharp, he noticed, for a brief second, she glanced towards her paintings.

"….you could say that," she replied, after a while. "Let's go with that. The animals that match our spirits are attracted to us and gather around us, and we can communicate with them. Sometimes we even have a few traits of theirs in human form. Like the color of our hair or how fast we can run. "

"Aw man, that's….kinda cool, I guess," Juzo remarked, also in deep thought. "Being able to transform into a bear would be kinda nice."

"It's not nearly as nice as you'd think. Your clothes falling off you when you transform, not being able to transform back at will…..and depending on your spirit, it can be a little difficult to get around while transformed."

Haruka nodded, frowning. "This is a lot to process. Your…clothes are here?"

"Please, don't look. Turn around and toss me my clothes when I'm done."

A burst of orange smoke burst forth from Shinobu, enshrouding her form.

Haruka had a moment of brief realization. His eyes flit between Shinobu's clothes, then towards the cloud of smoke, then at the locked door behind them.

'Uh oh.'

"Wakana. It is good to see you."

A svelte young lady sat before Korenosuke. Wearing a white shirt under a grey blazer and skirt unlike others of her time, her long, silky black hair was tied in a ponytail. Her sharp, grey eyes betrayed no emotion. In her lap was her suitcase, bound in black leather, while in her hands was a cup of tea, poured for her. Her voice was low and deep for a woman's.

Wakana Sohma was the Sohma family's fixer of sorts; when an issue arose that the Sohma family needed fixing that couldn't be fixed within the clan, it was her task. Appointing the Horse to that role was just pragmatism; even the cursed Sohmas could run into issues, and it was better that the fixer be someone who knew of the curse, even someone who had it.

"Good afternoon, Korenosuke," said Wakana, her tone measured and polite. "You called?"

"My, my, all business, are we, Wakana? Indulge this old man," Korenosuke lightly chided her, before exhaling. "I've had a hard morning and wish to talk to someone with some sense. How were things with Towa Hall? I hear construction is proceeding nicely."

"Samanosuke Towa sends his regards, Korenosuke," Wakana replied. "He thanks you for your patronage and assures that, for helping in the construction of the hall, support will be given for your upcoming campaign."

"My….you work quick, Wakana."

"You tasked me with the job, Korenosuke. It was natural I complete it as fast as possible."

Korenosuke smiled, closing his eyes. "Dependable as always. You do well to uphold your reputation, Wakana. You have some sense in that head of yours, unlike some people I know."

He stood up, striding over to the dresser nearby, a few picture frames standing atop the dresser. A few sepia photographs sat atop it, and Korenosuke picked one frame up.

It was of him, Goro and Hirofumi, having graduated from Tokyo Imperial University. The three of them were well-dressed, holding their diplomas in hand, Hirofumi and Goro to either side of Korenosuke. Korenosuke's arms were wrapped around Hirofumi and Goro, a cheerful grin on the young man's face. Goro's face was scrunched up in laughter, while Hirofumi gazed towards the duo, smiling.

Feelings of fondness welled up in the patriarch's heart. This was the last time they were all together. Back when the world felt like it was ready at their feet, and back when Korenosuke believed they would take the world by storm together.

"….Wakana, you are aware of my history with Goro and Hiro….Hirofumi, right?" he said, catching himself before shortening the Rooster's name.

"Not much, Korenosuke."

"We grew up together, Wakana. Goro, Hiro, Kore. We were once the terrors of this estate," he elaborated, a faint, fond smile on his face. "Perhaps it was just this curse, but…..we were inseparable. The world was our oyster, ours to do with what we wanted. That was the pact we made when we went off into the world to enrich ourselves. I may be the God that stands above all of you, but…"

He gazed towards the outside for a moment.

"Those fortunate enough to stand atop a mountain can do two things. To keep others off of it, or to help others atop to enjoy the view. That was something my father said to me."

Wakana simply stared at him. Korenosuke continued; he understood it was probably lost on her, but then again, he wasn't doing it entirely for her sake.

"My hope was with if I joined the Diet, I could ensure all of us Sohmas could enjoy the top of the mountain. That the God would not be alone atop this mountain. Generations of Gods before me have stood alone upon that mountain with the rest of you standing in adoration below. Perhaps the one after me will seek to do the same. I will not. The pride of my blood commands I do this. And then when all of the spirits return for the banquet….we will be atop the mountain as we finally enjoy the last banquet. A shame only half of us are here to see it."

Korenosuke looked down.

"Goro….didn't see that way. He said the world would not accept us. Especially those Cursed. He thought the idea was absurd. He and Hirofumi never agreed with me. Then, Shinobu was born."

Wakana nodded. "Her parents….they died in a car accident, correct?"

"Not long after she was born, yes. The Sohma have traditions to uphold. I was to put her away in her cage. But Goro…..he insisted."

"He took her in as his own."

"Yes."

"I tried to tell him that a monster could not walk in the day like the rest of us, that the Cat did not belong here," Korenosuke continued. "But he insisted. He was going to raise her. He made me promise to let him, and I was weak enough to agree. His heart turned him against me. And Hirofumi….never grew up. He was a party animal even as a young man, and now…. He's still a useful tool, but…."

He exhaled, before continuing.

"If Shinobu is no longer barring the path, then perhaps…..with Goro and Hirofumi at my side again, we could ascend that mountain, and pull everyone up. We Sohmas can be acknowledged, but we cannot forget who we are, for if we forget tradition, if we forget our past, then who are we?"

"The Cat is not one of us. Nor can they ever be," Korenosuke stated, without disdain this time, as if it were a fact of life. "This is how it must be. To ascend the mountain, the road must be clear of all obstacles. Even the Cat."

Wakana stood up after placing her tea on the tray before her. It had long since grown cold.

"I see. You wish for me to track down Shinobu."

Korenosuke gave her a light nod.

"Use what resources you must, Wakana. I trust, with your connections, you can manage, but you will have the full wealth of the Sohma clan behind you. I do not know where Goro and Hirofumi are keeping her, but I am assured you can find them."

Wakana calmly picked up her briefcase.

"It will be done. I assume I will be coordinating with Chief Kuragi?"

Korenosuke lightly laughed. "So you already know about the police involvement."

"I do my research. You are well-connected."

"Yes. Inspector Kuragi will be here shortly to give me an update on his search- though, if he's not back yet, I have a suspicion he didn't find her. If you wish to speak with him-"

She shook her head. "That won't be necessary."

"Can I help, sir?"

Korenosuke idly shifted his gaze towards the door, slid open. A young man, messy grey hair and eyes, a sharp black suit stared in, his voice trembling with anticipation. The two cursed Sohmas knew him already; Nezumi Sohma, the Rat.

"Nezumi," Korenosuke uttered. "As it happens….I have need of your services. You will put yourself at the disposal of young Wakana here. I need her to find Shinobu."

Nezum's eyes widened. "You would…..trust me with something so important, sir?"

"The most prized of us….of course. You can prove your usefulness."

"E-excellent! I will prepare myself!"

Nezumi disappeared behind the door, the sounds of his manic footsteps trudging down the corridor. Korenosuke placed a hand to his temple, sighing.

"….eager to prove himself, that young man," he muttered. "Wakana, see to it he does not make it too difficult on you. He has been long eager to prove himself as deserving of his place in the Zodiac. Maybe this will do him some good."

It was the afternoon of the next day.

"Thanks for not sneaking a peek yesterday, by the way," Shinobu remarked, a mischievous tone to her voice.

"N-no problem, M-Miss Satou," Haruka replied, his cheeks still red, trying to banish the images his head conjured. Shinobu smirked.

"I can imagine it was rather tempting, Haruka~"

"E-eh? M-Miss Satou! I would never!"

"Just Satou, Haruka. Come on," she reminded him, a frown on her face.

Juzo rolled his eyes. "Man can't even be complimented right."

The three of them were walking down towards the gallery Shinobu had been commissioned by. Haruka had one of Shinobu's paintings tucked under his left arm, with Juzo and Shinobu carrying the others. Slung around Shinobu's free shoulder, she carried a small leather purse. The streets were crowded with people; housewives making their way to market to buy groceries, children making their way home from school and the like.

"I've never seen so many people in one place like this before," Haruka commented, having quite recovered from his shock. "The city really is something."

"I was born around here, so it's nothing new to me. But it is kinda impressive, huh?" Shinobu answered, a faint hint of pride in her voice. "But this is nothing compared to the city proper. All of this is pretty new."

"Back home you wouldn't even see anything close to this," the country youth noted, eyes clearly full of wonder. "You seeing this, Juzo?"

"You look like me when I first moved here," Juzo replied, before letting out a brief, hearty laugh. "Man, coulda seen me lookin' like a fish with how I was gapin' at everything here."

Shinobu giggled. "You two really haven't seen much of the city, huh? Maybe I should take you out with my sister. She has a place in the city proper, so she knows it better than I do."

"You have a sister? That's news to me," Juzo replied. "Well, Haru. The lady's invitin' us to a day out. You comin'?"

"Uh….maybe when I get myself settled in first. I haven't even been here a day, you know?"

Shinobu clapped. "Then it's settled! A day out with just the three of us! It'll be so much fun!"

"I'm guessin' you get a good view of the city too, Satou."

"Oh?"

Juzo grinned. "Well, with the whole cat thing, you can just climb on everything. Bet all the other cats show you all the good climbin' places. Do you guys have little cat councils talkin' about all the stuff you get up to?"

The young woman gave him a flat glare.

It was Haruka's turn to roll his eyes. "Ha ha. Very funny, Juzo."

"Just….don't mention it too much," Shinobu requested resignedly. "I don't want people asking awkward questions. Like I said, it's supposed to be a secret."

She suddenly stopped in front of a storefront. The windows were wide, reaching from floor to ceiling, with a long corridor inside, paintings over the walls and sculptures and wood carvings mounted all over the place. A wooden sign hung over the front, reading Galleria Misa in golden characters. At the very back of the shop, a door leading to the back room could be seen behind a fine, wooden desk with intricate designs overlaid across the body. A small golden placard could be seen on the desk.

"We're here!" Shinobu said brightly. "This is where I sell my work!"

Juzo craned his head against the window, staring inside. "Here? How many paintings are even in here? These must be so expensive."

"Those are just the ones on display. We keep a few in the back for storage or private displays."

"Pretty swanky," the boisterous youth remarked, whistling. "Seems Haru here's pretty interested already."

Indeed, Haruka was staring intently at one of the paintings, depicting the vivid image of an ivory palace, shining and pristine, on what appeared to be the Moon, a pristine white path lit with lamps and the sky filled with stars. Though he did not say a word, the wonder was apparent on his face, as his eyes drank in everything he could.

"He really likes art," Juzo explained. "It's why I figured I'd introduce you two. He'd finally have someone to encourage him to talk about artsy stuff. I don't get it myself. Never had an eye for much 'cept money, personally."

"That's fair," Shinobu agreed, nodding. "I can relate. I never really had anyone I could talk to about painting when I grew up."

"Really? I'd figure someone like you would have tons of friends."

"Did Haruka?"

Juzo looked over to him, then back to Shinobu. He sighed.

"Not many. Really it was….just me and him, watchin' each other's backs."

"….I definitely get why you two are friends now," Shinobu nodded slowly, smiling. "….you're like his big brother."

"A cool big brother, I'd like to think."

The young woman snorted. "We'll see."

"Did you paint this?"

Haruka's interjection interrupted the two, as he pointed at a different painting, depicting the image of a dog and a rooster, the dog lazing quietly in front of the fence the rooster was perched upon as the sun rose behind them. Shinobu nodded, affirming.

"Good eye! That's actually the piece that convinced the curator to take me on. I call it Brothers in Arms. A corny name, but it's what was in my head at the time," Shinobu explained. "I personally don't see much in it, but it's-"

"What? No. It's beautiful! Come on."

"It's a little rough," Shinobu said, frowning. "It wasn't my best work."

"The brushwork is so fine! You mixed the colors so well, too. They're so vivid. This is rough work for you?"

"I was having an off day," she replied, before waving her hand dismissively. "Now come on. This isn't about that piece. We're here to drop my new pieces off, talk to the curator, and introduce you! Now come on!"

….

"Miss Satou! A lovely surprise."

An old man approached the trio standing in the middle of the gallery. He was shorter than all three of them, dressed in a sleek, black suit from head to toe. He wore a bowler hat over his bald head, pale skin marked with wrinkles and liver spots. His dark brown eyes were framed behind gold, thin-rimmed glasses that looked as if they'd seen better days. However, his face was kind, and the youthful shine to his eyes made him look decades younger.

"Mister Tezuka!" Shinobu greeted him, before turning to her companions. "Haruka, Adachi, this is the curator of the gallery. He was the one who gave me my first shot. Mister Tezuka, these are my friends, Juzo Adachi and Haruka…wait. You never told me your last name, Haruka. Is that really okay?"

Haruka shook his head. "Don't worry about it. It's long and embarrassing. Just call me Haruka."

"My, my, such energetic young men," Mr. Tezuka noted, chuckling to himself. "Miss Satou, my dear, you have something for me?"

"Two things, actually. I have some paintings I'd like to leave here for you to have a look at, and also I'd like to show you my friend's work."

Taking her purse out, the young woman took out the carving Haruka made of the cat. Haruka's eyes widened in alarm, flitting between the carving and Shinobu. Mr. Tezuka's eyes shone with interest as he received the carving, examining it closely.

"My, my, where did you get that?" the old curator uttered.

"Eh?! When did you get that?!" Haruka yelped, shocked.

Shinobu smiled cheekily. "While you were getting my paintings out. Since you probably wouldn't do it yourself….I figured I'd introduce you!"

"M-my work isn't that good, Satou! I-I promise, he'll-"

Mr. Tezuka nodded approvingly, tilting his head around to check it closely.

"The grain is so fine," he muttered, almost to himself. "The detailing is perfect. Smooth….and yet not a single rough spot even where you should see one. The finish is excellent. The shape….almost natural, like you turned a living cat into wood. What did you make this out of?"

"Cherry," Haruka explained. "I uh….well, I wanted a reddish color for the cat specifically, something that the finish would really bring out."

"I can imagine. Definitely not a beginner. Softwood would have been easier, but to use something harder like cherry…ambitious," Mr. Tezuka continued. "…..it's not the perfect work, but something like this shows great skill."

He fixed Haruka with a curious glance.

"Who did you study under, son? Your teacher must have been a master for you to work so well."

"Nobody, Mister Tezuka. I….sorta taught myself. It's something I kinda picked up from my dad."

Mr. Tezuka raised an eyebrow. "Impressive work, especially for someone with no formal education. Are you a woodworker by trade?"

"Metalworker, actually. My, uh, grandfather, he ran a smithy. I used to work there before we went out of business."

The old curator continued nodding, examining the carving before handing it back to Haruka.

"Astounding work. An old friend of mine has a particular commission he'd like done. The commission is rather simple. He'd like a horse made to commemorate-"

Haruka hastily shook his head. "No, no, I…I couldn't possibly! I'm not a professional! I-I came to the city to work as a laborer, that's all! I-"

"I insist, son," Mr. Tezuka interjected, shaking his head. "If I let every talent like yours leave when they said they didn't believe in themselves, I'd be out of business. Talents like yours and Miss Satou's will define the future of Japanese art."

Juzo glanced over to Shinobu briefly. She replied with a shrug and a look as if to say 'I don't know either'.

"Y-you're praising me way too highly!" Haruka protested.

"Of course, there's a lot of money involved in the commission. There's rather a shortage of talented woodcarvers in Tokyo at the moment, so your skills are in high demand."

Haruka was about to speak, but Juzo immediately dragged him back, glaring at him.

"Haru, before you say anything, think about it," Juzo hissed. "You came here to Tokyo to try to make money for your folks back home, right? There's your chance!"

"But what if I don't do a good job? He needs a professional! Not some kid who dabbles!"

"You heard the man! He thought you were trained by some professional and offered you a commission!"

"Mister Tezuka's got a very discerning eye," Shinobu added. "He wouldn't chat someone up if he didn't think you had potential."

She then got up into Haruka's face, tilting her head, her lips curled in a frown, trying to look as cute as she possibly could; hands placed coyly behind her back, dewy eyes, quivering lip, the works.

"Besides, wouldn't you feel bad if I went to all this effort to set up a meeting with you and him and you didn't at least check it out?"

The young man tried to look away, his face clearly red from the attention being paid him. After a few moments, he sighed.

"Fine," he conceded. "I'll….suppose I'll do the commission."

Shinobu clapped happily, a wide smile on her face. She turned to Mr. Tezuka.

"He's agreed to do it!"

Mr. Tezuka smiled in response, extending his hand to the young Haruka. The young man shook his hand firmly.

"I'll….do my best not to disappoint you, Mister Tezuka," he reassured him. The old curator simply nodded.

"With your talent, you should be fine. There is some paperwork I will need you to sign, actually, before we proceed. Just to resolve your payment and all."
He turned to the back of the gallery. "Miss Hanajima!"

Haruka briefly glanced over at Juzo. "Is that your Hanajima?"

"Akiko Hanajima," Juzo clarified with a nod. "She's actually the one who introduced Satou here to Mr. Tezuka. She's got a reputation for being almost supernatural with people's requests, like she knows 'em before they even say a thing."

"I would never have thought about it myself," Shinobu added. "I was really busy trying to get my work noticed. Really lucky I moved in with someone who worked here, huh?"

Shortly after, a young woman with black hair, pale skin and dark, purple eyes emerged from the back, alongside a middle-aged man in fine, wealthy-looking clothing. The young woman looked to be about the trio's age, and was wearing a red, collared shirt and grey skirt. Her hair was loose, falling about to the middle of her back, with a small white hat perched atop her head.

"You got that all without my saying. Your reputation precedes you, Hanajima," the middle-aged man stated, clearly impressed. "How could you have possibly known all that? I hadn't even said anything."

Akiko tapped the side of her temple, a confident, almost smug smile on her face. "Think of it as intuition. The paperwork looks in order, so we can have your sculpture delivered within the week. Is there anything else?"

"No, that will be all. Your assistance is greatly appreciated," the patron replied. "Thank you so much. Tell Mister Tezuka that I will be making use of your services in the future."

With that, he left, strolling out the front door. Her duty done, Akiko glanced over at her employer. "Yes?"
"Miss Hanajima," the curator started. "A young man needs some paperwork done."

She glanced over at Juzo, Haruka and Shinobu, a cat-like smile growing on her face.

"It's good to see you two, Adachi, Satou," she said, before moving over to Haruka. "I assume you must be the famous Haruka."

Haruka rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Ehe. You guys must've heard so much about me from Juzo, huh?"

The boisterous young man clapped his hand on Haruka's shoulder. "We'll introduce you over lunch. For now, let's get Haru here some work, huh?"

"Ah, so you two are old friends? Knowing this guy, you probably got into lots of trouble," Akiko remarked, looking between Haruka and Juzo. "How did you two become such good friends?"

"His folks and mine are old pals, Juzo explained. "We grew up like brothers. Thanks for treating us to ramen, by the way. Fat commission?"

"Mister Tezuka wanted to thank me for my work," Akiko replied. "And my intuition."

"This is really good," Shinobu interjected, closing her eyes as she slurped the noodles in a thoroughly undignified way. Haruka nodded, quietly enjoying the food.

The four of them were sitting in a small booth in an eatery not far from the gallery, Juzo and Haruka sitting opposite Shinobu and Akiko. The eatery was busy with workers taking a break for lunchtime. A pitcher of sake sat at the edge of the table.

Haruka looked over at Shinobu. "You….really didn't have to do all that, you know."

"Remember what I said, Haruka? Carpe diem," Shinobu proudly declared. "You have to seize the opportunity when it presents itself before you!"

"You practically seized it for me!"

"A technicality!"

"You should be thanking her," Akiko pointed out. "We get some seriously rich clients. We can move out of old man Kuze's apartments in a few months, maybe get somewhere nice to stay. That is, if there were any."

Shinobu simply smiled, satisfied. "A talent like yours should never be wasted, Haruka. Besides, it means we'll get to work together on a few pieces, huh? Just you and me, together, alone?"

"E-eh?!"

She giggled. "You're so easy to tease, you know that?"

"S-so, uh….h-how did you get to work a-at the gallery, Miss Hanajima?!" Haruka hastily squeaked out, trying to look anywhere but Shinobu.

"Is he always this polite? Just call me Hanajima. Hell, call me Akiko," Akiko said. "I don't really mind. Well, it's a long story, but, basically, Mister Tezuka hired me when I was passing by and caught someone trying to pull a fast one on the old man. Tried to sell him a forgery."

"A forgery? How'd you know?"

"Let's just say I've got an eye for these things. Experience is a good teacher."

Haruka stared at her, wide-eyed. "W-wait, experience?"

"This rabbit has gotten her tail a little dirtied in her journey down the rabbit hole," Akiko remarked furtively. "I'll tell you more about it some other time. Got lots of interesting stories."

Shinobu nodded in agreement. "It's pretty crazy, the stuff Akiko's gotten up to."

"Allegedly," Akiko corrected her. "Can't prove I was involved."

Haruka just glanced between Shinobu, Akiko and Juzo. He groaned.

"What have I gotten myself into?" he asked, exasperated.

Juzo patted his old friend on the back. "Welcome to the city. You meet all sorts of people here. Aren't you excited?"

Haruka glanced between the perfectly angelic-seeming Shinobu, the mischievous-looking Akiko, and the cheeky Juzo.

"I….really feel like I shouldn't be."

….

Outside the eatery, Goro sighed, shaking his head.

"Hirofumi should've told me where she was," he uttered. "Shouldn't have trusted Taka."

He hadn't found Shinobu yet, but he was trying. He'd spoken to a few contacts in Denenchofu, but to no avail; none of them had seen Shinobu around, or knew who might have. The only art gallery in the area had no record of a Shinobu Sohma, either.

"I'd feel happier if I knew where she was," Goro muttered.

"Goro Sohma."

A gravelly voice caught the poet's notice. He turned around, seeing a man in the black uniform of the police forces, a revolver holstered on one side and a sword sheathed on the other. His hair was dark grey, from what could be seen under his cap. Two officers stood behind, one on each side. Goro smiled politely.

"Inspector Kuragi," Goro said, nodding to acknowledge him. "It's been a while. How can I help you?"

"Korenosuke asked for me to help him find your daughter," he responded curtly. "We figured-"

"You figured I'd know where she went," Goro cut him off. "No. I don't."

"Goro. Please don't do this. You're her father. Surely you want her to be safe."

Goro fixed him with a glare.

"You don't understand what's going on here, but even if you did, I still don't know where she is."

"If you obstruct official police business, we can arrest you."

"I'm being serious. I don't know where Shinobu is, Eisuke," Goro firmly stated, intoning the inspector's name coldly. "You'll have to find her yourself."

Inspector Kuragi flinched, but tried to maintain his composure.

"…..our officers were checking your house. She wasn't there."

"She hasn't lived at my place for months, Inspector. Of course she wasn't. I don't have time for this. Tell Korenosuke to stop looking at me. I don't know."

Before Inspector Kuragi could stop him, Goro strode off.

'Even if I knew, you wouldn't find it from me,' he vowed. 'I need to know….but maybe it's too risky. I'll need to meet with Hiro.'

Inspector Kuragi sighed, when he was sure Goro was out of earshot.

"….Korenosuke, what have you gotten me into?" he muttered. "That Shinobu…."

"You know them, sir? The Sohmas?" one of the officers accompanying him asked. The inspector nodded.

"Goro, Korenosuke and Hirofumi are old friends of mine," he explained. "Korenosuke asked me to handle this case as a favor."

That wasn't the full truth, of course; Korenosuke had all but openly pressganged the police into trying to find Shinobu, pulling the full weight of his connections to do so. He said he was concerned for his missing niece, and to keep the news private and an internal matter. Inspector Kuragi was the officer placed in charge of looking for her, but with little to follow, it was a wild goose chase.

Already, his superiors were asking him to close the case; looking for a single child wasn't his job. He wanted to make sure, of course; as ridiculous as dedicating a manhunt to what might have just been the case of a runaway youth who would surely come back later was, it was his job and duty.

"Goro….no, I shouldn't ask," he said to himself. "The Sohmas…perhaps this is a mystery I shouldn't look too deeply into."

He turned to his officers.

"We'll return to the station. Shinobu isn't here, anyway. Let the chips fall where they may. She's young. If she's run away, and I feel like she has…..she'll be back soon enough."