A/N: Amended version of Chapter Three, Edited by Eliya Shirwood

"In my years of doing business with the Sumeragi I have learned one thing… It's that most of them need a good box to stand on to work their secret weapon of sad puppy eyes. Or bring you down to work their ways on you… Oh yes, that one I can attest to working well." Signed N.A. on found parchment of paper seized in a raid by the OSI and MSS agents on suspected Peace Mark bases.

P.S.

"I can hear your frustration, dear Cynthia… You don't want to disappoint Chitty Bang Bangs again do you?"

[Date: 23 May 2017 ATB, Time: 10:00, Location: Sakai Town Center/Sumeragi Conglomerate Headquarters Office]

The morning sun graced the town of Sakai. When Japan was at its height of power, this town was famous as a center for foreign trade among the colonial superpowers, merchant guilds, and underground markets since ancient times. Sakai was still active as ever even ages into the future, indicated by the continuous stream of local and foreign boats passing through the harbor. Diversity ran rampant in this port, ranging from the haul of whaling ships to the seasonal catches of the fisherman. Its prosperity was due to the fact it was closest to Osaka, another trade capitol where popular items such as knives and swords flourished.

Within that city so encompassed by the blistering humidity of late spring, a young lady tended to her office duties. Her building overlooked the city by the east and acted as a surveyor to the ports below. The young lady's office was stylish and of high quality, easily distinguished by the golden plate assigned to her door written in fanciful font: Sumeragi Kaguya – Chairperson.

Kaguya's long black hair, though lacking its ever-present golden band, was still beautifully kept in a braid and levelled just above her shoulders to avoid scrapping against her business blazer jacket. The blazer was of top grade: dark blue trimming and fashioned in ivory buttons. Beneath that she wore a small azure conservative skirt that fell down to the back of her ankle. She was in her custom socks at the moment as her flat heels were kept at the foot of the door near its tatami foyer.

Kaguya was situated at her tenai-furnished desk, congested with great stacks of paper and reports regarding the conglomerate's finances and logistics. At the edge of the table sat a wooden Japanese clock which displayed time in Kanji. The clock was a birthday gift from her honorary uncle last year, an external member of the family who was close to her parents before their passing.

The desk also featured other items such as a bamboo lamp, a landline telephone, and miscellaneous stationary utilities.

The room was spacious enough to facility multiple facets of business and culture. A filling cabinet sat in the left corner, a printer/fax machine was positioned on the right of the desk, and a parchment containing a poem written in Kanji hung from the left wall and was embroiled by a camellia flower arrangement beneath it. In the middle of the room, a small chabudai was placed along with crème-colored cushions positioned at its edges where business was conducted. At its corner rested a small picture frame that displayed a young Kaguya dressed in a red and white flower kimono flashing a peace sign along with a goofy face. At her sides were her parents holding her up in their arms in the backdrop of an Osaka summer festival.

The desk itself was forged from finely carved bamboo wood from the Aokigahara Forest (the morbid irony of the taboo was known to all who visited Kaguya's office). That irony was not the only satire known, given how she was named after the most famous and oldest of the Japanese mythology. Granted, she preferred the version about the rabbit moon because how adorable she looked wearing rabbit ears (white ones outlined in red fur and so utterly fluffy).

Kaguya closed her eyes and chuckled to herself at the imagination, of course covering her mouth to avoid social embarrassment. Shortly after, she resumed her work at completing the burdensome stack of paper. She hummed a gentle tone as she carried over to the upcoming year's projected balance sheet.

"Di di di… Woooo, it's unbearable to work in this sort of weather… I can feel the sweat creeping up through my clothes," Kaguya complained as she pulled at her collar with her left hand and fanned herself with the right.

After making the proper adjustments, she resumed her progress by multitasking her writing and fanning. Writing left-handed came natural to Kaguya since the first time handling ink, further enforced by her father after the realization. By that time she already learned to write her Hiragana alphabet well before she learned how to sound a vowel.

Her personal tutor, Sagami-sensei, was recommended by Elder Kirihara in order to supress the habit that Kaguya had earned; after all, writing left-handed was considered "a poor man's manner" and was seen as bad luck. She was reluctant at first for the change to spite Kirahara's criticism, but she grew into the correction (at least in public view). She still struggled with the right-handed concept, even trying to maintain an ambidextrous operation; the way her right hand refused to grip the pen made the effort pointless. In the end, Sagami-sensei still appreciated his student for the effort taken in the approach.

Her focus in writing was brought to a halt because of the heat growing in the offer (thanks to the broken air conditioning system in the building due to overuse). 'Curse the gods for designing skirts that stretch beyond the kneecap,' Kaguya snarled in her mind as she pulled at her hems for circulation.

"How is it you are not sizzling in this blistering heat, Okoi?" Kaguya leaned her head to the left and stared at her attendant who stood by on nimble feet, as if prepared to run a marathon at moment's notice.

The attendant Okoi was dressed sharp and endowed in her black suit, complemented by her jet black hair composed in a short ponytail. Her polished, oval facial features hid behind large dark shades as expected of a bodyguard. Her height easily towered under the young chairman during her seven year tenure and she came with top recommendations. Her posture was astute as she stood at attention with arms folded behind her back. She turned slightly to her Lady and grinned.

"Maybe it's because I was built by my ancestors to withstand anything thrown my way, Kaguya-sama." Okoi teased Kaguya well-aware of the qualms the young lady had with her ancestry. In return Kaguya gave a mocking pout. "Besides, if you need to cool yourself," the bodyguard pointed towards the elegant fans mounted on the right wall, "you have some fans to blow wind your way."

Kaguya lazily eyed the artifacts in her office. The fans noted were layered in golden cloves on the outer rim, crimson lines within the inner edge, and light blue hues in the middle. At its center bore a reddish Sumeragi crest of the lotus drawn in a circle, embroiled by a winged crane at the epicenter.

"Oh, those. I can't use those; they are family heirlooms from my ancestor Sumeragi Futaba from the 19th century. She was…. Controversial, to say the least, among the family line," Kaguya trailed off a bit with some tension as she searched for proper words.

Much of the Sumeragi history and ancestry have been up for debate and interpretations throughout the ages, ranging from accounts by historians, biographers, witnesses, and family members alike. Specifically, and probably most agreed upon, Sumeragi Futaba and her step-brother, Sumeragi Isshin, were known as the black sheep within the family.

This was mostly accredited based on the fact that they hired Jesuit mercenaries to assault many villages and clans (primarily the Date clan near Sendai) under the pretense of the future Empress of Britannia: Claire Li Britannia (whom had in fact been in Japan at the time). The two were also rumored to have conjured evil spirits and feasted upon their victims during their time. In addition, complication arose when Futaba was allegedly affiliated with Lorenzo IL Soresi in rather provocative detail.

Many accounts deemed this an "unholy matrimony" in a diabolical plot to forge a new world, while others claim it was merely Lorenzo seducing Futaba into following his words. The latter's accusations were strongly attested by the House of Soresi's current descendants who suggest otherwise that Futaba and Isshin bewitched him into cohering Britannia for their sick amusement. Such claims even emphasis the point that Futaba may have indeed been a witch.

The ability to distance herself from the crude past was hard for Kaguya, given that their appearances were quite similar given the distinctive traits of green eyes and black hair by the Sumeragi bloodline. She was continually reminded of her predecessor's assumptions by the mentioned Soresi clan, most recently by The Viscount of San Camendes, Kewell Soresi: a member of the pureblood faction. Not only did he invoke the tiresome slurs against Kaguya at each meeting, he even had the nerve to state she should consider herself lucky that a Soresi even considered bearing themselves before a Kaguya member.

'The smug plonker,' Kaguya cursed in thought at the fellow, referring to a term used by Uncle Nathan to wickedly discredit the Viscount in his own vernacular. The plonker had the nerve to talk to a Sumeragi that way… Just one more item on the list of reasons why the Japanese were more civilized compared to the gaudy nobles of Britannia.

In hindsight Kaguya did admit that the Viscount's sister, Marika Soresi, demonstrated a more –delicate- appeal the last time seen at the academy near Tokyo. If only her sweet demeanor could lessen her severe dislike for her brother... 'Yeah, right. One of these days the Viscount will find himself in a fight he can't escape.'

The sneer shown on her Lady's face caught Okoi off-guard; her sharp eyebrows rose above her sunglasses in surprise. Quickly she moved in front of the table, straightened her back, and bent her head low.

"I-I apologize, Kaguya-sama, for bringing up such a sensitive subject. It wasn't my intentions to distress you," Okoi apologized in a lower tone to express the regret. In turn, Kaguya reached out across the desk and touched her bodyguard's arm.

"Please, it's all right. There's nothing to apologize for because it's a topic you couldn't have had any knowledge of." Kaguya patted the arm twice to convey sincerity. Once complete, Okoi nodded and resumed her stance at her Lady's side.

Taking that moment to relax, Kaguya put down her pen and straightened her shoulders before resting her chin upon her thin hands. Her back eased into the chair as she pondered something.

Then, as if to imitate one of her mother's infamous expressions, she spoke out:

"As a Sumeragi, it bears upon you to be the one who writes and reads the happenings in the room you find yourself in, regardless of whom you find at the foot of your desk."

Okoi had to suppress a smirk at the accuracy of the impression of the late Sumeragi.

"Oh yes, it's nearly time for the meeting right? Okoi, could you ask Tatsu to bring in some green tea and those lovely Wagashi sweets? I could fancy some Kyoto sakura's today," Kaguya requested as she eased back into position.

"Right away, Kaguya-sama."

Okoi gave a curt bow before heading out of the office. Kaguya briefly resumed her task to review the company's finances and current performance for the year before the meeting started. Her attendances were due to arrive any moment: her Chief Executive, Moto Eito and her Director of Security and fellow Kyoto house member, Munakata Tousai. These two were required to prepare the year's tax returns to the Britannian crown.

Before Kaguya came of age, she was required to have either Elder Kirihara or Tousai-kun at her side in order to execute all company matters. As part of Britannian business law, minors below the age of 14 must have an overseeing guardian available to discuss matters of their estate. Since then, Kaguya had been capable of dealing with the affairs herself, though from time to time Tousai would offer support to ensure optimal results. Thankfully this was the case today after their phone reminder an hour ago.

Unexpectedly, full audits were demanded from the new viceroy: Cornelia Li Britannia. She had been most insistent that Kyoto House show all their gross profits, balance sheets, and future growth figures immediately otherwise be subject to intense investigations about the current administration.

Apparently the new viceroy was not overtly amused by the previous report and figures presented by Mr. Cornish, the late Clovis's chief accountant bureaucrat. He was an odious peon by all means in Kaguya's opinion, composed of a rough unkempt moustache, beady dull gray eyes and an overall pompous demeanor. If not by mere appearance, he had the audacity to attempt extorting Kaguya, assuming she was nothing more than a defenseless flower.

The nitwit (to borrow from Britannian vulgar) had approached her without notice nor official seal on the documents he carried, and insisted on an inflation for rates at the sakuradite mines, include additional levies on imports and exports, and raise taxes on all Sumeragi electrical wares. The nitwit might as well have rubbed his greedy, grubby, fat sausage fingers together in his quest for money.

'As if a Sumeragi would ever perquisite to fiddlers like him. They would have to tear out my eyes and tongue before I give quarter to a Britannian,' Kaguya asserted to herself in thought. Those thoughts were quickly disrupted by her office telephone. She prompted took the call without delay.

"Sumeragi-sama, Moto-sama and Munakata-sama have arrived," Sajoni-chan, Kaguya's personal receptionist, answered in her usual monotone delivery. The girl rarely revealed emotion in Kaguya's presence.

"Thank you Sajoni-chan, please send them in."

Kaguya took a moment to breathe in, and then smoothed over any folds on her brazier and skirt. She ran her hand through her hair to ensure no stray ends, and popped a delightful Minto into her mouth. Letting the capsule's refreshment collect in her mouth, she closed her eyes and took another deep breath to steel her nerves.

"Yosh…"

Kaguya lightly tapped her cheeks together and braved a smile (even if the tingling sensation carried on for a moment), then walked into position at the front of her desk. A triple knock accompanied shortly on the door.

"Come in."

Okoi opened the door then bowed as Kaguya's visitors entered past her.

"Good morning Munakata-sama and Moto-sama, I trust that you are well this morning?" Kaguya bowed as the two approached, using a refined formal Japanese to greet her guests. They in turned bowed and matched her level to express respect.

"Good morning, Chairman Sumeragi, we are well. I hope the heat hasn't affected you too badly this fine morning. Most of our staff is taking breaks from their work to cope. I have our best engineers working on the air conditioning system as we speak, and we have handed out bottles of water for everyone to stay hydrated. I offer my deepest apologies for this error to happen this morning, Chairman," Eito spoke with his usual baritone voice and lowered his head once more.

Eito was in the prime of his life, reaching into his mid-thirties despite his smaller body size at 167 centimeters. He adorned a more conservative appearance using a dull grey suit along with black shoes often suitable for businessmen during this season. He had his black hair combed downward as though to cover his forehead creases, though just shy of covering his brunette eyes. His thin brown moustache rose just above his cracked lips that hinted at the situation at hand. At his side was a fine leather briefcase that contained his reports, though it was not as fancy as the gold wristwatch that idolized him as a Japanese CEO.

Despite his astute appearance, Kaguya cringed a bit at the overpowered cologne he wore, no doubt a desire to impress the wife Katsura after work.

"These things happen, so it cannot be helped. Please be sure that our staff is tended to so we may avoid any heat strokes and heart conditions. I do not wish to have our staff suffer so needlessly," Kaguya responded in a sympathetic smile.

"Not to worry Moto-san, all systems can break down when not expected. Recently we had our entire computer system and network crash in a single day," Tousai interjected as though the support the subject.

Munataka Tousai was the 25th Head of the Munakata Zaibatsu who shared great legacy alongside the Sumeragi. That lineage descended from a merchant caste clan which endured since the time of the Ashikaga Shogunate. With respect, the Munakata's have long prospered in the Japanese business world with their hand dipped into the various business sectors such as Ashi sake, computer software development and computer hardware manufacturing, even pottery and cuisine wear. In addition, they are a procurator of the Sakuradite deposits located within Japan as part of the six houses of Kyoto. The Munakata contribute greatly to the main investment in Kanto and Kansai due to the vast populations compared to the rest of Japan.

Tousai carried his favorite top hat with him, not vain enough to conceal his graying hair and thoroughly combed beard. He was breaking past his late sixties but still wore western style clothing like he was a younth: a brown vest, brown smart trousers, and all other sorts of finer accessories in brown (his favorite color, as it were).

"Fortunately, our backup servers made sure nothing of significance was lost. The process in restoring us to normal took a whole week for my son's IT department. I'm afraid the time required to recover most files and accounts though, took much longer," Tousai admitted in a frown. The admittance caused Eito's brow to rise.

"Have you reviewed your procedures and policies after this incident, Munakata-sama? While crashes can and may happen, for files to go missing that long would seem to raise questions."

"Moto-sama, please… Munakata-sama of course takes his company's security matter with the utmost passion," Kaguya chimed in with a light scolding towards the CEO as though the question was a serious accusation.

Eito realized the implication behind his suggestion and took out a handkerchief to dab the sweat off his brow.

"My sincerest apologies, Chairperson… I wished to merely express my concerns. We also received reports of similar incidents at our subsidiaries thus found the pattern very uncanny. I am currently having our procedures and policies reviewed in the worst case. May I suggest you have Tatsu-san look into the matter personally?" Though the CEO recovered some composure in his speech, the way his hands gripped at his briefcase and shook betrayed the notion.

"Oh, are you that worried about our security, Eito-kun? Do you not have faith in dear little me and my team of ducklings~?"

The sudden appearance of another voice caused Eito to jump in place; his hands automatically rose and almost caused his briefcase to slam into Tousai's face. Thankfully Tousai was skilled at his age and dodged the swing. Okoi, still nearby, was quick enough to aid Eito from dropping forward and hitting the tray that was brought in.

"T-Tatsu-san! Don't sneak up on us like that! Not when you are carrying beverages!"

Tatsu was leaning against the cart holding a tray complete with a kettle full of cold green tea, accompanying cups, and an assortment of Wagashi sweets in a saucer. Considering the occasion, she was dressed in a rather non-conservative fashion: a low-cut dark grey shirt, black high heels, a rather loose burgundy business suit, and a selection of jewelry crowning her neck, hands, and ears. Though she had some business appeal, her hair was as wild as ever down to her shoulders.

The choice in clothing was quite unbecoming for her position as the Director of Security (even if exclusively permitted by the Chairperson). This notion was further implied by her co-workers as they walked by in the hallway, either gazing in disgust or outright ignoring her presence. One in particular that Kaguya spotted just earlier, a rather unique female composed of long black hair, flush red lips, and a truly gaudy creamy-white business suit, seemed to smirk behind a held piece of papers at the sight. Kaguya was unsure if she was more annoyed by the gesture itself or the insistent clacking of her sharp heels against the tile.

"Ah, but that's part of the charm, CEO-san… besides, it's always nice to see you loosen up a bit. Remember last Christmas when you were strutting those dance moves of yours with Katsura-chan? And to meru meru of course~," Tatsu smirked as the memory was brought up.

Kaguya watched Eito tinge in a bright red blush before he hid his face behind the briefcase. Not many people could hid those type of moments from the Director of Security so easily and not have it renewed at any time.

Tousai suppressed his own chuckle at the memory, and of course Kaguya kept her composure (though she had to cover her mouth once more to cover a loose grin).

"Yes, thank you for reminding us, Tatsu-san. It was a more beneficiary memory for one you did not have to carry both he and Katsura-san to their car after Moto-san stained Kirihara-sama's shoes after several drinks," Okoi chimed in with a short-lived facepalm.

"Oh come on Korky, no harm no foul. Besides, it's not the first time Kirihara had the honor of having his feet covered in vomit. I still have the video when the First Prince of Britannia did the exact-"

"Enough Tatsu," Kaguya interrupted as she took the reins, "we have a meeting to attend to. Would you please place the tea and sweets on the table? Now, Moto-sama, Munataka-sama, if you would please sit down and enjoy Tatsu's handcrafted confectionary."

"Of course, Sumeragi-sama. Please excuse my manners," Tatsu mumbled before quickly attending to her assignment (not before kicking off her heels). Okoi let out a sigh as she gathered the tossed heels and aligned them beside the other members' collection. Afterward closed the door and took her place at the corner of the room next to the camellia flower assortment, keeping keen to ensure no eavesdroppers.

Kaguya was aware their time was short thus needed to finalize the meeting to meet everyone's busy schedule. She gently nipped at Eito's forearm to cease his endless apologies for nearly decapitating Tousai so he may take his proper seat to her left. Both guests were sure to remove their footwear to avoid any ungracious manner.

Tousai took his rightful position at the opposing end of the table in front of Kaguya, and then waited for the meeting to begin as Eito fumbled with his documents from the briefcase.

Tatsu skimmed through her belongings before she took her seat at Kaguya's right. The presentation and order of the meeting was imperative at this point: the most senior member must seat at the head of the table facing away from the door, the following senior sat at that person's right, and then members were positioned on the opposing sides descending through the rank. None are permitted to touch drink or sweets until Kaguya used her chopsticks to cut into the Kyoto Sakura sweet. She picked up a single piece and placed it in her mouth, enjoying the sensation at each second.

"Delicious as always, Tatsu! You have to show me one of these days how you make them."

The request and honest appraisal caused Tatsu to blush slightly, of course remembering to bow in time at the praise. "T-Thank you for your praise, Chairperson. I learned how to make them along with the tea ceremony from Mizukami-sama years ago. He also gave those lessons to Bo- *Ahem* Nathan-kun as well," Tatsu correct herself just in time, however did not prevent Kaguya from catching to sparkle in her eye. As much as the Chairperson wanted to pry into the secret, other matters came first.

Kaguya took her cup filled with cold green tea, held it in both hands, then took a sip. The others followed suit and took a bite from the wagashi sweet in fashion.

"Now then… Let us proceed with the meeting," Kaguya stated as she folded her hands on her lap, and then signaled Tatus with a note to record the discussion. In the past, the secretary Sajoni was assigned to document the conversations that took place at the meetings. However Kaguya became adamant that Tatsu should handle said duty when deemed necessary. Such random and impromptu decisions cause some of the co-workers and board members to suspect Tatsu of foul play, but that was not the case for the two guests.

"Of course Chairperson," Eito started off before clearing his throat, "I trust you have all reviewed the recent projected figures and returns for the year. Those statistics have been thoroughly vested by our accounting department and should meet the request given by the viceroy," Eito summarized as he passed along sheets to the attendees. He allowed the silence to take over as everyone reviewed the documents once more to familiarize themselves with the statement.

Tatsu whispered some discrete thoughts to Kaguya behind a cusped hand, intent to not share those details to anyone else. After minutes had passed, Tousai was the first to speak up.

"Moto-sama, I need to point out that some of these figures do not appear consistent with last year's annual report. Accordingly to the third page, apparently the Sumeragi Conglomerate net profits for 2017 are projected to fall by 4%. However, last year it was determined at 3% across the board. Would you mind explaining where the 4% statistic was derived from?" Tousai stroke his beard as his stoic expression kept keen on the presenter. Whether the intimidating tactic was intentional, Eito found himself fiddling with his hands to maintain composure.

"Y-You see, the accounting department has recently detected some rather numerous dispensaries during our last year's business dealings. One such instance saw a deposit of 60 billion pounds to one of our Mumbai branches in the last six months. The only documentation to support such a transaction was such: 'research of renewable sources and cybernetics medical technology advancements.' We reached out to that branch and they claim no one was aware of this result, nor had there been any profits seen return."

Eito took a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow with his handkerchief.

"We also had several setbacks during negotiations on housing development in the Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Ashi ghettos due to the drastic raise in price for construction and importing necessary resources. Because we cannot bring in the necessary steel, lead, and aluminium to build this caused a delay in progress. Not to mention that the Britannian administration wants us to cover the bill for the required legality paperwork, Britannian work pensions, and other such fees. The overall cost to the project rose to over 200 billion pounds for our projection of the next ten years."

Despite some stammering in the analysis, Kaguya and Tousai remained calm and absorbed the details, taking occasional sips from the tea. Tatsu was quick to scramble the summary into her notes, taking care not to make the information illegible.

Each member had cogs turning in the heads about the situation, recalling certain events that happened to contribute to the situation. The recent era was not agreeable to their attempts at expansion and profit, such as the Sakuradite drilling project near the Russian coast, or the ongoing disputes with Euro-Britannia for gas pipelines and territorial rights earned from the Tsar period.

Each Kyoto house representative still projected to earn at least 800 million pounds per month on the Sakuradite trade alone after the applicable tariffs and taxes. As agreed, each house split the market between them over the generations to ensure at least 80% control of the Sakuradite mines within Japan. The Sumeragi and Kirihara houses were rumored to earn a grander scale per month due to recent activities, considering that previous projects identify that 40% of Kyoto's share will be in their control. The outcome would always be favorable so long as the deceased Clovis and his ilk turned a blind eye to the inland dealings.

Kaguya felt uneasy by the situation, based on the perceived blunders from those like Osakabe Tatsunori; that everyone will fail to act collectively to prevent declining profits, funds, donations, and exports. Compared to Britannian and Chinese companies who took an aggressive stance on expansion on a global scale, Japan refused to take the offensive.

Britannia alone was seeking to increase their stake in the Sakuradite market through their internal companies like Stadfeld Industries. Because of the powerplay, many Japanese companies like the Fuji Corporation and rumored as well, Okawachi Defence Industries failed and fell into debt that they were unable to recover. This struggle led to difficulties keeping money out of Britannian hands and cycled back into the Japanese market.

As history had proven: war was an expensive business and the more it dragged on, the more it cost to carry on.

'Still, this does not explain how Sumeragi Conglomerate profits anticipate falling this year… Something's not right… I've known Moto-sama was always rather neurotic, but not to this degree. Why is he fretting over what should be simple matters?' Kaguya pondered as she looked over the papers once more.

She took a deep breath the rid the doubts in her main, and prepared a response for the statements given with a gentle smile… along with the secret Sumeragi weapon as she scrunched her eyes to draw tears.

"Moto-sama, the mater of the Mumbai branch is still ongoing from what I've determined, and we expect a major return in those investments over the next six months. If you are worried about the Viceroy coming down on our dealings in the regions, then fret not- we are in a position to take a few hits. My recent discussion with Mr. Cornish has let him to rescind his plans to raise tariffs and rates on the sakuradite production."

Kaguya paused to glance at Tatsu, ensuring that she gathered the details specifically.

"While there are no doubts some of our shareholders will question the possible drop in profits, they are also aware of how vital this is for our company to invest in those new developments and propositions. I assure you while the short term may not look bright here; the long term goal will bring about the morning glory for yourself Moto-sama within the next 5 years."

"…I-I understand, Chairperson. I will bring this up at the next shareholder meeting next month. I'm sure the other members will understand our current position. I'm also happy to report that our other subsides are going strong, and they are projected to achieve outstanding growth," Eito included with a nervous smile in hope of a favorable response.

Tousai, who had remained silent with eyes closed, then opened his eyes. "Moto-same, with your permission, may I review your accounting's filing and tax returns? I wish to see if there are any areas we can reduce the amount Britannia is asking for, and to ensure we take advantage of all available loopholes."

"Y-Yes, o-of course! In fact I was planning on going back to their details in the matter. An extra set of eyes will truly help point out areas of improvement. You've certainly earned your reputation as Mr. Loophole for a reason… Heh heh," Eito chuckled inwardly as his eyes squinted due to the rising sun in the distance. Eito carefully reached for his green tea and took in a swig to cool himself.

After the important documents were reviewed, the meeting carried on for another 30 minutes, mostly containing trivial subjects and affairs such as updates to the headquarters and the possible indications behind Zero's motives. Even a discussion of Tousai-s children possibility starting a computer game company.

"Well, I believe this concludes our meeting this morning. Thank you all for making time out of your busy schedule to attend this discussion. I shall see you out, Munakata-sama," Kaguya cheerfully concluded as she rose to her feet.

The others soon followed, though Tatsu was the last to action as she scurried to assemble all the notes taken. Granted with the short peak she had, Kaguya knew they were going to be undecipherable later on. Kaguya went to slid on her flat heels with the two gentlemen as Okoi awaited them at the door to open.

Kaguya guided her visitors to the front reception. Each gave a short farewell to Eito as he needed to attend another meeting down at the docks. Once he had departed, Kaguya turned to Tousai then bowed.

"I look forward to seeing you soon Tousai-kun at Fuji Mountain for the bi-monthly NAC meeting within the week," Kaguya stated with a smile.

"Indeed, I will see you then. Take care, Kaguya," Tousai also bowed then patted her affectionately on the head. He turned and made his way out of the building to his residence in Yokohama. Once Tousai entered his vehicle, Kaguya, Okoi, and Tatsu remained bowed until he left the vicinity then decided to detour off to the outside garden (as a measure to avoid further eavesdropping).

"What Tousai-kun mentioned about the recent software crash, that worries me… He didn't exactly mention that any documents are missing such as transactions or accountings. That's usually suspect if the system crashes for such a length of time," Tatsu speculated as she clicked her heels against the stone surface as the trio continued moving. The act itself as a measure to ensure a stationary opponent could not catch their subject.

"Hmm… My brother Saemon also mentioned he detected some suspicious activities at Kirihara Industries, even JLF movement since the orange incident," Okoi added on to help Kaguya understand the situation at hand. She was always eager to hear input from those she trusted.

"In the fortnight since the alleged defeat of the Blood of the Samurai, we haven't been able to confirm the whereabouts of their leaders, nor if they made any movements since. Our surveillance reported that they had more men and bases than what was destroyed by Britannia."

"Eido-san did raise a valid point- that we should look into the review of our procedures. OSI is as audacious as ever about how they trace things," Okoi finished as she removed her sunglasses to rub her temples.

"Yes… though… Eido seemed more sheepish than usual at the meeting. I know he can't help it, but does he really believe that the Viceroy will provoke those who fund their campaigns against the greedy Britannian pigs?" Tatsu bellowed in as the thought irked her.

"Nevertheless, I will have my team look into any further activities, Bunny. I recommend you return to Narita soon, or Ratty will start to fret over your well-being again. Want me to have Eito monitored as well?"

Though Kaguya mainly stayed at the Kyoto house's headquarters in the Fuji prefect, Kirihara often gave her permission to travel to the company offices and branches as necessary. The notion did require much insistence on behalf of Tatsu and Uncle Nathan to earn the approval though. Of course the arrangement did have setbacks, such as that she must return after a few days maximum, or that she cannot go out without Okoi at her side aside from bathroom breaks and sleep time.

Kaguya remained silent as she absorbed the information gathered by her aides as they walked. Just as they came closer to the gardens, all thoughts concluded and she turned to her aides to deliver her answer.

"Do what you must Tatsu, but of course in discrete. I do not want any harm nor accusations without proof first. Okoi, please keep digging around for any Blood of the Samurai survivors. Also look into the situation with Suzaku-san since the orange incident, as he may be within the Britannian forces now. Despite that, he's still our blood and must be looked after." After delivering her orders with great seriousness and earning their affirmations, she thought of her next order.

"Okoi, please ask Sajoni-san to bring the helicopter around. You are right; I need to head back to Fuji tonight."

"Of course, Sumeragi-sama," Okoi responded briefly with a bow, then hurried to fulfill the task. Kaguya and Tatsu carried on with their walk to discuss one final matter.

"Bunny… Boss sent me this message via encryption last night," Tatsu whispered as she passed her pad to Kaguya to see.

"There's mention of the Mumbai business bore fruit and that things are in motion. He said he'll want to talk to you and the Bald Rat tonight."

Kaguya did not need to state anything as she read, only gave a short sincere smile as she read on.

"…Bring the satellite phone with you as we depart this afternoon. I look forward to the news from Uncle Nathan." Tatsu nodded as the two carried on to the office to gather their materials for the journey north.

During their walk, they crossed path with a certain employee with black hair whose frost covered lips conveyed an odd sensation like a kiss was sent. 'Cheeky woman,' Kaguya mused to herself despite finding the gesture flattering, and found the odd bloody creamy business suit was a tad strange for a choice of apparel. Kaguya allowed the thought to pass by as other more dire matters must be attended to. Although…

'I have to admit… She really needs to get a better fashion sense.'

A/N: Just to make clear, the masked figure in the fic cover isn't the character that appears in Chapter 22/Stage 18 of Redux. It's a different character whom will again become clear as the fic proceeds. Hope this clears that up if you thought otherwise.

Futbata and Isshin Sumeragi are actual canon characters from the Renya of Darkness manga. Which has been deemed canon by Ōkouchi, so using them here nicely references it while avoiding having to create too many Sumeragi OC's for the time period Renya is set in (1860's).

Same with Lorenzo IL Soresi hence mention of him as well since that will also have some history layed out here and likely on the fanon wiki in the future.