A/N: Hi everyone, finally managed to get this done and out to you all. It is pretty much the first of what is practically the Code Geass Sound Drama versions for Roanapur Connection. With the difference from the Picture Drama chapters like Eye Of the Storm that expand on or show characters and events between the main chapters.
Is that these side chapters take place before the events of RC begin, at different points of the timeline covering different characters and different events. Some of which will tie into future chapters of RC, some fill in blanks or implied bits of the main fic. Or simply World build the universe of Roanapur Connection and in extension. Code Geass Colored Memories.
This chapter has been solely written by myself. In the limited time I have in my workplace and personal life with all of the work and other stuff I have going on. Since I want to keep on writing and improving all the time. No matter how frustrating or tedious I find writing at times compared to outlining or coming up with ideas. But these are the responsibilities that come with Heading up a project like Roanapur Connection.
This is the first chapter of two parts (because as always, writing creep gets me going) that goes into the parents of CG character, Sayoko Shinozaki. Which sets up their role in RC, of their relationships to canon CG characters and some major characters of both fic. Especially Saburo's father, Taizo Kirihara. A character I always wanted to go into since seeing him in the anime. He was one of the most wasted characters of the series in my view, with the amount of history and implications of him and his relationship to some of the Japanese cast of CG. It wasn't originally the intent to make Saburo and Oboro married and Taizo Sayoko's grandfather. Since my original idea was that they were simply long time friends.
But Seth came up with the idea to make them married and I decided to go with it as it tied the two together better and simplified some of the relationships and ties, plus it gave me more ideas for Saburo's character as well. As it has much potential and doesn't contradict per say any CG canon on who's tied to what (plus this is a alternative universe anyway so broad strokes). Along with tying into plans I had already in other ways that will become clear in the future.
Update 08/03/19: I'm putting all Sound Drama chapters like into the main body of RC so that it's all in one place and easy for people to refer to them in future here instead of having to jump to it being in a separate place.
As always, big thanks to BlackManaBurning for being a great help with her suggestions and pushing me to improve on parts of the chapter and Part Two I was unsure on writing.
Enough rambling from myself. Enjoy the chapter everyone :).
Blackmambauk
"If you ever want the bon antique example of a family in Japan that engages in boardroom power plays and so on. The Kirihara Clan, led for generations by its control at all costs obsessed freak of an elder if his gaudy daughter, weirdo of a second son are anything to go by. Kirihara Taizo, no doubt aided by its sneaky underling clan, The Shinozaki's. His mope of a son is married to their quack of a leader, I mean seriously... who hangs a picture that Oboro hangs in their guest room, then again she had the nerve to grab my nose once as if she were grabbing a beak all because I noted that her profession was fake. About half the things that comes out of her little mouth makes sense only to her... the weirdo.
If you wanted to go down to Tokyo and complain about the price of rice farmers were charging within the provinces. Or stop a foreign business from intruding in your hometown . One chat to Taizo and he would sort it out. The old saying goes is that if a bureaucrat goes into a meeting with the man. They come out either sweating buckets of sweat, pockets filled or spine reconfigured to the man's full desire. Or if he has an eye on you like he did for dear Sumeragi Shizuka, what a disappointment she was in more ways than one. he will act as if you were his own child (yet he will refuse to acknowledge his own children for the most part if they disappoint him). He always like to "plant seeds" as he calls it and watch those flowers bloom.
The vulgarness of such a metaphor is why the man ranks little in my eyes despite all the power he holds even now. But then his late wife was certainly made of similar stuff. Must be why the two got on well. Along with why his children act the way they do.
The Kirihara's are truly a clan like no other. In that they came from and still stink of the gutter.
The middling rats in more ways than one. When he dies, I expect most to finally release their breath they hold around him. That it will make the room pass out of oxygen deprivation. That will be a sight to see."
-[Chiba Nozomi, Chapter IX of her book "I will fight to the Last" Page 520].
[Date: 20/03/1995 ATB, Time: 11:00am, Shinozaki Residence, Odawara Japan]
*Sip*
Oboro, sipping her green tea down her throat slowly, making sure to taste the leaf in all of its tasty roots. As it drenched her thirst and nerves, and her pain as she took her meds, sat next to her husband, who as usual was completely rigid in body and tone as he sat there. Legs crossed, eyes shut, teeth grinding as he endured the man sitting opposite them. All the while having her father in law as an honoured guest in her own home.
One of his bi-weekly visits. Although today was obviously about more than the usual family or business chats they had each time.
She was still feeling the sores of her recent match, doing the shooting star press really made her ribs hurt for at least a week everytime she did it. Just this morning, her fingers even touching her brusie made the string sparkle the body in pain. Even more so she struggled to force her rice down her belly. Even now, it was proving quite the effort to breathe being seated with her knees on the cushion. Sometimes she could feel her body tilt around like a derelict boat flowing on a river stream.
Not to mention that Dai Wagashi, who was sitting behind their guest in all her shining eggness, plumpy lip and small sugar grey eyes, laid with her ginormous Nagamaki sword that stretched almost at least eight feet, the handle, as always detailed and well-crafted in its burgundy.
Was really stiff in her work and doesn't hold back in her punches, kicks and wrestling moves (those belly to belly really made the back sore at times). Not that she didn't held back herself as the powl in Dai's eye made for a sight and the pills next to her tea indicated the obvious. She had seen Dai winch a few times when she blinks her eye or going half lid due to no doubt needing to focus more with a bruised eye.
Or the taste of blade on their foreheads over the years made their matches crimson in places.
But despite her stiffness, Dai was one of the few she trusted to wrestle with without the risk of injury.
But still, it was taking a toll more and more as Oboro was reaching her 35th birthday. But the thrill of it… remained as strong as it was when she first started out at ten.
Or the time Flamely tore his left quadruple during their tag match. That left him injured for up to a year and never quite the same, at least he could still moonsults and cartwheels considering his size. It was an embarrassment for such a man to be given that duty to put someone over who wasn't even a wrestler. But that was Britannian wrestling for you, it's pretty easy to see why so many of them come over to wrestle in Japan if they don't get over back at home.
She really felt for him, knowing what his upcoming match with that Britannian for the biggest wrestling event in Britannia would be like. Alas, what else could be expected from a company that has a clown. At least Bull was getting the chance to show what she could do. Jinzo as well. She and Saburo over the years had received many offers from the numerous territories back in the 80's. And more recently from some outfit in Britannia's original capital of Caedron, of which she had known some of her foreign wrestlers to head towards once they were finished up with her company.
They always said no to the offers. Due to the travel schedule, the time they would be away from their daughter. And because she didn't trust them to know a wristlock form a wristwatch in terms of using them as wrestlers.
"Thank you for your hospitality." A all familiar voice to Oboro pulled her out of her thoughts as they took a sip of the green tea she had served out to them.
Awkward silence flowed through the room so thoroughly that you could hear a pin drop.
'Oh for Goodness sake.' Oboro thought. Seems she would have to say something, regardless of what her husband and father in law thought.
"You are most..."
"Father, you obviously came here with a purpose today. Please could you get right to it?" Saburo said interrupting her. To which she raised her brow at her husband and thinned her lips, a slight smack on the leg followed. As did Dai at the slight towards her boss.
He was never one to do small talk for the sake of it. Something the grinding of his father's teeth indicated displeasure. Usually it would be his hand gripping his cane as hard as possible.
Tightly wrapped in jet black jeans, jacket with black sleeves and denim jacket look, which Oboro had picked out for him, otherwise he would be wearing tacky clothes and that would not do with the status of their guests. His buzzcut light dark figure loomed over everyone else in the room. His jaw rigid as always, eyes still pure in their hazel glow as ever with frames to complete the look. Carefully scanning the reaction of the guests as he scrunched his budgie nose, Oboro remembered seeing that nose the first time and wondering how wide it was. She had to grab it to make sure, something which he wasn't amused with at the time.
At least it gelled with her red Paris beret, black shirt that went to the shoulders, leaving her neck to breath. The wondrous grey skirt with the bow at the waist filling her aura and fashion sense. Oboro always liked to make sure that she looked wonderous to the world.
Beside, it gave her the chance to see what sort of person he was and if he really had the grumpy aura he liked to project. To which the answer to that was… yes he does, but nowhere as much as Oboro had originally thought. Thanks goodness for that she had thought. She really did not want to end up married to someone who would be miserable all the time. Life should be as positive as it could be. There was so much to enjoy in the world, why spend your life being a sourpuss and not smelling the flowers. Of dancing in the rain, sure there was trouble in the world. Everyone had a story or secret.
But those should not, at least in Oboro's mind hold one back in life. She certainly wasn't going to hold back in hers, no matter what she had to deal with. Even the very person she was dealing with at that moment.
Oboro's father in law, Kirihara Taizo, who was currently sitting across them, like father like son. Wearing that miserable looking frown, not wanting to give anything-away look. He and the Kururugi's seem to ritualize for every meeting they go to, he hadn't become one of Japan's most wealthiest and most powerful for nothing. This aura of such grim dainty stuffiness really got to Oboro at times. In her view, a smile is much more warming and delightful to deal with. Sat as always, dressed in his black kimono, whisker like winkles covering his face. Frown so attached to his mouth that Oboro swore it was a mask imprinted by the gods.
She wanted to walk up to him, rip it off and say HELLOOOOOO! Anybody home? As the crack in the face is depressing. Then she worried about what she would find.
She believed that everyone wore a mask to the outside world, another one to friend and family. With one, they only ever shown to themselves. It was partly what helped Oboro to put on her families custom masks more often than not. She saw it as another layer to wear to the world. To helped herself get into the role she needed to get into. She supposed that's why wrestling as Oboro Iga was such a great outlet for her. She could disappear into that role for storylines and take out her frustrations in direct ways she couldn't usually do.
Whatever was Taizo's third face was one Oboro was not sure on what it felt or think.
He merely let a frustrated sigh out as he raised his head to look directly at his son.
"Manners Saburo manners, it costs nothing for you to have basic manners. Especially when I happen to be your father and your guest. Besides, aren't you going to regale me on how my granddaughter is doing or how things are with you and my daughter in law?" Taizo retorted.
Oboro had to grip her left hand on her husbands to stop him from rolling his eyes or huffing at his father, especially as Dai sent her a look that said 'Don't let Saburo make more trouble'. Even though she very much understood why he wanted to.
She had gone through effort to make sure that today's meeting was going to be as tensionless as possible and she was not about to let him or anyone else ruin that.
She smoothed her skirt with her other, just to stop herself from fidgeting or tapping her hands on the floor, she never liked touching her guest room floor, it had always felt it was rubbing a bush of needles, she hated how it often picked beneath her skin, she remembered all the blisters as a kid every time her parents had her entertain the other children guests in this very room. She also took another sip of tea to smooth her fraying mind.
"Our daughter is well, you can visit her in the dojo afterwards, and she would love to actually see her grandfather visit her while she trains. We are doing well as always thank you father. Now can we please get to the matter at hand? I'm sure you are raring to grind about recent developments, we have other things to do today as you very well know." Saburo said, Oboro could feel his hands about to clench into fists. She locked her fingers into them to prevent that from happening. It was neither the time nor place to do it.
Taizo responded by shaking his head and huffing in disappointment.
"Son… your mother and I raised you better than that. I will let it slide today. Since I am looking forward to seeing Sayako-chan later on for the first time in a while. Which I regret is the case. But duty to our clan, to Japan takes precedence above all else. Which leads onto the matter of Prime Minister Fushita and the China situation." Kirihara-san said matter of fact.
Oboro had to stop herself from sighing at the usual pedantics on display. No matter how much she had tried to contain all of this, a woman's' smile was the ultimate shield and ice breaker in situations like this. So Oboro stretched the tips of her glossed lips to the limit.
Nearly every meeting between them or any of Taizo's children, even when they were all young and Oboro was a mere Shinozaki child. Had been fraught with tension, bickering arguing. Warmth was not the first word Oboro would use to describe her father in law (at least not normally, as he does show a measure of warmth to her daughter).
He was stringent on things being a certain way, of youth respecting their elders, for people to act, think and feel a certain way. If there were one thing Oboro would give her father in law, is that he never lacked in on. If he owed a debt, he would pay it… one way or another. Nevertheless, it was what Kirihara Taizo was, like anybody else. He had friends, but also enemies. Which comes with any person of the retude that Kirihara Taizo was of.
Such was the heartsome duty of being the 36th Shinozaki Clan successor of Martial Artists and wrestlers. Along with being the wife of the current heir of Clan Kirihara. But hey ho. Them's were the cards of fate, pretty fluffy cards as Oboro always sees them as most of the time. From being SP's, to important Clan members, or people tied to the Kirihara clan.
Alternatively, as the Shinozaki's always ended up doing. Guarding the gatherings with each of the Clan's own security and monitored closely every time. Oh and going for walkies around the emulating estates, the Morimoto's ones always provides the funniest ones for Oboro, they sure knew how to put on parties despite... the variety they like to put on that unnerves even Oboro.
Or the way Morimoto Akira and Morimoto Ken often treated servants at the gatherings. That smirk on Akira's especially always felt unnerving to Oboro. Nevertheless, it was not her place to intervene. No matter how much she might want to. Morimoto Tori was not someone to deal with lightly. Something even her father in law kept in mind when he dealt with them. Which didn't seem all that often, the Morimoto's were well known to shun away from Kyoto House meeting from time to time. Something which most of the clans were all too happy to oblige. The Osakabe's especially due to the 'taint' of Morimoto blood and their… history dating back to when Japan opened back up to the world again around 1850.
To which the Britannians had decided to foster some of their Imperial Family like the future Empress Clare Li Britannia. With some of the members of the Sumeragi/Kururugi family being fostered in Britannia to learn 'western' ways and encouraging Japanese merchants to ply their trade during the gold rush of the 1880's.
Which, over the years Oboro had learned going through old documents kept in the Kirihara estate and confirming with Rabbit. Had led to Japan sending people keep tabs on Britannian activities. Her grandmother had been one of those that managed to infiltrate Britannian society during the Great War and passed information back to high command. Though Oboro had not been able to find out more about her grandmothers activities or what happened to her. She had vanished toward the end of the war in Britannia. She remembered her grandfather saying they had tried, but failed to find her or get any answers from the Britannians. Maybe it's something she should look into eventually.
Sometimes, Oboro wished she could embrace her ring name of being an Iga fully in her personal life and not be tied into all these Clan ties and politics. That comes with being subordinate to a House Of Kyoto member. The back and forth between all the clans, the feuds that go on like between Natsumi and Genbu-san and so on was… just tiring to deal with at times.
All too often, a undercover becomes tangled with emotions being played, priorities becoming a web of conflictions. Backstabbing happening while the people who claim to be your friend or ally smile all the while.
However, while she would always be a Iga her mother side, being unable officially to claim it rubbed her the wrong way at times. Still, she was a Shinozaki through and through. Nothing would ever stop her from fulfilling her duty or the love she bears her father's side of the family for being a unique and set up the way it is. Besides, it was not as if she hated how things turned out. Saburo, while a grump and like his father at times.
Had never judged her as others had for the way she was, had chosen to stay at home to raise their daughter Sayoko after she was born. Despite his father's protest at him interrupting his plans for Saburo to rise up in the army (he had risen up to the rank of Captain by the time Sayako had been born). Which coloured their interactions even further at times. Oboro had lost count of how many times Taizo had tried to get his son back to being on active duty for the army.
Still, at least the room had the fragrance of flowers to abound it from any stuffy smelling, since it was Oboro's guest room after all. She would have it be no less than a marvellous site. There was a saying that you could glimpse on what a person's personality or attitude was from the way they had a room or office set up. Hence why Oboro always made sure that each room in the Dojo and Shinozaki estate had its own charm.
Wallpaper abound with bright imagery of sakura cherries, of the Cat spirits that Oboro honours. Of fine fluffy cushions that made sitting on her rear end for a fair while more pleasurable. Adoring the room with Tsubaki's, with a little daint of rosy candles that Oboro takes all the joy in filling her nostrils with at every opportunity. Mixing it in nicely with her vanilla perfume she often wore and was wearing today.
The main one being in the room they were in…a duck. Well, a picture of a Yellow fluffy duck to be precise. Since meeting rooms often had a fair bit of quacking going along. Moreover, often some real quacks and hacks to go with it.
Besides, Oboro was the mother duck and like all mothers, would flap to protect her ducklings from all harm. Or grab a beak of a disproving element.
She had to stop herself from fidgeting with her skirt or whistling. If there was one thing her father in law hated, it was the sound of whistling... or the sight of laughter.
As she had learnt the hard way when he dressed her down in private during the first meeting between herself and Saburo when they were first arranged as children. In which someone had let out some gas so loud (Oboro was sure who it was considering it came from the other side). His voice never raised once, but the way his face hardened, the daggers in his eyes and the way she felt made to lean into the wall with her back as he loomed over her with his hands on his cane.
She had wanted to muffle herself with her ponytail afterwards and practically broke down crying once he was finished dressing her down.
All because Oboro could not control her laughter or cover her face despite her father shouting at her to stop. All that tension, awkwardness of the first meeting, which had not been helped by her spilling the tea she had prepared over Saburo's face. Because she was that nervous in meeting him and making a good impression. Her father had always gone on when she was young of having a Shinozaki married to one of the Six Houses of Kyoto. So he had put so much on her to make it work and to rise their families stature up. Her mother had supported him in doing so. Believing that it would be best for her and her children.
'To some extent it has worked out... but only because I worked hard to make it work and because Saburo works with me.'
Some whispered that the only one who could make Taizo truly smile or laugh was his late wife. Kirihara Maiko. A dancer by trade, born a Kururugi and was Tendo The Builders younger sister. Oboro remembered of her late mother in law, with her flowy brunette hair, kissed by sun skin. Kururugi olives eyes. Curly hips and confident figure.
Thankfully, Maiko had comforted her afterwards and said her husband would let it go after she made clear her feelings and position on the matter. Then gave a wink, sorry hand and admitted what Oboro suspected all along, it was her who farted during the meeting and that she was glad her future daughter in law had a sense of humour.
Thankfully, he did and in time became amiable enough for Oboro to get on and work with. At least he would listen to her input and ideas. Though sometimes she wondered if it was down more to wanting to keep Saburo on side or if he really saw value in her and what she could and did bring. At least with Genbu and others, they made things clear with their raised eyebrows or awkward silence of her presence in the room.
The mention of Saburo's mother made Oboro reminisced, she likes to reminisce when she can, especially when she's balancing on the roof of her dojo with her umbrella and wondering if she could fly with it, the one time she had tried, it ended up making her legs go awe a lot for the next year and left a hole in the roof of her Dojo Shrine. Something her parents were not happy about for a fair while.
The way she lit a room up with her compliments and jokes. Oboro remembered the one about the golden egg? Which actually was because it was a long tamago, it had caused her to laugh for at least a minute in tears and got even her husband and son to crack a good chuckle.
She always graced the clan gatherings of Kyoto House with her dancing, in hosting the meetings and social gatherings of the Kirihara clan as well.
She had been the one who taught Oboro to dance. Oboro remembered fondly of how she showed her how to maintain her balance. Of the praise, she would throw when she got a move right. She was a blast to dance with when they went out around Tokyo, she had a thing for electro dances and the glow lights they had in the 80's.
'Though I managed to break her wiggles a few times before I grasped the nuance of her dances. But she never minded.'
She seemed the Ying to Taizo's Yang. She certainly does not remember a smile from her step father that wasn't at an angle or just… off since Maiko had passed on from a sudden strap infection 5 years ago when she cut herself on a nail while practising a dance for the then upcoming Kyoto House Conference. She had waded it off, as she often did. But then during the dance. She collapsed and never woke back up.
Because of that, Oboro felt for her father in law. He had always seemed to think he would go before her and according to Saburo, had prepared for everything for her to be set up once he passed on.
'Anytime he smiles these days, it makes me more determined to reconnect father and son… it's what Maiko would want… and I want it as well. Both need the other, even if they would never admit it. Despite what Saburo has told me of how he treats his other son Fumihiro and the way he ignores Hana his eldest child and Saburo's elder sister.'
Oboro looked up to see her father in law smirking just at the upper corner of his lips. She knew what this was leading into.
"The man seems to finally be showing some fire beyond his wit… right when he is about to resign. Would have been nice if he had shown it last year when he met Emperors Malcolm and Xiang at the Pacific countries conference despite his boyish charms. Especially since he ended up dropping the price of Sakuradite to ridiculous levels that ended up costing us millions. This is what happens when we allow the government to act without checking with Kyoto House first. Thankfully..." The smirk grew wider to the point Oboro was sure was out of one of those cheap Britannian horror films.
"I wasn't the one who ended up lecturing him about that. Or the tax rise his Chief of Finance was planning on our businesses. Kaida saved me the hassle when she paid him a visit at his office. One of Jun's aides mentioned how Kaida's cut through any of Jun's charms with full vigour."
Oboro could believe that, Rabbit's mother. Sumeragi Kaida-Sama was never one to allow anyone to speak for her when something rubbed her the wrong way. Which even her father in law had learnt the hard way according to Saburo when they were younger.
Even today at Kyoto House meetings. Taizo softens his words and tone when he addresses her.
Many PM's often consult with her (or with Taizo) when they first take up office to get her advice on what to do. Some take her advice, others do not. But all came out of their meeting with her knowing not to ever discount her opinion… or her family. She wasn't called the Sly Fox for nothing.
Something, which Natsumi most certainly got her perchance to speak out often from. Yet Oboro found it strange how often they seem to argue. Rabbit (which is what Oboro liked to call her due to her tenancy to scowl like a rabbit when young) though Rabbit had always prefer to be seen as a wolf, probably why she brought Filtiarn to every event or meeting she goes to. She had to tell Rabbit specifically a number of times that she did not want her feeding Filtarian in her dojo or bringing him along. He had a tenancy to bite anyone that annoyed him.
Which had resulted one time in it biting Taizo in the leg during a Kyoto House meeting when the two were arguing. Which had resulted in him having to sue a cane to walk. After that, he made it a rule that Rabbit could either leave it outside or she would be barred from representing her family at any meetings or getting any deals.
Always has had that tenancy to argue with anyone because of how strong her beliefs or views were. Opinionated was definitely the word to fit her like a glove.
Especially her sister, Shizuka-Sama, who pretty much never argued with anyone else. Even with those that held very different viewpoints from hers. She always seem to find a way to be cordial to them and disarm any tensions with her graceful smile and demeanour. Something Rabbit had ranted a number of times during their nights out round Tokyo and in her own nightclub, Rabbit was often there every weekend, hanging out with a variety of people, from celebs, to friends. Oboro could say one thing about that, Rabbit knew how to throw a good time most of the time.
Oboro personally felt that Rabbit was fearless and in many ways, admirable for taking to the platform the way she does and refusing to back down from those that disagree with her lightly. For the causes she stand and believes in, few Japanese spoke out about doing more for disabled people and for those that were… gay. For the ambitions she holds, which she knew their father was going to bring up at somepoint during their meeting. She was not Chief Director of Sumeragi Conglomerate at 27 just because it's her families company.
Along with she was not afraid to call someone out, or kick them in the balls or bite them as Genbu-Sama had found out the hard way more than once. It had been what led to Natsumi and Haru-Chan becoming friends. As she had intervened on some of the Kururugi's and Morimoto relatives bullying on him when they were teenagers.
But other times… she could get overbearing and rather tiresome, especially since she would make a competition out of everything, from drinking games, to who could get the highest on Dance Dance or when they played Risk and she expected her opponent to be aggressive. It was fun when they were younger, but now…. It felt like a chore. Her drinking antics were something Oboro was getting concerned about. The time when Rabbit came over at 3am along with her… night friends, which had resulted in words being said and items being broken. It still remained in her and her husband's mind to this day. Saburo had nearly hit her in the process for her actions waking up their recently born daughter. The only thing that stopped her from cutting ties it was Natsumi atonement and promising to never do it again.
She nearly ended her friendship with Natsumi over it until she came back the next week after she needed time to cool off from her, apologised with the only time she ever knelt to her with head on the very tatami mat they were sitting on. Then basically spent the next 2 weeks clearing up all the damage she had caused. Though Saburo had taken longer to forgive for what she had done, by longer Oboro meant nearly a year, the two often didn't see eye to eye on a few matters. It had taken to sitting the pair down herself, refusing to let them leave until they talked like adults. It may have taken 6 hours before either one made an effort. But they eventually reconciled after letting the other know what they thought of each other and agreeing to work on their flaws and appreciating the others viewpoint.
'The things I do for my loved ones.'
Rabbits could also be, pretty frustrating with how her temper flares more often these days, usually Haru being the victim of Rabbit's irritation. She even took exception to being called Rabbit by pretty much everyone these day, despite knowing Oboro meant it with great affection. In many ways, Oboro felt she kind of needs to get over herself and take herself less seriously.
Oh and to stop snapping her fingers so much. Oboro really hated when she snapped her fingers loudly.
'If any other woman acted the way Rabbit acts like at times, they would either be fired at work. Scolded or disowned by their family. As much as I love her as one of my oldest and dearest friends. She can be really blind to what her family name protects her from.'
Yet this is true of anyone that is a friend. Especially one that goes back years like theirs does despite the near decade age gap between them, Oboro can't remember Natsumi being friends with anyone but Haru-Chan (he was about two years younger), that were her same age as her. Natsumi was and always would be Rabbit to Oboro.
'The shadow of a sibling like Shizuka-Sama is very hard to ignore or not be affected by. Saburo knows that all too well with the shadow his father hangs over him.'
"Which brings us to the matter of what to do once Fushita's resignation is confirmed officially. The fifth victim in five years. Goodness me, it's disgraceful to see such meaderness from our government for so long. I will not allow this to stand, Japan's flower must remain strong, it's youth committed to its prosperity."
"Is this where you bring up that Sumeragi-Sama should step up to be Prime Minister again father?" Saburo basically huffing as he said it. Oboro was interested as well to see what Taizo would say on this matter.
It was well known that he had tried to convince Shizuka-Sama to step up to the position each time a Prime Minister resigned, was fired or in the case of the last one, had a heart attack and dropped dead during a debate.
Oboro could see Taizo taking a long frustrated breath as the frown deepened, eyes digged into the skull as though a bad memory was cropping up, looking out the window to the doku dinking in water.
"No, Shizuka-san made it clear two years ago she would never take up the reign of being Prime Minister of Japan. Typical of her really, for all her talk of her belief system, she refuses to actually do anything with it. Shame overall, all that talent, training and experience I gave her, all that size and disposition, her family name. A true waste of such a rare flower. Once soiled, it never grows back…" Taizo said as if he was speaking of someone who had died.
Oboro had to discreetly mouth to Dai if Taizo had just said what he had just said. Dai sent a signal back indicating that he had. Turning her head to give a slight frown at Taizo for his remarks. Oboro could see her digging her hand into her gloved fist. The snap crackle and pop sound of it reaching her ears. If it reached Taizo's ears, he didn't give any indication.
Oboro could see Saburo's lips go even thinner than they were already.
She really had to dig her fingernails into her skirt to calm herself before Taizo looked back at her and spotted her reaction. She couldn't give anything away that would make her father in law suspect her.
Oboro was sure the winds of winter had blustered into the room for the last few minutes. She wished she had worn a cardigan now that the hairs of her skin were all standing up. Oboro couldn't stand the coldness on her skin.
"... An utter shame, since Japan needs the guidance she could have provided more than ever. Ironically, it seems Natsumi-Chan is the one that has that ambition from what the rumours are going around at the moment. As if anyone in Kyoto or the government is going to accept someone who has never learned proper manners or respect for her elders. She a certain level of intelligence and confidence I will give her that. But her as Prime Minister? It will be her own doom." Taizo nonchalantly said.
Oboro really had to restrain herself from speaking out, she wanted to say while Natsumi's goal was difficult, it was far from being impossible. She wouldn't be the first business person to take the reign if she does manage the feat. She has the last name to appeal to many parties. The Sumeragi's had lineage going back to the foundation of Japan, they were respected by most. Feared by everyone in Japan and across the world. But also loved by a decent number as well.
If anyone could be break down the barriers down and allow women the chance to be more equal, Rabbit could. Though could is the key word Oboro thought. Natsumi needed to work on her flaws, for starters learning that obsessing on winning arguments was not what most wanted for a PM. She would need allies in both parties and the Diet. Something Oboro knew she was working on as she thought it.
"Well father, who exactly would you have as Prime Minister since you disapprove of anyone who has a mind of their own?" Saburo sarcastically said.
"...Yoshino Hironori, he's respected without being arrogant about it. He knows when to listen. He's served in government for years. His family is well known, respected for having to help mediate the peace treaty of 1945, keeping our independence, making sure Emperor Yoshimoto's family were well cared for after his... suicide along with my... I remember watching his father in action and standing tall against the Britannian, Russian and Chinese diplomats who tried to break our country up into pieces for themselves. Those were the days. If there was another family I would want as a Kyoto House member, it would be the Yoshino's." Taizo reminisce as Oboro noticed a softer smile crept over him.
So he could still smile like that.
"I'm surprised by your choice father?" Saburo said as he raised his left eyebrow.
Oboro could hear Taizo let out a small chuckle at his son's remark.
"Hmm, were you under the delusion I was considering my nephew in law's bid to be PM? Dear dear boy, you have so much to learn. That Turtle may be related by blood via my late wife. But that does not mean I would want him being in that kind of position. Like Natsumi-chan. Genbu-bo is ill fit to be anything more than what he currently is. A Lieutenant General who swings his sword at what we tell him to swing it at. It's the only useful aspect to him. That and having the last name Kururugi. His late father would be ashamed of him if he still lived."
Oboro could see her husband tense up at how Taizo was dissipating about the man he had served under once. Saburo didn't like it when someone spoke curtly of anyone in the military.
Oboro was going to say nothing on the matter of Kururugi Genbu in front of her father in law, she did not have much fondness for him due to how arrogant he is along with how he talked down to other people, especially her often, but at the same time. She pitied the boy she had known, in many ways. Genbu was like Natsumi, someone who was overlooked by their relatives, pushed to representing and honouring the family at all times. It was little wonder he had taken to the military the way he had. If there was one thing Oboro would always give Kururugi Genbu, was that he was willing to go the distance and fight on the front lines, unlike some of the commanders in the Japanese military.
"But anyways, enough on the subject of an empty position. We have other affairs to attend to. What with we are up against." Oboro then saw Taizo stand up, using his cane to steady himself. He looked out to the gardens. Where they could now see some of her and Saburo's students practising in the centre of the gardens, right near where the blossoms of spring were blooming. The raking of sand by the Dojo apprentices. The river of streams ringing round into the basins as the Dojo students practised their lessons. Others walking along the path that Saburo had spent the last summer paving out with the students as part of a team building project.
Oboro could smell the ever delight of the flowers blossoming within her gardens.
From where she was sitting, She was pretty sure she could make out… Tatsu-Chan was it with the spiky short boyish hair and constant grinning whenever she taught the younger students of the Dojo? Goofing off by doing karate chops and summersaults near the snow lantern, amusing some of their fellow students until one of the instructors came over and she ran off as they chased after her as she ran across the rooftops of the outer dojo buildings with the students cheering her on.
"That one." Oboro heard her husband mutter under his breath as he frowned.
That one was certainly plucky if nothing else. Someone for her to keep an eye on for future development maybe?
Then Taizo coughed raspily, which bought Oboro's attention back to him as he still stood facing out at the garden.
"To the East, We have Malcolm and his crude ways. To the West, we have the unrest and ill breeding of Xiang's son and the generals that eye us with the likely abdication of Xiang coming soon in light of the unrest across China. To the further west, we have a EU that seems unsure on what it wants to be and allowing a sub Britannia to rise at the edge of their borders in Eastern Europe. To the North, we have a Russia that could go either way with the EU or with Euro Britannia depending on what it's people decide. Through all of this, lies opportunity. Along with to the south with India if your reports are accurate Oboro. If you please, share them with us." Taizo finished as he sat back down on his cushion seat.
Oboro practically lifted off her straight back as soon as he finished speaking and hearing her name, ignoring the slight pain that raffled throughout her body when she did so, she would show no dint to anyone. Her skirt dusted and perfect as it flowed. Eyes twinkling and the smile expanding as she took the floor. These parts were always where Oboro felt she could fluff her wings fully.
She had signalled to Hanzo at the door via her hand to be ready the moment she beckoned to him to fetch the reports and bring the tablet. It was always most prudent to be running with the left foot while jumping with the right foot.
As always with her ducklings, nimble and silence as the Owl masked duckling, that is Hanzo approached her with the documents and tablet. Bowing respectfully as they took their leave with great haste.
Saburo tapped her leg slightly to indicate his faith in her.
"Yes indeed, our contacts within India strongly indicate that exiled Maharajah Singh and his wife Maharani Balaprada. Along with the main Indian resistance groups. Are on the verge of possibly launching a major campaign to free themselves of Britannia's control of their country." Oboro then passed out photos of the Maha's at the European Union's, Council of Forty.
Which covered everything country in Europe, including the Vatican and Central/Eastern European countries that had split from either Russia (which had either conquered or intervene in domestic troubles during the decades after the Great War to spread their influence), Germany (Which still had Prussian territories in Poland and around Austria/Switzerland), Czechoslovakia or Yugoslavia after the end of the EU-Russian war.
Maharani Balaprada looked especially gracious in her wear and attitude, a contrast to her husband stoic face and smart bandhgala as he spoke.
With a somewhat portly bearded scarred man behind them, looking serious as well. The very person whom she was about to refer.
"Though we suspect this will depend on what happens at the Chinese/Britannian conference next month, to which we will have our personal in position to monitor and potentially take advantage of. Our main agent in the area, Goru reported that recently, they had made contact with one of the Maharajah's closest people. Who we also know is connected to some interesting people within Europe, specifically the Mercenary Outfit, the Golden Company. Who we know their board members to be people of high influence or positions within the EU. Some I believe you already know Kirihara-sama." Oboro then spread out pictures to everyone in the room.
Each one of known board members of the GC, From Chief Director Oswald Leland sitting with his cigar in mouth at the International Business Conference in Frankfurt. The EU's Minister of Business Otto Müller could be seen sat next to him chatting pleasantly.
"Ah yes Director Leland, always seems to like his own jokes whenever I deal with him. Constantly making so called witty remarks. Mr Muller on the other hand is a lot more pleasant to deal with. A man that knows his accounts and figures." Taizo noted dryly.
Director of Logistics Francesco Caspari overlooming along with his wife Greta, both dressed flamboyantly and flashy like in suit and fashion dress. Bowing with great reverence in their meeting with Pope Pius XIV and the rest of the Vatican Priests.
"Is he wearing perms in his hair? And chaps in his mouth." Dai booming her baritone for the first time today while trying to suppress a smile at the photo.
Oboro knew that Dai appreciated when a man showed interests in feminine hygiene.
Taizo just shook his head at the sight. Saburo shrugged, Oboro had to stop herself from thinning her own glossed lips.
'Honestly, what exactly is the problem some people have with a man wearing perms and having a manicure? It's actually quite nice to see a man appreciate and know how much effort goes into makeup and other things most men have naught a clue on.'
To Director of Intelligence, Elizabeth Norwood in her braid wrapped dirty blonde slightly wavy tresses, her emeralds sparkling with passion as she spoke with EU officials, her height being on the same level as many of the men. Along with a shorter French/Swiss islander brown braided white blonde pudgy young woman at her side. Looking a little awkward and not as confident but managing to engage in talks as she passed out sheets of what looked like charts and data.
She was Elena Burgin, Assistant Director for the Golden Companies Europe Intel Division. Oboro knew that the Golden Company had Intelligence divisions in Africa and ln Britannia countries as well.
"Is this the person that is close to the Maharajah's contact?" Taizo looking up form the photos enquired.
"No, but we have been informed that Director Norwood is the direct superior of the Maharajah's contact in the Golden Company and is on good terms with him. With Miss Burgin being the second in command and often point of conduct." Oboro confidently replied.
Rabbit had specifically asked her to look into Elena's boss when she had first approached her about a possibly of dealing with the rising situation in China. All she would say when asked why look into the Golden Company specifically compared to other Merc companies like say. Extra Order, Or why she was considering hiring them in the first place when the situation was not exactly at the war phrase yet. She merely stated that Elena's boss was of personal interest to Sumeragi affairs.
Oboro had heard through her agents that there had been a recent incident where an ancient artefact in Britannia had gone missing during a transportation from a Archaeology site. Golden Company agents had apparently been spotted at the site days before in disguise of local uni students of Pendragon University. Rabbit had spurted her coffee on Oboro when she told her about it. She knew part of Rabbit duties in the Sumeragi Clan related to collecting or finding artefacts. She wondered if this ancient one was the spark that got Rabbit wanting to dig into it all.
Her own view was that Elena's boss certainly was a potential option to go with in case was does break out. The Golden Company's reputation and history in Europe was certainly held in higher esteem compared to other merc companies around. Plus, they would be hiring a unit that is led by someone who served in the EU-Russia war and has operated according to her intel in various operations and warzones. Along with strong ties to the Indian resistance and their leaders. That would be a valuable asset to have if Japan went to war.
She planned to meet with Rabbit in the next week to update her on what was happening and what she had found out about the Director of Intelligence of Europe for the GC.
'I would certainly be interested in working with them if it comes to what we fear it will come to. I also heard that I have a fan in Miss Burgin's boss. It will be nice to work with someone who appreciates my talents.'
"We sent Hikaru to this the very meeting in Joshimath that we managed to arrange with Hui Ying's aide and the pair in question. Akane managed to capture a few interesting clips of them with Britannian special forces, Viceroy of India Grand Duke Rendon Soresi and General Xinghe's troops impacting the meeting." Oboro continued outlining to everyone in the room.
She then tapped into the rather bulky tablet to find the video relevant to their discussion. One of Natsumi's prototypes for what she deemed the next stage of watching fiction. Personally, Oboro preferred VHS for being able to rewind more easily.
Akane, had fitted the camera into her bird mask so the angle would be not the greatest on some of the scenes. Along with the distance she was at according to her report.
The view of it was from within the Forest of Nanda Devi, good thing she trained her ducklings to climb trees and use height to their advantage. Akane had always been fond of running up to the top of any tree she could find. Though it meant she had gotten stuck on the high ones once or twice and Oboro had to come and fetch her down.
Oh, the beauty of the flowers there, Oboro remembered wading through them and embracing all the fragrance they gave off. Even Saburo had cracked through his frown that day with the flower necklace he made for her. He had expressed interest in returning to India one day. Maybe all of these events might provide him with that opportunity.
She had gone undercover a number of times in India. Back in the 80's, when Japanese Intelligence undertook Operation Janba to try and influence activities. But the tribes around Northern Eastern India, mostly those that wanted to split into a separate country were busy with supporting the tribes of Afghanistan against the Russian occupation and not much against Britannian or Chinese interests at the time.
Complete web of complexity Oboro knew it was, something she wondered what it would lead to if India were liberated from Britannian rule. Especially since China has continued to advance their borders beyond Tibet since Russia was beaten in its war with the EU five years ago. Xiang's son, the Crown Prince had seen to that with his conquests that his generals like Xinghe contributed with Mongolia being conquered five years ago.
Xinghe and Viceroy Soresi's troops were at a standoff as they both surrounded Hikaru, Hui's aide and The Maharajah/Golden Company personal in the middle of the forest and near the flower beds. While the local villagers looked on in fear of the tension sparkling up from a distance.
The main group, while not moving. Oboro could make out were positioning and readying themselves for combat. Ying's aide being made to take cover by her guards and by Maharajah's representative.
"Well, it seems they know some tactical sense to prepare themselves and take the non combatants out of the danger zone." Saburo quipped in.
Xinghe, in full armour gear, towering over the runty figure of the Viceroy. Draped in his detailed robes, curly cocoa hair crowning his biggish head, adorned with a tiger petted cloak. Whagging a paper around and poking Xinghe in the chest. Barking at each other of who had jurisdiction and the borderlines of the forest. An all too familiar tale Oboro knew about, Japan often had border disputes with China and Russia over islands near Kyushu and Hokkaido (the latter mainly due to gas lines and depots in the region). The later had come back under Japanese control during the war.
At one point, Japan had Vladstosk and the nearby coastline under control. Major General Kururugi Genbu had taken it along with his Major, Amashita Kiyomasa when Japan entered the war in late 89. Saburo had served under both at the time and rants even to this day. Of how distasteful he found Kiyomasa especially and the people, both Kiyomasa and Genbu kept under their thumbs.
'Saburo never went into detail about what Kiyomasa did, but the face he makes every time he hears about it or someone brings it up. Speaks volumes alone. War often influences instincts in people peace tends to quell.'
It had been why Saburo would roll his eyes every time he saw nationalism, glory of war or crude comments from any of their ducklings or with people like Tatsunori Osakabe.
Something he had no trouble taking them to task about. Which Oboro had to sometimes step in to make sure it didn't escalate.
After the war, Japan had receded control back to Russia after the Liberal party and Shizuka-Sama had complained to Prime Minister Juri Fukumoto about the legality of the Military's actions. Which had gotten Shizuka some backlash in Kyoto House and the more fervent members of the military, press etc. due to her participation in some of the skirmishes and the final battle of Moscow. Oboro remembered Saburo walking up to Major Kiyomasa and his cohorts glanhandling Shizuka and stating his support for her actions.
Along with speaking out in public about it all, it had led his father to refuse to even speak to him for six months after he had tried to talk him out of speaking to the press. No one in Taizo's family spoke out of turn or out of place publicly or without his approval.
'I remember Chiba-san basically hounding us for the next year trying to contribute to her campaigning and activism, allegedly on Shizuka-Sama's behalf. Which I doubt since Shizuka-Sama either arranges her charity drives herself or has her Lady in Waiting, Tomoko-Chan visit people or businesses to arrange donations.'
"I think, you will be interested to see what happens next in this video." Oboro continued as she resume the video play.
The shouting match between Xinghe and Soresi escalated while the special forces leader, Someone with what looked like stylish long wavy oily blonde hair. Attempted to get things back on track between the supposed allies of China and Britannia.
Tensions boiled over when the bang went off. The range from where the camera was on Akane's did not make it clear on which side set them off. But that had led the boiler to tumble over.
Soresi tried to swing at him, missing while being knocked out in one punch as he embedded the flowerbed he slipped into. Pedals flying around and covering the Viceroy and his troops.
"What a imbecile. Trying to hit a military trained man, especially one with the fighting skills General Xinghe has, he's lucky he didn't chop him to bits."
A cry that sounded like now rang, as she was certain Akane moved closer to get a better view.
Bangs of smoke covered the view, but Oboro could tell that there was some vines swooning two people into the trees. Pops of gunfire continued to sweeten the Camera's audio feed as figures moved from tree to tree.
"Honestly, what is the Viceroy thinking in not having his troops take cover by the trees? It is basic military tactics. You can see Xinghe troops doing it the moment the smoke goes off." Oboro heard her husband grumble as the Viceroy's troops continued to fire amongst the smoke.
His military training and passion shining through. Oboro remembered as kids he would watch old videos of famous battles, read through books. Learning all there was to conducting strategies and tactics of war. She found most of it to be somewhat dry, having always preferred the intrigues of Intel gathering or sneaking behind enemy lines. Along with flying in the square circle.
"Probably because the Viceroy is clearly not a military man and is what usually is the weak link in these type of situations.. A politician." Dai retorted.
"Indeed," Saburo agreed.
"Silence, the video is still playing." Taizo said as silence become the forte once more.
Then things got really interesting, Like many Britannians Oboro had fought against in her years. The special forces leader, pulled out their sword and basically went medieval on the Chinese troops buttocks, Oboro could not abide swearing, it was one of few matters which she felt the west were uncivilized for allowing to spread. Oboro could not get that saying out of her head due to Rabbit constantly quoting from the film it's from.
Then, the cries of twin sword slashing through the human body was intercepted by the sound of what Oboro was sure was a spear or lance clanging against it. The smoke clearing up to vaguely allowed everyone to see the site.
Someone in a smart looking suit, was wielding a spear in one hand, while wielding a short spear in the other. Twirling them as they clashed with the twins of swords. Sparks flying as what sounded like a woo sprouted out.
That a true medieval battle was underway. Which lasted for a minute before dissipating with smoke covering the field again as Oboro was certain the suit looking figure flew into the air and trees with ferocity along with another figure that was more of slender build and looked like their hair had unravelled from its tied up state.
Hui Ying's aide was running with her two guards towards the open road and what looked like jeeps.
Streams of blood continued to spray over the flowers from the cut limbs and bullet wound flying around. Cover fire from the trees continued as troops on both side struggle to navigate via the smoke. Cries of pain sprouted out as Oboro viewed the video.
Eventually the camera moved away from the forest and caught up with the party as they ran at full throttle.
"Akane, we need go now. Cut the feed!" Hikaru shouted, but not before someone was heard saying.
"I like to thank everyone for their attendance and I hope we passed the audition Oboro?"
"...Audition?" Taizo and Saburo both said at the same time. Looking at Oboro with suspicion in their eyes. Dai merely just shook her head in confusion of what that remark was supposed to mean.
Oboro stretched her lips into the biggest smile she could muster, baring her teeth until her cheeks were hurting.
"Wrestling audition, It's an audition for my wrestling company. They are big fans and want to join our company." Oboro practically could feel the lie fill the room.
She was certain they were buying it. Though she could still see the doubt in her husband's eye of the authenticness of it.
'I was told that Elena's boss had a certain… sense of humour. Now I see why.'
She knew that he was sending someone to meet with her today to discuss the Rabbit/China thing.
In fact they were due any… oh fudge. Oboro looked at her watch, they were due in 10 minutes.
She signalled to Hanzo at the to come in and pretend he was delivering bad news. It had come in handy once or twice before.
"My Lord Kirihara, deepest apologies for cutting this meeting short. But we need to attend to a matter that's just come up that I must attend to." Oboro practically sprouted out as she rushed to her feet to open the door for her father in law.
He eyed her with suspicion as to the abruptness of her comments and actions. But pushed it no further. Seeing as he had other matters to attend to as well.
"...right of course, I think we are done here. Thank you for your time, it has been most stimulating for both us. Time to see how my granddaughter is doing" Taizo said as he and Dai bowed and took their leave.
Oboro and Saburo returning it by the doorway as Hanzo showed them out.
Oboro faffed around the room to make it ready for their next guest. She always fretted when this happened.
She felt her husband's hand on her shoulder.
"Relax, it will be fine. It can't be any worse than what we just went through." Saburo said as he made sure no crests had formed in his outfit.
Hanzo appeared a few minutes after Oboro had tidied up the room, not a cushion or picture was out of place. Bringing a new set of tea and biscuits for their second guests of the day.
Along with the set of reports and documents they would need for their meeting.
"Oboro-sama, your guest has arrived."
"Very good Hanzo, show him in." Oboro said.
The doors opened and Oboro saw a site… she was not expecting.