Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina; that goes to Ken Akamatsu and other respective owners.
A/N: I'm not too confident with this chapter. I don't know if it acceptable. If you like it, awesome, if not, oh well.
Chapter 5
Keitaro was surprised to see his employer and mentor on the scene and the fact that he just saved him from being punched again.
"Seta…" Keitaro muttered.
"Keitaro, are you all right?" Seta asked out of concern for his worker.
"Yes, thank you."
"S-Seta, why are you-" Naru tried to ask.
"Is this how you try to solve your problems, Naru?" Seta asked.
"Seta, I can explain."
"Then please do," Seta said as he let go of Naru's hand, "I want to know why you were about to punch Keitaro here."
"Papa, it's all his fault," Sarah spoke going to her father and pointing at Keitaro.
Seta looked at his daughter, "Sarah, I was asking Naru. Please don't interrupt, okay?"
"Okay," Sarah said in low tone looking down.
Seta went back to look at Naru and waited then he looked at the rest of the girls.
"Well, if Naru isn't going to say anything, then perhaps one of you may know why Naru was going to punch Keitaro."
The girls were silent.
"Does this happen all the time?" Seta asked.
There was still silence.
Keitaro was about to say something, "Seta, this is exactly-"
"Keitaro, I'm sorry to interrupt. I know what you're going to say but I want see if I can hear it from Naru or any of them."
Motoko shook her head angry that this man had the gall to stop Naru from doing what she felt was right and went to the Tokyo U's archeologist, "I should have know, another male thinking he can do what he wants," Motoko drew her sword and pointed her sword at Seta, much to everyone shock, "I would appreciate it if you kept your perverted hands to yourself."
"Motoko, what are you doing?" Naru asked panicking.
"He had his perverted hand on you, Naru. I'm merely assisting you."
"Motoko, put that away!" Naru demanded.
Motoko was confused, "Huh? Why?"
Sarah kicked Motoko's left shin and caused her to fall and dropped her sword.
"DON'T YOU EVER POINT THAT THING AT MY PAPA!" Sarah screamed furious at the swordswoman's action.
Motoko was wincing in pain and cursed herself for not thinking, "My…my apologies."
Naru looked at Seta, "I'm so sorry about this."
"Papa, are you okay?" Sarah asked concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine," Seta answered, "I wonder, is this what she does to every male she comes in contact?"
The girls except for Motoko went pale at Seta's question.
"Motoko didn't mean anything by it," Shinobu said, "she thought Naru-senpai was in danger. She was just trying to help."
"Really?" Seta was looking at Shinobu, "Is that how you see it when she uses her attacks on Keitaro?"
"Uh…well…no of course not…" Shinobu wasn't sure what to say, "It's all a misunderstanding…" Shinobu cringed when she saw that Seta was giving a look that said 'that is unacceptable'.
Seta looked back at Naru, "Well, are you going to tell me why you were about to punch Keitaro before I stopped you?"
"Because he a jerk, a coward, and a traitor," Naru said trying to justified her action.
"Naru, you don't mean that," Mutsumi said trying to calm her down.
"Yes I do," Naru pointed at Keitaro, "this fool has been in love with me since he showed up at the inn. He always bothered me with things he should be able to handle on his own. He can't go through one day without trying to peep on us. He's always doing something perverted. But despite all that, I thought he was doing better. I decided to be in a relationship with him after his constant pursuing but then he pulls a stunt like this. It's unacceptable. Keitaro Urashima is nothing more than a coward who just ran away last night and is looking for pity."
"That's right," Motoko agreed as she was recovering from her pain standing up, "if Urashima wants to run like the coward he is, fine. Personally for me, it just means that the purity of the inn will be restored and we won't have to put up with his perversion and idiocy any longer."
Keitaro was angry at Naru and Motoko's character assassination towards him. Sarah nodded her head in agreement. Shinobu and Mutsumi were shaking their heads in disbelief. Su was still shaken and Kitsune couldn't believe what they were saying.
"That still doesn't answer my question," Seta said.
"What? What do you mean?" Naru asked.
"That still doesn't explain why were about to punch Keitaro. Did he touch you when you didn't want it right now or attempted to do that with you or any of the girls here?"
"Well…no. But he insulted us. You don't know the things he just said."
"Actually, I do."
"Papa, how could you know?" Sarah asked.
"I listened in on your conversations before I stopped Naru from punching Keitaro."
The girls were surprised as was Keitaro.
"Wait Seta," Kitsune spoke, "you were listening?"
"Yes I was and that includes Sarah's reasons as well," he looked at his adopted daughter much to Sarah's dismay, "yes Sarah, I heard of the things you said to Keitaro. I never knew you despised him just because he's working for me."
"But Papa, he-" Sarah tried to reason but Seta shook his head and interrupted.
"Sarah, we can talk about this later. Right now, I think it would be best if you ladies leave right now."
"But Seta, you don't understand," Naru spoke.
"Naru, stop," Seta replied, "as far as I'm concerned and what I saw and heard, you seem to make it a habit of lashing out unreasonably and that's not good. For now, I suggest you all leave except for Sarah for I need to have a talk with my daughter."
"We should go," Kitsune suggested.
"Are you serious?" Naru asked her best friend.
"Naru, if we don't leave now, all we're going to do make things worse at the moment," Mutsumi said.
Naru gave in, "Fine." She looked back at Keitaro, who was giving her a cold stare. She gave a cold stare of her own.
Motoko glared at Keitaro and thought her vow, "This isn't over Urashima, I swear you won't get away with this I won't let you get away of questioning my honor and pride as a warrior."
Shinobu looked at her senpai again, "Senpai, I'm really sorry."
"Don't waste your apologies on this idiot. There is nothing to apology to him for," Motoko said coldly.
"Don't say that," Shinobu responded upset.
Motoko ignored her as she and Naru started leaving first and Shinobu went to face Keitaro again.
"Senpai, regardless of what they say, I'm sure they don't really mean it. They're just upset. I know you may not believe this but I'm glad you were our manager and I'm so, so sorry that this happened," Shinobu said, "I wish you hadn't left and I'm sad at the fact that so many things happened to the point where you don't feel comfortable around me. It hurts to hear something like that."
"Keitaro," Mutsumi spoke, "I know you won't believe me but I want you to know that Naru is really hurt by this. She's upset that you don't want to her boyfriend anymore. She just has trouble to really express that."
Keitaro looked away as if he was disgusted.
Mutsumi continued, "I know you tried to work it out…I…no, anything I say would seem like an excuse to you. I just want you to know that I'm also hurt that you don't comfortable around me as well."
Su was about to attempt to touch Keitaro again but was stopped by Kitsune, who shook her head with a sad expression. Su looked down feeling depressed.
The rest of girls except for Sarah were leaving. Seta looked at Keitaro, "Say part timer, why don't you go ahead and go home."
Keitaro was surprised, "But Seta, there's still work that needs to done."
"Yeah but there's no rush," Seta gave a reassuring smile, "I'm sure this has been rough. We can get back to it tomorrow."
Keitaro was still unsure but he trusted the older man, "Well, if it's okay, then I'll go. I'll see you tomorrow then."
Keitaro went to Seta's office to get his things and then left the university. After that, Seta looked at his daughter and Sarah was nervous.
"Sarah, let's talk. You know, father to daughter."
Sarah only nodded as it didn't take much for the little American to know that it had to do with the person she hated more now than before.
The rest of the girls were leaving the campus grounds.
"The nerve of that idiot," Naru ranted, "he breaks up with for his own selfish reasons. He takes the easy way out and shirks off his responsibilities." But on the inside, Naru was actually sad and upset, "Why? Why would he break up with me? Doesn't he realize how much this hurts? No, I can't let end like this. I have to get him to see that's he's making a mistake. Just you wait Keitaro; I'll make you regret breaking up with me."
Motoko was fuming at the fact that Keitaro said she had no honor. There was no way she was going to let that slide. Shinobu and Su were depressed about the whole thing. Su couldn't bring herself to be cheerful and Shinobu cursed herself for not being there for senpai when it mattered. Kitsune was wondering why she kept playing tricks and put her former manager through problems for her own amusement. She wondered if she could find a way to make it up to him. She regretted that it took her this long and the things that Keitaro said to her to realize that she was being cruel. Mutsumi kept looking at Naru to see how she was feeling. She saw the look and anger and annoyance on her face. She figured it was a façade to hide her true feelings. Mutsumi realized that her friend had a habit of hiding how she feels and she was beginning to wonder why she always did that even when she saw her and Keitaro together. She couldn't stop thinking about the fact that Keitaro said he felt uncomfortable around her. That hurt her more than anything and she couldn't believe that Keitaro would say something so hurtful and it was like a dagger to her heart. She was disappointed with herself for not helping Keitaro when it mattered and when she saw he was in pain, instead of helping him, she figured that he would just bounce back like he always did in the past. It seems that the pain Keitaro felt just kept growing and it was too much.
"Some friend I am," Mutsumi said to herself sarcastically.
Shinsuke's Apartment Building
Keitaro had just arrived at the apartment building. When he opened the main doors, he was saw a woman in her late thirties with long brown hair tied to a ponytail, brown eyes, green long sleeved dress with black dress shoes.
The woman saw Keitaro and smiled, "Oh hello, you must be Keitaro."
"Oh yes, hello," Keitaro greeted with a bow.
The woman walked over to Keitaro and bowed as well, "I'm Isana, Shinsuke's wife."
"Oh, so you're Isana, it's nice to finally meet you."
"And you as well. Follow me; I'll let my husband know you've return."
"Thank you," Keitaro said with a smile.
Keitaro followed Isana to see Shinsuke while having a conversation with each other.
Hinata Inn
The girls had just arrived back at the dorm. They were walking up the steps of the Hinata Inn. They soon got to the door and when Naru opened the door. They were surprised to see of the people they saw.
"Welcome back girls," Hina said though the tone of her voice was not pleasant.
"G-Granny?" Naru spoke.
"H-Hi Granny," Kitsune said trying to lighten things, "What brings you here?"
Kanako appeared before them and was giving death glares to the girls, "You miserable witches."
"Kanako, stop," Hina scolded.
"Don't tell my daughter to stop," a woman's voice said, "after all, they deserve it after what they've done."
Nanami appeared along with her husband Kyoshiro.
"What's going on here?" Motoko asked, "Why is there a male here?" She was pointing at Kyoshiro.
"Why? Are planning to attack my husband as you did my son?" Nanami asked glaring at Motoko.
"Your son?"
"Keitaro, my son, the one you horrible girls victimized."
The girls were shocked and surprised.
"Are you two Keitaro's parents?" Shinobu asked.
"Yes, we are," Kyoshiro answered glaring at Shinobu which made feel uneasy.
"Girls, we need to have a talk right now," Hina said.
"What's there to talk about?" Kanako asked, "I say we boot them out now so that Keitaro can come back."
"I see," Kitsune said, "you know that Keitaro left the dorm."
"I received a call from him last night," Hina replied, "I tried to convince him not to quit but he wouldn't even budge. I don't like the fact that my grandson left the place, which is his birthright mind you, because he felt of having too many bad experiences by the tenants. I want all of you in the living room. We need to talk, also, before any of you says anything, my son Kyoshiro is going to here so I don't want any protests about my son being here just because he's a man."
"But Granny-" Naru and Motoko immediately started.
"What did I just say?" Hina said in anger glaring at Naru and Motoko.
"Sorry," Naru spoke.
"My apologies," Motoko spoke.
"Looks like things just went from bad to worse," Kitsune thought dreading how this was going to turn out.
Mutsumi, Shinobu, and Su were feeling nervous, from the way Keitaro's mother and sister was acting; they demanded vengeance for grief Keitaro went through.
They all had a place to sit in the living room. Hina sat next to her son and daughter-in-law and Kanako sat next to her grandmother.
Hina decided to speak, "What I want to know is what happened? What has been going on here for three years?"
"There really is nothing to talk about Granny Hina except that your grandson is a cowardly, vile male," Motoko said bluntly.
This made Keitaro's parents and sister angry and Hina was hurt at what Motoko said.
"Don't talk about my brother like that!" Kanako said.
"It's true," Motoko said then she looked at Kyoshiro and Nanami, "your son is a vile pervert that looks for any excuse to peep on us. He's only running because he realized that his perversion won't get by with us."
"You little witch," Nanami said growling as Kyoshiro looked like he was about to go ballistic, "From the way you're dressed, I take it you're Motoko Aoyama, the little bitch that been using her damn sword techniques on my unarmed son."
Motoko wasn't backing down, "You should curse yourself for having such a miserable son."
"MOTOKO!" Hina said in a loud voice, "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Is this how you react towards Keitaro all the time?"
"It's not just me, Naru feels the same way. Shinobu cries because that pervert is always doing something to her. He tries to take advantage of Kitsune and Mutsumi here, and he tries to blame Su here for his so-called accidents just because she builds something. This pathetic excuse for a human being has the nerve to say I have no honor. Hah! A vile male that says I have no honor and brings disgrace to my clan is laughable and unjustified claim."
"Motoko, stop it," Kitsune demanded upset with Motoko's attitude and ranting, "Just what the hell are you saying?"
"Yes, Motoko, stop saying these horrible things about Keitaro," Mutsumi demanded, "You know they're not true."
"You're just upset because Senpai said you have no honor and I'm seeing that's he's right," Shinobu said.
Motoko was shock, mostly that Shinobu actually agreed of what Keitaro said.
Motoko looked at Naru, "Naru, please say something. You agree, right? He broke up with you just because you wouldn't let his perversion run rampant."
"I'm warning Aoyama," Kanako growled ready to give her a beating, "if you don't stop right now…."
"ENOUGH!" Hina shouted and brought everyone's attention, "Motoko, I'm disgusted that you would say such things. If my grandson was really as perverted as you say, there is no way I would allow him to be manager and owner of the Hinata Inn and property."
"But it's true," Naru spoke.
"What's that?" Hina asked irritated.
"Tell us why Granny?" Naru demanded, "Why would you let a guy, even it's your own grandson, run an all-girls dormitory?"
"I have my reasons. I thought that since he is my grandson, that you would all respect him just as you would respect me and I was sure that Keitaro would help with your issues but it seems I was wrong and now my grandson probably hates me for it."
"But I liked Keitaro," Su complained, "he was fun to be around."
"Su, you can't be serious," Motoko said, "he was always being perverted."
"I'm confused; please tell us how he was being perverted?" A female voice said.
They turned to see the owner of that voice and saw Motoko's older sister, Tsuruko Aoyama.
"Sister?" Motoko spoke in surprised.
"Please, I'm interested, how Urashima, the same male who helped you when I kicked out of the God Cry School for lying and helped you get reinstated, is actually being vile and perverted?" Tsuruko was glaring at her younger sister.
Kyoshiro was a bit confused, "Excuse me but who are you?"
"Oh yes," Tsuruko said and bowed, "I'm Tsuruko Aoyama and I'm Motoko's older sister."
Haruka arrived with another person. It was a man that had black short hair and brown eyes wearing a suit.
Motoko saw this person and was upset, "Why are you here?"
The man in the suit shook his head, "My goodness, I guess it only type of greeting I'll get from my sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law?" Naru asked.
Tsuruko went and put her arms around the man smiling, "This is Hayato Aoyama, my husband."
"Hello everyone," Hayato greeted then looked at Kyoshiro, Nanami, and Kanako, "I see, you must be Keitaro's parents and sister."
The Urashima family looked at each other.
"You know our son?" Kyoshiro asked.
"I've met him through my sword instructor who introduced me to lovely wife here," Hayato said smiling at Tsuruko.
Tsuruko blushed much to Motoko annoyance and then realized something, "Wait a minute that would mean that…."
Tsuruko could tell that Motoko thought of the right conclusion, "That's right sister, our uncle, Shinsuke Aoyama."
Motoko was surprised and shocked. The other girls were shocked at this revelation.
"Motoko, I didn't know that Keitaro knew a relative of yours," Naru said.
"Neither did I," Motoko responded.
This was big news for everyone in the living room.
Kyoshiro's eyes widened as well, "Wait a minute, Shinsuke, Shinsuke Aoyama?"
"Wait, you know him?" Motoko asked.
"Only that I've known him since college, the surname Aoyama should have been obvious to me."
Tsuruko and Hayato nodded.
"In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Urashima, your son is actually living in my uncle's apartment building," Tsuruko informed.
"Is my brother really there?" Kanako asked feeling joy.
Tsuruko nodded, "Yes, in fact, my uncle called me and told me what was going on. He figures it would be best if Keitaro's family went to see."
The Urashima family was overjoyed with the news.
"How long has he known our uncle?" Motoko asked Tsuruko.
"That's not important right now," Tsuruko said, "besides, I asked you a question, how was he being perverted with you all? Oh and Motoko, I want you to think things carefully because base on what you say, it could have serious consequences."
Motoko felt she was in big trouble but she wanted to prove her sister that she was justified of her actions.
"She's just going to lie," Kanako said, "I don't know where she got this stupid mentality that all men are evil."
"I want to hear it as well," Nanami said, "I want to hear what lies she's going to say about my son."
Haruka crossed her arms glaring at Motoko and the rest of the Hinata residence, "Well Motoko, we're waiting."
"The rest of you," Hina said, "please if you also have something to say about my grandson, mostly that if he offended you in any way, I want to hear them now."
"I don't, I really wish Senpai was here," Shinobu said upset.
"I honestly feel that Keitaro is a nice person who had just been through terrible things by us," Mutsumi said in guilt.
"I know I did wrong to Keitaro and I wish there was a way to make it up to him," Kitsune said sadly.
"I always thought that Keitaro was fun and that could handle anything because he's immortal," Su said sadly, "I didn't really mean to make him feel sad and make him want to leave."
"Do you four really mean that?" Hina asked Shinobu, Mutsumi, Kitsune, and Su.
"It's the honest truth, it really is," Shinobu said.
"You are all unbelievable," Naru said appalled at what they were saying.
"I don't want to hear that from you Naru," Shinobu said angrily, "Senpai always wanted to be there for you as well and you treat him back with your punches."
"Shinobu, you better stop. Most of the attacks I did to Keitaro were because of you crying and running. You never said anything so don't try to act like you're innocent. You heard what Keitaro said, he doesn't feel comfortable around you."
Shinobu was getting embarrassed and angry, "I did try to tell you but you never listen. All you care about is what you wanted to see; you get some sick pleasure to hurting Senpai just because you have your own issues. I least I never put him down when he tries and works hard and you know what, I'm glad he broke up with you because Senpai deserves someone who kind and understanding and he wasn't getting that from you. You and Motoko act like you own this place, well let me remind you something, you don't."
"You better stop Shinobu," Motoko said upset at the girl's outburst, "because if you don't-"
"You'll what Motoko, huh?" Shinobu interrupted, "Are you going to use your sword to attack me like you always attack Senpai for no reason."
Motoko was angry, "Shinobu, I can't believe how ungrateful you are. Naru and I were only looking out for you and Su and this is how you repay us."
"You never really cared about our safety, all you care about was making yourself look tough just because of your own insecurities. What about the fact that Senpai has helped you or did you really forget that Senpai helped you when you got in trouble with your sister because you lied to her? You used Senpai by saying he was your fiancé."
The Urashima family was shocked at that revelation.
Motoko was feeling embarrassed. She was so upset with Keitaro's comments and that she wanted to completely demonize him that she forgot of the time Keitaro had helped her out because of a lie she told to her sister.
Hina had her hands on her head feeling ashamed, "It seems that the harmony around here will never be the same. Keitaro, forgive me. I made a terrible mistake. I will set things right for you my grandson. Please forgive this old woman for her sad lack of judgment."
Naru was thinking that this was becoming a nightmare but she was going to do whatever it took to get Keitaro back. She was also going to make Shinobu pay for her rude comments towards her.
That's the end of this chapter. Next chapter: Nanami and Kanako will have pleasure taunting the girls and remind them why they don't have the right to be near Keitaro and no one will be spared. Keitaro gets busy with his new duties and learns some martial arts from Shinsuke at the dojo within the apartment building.
