Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina.

A/N: I struggled with this chapter trying to set things to make sense and justified them. Now there are concerns about the legitimacy of ownership of the inn. I hope by the way I'm setting things, this will be a bit acceptable with what's happening.

Chapter 16

In the dojo, Keitaro was learning some new moves from Ranma with three guys watching. One of them was Kazuya. The second person that was watching was a tall dark skinned young man with black shaved hair name Zack Marken and the other was another young man who was an inch shorter than Zack with red hair and his name was Duncan Campbell.

Seta's Apartment

In the living room, Sarah was watching TV. She was watching an anime program and was getting real in to it. In Seta's room, Seta was thinking of what he was going to do. He couldn't help but think about the time he saw Marumi.

Flashback: Yesterday in Haruka's Teashop

Seta was surprised to see Marumi Urashima, the younger daughter of Hina Urashima and Haruka's aunt as she was sitting on a table. Marumi saw Seta and Sarah and glared at both of them.

Seta decided to greet her, "Hello Marumi, it's been a while."

"Noriyasu Seta, I had hope I wouldn't have to see your worthless face again," Marumi replied coldly.

Seta flinched at Marumi's words but tried stay cheerful, "Uh, so, how have you been?"

Marumi simply ignored him and that didn't make Seta feel good at the moment and Sarah was still glaring at the older Urashima woman.

"You shouldn't bother Papa," Sarah said, "She's just a mean old lady anyway."

"Seta, tell that brat of yours that she should be careful who she talks to," Marumi said calmly, "there are limits."

"Uh…" Seta spoke.

"What's that old lady?" Sarah said angry.

"Sarah, please," Seta was attempting to calm his daughter.

"Hmph, you certainly are not much of a father, are you Seta?" Marumi jabbed, "since it's obvious that you let her talk rudely and let her run wild."

Seta flinched, "Marumi, please."

"So Seta, what brings you here anyway?"

"Uh, I wanted to speak with Haruka about something."

"Really, and that is?"

"Well…actually I want to reconcile with her and ask her to marry me."

Marumi looked at Seta shocked, "You have got to be joking."

"Oh I don't joke around about things like this," Seta said seriously.

"Why the hell do you want to marry my niece? As I recalled, you walked out of her life," Marumi said glaring at the archeologist.

"I want to keep my promise."

"To keep your promise? What do you mean?"

"I made a promise to marry Haruka."

"Who did you make this promise? Because I know it wasn't Haruka herself."

Seta got a bit nervous, "Well…"

"Seta, when are you going to get it?" Haruka spoke going over to him, "I don't want to marry you."

"Haruka, I…" Seta spoke.

"Why are being persistent about this?"

"It's just…I promised-"

"You promised Christina, not me. I was never involved and I never made such promise so why do you think I should be bound to it?"

"You just as idiotic as my nephew Noriyasu," Marumi spoke.

"Aunt Marumi, stop insulting Keitaro," Haruka said, "look, I understand that you're disgusted with Keitaro ever since that incident with Yoshinari, but must you always insult Keitaro at every chance you get?"

"You don't understand Haruka, just like my mother doesn't understand."

"But still, you should cut Keitaro some slack," Seta said, "He really is a nice young man."

"That's not the way I see my nephew."

Sarah was actually happy to hear Marumi talk about Keitaro like that, "Wow, I didn't know you hated that dork as well," Sarah looked over her father, "see Papa, even though she's a mean old lady, even she doesn't like Keitaro."

"Sarah, knock it off right now," Haruka demanded glaring at Sarah.

"That dork thinks he's so great just because he works with Papa and how Papa always asked him to tell him anything about you."

Haruka and Marumi were surprised.

"Sarah, what do you mean by that?" Haruka asked.

"Uh Sarah, maybe you should just stop," Seta requested nervously.

Sarah was confused, "What do you mean Papa? Don't you always have that dork tell you about Haruka's activities and how you ask not only Keitaro but also Naru to keep reminding Haruka and telling her that you two would be happy to be together…oh yeah, come to think of it, you did ask that dork to show a picture of you, me, and Haruka together saying something that we're already a family…or something like that."

Seta was not feeling in a good position and when he looked at Haruka and Marumi, he saw that both were giving him death glares.

"I…I can explain…" Seta said nervously.

"Oh, I'm sure you can," Haruka said darkly, "and I want hear it right now…"

"A man that just won't let go," Marumi added, "I wonder, does that idiot nephew of mine really know the kind of man that you are Seta?"

Seta looked down.

"Well, you're not very responsible, I mean, it may be the case with your career but as a person...not so much."

"What are you trying to say?" Seta asked.

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked not knowing what was going on, "Why did you and Haruka get upset all of a sudden?"

Flashback End

Seta sat on his desk thinking and then he sighed, "I have to tell Keitaro the truth," Seta had a downcast expression, "how will he react when I tell him? With the way he seems to have changed, I don't know how he will feel about me. Maybe he'll understand…or maybe he'll despise me…" Seta then thought of another person, "What should I have done Christina…?" Seta then went to check up on Sarah, who was still watching TV, "Sarah…if only…"

Hinata Inn

Hina began to calm to down and decided to remind Marumi of something.

"Marumi, I hope you haven't called some of your employees to renovate the place," Hina said.

"I did," Marumi replied.

Hina shook her head and actually felt pity for her daughter, "Well, I'm sorry to say this but you have just wasted their time and yours by the way."

Marumi raised her eyebrow, "Oh, what do you mean by that Mom?"

Hina shook her head again, "Marumi, despite the fact you had the deed be in your name, the truth is that you had no legal right to do that."

Marumi and Yoshinari narrowed their eyes and the girls and Haruka wondered what Hina meant.

"What are you talking about Granny?" Yoshinari asked.

"It's simple Yoshinari; your mother had no real legal right to change the deed. It's true that as long as the person is a member of the Urashima family, they can take charge of this inn but the legal process that Marumi did is not the right way."

Marumi wasn't surprised, "How typical of her…fine, I'll play along with her game. I'm sure she doesn't know anyway, at least not yet…Funny, you didn't give the impression of that before," Marumi said still calm knowing full well what her mother was trying to pull.

"Marumi, shame on you for underestimating your own mother," Hina said kind of gloating.

"Granny, does that mean we won't have to leave?" Naru asked being hopeful.

Marumi simply shrugged, "I guess I've should've known you would say something like that."

Naru, Motoko, Su, Mutsumi, and Kitsune were thinking that Marumi lost.

"Ha! Looks like you lose this one Marumi," Naru gloated.

"You can't get rid of us! You can't get rid of us!" Su was mocking Marumi.

"Thank goodness, Miss Marumi won't be able to take over," Mutsumi said.

"Mom, you're forgetting something important," Haruka spoke.

"What are you talking about Haruka?" Mutsumi asked and it brought the attention of everyone else.

"You didn't exactly 'follow procedures' for the transferring ownership of the inn," Yoshinari said, "in fact, you set up some clause for Keitaro so that he would accept the ownership of the inn, using on how he would behave in certain situations."

"If you want to take it there where it comes to the legitimacy then that's fine, but I have a feeling that you will lose this one," Marumi said, "so really Mom, all you're really doing is delaying. I'm sure my employees won't mind the delay."

"You will need Keitaro involved in this," Haruka said.

Marumi sighed, "Yes, that true."

"Keitaro…" Naru said bitter.

"That's it, maybe Keitaro will see that letting Miss Marumi own the place would be a bad idea and he will continue being the owner of the place after all," Mutsumi said happy, "Keitaro will see things for what they are again and he will come back."

Marumi thought about for a moment, "We'll see what happens."

"But for now Mom, the inn is still yours to run so unless there are immediate changes that Keitaro takes it back and/or he gets these girls to live here again, the girls still have to leave," Yoshinari reminded, "the leases for these girls have been terminated anyway and they would need new ones if Granny is able to take the inn back."

Naru looked at Hina, "Granny…"

"Don't worry Naru," Hina assured, "it's only temporary. I'll get this all straighten out."

Naru and the rest of the girls were looking at Hina and then glared at Marumi.

"Hurry up and get your things and then leave," Marumi reminded.

"Motoko, get your things and let's go," Tsuruko reminded, "you have a lot of explaining to our family and the council. Besides, even if Granny Hina or Keitaro regains the inn and allows you and your friends to live here again, it's unlikely you'll be allowed to live here again."

"Tsuruko, what do you mean?" Hina asked.

"Hina Urashima, I feel that you should know that members of council of elders in Kyoto, including my grandmother are not pleased of things have gone here. I believe my grandmother is going to need to contact you some time later."

"…I see…" Hina didn't like how Tsuruko informed her.

Tsuruko looked at her younger sister, "We need to go. Motoko, we're leaving now."

Motoko sighed, "…Yes sister."

The girls went to their rooms and began to pack their belongings and Haruka went to Mutsumi.

"Mutsumi," Haruka spoke.

"Yes Haruka?" Mutsumi replied.

"We need to talk. Follow me."

"Oh…yes, of course…"

Moments later, Mutsumi and Haruka were back near the teashop.

"Mutsumi, I want to know the reason why you were an hour late coming in today," Haruka requested.

"Haruka?" Mutsumi spoke.

"It's not like you to be late for work. Did something happen?"

"Well…I was talking to Keitaro at Tokyo U."

"Talking to Keitaro? About what?"

"I was trying to convince him to come back and try to work things out with Naru."

Haruka sighed as she couldn't believe what she just heard, "Why would you do that?"

"I was trying to set things right," Mutsumi answered.

"And what do you mean by that?" Haruka was narrowing her eyes.

"Things here have gone real bad since Keitaro left. I was just trying to convince him that he shouldn't abandon Naru."

"Just Naru?"

"Well…yes…"

"Okay and how did Keitaro react?"

Mutsumi got upset, "He was horrible. He said terrible things about Naru, to me, and about Granny, accusing her and me of being cruel. Can you believe that? We were just trying to help Keitaro and Naru just so they could be happy together and Keitaro just went and said that it was foolish. He called something that we had together foolish. I just can't believe that Keitaro would be so cruel. I don't like the kind of person he has become."

"Did you ever bother to think for a moment that Keitaro may be right in what he was saying?" Haruka asked.

Mutsumi was surprised, "Haruka, you don't actually agree with what Keitaro said and what he's doing right now, do you?"

"Actually I do," Haruka replied while taking out one of her cigarettes, put it in her mouth, lit it, and smoked it.

Mutsumi couldn't believe it, "Haruka, why?"

"Mutsumi, we've all hurt Keitaro in the past since he's been here, either physically or emotionally."

Mutsumi shook her head, "That's not true at all."

"Yes it is true and I know you know it, you just don't want to admit it. I know I didn't want to admit it at first but you, me, Naru, Motoko, Su, Kitsune, even Shinobu and even Granny, we've all hurt Keitaro and practically took advantage of him and/or did nothing to help him and make him feel at ease."

"But Haruka…"

"Mutsumi, when Keitaro was accused of 'having his way with you', why didn't you do anything to stop it when you knew full well that Keitaro was innocent?"

"I…I don't know…I just figured that things will work out in the end."

"Why did you always pushed Keitaro to Naru and always had Keitaro to just concentrate on Naru only?"

"That's because so that they could always be together, it was something that I felt that it would be good for Keitaro and Naru."

"Did you ever think that maybe Keitaro would actually be happy where he is now and that given Naru's horrible behavior patterns, maybe it wasn't really the best thing for Keitaro. Besides, I now know about the promise with you three and you know, I don't think it is right that you insist that Keitaro should stay with Naru just because of the promise that was longer valid to him in the first place."

"Haruka, what are you saying?" Mutsumi asked, not liking what the cigarette puffing Urashima was saying.

"Mutsumi, you decided to switch things with Naru and didn't even tell my nephew about it. After all this time, in the past eighteen years, you never told Keitaro the truth and that you expected to him to just go with Naru. I have a hard time understanding your reasons and I can't understand why my mother went along with it as well. Besides, it seems you and my mother also failed to understand that a lot can change in eighteen years. Of course, so did Keitaro but now he knows…I should have told him not to pursue Todai just for a promise to someone he didn't remember but I thought it would just discourage him and him not being confident with himself…I was wrong."

"Haruka, I did it to make Keitaro and Naru happy. It was because of the promise that Naru got better," Mutsumi was getting upset.

Haruka raised her eyebrow, "Are you actually serious?"

"Yes, I know that Naru was frail when she was two but the Hinata Inn really is a magical place and with the promise, it really helped Naru get better."

"My, you did all this just because of some silly superstition," a woman's voice.

Haruka and Mutsumi turned to see the owner of the voice and it was Saori Narusegawa.

"Wait, aren't you…" Haruka spoke surprised.

The ex-tenants of the Hinata Inn who had their belongings, along with Hina, Tsuruko, Hayato, Marumi, and Yoshinari were coming downstairs and they were surprised to see Saori. The only one who wasn't paying attention was Su, who had some kind of device in her hands moving the controls.

"Mom, why are you here?" Naru asked surprised to see her mother.

Saori looked at her eldest daughter, "Naru, I came to bring you home."

"Oh, Saori-senpai," Marumi said in a low voice that no one heard her.

Dojo within Shinsuke's Apartment Building

They decided to finish their sparring and then Keitaro spent the time getting to know the new people he met.

"So Zack, you and Duncan are here for an exchange program?" Keitaro spoke.

"Yeah, we're students from San Jose State University in San Jose, California in America," Zack replied.

"We've stayed here for three months," Duncan added, "Kazuya's dad allowed us to live in an apartment for free."

"My dad is a participant of exchange program with their college," Kazuya said.

"Wow, that's interesting," Keitaro said impressed.

"Yeah, it's real cool," Zack said smiling.

"We really do enjoy being here in Japan," Duncan added.

"And Ranma, you came from Nerima?" Keitaro asked looking at Ranma.

"Yeah, but I couldn't stand to stay there any longer," Ranma said.

"May I ask why?"

"Hm, yeah, sure I'll tell you," Ranma replied.

Ranma as well as Zack and Duncan were continuing their conversation with Keitaro and Kazuya.

In the air, on route to Japan

The private jet that belonged to the Molmolian Royal Family was flying. Inside the jet, in one of the lounge chairs, Amalla Su was looking out of the sky. She then looked at the notice that was sent to the Molmolian palace yesterday regarding her younger sister Kaolla's lease at the Hinata Inn being terminated and another notice that was sent to her warning her that Kaolla may attempt to kidnap someone and/or intend to control the person and Amalla was looking at the name of the sender of the second notice, Shinobu Maehara.

Dojo within Shinsuke's Apartment Building

Keitaro, Ranma, Kazuya, Duncan, and Zack were getting ready to leave.

"Thanks for the practice guys," Keitaro said, "and it was nice talking to you guys. I'm looking forward for tomorrow and I'll be sure to invite Shirai and Haitani."

"Heh, no, thank you Keitaro," Kazuya said, "I'm looking forward to this as well."

"Yeah, sure," Keitaro said, "thank you Kazuya, Ranma, Zack, Duncan."

"No problem," Zack replied.

"It's been a pleasure," Duncan said.

Ranma simply smiled and gave Keitaro thumbs up.

Keitaro nodded happily and left the dojo. As Keitaro was left and went back his apartment, he saw Nagisa standing looking up at the sky and saw that she looked upset. Keitaro decided to go meet up with her.

"Nagisa?" Keitaro called out.

Nagisa was surprised and saw Keitaro, "Oh Keitaro…"

"Nagisa, are you okay?" Keitaro asked concerned.

Nagisa had a sad look, "Well…"

"Is something bothering you? Um, if you want, I'm willing to what it is that's bothering you."

Nagisa looked at Keitaro, "Would you be willing?"

Keitaro nodded, "Yeah, I have time and…well…maybe…I might be able to help you, I think."

Keitaro was a bit nervous and was blushing and Nagisa couldn't help to feel better with Keitaro's words.

"Mind walking with for a while?" Nagisa asked warmly.

"Uh, yeah, I don't mind," Keitaro answered.

Nagisa and Keitaro started to walk together and Nagisa began to tell Keitaro what happened earlier that day. As they continued to walk with Nagisa telling him what happened at the cemetery, Keitaro was shocked.

"I can't believe it," Keitaro said shocked, "so even after Kagura killed him, Mayako would still want to talk to her and defend her actions."

"Yeah," Nagisa replied upset, "it's unbelievable and I have a theory as to why."

"A theory?"

"Yes, Mayako does enjoy privileges of being associated with the Hajime family. She claims otherwise but I know as well as some of my friends as well know the truth with way she acts and talks about them. It's one of the reasons why she set up Takeru to serve Kagura but honestly, I'm sure that it's only a matter time before Kagura gets tired of her and hangs her out to dry."

Keitaro looked at Nagisa, "Then you think that-"

Keitaro stopped himself when he saw two people and Nagisa saw what Keitaro saw. It was one man with glasses and a white lab coat and a little blonde girl. It was Seta and Sarah.

"Seta? Why are you here?" Keitaro asked surprised to see his mentor.

Seta greeted his part time employee, "Hello Keitaro, how have you been?"

"I've been fine," Keitaro replied smiling.

Seta looked at Nagisa and greeted her, "Hello young lady, are you a friend of Keitaro?"

"I'm Nagisa Aoyama, so you're Noriyasu Seta," Nagisa said, "Keitaro has told me about you," Nagisa looked at Sarah, "you must be Sarah."

Seta motioned to Sarah, "Sarah, say hello."

Sarah just looked Nagisa, "…Hello…"

"Uh, she's just shy," Seta assured.

"I seriously doubt that…" Nagisa thought as she felt Sarah's chi which was giving off anger and hatred, mostly towards Keitaro.

"So Seta, what brings you here?" Keitaro asked.

"Well Keitaro, can we talk somewhere, there's something that I need to tell you," Seta said.

"Oh, uh, yeah sure."

Nagisa sighed, "I guess it can't be helped."

Keitaro looked to Nagisa with regret, "I'm sorry about this Nagisa. Um, you don't really have to leave."

"My apologies," Seta said to Nagisa, "if you want, like he just said, you don't really need to leave."

"Hm? Are you sure?" Nagisa asked.

Seta nodded, "I'm sure. I'm sure it won't make much difference."

"Do you want to come with me to my apartment and hear what Seta has to say?" Keitaro asked.

Nagisa nodded, "Sure…"

Keitaro's Apartment

Keitaro, Nagisa, Seta, and Sarah went inside Keitaro's apartment. Sarah and Seta looked around and were amazed.

"I'm surprised you're able to live here dork," Sarah commented.

"Sarah, please stop calling Keitaro that," Seta admonished.

"She'll just keep doing it Seta," Keitaro said simply, "she just doesn't like me."

Sara simply glared at Keitaro, "That's right. I'll always hate you stupid dork."

Seta didn't like to hear it but he knew it was true and it didn't make things easier with what Seta was going to tell him. Seta sat down on a couch with Sarah sitting next to him while Keitaro and Nagisa sat next to each as well.

"So what's with you two anyway? Are you two together?" Sarah asked and then looked directly at Keitaro while pointing at Nagisa, "So, did you dump Naru for her?"

"Sarah, don't be rude," Seta commented.

"No, we're not together," Keitaro said calmly.

"That's true, we're just friends," Nagisa added before saying in her thoughts, "although, I wouldn't mind it if we became more than just friends," Nagisa liked the idea and smiled.

"Anyway Seta, what did you want to speak to me about?" Keitaro asked.

Seta sighed as he knew he needed to tell Keitaro, "Keitaro, the reason why I'm here is to tell you something. It about my being in Tokyo University and it has to do with you…and Haruka."

"Aunt Haruka? What do you mean?"

"Well…um…Keitaro, here's the thing. First off, I want you to know that I'm really grateful to have you work for me and the hard work you've done for me and to have you…well…follow my footsteps in archeology."

"Um, yeah, sure…it's been great and you were helpful," Keitaro said although he began to doubt his decision to go into archeology.

"Yeah, it has and you know that I had you come with me to America for an expedition and doing series of digs."

"Yeah, although to be honest, even though I vowed to change myself, I realized that I really didn't change much at all. But anyway, is there something wrong and why have you brought up my Aunt Haruka?"

"Well Keitaro, as you recall, your Aunt Haruka and I have some history together."

"Well, yeah, when Aunt Haruka was attending Tokyo University herself, she was your assistant and you two were close," Keitaro thought for a moment and realized something, "Come to think of it, you're always asking me about her and want to know what's she doing and where she's going and all that."

Seta nodded, "Yeah, well, the truth is that I wish to marry Haruka."

This surprised Keitaro, Nagisa, and even Sarah.

"You want to…marry Aunt Haruka?" Keitaro asked.

"Yeah," Seta replied.

"Does Aunt Haruka know that you want to marry her?"

"Yeah I asked her to marry me, but she said no and that she wanted nothing to do with me and she wanted to move on with her life."

"Wow, that's rough," Nagisa commented.

"Yeah, it is, but hey, don't feel too bad, I'm sure you'll find someone," Keitaro assured Seta smiling.

"There's more, there are reasons behind it," Seta said.

"Reasons? Reasons for what exactly?"

"Papa? What do you mean?" Sarah asked.

Seta looked at the three people in the apartment, "Well, the reason why I proposed to Haruka has to do with a promise."

"A promise? Seta, what are you talking about?" Keitaro asked confused.

"Years ago, Haruka and I were friends with Christina back at Tokyo University."

"Christina?"

"Yes, Christina MacDougal, Sarah's mother," Seta answered which caused Sarah to feel sadness over her mother.

Nagisa noticed Sarah's sadness, "Did something happen to her?"

Seta nodded sadly, "Christina passed away."

Keitaro and Nagisa were sad to hear about Sarah's mother.

"Oh right, I remember you telling me that," Keitaro said sadly, "again, you have my condolences."

"You have my condolences as well," Nagisa added sadly.

"Thank you both," Seta said while Sarah just looked away upset.

Seta continued, "I was with her when she died and I made two promises to Christina before she passed away."

"Two promises?" Keitaro asked.

"Yes, the first one was to take care of Sarah and raise her as my own daughter."

"That's understandable," Nagisa said.

"Then second was to marry Haruka."

"But why would she ask you to do that?"

"When Haruka left and came back here in Tokyo, she left saddened and angry. Christina and I have always felt bad and Christina wanted to me to reconcile with her. It would be best if I kept my promise to Christina by marrying Haruka."

"Seta, was Aunt Haruka involved in the decision?" Keitaro asked.

"Well, no, but that's where you came in…I was hoping that…well…"

"You were hoping what exactly?" Keitaro asked.

"Well…that you would help me get Haruka to…"

"What do mean by that?" Keitaro and then moments later, he started to realize what Seta was telling him and he didn't like it, "You were hoping that you could have me help you to get my aunt to marry you. Taking me as your student and employer, asking me all sort of questions about Aunt Haruka…all of this…" Keitaro wasn't sure how to react to the truth that was just told to him.

"Keitaro, I understand that this is all a huge shock, it's just that…well, the truth is that I didn't really know how to really convince Haruka to marry me and I thought that if this didn't happen, I would break my promise to Christina but then when I met you and learned that you're her nephew…I…"

"You used that to try to get close to her through me, is that it?" Keitaro was starting to get upset.

"Keitaro-"

Seta stopped himself when he saw Keitaro was still looking shock and he was moving his head looking like it was too much to understand.

"Keitaro…?" Nagisa spoke.

"I just…can't believe what I'm just hearing," Keitaro spoke.

"Keitaro," Seta spoke.

"You were using me to get to Aunt Haruka…you were using me…"

"That's really dishonorable to use someone like that and refusing to take no," Nagisa said.

"Dishonorable…Marumi said the same thing to me," Seta said.

"My Aunt Marumi?" Keitaro asked.

"Yeah, she called me despicable and said that I was a failure as a person."

"Papa, that old lady doesn't know what she's talking about. You're a great papa and she just jealous of you," Sarah said.

"Stalking someone doesn't make them a great person, using someone to get to that person doesn't make them a great person," Keitaro said.

Sarah got mad, "Shut up dork! What would you know? If there's anyone who's really a failure of a person, it's you."

"Sarah, stop, this isn't helping," Seta said.

"Sarah, there are limits of how insulting you can be towards someone," Keitaro said.

"Oh yeah!" Sarah lost her temper and was about to kick Keitaro in the shin.

Keitaro dodged her attempt, "So, that's how you're going to solve your problems, just by kicking someone. I'm going to tell you what I told Naru, you keep up that behavior of just lashing out and it's going to land you in all sorts of trouble."

Sarah pointed her finger at Keitaro, "You just a loser, a stupid wimpy loser that-!"

"That's enough Sarah," Seta spoke up.

Sarah looked over Seta, "But Papa-"

"I think it's time we left," Seta got up and looked at Keitaro, "I'm sorry about the trouble Sarah was causing you. We'll leave and I'm truly sorry about everything. Will you…still come in tomorrow?"

Keitaro thought about it, "I…I don't if I should…"

"Why you…you're just going to-" Sarah spoke in anger.

"Sarah, don't say anything. You've done enough," Seta spoke disappointed at his adoptive daughter.

Sarah looked at her adoptive father and saw that he was disappointed in her and that didn't make the little American girl feel good but she also blamed Keitaro for it.

"Have a good day Keitaro," Seta then looked at Nagisa, "It was nice to meet you Nagisa."

"Yeah, same to you…" Nagisa said.

Seta and Sarah left Keitaro's apartment and Nagisa looked over Keitaro who just sat down on his couch.

"Keitaro, are you okay?" Nagisa asked concerned.

"I…don't know…I just can't believe it…"

Nagisa went right next to Keitaro, "It is hard to believe, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I mean, I trusted him, respected him, and looked up to him and then to learn that he…all this time…"

"What are you going to do?" Nagisa asked concerned.

"I don't know…I really don't know."

Nagisa put her hand on Keitaro's shoulder and Keitaro appreciate the gesture.

"Thank you Nagisa, I'm sorry you had to see all that," Keitaro said.

"Don't worry about it," Nagisa assured, "it's not your fault."

Back at the Hinata Inn

"You're here to bring me home?" Naru asked.

"That's right and considering that you just got kicked out of this place, I say it would be appropriate that you came home with me," Saori said.

"How did you know that-?"

Saori interrupted pointing Marumi, "She told me of what she was going to do."

"But why?" Naru asked not understanding the situation, looking at Marumi, and then back to her mother.

"Anyway, Naru, you're coming home with me right now," Saori said.

"No I won't," Naru said as a state of fact.

Saori just sighed, "I guess I should have expected this but Naru, I would really like to have you home. I miss you, your father misses you, and Mei misses you."

"Mom, that man you are married to right now is not my father. He will never be my father and Mei will do just fine without me," Naru crossed her arms and looked away from her mother, "I'm not going back there and there's nothing you can do to change my mind."

Saori was disappointed at her daughter's words, "Then tell me Naru, are you just going to keep running away?"

Naru was shocked and looked at her mother, "What do you mean keep running away?"

"That's all you've really done and you keep giving excuses to why you don't want to come home, why you don't want to see us, why you won't even speak to us on the phone. Don't you know that we miss you? We want to be a family but yet for some reason, you don't want that and I can't figure out why." Saori was pleading.

"You just don't understand and you'll never understand," Naru countered.

Saori was getting upset and angry at Naru's words. Tsuruko and Hayato decided to move on.

"Motoko, let's go," Tsuruko said.

Motoko was standing watching Naru and Saori and that just made Tsuruko and Hayato sigh.

"Motoko, let's go," Hayato said.

Motoko turned to her sister and brother-in-law and her body language was telling them that she was going to help and support Naru.

"Motoko, you better stop," Tsuruko warned narrowing her eyes at her sister.

"Wh-What?" Motoko spoke.

"You were just thinking of helping your friend there, aren't you?" Hayato asked.

"And why shouldn't I? Naru should have the right to choose where she goes and her mother shouldn't pester her."

"Sister, you are in no position to say and do things like that," Tsuruko said.

"Your sister's right, besides, you're just as bad as that she is," Hayato added.

"How dare you say that to me," Motoko replied angrily at Hayato.

"Hayato's right Motoko," Tsuruko said, "and you know it."

Motoko was shocked at her older sister's words, "How could you agree with him?" Motoko pointed her finger at Hayato, "He's…he's…"

"He's what, Motoko?" Tsuruko asked glaring at her sister, "Go ahead, say it and see what happens?"

Motoko just put her finger down and looked away.

Hayato sighed, "She'll realize, won't she?" He hoped his sister-in-law would start to realize her own wrongdoings.

"Such childish behavior, it's embarrassing," Tsuruko said disappointed at her sister's behavior, "Let's go and Motoko, I don't hear anymore out of you until we get home, understood?"

Motoko was upset but nodded and followed her sister and brother-in-law.

Meanwhile Hina stepped in between Saori and Naru, "Now, let's all calm down," Hina looked at Naru, "Naru, let me talk to your mother. Mutsumi, will you keep Naru company for a moment?"

"Sure Granny," Mutsumi obliged and guided Naru to another direction.

Hina looked at Saori, "It has been a while…"

"Yes, it has but Hina, I was talking to my daughter and I don't appreciate that you're interfering."

"Saori, I understand. Listen, there has been heavy tension right now and I understand that you want your daughter to go with you. Let me talk to Naru and try to work things out."

"Oh sure Mom, like that done any good in the past," Marumi said sarcastically.

Hina glared at her daughter, "Stop it Marumi," Hina looked warmly at Saori, "Let me talk to Naru and-"

"Why should I believe you?" Saori interrupted.

"Excuse me?" Hina spoke surprised.

"Why should I believe you? Your words mean nothing to me. You assured me that if my daughter stayed here that she would be able do well for herself and she would change herself for the better but from what I know, all you and your grandson have done is enable her to lash out and shut herself from us."

"Saori, that-"

"My daughter Mei came here and wanted to work things out with Naru but your grandson interfered and prevented her from doing that and it seems that Naru has been allowed to get away with such terrible behavior. If I had know that this was going to happen, I never would have agreed to let her live here. I want my daughter to come home with me and I won't let you or anyone else to convince me otherwise."

"I'm sorry you feel that way Saori but surely you can see Naru just isn't ready to come home. Just give her time and I'm sure that Naru will…well, consider it."

"Wow Granny, you'll just do and say anything to spoil those girls won't you?" Yoshinari commented.

"Yoshinari, when you become a parent, I hope you don't act the same way as your grandmother is acting right now," Marumi said.

Hina looked at her daughter and grandson, "Why do you two have to be so unreasonable?"

"Unreasonable? Mom, if anyone here who is being unreasonable is you. You are not really helping those girls. Keitaro wasn't really helping them either. The only thing the two of you have done is spoiled them rotten," Marumi stated.

"I'm starting to agree with what Aunt Marumi is saying," Haruka said.

Hina was shocked, "Haruka, but why?"

"After Keitaro left that night, I started looking back on the things that happened that would prompt Keitaro to want to cut his ties with this place and as I was doing that, I was seeing not only the girls but also the actions and choices that I made as well."

"The choices and actions that you've made?" Hina asked.

Haruka nodded, "I didn't really help Keitaro when he became the owner of the inn. I always assumed that whatever problem he had, he would just fix it himself. Although it also didn't help that when the girls first met, I told them he was a student of Tokyo U, not even letting him explain himself and when they found out otherwise, I…I didn't help him and it was me who told them that he was in Todai and I said and did nothing."

Mutsumi showed up and interjected herself, "Haruka, I know you didn't mean to and I'm sure Keitaro doesn't hold it against you."

Haruka shook her head at Mutsumi, "No, maybe he really does and he just hid his resentment towards me…probably assumed that I would give him grief if he told me, not that I would blame him for it."

Marumi and Yoshinari were amazed at what Haruka was saying and Saori crossed her arms looking away and Hina was surprised at what Haruka was saying.

"Haruka, I noticed that Kyoshiro and Nanami were glaring at you when they left the inn," Hina mentioned.

"Yes, I told them what happened and my lack of helping their son when I figured what happened," Haruka admitted.

"Oh, so that's why Nanami slapped you, calling you a traitor." Marumi deduced.

Haruka had a twitching sad expression, "…Yes…"

"I see, so that boy had problems as well but instead of taking a stand and acting like a real inn owner, he allowed himself to be more like their slave," Saori said.

"Pretty much," Marumi said embarrassed that her nephew would put himself in that situation.

Hina took offense to those comments and then looked at Marumi, "Marumi, enjoy the time as the Hinata Inn owner as much as you can but know that it will be a short one because I will get it back with Keitaro's help of course."

"Mom, what makes you think Keitaro would want to help you get the inn back?" Haruka asked, "after all, you told me that Keitaro wasn't exactly…well, happy with you with what you told him. What make you think that Keitaro would want to help you?"

Hina simply looked at Haruka, "It's true that Keitaro isn't happy with me but I'm sure he's still isn't happy with Marumi and Yoshinari."

"Is that so?" Marumi replied.

"That's right, at least I never tried to discourage him to pursue Tokyo University and at least I never made Keitaro feel like he existence was a mistake, that's what both you and Yoshinari have done. So I believe that in this case, Keitaro would rather help me than help you," Hina then went to Naru, Kitsune, and Su, "Okay girls, let's go."

"Just where are we going to go?" Kitsune asked.

"There is someone I know who has an inn in Ikebukuro, it will be our temporary residence until I get the Hinata Inn back."

"Will you…will you really get the inn back Granny?" Naru asked.

"Don't worry Naru; I will take care of it. This is just a minor setback; we'll get the inn back soon."

Naru nodded, "Okay…"

"Okay, let's go!" Su said happily.

Hina nodded as she, Naru, and Su were heading out but then noticed that Kitsune wasn't with them.

"Mitsune, we're leaving," Hina said.

Kitsune looked at Hina, "Oh…right…"

Kitsune went with Hina and the others.

Saori was not happy with how things went, "Why? I don't understand."

Marumi stood next to Saori, "That's just typical of my mother. Honestly, by now, I shouldn't be surprised with her behavior."

Saori then looked at Mutsumi, "Young lady, what was it you were saying about my daughter getting better because of some promise?"

Mutsumi looked at Saori, "Ara, well I was saying that the promise that was made for her and Keitaro to be together at Tokyo University. It's what helped her get better."

"Your Natsumi Otohime's eldest daughter Mutsumi, aren't you?"

Mutsumi smiled, "Why yes I am."

"I see, I didn't think that Natsumi's daughter would have such naïve thinking."

Mutsumi was stunned, "What do you mean naïve thinking?"

Saori crossed her arms, "You actually think that it was because of some promise, a promise that Naru was too young to know or understand, too young to remember, that she was able to get well. You are so wrong."

"How would you know?"

Saori was surprised that she was asked, "Because I'm her mother and I was with her looking for something that would cure my daughter and after a long time, I was recommended a specialist that was able to cure my daughter."

"But that could mean-"

"Listen, when my now ex-husband, my daughter, and myself left the Hinata Inn on that day, Naru was still very sick. We thought that if we went there it would help her even if just a little. It didn't; in fact, there were no changes in her health. So I was recommended to see a specialist on my daughter's disease and when we went there, that specialist was able to find the problem and fixed it through surgery. It was then that Naru started to get better. Naru needed some rest after surgery but she got well and the next thing I knew, my little girl was moving all over the place freely without being restricted."

Mutsumi couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Are you telling me that…"

Saori nodded, "That's right, the reason that Naru got well was because of the specialist and the surgery, not some promise that my daughter, who was only two, had no way remembering and certainly not some fabled magic of the Hinata Inn."

Mutsumi was shocked at what she was hearing, "No, it can't be…it…"

"Why is that hard for you to believe? Would it be because that everything you thought and everything you did and planned for eighteen years was all for nothing. Besides, Naru didn't even remember you two. I know for a fact that Naru was only interested to go to Tokyo University was to see her old tutor again."

"That would be Seta," Haruka spoke.

"Yes, that pathetic imbecile," Marumi spoke with distain.

"But I thought…it was for the sake of Naru getting well that I…"

"That you gave up being with Keitaro," Haruka said, "you didn't bother to tell him and you thought you were doing them a favor by having them be together. You're just like Seta, you make promises without the person in question being involved and you expect that person to be bound to something that had nothing to do with them, that's not right at all."

"But…but…it can't be true…it couldn't be…you must be mistaken," Mutsumi said looking at Saori.

Saori got in front of Mutsumi glaring at her, "What are trying to say Mutsumi Otohime, are trying to say that I'm wrong, that I'm lying? I've been with Naru most of her life, you didn't, so tell me how would you know?"

"I…I just…" Mutsumi didn't know what to say.

"Saori-senpai, forget it, it's obvious that this girl won't listen to reason. Why don't you come inside, you came all the way here, might as well make yourself comfortable for a while," Marumi offered.

Saori looked at Marumi surprised, "Marumi?"

Marumi was taken back at the way Saori was looking at her, "Wh-What?"

"Oh, it's just that for all the years I've known you, this is the first time you being…well, so nice."

"Oh brother," Marumi got annoyed at Saori's statement, "anyway, why don't you come with me? I have something to talk to you about anyway."

"…All right," Saori said as she followed Marumi and her son inside, "You must be Marumi's son."

"Yes, I'm Yoshinari, it's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Narusegawa," Yoshinari responded politely.

Saori smiled, "What a kind young man you are."

Yoshinari smiled and rubbed the back of his head, "Heh, heh, thank you."

Marumi turned and had her eye suspicious on Saori, "Saori, don't you try to hit on my son now," Marumi said with a grin.

Saori got upset, "I would never do that, I'm happily married thank you very much."

Marumi and Saori were jabbing each others with words. Haruka looked on and then looked at Mutsumi, who was still having a hard time to believe what she just heard.

"You know Mutsumi, what Naru's mother said does make sense," Haruka said.

"But…" Mutsumi spoke.

"Are you still going to try to deny it?"

"I…I just…"

Haruka sighed, "Mutsumi, I believe that you're done for the day."

Mutsumi was shocked, "What? Oh, no, I can still work. My shift isn't over yet."

"I'm making it over. It's obvious to me that you won't be able concentrate on your task and I think it would be best if you went home and really, really think about things. Go home, Mutsumi and I expect you tell me your answer by tomorrow. I won't let you start work until you do."

Mutsumi had a downcast look on her face and nodded, "I understand…"

Keitaro's Apartment

Nagisa had left Keitaro's apartment a while ago and Keitaro was left thinking of his own thoughts again sitting on his couch. After a while, he decided to leave as well to take care of some work in the utilities.

Hall of the Apartment Building

As Keitaro was walking, he began to hear some voices. He looked and on the other side, he saw two people arguing.

"I just want you to come home," a man with short black hair wearing all brown clothing with black shoes said.

"You don't understand, do you?" a woman with short black hair wearing a yellow dress with white sandals said, "I showed you what happened and you choose to defend your friend's action and you're still letting him stay in your house."

"He just had a tough time; you shouldn't be cynical about it."

The woman couldn't believe it, "Cynical, you're accusing me, your own sister, of being cynical. It's always like this, you take the side of other people but when it comes to me, you always give excuses and say that I'm overreacting. I got hurt, he deliberately put me in a situation that got me hurt and yet you defend him."

"Tamaki, please understand…"

"No Tetsuhiko, it's you who doesn't understand. As long you insist that bastard friend of yours 'had his reasons', I don't want to hear anything you say," the woman known as Tamaki was in tears, "you just don't want to admit that you're wrong, you're not much of a brother to me. I hate you!"

"Tamaki! Don't say that! You're my sister and family should always care for each other and that what I'm trying to do." The man known as Tetsuhiko replied.

Tamaki left abruptly but not before saying, "You have no right to say something like that considering that you're always leaving me to dry for anyone else."

Tamaki left and Tetsuhiko was left standing, unable to believe what his sister was just said to him. Tetsuhiko looked and saw Keitaro.

"Oh uh, hello," Tetsuhiko greeted nervously.

"Uh, hello there," Keitaro greeted back unsure.

"Uh, just a rough patch between siblings, I guess I'll try again tomorrow," Tetsuhiko said as he decided to leave.

As Keitaro watched Tetsuhiko leave, he couldn't help but to be reminded of what happened in the past.

Flashback: Route from Keitaro's High School to the Urashima Residence/Bakery

Keitaro was walking back to his house after leading the two tall boys to Yoshinari and his friends.

"Yoshinari, why did he think he had the right to talk down on me like I'm some idiot?" Keitaro asked himself, "I'm sure there are circumstances that is prevented Chisato to give back the book. I'm sure she wants to do things the right way."

Keitaro made it to his house and went inside, "I'm home."

His father, Kyoshiro appeared and had a serious look on his face, "Keitaro, you're back."

"Hi Dad," Keitaro greeted and then when he saw his father's serious look, he asked, "Dad, is something wrong?"

"I just got off the phone with your school son. Yoshinari is in the hospital."

"Wh-What?" Keitaro was shocked.

General Hospital

In the hall, a doctor was discussing Yoshinari's condition with Marumi.

"He does have injuries. They're not serious but your son will need some rest," the doctor said.

"I see, thank you doctor," Marumi said.

The doctor nodded, "I'll be back to check up on him." The doctor left.

Marumi went back to the waiting room where her son's two friends were waiting for him.

"What did the doctor say?" The girl short, petite girl with the dirty blonde hair asked.

"Well Ayame, the doctor said that his injuries aren't serious but he will need his rest."

"That's a relief, I'm glad it's not serious," The tall boy with the shaved brown said.

"So am I Genshiro and I thank you both for your help," Marumi said being thankful.

"Oh don't worry about it," Ayame said.

Soon, Kyoshiro along with his wife, son, and daughter came in the waiting room.

"Marumi, how's Yoshinari?" Kyoshiro asked.

"Kyoshiro, he's fine. He just needs his rest," Marumi answered.

Keitaro walked up to his aunt, "Aunt Marumi…"

Marumi saw her nephew and gave a death glare, "Keitaro, you miserable idiotic brat, you're part of the reason why my son is laying in the hospital bed."

Keitaro was stunned at Marumi's accusation, "What do you mean?"

"You really don't know?" Ayame asked upset.

"You remember those two guys that you led to Yoshinari?" Genshiro asked.

"They went to talk to him, right?" Keitaro asked.

"They attacked him and us," Ayame said.

"Those boys had one thing in mind and that was to physically cripple my son," Marumi said, "Yoshinari fought them off with Genshiro and Ayame's help but he still got hurt."

"It wasn't until the principal and Inaba-sensei showed up that they stopped and fled," Genshiro said.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself Keitaro?" Marumi asked.

"What do you mean?" Keitaro asked.

"Keitaro, is it true that you help a girl leave with the book that had the answers to the upcoming exams?" Nanami asked.

Keitaro looked at his mother, "Uh, well, yes, it's true but she said she would return it."

"And did she?" Kyoshiro asked.

"Well, not yet but I'm sure she intended to."

Kyoshiro and Nanami couldn't believe what their son had done and Kanako was shocked at what her precious brother did and couldn't understand why he would help someone like that.

"Keitaro, what have you done?" Kyoshiro asked disappointed in his son as was Nanami.

Keitaro looked around and saw the looks that didn't approve of Keitaro's choices, "What? I didn't know. I didn't know this was going to happen."

"You led those guys to Yoshinari just to get back at Yoshinari," Genshiro said.

"What are you talking about?"

"Yoshinari told us about what happened when you were telling him your plans for Tokyo University and your, well, childish reason for it."

"Don't say that. It's not childish. Yoshinari didn't know what he was talking about. I was just saying that he shouldn't be so cynical."

Marumi got and upset and grabbed Keitaro by the arm, "Come with me."

Keitaro was surprised as the others in the rest of the family and Yoshinari's two friends. Marumi dragged Keitaro through the hall until they went to the window that showed Yoshinari lying on his bed wearing his hospital gown, having bandages on his forehead, and his arms, and sleeping.

"Take a look," Marumi demanded as Keitaro saw his cousin on a hospital bed, "Those two boys did hurt my son, the boys that said they were Chisato's friends."

Keitaro was staring at Yoshinari and didn't know how to respond, "I didn't know…"

"So, do you still think you were being helpful? Chisato asked those friends of hers to actually harm him."

"How do you know that? For all you know, they may have just acted on their own and Chisato didn't know it was going to happen."

"Those boys told not only Yoshinari, but they said it to Genshiro and Ayame as well. It seems those punks didn't mind bragging about it. Yoshinari actually asked his friends to go and inform those two faculty members."

Keitaro was shocked and looked at Yoshinari again.

Flashback End: Utilities Room

Keitaro was in the utilities room checking some of the equipment and he sighed. He couldn't help himself, these were the thoughts that he thought of during the weeks he had plan of leaving the Hinata Inn.

"I will do it," Keitaro said to himself, "tomorrow; I will apologize for my actions and behavior in the past. I'll do it…even if they never forgive me."

There was a beeping and Keitaro took something out of his pocket and it was a device showing a reading heading for his direction.

Keitaro sighed, "Unbelievable, looks like she decided to make her move. I really must thank Kanako for providing me with this, although I wonder where she got something like this," Keitaro sighed again, "I just wish Su would stop being selfish and learn to let go. Well, I better get ready. I think I know how I can go about this."

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Keitaro gets another flashback of the consequences of the incident with a choice he had to make. There will be more events that go on in For His Own Sake, until then. Expect a long wait for the next chapter.