CrowsXGokusen FF – 2,534 words (about)

Everything happens for a reason

Part 10: Old Faces, New Truths

Kumiko raced through the East District towards home, so excited to have some free time in which to train with Tetsu and Minoru that that she barely spared a few words for the shopkeepers who greeted her as she passed. Sliding open the entrance to the Kuroda family home, she skipped up to the house and kicked off her shoes at the entrance.

"Tadaima!" she called, stepping up into the house. She heard scuffles followed by the slapping of bare feet against wood as Tetsu and Minoru dashed around the corner to meet her.

"Okairii!" They shouted in unison, dropping to their knees respectfully. Leaning down to ruffle their hair, Kumiko grinned at the two boys and watched as their expression changed to confusion and alarm upon seeing her scheming expression. "Uh..." they stammered.

"Training!" The Oedo heir barked down at them. "Get ready." Leaping over the two boys, Kumiko darted up the stairs towards her room, intent on changing into more comfortable clothes when she heard her grandfather call her name. Spinning on the ball of her foot and pushing off the top step, she sprung back down the stairs and slid open the door to their great conference room. Kumiko was unsurprised to find Kuroda Ryuichiro sitting at the head of the table, but she hadn't been expecting to see most their Group's underbosses seated with him, all looking solemn. She instantly adopted a more appropriate demeanor and dropped the goofy grin.

"Kumiko, please sit," Ryuichiro said softly. Wakamatsu shifted to his right, opening a space for her at her grandfather's right hand. Taking the hint, she seated herself beside him and looked around at the other men seated at the table. They each bowed their heads respectfully before turning their attention back to their boss.

"Last night," the Oedo boss spoke, "Kumiko and Kyo apprehended a number of thugs who were destroying a sandwich shop and threatening the owner. Our cleaners have disposed of them, but I am not convinced that this problem has been solved." He nodded to Wakamatsu.

"It is Kyo's belief that the men are part of a larger group, possibly a new gang," the second in command continued. "Even just this morning reports have reached us of similar incidents in the other districts throughout the city. They're widespread enough that we believe these are opportunity-based crimes and lack greater organization."

"However," Kuroda cut in, taking over the report once more, "if they are part of a larger gang, then it is only a matter of time before the start to better organize themselves, at which point we will have a serious problem on our hands. Currently, we have no way of estimating their true numbers." The boss carefully crossed his hands in front of him and seemed to think deeply for a few minutes. Kumiko felt the hairs on her arm stand on end; the anticipation was killing her.

"For the time being, we're going to ask for assistance from the Ryuseikai Group in our patrols. I want every available man out walking our turf this evening and every other evening this week, until we've solved this problem."

"Boss," one of the men asked, "do you need someone to get in contact with Ryuseikai?" Kuroda Ryuichiro seemed to take careful consideration in choosing his response.

"Kumiko," he said finally, turning to his granddaughter. Her head snapped to face him. "I would like you to go and speak with the heir of the Ryuseikai Group for us. Right now Kyo is at the shop the two of visited last night. He'll know where you can find Genji." Kumiko looked to her right and Wakamatsu nodded at her with a knowing smile. Turning back to her grandfather, she bowed her head.

"Of course grandpa." I guess training will have to wait until later, she thought in resignation. Those lucky brats.

A short time later...

Kyo had told her Genji spent most afternoons relaxing in a park nearby in the east district. If he couldn't be found there, she had instructions to stop by the Ryuseikai headquarters and inquire there.

Kumiko could not deny her excitement at having been chosen for this job. After her talk with Wakamatsu some time ago, she had been a bit unsure of how her grandfather viewed her position in the Family. But being trusted to request the help of one of their strongest allies, well, it made her feel as though he was showing her that he felt she was ready for more responsibility.

Of course, she thought skeptically, it could just be because he knows you're friends with Genji. The thought had crossed her mind, but she quickly decided that it didn't matter either way. An assignment was an assignment. At the moment, she was hurrying as quickly as she could, dodging shopkeepers and customers that swarmed the streets, making her way towards the park to meet with Genji. If she were lucky, perhaps they could even hang out for a bit. After they sorted out the Groups' affairs of course.

Eventually the crowds thinned and she could make out the park a couple of blocks away. Speeding up, she rounded the corner and came to a stop, catching her breath as she surveyed the area for a familiar figure. Spotting him several yards on a bench, his back to her, Kumiko couldn't help but grin to herself. It's payback time, she thought smugly to herself.

Kirishima, Honjou, and Sugihara were panting heavily as they watched Yamaguchi disappear into a park up ahead. With all the stress they had put their bodies through so far that day, Hiromi was amazed he was even still standing. Slowly now, he motioned to the others to follow him cautiously. They peered around the corner and watched as their classmate walked, no crept would be a more accurate description, towards a figure sitting on a bench. They couldn't see the person's face, but he looked dangerous.

"I don't like this," Pon muttered under his breath. "It feels like we're spying on him. I thought we were friends..."

"Shhh," Mako spat, jabbing him in the side. The boy whined.

"That hurt, idiot!"

"Would you two be quiet!" Hiromi hissed. Yamaguchi had just jumped over the back of the bench and tackled the figure to the ground. They could hear shouting as the two people were lost amidst a furious ball of flailing limbs.

"Do you think we should help him?" Mako whispered, his resolve wavering.

"Give it a minute..." Kirishima responded. "We've seen him fight; he's not going down that easy." Sure enough, the two figures eventually stopped beating on each other and appeared to be laughing as they pulled each other up off the ground. What exactly is going on here? he wondered.

Kumiko couldn't stop laughing. The look on Genji's face once he realized who jumped him had been priceless. Bending over, she supported herself with her hands on her knees and tried to take deep breaths with limited success. Beside her, Genji was likewise working to regain his composure, his initial irritation gone. He reclaimed his seat on the bench and she hesitated a moment before taking the space next to him for herself.

"I'm loving the new look," Genji joked, indicating her boy's uniform. "You look so much like a boy, I didn't recognize you at first." She grinned back at him.

"Didn't you hear? I go to Suzuran now."

"No shit, really?" Kumiko nodded and Genji started laughing even harder. "Small world, huh? It feels like such a long time ago that I graduated, but it was really only just last year... Crazy."

"They don't know I'm a girl of course," she explained quickly. "Or about my Family. I couldn't think of two better reasons to get expelled. And this time I promised Grandpa that things would work out."

"How is the Boss anyway?" Genji asked.

"That's actually why I'm here. Not that I don't love seeing you anyway," she added as her friend made a sour face. "Has Ryuseikai heard about these new thugs that showed up recently?"

"You mean the ones we've been getting so many complaints about? Yeah, father's been trying to decide how to handle the situation. They appear to be some sort of new gang."

"That's what we think as well. Busted up a couple of them last night, and they fight dirty."

"So what does Oedo want to do about it?" Genji asked, all business now.

"We'd like Ryuseikai's help in patrols for now," Kumiko began, also adopting a more serious demeanor, "and as for later I'm not sure. Grandpa might want to take further action if the problem can't be easily resolved."

Genji stood and lazily paced in front of the bench, appearing lost in thought. The Oedo Ojou waited patiently, watching her companion closely for any clue as to his decision.

"We've already increased our patrols, so I don't see why father would object to working together. We are allies after all." Genji turned to face her and grinned. "Alright, let's work together on this one and see if we can't drive these pests out of our city!"

"Good. I'll be sure to inform Grandpa of Ryuseikai's decision. We should be able to start tonight." Kumiko grinned up at her friend, relaxing now that business had been dealt with. Crossing his arms, Genji face was now plastered with a conspiratorially mischievous expression.

"If you don't have anything to do right now, how about a rematch?" he suggested slyly. "You didn't think I was just gonna igno—" But then something Kumiko couldn't see cut him off.

Hearing fast approaching footsteps, she spun in her seat to see who was coming.

The two boys sat on the bench and talked for awhile before the stranger stood up and began walking back and forth in front of Yamaguchi. He finally stopped and turned to face their classmate when Pon gasped.

"Isn't that Genji?" he all but screeched.

Mako elbowed him in the ribs again, knocking the noisy boy onto his butt with a soft oomph. Glaring up at his friend, Pon kicked Mako's ankle in revenge, earning him a disapproving look from their leader. He growled and crossed his arms dejectedly. Turning back to the park, Hiromi continued to watch the two boys, his brain working furiously to process each new development.

They seem to know each other pretty well, he thought, judging from the greeting Yamaguchi gave and the way they sat comfortably next to each other. He paused, eying the serious expression on Genji's face. But I'm sure they have other business together as well. This is certainly turning out to be an interesting day. Beside him, Mako turned as if to speak.

"Let's get answers now," he said. Without bothering to reply, Kirishima straightened up and walked around the corner into the park. He could feel Mako at his right shoulder, calmly letting Hiromi take the lead. A little further behind them, Honjou followed, still nursing his injured pride. Never dropping his gaze from the two boys ahead, the leader of 2B watched as Genji noticed their approach. Seconds later, Yamaguchi turned, his jaw slackening somewhat as recognition showed in his eyes. That's right, there's no escaping it this time.

"Gu-guys!" their new friend stammered, clearly disarmed. "What are you doing here?" Genji frowned.

"What's the meaning of this, Kirishima?" he demanded.

"Back off Genji, we're not here for you," Hiromi barked, just about out of patience for the day. "You," he spat, glaring down at Yamaguchi, "we want answers. Real ones this time. Now." Behind him, he could hear Pon sigh and had to stop himself from smacking his friend. Yamaguchi rose from the bench, his defenses back up and a scowl on his face. Genji looked momentarily perplexed.

"You know these guys?" he asked, trying hard to catch up.

"They're my friends," Kumiko explained, "from school." She glared at the boys. "I thought you said we were free for the rest of today? And what's with the attitude?" Genji blinked, disbelieving of the notion that the heir to the Oedo Group would be taking orders from anyone, let alone some high school thugs.

"We know something went down with Rindaman last night. Something that you're not telling us." Kirishima ground his teeth together in frustration. "No more bullshit either. We consider you a friend, but not if you lie to us. Either we find out what's going on right now, or don't bother coming to school tomorrow!"

"Hey, watch yourself!" Genji snapped, stepping between the two. Anger flared up in his gut but he tamped it down. He had always been a bit protective of Kumiko, but he didn't really dislike Kirishima either.

Mako reached up and placed a hand on Hiromi's shoulder, indicating that it was not wise to pick a fight with one of their school's most infamous graduates, especially in his current state. Kirishima shook him off and shoved his hands in his pockets as a precaution. His friend was right. I don't need to go doing anything stupid right now. Yamaguchi's shoulders sank ever so slightly.

"What is it you think happened Hiromi?"

"We know some thugs got into it last night at a sandwich shop where Rindaman works. You say you saw him last night, which means that was the fight you mentioned." He paused, and then, "Oedo."

Kumiko's stomach plummeted. Beside her Genji shifted uncomfortably.

"We know they were involved as well," Kirishima continued, much more calmly now. "Tell me Yamaguchi, are you working for them, or are you merely friends? I've seen you with that man before. The yakuza with the scar across his eye." Kumiko blinked. So he admits it, the leader thought smugly. "You talked with him just awhile ago. I think you had better start talking to us now."

Silence enveloped the group. Honjou shifted uncomfortably. He had never liked confrontations very much, unless they were the physical kind. And to him, this situation was less than undesirable. He liked their new classmate very much.

"It's not like we don't trust you Yamaguchi," he blurted out. "All Hiromi means to say is that we don't like being kept in the dark. Friends shouldn't have secrets, right?" Genji looked as though he was about to say something when Kumiko held up a hand to silence him. Oh shit, the Ryuseikai heir thought, recognizing the determined expression on her face. She's gonna...

"If it's that important to you, I guess I don't have a choice, do I?" She looked each boy over carefully, thinking about how easily she could converse with Pon; how the silent and steady Mako had protected her back during the fight today; how Kirishima had declared that her battles were his as well. If this is the end, then so be it. At least my conscience will be clear. "Just remember that I'm still me, alright?" Hiromi and the others glanced at one another, not sure what to say.

"My Grandfather is the current Boss of the Oedo Group, and I am its one heir."