Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina.

Understanding and Putting Pieces

Keitaro was in complete shock of what Naru's mother, Saori Narusegawa had just revealed to him and was literally frozen. Saori shook Keitaro to get a response from him.

"Keitaro," Saori spoke with concern, "Keitaro, are you okay?"

Keitaro snapped out of his daze and looked at Saori, "Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that, I was just shocked with what you told me."

Saori chuckled a little, "Yes, I suppose that's understandable."

Keitaro had his thoughts, "I can't believe this, Naru was at the Hinata Inn as a little girl and Mutsumi and I used to play with her?"

"Keitaro, do you have some time to spare?" Saori asked.

Keitaro thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, I do."

"Great, also, I can tell you little about the time you and my daughter played with each other," Saori said with a smile.

"Yeah, thanks…" Keitaro said nervously.

An Airport in USA

Hina was getting to ready to get on the plane to go back to Japan and Ester was with her.

"It's time to say goodbye Ester," Hina said.

"Hina, I still think you're making a mistake," Ester said.

"Ester, I have to go back. I trusted my daughter to take care of things when I came back here but now…"

"Hina, that girl Motoko, threatened your grandson with a real weapon, doesn't that bother you?"

"Of course it bothers me but I'm sure things would work out if there is talk and not getting the legal system involved."

Ester shook her head, "If it was my own grandson threatened like that, I would be worried if he didn't pressed charges."

Hina sighed, "Ester, you don't understand how things are where I'm from."

"I think it's just you."

Hina flinched, "How rude."

Hina looked back and started to get ready.

"Hina, don't expect us to wait for you," Ester reminded.

"I know," Hina replied, "well, so long Ester. I hope to see you again someday."

Hina left for her plane and Ester sighed and shook her head.

"I still think she's making a mistake but it's her choice," Ester said as she left to go back to her tour group.

Hinata Inn

Su was in her room working on a project. She took a little break and sighed and then looked at what she was working on.

"I'm sure with this, Motoko will feel better about herself and she will be a strong sword lady again," Su said, "with it, not even Keitaro can beat her a second time."

Su went back to work on her invention and concentrated.

Meanwhile, Naru was in her room studying with her glasses on. She sighed and decided to take a little break. She thought about the meeting with the new tenant, Urumi. Naru was irritated about that memory because not only did she learn that she was friends with Miyabi and Keitaro but she learned that even though she had a very high IQ, she chose her college based on wanting to spend to spend time with her boyfriend.

"That Urumi, yeah, Meiji University is not a bad school, in fact, it's excellent, though it's not Tokyo University and yet she chose her college based on wanting spending time with her boyfriend," Naru commented, "What's the point in that? I wonder if this boyfriend of hers even goes to college. Hmph, maybe the same university or most likely doesn't go one at all. What a waste."

Meanwhile, Kitsune sipped down and finished up one of her alcoholic beverages and sighed. She decides to take a walk around the inn to clear her head. As she was about to step out of her room, she sees Shinobu and Urumi having a conversation as they were walking by the hall and went passed her. Kitsune was seeing Shinobu smiling and having a good time with Urumi and it was the first time that Kitsune saw in a long time that Shinobu was so happy and she saw that in her expression herself. Kitsune then remembered what happened earlier and the things Urumi said to Motoko.

"Urumi is not so great," Kitsune said to herself, "the way she talked down on Motoko like that," Kitsune thought of an idea, "I will do something about this," Kitsune then had her fox-like grin, "I need to find out everything I can about Urumi. One of the first things is to find out her boyfriend is and then, I'll use charm and put him in a 'compromise situation'."

Kitsune giggled and decided to get started.

A Café Somewhere

Keitaro sipped his tea as he was facing Saori and Mei. Saori did the same things and Mei was nibbling on a snack with glee.

"It's nice to see you again Keitaro," Saori started, "you've grown so much over the years. Of course, that's bound to happen."

Saori giggled and Keitaro smiled.

"Th-Thank you," Keitaro replied.

"So Keitaro," Mei started, "you really knew my sister at Hinata Inn?"

"According to your mother, yeah, but the truth is that I had completely forgotten about that part in my past. It was the same with Mutsumi, it was only through my parents that started to remember her and I reacquainted with her ten years ago."

"Hmm, well, I'm sort of sad that you had forgotten my daughter," Saori said, "especially since you and Mutsumi would play with Naru a lot at the time."

"A lot?"

"Yes, especially in that sandbox. You three would play there all the time. Naru was a sick little girl and you two were so kind to her as to play with her as well as making sure she was okay," Saori smiled, "you know, there is something else as well."

"What is it?" Keitaro asked.

"Natsumi finished her work in the Hinata Inn and she and her family were set to move to Okinawa. Mutsumi was talking about a promise and it was something about you and Mutsumi seeing each other again. Your grandmother was telling us and your parents about it. We all thought it was cute," Saori said the last part with a giggle.

"My grandmother…" Keitaro spoke and then thought of it, "What could that promise be…wait…no, it couldn't be…but if that's true then…"

Keitaro thought about and it made Saori and Mei curious as they were seeing his expression.

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

Keitaro got out of his thoughts, "Oh, y-yeah, I was just surprised as all," Keitaro had his thoughts, "I need to ask Mutsumi as well as my parents."

"Say Keitaro, how is your Aunt Marumi doing?" Saori asked.

"Huh?" Keitaro was surprised, "She's doing well. Do you know my aunt?"

"We went to college together."

"Oh, that's surprising," Keitaro then had a smile, "What was she like back then?"

Saori sighed, "Honestly, most of the time, she annoyed me but in all, really a good person and she has helped a lot in the past. In fact, it was through your aunt, that I got acquainted with your parents and Mutsumi's parents when I met them at the Hinata Inn."

"Oh, I see, so it was because my Aunt Marumi," Keitaro smiled feeling joy hearing good things about his aunt."

Saori paused her moment and then decided to ask, "Keitaro, if you don't mind, I would like to ask you a favor."

Keitaro was taken back a bit, "Oh, what is it?"

"My daughter lives in your grandmother's inn now."

"Oh, yeah, that's true."

"Huh? You know?"

"The truth is that I was there a month ago when my grandmother asked me to go there. Turns out she wanted me to take over the duties as manager of the place."

Saori was surprised, "Huh? Manage the place even though it's now an all-girls dorm?"

"Yeah, it surprised me too; I didn't even know that it was converted until I went there."

"Huh? You didn't know?" Mei asked, "How come?"

"Well, my grandmother changed the place without telling me or any of the other members of the family except Aunt Haruka since she was the house mother."

"That's strange, why didn't she tell you?" Saori asked.

"I don't know, she didn't really give an explanation just as she didn't tell me that she was actually on her world tour."

"What world tour?" Saori asked surprised.

"Huh? You didn't know as well? My grandmother went on her world tour a year, she only came back to try to convince me to take the job until she gave up and passed the responsibility to my Aunt Haruka."

"Wait, what?" Saori asked surprised and Mei was surprised as well.

"….Wow, I guess you didn't know."

"We haven't heard anything of the sort, what in the world is going on? That is completely irresponsible, sending you to go there without really telling you what's going on. Did Naru and her dorm mates know beforehand?"

"Not really, she didn't really tell them either and it was not pleasant when I met her and the others."

"What do you mean?"

Keitaro began to tell Saori and Mei what had happened when he went to the Hinata Inn what had happened up to the point Keitaro left with Miyabi after giving his warning to his grandmother. Saori and Mei were shocked, especially in the way that Naru had acted and it bothered them.

"I know it would be hard to believe me and I would understand if you doubted me," Keitaro said.

Saori shook her head, "I…I'm just finding it hard to believe, I don't know about those other girls, but Naru, my own daughter…"

Keitaro decided to move on the question at hand, "Putting that aside, what's the favor you want to ask?"

"Oh, right," Saori cleared her throat, "Keitaro, I would like you to talk to Naru."

"Talk to Naru? About what?"

"The truth is that we haven't really heard anything from Naru for a long time."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Naru hasn't come by to visit us or even call us. When we tried to contact her, we were always told that she was out and doing things or too busy. We were assured that she would visit and call later but it would never come. I just wanted to see her again but…"

Saori and Mei were saddened by this and Keitaro was sad for them as well.

"I see," Keitaro said.

"Mei wants to spend time with Naru but she hasn't been able to do so."

"Naru wasn't even there with me when I started entering junior high," Mei said as she was upset about it.

"What the hell? Naru hasn't visited or talked to them? I wonder…" Keitaro decided to asked, "When was the last time you actually saw Naru?"

"Um, well, nearly two years," Saori answered.

Keitaro was surprised and answered, "I can't make any promises but I will at least mention this to Naru if I see her again."

"You will?" Saori asked.

"Would you really Keitaro?" Mei asked.

Keitaro nodded, "Sure, I can promise you that."

Mei and Saori were happy with what Keitaro said and Mei went and hugged Keitaro surprising him.

"Thank you Keitaro," Mei said with glee.

Keitaro smiled at Mei and Saori put her hands on Keitaro's hand.

"Keitaro, thank you," Saori said with a smile, "you're still the same kind little boy that I remember."

Keitaro rubbed the back of his head with his free hand and smiled, "It's no big deal," Keitaro had his thoughts, "I'll give Aunt Haruka a call, maybe she might know."

"Thank you Keitaro," Saori said.

The three left the café and Keitaro waved his goodbye to Mei and Saori as they left. Afterward, Keitaro sighed.

"I guess you heard, didn't you Mutsumi?" Keitaro spoke as he turned around to see Mutsumi.

Mutsumi nodded and had a remorseful expression, "Yes Keitaro, I did and I know you want to know about our past fifteen years ago."

Keitaro nodded, "Yeah."

"Well, you would have found out eventually and I just didn't when and how I should tell you."

Keitaro tapped Mutsumi's shoulder and Mutsumi nodded as she and Keitaro went to a different direction.

Hinata Inn, Motoko's Room

"I want an explanation Motoko," Tsuruko said.

Motoko looks away, "I was trying to defend my friends."

"Defend your friends, you say. Was it worth getting arrested and shaming your family and school?"

"I had to do it. Urashima made them cry, I couldn't let him get away with it."

Tsuruko sighed, "Motoko, I was told by Haruka that she told you not to do anything until she figured things out and she told me that you ignored her and took matters on your own. Why?"

"If I did that, it would have been like I was not doing anything for Sachiyo, Emi, and Kikuko," Motoko answered, "you weren't there when they gave me the looks on their faces. I have always defended them whenever a perverted male bothered them, it was no different with Urashima and if I started now to not take action, it would have been like my conviction would have been for nothing."

"But look at what your so-called conviction has gotten you. I can't believe that you would do something so foolish just to satisfy those three girls."

"There are my friends, sister."

"Really? Let me ask you something. Where they there for you after you lost to Keitaro Urashima?"

Motoko was taken back, "Well, no but they had their reason…

Motoko was nervous and looked away.

"I can see that you don't believe in what you just said. I also understand that you were kicked out of your Kendo Club as a result."

Motoko flinched at what was said.

"Motoko let me tell you what's going to happen."

"W-What is it?" Motoko asked looking at her sister.

"Your disgraceful actions have caused shame and embarrassment to our and the God Cry School. We actually lost some students because of this and are they were afraid that people would think that they would think that they're like you. With that, you will be coming home in Kyoto."

"But sister-"

"No but!" Tsuruko countered firmly, "You will come home and explain yourself to the council. Also, it is a fact that you will be stripped of your right of succession to the God Cry School and they will have you transferred to another school in Kyoto and it will be a co-ed high school."

Motoko's eyes widened, "Does that mean that…?"

Tsuruko nodded, "That's right. After it's settled with the charges against you, you will be leaving this place and moving back home and start school there. It has already been decided and you have no say in the matter. Father is already in the process and letting your all-girl school know. By the way, you'll be going to the school Hayato works."

"Sister…but that…" Motoko frowned thinking that she would see her brother-in-law in the school he worked as a teacher, "You're saying that I have to leave the Hinata Inn, leave my friends here?"

"That's right," Tsuruko said, "by the way Motoko, there is one thing I want to ask you about."

"What is it?"

"When I visited Uncle at his apartment building, he informed me about your feelings."

"My feelings?"

"Yes," Tsuruko looked at Motoko and felt betrayed, "so, you hated the fact that I got married."

"I…" Motoko wasn't sure what to exactly say when Tsuruko gave her a vicious glare.

"To think that you and Hina Urashima would say that I was being inconsiderate and irresponsible, amazing that you would say things like that about me when it was you as well as Ms. Urashima who's being irresponsible."

"Sister, Granny Hina is not irresponsible," Motoko defended.

"Oh yes, she is, especially deceiving her own grandchild regarding the Hinata Inn and you not seeing something wrong with it. If that's not considered to be dishonorable, then I don't know what is."

Motoko was about to say something but cut herself off and closed her eyes sadly. On the other side from Motoko's door, Su heard the conversation and was shocked and sad to hear what was going to happen with Motoko.

"She can't leave," Su said in a quiet voice as she moved away from the door, "Motoko can't leave…if she leaves, who will comfort me at night?"

Urashima Bakery/Residence

Keitaro and Mutsumi were in the bakery and Keitaro's parents were happy to Mutsumi and they talked for a bit. Afterwards, they learned what prompted Keitaro's visit and Kyoshiro went to get something. He came back and handed Keitaro a picture. It was picture of three kids; it was Keitaro, Mutsumi, and Naru. Mutsumi pointed at two-year-old Naru and it surprised Keitaro. Keitaro told Kyoshiro and Nanami about meeting with Saori and they were happy and asked how she was doing. Keitaro nodded saying that she was doing fine and he talked about how he met with Saori and her younger daughter Mei.

After some time, Mutsumi decided to start as Keitaro's parents went to do deliveries leaving the bakery to Keitaro while they were both gone for the moment and Kanako showed up as well to mind the bakery as well.

"Okay Keitaro, now about the promise that was made fifteen years ago," Mutsumi started.

Flashback: Fifteen years ago, Hinata Inn sandbox

Five-year-old Keitaro was playing in the sandbox with six-year-old Mutsumi.

"Say, did you know that if two people go to Tokyo University, they will find happiness with each other?" Mutsumi asked.

"Huh? Really?" Keitaro asked, "Is that true?"

Mutsumi nodded, "Yeah, it's true. So promise, we'll see each other again at Tokyo University when we grow up."

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Keitaro learns of the promise and realizes why Hina wanted him to be manager of the Hinata Inn and Hina returns to Japan.