Thank you for your well wishes and support! I am very touched!
A/N: This is a side story written in Toru's POV.
Beta-ed by RiveReinStyx.
Disclaimer : Finder Series and its characters are properties of Yamane Ayano. No profit is made from writing this fan fiction.
Warnings: OC – centered chapter. If you're not a Toru fan, you'll find this chapter boring.
Business as Usual 27
As Akihito's chief security, Toru rarely took a day off. Holidays were allocated but Toru chose to work, finding it pointless to spend the whole day doing absolutely nothing.
Truthfully, he never thought guarding Akihito was work. The photographer was easily one of the easiest bosses he had ever worked with and surprisingly, so was Asami. The yakuza called the shots but when it came to Akihito's safety, he allowed Toru free rein.
So when Toru was forcibly removed from his duty for a day due to a minor wound he sustained during Koga's interrogations, he was at a loss. There wasn't anything particularly planned on his agenda except for an appointment with Kanzaki sensei in the morning and rearranging Akihito's schedule for the next day. But that would only take an hour at most and it could only be done in the evening once he receive Akihito's schedule from Ando.
As he got dressed – slim fit black shirt paired with black pants, he thought about Akihito's schedule for the day. A photo shoot segment with the fashion magazine and a court case. Nothing special and unless Akihito suddenly received a tip off about some criminal activities late in the night, he should be home before eight.
With Asami's approval, Toru placed Ando in charge of Akihito's security for the day. Makoto was ordered to be Ando's partner and he had been specifically instructed by Kirishima about his duties. It shouldn't be a problem, considering Makoto was not only a decent fighter, he had the brains.
Leaving the apartment, Toru was about to walk out of the apartment to hail a cab when he spotted Kanda standing next to one of Asami's many luxury sedans. A fellow guard like himself, Kanda was a junior and was often paired with Makoto for assignments.
"Toru san."
Kanda's short tapered cut hair was neatly combed for a more formal look. He looked slim in the standard guard uniform with tie but Toru knew that Kanda had quite a toned physique underneath the clothes.
"What are you doing here?"
Kanda bowed. "Asami sama ordered me to take you to the hospital for a checkup."
Never a person who argued with direct orders, Toru nodded and slid into the front passenger seat.
"You don't want to sit at the back, Toru san?" Kanda asked as he took his seat behind the wheel.
"We're colleagues and my position isn't any higher from you so it's rude for me to do so."
Kanda's dark brown eyes widened. "Toru san, you're known at Sion as one of the Big Four. You're the elites of the elites!"
"Big four?"
"Before you and Ando san, there're Kirishima san and Suoh san," Kanda explained, his eyes fixed on the road. "When I joined, there were gossips about you among the guards – you know – how you managed to secure the job by taking Minagawa out."
The guard who cheated on the boss, Toru recalled; the same person he was ordered to kill during his job interview.
"I mean, Keiichi san was also one of Takaba sama's guards. He remains as one of the many guards who guarded the young boss and that was it but– " Kanda looked at Toru briefly before continuing, "—you, Toru san; you've created a name for yourself. The juniors called you the legend."
Toru shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the praises. "I'm sure those are exaggerations. I'm only doing my job."
"I'm not saying this to please you. Ask any of the guards, they'll tell you the same," Kanda said as he turned into the junction. "Your reputation is already solid the minute you got hired. After the incident at The Fixer, your reputation raised another notch. And after the Chey saga in Cambodia, I think everyone just labeled you as God."
The incident at Akihito's club was memorable. Toru had failed his job then, causing Akihito to be hurt and a displeased Asami threw a gun at him, asking him to end his own life. It didn't occur to Toru that the magnum had been emptied but he fired nonetheless, earning an instant approval from Asami.
"I didn't think about climbing ranks. My priority has always been Takaba sama's safety," Toru admitted.
"You're being modest, Toru san. You're in the circle so –,"
"Circle?"
Kanda didn't seem to mind the interruption and went on explaining, "Asami sama's circle. Not everyone is entrusted by the boss like the four of you."
When the vehicle pulled at the main entrance of Asami's NT Hospital, Toru was relieved. Kanda was a decent man but to hear stories about the guards worshipping him like God was slightly uncomfortable.
He mumbled thanks at the younger guard who cheerfully announced that he would be waiting for him. Boss's orders.
Nodding his head, Toru walked into the spacious concierge. A few doctors and nurses who recognized him bowed politely and it made Toru curious all over. He was usually with Akihito so when staffs bowed at them; Toru naturally assumed it was for the photographer. He rode the elevator to the seventh floor, where Kanzaki sensei's office and therapy room was located and was shown into the room without fuss.
"Toru san."
For a man in his mid-fifties, Kanzaki sensei did not look more than forty eight. Aside from some visible grey hair, it was mostly black. Square face with black eyes and broad nose, the doctor resembled any middle aged Japanese office worker.
Except that he wasn't. Kanzaki Ichirou, easily the highest paid doctor in Japan; served as Asami's private physician. Toru was told by Kirishima that the doctor did not have to attend to patients in the hospital unless there was an emergency.
"Sensei," Toru greeted as he took his seat in front of the doctor.
"How's your arm?" Kanzaki asked as he stood up from his seat. He gestured Toru to the sick bed and waited for the guard to undress.
"I think it's getting better. I don't feel any pain," Toru said, rotating his shoulder a little to prove his point.
Kanzaki inspected the wound. "It is healing nicely, although I have to warn you to be careful with it. What about the gunshot wounds on your shoulder and thigh?"
"They're completely healed. I was lucky that the bullets weren't deeply embedded."
"You sure are. Two centimeters deeper and you won't be able to use that hand again." Kanzaki pressed lightly on Toru's wound on his shoulder. "Any pain?"
"No, not anymore."
"What about your strength?"
Toru rolled his shoulder again. "I'm slowly gaining it back."
"Good. Try not to overexert the shoulder. That goes the same for your arm too." Smiling softly, the doctor went back to his desk, scribbling on the patient card.
Toru got dressed quietly and bowed at the doctor. "Thank you, Kanzaki sensei."
Kanzaki looked up, smiling warmly. "You're welcome. I'll update Asami sama personally about your condition," he said as he stood up.
Toru didn't comment on that. Bowing again as a farewell gesture, Toru turned to leave the room.
"Toru san?"
He turned back, facing the doctor.
"Try not to get hurt again. Of all Asami sama's guards, you're the most frequent visitor on my operating table."
Toru actually offered a small smile. "I'll do my best, sensei."
Xx Business as Usual xX
"How did the check-up go?" Kanda asked immediately when Toru emerged from the building.
"Sensei said my wounds are healing well," Toru said, sliding into the car. He pulled the safety belt across his chest.
Kanda took his seat behind the wheel, started the engine. "That's a relief. So –," the younger guards clucked his tongue. " – where do you want to go next?"
Toru thought he must have a slight confusion on his face because Kanda quickly added, "Kirishima san ordered me to chauffer you wherever you want." The younger guard smirked. "That makes you the boss for the day,"
"We're colleagues, Kanda," Toru reaffirmed. "But thanks for helping me out. You have to report at Sion right? I'll go there."
There was a moment of uncertainty for Kanda. He looked at Toru. "You sure?"
"Yes, I need to report to Asami sama."
There wasn't anything that Toru needed to report to the boss but he really didn't want Kanda driving him around. Thankfully the younger guard didn't argue with the statement and drove on.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Sion. The simple yet elegant black glass embossed sign stood near the grand entrance of the office. The lofty tower, built mostly in glass was an iconic landmark in Shinjuku and the owner was none other than Asami Ryuichi.
Strangely enough, the cold glass exterior felt home to Toru. In the army, Toru was assigned to the Combat and Security Division and whilst he was excellent at his job, he found it difficult to feel at ease.
Sion was different. As Akihito's guard, Toru shouldered a huge responsibility. He had long accepted that his job would put him at all sorts of grave situation, including life threatening risks but not once did he thought about it. Funnily enough, not the same could be said when he was sent out of the country for peacekeeping duties.
"Toru san," the security at the entrance greeted.
Nodding his head, Toru walked swiped his ID card and walked inside the lobby. He swiped his card again, placed his thumb print upon entering the special elevator for guards and punched fifteen.
As Toru rode quietly to the training room where he most likely would find Suoh, he thought of the security guard guarding at the entrance. Average looking Japanese in harmless security uniform; the type one would see at the shopping malls. But Toru knew better. The guard was specially trained by Suoh and could pack a deadly punch.
Sion, Toru thought, resembled a military fortress.
The elevator doors slid open gracefully at level fifteen. The restricted level was reserved solely for training and only guards hired at Sion were given the special access card. Toru hadn't been to the training room many times. In fact, he recalled that the only time he visited the training room was during his interview where he sparred with Suoh. He hadn't returned ever since.
Toru swiped his card at the glass door, scanned his thumb print and entered. It was a huge place, with a large dojo for sparring practices. Adjacent to it stood the training room; a more formal setting with tables and chairs for lessons. All new guards were place into training for a few months before performing actual duty – no exceptions.
Ando once mentioned that new recruits were required to undergo long physical combat training where they were thrown into various live security scenarios. The classes were equally as challenging. Not only guards were taught to detect and assess threats; they were also trained to perform tactical planning and operations.
Not everyone, according to Ando, was given a chance to hold guns. At the end of the grueling six-month training, only a handful of guards were selected by Suoh for weapons training where they were sent for shooting drills.
From Ando's description, guards at Sion were trained like policemen in the police academy and it reminded Toru of his own military training.
No wonder the guards at Sion were highly qualified.
There was also another interesting fact. In the history of guard recruitments at Sion, Toru remained the only guard who did not have to go through the intensive procedure.
Toru found the chief security in his karate uniform supervising a group of rookies sparring. As usual, Suoh wore his stern looking face as he barked instructions at the new recruit who was struggling to take down his opponent.
As a form of respect, Toru bowed before entering the dojo. He walked straight to the bulky guard.
"Suoh san."
"Toru, off day today?"
"I had an appointment with Kanzaki sensei."
Suoh looked at Toru's arm. "How did the check-up go?"
"Sensei said I'm making good progress. I'm expecting full recovery," Toru answered, looking at the guards. "New recruits?"
The bulky guard crossed his arms. "Yeah but from the looks of it, they need more training before I can send them out."
Toru couldn't agree more. Both attack and defense were weak. Too many open spaces, too many weak defenses; they'd be dead before it began.
Suoh gaze rested briefly on Toru's arm before looking at the recruits again. "It's a pity you injured your arm. You could train them."
Toru bowed. "I apologize for not being able to help today. Kanzaki sensei advised me to take caution with the arm for the time being."
"Not to mention you need the energy for the young boss." Suoh offered a thin smile before annoyance took over when he saw two guards sparring with each other. "Hey you, put more energy in your punches!"
A few new recruits were already looking Toru's way. Some started whispering, some simply stared. A few even dared to approach Toru.
"Toru san!" they greeted simultaneously, bowing nearly 90 degrees. "We heard so much about you, especially what happened in Cambodia and during Koga's interrogations."
"Thank you," he mumbled.
They bowed again. "We aim to be like you, Toru san! Please take care of us!"
Tongue tied, Toru could only nod his head.
Suoh folded his arms, looking displeased. "If you want to be like him, work on your sparring!" As the new recruits scrambled back to their places, Suoh turned to Toru. "You're well-known around here."
The lanky guard looked away, uncomfortable. "Kanda told me the same thing."
Suoh grinned, giving the lanky guard a friendly smack on the shoulder. "Everyone has been singing praises about your swordplay. Even Kirishima was impressed."
Not knowing what else to reply, Toru bowed. It looked like visiting the training room had been a mistake after all as the praises were making him uncomfortable. He should leave before other recruits ask him for his autographs.
Kirishima walked into the training room just then, halting his plans. Asami's personal secretary, looking sharp in his usual black uniform and tie, nodded his head at Suoh.
"Kirishima san," Toru greeted.
"Toru," he greeted before turning to wave his hand at the new recruits who had turned into a bunch of worshippers. Obviously, it was a rare opportunity to see three out of four Asami's best men together.
"Kirishima has his own fan club," Suoh said before ordering the recruits to continue with their training.
"Don't start spreading rumors," the secretary said before pushing his spectacles up. "Toru, I'm told by Kanda you were here. And Asami sama would like to see you at his office."
Grateful for the intrusion, Toru bowed before his seniors and left quickly. He rode the private elevator to the top floor, all the while thinking about his sudden popularity among the guards and felt uncomfortable all over.
Brushing the thought aside, Toru stopped at the all too familiar oak door. Knocking twice, he entered the room when he was given permission to do so.
"Asami sama," Toru bowed.
The yakuza looked up from the report he was reading and gazed at Toru with his deep, penetrating golden eyes. Toru was already used to the gaze but it can still be intimidating sometimes. Toru's thoughts went briefly to Kirishima, who usually served the boss and could only tip his hat off at the secretary for remaining by Asami's side almost twenty-four-seven.
"I received a report from Kanzaki sensei about your wounds."
Toru stood up straight with his hands clasped behind his back and waited.
"He also told me that you shouldn't strain your arm and prescribed rest."
"Sir, I don't need rest. I have full confidence of full recovery and it wouldn't be problem when I serve Takaba sama."
Asami placed the reports on the table. "Since you insist, I won't argue." Slowly, Asami took his fountain pen and signed the report before pushing it aside. "Did Akihito know about your cut?"
Toru maintained a straight face. "No sir, I didn't tell him about it. Since I was always wearing long sleeve, he didn't notice either."
The crime lord nodded. "Keep that from him. Akihito is most likely to fit his schedule in the coming days for the sparring lessons with you. Postpone it if your arm cannot handle the strain."
"Understood, sir."
The golden eyes stared at Toru again. "And Akihito's lessons will be conducted here, at level fifteen. Inform the other guards about it."
Toru bowed again, signaling that he understood. "Asami sama –," he halted and waited for Asami's approval to speak. When he gotten his green light, Toru continued, "Pardon me for asking but what should we do about Koga and the Goda clan? I do not think they will be quiet after what happened."
Asami smirked. "Even with his clubs and stash of cocaine, Goda is insignificant. Without them, he's nothing." The eyes turned hard. "But I have someone following Koga. Goda is unlikely to do anything but Koga is strong willed. He'd be out of the picture for a couple of months at least, considering his injuries but once he's back on his feet, we'll monitor him closely."
Toru said nothing more. His boss was the wisest man he had ever worked with so Toru didn't think that Asami needed his input on the matter.
"I'll do my best to guard Takaba sama," Toru said, bowing.
Again, the crime lord smirked. "I'm confident that you will. And Toru –," Asami halted, opening the desk drawer to pull out two tickets. He slid the tickets across the table smoothly.
"An acquaintance passed them to me but since I'm too busy, you can go on my behalf."
They were tickets to the National Katana Exhibition. Toru heard about the exhibition but it was a private viewing event so he didn't bother buying tickets. And it was something that Toru had interest in.
Surprised that the yakuza had actually remembered about his fascination with katanas, the guard took the tickets gratefully. "Thank you, Asami sama."
"Kanda will chauffer you there."
Another order Toru couldn't disobey. He just hoped Kanda wouldn't start stories on his popularity again.
Xx Business as Usual xX
The exhibition was held at the prestigious Keio Hotel. Toru wondered how his boss managed to secure the exhibition at his hotel since most katana exhibitions were done elsewhere.
Then again, Asami was a man of power and influence. It shouldn't be hard for him to organize something like this. Nearly two hundred valuable swords went on display in the secured ballroom. The katanas were displayed on tables, properly labeled with short explanation. The swords were mostly naked from their scabbards, with the upper third of the blade rested on a small pillow.
Toru was initially worried if Kanda understood the seriousness of the exhibition since Katana Appreciation required proper decorum and etiquette; and no breach was permissible but he exceeded Toru's expectation. The younger guard lacked knowledge when it came to fine blades yet he showed keen interest and took time to read and scrutinized every piece available in the hall.
The katanas were exquisite; some even dated as far as the 1600s. The fine features, beautiful forms and curve of the blades were enough to impress Toru. Toru supposed he couldn't complain since the katana rested on the rack in his apartment was forged by the skilled and talented Tadayoshi, the eight generation son of the Munestugu family. His sword, dated 1870, did not exist in the government records. He bought it for a small fortune and its authenticity had been confirmed by experts who swore to keep it a secret for a small fee.
As part of the proper sword viewing etiquette, Toru bowed in the direction of the blade, acknowledging and respecting its age and beauty. He picked the sword in one swift action, supported the blade in a piece of white cloth as he studied the naked blade. He did the same for most of the swords, so did a very confused Kanda, who didn't seem to comprehend the reason for doing so.
By the end of the two hour journey, Toru left the hall, satisfied.
"Toru san, why do you need to bow before every katana?" Kanda asked as started the engine.
"It's the proper viewing etiquette. It shows good manners and acknowledgement towards the sword."
"Sorry, it's my first time in a katana exhibition."
Toru offered a smile. "I know. You looked loss."
Kanda smiled sheepishly. "You noticed?"
When Toru merely nodded, Kanda continued, "They were fascinating."
A quick glance at his watch told Toru that he should be heading back to the apartment for dinner. Besides, his valuable katana needed a good polishing.
"Let's head back," Toru suggested.
Kanda grinned. "Roger."
As they turned into the intersection where the high courts were located, Toru briefly remembered Akihito's assignment at the court. The huge white building stood next to the main road with armed police guarding the area. Several police trucks were stationed outside, an indication that the court hadn't adjourned.
Toru would have missed the action if he weren't looking. The crowd outside the court blocked most of his vision, but by chance he saw a man dressed in blue prison garb dashing out of the building with a gun. As the crowd and police entered a temporary chaotic stage, another man chased after the prisoner. A man Toru knew very well.
"Stop the car!" Toru shouted.
Shocked and confused, Kanda stepped hard on the brakes, sending the car to a screeching stop. Ignoring the blaring honks behind him, Toru jumped out of the vehicle, crossed the road and sprinted after the prisoner.
"Takaba sama!" Toru shouted, his hand reaching for his gun inside the coat. It was empty.
Shit.
Since he was off duty, Toru left the gun in the drawer next to his bed. Then again, starting a gun fight in the middle of a crowded street didn't sound like a solid plan either.
Left without a choice, Toru jumped over the divider to the other side of the road and chased on. His heart nearly stopped when the prisoner turned behind and fired a random shot at Akihito. Thankfully, Ando managed to push Akihito to the side, causing the bullet to hit the lamp post and ricochet to the bark of the tree.
He heard Ando shouted "Takaba sama, are you ok?" before the chaos erupted.
People on the street screamed at the gun shot. Most crouched, placing their hands on their heads while some ran away frantically. But not Takaba Akihito, the star cameraman. Determined to get the shots he wanted and armed with nothing but his Nikon camera, the photographer pushed Ando away to chase on, snapping shots as he ran.
Toru knew he had to do something before the prisoner started shooting blindly again. Thankfully, years servicing the army trained him to be a fast runner. He ran past Ando and Akihito; and caught the prisoner on his arm.
Surprised, the prisoner turned around, raising his gun. Toru caught the man's wrist, twist it to the back, forcing him to drop the gun before ramming his fist on the man's face.
"Arg!" The man groaned as blood poured from his nose.
Toru judged him to be at least 5' 7". His short crew cut hair suggested that he was a former policeman. He had small, mono-lid eyes that made it impossible for Toru to see the color of his iris. Yet Toru sensed fury and anger in those eyes. The running had sweat trickling down the man's face, dripping on the name tag of the blue garb that read Igarashi Mitsuo
As a former policeman, Igarashi had some sort of basic fighting skills. Despite armless, he shot his fist straight at Toru's face. Unluckily for Igarashi, Toru had already anticipated the move. He crouched, elbow jabbed Igarashi's stomach before moving backwards.
Igarashi was definitely stronger than he looked in the miserable blue garb. Instead of collapsing, he merely grunted and came back at Toru with a few punches. The guard went defensive; blocking the moves efficiently before moving to the Igarashi's back, slid his hand through the man's neck, securing Igarashi's neck into a rear naked choke.
Toru tightened his grip, forcing the man to stay still. When he felt the man was near unconscious due to the lack of oxygen, Toru released him, pushed him to the ground facedown, securing him by kneeing him on his neck.
"Toru, don't move!" Akihito ordered as he crouched, taking succession of photographs.
"Takaba sama!" Ando called the minute he reached. "Toru san, what are you doing here?"
"Happened to see Takaba sama running after him," Toru replied, referring to Igarashi. "Takaba sama, he had a gun. If Ando hadn't pushed you away just now, you would have –,"
"Save your lectures for later, Toru. The police are coming," Akihito cut in and began to take photographs of the approaching policemen.
Akihito continued snapping his desired shots until Toru handed Igarashi to the policemen. As the police dragged a reluctant Igarashi away, Akihito removed the memory card from his camera and slid it in his jeans pocket, grinning victoriously. "This scoop is mine!"
The photographer looked around and nearly groaned when he saw Mitarai running over. "Toru, leave now or Mitarai will take your photos and splash it across Mainichi Shimbun's front page tomorrow."
Nodding his head, Toru escaped before Mitarai managed to fix his camera lens in order. As he crossed the road, he overhead Mitarai's displeased remark of, "Takaba! You sprinted off and took the shots by yourself! You must share the photographs with me!"
Xx Business as Usual xX
Toru's phone rang almost immediately the minute he entered his apartment. Fishing out his phone from his pants, he checked the caller and wasn't surprised to see Asami's name on the screen.
"Asami sama."
"Toru, Kanda had just reported to Kirishima about the shootings at the court," his boss's voice was cool and calm.
"Sir, the prisoner apparently escaped the courtroom and tried to make a run for it. I happened to be in the area and saw Takaba sama running after him. He had a gun with him."
"Where was Ando?"
"Chasing behind Takaba sama. He managed to push Takaba sama when the prisoner fired a shot at him."
"His identity?"
"A former policeman by the name of Igarashi Mitsuo," Toru explained as he flipped his diary to check Akihito's schedule. "Convicted of murder and bribery; he was supposed to be sentenced today at the high court."
There was a moment of silence before Asami replied. "Get Ando to compile the report to me. What time is Akihito scheduled to finish today?"
Toru checked his wrist watch. "He should be home before eight, sir."
"And what's his schedule tomorrow?"
Toru checked Akihito's appointments. "He's clear tomorrow. No appointments."
"Good, report to the penthouse tomorrow morning as usual."
"Understood, Asami sama," Toru replied before he ending the call.
Toru didn't need to stand in front of Asami to know he was furious. He wondered what would happen to Igarashi once he got into prison. Even if Asami didn't send his assassins, Igarashi would most probably suffer.
Taking the katana from the rack, Toru sat on the floor and started the cleaning process. The katana had been sent to a professional after the incident at the warehouse so Toru didn't need to perform the arduous task of polishing.
The sensei who polished his blade had already oiled it with clove oil but it was necessary to check it regularly for good preservation. As Toru suspected, the oil on the blade was drying when he removed it from its scabbard so he carefully cleaned off the excessive oil and reapply it again.
The guard spent the next hour and a half cleaning and appreciating his katana before finally placing it back on the rack next to the television. The weather maintained at 29 degrees so he was pretty much soaked by the time he finished his chore. After a cool shower, Toru thought of cooking a simple dinner when the doorbell rang.
Ando, he thought as he went to the door. The younger guard was supposed to report to him after his shift ended. But it wasn't just Ando who stood at the door. To his surprise, Kirishima, Suoh and Kanda were behind Ando, and everyone seemed to be carrying a grocery bag.
"Toru san, let's have dinner together!" Kanda raised his hands, showing the plastic bags containing food.
Toru stepped aside, allowing the four to enter.
"We got all sorts of stuff for sukiyaki tonight," Ando explained as he placed the bags on the dining table.
"Suoh and I bought some snacks and beer," Kirishima added.
Toru bowed. "Thank you but –" Toru looked around. "I'm not that much of a cook."
Suoh gave Toru a friendly smack. "Don't worry, Kirishima and Ando are."
Kirishima and Ando had already discarded their coats, their sleeves rolled up half. Neck ties tucked neatly in the front pockets, both men set off to work. Suoh packed the cans of beers in the refrigerator while Kanda helped Toru set the table.
"Toru san, is this the sword that you used during Koga's interrogations?" Kanda asked when he spotted the blade on the rack.
The lanky guard nodded and Kanda looked impressed.
"Wow, I heard from the guards about your skills at the warehouse. You looked like a proper samurai."
"Pity you weren't there to see the demonstration," Ando said as he tasted the soup.
"Even Asami sama was impressed," Kirishima added.
Kanda moved to the dining table where Kirishima stood. Ando brought the soup and placed it on the portable gas cooker.
"Seriously?"
Kirishima offered the young guard a smirk. "He didn't say so but his expression in the limousine showed it all."
Both Ando and Kanda looked speechless with the remark. They stared at an expressionless Toru before uttering simultaneously, "Wow, you're good, Toru san."
"I was merely using kendo moves," Toru replied calmly.
"Don't be modest, Toru san," Ando said, taking his seat next to Kanda.
"Ando's right," Suoh said, placing the first slice of beef in the boiling soup. "When you stopped by Sion today, the new recruits were already star struck."
"Suoh san –" Toru interrupted, "—please, I'm not a film star. I'm merely doing my job," he finally admitted.
As Suoh laughed out at his reaction, the doorbell rang again. Grateful once again for the intrusion, Toru stood up to open the door. Two unexpected guests stood at his door.
"Asami sama, Takaba sama," he greeted, bowing in the process.
Akihito, still dressed in his morning jeans, white singlet and lightweight summer jacket, barged into the apartment, heading straight to the kitchen. Asami, in his usual three piece designer suit stepped inside, smirking at Akihito's antics.
"Takaba sama!" Ando was the first to greet.
Ignoring his guard, Akihito burst out. "Asami, I told you they were having sukiyaki!" he said rather crossly.
At the mention of Asami's name, all four guards at the table stood up and bowed. Ando managed to remain his composure but Kanda was so nervous that he went rigid on the spot without bowing at the yakuza.
Kirishima immediately went into his secretarial mode by leading Asami to the sofa while Akihito continued ranting about the fact that the guards were having dinner without extending an invitation to him.
"I knew you were up to something when you stopped by Marukoshi to buy meat." Akihito glared at Ando.
Ando bowed quickly. "I'm sorry, Takaba sama. I didn't mean to hide it from you."
Akihito sat on the chair, looking at the delicious spread. "Toru! What were you doing at the court today?"
Toru felt slightly underdressed in his long track bottom and long sleeve shirt but his poker face maintained. "I happened to pass by. Takaba sama, you shouldn't have chased after Igarashi. He had a gun."
Akihito glanced at Asami before quickly averting his eyes. The photographer went silent for a moment before flashing his determined eyes at Asami.
"That was my scoop! I won't let Mitarai steal another photograph! I was dirt poor because of that!"
The photographer stood up, walked to the sitting area and plopped next to Asami. "Did you know how happy the editor was when I showed him the photographs? They'll be on the front page tomorrow – FRONT PAGE!" Akihito emphasized.
"If you sit down and start counting your assets, you'd realized that you didn't need the few photographs to make a living," Asami replied.
Akihito looked away. "Hn! As if I'm using your money! Just you watch, one day I'll be rich and it'd be my turn to give you money."
The statement was bold, insolent and the only person who could use it on Asami was Akihito. Toru was the only guard who remained stoic at the statement. Ando, who was already used to Akihito's antics in front of Asami laughed discreetly. Kirishima and Suoh actually snickered. Kanda looked positively horrified.
The yakuza himself smirked. Accepting a drink from Suoh, he took a sip before placing the cup on the coffee table.
"I will wait for that moment. Meanwhile, you can continue using mine."
"No, my viewfinder will be my only source of income," the photographer insisted stubbornly.
"There are other more plausible methods to gain money, Akihito."
Piqued with interest, Akihito turned to Asami. "What, invest in shares?"
"Possible," Asami agreed, "But you need capital and patience to play with the stock market."
"If it's not shares, what is it?" Akihito asked, getting impatient.
Tracing Akihito's jawline, the yakuza replied. "Heard of tama no koshi?"
That statement had Akihito sprung up from his seat. "Hah! You'd think I'd marry a rich girl just for her wealth? Don't look down on me, Asami!"
"Takaba sama," Kirishima began, smirking. "What Asami sama meant was you marrying into the Asami household. Of course, under the Japanese law, the only way to do it is by changing your surname to Asami."
Eyes widened, jaw dropped, Akihito stared at his lover for a full ten seconds before he erupted. "Are you out of your mind? I'll never change it!"
As the photographer fumed in front of Asami, Kanda stood rooted at his place. His blinking eyes told Toru that he wasn't used to witnessing such scenarios.
Realizing that argument would continue if he didn't interfere, Toru asked politely, "Asami sama, Takaba sama, would you like to have dinner with us?"
"Yeah, of course!" Akihito answered, anger forgotten immediately.
As Toru led Akihito to his seat, Kirishima leaned closer to Asami. "Sir, Hasegawa said that the legal papers have been drawn against the Setagaya Police Station, charging the station for wrongful imprisonment, violation of civil rights and improper police conduct. He asked for your approval to proceed."
The golden eyes narrowed. "Does Akihito need to be present at the court?"
"No. He said he'd handle everything."
Asami glanced at Akihito, who was busy beating a raw egg into an empty bowl. "Proceed and keep the case away from Akihito."
"Very well, sir. And the proposal that Takaba sama's brother submitted last week will be tabled at the meeting tomorrow."
The yakuza nodded his head. "Show me the reports later."
Kirishima bowed.
"Asami, Kirishima! Come on, we're waiting for you to start," Akihito called, his fingers already gripping the chopsticks.
Kirishima led the boss to his seat before sitting next to Suoh. Eating with the boss was always nerve wracking, considering the boss was already intimidating to begin with. As proper etiquette, the host usually starts off by inviting the guests to eat however in this case; Toru wondered if he should do it. He might be the host but Asami was the boss.
Thankfully, Akihito ended the awkwardness by cheerfully saying, "Itadakimasu!" Oblivious to the problems faced by the guards, Akihito started off by dipping the beef into the boiling soup and placed it on the beaten egg to cool it down before placing it in his mouth.
"This is pretty good!"
"These are premium beef, Takaba sama," Ando said, placing another half cooked thin slice beef on Akihito's plate.
"Thanks! Hey Asami, if you don't start eating, you won't have any left!" Akihito grinned mischievously and looked around the table. "That goes for all of you. I'm known as the meat eater in the group, beating Kou and Takato."
"Ta – Takaba sama, you can have my share," Kanda bowed, pushing his own bowl to Akihito.
"Don't be so nervous, Kanda," Kirishima replied, placing a slice of beef on Asami's bowl.
"Oh," replied the guard, his cheeks went red.
Akihito laughed. "Relax Kanda, I was only joking." He stood up, placing a slice of meat on Kanda's bowl. "Here you go. And one for you too, Ando," he said as he served Ando.
Both Ando and Kanda bowed. "Thank you, Takaba sama."
"Akihito," Asami began and the guards went silent.
Akihito stopped serving, looking at his lover. "Wh—what?"
"You're going to work with me tomorrow."
"WHAT?" Akihito stood up. "No way, why should I?"
The yakuza smirked. "Your brother's proposal will be discussed at the meeting tomorrow. Don't you want to know the results?"
The photographer gritted his teeth. "Bastard, you knew I'd be interested."
"Kirishima," Asami said, ignoring the remark. "Make the necessary arrangements."
Kirishima bowed. "Understood, Asami sama."
"Takaba sama, since you're going to Sion tomorrow, do you want start your sparring lessons? Toru asked.
Akihito brightened up immediately. "Yes!" He grinned. "Teach me some cool moves so I can kick someone's ass."
Toru bowed. "Understood, Takaba sama."
Akihito stood up, took a thin slice and dipped the meat into the soup and placed it on Toru's bowl. "For you," he explained. "Thanks for today. My shots came out perfect!"
Surprised by the gesture, Toru bowed slightly, murmuring his thanks. As he placed the beef in his mouth, for once he understood the feeling of a family eating together – and thought that his off day didn't seem so bad after all.
A/N: I'll be very busy in the coming weeks so I can't promise when I can release the next chapter. I'm really sorry!
Information about the katana is taken from this book: (I bought it when I knew I was writing a sword scene. I seriously love samurais! Rurouni Kenshin, anyone?- inserts smiley face)
Book: Samurai Swords, A Collector's Guide to Japanese Swords, Sinclaire, C., (2011), Chartwell Books, Inc, New York.
Translations:
Dojo – training hall
Tama no Koshi - A Japanese phrase that refers to a woman who manages to achieve a high social status by marrying a rich man. These women are sometimes labeled as gold diggers. For men, the term is actually gyakutama, (reversed of tamakoshi) but I used the feminine term on purpose.
Itadakimasu – There are several translations, according to the web. It meant "I Humbly Received," or "Let's eat". It is said before eating a meal. (Readers: We already know, duh!)
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