Chapter 57
Taiki adjusted his collar, tightened his grip on his black briefcase, and gazed at his father's imposing estate for a moment from outside. The elegant structure radiated an aura of power and authority, causing Taiki a certain unease. Nevertheless, he couldn't escape it. He had to face this encounter, no matter how unpleasant it might be.
With determined steps, he made his way to the door, which was promptly opened by a maid. "Mr. Kou, welcome," she greeted him warmly. Taiki nodded briefly in acknowledgment. "Thank you. Where can I find my father?" "In the large office downstairs, but his mood is not the best," she warned him with a concerned undertone. That was exactly what Taiki had feared. Now he only wondered how bad his father's mood really was. Slowly, he moved through the elegant corridor, and his steps echoed through the silence. Arriving at the office, he took a moment for himself, gathered his thoughts, and mentally prepared for the impending conversation. Then he knocked twice on the door and waited anxiously.
"Come in!" Kakashi's voice grumbled from the other side, and Taiki entered his father's spacious office with a sinking feeling. Kakashi's stern gaze was immediately fixed on him. With a fluid motion, Kakashi closed the documents spread out before him and gestured for his son to take a seat. Taiki felt the tension building in him as he settled into the chair, but he couldn't afford any mistakes here. He had to proceed calmly and judiciously, as much was at stake.
First, he needed to figure out how much his father really knew about the incidents, and then he had to decide quickly and instinctively. He had already prepared suitable responses for various scenarios, but whether they would truly benefit him remained to be seen. He slowly pulled the chair back and sat down. Patiently, he waited to see how his father would start the conversation. Kakashi had interlocked his fingers and scrutinized his son suspiciously. A brief stare-down ensued before Kakashi rose. Restlessly, like a hungry predator, he paced back and forth in his office.
"How long do you plan to keep me waiting? I expect an explanation for your actions yesterday! Kenji is your father-in-law! You can't just ransack his mansion with the special unit!" Taiki breathed a sigh of relief. This confirmed his suspicion that Kakashi hadn't spoken to Kenji yet. Probably, one of the men involved in the incident had talked. He ran his hand over his temples.
"If you knew what my father-in-law had planned, you would probably have stormed in yourself and shot him in the leg, just for his mere considerations," Taiki provocatively stated. Kakashi crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow, clearly indicating that he expected a more detailed explanation.
"So, you haven't heard anything about his plans, Father?" Taiki asked provocatively. He then reached for his briefcase and pulled out a notebook, tossing it onto the table in front of his father. "What's this?" Kakashi hissed, stepping closer to see what Taiki was presenting.
"That, Father, is Kenji Tsukino's plan. He intended to completely disempower our family from the beginning. Serena went to him to inform him about the pregnancy and got kidnapped by her own father. That's why we were at the villa; I wanted to retrieve my pregnant wife. Also, I ask you to take a look at the documents. Kenji wanted to invoke Article 8 of the marriage contract, which has no basis. The pictures he presents as evidence were all taken before the wedding."
Kakashi remained silent, but his expression hardened as he flipped through the documents. His fingers clenched one of the pictures, and he pushed it toward his son. "What can you tell me about this? This was after your wedding," his voice was calm but assertive, referring to the picture of him and Amy in the hotel lobby. Taiki's pulse quickened slightly, but he forced himself to remain calm.
"Amy Mizuno and I still maintain a friendly relationship. I don't know that it's forbidden to accompany friends to the airport. As you know, she resigned here to dedicate herself to a project in Zurich," he stated professionally, hoping fervently that his father would accept this explanation.
"So... just friendly, then," Kakashi didn't sound particularly convinced but thankfully didn't press further. Finally, the elder man returned to his seat, his gaze once again scanning over the pictures.
"Now, explain to me again, in every detail, what happened and what Kenji is planning. I want to know everything." For the first time since entering the office, Taiki heard something in his father's voice that gave him hope. He couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was, but it seemed like Kakashi's anger was primarily directed at Kenji.
"Serena went to him to tell him about the pregnancy. She had Makoto with her, but Kenji insisted on talking to her alone. Makoto stood outside the entire time. She doesn't know how he managed it, but when she entered after some time to check on Serena, she was gone. Kenji handed her the envelope with the divorce papers and threw her out. That's when she contacted us. As you can see, I had no choice but to search his estate for my wife because I know Serena would never have gone with him willingly. She would never have done that in a million years."
Kakashi's gaze intensified. "Well, it almost sounds like you've actually developed feelings for your wife in this short time..."
Without much thought about his following words, Taiki responded confidently, "What do you think, Father? She is my wife, even if I didn't choose her myself. I live with her; she carries my child in her womb. Damn it, what did you expect? Of course, Serena is important to me."
An intense staredown ensued between the two, enveloped in complete silence. The tension in the room escalated, and the outcome of this conversation seemed crucial for Taiki.
"And are you really sure that Serena wouldn't consent to the divorce personally?" Kakashi asked finally, his expression still impenetrable.
"I can't imagine she would, at least not willingly... But there's something else Kenji has up his sleeve," Taiki said, choosing his words carefully. He wanted to gauge how much he could get his father to reveal and how openly he would speak now.
"So, you do know about her siblings," Kakashi stated matter-of-factly, his demeanor still inscrutable. "Then you can surely tell me where you've hidden her brother. Don't even try to deny it, or did you really think my own sons would snatch such an important leverage from me?"
"Father, this isn't leverage; it's a child!" Taiki thundered at him, but the cutting gaze from his father silenced him once again.
"Do you know what kind of child you've acquired there?" Taiki straightened his shoulders. "Of course, I do. Serena told me everything, and that's precisely why we intervened. Neither you nor Kenji have the right to exploit either of them for your purposes just because they're half-Chibas."
Kakashi rose and circled around his eldest. "So, since you apparently have everything under control, explain to me now how you plan to proceed. After all, Kenji has your wife, you don't know where she is, and a pile of divorce papers is currently on my desk." Taiki also jumped to his feet. "We'll find Serena, declare the documents invalid, and put a definitive stop to Kenji. I'm not sure how exactly yet, but I'm not alone. Yaten and Seiya will support me; you'll see."
The atmosphere in the room was tense, like a tightrope walk, as words exchanged between father and son like arrows. Taiki felt that this could be the turning point in their conflict. Kakashi furrowed his brow, testing the determination of his son.
Then, a faint smile appeared on the lips of the elder as he turned away from his son and approached the window. The patriarch's gaze shifted to the barren winter garden. "Very well, then. I will now step back to the sidelines and observe the whole spectacle. But if anything goes wrong, dare not to come crawling back to me. This is your fight, and you'll have to lead our family without my support. Then we'll see if you're capable of that."
Taiki was momentarily speechless, as he hadn't seen this twist coming. A pang of uncertainty shot through him, but he could discern finality in Kakashi's stance. "Father?" Taiki began hesitantly, the tension in the room continuing to build.
Yet, Kakashi didn't even turn to face his son. He merely raised his hand to silence him. "For now, everything has been said. You may leave."
Usagi didn't know where Haruka was leading her, but she trusted that she would guide her to Seiya. Haruka seemed to be following a precise path, and each time they turned a corner, she carefully checked the surroundings for any signs of Kenji's men. Haruka's steps were swift and deliberate. Even before they set out properly, she handed Usagi a large black cap to conceal her hair and, additionally, a scarf that she wrapped around her face. This way, at least, she wouldn't be easily recognizable at first glance. Usagi was impressed by how professional Haruka appeared at the moment, and she actually felt secure in her presence. Until now, she had known her more casually and teasingly, especially when provoking Seiya with something.
Tokyo's streets were a labyrinth, and Usagi could barely keep up with Haruka's fast and measured strides. Her legs became heavy, and her lungs burned with exertion. When Haruka noticed Usagi falling behind, she stopped abruptly. "Are you okay?" Gasping for breath, Usagi caught up with her. "Yes, but I can't go on, and besides, I'm starving."
Haruka cast a concerned glance at Usagi. The situation required swift action, but given her current circumstances, Haruka couldn't deny her a meal. "Alright. Come on, we'll get you something, but then we must urgently continue," Haruka said compassionately, changing direction immediately. She led Usagi through winding side streets, and soon they found themselves at a small market.
The enticing smells of fried chicken, sweet dangos, and other delicacies enveloped the market. Haruka surveyed the crowd and then smiled playfully at Usagi. "Karaage or Dango?" Usagi's stomach responded immediately, and the aroma heightened her anticipation. "First Karaage, then Dango for dessert... If that's okay."
Haruka chuckled briefly and ruffled Usagi's head. "Of course, if I let you starve now, I can't imagine what Seiya would do to me. So first, chicken, then sweet rice, coming right up." Shortly after, Haruka handed her a small package, skillfully guiding her to a sheltered nook, and Usagi indulged in the delicious treats.
"Man, you've got quite an appetite," remarked Haruka with a smile. Usagi grinned and wiped her mouth. "Well, I have to eat for three. But, as far as I'm concerned, we can continue. I think this break did me good."
Haruka skillfully guided Usagi through the labyrinthine side streets of Tokyo, further into the hidden corners of the city, and eventually to the secluded outskirts. The path led them to a small harbor that didn't look particularly inviting. When they had the harbor in sight, Haruka signaled for Usagi to wait in place while she approached one of the fishermen working on land. The cool ocean breeze carried the faint murmur of the waves and the creaking of boats to Usagi. She couldn't understand what the two were talking about, but Haruka's vigilant eye never left her.
The Tokyo sky was painted by the last rays of the setting winter sun, bathing the horizon in warm colors. Haruka returned, brought Usagi closer to the dock, and together they boarded one of the small fishing boats. Usagi became slowly skeptical, and her eyes searched for signs of Haruka's plan.
Leaning against the railing of the boat, Usagi let her gaze wander over the vast ocean. Haruka positioned herself beside her, and the cool breeze rustled through their hair. "Where are you taking me? I mean, we've been on the move all day, and now we're on a boat."
"What do you think, where am I taking you? To Seiya, of course. The usual routes were too risky; Kenji is searching everywhere for you. That's why we took all these detours." Usagi pondered for a moment. "But Ruka, we're in the middle of the open sea, Seiya's main port is in the opposite direction." Haruka pointed to the horizon. Upon closer inspection, one could vaguely see a point that looked like a small ship. "He's already waiting for you there. He won't wait any longer and will take you away directly. I just hope he has already talked to Taiki to explain everything to him."
Usagi's heart pounded incessantly as they approached the other ship. Then she recognized him. Seiya stood at the railing, eagerly anticipating the moment when he could hold Usagi in his arms again.
The makeshift plank creaked softly as Seiya smoothly jumped onto the other ship and tightly embraced Usagi. His grip was so firm, as if he wanted to protect her from all the uncertainties of the world, and Usagi couldn't help it – for a moment, it seemed as if the worries and fears of the past hours would melt away in this embrace, and she burst into tears. "I was so worried about you," Seiya whispered in her ear, and Usagi felt how his words stirred a delicate warmth within her. She sobbed softly, overwhelmed by the relief of having him back with her. The surroundings disappeared, and for a precious moment, it felt like they were alone, far from the challenges and dangers of their reality.
But the whispering breeze and the gentle murmur of the ocean were interrupted by Haruka clearing her throat, and reality crashed back like a wave.
"I hate to disturb, but how do you envision proceeding from here?" Haruka asked, slowly pulling them out of this intimate cocoon of togetherness.
Seiya reluctantly released the embrace, but he didn't let go of Usagi's hand. "You go back, take care of all matters at the harbor, and inform Taiki that she's safe. If anything happens, you can reach us via radio. My phone is in the tower, so we can't be tracked. We'll land somewhere else, maybe Osaka or somewhere, and then fly to her brother. That's the meeting point in at most four days. Once we're there, we still have time to come up with a plan," explained Seiya his plan.
Although Haruka didn't seem very convinced, she nodded. "Alright. Then I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly... Do you have all the documents you need, or do I need to send you something?" "I have everything; luckily, Taiki always keeps documents in the safe, so I quickly found her passport too. If anything else is missing, we'll buy it locally. The important thing now is to get away from here quickly," Seiya replied, extending his hand to Haruka. The two seemed to have a short silent conversation, and then they bid farewell to Haruka.
Seiya led Usagi carefully onto the other ship. The darkness of the night surrounded them, and the city lights faded in the background. The deck of the ship swayed gently beneath their feet, and the endless ocean spread out before them. Usagi looked at Seiya, his eyes glowing in the soft moonlight.
"Are we all alone here?" she asked, her heartbeat syncing with the rhythm of the gentle waves.
Seiya grinned. "Just you and me, my dear, and the captain. There must be some perks when you're in charge of the harbor... But tell me, are you okay? Did Kenji hurt you?" Usagi snuggled closer into his arm. "No, I'm okay. I'm just relieved to be with you now."