Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.
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Within the peaceful town of Nerima, there lies an organization with a powerful and ruthless leader. Who leads an army of terrifying thugs across Japan, marking their territory wherever they go. They are known as the sleeping wolves! An untold chapter is about to unwrap itself within the Tanabata arc….
-Karaoke Bar-
July 3rd Tuesday
12:30am
"THIS SUCKS!" Sousuke said with a rather angry tone of voice.
The red-haired boy was busy washing the dishes in the kitchen. Wearing an apron being tied around his waist. He wore yellow gloves and had a white bandana over his head. On each side were a set of dishes. On his right was an abundance of dishes that were already cleaned. While to his left was just 15 more dishes he had to wash.
"We finally attempted to get our revenge on those ass clowns for humiliating us back when we tried to infiltrate Hachimitsu and we ended up getting in trouble in the end of it all! GAH! I'M SO PISSED!"
[Would you stop your complaining already? There's nothing we can do about it. Just do your job so we can leave.] The voice of Riku came from Sousuke's ear bud.
The red-haired boy glares to his right. "I WANT YOU TO SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH! I'M NOT IN THE MOOD RIGHT NOW!"
[Don't take your anger out on me.]
-Security Room-
Sitting within the room, Riku was looking through several of the tv monitors that stood on the desk. The blue light casting a luminous light into the room and reflecting off of his glasses.
"We reap what we sow. Now it is time to pay the price as they call it." Riku said with a tired expression. He sips from his drink as he continues to monitor the camera. "Besides, it's best we get this done before the boss lady comes and punishes us."
[UGH! THIS IS JUST SO INFURIATING! WE ALMOST HAD THOSE CLOWNS! That is…IF SOMEONE! RECORDED ALL OF THE SONGS FROM THE LIST!]
Riku's eyes developed a twitch. "OH SO IT'S ALL OF SUDDEN MY FAULT!"
[YEAH IT'S YOUR FAULT!]
[GUYS! HEY! COME ON, SETTLE DOWN!] Ren's voice came from the end. [I know we're all pissed at what has happened, but fighting isn't going to help us.]
Riku sighs to himself as he falls back on the chair. He back at the footage, skipping through a few cameras until he stops on one. The footage showed live, as Ren was walking down the hall, making sure all the doors were locked.
"Ren's right, us fighting each other isn't going to solve anything…although it is true that we failed horribly."
[Oh shut up! I don't want to be reminded!]
-Kitchen- [Karaoke Bar]
Sousuke was gritting his teeth as he was viciously scrubbing the plate. "Damn fuckers! I bet they're living the dream at this very moment! Having all the girls fond of them like a wild pack of animals, hungry for some action!"
Sousuke's mind then drifted off into a completely different take. He sees Anzu, Mitsuko, Risa and Satou. All of them naked as they climb onto their respective boyfriends. All of them, naked on top of each other. The girls riding on them with their thighs straddling the boy's waist lines.
It didn't take long before Gakuto looked at Sousuke with a sneer.
"Oh…what's wrong? You want some action, that is a darn shame. Because you're not getting any, Sousuke-dono…"
The more he thought about it, he just grew more and more angry over this. He begins to circle his hand around the plate faster as he presses more against it. Causing it to form cracks.
"GOD DAMN FOUR EYE CREEP! STOP MESSING WITH ME!"
*Snap!*
His attention was brought back to reality when he found that the plate he was washing split in two. Holding both pieces in hands with a concerned expression.
"W-Woops."
[You broke the plate, didn't you…] Riku asks through the communication device.
"...um…no."
[Sousuke I can see through the cameras.] Riku pointed out.
Sousuke's eyes looked at the camera that was nailed to the wall near the ceiling. Blinking at the camera, he narrowed his eye before giving it a middle finger. "Damn security."
-Security Office-
Riku couldn't help but to roll his eyes at his friend. "Let's just hurry this up so we can go back home…"
[He's right. Ugh, mind as well finish the job.] Sousuke said.
[That's right! Think positive thoughts.]
[The only thing I want to think of is getting down with some girls! But we can't even park in any garages without our asses being handed to us!] Sousuke said with a frustrated growl.
Riku rolled his eyes, hearing his friend's ongoing rant. "Would you stop your whining and hurry up with those dishes? The sooner we're done with this, the faster we can go home."
[Yeah Sousuke! Hurry up! I've been walking through these hallways forever!] Ren said.
[Ugh! I'm hurrying. Ren, if you're done then how about you come over to the kitchen and help me with the dishes!]
"That would be the fastest route." Riku said as he pushed his glasses up.
[On my way!]
Riku looks through the camera footage and sees Ren rushing down the hallway. Making his way towards where Sousuke is at. Riku begins to switch cameras to check the area to make sure if everything is in order. He looks through each of the cameras. The first, the second…but as he switched to the third one…
He blinks as he looks at the front lobby. He noticed that the door was open. "R-Ren…did you lock the front door?"
[Huh? I thought I did already.]
"Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, but yes, the front door is literally open!"
[Hey, hold on. You serious…Ren you bastard! Just forget about me! Go and lock that door before some bastard comes in here!] Sousuke said with a bit of a panic tone.
"I'm pretty sure someone already has…" Riku said with a matter of fact tone. "I'm checking to see if anyone came wandering in here."
As Riku did his job. He searched from camera footage to another camera. Looking down the halls and in each of the karaoke rooms. As he stopped at one room, his eyes went wide for a moment. Standing in the room, what appears to look like a giant plush like a green dinosaur of some sort. It had sharp razor teeth and purple spikes along it back.
Riku took off his glasses for a brief moment and rubbed his eyes before he put them back on. But as soon as he looked back at the camera. It was gone.
"What in the world…"
[Oi! Riku! Anything!?] Sousuke said.
Riku shook his head. "Huh? O-Oh! N-Nothing…thought I saw something…"
[Front door is locked.] Ren said through the walkie-talkie.
Riku switches cameras and sees Ren waving his hand. "Alright. Sousuke, you're almost done?"
[Just about done. Need to-]
*Vrrm!*
In an instant, the lights within the karaoke bar shuts down. The room that Riku is in was pitch black. The tv monitors shuts off all of a sudden. The light leaves him all alone in the room.
He can hear his friends panicking on the line…
[H-HEY! WHO TURNED OFF ALL THE LIGHTS!] Sousuke yelled.
[IT'S DARK! VERY DARK!] Ren screamed.
Riku was slightly panicking as he hurried to try and find the flashlight. Though it was dark, he was fumbling about until he came across something solid. He feels for it until he grabs it whole. Pushing the button, he finally got some lights.
"Ugh, finally. Now what turned off that power…" Riku thought to himself. "Hey, are you guys still there?"
*Crash!*
[NO! I JUST RAN INTO SOME POTS AND PANS!] Sousuke said.
[IT IS VERY DARK IN THIS PLACE! I DON'T LIKE IT!] Ren yelled as if he was almost about to cry.
"Calm down guys. Ren, make your way towards the electricity room, something must have gone wrong. I'll be on my way there."
[WAIT! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!?] Sousuke yelled.
"Just hang tight and finish those dishes. I will follow Ren and help him with the lights."
[HOLD ON! I DON'T WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THE PRETTY BOYS GOES FIRST!]
"That's just superstition. And I'm pretty sure you will be the last person that anyone will kill." Riku said a hint of a snark.
[OI!]
"Look. Finish these dishes. I and Ren will turn on the powers. And we'll be out of here. Now hurry up."
-Kitchen-
"HELLO! GUYS!" Sousuke yelled as he desperately held onto the walkie-talkie.
[We're still here. Just hum to yourself if you're scared. I've read that humming to yourself calms the nerves.] Riku said.
[Hey yeah! Hum away…but don't sing.] Ren pointed out.
"Bastards…"
Sousuke looked around, luckily the window in the room showered bits of the room from the moonlight night. But he was still scared. He decided to hum a familiar song to himself as he washes the dishes. Trying his best not to look behind him or hear anything unnecessary that isn't his friends.
*Giggle*
He hears giggling behind him. He turns around. His heart nearly jumps out from his chest when he finds a giant plush like dinosaur sitting in the middle of the room.
Sousuke swallowed a little. His eyes look around him. "Hello! Guys! You are here!?"
"..."
Nothing. Only the sound of ongoing cars in the background. He looks back at the giant toy sitting in the middle of the room. He approaches it closely, with each tip toe. His hands extend towards it. Poking it with his finger.
"A-Alright guys…very funny! You can come out now!" He said with his back turned.
Not realizing that the zipper on the stomach of the giant plush unzipped itself. Sousuke was completely clueless to find out what was going on behind him.
"HAHAHAHA! REAL FUNNY GUYS! COME ON OUT NOW! I'M REALLY PISSING MY PANTS NOW!"
From behind, coming out of the dinosaur stomach, was a pair of hands. Creepily twitching as they reach out towards Sousuke. The boy continues to try and lure his friends out, thinking it was still a practical joke.
"H-HEY GUYS! COME ON! COME ON OUT RIGHT THIS INSTANT! IT'S NOT THAT FUNNY ANYMORE…g-guys…"
He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a pair of hands forcibly grab him by the shoulders. He looked up and saw a young woman looking over him with a sneer.
"Peek-a-boo!"
Sousuke lets out a girlish scream that could be heard across the building. The lights turned back on.
-Power Room-
"I recognize that scream!" Riku said.
"It's Sousuke!"
As the two turned on the power, they both dashed out of the room and hurried towards the kitchen as quickly as they could. Sousuke screamed as they quickened their pace. They reached towards the kitchen door. Ren used his entire body to burst right through the door. His body hits the floor still in an impact position.
But as they both reached the room, he was already gone.
"W-Where'd he go!? Sousuke!? Hey, where are you!?" Ren said as he grew more terrified of what happened to his friend.
Riku noted that the window was crashed and broken. Many pieces of glass on the floor, leaving a breeze shooting from the window. "Was he possibly…"
"R-Riku…"
He stops as he takes notice of Ren looking at a piece of card.
"A card…"
Ren reads the card…
"The Hanabami clan…who the heck…" Ren said with a clueless tone. His eyes caught a small emblem on the corner of the card. "Hey…isn't this a…"
"That's a yakuza coat of arms!" Riku said with a feared tone.
"Hold on, they also left us a letter…"
Hello members of the Sleeping Wolves,
If you wish to see your precious friend again. We will be keeping him at the Tokyo Dome City. Tell the big bad wolf to bring himself in person and we shall talk about it in a friendly manner. But hurry up. Or your friend will be killed in cold blood. Hope to see you there.
-Penny the Slasher
Riku blinked. "What did she mean by…'big bad wolf'."
"Not sure. But what are we gonna do!? Sousuke was kidnapped!
"I'm aware…we know their location. But we're gonna need some help." Riku suggested.
Ren started to panic. "From who!? You know those Hachimitsu chicks (and boys) aren't going to be helping us! We're practically enemies in their eyes."
"True…but there are other people who can help us. And I know who…"
Ren blinked for a moment looking at his friend with a puzzled look. "Who?"
-Atsuhiko Academy- [Chairman Office]
July 4th (Wednesday)
3:00pm
Tatsuya was sitting at his desk, with his back against the chair. Looking out the window with a stoned face. Standing in front of his desk was Hayakki who held a small smile on her face.
"So…that boy Matsuri is attending Hachimitsu…I believe I've heard of that school." Tatsuya said.
"Yes, the school that Matsuri is enrolled at used to be an all-girl school. But then it was changed into a co-ed school."
"I see…" Tatsuya said as he grabbed the lower part of his chin and slid it down in motion. "Anything else to report about the boy?"
Hayakki pondered for a moment. "I believe that was it. They never met Matsuri in-person so they don't know much aside from the school they once infiltrated and are practically banned from the school. I mean, I'm not surprised either way."
Tatsuya growled for a moment. "If that boy had told them about Yoshimiya's death…then it could be possible that he went and told the whole school about her death. This could be a problem…"
"Oh please, Matsuri is such a cry baby." Hayakki wore a sneer upon her lips. "I mean, that wimp wouldn't dare defy my order. I made sure he wouldn't go and tell any-"
Hayakki's smile was soon replaced with a sharp frown as Tatsuya glared at her. His blood red eyes shot right into Hayakki's eyes. The pink-haired girl's eyes look down towards her feet, feeling pressure upon her shoulders, feeling her father glare.
"You say you gave him a warning…and yet we had two investigative reporters coming to my school. Asking questions about Yoshimiya's death."
Hayakki began to sweat. "I-I…"
"Tell me dear daughter, why is it that the news reporter came in here and was aware of Yoshimiya's death then, hmm?"
Hayakki tried to utter a word. Anything. But she couldn't. She couldn't even look up at her father who was glaring at her. She began to breathe heavily. Her hand slowly reached for her neck, feeling like she was unable to breathe.
"I-I-I'll handle this matter…j-just please be patient-"
*WHAM!*
"I'VE BEEN PATIENCE!" Tatsuya bellowed! "I have done everything to make sure our family name is not tarnished by something so trivial! But you…you had to go and mess it all up. If those investigators knew about her death, knew about the real story behind her death…IT WOULD MEAN THE END FOR US ALL! HOW DO YOU INTEND TO FIX THIS HAYAKKI!?"
Hayakki swallowed. She was starting to sweat profoundly. "P-Please…I can…I can fix this-"
*BANG!*
Hayakki froze in place. She felt something hot cut the side of her cheeks. Her hand touched her cheeks, feeling a wet spot. Her eyes saw blood painted onto her fingers. She looked up and saw her father pointing a gun at her. Tears building in her eyes.
"It is due to your failure to follow my commands. Your goal was simple and yet look where we are now…ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!"
Hayakki whimpered as she hid behind her hands. Hiding her face, but could not stop her silent sob. She was terrified for her life.
Tatsuya lets out a sigh. "However…I have silenced their boss from opening his mouth. So that's one thing solved. Plus, those two boys of his are being held somewhere where they can't possibly cry for help. So it's all good."
"I'm sorry *hic*. I'm sorry father." Hayakki said with each stuttered breath.
"Stop your crying." Tatsuya said harshly. "Crying is for the weak. You are not to cry."
Hayakki took several deep breaths. She hovered her hand over her heart to ease her heart rate as it was going over many miles per hour at this point. She looks up at her father who glared at her with his red eyes.
"Father…I-I swear…Matsuri and anyone he has told will suffer. Just give me-"
"No." Tatsuya pushed back his chair and stood up. Hayakki slightly stood back. "This time…we will do things…my way."
"Y-You're way…"
"Yes. It was my mistake leaving you in charge of such a simple task before it got out of hand. This time, I will personally see to it that this boy is killed on the spot. It is likely that the school he goes to is also aware of Yoshimiya's death…well looks like I'll have to get my hands dirty again."
Hayakki bit her lips. Thinking of her father's choice of words. "B-But wouldn't the police force become alarmed by that. I-I mean, I'm aware that the sleeping wolves own them and all since we have someone like Kojiro on our side, but…it could be problematic."
"You're right…guess I got some thinking to do while I'm gone."
Hayakki blinked. "Gone? Where are you going?"
"I have an important business trip to Kyoto. I got into contact with this man who's the owner of the establishment based there. I happened to find one of his ads and became curious. This could benefit the sleeping wolves."
"Benefit how?" Hayakki was concerned about what her father was saying.
"I wouldn't worry about it. It's nothing to concern yourself with. However, I won't be back until early next week. So I'll be gone for Tanabata."
Hayakki blinked. Her expression slowly shifted from surprise to sadness. "O-Oh…I see…"
Tatsuya noticed her tone. "Is there a problem?"
"...I…I was hoping we could spend Tanabata together…you know. As a family…"
Nothing was said between the two. Leaving only silence in the room. The man breathed out a tired sigh. "Honestly, you're just like your mother. Always putting her emotion in front of her goals. It's truly a waste of time."
Hayakki's hands slowly curled into a fist.
"We have much more important tasks to take care of. We do not have time to spend any family quality time nor do I wish to waste time on something that doesn't concern with my goal. If you wish, then perhaps you can celebrate by yourself."
Hayakki sucked in a sharp breath. "Y-Yes father…"
Tatsuya looked at the watch on his wrist. I need to get going. For now lay low for the moment until I get back. Don't do anything rash. If there is a problem, you call me. Never act on your own without my input…however if you can handle the task, I expect good results from you…understand?"
"Y-Yes father…"
Tatsuya nodded as he walked around his desk and towards the door. Hayakki followed behind as they exited the room. Tatsuya locked the doors before bowing to his daughter. Hayakki did the same before they both left. Going opposite ways.
Hayakki slowed down her pace before coming to a stop. She looks over her shoulders and sees Tatsuya still walking down the hall.
"F-Father!"
Tatsuya stops in his tracks as he glares at his daughter.
Hayakki played with her hair with a bit of nervousness. "H-Have a safe trip…"
"Hmph. I don't need your luck…" Tatsuya harshly said as he walked down the hallway. Not paying mind to his daughter.
Hayakki's hands extend forward, trying to hesitantly reach for her father. But he was going further away from her. She bit her lip in frustration, tears threatening to burst through her eyes. But she faced the other way and walked with her stomps.
As she stomps her way through the hall, she stops to find two familiar figures standing in front of her. Homura waved at her with a warm smile while Izumi acknowledged her with her usual nod.
Hayakki didn't say anything as she walked up to them with her head down. As she reached them, she hugged Homura around the waist. Her head resting upon her breasts. Homura hugged her back. Izumi joined in as she rested her hand onto Hayakki's back, only for the pink-haired girl to grab Izumi and bring her into the hug. Much to Izumi discomfort, but didn't bother to push them away.
-Council Room-
"Tch! Bastard!"
Homura was currently swearing up a storm, meanwhile Izumi was tending to Hayakki's wound. Dabbing a piece of wet cloth on her cheeks. Hayakki remained silent while somewhat listening to Homura's rant.
"Can't even spare one second to actually care about his own damn flesh and blood. I mean honestly, any mistake that anyone makes under him is nothing but a failure in his eyes. Not only that but having the galls to pull the trigger in front of Hayakki is just plain nasty."
Izumi sighed to herself. "Homura, would you please calm down."
"How the hell am I supposed to calm down!? Just what's eating his ass!?"
"Just leave it be." Izumi said as she softly put a bandaid on Hayakki's cheeks. "Tatsuya is rather…on edge at the moment. With the recent news on Matsuri that is."
"I'm just so done with this shit…" Homura sighed to herself before walking over to Hayakki. She kneels before her. "You okay?"
"Yeah…I'm fine…" Hayakki said with a weak voice.
"By the way," Izumi said as she pushed her glasses up. "Do you know where Sir Tatsuya is going?"
"He said he will be gone this week. Going for a business trip in Kyoto with a potential partner that could benefit the sleeping wolves.
Both Izumi and Homura blink at this. Glancing at each other before looking at Hayakki.
"So, am I to assume that he will be gone until next week?" Izumi asked.
Hayakki sighs to herself as she lets her back fall against the couch. "Yeah…so he will be gone for Tanabata. There goes my plan to spend some time with my ever so loving father…who am I kidding."
The two briefly shared glances with each other. Homura carried a sympathetic look as she gestured her head to Hayakki, giving Izumi an obvious silent command. Izumi sighs to herself before looking at Hayakki.
"Lady Hayakki…if you would really like to…perhaps we could enjoy Tanabata together." Izumi stated.
Hayakki blinks as she looks at Izumi with a strange look. "Really? You?"
Izumi pondered for a moment, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Well, I do have important business of my own-"
"No you don't. You're just gonna be looking at your phone scrolling away and some article not even reading it. Or you're just gonna be counting the folds on the tatami floor." Homura said with a joking tease.
"DO NOT SPREAD FALSE RUMORS! AND I DO NOT COUNT FOLDS ON THE TATAMI FLOOR!"
"Liar. Then whose butt was that I saw rising in the air the other day while counting the folds on the floor then. Certainly couldn't be Hayakki or any of the mens. They don't even wear skirts." Homura held a grin.
Izumi's face flushed red as she glared at the girl. "THAT WAS POSSIBLY A HOUSE MAID!"
"It was a school skirt."
"QUIET!"
"Izumi…" Hayakki spoke as she looked at Izumi with a sympathetic stare. "Do you really not have anything better to do? No hobbies whatsoever?"
"See? See? Even Hayakki's aware of it." Homura said with a grin.
"I-IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! HOMURA! PLEASE BE QUIET ABOUT SUCH FALSE RUMORS!"
"Suuuuure~."
"I MEAN IT!"
Hayakki looks between the two arguing over each other. She couldn't help but to giggle at their interaction. "Honestly, you two…"
Both of them stopped as they turned to face Hayakki.
"You two are something else…hehehe." Hayakki said with a small smile.
"Ah, there it is! There's that smile!" Homura offered a warm smile. She then gets onto the couch and grabs Hayakki's waist. Beginning to tickle her. "Come on, come on~! Show me a bigger smile!"
"H-Hey! Stop it! Come on! Knock it off! PHUHAHAHAHA! KNOCK IT OFF!"
Izumi watched with a small, rare smile. Looking at the smile on Hayakki's face as she was being tickled by Homura.
"HAYAKKI! HAYAKKI! WE POOR BOYS NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE!"
All three of them turn to the door. Hearing familiar voices ranging from the otherside.
"Huh? I recognize those voices…" Hayakki said.
Soon, a multiple of banging from the door followed by the voices.
"HAYAKKI! HAYAKKI! WE NEED YOUR HEEEEEEEEEEEELP!"
Izumi sighs to herself as she gets off the couch and walks towards the door. As she turns the knob, she opens it as it swings to the side. Placing herself behind the door as she swings it wide open, falling out from the other side were both Riku and Ren who fell face first on the floor.
Hayakki wore a tired expression. "Ugh, you two. What is it this time? You haven't caused any trouble again, have you?"
Both Riku and Ren pushed themselves up from the floor and looked at the council president. "N-NO! WE HAVE NOT CAUSED ANY SORT OF TROUBLE!"
"BUT OUR FRIEND IS IN TROUBLE!" Ren blurts out with tears leaking from his eyes.
Homura's eyes looked from each of the boys and counted to herself. "Hey, now that you say that, I only see two of you. Where's that monkey bastard, Sousuke?"
Riku was the first to speak. "THAT'S JUST IT! IT'S SOUSUKE! SOUSUKE BEEN KIDNAPPED!"
"..."
Hayakki and the girls look at the boys with blank expressions.
"That's it." All three of them said at once.
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!? SOUSUKE BEEN KIDNAPPED! AS IN HE WAS ILLEGALLY KIDNAPPED BY SOME UNKNOWN PERSON OR FACTION! ABDUCTED RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES! HE'S-"
*WHAM!*
He stopped himself when Hayakki punched him square in the face. Causing him to fall on his back unconsciously.
"SHUT UP ALREADY! I KNOW WHAT 'KIDNAP' MEANS!" Hayakki yelled before calming herself. "Now then, are you positive he was kidnapped? You sure he didn't go to the bathroom."
"Y-Yes ma'am!" Ren stuttered as he straightened his body. "The person who kidnapped him left a letter and a business card."
"Oh? Then let me see."
Ren handed her the note. Hayakki reads the note to herself with Izumi and Homura looking over her shoulders. Ren looks at the expression on Hayakki's face as it was neutral at first…but then later switched to serious.
"The Hanabami clan…now where have I heard of that name before."
"They look to be another yakuza group. They even got the coat of arms on their card."
"I never heard of this clan before." Homura said with a curious tilt.
Hayakki looks towards Ren. "When did this happen?"
"Y-Yesterday night. At the karaoke bar. Just as we were cleaning up."
Riku struggled to get up as he fixed his glasses. "I-I believe it was around close to midnight…"
"I see." Hayakki pondered for a moment. "And to top it off, this 'Penny the Slasher' is sending a direct message to my father."
"B-By the way, we were on our way to your father's office, but he didn't answer. So we rushed here as fast as we could."
Izumi looks over the card. "Sousuke being held in Tokyo Dome City…"
"Tokyo Dome City, huh?" Homura said with a surprised expression. "Rather fancy if you think about it."
Izumi looks towards the boy with a serious expression. "If anything, this proves that this clan was after your father. Looks like they thought about kidnapping one of their…well, not really members but do work under us. And lure us into a trap."
"Um…by the way, the note mentioned something as…the big bad wolf. What do they mean by that?"
Hayakki and her friends glanced at each other. All of them with the same expression. Both Izumi and Homura carried a frown before looking at Hayakki who breathed in some air and exhaled. She looked at the two boys as she took a step.
"I will explain things to you boys later. But right now, our focus should be on saving your friend. And dealing with this potential issue could be a hindrance to my father's business."
Both Izumi and Homura blinked, exchanging glances before looking at Hayakki. "H-Hold on. You mean, we're taking care of it, now?"
Hayakki looks towards the blonde girl. "Oh? What's the problem?"
"Nothing it's just…I thought we were going to call Tatsuya or something?" Homura asked.
Hayakki shook her head. "No. Father is on an important business trip, if we go and tell him about the situation he would possibly lose it. Besides, it would be much faster if we go in his stead and handle this situation. Together."
Izumi and Homura once again exchanged looks, rather baffled by the teen choice. Homura couldn't help but grin as she punched his knuckles together, signaling that she was in. Izumi pushed her glasses up once more, giving the teen a nod.
"Then we shall follow your lead."
"U-Um…excuse me." The girls turned towards Riku. Who was immediately sweating. "When you say 'we' do you mean as in 'you three' or 'all of us'?"
Hayakki raised a brow with an equally annoyed glance. "Oh? Is there anyone else here aside from us five?"
Both Riku and Ren froze in place. Dread dropped against their bare skin. "W-WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE! WE CAN'T!"
Hayakki rolled her eyes. "Oh pray tell. Whatever is the problem?"
Both the boys started to speak gibberish. Trying to find the right word to say as the pink-haired girl leaned towards them with an annoyed glance. Her glare stabbing them right into their soul.
"Weee can't. Because…we're late…for our-"
"OUR FITTINGS!" Ren finished his sentence.
"Um…y-yes! That's exactly it!"
Homura held a grin. "Ooooh. You mean for your chicken costumes."
"WE'RE NOT CHICKENS! W-We're just…um…we're not fighters is what we're trying to say." Riku said as his sweat intensified.
Hayakki sighs to herself. "You two DO know how to throw a punch, right?"
Riku was rather baffled by the question but answered either way. "U-Um…I mean, anyone can throw a punch."
"If you can throw a punch then you can fight. Now let's get moving."
"HUH!? HOLD ON! HOW DOES THAT LOGIC FIT!? YOU CAN'T HONESTLY EXPECT US TO ACCOMPANY YOU AND KNOW HOW TO DEFEND OURSELVES!" Riku exclaimed.
"I-It's just…everyone thinks we're a joke. The chances of us going to save our friend, you can't honestly think that we're going to survive." Ren said.
Hayakki snorted. "You are a joke."
The boys flinched, feeling their hearts were stabbed.
"You guys are a complete joke. But the fact that your friend is out there, possibly alone, lost and scared. And yet you two are just standing there. Twiddling your thumbs, thinking all of this would be resolved if you just left it alone. Honestly, you two just make me sick. How on earth can you call yourself a man if you're not even going to be there for one of your friends."
"I-I mean…" Riku was starting to sweat more. His eyes became unfocused. Unsure of what to look at even more.
Hayakki, with her hands on her hips. Steps forward towards the boy. "I am right, right? Sousuke is your guy friend, right?"
"Y-You're right. B-But-"
By this point, Hayakki started jabbing her finger onto his chest. "What is it? What do you mean by 'but'? Are you saying that you two are too frightened to even move or save your friend from this person whom you do not know about? Am I right?"
"I-I…um…" Riku trying to find the right words to say. Anything. But Hayakki's words…they ring true. "Y-You're right…we are scared. We are scared of what will happen to us if we go out of our comfort zone and into the unknown…but we're more scared of what will happen to Sousuke if we don't act."
Behind Riku, Ren was being silent, reflecting on Hayakki's harsh words. But also reflecting on the situation currently at hand.
Riku's hands curled into a fist. "I am…I am scared…we're definitely scared…but I don't want my friend dying because of us!"
"ME TOO! I DON'T WANT OUR FRIEND DYING BECAUSE OF US!" Ren yelled through his tears.
Hayakki lips slowly curled into a smile. She stood back up. "Alright. Then it's all good. Let us go. It's best we get this done now. Izumi! Have our ride ready!"
"Yes my lady!"
-Unknown Location-
Sousuke groans in his sleep. His eyes struggled to open. He finally opened his eyes to see an unfamiliar scene. He looked below and around, noticing he was in a giant baseball field. With 3 bases in a diamond shape. Surrounding him was a wide set of chairs, as if he was performing something for the crowd. He looks above, noticing a huge, wide gray ceiling with lights hanging from them and metal beams.
"W-Where am I?" Sousuke said.
As the boy tried to cut loose, he noticed something was up. He looks at himself and realizes he was tied up. Being strapped to a chair.
"The hell is this!?" Sousuke said as he continued to struggle against the bondage. But it only proved useless as he tried to break free. "Damn it! I can't break free!"
"Well looky, who's awake now~!"
Before Sousuke could react, he felt both his cheeks being pushed together by a pair of cold hands. Forcing him to look up at his abductor. Her face was painted with make-up, under her eyes were red paintings in the shape of tear drops. And black diamonds painted on her cheeks with black lips. Her hair was long and green, covering both sides. She was wearing a bright red and black clown outfit.
Sousuke cheeks flushed red. "U-Um…h-hi."
The young woman squished his cheeks. "Aww~! Aren't you a cutie patootie~!"
"Bwhere Bam Bi?" Sousuke muttered out with his cheeks being all squished.
"Hmm~? You said something, cutie pie?" She said as she let go of his cheeks.
The red-haired boy shook his head. "I was saying, where am I?"
The woman offered a smile. She sets her hand on both his shoulders, lifting herself in the air. Vaulting over him as she landed in front of the boy, her face briefly in his face. She then did a cartwheel, backing away from him. Sticking a landing pose, she spread her hand wide.
"WELCOME TO TOKYO FAMOUS HOT SPOT! TOKYOOOO~ DOME CITY!" She exclaimed loud and clear as her voice echoed across the room.
Sousuke looks around with a surprised expression. "No way! THIS IS TOKYO DOME CITY!?"
"That's right~!" She said as she gestured to him. "So how does it feel to be in such a landmark?"
Sousuke didn't know how to react or respond. All he could say was…
"U-Um…awesome…I mean, terrifying because I'm away from my friends and family. But seriously awesome!"
The young woman giggled as she spun her way towards Sousuke. Once she was distant, her hand smoothly caressed under his chin. Causing the boy to be aroused by her touch. She leaned down towards him with a smile.
"Sorry for kidnapping you little cutie pie. But I was ordered by Junichi-sama to kidnap you so that we lure out the immortal wolf himself."
Sousuke blinked with a confused expression. "H-Hold on, immortal wolf…that name sounds familiar…should I know him."
The woman blinks with a curious tilt. "Huh? For real, you don't know about the immortal wolf. You are a very powerful and very dangerous guy who runs the sleeping wolves. Controls both of Tokyo and expanded over to Nemira. Hell you even work for his daughter, right?"
"His daughter…hold up…you saying," It all connects to him. Hayakki and Tatsuya came to his mind. "The immortal wolf…Tatsuya…Hayakki…y-you telling me that the immortal wolf is actually-"
"That's right."
Before Sousuke could register who the strange new voice belonged to, he found his whole chair being backward. He found himself looking face to face with an unknown man with a bulky face. He took note of the scar that ran through his eye. His hair was a mix between ash gray and black. He wore a raggy white shirt and blue coat and jeans. Around his neck he wore a gold necklace with a dented emblem resting on his chest.
Sousuke immediately became scared as he stared right into his eyes.
"And you will be the ticket to luring that bastard Tatsuya to this exact place so that I can settle the score."
He roughly pushes Sousuke's chair back into place. The boy whimpered a little as he felt his stomach roughly hitting the rope tied around him. The man walks to the side of him before kneeling in front of the boy. Giving him a rather small smile, but his rough texture giving off the unfriendly vibe.
"I-I'm guessing your Junichi?"
"That's right…" He said as he decided to kneel before him at an eye level. Staring at the boy.
Sousuke did not like how the man was looking at him. "W-What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
The man strokes his chin with a curious hum. "You look rather young to be part of the sleeping wolves. What's your story kid?"
"Huh!? Hold on a minute! I'm the one who should be asking the questions! I'm the victim! For example, who the hell are you guys!? And why the hell am I even here in the first place! All the way here in Tokyo!" Sousuke yelled as he rocked his chair back and forth.
The man merely releases a soft but rough sigh before looking into his chest pocket. Bringing out a card and showing it to Sousuke. The boy reads it.
"The…Hanabami Clan…the hell kind of stupid name is th-OW!"
The boy's nose was roughly pinched and twisted. "Don't go making fun of our name there, squirt."
"SORRY! SORRY!"
Junichi let go of his nose. "As I was saying, I was the leader of the Hanabami. Well, emphasis on the word 'was'. My whole family…my crew…they're all dead."
Sousuke didn't say anything but let the words digest within him.
"The young woman who kidnapped you, her name is Penny. Also known as Penny the Slasher."
"Hello~!" She waved at the boy.
Sousuke waved with his hands weirdly due to being tied up. "U-Um…s-so, you said that you need me to lure Tatsuya here. U-Um…look man. I don't know what your beef is with Tatsuya, but I don't know how much I'm gonna be of help here. You see, my friends and I are just some teenage boys looking for ways to lose our virginity. Honestly we are."
Junichi blinks at the boy before giving a chuckle. "Don't you think you're a little young to experience adulthood there, squirt."
Sousuke gritted his teeth. "I'M 16 YEARS OLD YOU GEEZER! AND I'M STILL GROWING!"
"Hahaha. So you're still a spring chicken then, eh? You still got some ways to go there boy. Though, if you're looking to get into some actions, how come you're here…being involved with yakuza."
Sousuke groaned a little as his eyes averted their curious gaze. "W-Well…you see. My friends and I…well. We heard that there was this school that had some hot chicks. So we went…ran into Hayakki and the others…one thing led to another and well…here we are."
Junichi and Penny looked at each other before looking at the boy. "So…your friend's hormones got the best of you and now you're here being involved with the wrong group."
"Kind of dumb of you boys. But also kind of cute~." Penny giggled.
"OKAY SO IT WASN'T THE BEST IDEA BUT CAN YOU BLAME US! WE WANTED TO LOSE OUR VIRGINITY!"
Junichi chuckled. "Could've waited till you were older or waited until you found the right person. Oh well, never would've thought that a boy, who was so desperate to get laid, would find himself involved in the underworld."
Sousuke groaned. "Oh fuck off old man! Anyways, even IF you wanted to lure Tatsuya out. How the hell is kidnapping a nobody like me gonna change that."
Junichi grins a little as he kneels before him once more. Looking into his eyes. "Oh, don't worry. Even if I don't get that bastard's attention. I can always get the attention of his demon hell spawn."
"Hell spawn…you mean?"
"That's right…his daughter."
-On the Road to Tokyo-
"YOU'RE THE DAUGHTER OF THE INFAMOUS IMMORTAL WOLF!" Ren and Riku yelled.
The group were currently riding in a black limousine on the highway. Hayakki and the others were sitting in the back seat of the car. With the council president and her two other friends sitting by her side. And Ren and Riku were sitting across from them.
Hayakki gave the two boys a glare. "No need to yell it to heaven. But yes, I am the daughter of the infamous immortal wolf, Tatsuya Nekumi."
Ren and Riku nervously glanced at each other. They then look at the girl who sat in the middle with a glare.
"Is there a problem?"
"N-Nothing!" Riku raised his hands in defense. "I-It just that…we weren't aware that we boys would be indirectly involved with the infamous sleeping wolves…or even be involved with the daughter of the fearsome Tatsuya."
Hayakki scoffed at him. "Lucky you, huh? To be the first to ever be blessed to see the daughter of the fearsome Tatsuya…my father."
Ren swallowed. "I-I mean…I wouldn't even call it something good to be honest…"
Hayakki narrowed her eyes. "No one does…though I wouldn't exactly say you're the first one to ever to witness my appearance, but I never told him about it."
Riku cleared his throat, trying to calm himself. "U-Um…so why are we going to our destination without notifying Tatsuya? Wouldn't it be better to grab a whole crew to fend off against our enemy."
"That would be impossible." Izumi said as she crossed her leg over the other. "You see, Sir Tatsuya is on a business trip to Kyoto. If we were to inform him about any trouble that potentially endangers the sleeping wolves, it would only interfere with his business."
Izumi then looks towards Hayakki to his side.
"Though I must say, I'm rather surprised how you wish to handle the situation yourself."
"What? It's not unheard of. And I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Hayakki said feeling a little hurt.
"No need for you to be huffy about. I'm simply just saying." Izumi said with a blank tone.
Hayakki gave a pout. "Sometimes, I wonder."
Homura giggled to herself. "Hey, look on the bright side. It's been a while since we went out of town together like this. I kind of like it."
Izumi glared at the blonde. "Do not forget, we are on official business of our own. There's no time to go sightseeing."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just saying." Homura said as she carelessly waved her hands. "But come on, you can't tell me you're excited as well. I mean, better than counting those folds on the tatami floor, right~?"
Izumi felt her cheeks flushed as she looked the other way with a huff.
Riku nervously raised his hand. "U-Um…do you girls happen to know anything of whom we're going up against…this Penny the Slasher?"
Hayakki laid against the back of the seat. "Not sure. All I can say is that whoever this Penny person is or why she kidnapped your friend, it's pretty obvious that she's after the sleeping wolves…and my father."
"If I may make an assumption." Izumi spoke. "I believe that this Penny person was hired by someone to kidnap your friends."
Homura leans her body forward as she stares at her friend. "What do you mean by that?"
"Why would this person come after the sleeping wolves indirectly and dare challenge Sir Tatsuya. While I don't have evidence or proof of this, I just feel something is amiss here."
Hayakki crossed her arms under her breasts. "So you're saying that there maybe someone else pulling the string here?"
"Or perhaps a group?"
"A-Another…o-organization?" Ren said with a scared expression.
Hayakki gave out a sigh as she allowed her back to fall back on the seat. "Goodness gracious, it's just one problem after another. Of course, thinking about it won't do us much."
Riku pondered for a moment. "Um…actually, what is our plan when we get there?"
Hayakki leans forward once more. "Well, I suppose these fellows aren't here for a simple chat. If things go south, be prepared boys."
Ren and Riku swallowed down their fears.
"U-Um…b-but we can't fight. I-I don't know if we got this." Riku said.
Hayakki rolled her eyes. "Oh please, we're already halfway there. So mind as well see this through, yeah?"
"I-I guess so…um…mind if I ask you a question?" Hayakki looks at the boy. "Y-You're part of the sleeping wolves, Tatsuya daughter…s-so why are you helping us?"
"I'm not doing this for you! I'm only doing this to help my father! That's it. I could care less about you guys?"
"B-But you gave us that speech not too long ago…it almost as if you're also helping us." Ren said. "So why?"
Hayakki remained quiet as she looked up towards the window ceiling that showed her the night sky. She pondered for a moment before answering the boy's question. "Hmm…I wonder about that myself."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Just speaking to myself."
Hayakki remained quiet as she looked through the window above them. Izumi and Homura shared worried glances before looking at the mistress who remained quiet.
-Tokyo Dome City Entrance-
Hayakki and the group appeared in front of the entrance of the area. Right in front of them was a big oversized dome like building. Aside from the building in front of them, there were several amusement park attractions that were surrounding the dome.
Homura gave a whistle. "This is actually the first time I've seen it in person. It's really big."
"It is one of the largest stadiums in Japan. But to think that Sousuke would be held up here…I do believe that we're in for a fight." Izumi said.
Both Ren and Riku swallowed in fear. Thinking of the danger that they will be facing when they step inside.
"Will we be facing a wide variety of mob bosses while we're in there? Maybe we'll be facing a good total of 20 men!" Riku said as he was sweating profoundly.
"Or maybe we'll be facing 50! One with each of their own weapons to brutalize us with!" Ren trembled in fear.
Then they all thought of something far worse that made them shrunk in size. Their mind continued to be plagued with terrible images of what is to happen.
"WHAT IF WE WERE TO GO UP AGAINST 100 OF THEM!?"
*Snap! Snap! Snap!*
"Oi! Boys! You okay!" Homura said as she was snapping her finger.
"Huh!? Y-Yeah! We're fine…s-somewhat…" Riku said. "H-Hey do we really need to be doing this? I mean like, do you really need u-us as well?"
Hayakki turns around as she faces the boys. "Don't tell me you're scared already. After we come all this way."
Riku shakily adjusted his glasses. "I-I mean, I'm just concerned about the whole situation! I-I mean, we wouldn't want three beautiful maidens to be injured or worse case scenario, dead."
"Ooh? Is that so?" Hayakki said with an unconvincing look as she leaned into his face. "You're concerned about our safety?"
"O-Of course!"
"Then you go first. By all means."
Riku and Ren both glanced at each other with scared expressions before looking forward towards the dome building. The images of the imaginary 100 yakuza members coming after them plague their minds once more.
"We're burning time. Let's move on now." Hayakki said.
"U-Um…on second thoughts. I'm pretty sure that Sousuke is safe and sound, I mean, we can just come by maybe t-tomorrow…or possibly next week…or next month."
"Nope. We're going."
Before Riku and Ren could run away, their backs were being pushed by Homura who held a smile on her face. Both the boys were blabbering all sorts of things, but Homura was not paying any mind to their words as she just walked in there with them being forced along for the ride.
The group were inside the building. Walking through the empty and eerie hall. Many of the inside stores were closed for the night.
"I wonder where Sousuke is?" Ren whispered.
"Maybe he's in one of the stores." Riku answered.
Izumi pushed up her glasses. "Unlikely. I believe he would be somewhere that Penny would be able to ambush us. If anything, I assume that Sousuke destination would be-"
She stops talking when they hear what sounds like music playing. The sound bouncing off the wall in the quiet hall. The two boys hug each other for comfort. Terrified of the song that is playing.
"Is that…music?" Homura asked.
"W-W-W-Where is it coming from!?" Ren asked.
"Shh!"
Hayakki listens to the soft music being played. She faintly recognizes the music. She leans her ear to the air, listening to the music that was being played. Silently, she followed the source of the music, while being followed by the others.
Hayakki continued to follow the sound of the music before she ended walking through the door. Ending up in a wide baseball stadium. Only appearing on the very first row of seats. They all look around them, only for their attention to look in the middle of the field. They see an older looking rough man in the middle of the pitching field. With a microphone in his hand.
Homura tilted his head. "Is he…singing?"
Ren and Riku walked up to the edge to see what they were looking at. Slowly, their fears were fading.
"Huh…it's just an old guy…singing?" Ren said.
"Let's go frolic, we're young again~. Rent a boat then take a cruise somewhere. Then we stare into the sunset forever, we'll spend the calmest weekend day~."
Riku was pleasantly surprised how well he was singing. "For someone his age and appearance, he sure is good at singing…much better than Sousuke."
"Oh yeah, most definitely." Ren wholeheartedly agrees.
Hayakki was busy listening to the song that he was singing. Wanting to get a closer listen, she makes her way towards the steps. Walking down onto the field with her two friends and the boys closely following behind. Her whole focus was on the man who was finishing up the song, he was completely focusing on himself.
"I am fed up~! Please awake honey~! I'm on my knees now! Please wake up baby~! You'll never get up~! You can really snooze away, all day, it's gone away~!"
He finished off his note as the song ended. He bowed.
Hayakki claps her hands for the man as she walks up to him slowly. She stops a good distance from him.
[Thank you! Thank you! You're too kind. Mighty kindly of you Miss. Too kind.] He said through the microphone.
"My, my. For an old geezer like you, I never would have suspected your pipes to be working!" Hayakki said with a grin.
[Ahh. Still got it after all these years. And is a pleasure to sing in front of a grand stadium such as this. Though I will admit, it was kind of hard trying to gain access to this stadium. Especially if this part of Tokyo is being under surveillance by the sleeping wolves.]
Hayakki and the others blinked as they exchanged looks.
"So he's aware of the sleeping wolves? This geezer?" Homura asked.
"It would seem so, so my assumption was correct." Izumi said.
[These past few years have been rather rough on such an old fossil such as myself. That is with the streets of my hometown being slowly turned into something far more…unsettling. I remember back then that these streets were filled with many of the folks helping one another. Getting along and forming a strong bond with one another. But ever since the sleeping wolves came into the play…my life turned for the worst.]
"How well do you know of the sleeping wolves?" Hayakki asked.
[Ahh…why I knew their leader of course. Tatsuya Nekumi, that's a name that will forever be planted in my head for the rest of time. A rather good man…or so I thought. He and I went a long way back when we were still fresh. Not too fresh, but fresh enough.]
Hayakki didn't say anything as she listened. She noticed the man open one eye as he looked at her, noticing she was waiting for more.
[Ah, but I'm an old fossil, why would a youngster like you want to listen to me ramble.]
"It's fine. I am curious about how you know my father. But…please do keep it brief." Hayakki said with a bit of a weary tone.
Junichi chuckled. [Yes, your old man and I used to go a long way back. We formed a bond between each other and ended up like family. However, I thought he was a good man, Tatsuya was a man who wanted power and rule above all others. He even sees himself as some immortal god above us, what he calls, meaningless humans.]
"T-The immortal wolf…" Riku whispered with a stutter, backing away a little.
[The immortal wolf as he describes himself. However, I never liked the way he was doing business, it just wasn't the way a Yakuza should be represented. Tell me young miss, have you ever heard of the term, ninkyo?]
Izumi narrowed her eyes as she pondered. "Ninkyo…I believe I heard of such a term with Sir Tatsuya. Something about 'yakuza chivalry'."
"Is there even such a term like that?" Homura asked.
"There is." Hayakki answered, wearing a glare. "But my father never really liked the term. It didn't suit him nor the sleeping wolves as he says. Actually, I'm surprised you know of this old geezer."
[That's right there missy. However, Tatsuya saw it as a meaningless term. Chivalry with him, not a chance. He sees the world as his own playground. Wanting to achieve above all else. Even above the Hanabami. Short story is, I wanted to cut ties with him. But, disobeying him is like taking on a bullet train.]
"What did he do?" Hayakki asked.
[Killed all of my mens. They got the jump on us and killed them in cold blood. I was furious, so I made my way to Tatsuya, hoping to get the jump on him. But instead, he ended up taking the life of my daughter and wife.]
The group held a serious glare but remained unsettled by Tatsuya actions.
"Damn…I knew Tatsuya was crazy, but I never thought he was this crazy."
[Long story short, he tried to kill me, but I survived, but my spirit was completely broken by then. Everything that I held dear to, was gone from my grasp. During my time, I met Penny the Slasher…sure not the most pleasant name…but trust me, she's a kind young woman. But huh…heh, don't go pissing her off. That girl can pack one wild punch.]
"P-Penny the Slasher…" Ren said with a scared tone. Remembering that Sousuke was kidnapped by her.
[Anyways, years later I heard that Tatsuya managed to gain control of Mr. Important himself, Kojiro Toyotomi. Damn…not only does he have control over Tokyo, now he is expanding to Nemira, and got someone who has control over the military, law enforcement…I couldn't stand for it anymore. I was determined to end Tatsuya once and for all. But it was pretty hard trying to get the jump on him or even get to him with his public image. So I came up with a plan. I heard that Tatsuya had a family, not sure what the situation is with the wife…but he had a daughter.]
Junichi looks at Hayakki with a firm glare. Hayakki remained silent, listening to the man.
[I figured if I want to lure him out of his hiding spot, I might as well want to get to his daughter. So I decided to have Penny kidnap that boy, Sousuke I believe his name was. I figured if I kidnap him, it would lead you out here and I would return the favor, by having his own daughter.]
Hayakki narrowed her eyes at Junichi. "I must say, you went through alot of trouble just to get to my father. But isn't kidnapping rather…shall we say, not chivalry."
Junichi pondered for a moment. [Sadly, I can't disagree. But when things are getting rough, I can't just idly stand back and let Tatsuya continue his ways. To be honest, I was more hoping to have Tatsuya's attention himself…so I can kill him with my hands.]
Hayakki sighs to herself as she flips her hair to the other side. "So you basically went out of your way and kidnapped an innocent bystander who had no knowledge of my father's true identity. Only for you to lure me out here just to kill me and lure my father out. If you ask me, that seems rather complicated don't you think?"
[I will admit, I am getting rather rusty these days. You could say your old man is starting to rub off on me.]
Hayakki walks towards the middle of the field, inches herself closer to the man. "Personally, I could care less for Sousuke, but he and the boys are paying off for what they did. I'm not leaving without him."
Junichi's lips curled into a grin as he set the microphone aside. "So what are you suggesting, young miss?"
"We are on a baseball field, does this place happen to have a machine that shoots out the baseball?"
"Of course," Junichi said as he set aside the microphone. "What you had in mind?"
"We have a little challenge. Whoever hits the most balls wins the game. If I hit the most balls, then you give back Sousuke and you turn yourself over to the sleeping wolves."
Junichi rubs his chin with a pondering hum. "I have no problem with that…what about me? What do I get?"
Hayakki pondered for a moment before speaking. "If you win…then you may cut my head off and send it as a present to my father. Sending him a warning."
Everyone on the field held similar reactions. Izumi and Homura's eyes widen in shock and disbelief. Looking at the pink haired teen who stood tall in front of the stunned Junichi. The two boys were left terrified.
Junichi looks at the teen with a baffled expression. "Now hold on there. I may have a vendetta against Tatsuya, but I ain't going to cut off some young girl's head."
"What? You heard me." Hayakki said with a smirk. "You wish to get vengeance on my father, right? So it would make sense for you to kill something or someone in this case important to him…well…it's not like he would care about me either way."
"Hm?"
"Nothing. So then, how about it? I say it's a nice trade off. Free Sousuke and I trade my life in."
Junichi felt rather unnerved by Hayakki's rather unusual…offer. "I mean…she's not wrong. But…the whole thing just feels…"
He just looks at the teen's eyes as she looks into his eyes with her confident smirk. Junichi gave out a sigh. "Alright, I accept your offer. Yo, Penny!"
"Hai~!"
The group looks up at the stand to find Penny standing amongst the rows of chairs. The group were rather disturbed by how she was there without anyone noticing. The two boys look at the woman who was dressed up like a clown.
"That's the woman who kidnapped Sousuke…SHE'S A GROWN ASS HOT BABE!" They both thought at the same time.
Junichi looks over his shoulders. "Go ahead and set up those pitching machines for both of us."
"You got it!"
It took a few moments for the machines to be set up. They were set up at a good distance between the two. Hayakki and Junichi held shinai in their hands. The pink-haired teen was stretching her back as she pushed the bat against her back. Meanwhile Junichi was swinging his bat with a good whoosh sound in the air.
Homura and Izumi look at the scene with worried expressions. "H-Hey, what the hell is Hayakki thinking? Why the hell would she make a deal like that? That's suicide…"
Izumi released a sigh. "Yes, it is complete suicide…but in all honesty, even if Junichi wins and does what Lady Hayakki tell him to do, it wouldn't matter."
Homura knew what she was referring to as she glared down at the ground. "Right…because Tatsuya wouldn't care about his own daughter…"
Penny was preparing the two machines, the two machines were starting up. "Okay, get ready~!"
"Huh? Haven't swung in such a long time…this does bring back memories from when I was a youngster." Junichi said as he was reminiscing about his childhood.
"By the way, Geezer," Hayakki said to the older male. "Why are we using these shinai's instead of using bats. Doesn't that defeat the purpose?"
"Ah, it's a way of practicing swordplay, wouldn't you think so? Besides, it makes things interesting. Hitting the balls with wooden swords instead of using bats. If you're worried that the shinai would break in half, don't worry. The balls that are shooting at us are soft balls."
"Not really. I'm more worried that an old geezer such as you would throw his back out for twisting your hips so much."
Junichi chuckled. "Treat your elders with respect. If I were you I would be just as worried, I used to hit a lot of homeruns in my days."
"YOU GOT THIS JUNICHI-SAMA~!" Penny yelled.
"HIT THEM OUT OF THE PARK HAYAKKI!" Homura cheered on her friend.
The two prepared themselves as the machines started to shoot the balls out from the tube. At the same time, both Hayakki and Junichi swung their shinai at the soft balls that came approaching at them at a rapid fast pace. The next ball came afterward, both of them hit it again.
This kept on continuing, both Hayakki and Junichi were hitting all the balls at the same time. Despite Junichi swinging at a little slower pace, his body is becoming sore at the moment. Meanwhile, Hayakki was swiftly moving at a fast pace, swinging the shinai around her, hitting them all as they came.
"HOLY! LOOK AT HER GO!" Ren said with a sparkle in his eyes.
"SHE'S REALLY INCREDIBLE!" Riku agreed.
"YOU GOT THIS JUNICHI-SAMA! KEEP GOING! BUT DON'T SWING OUT YOUR HIPS!"
Junichi heard her and couldn't help but to feel a little hurt. "That doesn't help!"
All of the balls that were in the machines were depleting slowly as they were shooting out at the two opponents. Both of them were at the same pace.
"By the way, old geezer-"
"Oi! Missy! Call me by my name! Junichi! Show respect to your elders!"
"Whatever, Junichi then, you mentioned something about ninkyo. So that means you go by the code of the yakuza who fight for the weak and cut down the strong. In other words, your like some sort of samurai." Hayakki said as she continues to swing her shinai.
"Heh, you can call me that. Back in the days, yakuza were seen more as a chivalrous group, protecting their turf from third rate crime lords who threaten peace on the street," He said, swinging his blade as he continued. "We lend a hand to the weak and we go against anyone no matter how strong they are."
"I see. But that term seems to be more of a myth. An old fossil." Hayakki said with a grin. "Just like you."
"Got a sharp tongue there, Missy. Yakuza nowadays are becoming more of gangster, mobs, you name it. You're father never liked my method of doing business, so he instead wanted to get to the top by bulldozing his way. Even if it means killing people."
"...father has always been the one who forces his way to the top. No matter who you are, he wishes for the Nekumi family name to be brand at the top of the world above all. As you mentioned, he follows a strict code. You fail to follow his orders…you will find yourself dead the next morning. I've learned that…the hard way."
Junichi noticed the more somber tone in her voice when she said that. The ball machine was almost done as it continued shooting the balls their way. Both of them are neck and neck. Not missing a single swing.
"You seem to not get along with your old man that much, huh?"
Hayakki was a little stunned at that. But her focus remained. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, this is once again just my old fossil speaking, but to me, for you being the daughter of Tatsuya, you don't seem to share too much similarity aside from attitude wise. But in contrast to you and Tatsuya, he would've killed me right here and now. You on the other hand…you don't seem to want or even desire to kill me."
Hayakki didn't say anything as she swung at the last ball. Her shinai swung across in front of her. Her eyes glanced at the older male. "I don't know what you're talking about. I don't see any reason for killing you because you're just one old creepy person."
Junichi chuckled. "Heh, I'm sure that's the reason."
The two pitching ball machines were done shooting out the balls. The small audience were stunned for a moment. The fact that the two were neck and neck. And yet, no one missed a single ball.
"W-Wait…hold on. It's a tie!?" Homura said with a shocked expression.
"How the hell are we to determine a winner now!?" Ren yelled.
Junichi swings his arms around. "Haven't swung like that in a while. You got some skills there Missy. I'll give you that."
"...Hayakki." Junichi blinked. "My name isn't Missy. It's Hayakki Nekumi."
The older male blinked at the young teen with a pondering thought. "This girl…this is the almighty and fearsome immortal wolf daughter. Honestly all I see is a misguided little cub who is often let out of her nesting ground."
Junichi groaned a little as he rubbed the back of his head. He released a sigh before he looked over his shoulders. "Penny, go ahead and go get the runt."
Penny blinks at the man with a curious tilt. "Really? Now?"
"Yeah, go get him."
"Okay~!" She spins on her heels and bows to the group. "Be right back!"
Penny skips off her merry way towards the destination where Sousuke is being held. Izumi blinks as she looks towards Junichi.
"Really…your…gonna give him to us, just like that?" Izumi asked.
"Ah, I'm being generous this time around. Plus, this little Missy here showed some guts I'll admit."
Hayakki groaned a little. "My name is Hayakki, Geezer."
"Hey…now don't go and call me that." He joked. "Listen, what's your opinion on the term…ninkyo I mean?"
Hayakki took a moment to ponder. "Honestly, I never thought too much about it. My father have never really respected much of the term. But…if you really want my opinion…I guess I see it as…interesting. Yakuza being a noble group who protect their turf. A man of honor…"
Hayakki mumbled along the way.
"Sorry, I just don't have much of an opinion."
Junichi looks at the girl with a soft sigh. "That's fine. Perhaps I'll give you time to think about it by yourself. When you find your answer…come back to me. I would like to know your answer."
Izumi couldn't help but to watch the two interacting with each other. Taking note of Hayakki's expression and body language as she spoke with Junichi. But her focus was now on Junichi, this strange man who was just going easy on them.
"To be honest, I was suspecting something more…but it turns out he really does seem to be a rather…unusual yakuza."
She recalls back to the term he uses 'ninkyo'.
"Chivalry Yakuza…I never heard such a term…nor have I ever seen a yakuza who operates like Junichi."
"This guy is weird…" Homura whispered into Izumi's ears. "Like he's not like any other yakuza punk we ran across. Some of the ones we ran across were always ready to shoot and kill us…then there's this old man. It's really like we're looking at an old fossil who lived to tell a story."
Izumi pondered for a moment. "Indeed…I do wonder if there's more to his relationship with Sir Tatsuya."
"GUYS!"
The two boys immediately snap their heads in the direction where they hear the voice. There, running towards them, arms opened wide and tears streaming from his eyes.
"SOUSUKE!" The two boys ran towards the red-head crying as well.
They met in the middle. Both of them hugged each other with tears of joy bursting from their eyes. The group could only watch with a mix of reactions. The three girls could only groan in annoyance. Junichi couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. And Penny had a smile on her face.
"OH MAN SOUSUKE! WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD FOR SURE!" Ren yelled.
"ME TOO! WE THOUGHT WE LOST A FRIEND! BUT I'M GLAD YOU'RE ALRIGHT!"
"AWW! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! BUT I WASN'T REALLY IN ANY DANGER!"
…..
The crying stops. Both Ren and Riku slowly moved away from Sousuke and gave him a baffled look.
"W-Wait…what?" Riku asked. "What do you mean you were not in danger?"
"Huh? Well…I wasn't really. I mean, yeah, I was scared for my life. But…I really wasn't in any danger to be honest. In fact they actually treated me pretty nicely."
"...huh?" They both said.
"Yeah, I was taken to a sweet room while you guys were on your way to save me. I played video games, I ate pizza, I even got a kiss from Penny. And-"
"HOLD IT!" Riku stops him where he's at. His eyes widened as dinner plates. "You're telling me…that you! Kissed a girl! For real now?"
"Is this true Sousuke…" Ren asked as well with equal expression to Riku.
"Of course. Well…Penny isn't a girl…she's a grown woman. And I got kissed by her…on the cheeks." Sousuke said with giddy excitement. Not being aware of the boy's change of attitude. "It was the best kidnapping experience ever…guess you could consider me lucky, am I right boys…boys?"
He looks to see the two boys who were, a moment ago crying tears of joy that their friend came back. But now to find out that his kidnapping experience was the best thing that happened to him…
Riku glasses feel somewhat on his nose, his mouth somewhat opened. Ren was looking at the red-head with a hint of baffled shock.
"You're telling me…that you got kidnapped. Indulge yourself pleasantly by eating pizza, playing games and even getting a kiss…from your kidnapper."
"Yup." Sousuke said with a smile.
Both the boys did not say anything for a while. Standing there in front of Sousuke with eyes of disbelief. It wasn't long before Riku and Ren snapped.
"WHAAAAAT!? WE'VE SPENT HOURS WORRYING ABOUT YOU ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT YOU WERE IN NEVER ANY DANGERS!" Riku said as he shook Sousuke.
"A-Are you pissed…"
"HELL YEAH I'M PISSED! NOW I WANT TO GET KIDNAPPED!" Riku yelled.
"ME TOO! I WANT TO GET KIDNAPPED AS WELL!"
Izumi couldn't help but to pinch the bridge between her nose. "Oh for god sake…"
"Are you kidding me, right now?" Homura asked with a blank stare. "Why the hell you two want to get kidnapped?"
"IF SOUSUKE IS ABLE TO ENJOY A WEALTHY SHORT LIFE OF BEING KIDNAPPED THEN WHAT ABOUT US! I WANT TO KISS BY A WOMAN!" Riku
"I WANT TO GET KISS AS WELL! AND SOME FOOD!" Ren agreed, equally just as angry as Riku.
Hayakki pinched the bridge of her brows. "Why do I even bother with these idiots, this is exactly why I don't care what happened to Sousuke. Because in the end, he would be fine either way."
"Well, you still came either way." Junichi said with a chuckle.
"Now then, as for the other deal," Hayakki said as she set her hands on her hip. Looking towards Junichi. "While Sousuke or either of the boys are not part of the sleeping wolves, they still work under us. So that in term indirectly makes them one of us. I know you'll possibly make a fuss about this, but you did still go after the sleeping wolves in one way or another. So for the moment I will have to send you to father's prison."
Junichi scratched his chin with a hum before looking at the teen. "Is the prison comfortable?"
"I'm sorry?" Hayakki said with a raised brow.
"I'm asking if it's comfortable. You know, comfy beds, wealthy spa…you do have a spa, right?"
Hayakki just blinked at the man with a baffled expression. Rolling her eyes. "Geez, you really are an old fossil, you know that right? But you are in luck, we actually do have an indoor spa. It was suggested under Kojiro, who said that he didn't want the prisoners to feel too uncomfortable so we decided to have a few rules here and there. But we do have a capacity level so keep that in mind."
Junichi smiled at that with a small laugh.
"What's so funny?" She glared at the man.
"Nothing…just thinking how generous you are."
Hayakki growled a little. "You asked me if they had an indoor spa, no need for you to dig too deep into my wordings. Now come along and I don't want to hear any fuss from you."
"I know, I know."
Hayakki walks up to her two friends who followed after her towards the exit. Junichi looks at the back of the young female yakuza with a ponder. Thinking back on how she presented herself or the fact that she didn't kill him on the spot.
"Sorry you didn't get the chance to get your revenge, Junichi-sama…" Penny said with a sympathetic frown.
Junichi merely shrugged. "I haven't given up yet…but you could say that something caught my interest…mainly his daughter."
"Hayakki…what about her?"
"Nothing…while she does have her father's attitude…for some odd reason I sense…warmth behind her words."
"Yeah?"
Junichi scratched the back of his head with a chuckle. "Oh don't mind me. Just this old fossil speaking words again."
"Oi! Geezer!" Hayakki shouted. "Up front where I can see you! AND YOU THREE! GET OVER HERE NOW!"
"YES MA'AM!" The three boys yelled as they ran towards her.
"Ah, sorry for dragging you into this Penny…"
Penny shook her head as she grabbed his hand clasping it into hers. "I see you as a family Junichi! I'll follow you wherever you go."
Junichi smiled as he walked ahead, being followed by Penny with a smile on her face.
-Hayakki Room-
[I see. So my old friend Junichi made an appearance. But seeing how you're calling me, everything is handled.]
"Yes father. Everything is taken care of."
[...how was it handled?]
Hayakki took a breath. "I…didn't find any need to kill him…so I sent him to your prison."
[But he's plotting to kill me. Do you think it's a good idea to keep him alive…] Tatsuya stopped for a moment on the other end. Complete silence before speaking. [Well, it's not like he would get the chance of killing me anyways. Well, either way, the situation has been done with. Anything else?]
"No father. Everything is taken care of. How are things on your end?"
[It's…interesting to say the least. Looks like I will be gone till next Monday. So for the moment, I forbid you from interacting with Matsuri. I may have just planned to kill two birds with one stone.] Despite not seeing him, she could tell from the tone that he was happy.
"I will."
[Very well, then I am off.]
"Y-Yes. Goodnight-"
*Click!*
Hayakki blinks as she hears the other end was hung up already. She sighs to herself as she allows her back to fall onto the bed. Looking up at the ceiling with a passive expression. She took a deep breath.
"What a strange old yakuza that we ran into today. I was suspecting that to be in for a fight or something…turns out it was easy." Hayakki said to herself.
She thought back to what Junichi said about yakuza.
"Yakuza chivalry, huh…" She said to herself.
She launches herself up from the bed and towards the dresser next to her. Opening it up she sees a wooden box that was kept under a group of clothes. Taking it out and settling it on the bed. She looked inside the box, inside there were many things. A bracelet in the shape of a shooting star. A picture and a piece of paper.
She took the paper and unfolded it. Reading it with a frown…
Dear Hayakki,
I'm not sure if you're reading this, but if you are. Please hear me out. I don't know what happened between us or what made you act so cold towards me. If I have done something to upset…I just wanted to say…I'm sorry. I do wish for us to be friends once more, like how we used to do all sorts of things together. Watching movies, staying over for sleepovers. I wish for us to go back to those days and become friends. Despite what happened between us and Matsuri, I don't hold any ill will against you. You are still my friend, even to this day. Whatever is going on with you…I do hope you come back to your old ways. Goodbye old friend, I wish you the best of the future.
You're best friend forever,
Yoshimiya Kakeguri-
Hayakki's breath shook. She set her hands down onto her knees. Tears droplets fell onto the paper. Her breath caught in her throat as she trembled on the edge of her bed.
"Hayakki…Y…You idiot…" She said to herself. "Why did you *hic* have to go and do those horrible things to your friend. Y-You're such an idiot *hic* for trying to please your own father…why…just why…I miss you…Yoshimiya."
*Knock! Knock! Knock!*
Hayakki gasped as she turned her head towards the door. She quickly put the stuff away inside the box and put it back inside the dresser.
"C-Come in!"
Opening the door slowly, Izumi pokes her head inside the room. Seeing Hayakki on the edge of the bed. Following behind her was Homura who leaned her body inside.
"Are you okay, Lady Hayakki?" Izumi asked.
"I-I'm fine…I was just…thinking how much of an idiot I am." Hayakki said as she wiped her own tears away.
Izumi and Homura glance amongst each other before walking over to the other side of the bed. Izumi sat on Hayakki's left side while Homura sat on the right side. The blonde teen rested her hand on Hayakki's back.
"Hey come on, no need for you to beat yourself up over it." Homura said with a soft voice.
"Why do I even try…why do I even allow my father to control my life…why did she have to die for it." Hayakki said, trying to keep herself from crying again.
Izumi looks at the young teen with a sympathetic stare. Not saying anything. Allowing Homura to speak to the girl.
"You know…Tanabata is this week…and with us not having any work for the moment. How about we come up with something fun."
Hayakki didn't say anything as she just looked at her own legs. "Hey…mind if I ask you two a question…"
Izumi and Homura's attention were caught.
"Are you two…really my friends or are you just following my father's order…"
Hayakki found herself being wrapped in a hug by Homura with a big smile. "What are you talking about! Of course we're friends! After all, you're the one who gave me my name when I didn't exactly have one! I appreciated you for that! Even Izumi loves you!"
Izumi flinched as she glared at the blonde. "I would like it if you don't for me. I can explain it well myself!"
Homura held a grin. "Heh, sure, you always have trouble expressing yourself."
Izumi growled. Her eyes soften somewhat as she looks at Hayakki who was looking at her, waiting for an answer. "Well, I will admit. At first I was simply following orders from your father to be your guard. But…as time went on…I-I…I do come to see you as a friend."
Hayakki blinks at her words. Letting them sink in. "I-Izumi…"
Homura had an idea. Her arm stretches out, making sure she grabs for both Hayakki and Izumi. Once she did, she wrapped them all into a hug.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Izumi yelled.
"Don't pretend you hate it! You love it!"
"UNHAND ME!"
"Nope!"
As the two were bickering amongst each other, Hayakki found her enjoying the warmth between her two friends. A small smile graced her lips.
"Hey…you two." Hayakki grabbed their attention. "Let's think of something for us to do…for Tanabata."
Homura held a smile. "Yeah! Let's all have fun this weekend! Going to that Tokyo Dome place makes me want to go to an amusement park!"
"Fufu. I do agree. Let's make a plan for that."
"Homura, you're not gonna go overboard on the spending."
"WHAT!? COME ON! YOU DON'T NEED TO BE STINGY!"
"I don't care."
The three ended up speaking amongst each other of what they will be doing for the weekend holiday that is coming up soon…
-Omake-
….
….
"WAIT A MINUTE! WAIT A MINUTE! WAIT A MINUTE! WHAT THE HELL KIND OF CHAPTER WAS THAT!?" Etsuko yelled with frustration.
Matsuri was taken back a little by the small girl outburst. "W-What do you mean?"
"THIS DAMN CHAPTER! IT WAS ENTIRELY FOCUS ON HAYAKKI AND HER FRIENDS!"
"That's your concern." Tsubaki said with a blank stare.
"AREN'T YOU PISSED OFF! WE DIDN'T MAKE A SINGLE APPEARANCE THROUGHOUT THAT CHAPTER! ESPECIALLY YOU MATSURI! THIS IS YOUR STORY! NOT THEIRS! WHY DO THE BAD GUYS GET A CHAPTER!?"
Yukina pinched the bridge of her brows as she looked at the girl with her hands on her hips. "It's not like it wasn't the first time we didn't make an appearance. There were a couple of time that the story shifted focus. And besides, if we just entirely focus on Matsuri, wouldn't we be jumping the shark or something?"
"She is right. Give all the other characters some breathing room to allow themselves to be fleshed out."
Etsuko pouted. "I mean…I guess I get it…but why do Hayakki and the others get one!"
Matsuri tilted his head. "It feels more like she doesn't want Hayakki having a chapter of her own."
"Of course I don't! She was introduced as an antagonist of the story! But now we're supposed to hear her end of the story as well! It's not fair!"
"Oh grow up will you, runt."
Etsuko flinched at the voice. Turning her head over her shoulders, she sees Hayakki with her hands on her hip looking at the small girl with a smug smile. Standing behind her were her two friends, Homura and Izumi.
"I think the story fared better with our side of the story. I mean, it does give the readers more insight on me for the coming future chapters."
"Oooo~! I wonder what they're going to be about! Hopefully I get to let loose! My fists are ready for some action!" Homura said as she punched her fists together.
"The author wouldn't give out the specific. All I got was that the future story arcs will be rather…crazy as he calls it." Izumi said as she pushed her glasses up.
Tsubaki gave a groan. "How crazy are we talking about? Is it just as insane as Etsuko's own fantasies?"
"HEY!"
"Not sure. But he does want everyone to prepare for what is about to come."
Etsuko growled under her breath. Crossing her arms as she pouts the other way. "Damn it, we didn't get a single line through this chapter."
Matsuri sighs to himself. "Look, if it makes you feel better, the author told me that the next chapter will have us as the focus."
Etsuko perked at that. "Really!?"
"Yes, happy?"
"Much better now." Etsuko said with a smile.
"And just like that, she's back to normal." Megumi said with a roll of her eyes.
"Oh and Matsuri," Hayakki called him. "The author didn't want to tell you this, but he said you best be prepared soon."
The boy blinks. "Huh? For what?"
Hayakki held a grin, showing her sharp teeths. "Not telling~. It is best to be kept a secret."
"Hayakki…what are you talking about?"
"Oh right, that reminds me." Etsuko rummaged through her pockets as she took out something. Resting it onto Matsuri's hands.
The boy immediately blushed. "W-Why did you give me a condom!?"
Etsuko only giggled as she ran off. "I wish to tell you, but I gotta go give Meiko something! Bye!"
"W-Wait! Etsuko!"
"Have fun, Crybaby Matsuri~." Hayakki said as she twirled around and left.
"Try not to break in bed!" Homura said.
Izumi didn't say much but gave a thumbs up and left.
Matsuri was beyond confused. He then looks to Tsubaki and the others who all gave similar reactions like how Etsuko and the others gave as they left the boy alone.
"GUYS! WAIT! WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ALL OF THAT!? GUUUUUYS!"
….
And that's a wrap! We get to see a bit more of Hayakki's life as a yakuza and discover that she used to be good friends with Yoshimiya. But what does it all mean and when did their friendship fall apart? And just what sort of business is Tatsuya speaking of? Only time will tell as we keep the story moving forward…
First and foremost. Sorry for the long wait. This chapter took longer than anticipated. A whopping good 52 pages! But I do have several reasons for that.
This chapter I wanted to focus on Hayakki and her friends and what they were like in action. But I think the most important characters for this chapter are Hayakki and the new character Junichi. One thing I like everyone to pay attention to is her relationship with her father, Tatsuya. Hayakki has a rather thin connection with him as he cares more for achieving his goal through means of brute force and striking fear into his subjects. This includes his daughter for he sees as a failure in his eyes. Hayakki only wishes to connect with her father, but finds it impossible due to his behavior and mindset. I wanted to sell it as the two are in two completely different planes that Hayakki can't reach. Not only that, she also used to be friends with Yoshimiya, but that friendship was broken prior to the event Yoshimiya met Matsuri. You'll learn more about that later.
Then there's Junichi, the other character who will be playing an important role in Hayakki's life. He's a yakuza as well, but he follows a different code within the crimeworld. Yakuza were once known as a chivalrous group who 'take on any plea for help' and 'standing your ground no matter who you are facing'. This ties with the term they used to practice known as Ninkyo, which is an interesting term for Yakuza. It means humanity or benevolent. In other words, they were the 'good guys' in their own way. However, that term fades out of existence as they are now practicing more into violence and drugs, turning them more into ordinary gangsters. I found this interesting and wanted a character who embodies 'yakuza chivalrous' attitude. Junichi shows he is not like any yakuza in contrast to Tatsuya's methods. Expect to see more of him in the future.
Many things I wanted to incorporate in this chapter and how it will connect to future story arcs in the story. Also give you a peek of what to expect in the near future to come as well.
But yeah, I did a lot of research and felt the need to incorporate it into the story while giving Hayakki some depth to her character. No sign of Matsuri or the others in this chapter, but don't worry, they will make their appearance in the next chapter as we shift the focus back onto them. Also the song that Junichi was singing is "Today is a Diamond" from the game Yakuza 6. Why? Just because XD.
By the way, I hope you guys liked the omake. I was thinking of adding those at the end of each chapter now. XD
As always, thank you for reading. Give review for feedback. (I cannot stress enough stay safe out there as we continue to live in this crazy world). And I will see you all in the next chapter!
