Please note that I will skip around a bit due to feeling like my characters don't add anything or don't fit well with specific situations. I will do each game as I get to them in this story. I also guessed how old Yuko is, Nishikiyama's younger sister. It's never really specified. If I had a guess, she's either five or six years younger than Nishiki.
October 17th, 1985
Akari stood outside of the house near Theater Square in uniform. She heard the door open, her closest friend's mother speaking sternly to him.
"Daigo, seriously." said the kimono adorned woman. "We can't make Akari-chan late, too."
"Don't worry, Dojima-san," Akari stated. "Our teacher knows how Daigo is. Though, dad said I should just go on ahead without Daigo when he starts dragging his feet."
Yayoi holds back a snort at the statement, knowing that's exactly something Osamu would say. Daigo sighed heavily, disappointed about going into school today.
"As long as I'm around, Daigo isn't going to miss class unless it's needed." said Yayoi, scooting Daigo out the door. "Now get going. I'm not tolerating it today."
With that, Akari grabbed Daigo's hand and started dragging him to school. As Akari dragged her friend in the direction they needed to go, Chihiro pops up from one of the alleyways, grabbing his sister's hand.
"Good morning, Hiro-oniisan!" said Akari as she briefly looked up at the man. "Daigo, don't be rude."
"Morning." mumbled Daigo. "Do we really need to go in, Kari?"
"Yes!" said the girl. "We go on that field trip today, remember?"
"The one for Club SEGA?" inquired Daigo.
"Yep!" replied Akari. "I don't go often because Hiro and dad are usually too busy to take me."
"Is your mom still sick?" inquired Daigo, a little more awake.
"Yeah." answered Akari as Chihiro lead them to school silently. "I'm a little worried, though."
"Akari, mom is going to be fine. She just has a persistent cold." said Chihiro. "I'll see if dad will let me take you to Club SEGA every now and then."
"Chihiro, aren't you working with dad, though?" inquired Akari. "I don't want you to get in trouble."
With Abigail sick and Akari currently unable to defend herself properly, Chihiro wasn't sure what to do. With things in the yakuza getting a bit busy, it was difficult for him to get a day off without being paged to come in. Hell, he'd barely managed to find time to get Akari and Daigo to school on time before going back to work. He had graduated the year prior, hoping to stay out of jail long enough to even get by. Chihiro hoped that Akari would find someone who would be good to her and be good for her. Stopping at the gate to the elementary school, Chihiro smiled down to Akari as she released his hand.
"See you later, Hiro!" said the dark haired girl, her hazel eyes looking up at him for a moment before dragging her best friend into the school yard and eventually the building.
"Behave, Kari. You know how dad is when neither of us do." called Chihiro as Daigo disappeared into the building.
The eighteen-year-old sighs as he turns towards the direction of the Kazama family office. He sprints towards it, silently praying he doesn't get an earful for being late again. With working and helping his dad out, Chihiro felt overwhelmed and cornered. He loved his mother and sister, but he didn't exactly have time for himself. He just hoped that Abigail would pull through this and life returning to what it was before she got sick. As he went through the main entrance of the office, he felt grateful that he wasn't late this time. Maybe things were going to work out for him after all.
'If only mom would get better.' thought the teen with a sigh. 'I think I'll pick up a drink for her on the way home. Maybe pick up some drinks or snacks for dad and Akari, too.'
Akari and Daigo walked home with Yayoi. Akari held a Kara Kappa that she managed to win, a big smile on her face as she walked with Yayoi and Daigo. Daigo was trying to learn tricks for the yo-yo he had gotten with the tickets he won, occasionally not getting the yo-yo up to his hand and the plastic of the toy hitting the ground with a thunk. Yayoi glanced to Akari, unsure what to do.
"Hello?" said Yayoi into the phone.
"Yayoi, it's Osamu." came the response, his voice sounding off. "I need you to do me a favor."
"Sure, Osa." said the woman. "What can I help you with? Does this involve Abi and Akari?"
A heavy sigh leaves Osamu's end, like the weight of the world sat upon his shoulders.
"Abigail just got rushed to the hospital." answered Osamu. "Chihiro is busy with work and running an errand for Kazama until six. I'm at the hospital to fill out any paperwork and answer any questions the doctor will have. Will you watch Akari until either Chihiro or myself can pick her up? Abi's condition has gotten worse, so I can't leave until either the doctors have her stable enough or the doctors tell me to go home."
"Oh, no." said Yayoi. "I'll watch her. Sohei won't be thrilled, but Akari tends to avoid him often. She'll either hide near me or in Daigo's room. If anything, I can drop her off at the Kazama office near Park No. 3. I wouldn't mind and the kids could play at the park for a bit."
"I would be grateful for it, despite my feelings on her being in a yakuza office." answered Osamu. "Chihiro may call, though. He'll be done with his errands and what little work he has left until six. I'll page him later."
"That may help a lot. If he calls asking about her, I'll let him know she was taken to the Kazama office." stated Yayoi. "Though, would you rather her be near my husband for any extended period of time? Are you sure you want to expose your daughter to Sohei?"
"I see. I'll give Chihiro your pager number." said Osamu. "I need to go. I'll have Chihiro page you and we'll go from there."
"Okay. I'll see you later, Osa." said Yayoi. "Good luck and I hope Abi gets better soon."
Yayoi had gotten a taxi to get a little closer to home after needing to grab Akari before she went straight home. She understood Osamu's worry, especially with how ruthless rival families were when their territories were entered without much warning. With Saejima going to jail for killing eighteen men earlier in the year, she would usually walk with Daigo and another girl named Aiko. With Abigail now in the hospital, Osamu had his hands full with his duties in the Kazama family and taking care of his family.
On the way towards the Dojima family office and home, Akari stopped at one of the vending machines on Shichifuku Street. She usually went into the Poppo near the Kazama office to get her father something to eat and drinks for him and the man she considered an uncle. Yayoi could see Akari thinking about something before she shakes her head and continues towards home, knowing the girl would follow once she made her decision. The older woman knew that the girl hadn't been exposed too much to the world of the yakuza, her parents making sure of that. She wished Daigo hadn't been exposed so much, but her husband wasn't exactly subtle about what his line of work is. Due to this, she could see Daigo becoming just as bad as his father. However, Daigo could surprise her and do better than Sohei.
She took a moment to clear her mind, deciding to not linger on that thought. She heard Akari's footsteps catch up to her and Daigo. The girl appeared beside Daigo, having decided to not get drinks this time,
"Akari, your father or brother might pick you up tonight." said Yayoi looking towards the eight-year-old. "If they don't call, we're heading to Park No. 3."
"Oh." came the response. "Is it about mom? Or is it about Hiro and dad?"
Yayoi knew girl would get upset if she lied to her, but knew the girl would get anxious if she told the whole truth. A half truth would be safer to go with, especially since she didn't want to have Sohei target the eight-year-old.
"Your parents are at the hospital." stated the kimono dressed woman. "Your mother went to get looked at with your father taking her. Hiro is stuck at work and running errands for Kazama until six."
"Is mom okay?" inquired the girl.
"She will be." Yayoi replied. "Your father didn't want you to be alone for longer than expected or stress your mother out if she found out."
The woman had given her some of the truth, giving the girl a chance to keep calm. The girl nods in response and looks to Daigo, a smile on her face.
"Let's get our homework done when we get to your house, Daigo." said Akari.
Yayoi softly chuckled as Daigo responded with some snarky response about homework. She walked with them towards home, hoping that Sohei would at least leave Kashiwagi's daughter alone to give her some peace. He wasn't antagonistic to her, just terrifies the girl with how quick his temper seems to flare in front of her.
"Akari, did you want to get something to drink or snack on before we get home?" inquired Yayoi. "We could stop by Poppo before getting to the apartment."
"No, ma'am." answered Akari, looking up at the older woman. "Thank you, though."
'Kashiwagi has taught her well.' thought Yayoi. 'If only it would stick with Daigo.'
"Can I get something, mom?" inquired Daigo.
"One drink, one snack and that's it." answered Yayoi.
Akari looked to her right, hearing footsteps and a pair of voices coming from one of the alleyways. Kiryu and Nishiki appear, both having appeared to be finished with school for the day.
"Kiryu!" called Akari, waving to the teen with a smile on her face.
He and Nishiki were often at the Kazama Family office during down time and hoping Kazama would let them join the yakuza. During the few times both teens were over, they would often keep an eye on Akari. Between the two, Akari would usually stick to Kiryu. The older boy had made it clear he meant no harm to her whatsoever. He usually would look after her and Daigo at the same time with Nishiki. Akari didn't hate Nishiki, the boy hardly looked her way when he and Kiryu had to babysit. Though, he often spoke of his sister to her. He spoke of how she often reminded him of Yuko at times, often telling stories of how she would run off on him or the times she would be sick and in the hospital, often running similarly to Akari's mother and her own feelings of hopelessness.
Kiryu, often noting the girl's distress, would steer Nishiki away from getting too deep into the topic. When his friend would be too deep in it, he would often interject and ask Akari for help with getting a gift for Yuko. The teen tried to keep things from being too heavy, especially knowing the girl's mother often went in and out of the hospital. Kiryu would often bring her to the orphanage he and Nishiki grew up in, often letting the girl play with other kids her age as she only does so in school and not as often outside of school. He knew that loneliness within the girl's eyes, often seeing it in Daigo's when he thinks no one is looking at him.
The pair stop in front of Yayoi and the pair of kids. Daigo and Akari going up to the pair with big grins on their faces.
"I see you both went to Club SEGA." said Nishiki with a grin. "Maybe we should go at some point and win something for Yuko to help her feel better."
"I'm sorry she's sick again, Nishiki." came Akari's response. "I'll get her something from the claw machine the next time."
"Good afternoon, Kiryu, Nishiki." said Yayoi, bowing.
"Good afternoon, Kiryu, Nishiki." said Daigo.
"How's everything going, Yayoi-san?" inquired Kiryu.
"Good." answered the woman. "My hands are full with a pair of rambunctious kids, though."
Kiryu chuckles at the response, understanding her sentiments. Akari seemed to make an effort to to fly under the radar, often finding that she wasn't focused on by others if she just hung her head low, kept herself out of trouble. Maybe it was because she was a half-breed, her mother born and raised in America. It seemed that anyone who grew up mixed race had a harder time with bullying.
"Usually your brother is with you." said Nishiki. "Is he busy today, Akari?"
"Yeah. So is dad and Uncle Kazama." answered the girl.
She looked to Yayoi, unsure of whether or not the longer contact was okay. If this were at the Kazama family office, she would have been shoved into her room. Her father always telling her if it seemed like Kazama's men were more nervous, it was usually because they didn't want a child listening in on the conversation. It was usually around the five or six minute mark that she would be sent into her room and place headphones onto her head.
"I think we need to get going." said Yayoi. "Daigo and Akari have homework to do."
"Okay." said Kiryu. "See you later, Akari, Daigo."
"See you both later." said Nishiki.
"Bye." came Akari's quiet response.
"Bye!" was Daigo's loud response.
"See you both later." said Yayoi.
She herded the pair of children towards the Dojima family office. She found both responses fitting for both children. Yayoi unlocks the door and gets the kids into Daigo's room before Sohei made any attempt to get annoyed. She sighed as Akari and Daigo got out their homework, the pair quietly talking to each other. Daigo knew how his father was, understanding that his father scared Akari in a way. He also knew how little she interacted with her own father's yakuza dealings. The only time she had to get involved was when English slowly began to get involved. Most of the time her mother would handle that, letting the girl be a child and not some compromise for a dealing. Chihiro knew English, but not quite as well as Abigail and, to a degree, Akari.
Yayoi, putting aside her inner monologue, went to check in on her husband. She loved him, even with his attitude being as sour as it could get. She knew about his affairs, she wasn't stupid like Sohei seemed to think. As she checked in on him in his office, Yayoi noted a couple of his men were in there with him.
"I'm back, Sohei." said the kimono wearing woman. "I came in to check in with you and to let you know that Akari is here. No one is at home to look after her."
Sohei sighed heavily at the last bit, wondering why a rival yakuza group's child was placed with him for a few hours.
"Alright." answered the head of the family. "Seeing as it's Kashiwagi's brat, I'll keep my dealings with my men out of ear shot."
"Sohei, please have some respect." said Yayoi. "Akari usually stays away from you to begin with. Leave her be and she won't be in here."
The yakuza head gives a snort, giving Yayoi a dirty look. He doesn't say anything, but his wife knew what he wanted to say. Yayoi takes this opportunity to leave the room, Sohei's men keeping o themselves as they knew they'd be chewed if they dared to say anything. Yayoi goes into the kitchen and grabs a couple glasses for the kids, knowing that they'd be in a few minutes to get something. Yayoi was surprised when Akari didn't follow Daigo into the kitchen after ten minutes.
"She fell asleep, mom." said Daigo. "I don't think she's been getting as much sleep at home."
'I will need to talk to Osamu about that.' thought Yayoi. 'This isn't good especially if she's not sleeping very well.'
"Let her be for five more minutes." said Yayoi.
"Okay." replied Daigo. "I'm done with my homework. Do you want me to do Akari's or let her do it once she's awake?"
"She'll do it once she wakes up." answered Yayoi. "Play quietly. Your father is in a mood today."
Daigo nodded at that, wondering what to do that isn't too noisy or loud. He sighs as he went back towards his room, quietly taking a seat on his bed after grabbing a book that sat on his book case near his bed.
"It's been awhile since we were here." said Akari, hours after her falling asleep. "Dad and Chihiro don't really have time to get out here with me. Mom would, but she's been sick recently. I don't tell them I want anything because I know they're stressed out."
Yayoi looked at Akari after she said that. She knew there wasn't abuse, but she could see the girl becoming an abuse victim once she entered her first real relationship in her adulthood. Yayoi would need to make sure the girl would voice her wants with family and any relationship she would enter.
"I'm sure they want you happy, Akari." said Yayoi as she looked to the girl.
She understood Akari in a way, that she didn't want to trouble her family further than normal.
"Mama Yayoi, what makes up a good person?" inquired Akari. "I know the yakuza are people to be feared, but they do some form of good to a degree."
Yayoi smiled at the term of endearment from the girl, thankful she was seen as an important figure to the girl.
"It depends, Kari." said Yayoi. "There is no such thing as a truly good person or a truly bad person. It really boils down to everything that's going on."
Akari seemed to think about Yayoi's response letting it sit on her mind for a bit.
"Okay."
"Kari, come on!" called Daigo as he climbed up the ladder for the monkey bars.
Akari looks at Yayoi and just nods to her, signaling her understanding. She then goes to the monkey bars and follows after her friend, a smile coming to her face.
"Thank you for watching her, Yayoi." came Kashiwagi's voice.
Akari cheers when she hears her father, dropping from the monkey bars. She runs to the man, excited to see him after being away from him a majority of the day.
"Dad," said Akari. "I missed you."
With her saying that, Kashiwagi smiles at his daughter as she hugs him. He returns the hug, thankful she had no idea about her mother.
"I missed you, too, Kari." said the older man.
"She's a pleasure to watch, Osamu." stated Yayoi. "If you need me to watch her again, please tell me."
Osamu nods as he got out a cigarette and lit it, the filtered nicotine relieving some of his stress.
"Mom is doing okay at the moment, Kari." said Osamu. "She's staying in the hospital for observation tonight, but she'll be home before too long."
"Okay." Akari responded. "Is Uncle Kazama okay? I know he wasn't feeling well himself."
"He'll be fine soon, too." answered Osamu.
"Akari, are you leaving already?" inquired Daigo, standing a couple feet away from Akari and her father.
"I think so." answered Akari. "I'll see you tomorrow, though."
"Okay." grinned Daigo. "See you tomorrow."
"See you later, Osa." said Yayoi.
"Bye, Mama Yayoi!" came the cheery response from Akari. "Bye, Daigo."
With that, Yayoi and Daigo leave. Osanu wondered if Akari felt close to Yayoi, especially when the young child called her Mama to a degree.
"Akari, why do you call Yayoi that?" inquired Osamu as his daughter released him, grabbing his right hand.
"Because she's always there like mom is." answered the child, looking up at her father with a smile.
Osamu smiled back at her, thankful that the girl respected Yayoi so much. He and Akari walk Tenkaichi Street, her backpack on her with her stuffed animal's head poking out of it. Osamu had noted the plush, thankful she had good day.
"Did you want anything from Poppo?" inquired the yakuza lieutenant.
"Is it all right if some drinks, some snacks, and noodles were picked up?" the girl asked in response. "Mama Yayoi said that it was better I spent as little time with Daigo's dad. He's scary, dad."
Osamu snorted a bit at the last bit, understanding that the girl's feelings completely. If he were a child at Akari's age, he'd find Sohei scary, too.
"Okay, we'll pick up some snacks and drinks." said Osamu. "Depending on the kind of noodles that they have, we'll pick those up, too."
The girl smiled up at him as they made their way towards the convenience store, Akari telling Osamu about the trip to the arcade. The man kept a firm grip on his daughter's hand as they walked passed a couple of yakuza grunts, both eyeing him and his daughter. He didn't recognize them, figuring they either just joined or hadn't been in the area. Osamu noted Akari's silence, realizing the girl had picked up on the ominous air the two grunts possessed. He might need to protect her and Kazama's territory from these two. As much as he didn't want to fight in front of his daughter, he would. When they entered Poppo, Osamu placed his daughter towards the back as the two men entered the store as well.
"Stay back here, honey." whispered Osamu. "I'll be right back, okay?"
"O-okay." came Akari's quiet response.
"You two, out!" shouted the store worker, glaring over at the two grunts. "I don't care who you're here for, get out and stay out."
Osamu's eyes met with the store worker's, hoping that the worker had no harm happen. The grunts don't listen, leading Osamu to go ahead and take them out of the store. Akari stayed in the back of the store like her father asked, hoping he would return okay and unscathed. The worker went over to her to check in on her, knowing that Osamu would be done with the two grunts soon.
"What do you want me to grab for your dad?" inquired the worker.
"Do you have dad's favorite cigarettes, Riku?" inquired the girl. "Can you also grab his favorite sake as well?"
"Sure." answered Riku. "I'll grab those things now."
Akari went about grabbing a bowl of Udon noodles and a bowl of yakisoba noodles for her father as well as a bentou box for him as well, a Boss Rainbow Mountain coffee for Chihiro, a juice bottle for her mother with a couple snacks, and two Mitsuya Cider grape for herself and Kazama. She hoped that her father wouldn't be too angry with her for worrying for his own health. Akari noted how he would skip a meal or skip a full day of anything in general. Her mother wasn't there to make sure he was okay, so Akari felt like she had to step up and help keep her family somewhat healthy.
Riku returned to the counter as Osamu came back in. The man didn't have a scratch on him, there were no signs of blood either. Akari already had the things at the counter, Riku scanning them as the lieutenant went to his child's side. Osamu noted that his little girl had picked up more snacks and food than normal. She didn't seem to be gaining weight, if much at least. He wondered if she had started early on anything, worried about how to bring it up to her. Osamu decided to bring it up after getting home, hoping that she was just feeling a little more hungry than normal.
"Thank you for getting those two tonight, Kashiwagi-san." said Riku. "Everything is discounted for you today."
"No problem." answered Osamu. "Let me or Chihiro know if we need to butt heads with them or their friends again."
Riku nodded as Kashiwagi paid for the items, the girl beside him grabbing one of the bags. She adjusted it a bit as she went to grab the other bag, her father deciding to grab it instead.
"Dad?" inquired Akari as they left the store. "I can carry it, I don't mind doing so."
"Akari, are you experiencing anything different recently?" replied Osamu.
"Is this about the extra food items?"
"Yes."
"The noodles and bentou are for you, dad." answered Akari. "I don't want you to be hungry later."
Osamu had stopped with Akari in front of the office door, wondering when his daughter had become observant. He had looked at her in the moment, wondering who she will become once she hit adulthood. Osamu had a feeling the girl next to him would become someone vital to those around her, hoping that her future partner took good care of her once she married.
"When did you become so observant?" inquired Osamu as he opened the door, letting Akari enter first.
"You told me to observe the world around me and those I care about most." answered Akari, turning to her father as she looked up at him. "You, Uncle Shintaro, Chihiro, Daigo, Mama Yayoi, and Mom are the ones I care about most."
Kazama, who was sitting at his desk finishing some paperwork, looked up from the papers strewn on his desk. A smile sitting on his lips at that, hoping whatever darkness that he and the others worked in never ate her whole. Kazama saw the same thought go across Osamu's face as he stared at his daughter, a little misty eyed at that statement of hers. The girl walked back to her father and put down the bag, hugging him.
"Why do you gotta go and say something like that?" murmured the yakuza lieutenant, his free arm going around Akari's shoulders. "Damn, that got me."
Kazama chuckles at his friend's response, thankful that the girl hadn't felt neglected by her father.
'If anything,' thought Kazama as he returned to his paperwork. 'This means that Osamu left a very good impression on Akari, regardless of how dark, bloody, and dirty the job gets.'
"Osamu, you may wanna eat before you return to work." said the slightly older man. "Especially since Akari has you down as a meal skipper."
At that, the father glared at his long time friend. Kazama laughs in response, feeling the glare on him. With everything so peaceful at this moment, the lieutenant knew something would happen. He didn't know what would happen once Abigail had recovered.
"Dad?" inquired Akari.
"Yes, Kari?"
"Is mom going to be okay?"
He just smiled at her as she separated herself from him and picked up the bag.
"The doctor said her immune system is weak at this time." answered Osamu. "He said she needs to rest, drink water, and some good meals. She'll be out before too long, sweetheart. When she does, we'll go out for that ramen place we like."
"All five of us at Kanrai?" inquired Akari.
"Yep." answered the man. "All five of us. Right, Shintaro?"
Kazama hadn't planned on that, looking up at the man.
"Why not?"
"Yay." said Akari. "You gotta keep that promise, dad."
"I will, sweetheart." said Kashiwagi, a smile coming to his face. "Give Kazama his drink and hand me the bag so I can put away drinks and snacks while you do your homework."
"Yes, sir."
With that, Akari goes to Kazama and got out the grape flavored Mitsuya Cider.
"They had these in stock today?" inquired Kazama.
"Yep." answered the girl. "It was only this flavor, but I don't recall ever seeing it or having it."
"It is seasonal after all." said Kazama. "Thank you, Kari."
"You're welcome, Uncle Kazama." stated Akari. "Have you eaten anything yet, dad?"
Osamu is quiet for a moment, his silence becoming an answer. He looked embarrassed, but gave Akari a firm look.
"I'll eat after you go to bed." said the man. "For now, do your homework."
"Dad?"
"Yes, Kari?"
"Will you at least eat some of the bentou I picked out for you?"
"Osamu, you do need to eat something." said Kazama. "You can't survive on just cigarettes and water."
Akari gave her father a concerned look, deciding against saying anything. Osamu's once calm, relaxed, and firm look turned hard and scary for his daughter. As Akari would put it, he went into boss mode and almost growling. She's seen him giving Chihiro this look and really chewing him out when she would lay in bed and hear the door close a little too hard, waking her up to begin with.
"I'll get started on homework." murmured Akari quietly, scurrying into the backroom.
Osamu felt guilty after that, hearing the tone his child in her voice. The tone was scared and terrified, something he hadn't intended to do to his daughter. He gave a heavy sigh, a hand going down his face as he went over what he should say to her to calm her down a little.
"Leave her be for a bit." said Kazama, breaking the silence. "Akari isn't always around when you go into business mode, remember? Of course she's going to be scared of you when you do."
"Doesn't mean I don't feel guilty for scaring her." said Osamu. "There's a reason why I've worked so hard to keep her away from this business. At least, tried to keep her away from all of this."
"I know." stated Kazama. "She's going to be fine, Osamu."
"I hope so, Shintaro." said Osamu. "I certainly hope so."
Sunday morning Osamu is in the car with his two kids, Kazama in another car to have a short visit with Abby. Akari hadn't slept well the night before, Chihiro noted that before the four of them had left the office. He had whispered it to their father, a little worried about his sister. He knew her staying in the office for sleep and homework wasn't good for her.
"When we get in, we gotta be quiet for mom." said Osamu. "She might not be feeling up to all of us there."
"Okay." said Akari.
She hadn't said much since that first night at the office. Partially due to feeling guilty, Osamu let Akari stay up later than normal and gave her a quiet apology for that night. He still felt guilty, but he could see something else eating away at her. She wasn't as happy or as talkative. For the last handful of years she had the same class as Daigo, so she hadn't changed much. They were close and still were based off of Yayoi's observations and the way both of them had played. Osamu had noted how quiet Akari was after school, especially after the days when Chihiro would pick her up from school.
With Abigail in the hospital, Osamu noted a few things with Akari alone. She wasn't as talkative, happy, or as energetic. Her personality wasn't angst or quiet, though she wasn't loud. Osamu felt like she acted like most other kids when it comes to being excitable, talkative, and cheerful. It was like someone switched out his typically happy and cheerful daughter with aother child that isn't as cheerful and not as talkative daughter. As he pulled into the parking lot and into a space, Chihiro quickly took off his seat belt and opened the door.
"Hiro, go on ahead." said Osamu. "Kari and I will be there in a few minutes. Kari, give Hiro the bag for mom."
"Okay." came Chihiro's confused response.
Chihiro looked at Akari and realized why their father wanted to talk to her. He hadn't noticed or realized, but he was also all in his own head most of the time anymore. Akari handed Chihiro the Poppo bag and took off her seat belt. Chihiro gave her an apologetic look and left with the bag.
"Tell mom we'll be there in a few minutes." said Osamu.
"Yes, sir." replied Chihiro.
He gets out of the car, closing the door behind him. He looked in at Akari one last time and turned towards Toto Hospital. Kazama and one of his men stood not too far from where Osamu parked.
"He's going to talk to Akari about what's got her acting out of character, isn't he?" inquired Shintaro.
"Yeah." answered Chihiro. "Knowing how much gentler he is with her, Dad is going to most likely see if it's anything he can fix."
"I hope one day you have a family of your own with a daughter." said Shintaro. "Having been through this entire journey with you, Abigail, and Akari as his family, it's difficult to get the right amount of anything some days. Each child is different, too."
After a few minutes of watching out of the window for Chihiro and Shintaro going into the hospital, Osamu got out of the car. Akari followed him out, knowing the man would want to speak to her directly to her face. Both her door and his close, the sound of the doors echoing slightly. She was soon put onto the trunk of the car, her father showing concern as he stared her down.
"Kari, honey," said Osamu, voice soft and comforting despite the roughness. "What's wrong? Talk to me, sweetheart."
"Dad, I'm being bullied at school for being a half breed." stated Akari, looking her father in the eyes. "I wasn't picked on when Daigo was around because he threw around his father's name. I don't feel right doing that to your name."
"Kari," said the lieutenant, as he placed a hand onto her left shoulder. "Is there anything I can do to help you with this?"
"I don't know, dad." sniffled Akari, trying to keep from crying.
"Come here." murmured her father as he hugged her.
The smell of cigarettes, mom's favorite cologne on him, and coffee a familiar scent for the girl. She wrapped her arms around his neck, still sniffling.
"I'm sorry, dad." said Akari. "I don't know what to do or what I should say to get them to stop. I don't want to throw your name around like Daigo does for his dad. I'm also scared that if I do anything, they'll accuse you, Chihiro, or Kazama of things."
"Akari, honey, do you want to be in the same class as Daigo from here on out?" inquired the older man.
"I can't always depend on him, daddy." replied Akari.
It had been awhile since Akari called him that, she stopped calling him 'daddy' after a comment from both Daigo and Chihiro when she was six.
"Okay, sweetheart." said Osamu with a sigh. "What can I do to help you then?"
Akari is quiet for a moment, the older man hears her give a heavy sigh as she tries to think of something that would work.
"Dad, can I learn karate or Judo like you did?" inquired Akari.
The man puts her at arms length, giving her a serious look.
"Are you sure about that, Akari?" inquired Osamu. "Once you learn either after a certain point, you have to be careful."
"I'm sure, dad." answered Akari. "I want to be able defend myself. You, Hiro, Daigo, Uncle Kazama, mom, and Mama Yayoi aren't always gonna be around."
Her father looked at her, wishing there was more he could do. This has been on his mind for a while, thankful his daughter actually wanted to learn something from him outside of little bits and pieces of advice.
"Alright." said the man, a smile coming to him as he gave his daughter one more hug. "We'll begin this afternoon or tomorrow, depending if mom is coming home today or not."
"Okay." sighed Akari, responded more cheerfully.
The yakuza member felt a bit better, knowing his daughter effectively became more herself and will be learning something from him directly.
"Now," said Osamu releasing his daughter with a smile. "Let's go see mom."
At that, Akari smiled up at him. He helped her down from the car's trunk and walked with her to the hospital, grabbing her hand out of habit and protectiveness. The pair walked quietly for a few minutes, the sounds of leaves rustling, the sounds of the breeze, and the usual sounds of traffic filled in the spaces the breeze and leaves didn't.
"Dad?" inquired Akari as they entered the hospital.
"Yes, Kari?" came the response.
"Could I possibly have a tattoo later on when I'm older?"
He stops gives Akari a surprised look, shocked the girl would ask this to him directly. Not that he was surprised considering he had one and Chihiro had one started on his own back. She hadn't seen Kazama's, but Osamu knew she had seen his plenty of time by now and seen the outline for her brother's. He didn't know how to feel about her asking, just knew it felt wrong, almost unlawful.
"Akari, Chihiro and I have our tattoos to represent the yakuza group we're in." said Osamu, voice calculated and methodical. "Yakuza work isn't for any girl or woman."
"Oh." said Akari, dejected. "Not even a temporary tattoo?"
Relief hits him as he begins to walk forward with her.
"That we can do." said Osamu as he gave a relieved chuckle.
They entered fifteen minutes after Chihiro, Kazama, and the grunt had entered. The pair made their way to reception, the young woman behind the desk smiled at them as they stopped. Osamu signed himself in, signaling Akari to do so as well.
"She's a cute kid." commented the woman.
"Thanks." said Osamu. "Akari, let's go."
"I hope mom is okay." said Akari a she and her father headed towards the stairs. "I also hope she's able to come home today."
"Me, too, Kari. Me, too."
"There you both are." said Kazama as he came out of Abigail's room. "I wondered if you both were going to be in or stay out there to hash out whatever is going on."
"I'm sorry, Uncle Kazama." came Akari, stopping her father from responding. "It's not gonna be cleared up for a while, but it will hopefully stop soon."
Kazama looked to Osamu, who mouthed 'Bullying.' to answer his silent question.
"Ah." said Kazama. "Hopefully it'll stop sooner than later."
Akari smiled up at him, agreeing with him with a hum and a nod.
"Heading to your appointment?" inquired Osamu.
"Yeah." answered the family captain. "You might not like what's going to happen in there."
The last sentence was said quietly to the lieutenant, making him confused. Kazama shook his head and didn't elaborate further.
"I'll see you later, Uncle Kazama." said Akari releasing her father's hand and giving the older man a hug.
Kazama chuckles at her actions, thankful she's beck to some normalcy. Once Akari let go of Kazama he waved at her and left for his appointment. Akari and Osamu enter Abigail's room, the older man wondering what his friend and boss meant.
"There you both are." said Abigail, her tone harsh.
"Mom?" inquired Akari, her left hand going to Osamu's right hand.
She was confused as to why her mother's tone came out so harsh, hoping that this wasn't a permanent thing. The girl noted her brother's head going left to right a few times, a finger at his lips. Chihiro hadn't made a sound and hoped Akari understood. She eyes her mother wearily, inching closer to her father as he squared up to find out what's going on.
"Chihiro."
The tone Osamu had in that moment signaled yakuza mode, Chihiro straightening up and Akari getting behind her father as she released his hand.
"Got it." said Chihiro as he walked around the bed. "Akari, let's go find something to drink."
"Okay, Chihiro." whispered Akari, voice tiny as she immediately left the room before Chihiro was near her.
She didn't understand what was going on, but it seemed like Chihiro did. The nineteen-year-old soon left the room and closed the door, knowing that whatever caused this will end in one of two ways. He had seen this happen with some of his friends, but prayed it never happened to him and his sister. He lead his sister to one of the many vending machines on the first floor.
"Akari, I'm gonna be up front with you." said Chihiro as he grabbed her left hand. "Our parents might break up."
"I hope not." stated the girl. "I hope it never happens. Do you think that it's because of Dad's job? Because I'm not a good enough daughter?"
Chihiro felt that last question in a way that made him begin disliking whatever she and Dad talked about having an affect on her still.
"Akari, you're a good kid." said Chihiro as they stopped by a vending machine, both looking at the contents. "I don't know why mom is like that, but I hope she and Dad are able to work this out. What would you like to drink?"
"I'll get the Mitsuya Cider one, Hiro." answered Akari.
Fishing out his wallet, the older man inserted the needed amount for Akari's drink. He handed the can to Akari and got out his cassette deck. A tape of Ayumi Nakamura in the deck. Chihiro placed the headphones onto rhe girl's head, turning on the tape deck. When the song began, it blocked out everything. He saw Akari going from aware of her surroundings to being consumed by the catchy music.
He looked towards the room they were in and saw their father leave the room after they've been out of the room for about fifteen minutes. Chihiro got his sister's attention and she took off the headphones. He saw Chihiro by the electronic device.
"You're mother is going to be coming home tonight." said Osamu. "She's going to be heading back to America in the next couple of days."
Chihiro sighed heavily, knowing what this meant. Akari looked hurt and guilty for a few moments, allowing herself a few moments to be upset. She shook it off after that moment, but worry remained written clearly on her.
"Dad, what's gonna happen to us?" inquired Akari, sounding scared and worried.
"I honestly want us to stay together, sweetheart." came the response, calm and gentle towards the younger of the two he's raised. "Something will be figured out. I promise."
Chihiro simply gave him a look, asking if he really meant that and if it was really a good idea to make a promise he could potentially not be able to keep.
"Pinky promise?"
Osamu got to Akari's level and looked her in the eye, reaching a hand out with a pinky extended.
"Pinky promise."
Akari reached hers out and held onto her father's for a moment, feeling a little bit better and slightly less worried. She noted how much bigger his hands were compared to hers, warmth radiated from his hand, thank to still have a father around. When the moment ended, Akari released her father and the older man stood up. He motioned for Chihiro and Akari to follow as he started for the counter.
"Sign these while we get her ready to go." said the charge nurse as he handed Osamu the paperwork.
Osamu looked more tired than normal in that moment, Akari wishing things were different for them as a family. Chihiro had grabbed Akari's hand as their mother started wheeling herself out of the hospital.