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. However I do plan on going through my copies of the games and using other videos on each one to help get this going. Also, I am not familiar with any Japanese laws in terms of custody, marriage, or any other form of dealing with the Japanese judicial system. If I mention something inaccurate, please tell me and let me know where I can learn more accurately what I mentioned wrong.
December 15th, 1985
Akari stood in the office by Kazama's desk, worry and stress all over her face.
"Uncle, does this mean I'm leaving for good?" inquired the girl.
"Considering that your mother hasn't been home much within the last year and a half due to illness, you might end up being here with your father." answered Kazama. "Kari, it's going to be all right."
The girl doesn't say anything, as she looked towards the back room where her parents vanished into.
"Would it be okay for me to go to Park Number three?" inquired the girl.
"Go ahead, Kari." said Kazama. "Don't stray from there unless needed and go into Poppo and have them call me if something happens."
"Yes, sir."
With that, Akari leaves the office. She couldn't be in there when arguing could be heard. Chihiro had been busy with grunt work for Kazama, often going in and out at nearly all hours. She missed him, but knew he was doing jobs to help the Kazama family. Akari goes to the park behind the building, going to the swing set. It was small, but she prefered to stay close to something that was like home. She stared up at the evening sky, wishing for something positive to happen. She hated the way things were going for her family, but understood that both parents were miserable and unhappy. She gave kudos to her father for trying to make it work, but knew work had taken priority over saving his marriage.
From what she's heard, the Tojo Kai had taken a bit of a hit with Saejima going to jail and Majima being banished into Sotenbori. It didn't seem like a huge hit, but the girl knew better than to place herself into anything that didn't involve her in the first place. She wondered what was really going on with the families. Currently, only Daigo and herself were the only children born to major players in the Tojo Kai. Were there others? She wouldn't know. If there were, then these children were either shoved into Sunflower Orphanage or were placed with their mothers. As much as she wanted to stay with her father, Akari wouldn't blame him if he sent her with her mother.
"Kari," came Osamu's voice, grounding her as she looked towards him. "Was it the fighting?"
He walked towards her, sighing heavily as he stopped before his child. Akari could tell the situation wasn't lifting his stress. She didn't want him to worry further; wanting him to feel like he could breathe again.
"Yeah." came the quiet response. "Am I going to be sent with her? I don't want to go with her, but I don't want to burden you."
Osamu' s gaze softened at his child's response, a bit hurt that she would think that.
"You're staying with me and your brother." stated Osamu. "Your mother gave up her rights to be a parent to you. She's... No longer going to be here with us."
Akari sniffled a bit, eyes stinging with tears. Her father took her into his arms, hugging her tightly. He knew her too well, knew that she would be upset and feeling off kelter. Knowing that she was feeling insecure and upset, Osamu figured that her mother was trying to get hold of Akari by telling her things. He had ways to keep his youngest child safe, to keep an eye on her no matter how difficult it got.
"Mom was saying I would be a burden for you, dad." said Akari, voice cracking. "She said I would get in your way and Chihiro's. She also said if I stayed, I wouldn't get anywhere."
Osamu, despite his temper rising at Abigail's undermining their daughter's self-esteem, kept himself together and tried to keep his voice even.
"Kari, you aren't and will never be a burden." stated Osamu. "I don't know why your mother said what she said, but don't take it so serioudly. Unless I have said something myself, I don't want you thinking negatively about yourself."
"But-"
"No buts, Akari. You are a good kid and I love you. All I want from you is to know you're okay, healthy, and getting along with your life with me, your brother, and everyone else who loves you here."
Akari started to cry, thankful for the man that she was given as a father. Osamu felt himself get a little teary himself, feeling like he failed Akari. As they stood there, the older man noted how cold it was. His daughter, based on Kazama's estimated time frame, had been outside for quite a while. He heard it was around the low thirties over the radio, finding that his child is pretty cold. Now that he was really checking on her, she shook in his arms from the cold. Without a word, the man separates from his daughter and takes off his jacket and places it around Akari's shoulders. It was this moment that Daigo and his mother had appeared behind them, the younger of the two stopping for a moment to watch them.
"Osamu? Akari?" inquired Yayoi. "What's wrong?"
Osamu turned towards Yayoi and Daigo, revealing the girl in his suit jacket.
"Yayoi?"
"Akari." said Daigo, scurrying to his friend and mindful of her father. "I haven't seen you around recently. Are you doing okay?"
"Daigo." murmured the girl, wiping her eyes with her hands and voice cracking a little. "I'm fine. I'm sorry for not talking to you more. I'm such a bad friend."
"You're not a bad friend." came Daigo's irritated voice. "Who told you that crap?"
Osamu looked at Akari and opened his mouth to say something when Daigo had started to say what he did. Osamu smiled, thankful that Daigo had become a close friend of his daughter and hoped that he would continue to do so for many years, regardless of where their paths took them. He looked to Yayoi, a grateful smile on his lips. He walks over to her, giving the kids a chance to catch up and reconnect.
"I'm proud of him for that." said Osamu. "She's going to be feeling that way for a bit. Abi tried to sabotage her."
"I see." anwered Yayoi. "Is it because of the fighting?"
"Kids aren't stupid, Yayoi." said Osamu. "They pick up on a lot of things, more than we give them credit for."
"They really do." murmured Yayoi.
They look to the pair of children, a smile finally on Akari's lips as she and Daigo go into an animated conversation. It isn't long before the pair starts to play a little.
"I think we should have times like this happen again soon." said Yayoi. "I feel like Daigo and Akari benefit from this."
"We should. At Club SEGA maybe?" inquired Osamu.
"Or at the movie theater." suggested Yayoi.
"Mom!" said Daigo as he ran up to the pair, Akari running after him.
"What is it, Daigo?" inquired his mother.
"Would it be alright if Akari visited us over by our apartment?" inquired Daigo.
"Sure." said Yayoi. "Osamu and I were just talking about that."
Akari goes to her father, her small frame dwarfed by his way too big suit jacket. Daigo looked over at her and realized how cute she looked in it, despite their ages. He knew he wanted to be with her later on in their lives. She takes her father's hand into hers, the other rubbing her eyes. Looking up at him she smiles warmly at him, the first one in what he felt was ages. He smiled back, taking hold of his daughter's hand more firmly.
"Dad, I'm ready to go home or back to the Kazama family office." said Akari tiredly.
"Okay, sweetheart." smiled Osamu, voice softer with the girl beside him. "We'll see you both later, Yayoi. Get with me on times you want to meet up with the kids."
Yayoi smiles and nods, Akari making note of how pretty she was in that moment. She had seen it before, but now that Yayoi was away from her husband; she seemed to just glow. Akari hoped for the best for her, especially with how she's been so good to her and her family. The girl looks to Daigo, she made the mental note of how cute he was with a red face due to the cold.
"See you tomorrow at school, Kari?" inquired Daigo, smiling at her.
"You bet." answered Akari, sounding more herself.
"We'll get something scheduled later." said Yayoi. "Good to see you both again, Osamu, Akari."
"Likewise." stated Osamu.
"Bye, Daigo." smiled the girl as she looked to Daigo. "Bye, Mama Yayoi!"
Yayoi smiles at the name, glad that the young girl felt that way with her.
"See ya." said Daigo, returning the smile.
Akari kept her hand in her father's, soft hums leaving her as they started to go towards the Kazama family office. Osamu knew she would be fine, that she would be resilient as long as he just talked with her.
"Dad?" inquired Akari. "Would you be mad at me if I continued to learn English on my own?"
"No." stated Osamu, looking to his daughter for a moment before returning his gaze forward. "It would be good for you to know it. After all, your grandparents will want to talk to you from time to time."
"How are they?" inquired Akari. "With everything going on, I haven't heard from them at all."
"As far as I know, they're okay." replied Osamu. "We'll call them tomorrow nght when everything isn't so raw."
"Okay." said Akari. "Dad?"
"What is it, Kari?"
"I love you."
That made Osamu stop and look at his daughter, surprised. Surprise gets overtaken by happiness, his eyes misted over as he brought her in and hugged her tightly. He felt Akari panic at the action, the older man chuckling a bit at her panic.
"I love you, too, Kari." came the response, Akari calming down and giving him a hug back.
November 20th, 1988 7:30PM
She got home later than she was supposed to, having spent at least thirty minutes to an hour more with Daigo. In her defense, Daigo was helping her with a math question that Akari hadn't quite understood. After placing her shoes into her assigned bin, she went to her room in her house slippers. She placed her school bag onto her desk, deciding to go into the kitchen to decide what she needs to have done.
Akari sighed as she stood in the kitchenette in the Kazama office, finishing up the dishes after twenty minutes. She hoped her father wasn't too upset with her for being out later than normal. She had taken up a lot more chores to help out more and hope that she wasn't in trouble. She finished her laundry, placed Chihiro's clean clothes in his bin and room. She didn't feel right trying to do her father's laundry, especially since he had a few bits of clothing that require more steps in order to get it into the washer. With her homework done, there wasn't much left outside of dinner and maybe a chore or two Akari wasn't able to do since it was getting late.
She had decided to get dinner going, getting noodles and a pork bone broth started first. As she places the towel back onto it's hanger, a knock at the door is heard. Confused, Akari walked over to the door and looked out the peep hole. Chihiro stood behind the door with his arms full of groceries. The girl quickly unlocks the door, a bit surprised with how much he had in his arms.
"Hiro, let me take some of that." said Akari once she had the door opened.
Taking half of the stuff he had, the pair went into the kitchen.
"I ran into Yayoi earlier." stated Chihiro. "Said you and Daigo were out a little later than normal."
"Yeah." answered Akari. "I was having trouble with a math question, so Daigo helped me with it. Daigo is my only friend, Hiro."
"Kari, you and Daigo know not to be out late." said Chihiro. "Especially now that things are starting to get strained within the Tojo."
"What do you mean?" inquired Akari.
"Let's just say that things are beginning to look a bit odd for us." said Chihiro. "Especially with Sohei becoming a bit more blood thirsty."
"I see." stated Akari.
"Look, I won't tell dad if you help me get everything done." said Chihiro.
"I did all the dishes, I put away my laundry, placed your laundry in your room, and got some noodles going."
"Okay." said Chihiro. "Glad I picked up extra noodles and meat. I'll help you get the meat cooked just right. Is there anything you want to make with it?"
"I was thinking some form of dessert." replied Akari.
As Akari is finishing up her sentence, she and Chihiro enter the kitchen. She goes back to the noodles and stirs it, thankful it didn't boil over. Chihiro put away the groceries he picked up, leaving out some pork, green onion, bok choy, and ponzu sauce. He had picked up some fruit, leaving them on the counter for now as he cooked the pork. The lock is heard being turned and the door opened.
"I'm home." annouced Osamu.
"Welcome back, dad." said Akari as she dished up three bowls of noodles with pork bone broth.
Osamu enters the kitchen after a few minutes, tired and irritated. Akari wasn't nervous about him being irritated. She knew to leave him be and keep to herself. Chihiro finished up the pork and vegetables and placed it on top of the ramen, sighing as he turned to their father.
"Akari." came Osamu stern voice.
"Yes, sir?"
"Why were you late getting home tonight?"
Akari turned to her father, looking him in the eye.
"I'm sorry, dad." said Akari. "I had a problem understanding a math question. Daigo helped me with it. By the time he and I actually finished, it was late. I'll be more mindful of time next time I'm over there."
If he respected anything with his daughter, it was her honesty. He appreciated that Akari didn't think he was stupid or would just let her get away with it.
"Please do so." said Osamu. "With the turmoil slowly beginning to bubble up to the surface, last thing I want is for you to get involved due to being out late."
"Yes, sir." responded Akari.
"Dinner is ready if you want it hot, dad." said Chihiro, as he grabbed his bowl and chopstix.
"Alright. Thank you." said Osamu.
He leaves the kitchen, heading to the bathroom. Akari leaves the kitchen as well, tempted to just go back into her room to study more. She sighs and goes to her room, leaving Chihiro in the kitchen. He watches his sister with some worry, knowing that she wasn't typically one to ignore eating a meal. With being so much younger than him, Chihiro knew that she would be dealing with more yakuza related things. He guessed that Daigo and Akari would get together when they were older, but he would lose Akari if Daigo continues to act the way he does. When Osamu returned to the kitchen in more relaxed clothing, he notes that Akari is missing. Chihiro decides to keep his comments about Daigo and Akari to himself, seeing that Osamu wasn't exactly in the best of moods tonight.
"Akari went to the spare room." said Chihiro as he ate, his father looking almost disappointed his youngest wasn't eating.
"I'll give her thirty minutes before checking on her." said Osamu. "Hear from your grandparents?"
"Yeah. They called me at the Kazama office." answered Chihiro. "They asked me how you and Akari were."
"They really do love us." said Osamu. "Probably why Akari is helping her classmates on English. We'll talk to them when Akari doesn't have class the next day."
Chihiro smiles at the thought, but frowns at another.
"What if she gets exploited for that?" inquired the twenty-two-year-old.
"As long as Kazama and I are around, we won't let that happen. Especially since she's not meant to be in the underbelly." said Osamu. "I refuse to let her get involved."
"Dad, out of the three of us, she's the most fluent in English." stated Chihiro. "I'm worried about her getting dragged into something huge. Maybe not now, but she could be used for some scheme later on."
Before Osamu could answer, Akari's door opens. Osamu gives Chihiro a firm look, hoping that his son wouldn't say a word further on the matter. When Akari enters the kitchen, Osamu hugs her tightly. She stands there in his arms, confused as she hugs him back.
"Dad?" inquired the eleven-year-old, looking to her brother. "Did I do something? Did something happen? If I did something wrong, I'm sorry."
"Akari, no matter what happens, please don't get involved with someone in the Tojo Kai." said Osamu, bringing his daughter to an arm's length.
"Dad, what if I do?" inquired the girl. "What then?"
"I won't be happy, but will always have your back no matter what."
Akari looked up at him and nods, finding the warmth from him soothing. She's decided that if she does fall for someone, it will be with someone who has the same warmth her father has. She felt like she wasn't ready for that yet, at least currently she wasn't ready for it.
"Dad, what brought that up?" inquired Chihiro. "Is there something Kari and I need to know?"
"Can't I at least show some form of love for my kids?" Osamu shot back, letting go of Akari.
"I'm not objecting." stated Akari. "Just worried I'll be pulled from class one day and hear you've been killed."
Osamu looked to Akari, a little surprised by her response. He was almost hurt by it if he was really honest about it.
"Is it because of the land wars right now?" inquired Osamu.
"Yes." came the response. "Dad, at some point you won't be around and I'm always scared that you'll be taken before I've had any real heartbreaks from any possible relationship I have. Mama Yayoi can't take me on and handle Daigo at the same time. I'm scared for you, dad."
Osamu knew something had hit a nerve for her, knew something more was going on.
"Akari." he said firmly. "What happened in class today?"
Chihiro looked to his father in surprise, wondering if he had some super power. Akari didn't answer right away, looking away and towards the floor.
"I'll go." murmured Chihiro. "I feel like you don't want to be open with me right now, Kari, so I'll step away."
He finished his meal and placed his bowl in the sink. He patted Akari on the shoulder as he walked by, smiling at her as he did so. He opens the door once his shoes got on, closing and locking it behind himself, hoping one day that he'll have a relationship like his dad and sister with his own little one. He hadn't told his father and sister yet, but he's been dating a woman he wanted to one day marry.
Once Chihiro left, Akari closed her eyes and tried to keep an even head. She wanted to be more like her father in keeping a level head. Osamu stepped closer to her, worry eating away at him as he waited for his little girl to talk with him.
"I'm picked on at school." said Akari softly. "Have been for years, scared to mention anything because I know you had really told mother off for nearly ruining my mental health."
Osamu had noted that when he would help her with home work. Her bag would be covered in dirt, she would be covered in filth as trash bins had been dumped on her in school. Some of the teachers would say something, defending her. However, being born a halfbreed wasn't winning her any favors at all. Her appearance of being mixed a dead give away and having no accent when speaking in English. He knew that it was partially due to him being yakuza that had her at an arm's length with the other kids.
"Why didn't you say anything?" inquired Osamu softly, taking his daughter by the shoulders.
"And worry you more while leading the Kazama family?" Akari responded, looking up at him. "With Uncle Kazama in jail for half a year, I don't want to worry you more."
Osamu sighed heavily, bringing her into him. He held her there, her arms going around his waist. He weakly smiled at that, sensing she didn't hate him at all.
"Akari," whispered Osamu. "I love you and your brother. I'm supposed to worry about you. I'm more worried now that you're almost a teenager."
"Dad, what's going to happen to us now?" inquired the preteen. "I mean, you and Chihiro are busy. You both can't always help me. I have Daigo, so I have at least someone who has my back in school."
"Well, we're going to be busy, but I'm still going to be around for you and you're brother." stated the yakuza lieutenant. "Will you talk to me about the bullying if it contines, Kari?"
"I will, dad. Some of the teachers have been trying to get it to stop." answered Akari. "I promise."
Akari hugged her father again, the familiar smell of cigarettes and his cologone radiated off him. It was a familiar smell for her, one she loved and will always look forward to when they were together. Her father returns the hug and just takes a few moments to just hold her. Osamu knew that she would eventually not want to hug him often or want anything to do with him, seeing some signs in Daigo.
"Eat dinner, Kari." said Osamu. "Its not healthy to keep skipping meals at your age."
"Okay, dad." came her response. "I can say the same for you. I know its rough, Dad, but at least eat dinner."
He smiles as he pulled away from the preteen girl, a hand on her head. He could tell Akari had a lot on her mind in terms of school, but knew that she would eventually be fine. With that, they eat their cold noodles together; both similar in ways that scares Osamu. He did appreciate that she picked up on a lot of his habits, which means she'll eventually be happy one day in the future. For now, he'll focus on getting time with Akari and Chihiro. Daigo and Akari's play dates have benefited both as well, Osamu finding them needed for Yayoi and himself since there have been a few times where the pair had found themselves more relaxed during. It all changes when the small normalacy dissipates away when they find Akari trying to keep her friend out of trouble.
"Maybe during break we can see Yayoi and Daigo." said Osamu.
"Really?!" came Akari, her voice hopeful.
"Sure. Depending on what's going on, we'll be able to meet up with them and do something." answered Osamu. "I can't promise I will be able to stay long since I am leading the Kazama family."
"Dad?" inquired Akari.
"Hm?"
"I know I don't say it often, but I do love you." said Akari.
"I love you, too, Kari." said Osamu, smiling at the girl.
He had a feeling that this might be the last time for a while with the property wars going on. If he felt like it was needed he can send Akari with Yayoi for safety as Dojima still commanded respect. Kiryu and Nishiki enter the home after a knock. Akari was in the kitchen doing the last of the dishes done and put away before going back to her room too study. She glance at the clock that hung over sink, her frown deepened as it was midnight. She had so much to study before she could rest.
"I'm surprised you're still up, Kari." came Nishiki's surprised voice.
"Had some studying to do with Daigo, so I'm probably going to study more before getting to bed." answered Akari, turning to Nishiki. "Please don't cause any trouble for dad tonight."
Nishiki and Kiryu chuckle, happy that one of Kashiwagi's kids cared for his well being.
"Kari, it's late. We'll be here tonight." said Osamu, hiding his embarrassment.
"Okay, dad." yawned Akari. "Night."
"Good night." came three voices.
Akari hugged her father again before hugging the other two men, finding them similar to both Chihiro and her father. Nishiki slipped a small treat into Akari's uniform pocket, a tired grin from Akari was earned.
"How's Yuko? I almost forgot to ask." inquired Akari.
"She's a little better. Got a little more energy after you visited the last time." answered Nishiki. "I would like to visit her again with you if you and your father are up for it."
Akari looked to her father, knowing it wasn't her decision to make.
"Just as long as she's kept away from any tasks you have." said Osamu. "She's too young for it and a young lady doesn't need to be in the midst of trouble with the yakuza."
"Understood." said Nihiki. "When things are calmed down then. Go on to bed, Kari."
"Okay." said Akari tiredly. "Sorry, dad."
Akari enters the spare room in the back, one she was so familiar with since the young age of being only so many hours old after she and her mother got released from the hospital. The last time she had spoken with her mother was quite a while ago, about nine months now. Her grandparents called often, her grandparents on her father's side hadn't called in a while. Going over to the hide away couch, Akari picked up the plush her father had gotten for her when she was born. She held it tight, deep in her mind. She heard the deep voices of the three men she could trust, some others not there.
She would often get deep in her head about what would happen if her mother had custody, whether the relationship between her and her father would be the same. Akari knew that she would be more depressed if she was away from her father, realizing how much he did for her, how much he cared about her. Even when things were busy with th Tojo Kai and he had no real time to spare, he would spend some form of time with her. She truly appreciated that.
Akari gets the bed ready, deciding that her father needed to be looked out for. Chihiro was busy with his jobs and his girlfriend. Akari, despite knowing the people most important to her loved her and cared about her, felt completely alone. It was just her in a lonely existance as the only girl in the underbelly of the criminal underworld. As Akari finished up getting the bed ready, a knock is heard at the door. It opens, her father coming in without his suit jacket on. Akari notes the exhaustion on his face, feeling bad for not being useful. Akari moved to him and hugged him, the action stopping him. It was his reminder that he is human and he needed the occasional hug himself, to help ground him from his own heavy thoughts. Akari hadn't realized how bad her mental health would become over the next month.
"I'm sorry I can't be of more use, dad." whispered Akari, voice cracking a little.
"Akari..." said Osamu, surprised. "Akari, sweetheart, you're not useless. Everything you've done for me and your brother has been very nice for us. Kari, what brought this on?"
"I feel like helping around the house and the office isn't enough." sniffled the girl. "I want to be useful, too."
Osamu notes the extreme amount of note taking she had down during the last few weeks, especially now that the emtpy lot was going to be a heavy focus point. She hadn't been out late like he had asked of her a month or two back, already seeing the cracks forming then.
"Akari, sweetheart, look at me." said Osamu, lifting his daughter's chin. "Is this about not having your mother in your life?"
"No." answered Akari. "I just feel lonely. Sure, I have you, Chihiro, Uncle Kazama, Kiryu, Nishiki, and Mama Yayoi. But it's not the same. Daigo and I are the only children. Even Daigo doesn't have unlimited time."
Osamu realized it then that she was right. He had thought about it when she was a newborn, but he hadn't fully made light of this whole ordeal for her. He hugs her, kissing her forehead as he does so. He knows she's going to cry and he felt like this was an appropriate time for it. He wasn't sure what to do, but he had to do something to help ease her. He lays down with his daughter, comforting her. He had noted that she wasn't herself. Maybe he should have Yayoi talk to her tomorrow, maybe even help with something he didn't even know how to handle. He noted that Akari seemed to wince a little more, almost like something was hurting her. Deep down, Osamu knew she had to grow up and that his little girl couldn't stay as a child anymore.
"Dad?" inquired Akari sleepily.
"Yes, Kari?"
"I have questions for Yayoi."
"Oh? Am I able to answer them?"
"You might, but I think Yayoi is better equipped for them."
"Okay, sweetheart. I'll see if she's able to talk to you."
"Thank you, dad."
Osamu felt Akari nuzzle into his chest, fingers lightly digging into his shirt. He smiles as Akari finally falls asleep, her breathing evening out. He waited for a bit before getting up, wanting to finish off some paperwork. Things were moving in the shadows, almost like this would be the start of something that would have a huge division among the Tojo Clan. He did, however, plan on having something done for Akari's birthday. He didn't plan on it being huge, but having juust having Chihiro and two other people there for her.
'I need to get in touch with Yayoi anyway.' thought Osamu. 'I'll just ask her then, if she's able to get by with Daigo.'