Inu-hime

Mika arrived at the Bara-gumi headquarters around dawn of the next day, having spent the night under the cool summer sky. She watched as the town stirred to life, ordinary people living their everyday lives, which left her to reflect on herself and where she was heading. She wore her new tattoos proudly, purposely allowing her kimono to slip just enough to display the portraits that had meant so much to her.

As she opened the door, her eyes landed on a hideous display. Sitting before her were Harumi, Kazuya, and the various rookies she had grown quite fond of over the course of the last week, surrounded by party favors beautifully draped around the dining hall. Mika tilted her head to the side, furrowing her brow as she watched their bodies rise and fall with sleepy breaths.
"Seriously? What's with all these decorations?"

Harumi jolted her head from the table, squinting her eyes as she focused ahead on Mika.
"Mika-chan... you didn't come home last night."

Mika let out a soft chuckle, shifting her weight to her opposite leg. She placed her hands on her hips as she gazed around the colorful dining hall. She wasn't quite sure what was going on, but she felt a strong sense of fondness as her eyes trailed the sign that hung overhead: 'Congrats on the Tats, Mika'
"Did you guys throw a party for me? That's so not my style."

Harumi let out a yawn, standing up from the table as she gently shook Kazuya awake.
"Well, you're officially a member of the yakuza now. Not to mention, you're still a kid. I thought most little girls loved this kind of cheesy crap."

"I'm not most girls, Harumi-chan. Though, I appreciate the sentiment. I could use a nap."
Mika stretched her arms over her head, revealing the withered roses that covered her chest. In her current state, she felt as if she could take on the whole world.

Harumi let out an excited breath, rushing to Mika's side to admire Enki's masterful craftsmanship on her body.
"These are withered roses. They're so beautiful, Mika-chan. Can I see your back?"

Kazuya rose from his seat, rubbing off the remnants of an uncomfortable night's sleep; his usual slicked-back hair was standing straight up. He gazed at Mika with great fondness, admiring the fresh ink that adorned her petite frame.
"It suits you well, puppy. Enki did a hell of a job; they're even better than mine."

Mika turned around, draping her kimono down to her bottom. The present Bara-gumi members let out a collective applause, shouting compliments while whistling and hollering.

"Those wolves are sick!"

"The snow really solidifies that icy persona of yours, loser dog!"

"Why the hell couldn't Enki ink me like that?! This girl's got the coolest tats I've ever seen!"

If not for Mika facing away from them, her crimson blush would have been visible from outer space. For once in her life, she was being praised for something.
"These tattoos are going to bring courage to the weak! I'm not a loser dog anymore! I'm the Dog Princess!"

Kazuya burst out laughing, already imagining the day that Mika would reshape the negative reputation of the Bara-gumi. His eyes filled with fatherly respect as he brought his hand to her shoulder, giving it a gentle pat.
"You better make that promise come true, Dog Princess."

"Well, Dog Princess, have a slice of castella before you take your nap."
Harumi approached Mika from behind, forcing a plate full of golden sponge-cake into her hands.

Mika stared at the delectable treat in front of her, imagining what amazing flavors awaited her taste buds. She brought the fork to her lips, chomping down as notes of sweet egg and honey caressed her tongue. As she made eye contact with the people in the dining room, she felt as if she had a real family: a strong, handsome father, a beautiful and mischievous sister, and a ragtag crew of older brothers. Her rebirth had been completed, signifying the beginning of the rest of her life.

As soon as she settled into her room on the fourth floor, Mika let her back sink into the fluffy mattress. Her eyes shot wide open and she let out a shriek of agony.
"Agh! God damn it, tattoos hurt when they're healing!"
Her breath quickly turned into erratic panting. She positioned herself on her side, since her arms were the only part of her torso that hadn't been tattooed. Letting out a sigh of relief, Mika closed her eyes, allowing herself to fall into a much-needed slumber.

That morning, Mika dreamed of Sato Ichiro...