The Strong Arm of Haibara

Misaki closed the front door after she entered, quietly as possible. Regardless of her caution, a well-dressed butler had appeared before her, holding fresh linens and a change of clothing. He had a streak of white in his hair. Other than that, he could have easily been mistaken for a hitman that was still in his prime.

“Young Miss, I thought your days of reckless tomfoolery had been put behind you. But here you are, caked in filth like you had been dragged in the trenches. I taught you better than that.”

“Sorry, Gorgio. I ran into a rather impressive opponent. It has been quite some time since I engaged seriously.”

“I presume negotiations broke down.”

“It did, initially. I couldn’t strong-arm her. Quite unfortunate.”

Gorgio’s muscles bulged through his pristine suit in excitement. Was it time for him to act? To show off his years of expertise on diffusing a tense situation?

Other than being the family butler and bodyguard, he doubled as a self-defense instructor for Misaki. He had previously been part of special forces with extensive field experience for just about any threat. There was no better instructor to control Misaki’s raw strength and ferocity. Admittedly, he had been impressed that she could keep up with his abilities with far less training.

“Let me fetch my briefcase-”

Misaki perked up suddenly and put her hands on her hips proudly.

“But then, Akio-kun managed to break down her defenses, giving me the chance to land the decisive blow! And get this, he’s not even a competent fighter!”

Gorgio deflated a bit upon hearing this, but he had to keep up appearances.

“I’m thrilled of your success, Young Miss. It appears that I do not have to make a personal visit to determine her weakness. Even a supposed martial arts master does not compare to a battle-hardened warrior such as myself.”

Misaki walked right on by, not even hearing him.

“It was all over after I kissed her. She became jelly in my arms.” Misaki giggled at the thought of Tsubame’s virgin lips melting from her assault. In much the same way, Akio reacted the same. She found it quite endearing.

Gorgio coughed loudly to grab her attention again.

“However, Young Miss. I do not condone using such methods to gather followers. While my orders were explicit to support those you have chosen, your father would prefer if they had more tangible credentials.”

“Not like he is ever here to decide what is best for me. I’ve been free to cause as much trouble in his absence.”

“He receives the reports and covers the expenses.”

“So, I’m an expense? How appropriate for the occupation. But I suppose being the heir to a large corporation means only numbers to him.”

“In his own way, he cares for you. That’s what parents do, even if one resides in the upper echelons.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be heading to my room-”

“He is waiting for you in his study. Please freshen up and head there.”

Misaki stared at Gorgio’s back. It was more familiar to her than her own father’s. She clenched a fist at the thought of listening to his commands, a man who merely footed the bill when it came to her upbringing.

In some ways, she had more freedom than most wealthy heirs. She had been free to roam, cause havoc, and find her own way through every challenge thrown at her. Money tore through limitations, crashed through ceilings, and created opportunities to expand her potential that few would ever see.

But because she knew, there was a bit of envy held toward those who lived for their own sake. The sight of Akio cowering before her approach, defiant despite her murderous aura, accepting of what was to come. There was something about him that moved her – the way he fought to cling to what he believed in.

They were both frustrated with this world, putting on airs to meet others’ expectations. At least with Akio, he would dare to do whatever he committed himself to, powers be damned. His moments of bravado shone through a fog in a dense forest. Likewise, she had found herself having fun for the first time in ages. She had difficulty telling herself that she could go back to before meeting him.

The door clicked open to her father’s study, where he was waiting. Tenryu Haibara, head of Haibara Heavy Industries, seemed barely a daunting figure at first glance. He was the typical middle-aged CEO with a larger build than most Japanese. His genes had obviously passed on to the tall and strong daughter that was Misaki.

However, he was no combatant. If she grabbed him by the throat, it would be easy to crush his windpipe. But then, everyone would immediately know. Misaki eyed the security cameras installed in their own home, a natural thing to have when one’s bank account reached the billions. Her father was someone that was resourceful.

She would be an immediate enemy of the world. If she could barely manage fighting off Tsubame at her best, then she was still small time. A legendary yankee meant nothing in the face of national presence.

“Here, take a look at these.”

Tenryu threw a folder onto his desk, tapping at it to beckon Misaki to approach. She walked over and opened it to find resumes of various people. Many of them were in their twenties, at least.

On paper, they were being hired as specialists – right hand men who had the skills and aptitude to oversee the company when Misaki took over. She swallowed the disgust in her throat.

None of them cared about her, but rather, the power they would hold at being adopted as a ‘Haibara’. It meant that she merely served the role of bending them to the family’s desires and forcing them to do their bidding.

The thought of having to deal with such chickenshit pencil pushers made her seethe.

“I will engage with none of them.”

“Then, can you propose better alternatives?”

Tenryu’s tone was firm, amused by the antics that he had read peeking through her practiced mask.

“I will choose them in time. You look far from being a lame duck, father. There is nothing to worry about.”

“Even when it comes to a certain Akio Wada that I keep hearing about? Miss Tsubame Yuunagi I can understand. She has already established herself as one of the best of her contemporaries. She holds awards and accolades. Recognition by masters of her craft. But I find nothing outstanding with this Wada boy. No real achievements. No guaranteed pedigree. He is a mutt on the streets.”

“Achievements and history don’t speak of everything. He has handled everything that I’ve thrown at him so far. He has my respect.”

“Respect doesn’t ensure one’s livelihood. Nor does it commit to any grounds to success. If you’re so certain that he meets your standards, then maybe we should see if he is everything you make him out to be.”

Misaki froze at his words. A test, for Akio? She didn’t like the sound of that. Not with the financial backing that he had access to and the connections he had around him. Before she could object, Tenryu smiled at her hesitation.

“I’ll tell you what. We’ll even do it your way. He got himself caught up with you, knowing who you are, right? Well, let’s put that to the test.”

Misaki gritted her teeth. Once he had decided something, her father wouldn’t back down. She fought the urge to strangle him. It was pointless to do so. She would immediately be separated from Akio if she did so.

“Yes… Father…”

Instead, she put on the face of a Haibara. If it came down to this, she would make the most of this charade.

Tenryu tapped a button on his intercom at his desk.

“Gorgio, go and check out that Wada boy for me. It’s time he learns what it means to deal with a Haibara.”

“Yes, sir. Permission to remove my gloves?”

“Not necessary. I would be surprised if you needed to.”

Misaki could only look on with a stony expression. Pondering, thoughts brewing – for the first time in a while, she had no idea what to do. She simply knew her feelings for Akio had to be settled soon.