Enigma

These were serious accusations, and they had to be proven.

Mr. Kurokawa was trusting in my words, but it wasn't enough to take immediate action against the Miyazaki's, so an interrogation was necessary. Restaurant had confirmed that their detectors were sabotaged, and those two bastards from Miyazaki's also spilled a few words out to confirm the situation. Kurokawa Tatsumi was secured and protected; now all we had to do was retaliate against their treachery.

However, there were still a few things bothering me.

They were certainly targeting Tatsumi, but for what reason? Why were they so confident? What would they gain by causing a war? For now, the only answer that comes to mind is to conquer the Kurokawa family from the inside. It was possible to do that since Tatsumi had no desire for the leadership. If Mr. Kurokawa unexpectedly dies one day, someone other than Kurokawa's within the family with great influence and power would take the seat. Despite losing the family lineage, nothing would really change. But if somehow Miyazaki's men were to take over Kurokawa's seat, then the Kurokawa family would be completely under the control of the Miyazaki family. It was such an enigma and yet needs to be solved.

The tension between the two big families naturally reflected on all the other Yakuza families. The Yamakawa family took immediate action and declared that they would do whatever was necessary to preserve the peace. Even without Yamakawa Danno, their influence was enormous. Even though they were considered one of the three big families beside the Kurokawa's and Miyazaki's, their strength was beyond the two of those families combined. They had influence on several cities, they had a lot of subordinate families under them, and still, they were the defenders of the country. Of course, there were other big families all around Japan as strong as the Kurokawa's and Miyazaki's. However, when it comes to the influence, they were far behind. It was all thanks to the efforts of Yamakawa Danno. His existence was alone enough to create a reputation for the Kurokawa and Miyazaki families.

I was sent back to the mansion. Despite the uneasy feeling within me, I had my own responsibilities. I kept the things with Misaki as a secret. They weren't confirmed anyway, so I had to talk with Misaki first. I called him to the park that I used to visit. It had a different vibe at night, and despite the gorgeousness of the sunrise view, it was still a beautiful place to spend time and relax. I enjoyed the view as always, until Misaki arrives.

"Why did you call me at this hour?"

It wasn't actually late, there were still a few hours left until midnight.

"Yeah, sorry. I have something to talk about with you. It's kind of important."

He chose not to sit, it probably bothered him since he knew that I was technically a Yakuza.

"Won't you sit?" I asked.

"I rather not to."

"Well, however you want. I won't beat around the bush, so let's get right into the point. That job of yours that you shouldn't have done, what was it?"

He was startled.

"Why are you asking me this now? I already told you it's something I cannot tell."

"I already learned about your job. Not every detail, but I roughly know it."

Misaki didn't respond to me, so I decided to continue talking.

"It was about Tatsumi, wasn't it?"

"I didn't know until it was too late," answered Misaki with a trembling voice. It wasn't because he was scared or something; it was his anger, and I could feel the regret deep within.

"I don't blame you, Misaki; rather, I understand you. I saw the way they make business. They're not giving any choice to make, they don't explain anything until the very last minute. They are making the whole issue a fait accompli."

He was angry because of what happened that night. He was chased by Yakuza for months, and he had to face Tatsumi every day at school despite the problem he might have caused. It must have been tough, I know it. He would have stopped them if he could, but it was Yakuza against him, not some random street thugs.

"I was assigned to a mission by Mr. Kurokawa," I said, as Misaki seemed to calm down a little. "I took the Miyazaki's job. Well, a few things had happened. Long story short, a war between the two families might soon occur. I just wanted to confirm the betrayal of Miyazaki's from you."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah, that's all. I won't tell about this to anyone, but honestly, it would be helpful if you confessed what happened to the family."

"Yeah, maybe. But I don't want any more trouble after this."

"Don't worry. If war really breaks out, no one will have time to deal with you or your sister. But still, if something happens, let me know it. I'm going to help you; you have my word."

"Thanks, Matsui. I really appreciate it."

I arranged a meeting between Mr. Kurokawa and Misaki. I also noticed Tatsumi about the situation, so Misaki could apologise properly. I have already revealed Miyazaki's way of doing business, so there shouldn't be any problem by his side.

The next day, Tatsumi wanted to talk with me. We went for a short walk in the front garden.

"Thanks for your efforts, Matsui," she said kindly. "You really helped Misaki with this."

"It wasn't a big deal. Moreover, his testimony was very crucial for our further plans."

"Oh, is that so? Our further plans, you say," she said, smiling sincerely. Then her smile was replaced by a very serious expression, and she looked a little absent-minded. "You see, Matsui. You didn't know me nor Misaki until the last few months, yet you already helped us a few times. Despite that, we don't know much about you. You're hiding your real identity, and I can't just... understand your motivation for all of this."

I wasn't honestly waiting for such a serious talk at that moment. It was just a coincidence; I was coincidentally in the wrong place at the right time. It could have been bad for everyone, yet somehow we managed to come this far. I had no proper answer to give.

"Well, uhm... Yeah, I guess I have done a few things for you guys. But I believe that anyone would have done the same."

"You think so? It's a cruel world we're living in; I don't think there would have been any people who would have done the same."

"Why do you think so?"

"Most people care for their lives; that's why. There are people they want to protect, people they care about. They would have changed their ways and ignored it. However, you didn't. You risked your life for someone you never saw before."

Maybe she also realised the unnecessary tension in the air, her expression suddenly changed once again.

"Maybe you were stunned by my beauty?" she asked, with a wry smile on her face. Honestly, it was the first time I laughed from my heart after a very long time.

"Nah, it was too dark to see."

"Oh, come on! You should have said yes, even if it was fake. If you don't take advantage of these opportunities, you won't be popular among the girls."

"Yeah, maybe you're right. Sorry."

I was almost sure I had a weird smile on my face. She definitely had better social skills than me. I couldn't change the mood just like she did, it was something that deserves respect in my opinion. At that moment, I had a chance to change subjects, but for some reason, I felt responsible. I felt like I had to give her some answers. She was right, I was hiding a lot of things about myself. I could have explained a few things about myself, that was the least I could do.

"You're right, I didn't tell much about myself. I personally don't like people complaining about things that happened in the past, like how hard their lives were or how painful times they had. But, well, at least I can tell you that they weren't good, happy memories. There are a lot of things that I'd have changed if I could. There are a lot of wrong decisions made by me and my real family. However, I kind of have a better life now, so I can't complain about that. I believe that everything that had happened in my past brought me to today, right here, as the person I am right now."

"Ugh, you were right, men who complain about their past are definitely repulsive."

"You were the one who asked."

"Oh, was I? Well, it doesn't matter anymore. This is another reason why you are not popular among the girls."

I just laughed as a response. It didn't bother me, really. She was trying to comfort me in her own way. I had my own fears and concerns about this kind of thing. I was... afraid of becoming someone just like my father. My feelings are still complicated since I learned his real intentions and targets after his death. The only thing I know is that I could never bear the thought of my own children hating me. I wasn't sure if I could be a good father to them or even a good husband to my wife. Those things were foreign to me. I guess I wouldn't be really sad if I was alone now and forever. However, maybe Tatsumi thought she hurt my feelings, she said something I would never expect to hear.

"Well, it's not like you have no chance. Furthermore, I wouldn't mind dating someone like you."

And I hereby admit that my reaction was quite... not nice.

"HUH?"