4:14 AM; June 9th, 20XX

  “God fuckin’ damn it!” I watched as Kazu shouted, priceless heirlooms broken on the ground as I sat with tissues in my hand, the news recently given to me causing tears to flow out of my eyes without pause. Kurenai sat next to me, her arm around my shoulder. Ken was by the doors, phone in his hand as he handled things in Kazu’s regard.

  “Your mother should be in the skies now, Luciano was kind enough to lend his jet.” Kurenai whispered, a pause in my tears to look up at her and then at Kazu, a knot in my throat as I spoke up.

  “Look, baby, at least my mom is okay. Thanks to your friend, please c-calm down.”

  “How can I calm down!? He went lower than he could ever and he took Enzo with him! He fucking killed him, baby. He k-killed him!” His face was so distraught, like a young boy who had lost his own father even though his was still alive and well. He was feeling all of my emotions, a testament of his love. I held my arms out for him, his warmth soon mixing with mine as he held me close, looking up at me. “I failed you, baby. I let that son of a bitch hurt you again when I could’ve just put a bullet in his head the first time…I got too comfortable, I’m so fuckin’ sorry…”

  “Kazuhito, it’s not your fault. Don’t make this about yourself when Airla’s the one that’s been affected. Stand up, wipe your face and give me the fucking order to go kill him.” Ken stood facing the garden, the dim lights illuminating the Japanese maple that swayed in the early morning wind. Kazu and I both faced him, his long braid swaying to the side as he turned around, arms crossed and stern expression.

  “Absolutely not, I’m not allowing Kazu or anyone to send you away to deal with that man. I don’t need to lose another man in my life.” I spoke up, I couldn’t muster not having Kazu or Ken around me right now. I needed that masculine protection, it was my father’s duty that was unjustly ripped from him. While yes, archaic, it kept me safe. It kept my daddy alive. I couldn’t help but imagine him in his last moments, how scared he must’ve been…I couldn’t help but sob again, Ken sighing and making his way next to me, his hand on one thigh as Kazu’s laid on the other.

  “I won’t go anywhere, darling. I’m so sorry.” Those deep grey eyes looked at me somberly just as much as Kazu’s amber ones did. Kurenai sat quietly next to me, her hand still on my shoulder throughout this ordeal. The shoji doors open, Sophia making her way to me as Kazu and Ken moved out of her way, out of respect. Kurenai stood up swiftly, bowing just the same. Still in her pajamas, her hair in soft pin curls. Her hands took mine, the same somber look.

  “I am so sorry, Airla. Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling for you and your mother. Kazuhiro and I will take any expense during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to let us know.” Kazuhiro stood quietly to the side, a simple nod as his face was unreadable. I smiled weakly, a nod was all I could give. I hadn’t even fully mourned my friend. Now I have to mourn my daddy.

  …

  Everyone remained around me well until my mother arrived, her expression causing my heart to ache as I imagined her receiving the news alone. I ran into her arms as soon as she stepped into the room, tears streaming uncontrollably from both of us as we processed the pain together, the reality truly settling in. My mother pulled back, holding my face, the look of motherly concern masking any other.

  “Your papi wouldn’t want you crying and making that face, my love. We have to be strong for him now,” I could hear the numbness in her voice as she tucked my hair behind my ear, a rub of the cheek as she tried so hard to hold back her tears. She loved my father, being high school sweethearts; they truly expected to pass together, unfortunately, that was no longer possible. And it was my fault, all because of who I decided to love. My parents got tangled in a life that they had no clue about. I had to come clean, my mommy’s face made it so.

  “I know who’s responsible for Papi’s death and I’m so sorry that he did it to not only hurt me, but to hurt Kazu.”

  “Honey, no. You couldn’t possibly know who did it, this was probably some inner city gang, Enzo was fond of wearing his best when he went out with his friends, who knows what could’ve happened? And for Kazu to be involved, how would he be? He’s the CEO of a steelwork company .”

  “No, mami. No. Kazu’s family is a prestigious Yakuza family. Remember the movies you, papi and I used to watch? His family is exactly that. Kazu’s next in line to take over for his family, meaning he will be exactly like those men in those movies.”

  “Airla, what…”

  “His rival is the one behind this, those men you and papi saw outside? Sent by him. Papi was just a pawn in that man’s sick game.”

  “Airla, you knew your boyfriend was dangerous and knew he could bring you trouble and you chose to keep that from me!? From your father!? He’s dead for crying out loud, all because you chose to keep that increasingly huge fact out of the conversation! M-my dear Enzo, no…no.” She trailed to the ground slowly, her hands following. I couldn’t face her. I hurt my mother just as much as I hurt my father. My mother just had to live through it.

  5:30 AM; June 10th, 20XX

  Mami wanted to be alone after the news, my eyes too reminiscent of my father’s. I respected her wishes, making my way out the living room and out into the hallway, where both Kazu and Ken sat on the floor; waiting for me. Kazu was asleep on Ken’s shoulder, Ken kept himself awake, a book in his hand. Looking up at me, he smiled.

  “Hello beautiful. How’s your mother doing?”

  “She hates me. I’m the reason her husband is dead.”

  “Airla, don’t say that. How Ikuto chooses to respond is on him and him alone. He will live with that guilt, not you.”

  “He’s right, baby. Please don’t think this is your fault.” Kazu spoke up, his arms crossed as he still laid on Ken’s shoulder. He looked up at me soon after, eyes just as tired. I pursed my lips, I really didn’t have it in me to fight back. They both stood up, towering over me. Kazu held my face, Ken kept his hands behind him.

  “Where’s Kurenai?” Her presence was missed, she stayed by my side most of the time, only stepping out in small increments.

  “She’s handling security details for your mother. Father feels it’s best. She’ll join us later.”

  “Mm. Okay.” I sighed, my hands twiddling. I didn’t know what to do myself, how do you process grief you know was preventable? It was different with Asha; she was my friend, she hadn’t raised me and taught me what I know. But my father? Meu Pai? How do I process that kind of pain?

  “We’re up to do whatever you’d like. Nagatsuchi-Sama has given us the day to remain by your side, so please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “I’d like to sleep, any time awake might just cause me to cry again.”

  “Then sleep you shall have, mi principessa.” It had been a while since I’ve heard that term; usually reserved for when Ken and I were given time alone. That was long overdue, right now though? I needed both of them.

  ??

  7:16 AM;

  Airla slept between us, her body snuggled up to mine as Kazu played with strands of her hair. The loss of her father somehow made me nostalgic for mine, something I only had very minuscule memory of. Losing my father at three years of age left a gaping hole in my life, no man ever coming close to closing that hole. Even as I was raised by Kazu’s father, I was always fully aware that he was not my own. Now, I had to watch a woman I loved mourn the father that she expected to live for much longer than this. I was angry, but I couldn’t let her nor Kazu worry about that. I had to be strong for her. The grip she had on my shirt was evident she needed me.

  “She’s going to need you more than me. You guys share this pain. I can’t help what I don’t know.” Kazu spoke softly, his eyes on me. I turned to face him, a bite of my inner cheek.

  “I’ll do the best I can. I’d fare better if you gave me the word.”

  “Ken, you know I would have. But we don’t know what we’re messing with. Neither does my father. It’d be asinine to send you to handle it, especially since you’re ridiculously fond of doing it alone.”

  “I’d allow a team with me if that calms your nerves.”

  “No, Ken. This is the end of that ridiculous request. I will not allow it, neither will Airla. If I have to make it so my father doesn't allow it either, so be it. I am not going to lose you like my father lost your dad.” That was a low blow, not for the mention; but because both Kazu and I were fully cognizant of the relationship our fathers had. They were very much like us, in all ways. The only reason why they had stopped, according to Sophia, was because my mother had become pregnant with me and became severely attached to my father. It’s why I assumed why I looked so much like him, my mother truly loved him. Nagatsuchi-Sama loved him just the same. The picture he has of him on his desk is a clear sign. My father was loved, immensely. It’s why he was so quick to jump the gun, it’s why I wanted to do the same. “…besides, I’m not going to let you do what your father did to your mother. Kurenai doesn’t deserve to mourn you, she’s been through enough.”

  Another blow. This one left a mark. My mother’s slow descent into suicide was because of my father’s death, she couldn’t handle it, even for as strong willed as she was; the pain was too much for her soul to take. Death was a better option than being alone. While I didn’t expect Kurenai to follow me in death in this life, I couldn’t imagine leaving her alone until the next, that would be selfish of me. As much as I wanted to rip Ikuto apart, I had to be mindful of the people who loved me. Sighing, I smiled at him as I pulled Airla closer. “Thank you for grounding me. I’m ready to follow whatever order you’d like, boss.”

  “I want you to rest, who knows how Airla will choose to mourn. We need to be fully rested to be there for her every ailment, we owe that to her.”

  “That seems fairly easy to follow. I’ll get right to that.” He rolled his eyes, nuzzling closer to Airla as he took a small whiff of her hair. I chose not to point that out, Airla’s hair did smell exquisite.

  …

  I awoke to hands on my chest and soft lips by my neck, the warmth of breath causing a shiver to go down my spine. I focused my eyes finally, Airla’s smaller frame straddling me. This was the part of grief that no one wanted to speak about, the appreciation for life increased all feelings. Yes, those feelings included. Kazu was nowhere to be found, his whereabouts weren’t my concern right now. I let my hands find their way to her hips, her face still nuzzled in my neck.

  “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I can hold you if that’s all you desire.”

  “I don’t want to feel, Ken. I don’t do drugs, nor do I want to be sickly drunk. So please, give me the only other vice that won’t kill me. P-please….”

  “Do you want Kazu?” I was only fair to ask, she wasn’t only mine.

  “No, he’s got something I don’t have right now, I can’t face him without being jealous, angry, hurt. I just…” She held tightly onto my shirt, small sniffs as she couldn’t hold back the tears. I understood her feelings towards Kazu, how one man had all in the world and more, while the people around him slowly deteriorated; what’s not to envy? I sat up, holding her tightly and letting my hands go for her sleeping gown to pull it off. She looked down shyly, as if this was the first time; a small innocent scoff left my chest; my hand cupping her chin.

  “You don’t have to explain nor justify your feelings right now. It can stay between us about how you're feeling in regards to this moment. You have my word.”

  “…What if I start resenting him, then what?”

  “Then find your space in my bed until the resentment goes away.” Those doleful eyes stared back, my heart crushed in pieces at the sadness in front of me. She didn’t deserve to feel this way only 4 days into her 28th year. Holding her cheek, I pulled her in for a gentle and unhurried kiss, her bottom lip slightly chapped from the crying and nervous biting of the past few hours. Deepening the kiss, I let her fall back as she allowed me to take full control, her arm now around my neck as I held her smaller frame. I held her as close as our bodies allowed me, the warmth of her skin, a gift. I knew I’d eventually have to comply with my sexual promise, but for now; a long tender kiss was enough to stop the tears and hopefully get her mind out of the grey clouds. A slight pull back just to speak, her breath was sweet. “Tell me what you need from me, my love.”

  “I need…you.” She pressed her body against mine, lifting her leg to give me access to her needy warmth, the cloth of her panties slightly damp. In another scenario, I’d lightly tease her about that; but this time it wasn't necessary, she needed me to help her feel good. Sliding in one finger first, a stifled moan, her tongue busy with mine. Another finger with movement, oh how she whimpered. I held my kiss back, allowing her to see the trembling of her legs as I pumped, her nails digging into my shoulder as I rubbed her clit in unison, my fingers increasingly becoming wetter and wetter as I kept on. She would throw her head back, trying her best to not whimper too much, why, only she knew. I would curl my fingers to get past that shyness, a gasp as her walls pulsated, the first signs of an imminent orgasm.

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  “Don’t hold back, my love. Let those good feelings wash over you.” I continued on as she tightened up more, a grab of my face for a kiss as she came on my fingers, her hips winding with the motions of pleasure; a bite of the lip as she cried out. “P-please make me feel better, please…” she begged, I held no restraint in following my order quickly, my fingers leaving her as I pulled down my slacks and positioned myself. Her small hands tugged at my shirt, no matter, that went off just as swiftly. Her nails scratched at my shoulder as I slowly slid in, each inch, slowly disappearing. I held her legs as I loved her slowly, passionately. The grips, the cries, the whimpers and moans…

  …how couldn’t I commit murder?

  ??

  12:02 PM;

  I found myself sitting outside, starting into the garden as a cigarette burned slowly in between my fingers. Father had given me the day to get myself in check with the assumption that I’d be with Airla, but no, I wasn’t the one she wanted right now. Could I admit to a tinge of jealousy? Yes. But that was between me, myself and I. The patter of feet came from my side, my eyes darting to meet with Catarina’s, whose eyes were heavy and tired from crying. I rushed to put out my cigarette, I didn’t want to be disrespectful.

  “It’s alright, Kazu. No need to keep any more secrets from me, if you smoke, you smoke. You don’t do heavy drugs, right?”

  “No, ma’am. Well besides the once in a blue moon marijuana cigarette.”

  “Oh, that’s nothing. May I?” She gestured to sit beside me, I shuffled over; nodding as I did. She took a seat next to me, her eyes on the majestic Japanese maple tree we had in the center of the garden. Planted long before I was born, it’s been a part of this home since my great great grandfather’s time. He sat where I sat probably, hopefully his mind less occupied. She sighed, her hands on her lap. “Why didn’t you think to tell us that you were Yakuza? Why did you think that was a reasonable secret given the implications?” She turned slightly to face me, those darker brown eyes of hers starting to pool with tears again. My heart sank, I knew I’d answer, I just don’t know if I should.

  “I didn’t think my adversary would stoop that low. I’d thought he’d attack my own, not my beloved’s.”

  “You thought? You could’ve told us about your life so we’d be aware. It’s not like either Enzo or I would’ve denied your relationship, Airla’s never been so smitten, why would I take that from her? I would’ve asked you to protect my daughter, my family, had we’d known. Now, my husband is dead because you chose to not speak up.”

  “Catarina, as much as I understand your disdain, please understand that I have little control of how I speak about my family. My father’s rules are to be followed, regardless if I’m his son.”

  “You should’ve disobeyed and put Airla first.”

  My eyes widened at her statement, a callout like no other. I went for another cigarette, disrespect was out the door. I didn’t have an answer in that regard, I could have disobeyed, then what? Would I have been able to continue on in my ascension? Would my father have trusted me for anything else —- especially his family if I disobeyed? This was the question that plagued me, because I knew she wouldn’t have understood. She sniffled softly, the rogue tears rolling down her cheek. Seeing Airla cry was pain enough, seeing her mother cry the same way…

  “All I have done is disobey, Catarina. Giving access to this part of my life is disobedience. I’m sorry Enzo was used to make a point, nothing I say or do will ever be enough to make up for his loss. The only thing I can guarantee you is that Airla will be safe, if I can’t do it, Kurenai will, if she can’t, Ken will. I may not have protected your husband, but I will protect his daughter.”

  “I’ll kill you if she gets hurt, Kazuhito.” She wiped her tears, looking down, then up, then to me before placing her hand out for a cigarette. I handed her one, lighting it in the process before she took a pull. “I will spend the rest of my days hurting you if I lose her. She’s the only reminder of Enzo that I have left, don’t make it so your mother has to mourn you.” I watched as she compacted her feelings in real time, the woman I had met making a slow reintroduction. She hadn’t been Catarina in years, she either was Enzo’s wife or Airla’s mother, the clear skill of her smoking a sign of a life unspoken, a life that shaped her to be the fitting person to raise Airla. I didn’t take her threat as so, I took it as a promise.

  Because I know she’d do it…

  …and I’d allow her.

  …

  The living room felt like a reasonable place to be after the conversation I had, my bedroom still occupied by the warm bodies of Ken and Airla. I was trying my best to not hold any feelings of jealousy; but the longer I sat here alone, the worse off I was. Just as I was about to go for yet another cigarette, Kurenai walked in, her hazel green eyes heavy with missed sleep. Giving me a gentle smile, she plopped next to me; her head on my shoulder.

  “I’d bother with a more respectable hello, but I’m exhausted.”

  “A smile is hello enough. Are you done for the day?”

  “Only until I’m needed again. The logistics in place to protect your mother in law should take effect in a day or so, we have to actually break the news to her.”

  “I suggest we don’t, at least not yet. Let her get acclimated to this reality first before handing over a security team. She needs to mourn, just like her daughter.”

  “Speaking of her daughter…” She nuzzled closer, my arm over her shoulder. “I assume she’s still occupied with my husband?”

  “Seems so.”

  She chuckled softly, her finger trailing up my thigh softly. “Now I hope you don’t plan to sit here and sulk while our other halves find comfort amongst themselves. You’re welcome to warm my bed just as Ken and Airla do.”

  “Is that an invitation, Kure-Chan?”

  “If you desire it to be.”

  …

  The dynamic between Kure-Chan truly changed depending on how I referred to her. If I acknowledged her by her full name, it was business, feelings were barren. When I added the term of endearment, well, I was hers. I grasped the sheets slowly as she approached me, the silent crawl of her statuesque body slowly closing the space between us. Finding ourselves in the bedroom she shared with her rightful spouse, I was now the warming occupant of her bed. There wasn’t much to speak between us, the history doing most of the work. Getting my attention all those years ago as a security guard was enough, the piercing green of her eyes warming me as we met eyes for the first time. From that moment on, I knew she was meant to be by my side, if not romantically, at least professionally. I managed to score both situations, which worked out anyways, her closeness to Ken only kept him closer to me. The difference between sleeping with her and sleeping with Airla? I wasn’t the one in charge, in any way. If she wanted to blow me, that was her choice, if I even got the chance to fuck her, it’s because she gave me the word to. Kure-Chan was the female equivalent of her husband essentially, she was my Dom, I was her Sub.

  Laying her head on the curve of my bulge, her eyes stared back at me, a slight squeeze. “I hope you’re not expecting your cock sucked, my mouth has more than reached its limit today.”

  “That’s fine, it’s not obligatory.”

  “Would you pester me if I told you I believed it to be?” She teased as she pulled me out, her fingers curling around my cock as she rubbed the tip of it with her thumb. I winced slightly, she was aware that it was a sensitive spot.

  “I wouldn’t pester y-you for much in that regard, Kure-Chan…” A scoff, not of offense, only acknowledgement. “Besides, I receive enough oral gratitude from Airla. You can take a repose in that sense.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Now if you don’t mind…” She adjusted herself on top of me, the slickness of her entrance causing me to bite my lip, the soon grasping warmth making my head fall back, the grip on the sheets even tighter. She squeezed around me as she began to grind, her hand splayed on my chest. I kept my hands to myself, permission hadn’t been granted. Her eyes pulled me in along with her hand, the grip around my neck as we shared a kiss, her tongue grazing my teeth as she would get lost in using me, the troubles from outside the door feeling minuscule.

  It was nice to let go and forget for a moment…

  Who knows when I’d be able to do it again.

  ??

  5:53 PM;

  I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit to missing Kazu after all the hours of being apart. Waking up to an empty bedside, I was by no means surprised. I’m sure Ken was called off to some other Yakuza related bullshit. The bedroom door slid open, Kazu’s eyes lighting up when they met mine. He looked rather relaxed, his hair tousled as if someone’s hands had been through it, a redness to his lips only possible if he was locking lips. I didn’t blame him, who knew how he mourned for two individuals simultaneously. Taking a seat at the edge of the bed, there was a weirdness between us, the stench of death the obvious culprit.

  “How are you doing?” His voice was sweet and tender, a hint of worry as he awaited my response. I wish I could read his mind, I wondered how he was handling all this. I looked down at my hands as I messed with the silk sheet. I shrugged, I didn’t have the words. “…no answer is still an answer, baby.” He assured me, scooting closer and taking one of my hands in his. I looked up at him as he kissed it gently, those saccharine orbs of his looking back. When I had mentioned resentment to Ken, I knew that my feelings had no say in those words, just logic. How could I resent the golden orbs of honey looking back at me? The soft peachy hands, the broad shoulders, the sarcastic little smirk, the wispy sable hair…To resent him would be to lose him and I know that the deepness of my love for him wouldn’t allow me to. Pushing his hand away, I went for an embrace instead, regardless of my naked body under the sheets. A small grunt as we fell back, his hand tucking my hair behind my ear.

  “I won’t be able to give you the answer you’d like, but if you promise to stay by my side through this whole ordeal, I’ll eventually give you the answer you’d want.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, baby girl. Even if someone tries to take me away, I will find my way back to you, always.”

  “Always?”

  “Always.”

  …

  We did eventually make it out of the bedroom, coming into the living area. Mami was by the doors, a cigarette in her hand as Maiko and the others set up a small tray of finger foods for me. Patting Maiko on the cheek as I sat down, she smiled softly and bowed; scurrying after. Kazu took a seat next to me, arm around my shoulder. If there was an awkwardness with Kazu and I earlier, that was completely overshadowed by the awkwardness between my mother and I. She was rightfully hurt, no doubt about it. Would this truly affect us going forward? For one, she was smoking, something I never saw her do, what else didn’t I know?

  “I didn’t take you for a smoker, mami.” I spoke up, my eyes on the tray in front of me as I reached for a finger sandwich.

  “I used to smoke before I got pregnant with you, I stopped for you. Ironic, I’m starting again because of you too.” She scoffed, taking another pull. I gave a half smile, I knew she wasn’t happy, the coldness of her response clear. Kazu squeezed my shoulder, assuring me. “But that’s motherhood, it’s all about making sacrifices and picking up habits you didn’t think you’d pick up again.”

  “Mami…” I started, her hand went up, interrupting me.

  “Airla, don’t. Nothing you can say will bring your father back. Nothing you can do will guarantee that either. Losing him doesn’t change my love for you, if that’s what you’re worried about. I wouldn’t be your mother if l loved him more than you, Enzo wouldn’t have been my husband if I cared for him more than you. But, I do need you to let me mourn him, however that may be, even if I hurt your feelings at times.“

  “I understand.”

  “I know you do. You’re understanding like your father was, it was one of his best qualities.” I could hear her holding back the tears, just the mention of his name had me feeling just the same. Sniffling, she took a seat facing us, cigarette almost at the end. She had something on her chest that she needed out, a final pull and press into the ashtray later, her darker brown eyes looked up. “I don’t ever want you to think that I don’t love you because of the choices you’ve made. I’m your mother first and foremost. I know that you’ll spend the rest of your life trying to make it up to me, but please, don’t. There is nothing to make up. Death was going to come to us eventually, it just came differently than I expected. I will be okay, the years I spent with Enzo will sustain me for a lifetime, besides, I have to be here for my grandchild one day, they can’t just have Sophia as a grandmother.”

  I felt my face heat up, Kazu’s squeeze on my shoulder just a little tighter. The mention of a child would always fluster us, the existence of someone who was a product of our love was such a beautiful concept, to know my mother saw that reality only cemented my love for Kazu even more.

  “Of course, I don’t expect a child until after you’re married. With this little title you’ve got on your head, I would assume marriage would secure Airla’s place in this family, right?”

  “Her relationship with me already assures that. A child would only cement it.”

  “Then it’s settled, you focus on your relationship and continue to flourish while I figure out my life without your father. Live your life for him, for me and for my future granddaughter.”

  “There hasn’t been a woman born in the Nagatsuchi family ever, Catarina.”

  “Oh, my grandchild will change that, trust me.” She gave us a smile, something that was so refreshing to see given the circumstances. Kazu chuckled as I smiled back, the road to accepting this new dynamic much clearer to see.

  9:23 PM;

  “Luciano’s associates were able to recover…pieces of a body, sir.” I let each word coming out of Kurenai’s mouth make their mark in my memory as she spoke to her chairman. Kazu had tried to keep me out of this conversation, but I stood my ground and managed to find a seat in his father’s office as he was surrounded by Kazu, Ken and Kurenai. My mother had retired for the night and also, she didn’t need the gruesome details of her husband’s demise, the least I could do is stand in on her behalf. Looking down at my hands, my nail polish had begun to chip, a clear sign of the turmoil that suddenly nested itself in my life. I was neglecting the small parts of myself that made me who I was, all because of a man by the name of Ikuto Sadanaga.

  “Goodness. Are there leads to finding the other parts?”

  “Luciano has graciously offered his connections in the Brazilian police force to help locate the other parts. He also sends his condolences, Airla.” I looked up to Ken as he spoke, his grey eyes looking back at me with so much quiet concern. Not only was my father, my papi gone, he was doubly disturbed in death by the desecration of his body. The person who he was wasn’t whole, the man who carried and loved me was treated like slaughtered animal in his final moments all because of one fucking man.

  “Do let him know I can send over help if he needs it, Elion’s detective connections would be a tremendous asset to speeding things up.”

  “Elion’s already in the air. She offered her full help as soon as she heard the news. Her and Ryoma send condolences as well.” The hearing of condolences felt like a hot branded iron was marking my skin. The hearing of people telling me they felt sorry for me about something preventable like this made my blood boil in such a way that felt almost unnatural. I hadn’t said anything because what was there to say? How many times can I thank someone for their condolence?

  “Good on taking initiative...” Kazuhiro stood up, his hands planted firmly on the desk. Clearing his throat, he waited for me to face him, our eyes meeting. They carried the same warmth his son’s eyes did, the only difference was the fatherly concern on his face as I looked back. “…I hope you’re aware that you have the full strength of the Nagatsuchi arsenal to your command, Airla. You have my full permission to handle retaliation towards the Sadanaga Clan however you see fit. After careful consideration, I realized that I cannot handle this the way I would had it been Kousei. There is no phone conversation or familial meeting that can make this better, we must meet him with the exact same fire.”

  “Can we please keep innocents out of it this time?” I asked, there was nothing else I needed at the moment but my question answered.

  “Yes, we absolutely can.”

  “Okay. In that case, for my first request of retaliation, I ask that you set the Sadanaga estate ablaze. How, I don’t know nor do I care, but I don’t want any piece of that man’s history to survive. He’s taken enough, I want to take all.”

  “And all you shall have, my promise to you as your father in law.”