Hiroto had underestimated how long it would take to get Aiko to school in Westchester and back to the city on time for his meeting. Glancing at his watch as he left in his hired luxury black sedan, he chided himself for being over twenty minutes late. He had always prided himself on being early for every meeting, and he was already shirking his responsibility for being her guardian for one night.

As he entered the Child Protective Services office lobby, a deep unease settled in his stomach, a stark contrast to the serenity of his dojo.

“Mr. Abiko?” a woman’s voice asked.

Hiroto turned to find a middle-aged woman with graying hair approaching him.

“Are you Ms. Carter?”

“I am, and I’m more than a little concerned that you show up forty minutes late to our meeting.”

“Apologies. I had to make sure that Aiko had some breakfast before she attended her classes. It’s no excuse.”

The woman considered him for a long moment.

“I’m surprised that you let her go to school at all, considering her trauma.”

“I… didn’t know that was an option.”

“You’ll have to think like a parent to raise Aiko. She’s been through a lot.”

“Of course, it’s just. I have little practice with raising young ones.”

Ms. Carter smiled. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Now follow me.”

Hiroto followed Ms. Carter through a maze of dingy corridors that begged for harmony. The people he saw were hurting in ways that he couldn’t fathom. He hoped they would seek the peace that he had within his dojo. Several minutes later, he sat across from Ms. Carter. She did her best to wear a mask of neutrality, but the tight corners near her mouth and wrinkles near her eyes told a different story. He must fight for the privilege if he wants Aiko to live in his house. He was prepared to do it, especially since he promised his sister Aiko’s mother.

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“Mr. Hiroto, we’ve reviewed the case concerning your niece, Aiko. Her current guardian, Ms. Paige, has failed in her responsibilities. There have been... Ms. Rothchild has clearly failed in her responsibilities, and there have been incidents that cannot be overlooked.

Hiroto listened, his fingers clasped together on the table. He had hoped to provide a haven for Aiko, a place where the shadows of her past could not reach her. The thought of her being placed into the system with strangers who could not understand her struggles was unbearable.

“I understand your concerns,” Hiroto said, his voice calm despite the turmoil. “I assure you, I am more than willing to provide Aiko with the care and support she needs. My home is a place of discipline and respect, values that I am committed to instilling in her.”

Ms. Carter looked at him, her eyes searching. “Your intentions are admirable, Mr. Hiroto. However, there are protocols we must follow. Aiko has been through a traumatic experience, and while we do not doubt your capability, we must consider what is best for her in the long term.”

Hiroto’s brow furrowed. “And you believe being shuffled between foster homes is in her best interest?”

“It’s not about what I believe,” Ms. Carter replied. “It’s about ensuring Aiko’s safety and providing her a stable environment. Foster care is a temporary solution while we assess the situation.”

Hiroto flushed with anger, but he held it in check. “Aiko has already faced instability. She needs family now more than ever.”

Ms. Carter sighed, a small crack in her professional demeanor. “I’ll be honest with you, Mr. Hiroto. The system is far from perfect. But we have to work within its confines. I’ll push for a swift resolution, but for now, we must place Aiko into foster care.

The finality in her voice struck Hiroto like a blow. He stood, his movements deliberate. “Then I will do everything possible to ensure this ‘temporary solution’ is as brief as possible. Aiko deserves a proper home, not a stopgap.”

Ms. Carter stood as well, extending her hand. “I believe you will, Mr. Abiko. You have until the end of the day to surrender Aiko into our care.”

As Hiroto left the building, his mind was ablaze with thoughts of Aiko - her smile when she mastered a new technique, the way her face lit up with understanding. He would not let her down. He would fight for her, just as he had taught her to fight on the mats of his dojo.

The walk back to his car was a blur, each step fueled by a renewed sense of purpose. He would start by gathering character references, evidence of his stable home environment, and anything else that would sway the decision in his favor. To him, Aiko was more than just a niece; she was his legacy, his family.

And Hiroto would move heaven and earth to keep her safe.