"Any idea why did the ambush happened?"
A man who looked like a billboard model in his mid-thirties startled Ren, but not the rest of the group who entered an Izakaya Ramen in Asakusa. Ren was astounded by the man’s appearance. He was wearing a black crisp three-piece suit and looked like he’s straight out of a fashion ad.
"How the hell do you think we know why? Idiot." Ryosuke barked, his face turned reddish.
Ah. This guy's probably Tomo Sensei. Ren's thought. They both do resemble each other though.. His face go back and forth at Tomo and Ryosuke.
"Hey, I'm still your fill-in teacher. Don't embarrass me here in front of the newbie." He smiled before he shifted his direction towards Ren. "Akai Ren, am I right? Pleased to meet you. You're our recent celebrity."
"Ah, uh, yeah. It's a, pleasure to meet you uhm.." What a cold, cold eyes he has.
"Minamoto Tomo. This idiot's uncle.." Did he just slap Ryosuke's head? "..and your temporary teacher. Well, I teach the Special Class, so if you do survive as a newbie now and will still be alive by next year, maybe I could request your transfer to my class. We do fun stuff, hunting heads and all.” Uh, did he just say that and smirk? Now I get why Sakura and Ryosuke called him a sucker.
"You're in such a mood, Sensei. What a way to welcome the very student your girlfriend had chosen to bring in." Yamada voiced out. “She handpicked this outsider herself, do you think she would want you to snatch him from her?”
Girlfriend? Wait. V Sensei?
"Ah right. She would probably scold me, wouldn't she?" Was that supposed to be sarcasm? Tomo Sensei seemed to have expressed a flat face as if he didn't care. His smile doesn’t seem sincere either. He strikes me as someone who is popular, having it all, and an asshole. "Oh well, please take a seat, all of you. I've ordered my favourite Ramen for you guys, will be ready in just a sec."
"Why did you even call us here?" Ryosuke pouted. "I always hated the city. Touristy."
"To piss you off." Tomo smikred, and his nephew’s face turned fully red. He also is fully ready to draw out his Katana.
I can sense the tense now that everyone is all quiet. Sakura hasn’t even made a sound since she stepped into the Izakaya.
Is Tomo Sensei that bad of a teacher? Let alone that bad of a person? He seemed sneaky enough, but he can't be that bad, can he?
"So.." Tomo added. "None of you can really pitch out why did the attack happen?"
"Seriously? You're asking us that, for real?" Ryosuke's uttered out another bark with rather a serious voice this time.
"I'm asking you to work your brain out, little nephew." Tomo reciprocated the serious tone.
There was a good few minutes of silence before Sakura broke her ice. "Did you do that, Sensei?" Her eyes challenged Tomo’s cold gaze.
"And if I did?" Another smirk on his face. And at this point, Ren had to admit that Tomo looked rather like a villain. But Ren’s mind wondered some miles away for a minute, his head is filled with questions.
"Give me one good reason before I crush you, Sensei." Yamada's eyes popped out with anger. "Mr. Shinichi was at death's door. Explain. Now."
Yamada is without a doubt one of the strongest person I’ve come across with. But it would be a wrong move to actually challenge Tomo Sensei. I could already sense how terrifying he is. Let alone his Shoshiki power.
He's a cool guy though, this Yamada dude.
"It wasn't him." Everyone's eyes fixed on me the moment I voiced out. Even the eyes behind the sliding door of this private room, who's been watching us like a hawk. "If it were to be him, he wouldn't break his character just yet. Bad timing. This Izakaya isn't just a regular bar, am I right? Either one of the Big Four owned this establishment or it's owned by a powerful individual in the Soshiki. But for sure, not the Minamotos. The crest on the wall is different from the Katanas that belong to the ones I've seen today. From the Principal to his son whom I just met, down to his grandson. So, if Tomo Sensei is to be the bad guy here, he's an idiot, just like what Ryosuke had said." Ren paused for a moment before he continued, “the ones behind the walls and that very sliding door, they’re on their guard to launch an attack in case anything would’ve happened, correct me if I’m wrong.”
Clapping, Tomo Sensei laughs in amusement.. or seems like he is. His face is still expressionless, though. "Not bad of a deduction, newbie. Except that.. I did release a hundred Onis, more or less, who were held captive before attacking you. Sorry about that. But my question wasn't really who did it, but why.."
With no hesitation, Yamada then launched a fist straight into Tomo Sensei's face, which he easily dodged.
Man. Just what kind of drama am I in now? I didn’t sign up for a role.
And I was right. Those eyes behind the walls were as fast as Jaguars to enter our room to hold Yamada and the rest of the group excluding me, who were just standing in confusion about what exactly was happening.
There were about four of the guards who were wearing Japanese traditional clothes, on their stance blocking my new three classmates, and one stood trembling in front of Tomo Sensei. But in just less than a minute, an older man who reminded me a lot about the orphanage caretaker entered the room.
He doesn’t look very please.
“Tomo!” He shouted. “This isn’t a place for a dispute. I’ve warned you more than several times!”
On his feet, Tomo Sensei straightened his shoulder before he bowed his head down. “My deepest apology, Matsumoto-sama.”
Matsumoto-sama. Ah, the Izakaya’s name. I noticed it before I entered the establishment. Matsumoto Izakaya Ramen. I see it now.
Shit Ren. Focus. There’s a situation here.
Sighing, Matsumoto-sama replied. “You can’t even take this outside, there are citizens. State the issue. Now. There’s a reason for you to summon the students here in my place.”
“About that..” Tomo Sensei retorted as he positioned himself with a firm stance with his broad shoulder. “.. just a lecture for the students.” A half smile painted on his face again.
“Fighting?”
“Learning.”
“Exactly how is this thing called learning when you purposely send an army of Onis to attack your very own students?” Still in his anger mode, Yamada threw out a shout. “A loyal man who served the school was and is still badly injured because of it, Tomo Sensei!”.
“Exactly that, Yamachin.” A big sly smile on Tomo Sensei’s face this time.
“Explain yourself, Minamoto Tomo.” The old man added the tense. “The practice of holding the Spectres as captive has already ended over a decade ago..” There was a pause. “ ..by your very own woman.” Still in his flat voice, words he expressed his eyes in disappointment toward Tomo Sensei. “Not only have you lied, but you’ve dared to cross me.” In a calm voice this time, Matsumoto-sama spoke out again. There was a good silence in the room for a good minute before Tomo Sensei uttered out a word again. But the old man had ordered his men to exit the room beforehand. His last words pierced me as the door slid closed by his men. “Is this how you turned out to be after all these years?”
But Tomo Sensei didn’t sulk down.
“And whatever happened to this establishment that put a high regard on its clients’ privacy? Back in the day you wouldn’t even give a single fuck to pour a glass of Sake to a minor.” He replied with rather a question and at this point I’m just at all lost. Matsumoto-sama then flinched. “I know you suspected a foul play when I booked this VIP room for the students. Am I wrong? Hence those kids behind the walls.” Putting both his hands into his pockets, he then continued. “But with all due respect to you as a living legend Matsumoto-sama, I could easily wipe them off in a snap of a finger.”
“Straight to the point, Tomo!” Matsumoto-sama raised his voice.
The air around us in this high-end looking room was getting more depressing, and an eerie silence struck us before Tomo Sensei responded again.
“Well kids.. remember this for the rest of your life.” He took out his hands out of his pockets. “Strength, no matter how much you have of it, is nothing compared to the very word POWER.” He then drew out his Katana and cut the surrounding walls.
Shock pierced through my whole brain as I felt the presence of some supernatural beings.
The Spectres.
They’ve surrounded this place.
**
“What is this? How could this happen?” Matsumoto-sama mumbled with both his eyes wide opened. “They shouldn’t be able to enter, impossible.. there’s a seal..”
“But that’s just how the power system works in this filthy world of ours, Matsumoto-sama.” Tomo Sensei cut him off amidst his surprised state.
“What? What do you mean?”
“They know.”
“They..? The Higher-ups?”
“Not all of them of course. But V and Saiaka are on their way to handle this shit. Pardon my French Matsumoto-sama , I’m not necessarily in a stable state at the moment. I had to fight against a rat in court this morning and now this.”
“Hey Tomo Sensei, should we attack the Spectres now or do we wait and keep standing here like stupid?” Sakura’s cotton mouth entered the chat.
“Hold it Sakura.” Tomo Sensei swung his Katana once again, and in one minute time, I could no longer feel the presence of the Spectres.
In ONE. FREAKING. MINUTE.
Tomo Sensei stood straight with his sword like a motherfucking samurai.
I was in awe.
And still lost.
**
Thirty minutes later, I learned that some of the people who hold the power within this secret organization, called the Higher-ups, had purposely captured and released some Spectres, with all of them being the Onis –where I also learned that the Oni kind of Spectre isn’t a warrior type although still dangerous and eat human as its snack— which make them easily captured. The Higher-ups went overboard with opening the seal on the gate in the southwest Tokyo near Mount Uzumaki, closer to my new school. That particular gate only allowed the Onis to enter and exit its route. The ones who attacked both Yamada and I were the Onis, so do the ones who were sent here in this Izakaya. Tomo Sensei had to use his Manipulation Technique –apparently one of his abilities— for the Onis to get through us first. Mr. Shinichi, one of the school’s Men in Black, was made well aware of that by Tomo Sensei himself, but he went ahead with the mission anyway. Although badly injured at the moment. I guess they’re used to how the things worked around these things that are fairly new to me.
The reason? Well, apparently it has something to do with Matsumoto-sama.
Anyway, that was pretty much what had been said to me. And as the truth falls out, let me just say that I really truly honestly have no any intention to eavesdropping.. however, the circumstances force me to.
I was on my way back from the comfort room and passed by Tomo Sensei and Matsumoto-sama.. And again, I swear I had no intention on hearing what I was about to hear.
But what I heard made my heart race with trembling feet.
"How did they find out?" Matsumoto-sama raised his crisp voice.
Pointing at the ruined walls, Tomo Sensei responded. "They confirmed their suspicion on you, not long ago."
"They have, huh?"
"V's informants reported it to her just last night. She was in Manila, had her flight back to Japan earlier this dawn."
"The Red Division, I believe. But oh well, my senses have gone senile. I guess growing old has its downsize. How could I not notice the Power Force layered within the walls.."
"Don't beat yourself up to it, Matsumoto-sama. Your only weakness is your.. well I honestly despise this word, but your kindness has evidently become your downfall. Harbouring those Spectres.."
"They're harmless." He cut Tomo Sensei off.
"They're still the enemy." Tomo Sensei retorted.
Sighing, Matsumoto-sama replied softly. "You kids have been brought up to believe that the enemy IS the enemy."
"True that."
"But have you ever questioned if that belief is worthy as a belief?"
Amused, Tomo Sensei acknowledged what the old man had just said with a genuine smile. A smile so different from the one he showed roughly thirty minutes ago. He looked refreshingly different. As if he's removing the mask he's been wearing, and only showing it to the people he chose. "Profound philosophy. Have thy forgotten the reason why I left before, Sir?"
"I'm a few months away from being a century old.. It's a luxury I'm grateful for. But at the same time, it is also a curse I'm being punished for.." He paused for a second. "I've done many unforgivable things in my lifetime." His voice echoed with regrets.
"And harbouring those Spectres is a way to atone for your sins, is that what you're trying to say?"
"No. But saving them from the Soshiki's trash like those corrupted Higher-ups is one way to keep me alive. There's finally a purpose for a good cause. All my younger days with the war.. all went by in vain. Those lives I took on the battlefield, those families I broke.. those poor souls.."
"You were a military-man by choice, Matsumoto-sama. Your very own choice. Death is inevitable in the war zone. Death is also inevitable even in our normal life. And don't get me wrong, our generation may be a fucked-up but we're not heartless. You're a crucial someone in V's life, she may never show it but you know her longer than I do. She cares."
"Hahaha." Matsumoto-sama laughs wholeheartedly for a while.. although I can sense a hint of painful sound in that laugh. "She had endured a lot.. that brat."
"She'd start a civil war in Soshiki should the Higher-ups land their hands on you if I didn't make a quick move today. She'd chop my head off too if I were to fail. I'm glad I made it on time. Although, I do feel bad for the kids. But what you did, Matsumoto-sama, is still a crime. As a former General in the Great War, you understand that very well."
"I broke the Soshiki Law with a cautious mind. I fully understand the consequences." There was a long pause before he continued. "Tomo.." He spoke softly. "I'm grateful you decided to re-join the Soshiki. I'm grateful that she chose you as her man."
Tomo Sensei sincere smile crossed his features once again. "That, I'm also grateful for, Sir."
"You'll take care of those poor spirits, won't you? They've never once harmed a soul.." In a trembling voice, Matsumoto-sama spoke out softly.
"I'll figure out a way, I can promise you that."
"Then.. I can finally rest in my ancestors' grave."
Indeed, my heart raced a thousand miles.
Before I realized another attack that was coming in our way.
Not from the Spectres.
**
Meanwhile, at the same moment..
Soshiki Headquarter.
Somewhere deep in the forest, Mount Uzumaki.
"Please don't get carried away." Secretary Saiaka voiced out a firm tone toward V who had just crushed her cigarette with her heels.
But ignoring her, V then summoned her retainers by snapping her fingers. Within seconds, they appeared right before her, on their knees.
Both appeared to be Demons, a type of Spectre that holds the highest caste among them. One of the two is tall and lean, with a pair of red horns on its head, and one red-eye covering half its face. Its whole body is covered with red gemstones. The other one is a bit shorter and far more muscular. Its appearance is rather similar to a hippo and its horns have a peculiar round shape with a spiral pattern. Both are three meters tall and wearing black laced Yukata. And their presence always left Secretary Saiaka speechless, no matter how many times she’d encountered them. (*yukata: Japanese bathrobe)
"Guard her. And her car. It's a cheap convertible but precious to her. If anything strange happens you both know what to do."
Secretary Saiaka wasn’t pleased with V’s words –as she always is— and mumbled with annoyance until V disappeared completely into the woods.
Mount Uzumaki belongs to the Soshiki by law. And although it is open to the public, no human other than the Soshiki themselves has ever stepped their foot into the prohibited areas such as Soshiki High and its Headquarters. There are other areas as well that are private and reserved for the high caste clans in the mountain. Soshiki Headquarter however, is strictly for the Higher-ups and the Elders. Located in a secluded zone deep in the mountain, it is protected by the Guardians –ethereal spirits who float around its place with white silk robes— who have the power as equal as Azuma and Nishi, the spirits who are guarding the Soshiki High. There’s a barrier surrounding the Headquarter and has stood there from the very beginning. There has never been a record of intruders or attacks by the Spectres. The Headquarter was created by Soshiki ancestors for those who held the high positions in the Soshiki, and entering its area means power and power alone.
And Vivienne Ale Deveraux, by any means, shares the highest position being one of the Four Elders.
The only gate at the Headquarter then swung open once V reached the premises.
All the Guardians then bowed down as she entered.
**
Soshiki Headquarter’s Holy Chamber
Sitting with crossing her long legs that she placed on the long oak’s table before her, V lit up a cigarette and puffed it toward the antique chandelier above her. The Revolver Tattoo on her left thigh radiates the room, always on its mark to be drawn out. The chamber is a typical ancient’s meeting room, with a square long table being placed right in the middle. There are twenty-five chairs on each side of the square table, making it fifty chairs in total, representing the fifty clans other than the Big Four. Those seats were reserved for the Higher-ups Representative –head of the clan— from the clans of Soshiki. And four golden chairs leading the room by the throne that has a different rectangle oak’s table, with a white silk veil separating the area between the seat of the Elders and the seat of the Higher-ups.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Surrounding the room, there are sculptures of the ancestors, the founding fathers of Soshiki.
However at the moment, the room is seemed to be empty –aside from V who is enjoying her puff of nicotine and four Guardians on her back—, until three light substance descended onto the three golden chairs on the left side where V’s sitting at.
Four Elders are now on their own respective chairs, with all of them holding the highest power in Soshiki.
Arata Hidetada, Minamoto Yoritomo, Ikari Yoshinobu, and Vivienne Ale Deveraux.
“I thought we’d agreed on the No Smoking Policy in this premises, Vivienne.” Yoshinobu, the eldest of the four spoke out softly.
“My deepest apology, Ikari-jiji. Bad habits die hard.” V then put off her cigarette and put her legs down before she ordered one of the Guardians to let the Higher-ups enter the meeting room. “Let them in now. It’s getting forever.”
“Don’t go overboard on it, V.” Yoritomo uttered.
V kept her mouth sealed, but Hidetada responded in her place. “They started it, Yoritomo-sama. She has every right in her power to discipline them accordingly. But with that being said, the same goes to the former General. Remember that, V.”
There was no sign of reply from the youngest Elder in the history of Soshiki, but her sharp green eyes said it all when the Higher-ups entered the Holy Chamber.
And even with the white silk veil blocking their views of the Four Elders, the Higher-ups entered the room with trembling feet, sensing V’s emerald eyes that shone through the veil.
**
The meetings of the Elders and the Higher-ups have never been easy. Indeed, it has constantly been intense. However, no matter how perplexing the state of the affairs was, there was always, without fail, a diplomatic settlement between the parties who raised the issues.
Political leadership is crucial in Soshiki. It was the foundation of the organization from the beginning.
But as time passed by, clans were measured by caste, from the lowest to the highest –highest caste is rather hereditary. And by far in the history of Soshiki, the Deveraux clan has never lost its place as being the fiercest clan to ever exist in Soshiki’s history, even with only one of them, one.. is left.
"It's too late now to save them." Yoshinobu who was sitting far left from V whispered softly.
"I don't take sides, Yoshinobu-dono." Hidetada said in react. "At this point, we already know the outcome of this convention. But even though she's the youngest in this very room, she commands authority.. more than we could ever do." Even the Guardians bow their head down to her for the love of heaven. He said quietly to himself.
"Yare-yare.. look at what you’ve done, Hirota-san." Yoshinobu retorted. (yare-yare; a Japanese expression of oh well)
**
Once the Higher-ups settled well on their respective chairs, the Guardians closed the metal door and all lights were dimmed.
Anxiousness filled the air, an unusual one this time around.
But a middle-aged man in his late fifties dared himself to break the ice and stood on his feet. He cleared his throat before he spoke.
“I believe we were summoned here for the incident this morning.” Kanji from the Matsumoto clan stated out the obvious. “I, representing the Matsumoto clan, was responsible for opening the seal. We would also take the full responsibility for the betrayal of Matsumoto Hirota.. for harbouring the loose Onis beneath his establishment..” He paused, “..we have executed him with the Onis of the Southwest Gate who are all under our control. The Onis including the ones he harboured should’ve been wiped off by the Matsumoto clan by now. We had also sealed back the gate. I hope that clears everything. My deepest apology for the unnecessary convention.”
“Kanji-san.. have you forgotten about us already?” Midori Rota who was sitting next to him, joined the report. “The Midori clan had also taken part in opening the seal. But with all due respect, even though we have committed a misconduct against the Soshiki Law, it was for a good cause.. but of course, it’s a completely different case compared to the incident a week ago, where the supposedly executioner failed to do her job. Not that she would always follow the rules, things have been inconsistent ever since she’s sitting on that sea..”
“Rota! Have some respect!” Sakurai Genta who is sitting across of Midori Rota cut him off.
More arguments increased about the pros and cons of the incidents. With sixteen clans in total –including the perpetrator— on the pro side and admitted themselves to have worked on the ambush at the Matsumoto Izakaya Ramen, which make up to approximately one third of the all the fifty Higher-ups. Sixteen of them have appeared to always despise the Deveraux clan, but have even a deeper hatred for V with her seat as one of the Elders.
The Four Elders observed in the distance behind the veil, watching the arguments in silence. Until one powerful tap on the oak-wood table by V’s index finger, the room went quiet at once.
“All sixteen of you..” She spoke out gently and got up from her seat, revealed herself up from the veil, and walking down the three steps stairs from the throne “..did unsealing the gate and the ambush were an agreement within each member of your respective clan?” She paused before she continued with a tender voice. “Or was it just.. the sixteen of you?”
Sighing with a mixture of annoyance and fear, Midori Rota answered. “What’s the difference, the oh and mighty Miss Deveraux? The deeds have been done. Besides..” He scoffed, “..we’re just following your footsteps.” He then grinned. “You are the one who would always break the law and easily get away wi..”
“Answer the question, Midori Rota-san.” She stared at him sharply through the eyes as she reached the head of the table. Her posture was firm, her face was calm and collective.. yet she intimidated the Higher-ups at the same time.
Guzzling, he confirmed that it was an assembly between the sixteen Higher-ups, off the record between their respective clans. The soldiers who are attacking the Izakaya at the moment aren’t from the Matsumoto clan, but paid assassins from the unregulated clans who have no diplomatic seat.
“I see.” Still with a soft voice, V acknowledged the answer, her green eyes turned deadly right after. “Then, Midori Rota-san.. kindly please enunciate loudly the sentence of breaking the fundamental of Soshiki Law.”
“Wha.. are you joking around, kid? I’ve lived longer than you have! I’ve held this position longer than you are! Don’t mess wi..”
“Including the hiring of the assassins.. that’s a serious offence.” She stated –still with her delicate voice.
“You are getting on my nerves now, who the hell do you think you are? Just because you’re sitting in the highest seat doesn’t mean you’re worth more than us!” He shouted louder, the other fifteen then followed, mocking V.
“In summary, the sixteen of you have committed treason, against the Soshiki.. and us the Elders.” She added.
“You little bitch! Talking all and mighty as if you’re above us!”
“Punishable by death.” V stated firmly, before she positioned herself on her ten-inch- high heels and drew out her Revolver from her Body Ink on her left thigh, and pulled the trigger.
Bullets pierced straight through their brains in less than ten seconds.
All powerful sixteen Higher-ups, died at once.
“I found out about their deeds earlier this morning, Matsumoto Hirota is still alive. And I, Vivienne Deveraux, will execute him myself before all of you.” She ordered the Guardians to take the dead bodies out before she continued. “Meeting adjourned.”
**
Back at Matsumoto Izakaya Ramen.
The assassins, twenty in total, were easily defeated by Tomo. The assassins weren't weak, but the level of strength between an elite Fighter and the hired assassins weighs too much of a difference.
This is getting messier. So much potential has been wasted. They could've joined the Men in Black and lived in security for their entire lives, but no, they chose danger. Tomo sighed as he rumbled words in his mind.
"Ryosuke, wait by the entrance for the Men in Black. They're coming over to clean this mess."
"Tch! Don't order me around." Ryosuke replied.
"Sure little nephew, my bad.” Tomo teased with a sly smile. “Yamachin, kindly take his place instead. Sakura and Ren, come along with me and Matsumoto-sama. We're heading underground."
"Ha? And me? What do I do then?" Ryosuke squawked as the group walked away and started to disappear through the hidden stairs –that Matsumoto Hirota had opened in the hallway—heading underground. "Heyy! What do I do?" He added.
But as a good of an uncle that he is, Tomo ignored him. And Sakura giggled, leaving Ren to wonder what kind of relationship the two relatives have.
"Grrrrh!! Fine! Yamachin, wait for me, I'm coming with ya! My idiot uncle is an ass!"
**
That day, a hundred and twenty Onis were found beneath the Izakaya. All of them were found to be elderly, who tried to escape their realm and had wondered in the human world for years, until they encountered Matsumoto Hirota, who was willing to hear and help them out. He created a hideout that was big enough for all of them to live in peace in the past years.
“Matsumoto-sama, honestly.. what were you thinking?” Tomo voiced out quietly once they reached the hideout.
“I did what was wrong for the Soshiki..” He inhaled a deep breath, “..but I did what was right for these creatures. I have no regrets, youngsters.” He enunciated the last word with a sincere smile, his eyes filled with water, but there were no tears that fell down on his cheeks.
And Tomo along with the kids, stood in both astonishment and concern.
**
By dusk, with a full moon shining brightly above Mount Uzumaki, Tomo had brought Matsumoto Hirota to the Headquarters, and V’s students were sent back to Soshiki High.
"I don't get it." Ren said to the three as they arrived by the school's gate. "There must be some ways to save Matsumoto-sama, right?"
"Well, newbie.. welcome to Soshiki. We abide by the stupid rules." Sakura replied, yawning. "I'm sleepy. I'll run to the dorm, see you all suckers tomorrow." She disappeared in an instant with her ninja technique.
Ryosuke on the other hand, looked somewhat concerned. "I wonder if great-Gramp would pardon Matsumoto-sama.."
Scoffing, Yamada replied with a lower voice. "We all know it, Ryosuke. Whether he thinks he did the wrong or the right thing, he did break the Soshiki Law."
"Yes, but.."
"Ryosuke.." Yamada cut him off. "Soshiki Law is the very foundation of the entity itself." He curled up both his palms, anger filled his spirit with a painful flashback slapped his mind. And Ren could only stand in silence, shouting with confusion quietly.
"Well, I maybe new here, but let's hope for at least a pleasant news by tomorrow.." Ren said.
"It's up to the Elders. But it has nothing to do with us, Ren." Ryosuke lowered his voice as he patted Yamada's shoulder. "Come on, Yamachin and I will show you your room. It was V Sensei's room when she was a student here. It used to be her late brother's too. Kind of weird though, that room is reserved exclusively for the Deverauxs.. and not many of them had enrolled in this school. I guess V Sensei must've seen something special in you if she'd permitted you to use her old room. You got the keys though, right?"
Blinking, Ren replied. "Uh, yeah. Secretary Saiaka handed it to me earlier.."
**
At the student’s dorm.
"Well, this is it. See you tomorrow. Class starts at nine. Don't be late. My uncle is a lawyer. He’s always on time and hates tardiness." Ryosuke greeted Ren a good night, before dragging Yamada around his collar that’s still high on anger. “Come, come Yamachiiiin..”
“Uh, yea, see you guys tomorrow.” Ren then pulled out the room key that Secretary Saiaka gave him, and opened the door.
The room happened to be neat and well-maintained, even though V hadn’t used it in over a decade. It has a queen bed size with white linen sheets, a study desk by the window overlooking the school's beautiful backyard, a fridge full of snacks, a walk-in closet with brand new clothes and shoes for Ren, and an indoor bathroom with a Jacuzzi.
Ren was astonished, cried with a grateful heart. He had never had his own room before, yet alone a room like this.
How could I get this lucky? He thought. V Sensei, I wish I'd be able to see you soon to give you my proper thanks. He continues to sob.
Thank you.
Thank you so, so much.
**
Soshiki HQ
The time was five minutes after midnight. All the Higher-ups were gathered –including the new replacement for the sixteen Higher-ups that V had just killed in the morning— at the Sacred Field nearby the headquarters. The elders, three out of the four, were standing on a higher deck, wearing veils that covered their faces. There are also Guardians that surrounded the field with their tight security. And V was standing at the execution deck, with her straight back and firm shoulder, holding her revolver from her Body Ink. Her face was cold, her emerald eyes were empty.
In a few minutes, a black car then pulled over, and one of the Men in Black opened its back door, escorted Tomo and Matsumoto Hirota to enter the Sacred Field.
The air was rather eerie the moment they both stepped onto the premises.
“Yare-yare..” Matsumoto Hirota heaved a sigh. “Your girl is not in a good mood, isn’t she?”
“What did you expect? That she’d welcome you with an open arms before she pulled the trigger into your head?” Tomo raised his eyes on V who was standing afar, a mixture of sorrow and anger crossed his features, everything within him wanted to scream in outrage. “I respected you with all I am, Matsumoto-sama.. but I would crush your fucking skull down to your soul if it wasn’t for her.” He paused his speech as they walked slowly, all eyes were on them except V’s, with her eyes that still hollow. “How could you do this to her?” Tomo clenched his fists.
Matsumoto Hirota was fully aware of the consequences of his action. He knew exactly what the outcome of it would be.
A flashback then hit him, back to the day when a little girl she used to think of as his own granddaughter was turned into a monster.. on a night like this, on a situation like this.
The little girl was no longer the same since then on, and that very little girl was Vivienne Ale Deveraux.
Matsumoto Hirota closed his eyes.. reminiscing about that night, before his mind brought him back to his very first meeting with V.
She was only five then. He thought. How time flies.
**
“Oy brat! It’s three a.m. in the morning!”
I barked as I unlocked and opened the sliding door of the Izakaya, but as annoyed as I was at the moment, I found myself flabbergasted by the very person right in front of me.
He was covered in blood, head to toe. His face pictured nothing but exhaustion, and he entered the Izakaya with slow footsteps, muscles bulged beneath his shirt as he moved.
“Should I ask what happe..” I stopped, my eyes averted at the little girl he was holding hands with. And the two Demons outside my establishment.
“Care to explain what’s going on or should I eliminate these two fuckers first? Did they attack you? Who’s that little girl with you? Loli complex? Seriously Kai?”
“For fuck sake! Quiet please Oyaji, don’t be a headache.” Kai picked up the little girl and put her in a seat, then fixed him a seat himself over the ramen counter. “Let those two rest outside the Izakaya for a moment, we played around a bit. And say hi to my little sister, I just snatched her from my dear family. They hid her existence until I found out about it today.”
Little sister?
LITTLE SISTER?
**
Now that I look at her, she does resemble her brother a lot. Except for the black hair and the emerald green eyes. No visible Body Ink on her exposed skin too. Is she really a Deveraux? That clan is a mysterious clan over all, they don’t really mingle with the others –except for the blond dickhead right here—, but things that I am sure of.. would be the blond platinum hair, blue eyes, abnormal heights, and the ridiculous tattoos on their skin are their trademark.
And she got none of that, at all.
“Here! All set! Do you like ramen, little girl?” I smiled as I served two Kuro Ramen for the two siblings. “This black ramen is your brother’s favourite, go ahead, don’t be shy, enjoy the food, I made it myself.”
“Oy stop smiling like that it’s creepy!” Kai yapped.
Switching my face back to normal, I replied. “Hey I’m trying to be nice, just putting it out there.”
“Put it back in there!”
**
A few minutes passed, neither of the siblings had touched the bowls.
I crossed my arms over my chest, and the longer I observed, the more irritated I am with the current situation.
She looked very, very malnourished. Her face is timid, rigid. Her black hair was unkempt, her skin was pale-as-a-porcelain-sink skin with bruises all over and made my blood boil to think people would hurt the innocent child!
“Kai..” I uttered softly, but he only shot me a look, as if he was warning me off not to interfere.
So I stood in silence, complying with him.
Until I can no longer hold myself.
“The noodles are getting cold, would you want me to replace them?” I challenged the brat’s icy blue eyes.
For a moment there, I’d thought he would burst himself into rage, but my deduction was wrong.
He proceeded to touch the chopsticks, then slowly, slurping the ramen.
“Hmm, taste good!”
He kept on repeating those words as he was eating, sneaking his gaze toward the younger Deveraux on each slurp, and by heaven’s grace, the little sister finally drew a half smile on her face.
Her fingers that were tangled in between her arms then slowly moved toward the counter table, touching the chopsticks, she then leaned her body a bit closer to the bowl.. her eyes twinkled, and with a little hesitation, she took her first slurp.
Kai looked at her in amazement, stoned in relieved, as if a big burdened has been lifted. He stole a glance at me to whisper a thank you.
At that moment, for the first time in my life, I saw the very man I thought of as my very own son.. shed his tears.
**
Whispers then can be heard from the crowd as the two walked by.
Soshiki Academy's Principal was there too, along with his secretary who was standing behind him. Visible bruises on her face, but she was able to heal most of her heavy wounds quickly.
V’s deduction was right. The sixteen Higher-ups had hired some elite assassins to eliminate Secretary Saiaka as well. Simply because they presumed that she was investigating on the many bad deeds they've done. And for the fact that she was close to Vivienne Deveraux.
The latter was personal.
That's how deep their hatred was towards her.
Although, the truth was far from what the sixteen of them had assumed.
The night was graced with a full moon, and the night breeze was a lot cooler than any other nights.. just like the night when Kai Deveraux died. At the very same spot where V’s standing at.
Her heart then starts to race when she recalls that fateful night, but she keeps on standing still and firm, holding her tears back.
But the moment she saw Matsumoto Hirota making his way approaching the stage, her empty eyes suddenly filled with drops of water.
He was, after all, a grandfather figure to her.
**
"Oyaji.." Kai paused but shot out a soft look toward the little girl. "Vivienne Ale Deveraux. I’ll register her name at the Civil Office tomorrow, I’m taking a full custody. Taka’s my attorney.”
"I see." I said. "Ale.. after your mother, huh?" I asked, raising my brows. “And that brat Taka never loses even one case at the court, yea know?”
“Yes. And yes.”
Ale Deveraux was Roth's second wife, who was rumoured to have died of cancer. How could this child isn't known within the Soshiki if she was the very flesh and blood of the most loathed man in this very organization?
"Vivienne.." I turned my gaze toward her. "Vivienne is such a pretty name. Did your brother tell you what the name means?"
She was quiet.
I have no children on my own.
I have no idea how to handle this little one right here.
But my heart whispered to keep on trying..
I would later succeed, and also would later learn a horrifying truth about the child.
From that moment on, either if it was out of impulse or anger or sadness of whatever the feeling was I had at the time..
I swore to look after her.
“Vivienne means Alive. And you, little one, will live up to its name.”
Her green eyes sparkled.
**
Matsumoto Hirota’s younger days:
I was born in a strict Soshiki family, where all children were taught combat skills from the age of five. Granted, all children in Soshiki clans were all taught from an early age on how to sharpen their skills. But from those non-stop training alone, I became a fearless warrior in the battlefield. Many of the children became warriors who would later rule the Soshiki.
I lost my comrades throughout the war years.. The Great War it was named. While the world was having its world war, we were having one to protect the world.
Back then, I began to doubt a lot of things, including the reason why we had the war in the first place. If it wasn't for this or if it wasn't for that.. many wars throughout the history.. Were we doing it for the sake of humanity? Or were we doing it for us as Soshiki?
However, a young soldier can only follow the orders. I was born to this, and I chose to live in it.
Years passed, countless mistakes were made, many lessons were learned, and I had become a General in the war. New recruits were sent to the battlefield then, but one young man stood out the most from the crowd.
He was only thirteen.
And in two years time, at the age of fifteen in 1988, Kai Deveraux would end the centuries’ war between the Soshiki and the Spectres. Something that his predecessors couldn't accomplish, something that his comrades couldn't achieve, something that I couldn't do..
He was a brute in the battlefield. The most fearsome and a respected Fighter.
After the war ended, I restarted my life in my sixties by managing an Izakaya Ramen. It wasn't big, but it was exactly what I wanted. And for some reasons, it gave me a sense of accomplishment when people enjoyed the ramen that I prepared. Young Kai and his friends never failed to visit the Izakaya often, and I would never fail to be grateful for it. A group of heroes, only teenagers, and living their best life.
It made me happy. Those young kids whose life was seemed to be destined for war, are now living the life they deserved.
**
A month later I received a call from Kai, he and Vivienne were settling in well in New York. But after a year, I received another call where he'd asked me to be a mentor for his younger sister. Things had happened in there, but I was a man with a few words despite of my occasional stupid yapping, and so did Kai. There was no question from me, and there was no other explanation from him.
And I would visit them twice a year, teaching Vivienne with Shogi and some tactical lessons from my years on the battlefield. She loved my stories about the war, her face lit up with joy on each visit I'd made.
She would also be receiving many, many combat lessons from Kai himself and from his friends. His loyal friends who would always make my Izakaya as their base camp for their morons’ meetings.
Time passed, and my heart is aching to even think what had happened.. but things did happen.
Reality hurts.
However, even with the pain and all the heartache.. she's standing still. Majestic and steady, just like the day when I saw her brother ended the Great War.
With fiery eyes and a face so regal no one compares!
And I'm.. I am so proud of her.
**
Tomo escorted the Matsumoto Hirota safely to the execution stage, where V's at.
Silence had suddenly filled the air, there was no more whispering.
A Higher-up representative from the Chinen clan then spoke out to the crowd, stating the crime which Matsumoto Hirota had committed.
But at the end of the sentence, there was a sincere Thank You being shouted from his trembling voice. A voice that can be heard throughout the entire field.
"Thank you for your service to the Soshiki! Despite of what you've committed, you were and still are, our great General Matsumoto-sama!"
He then burst into tears, and bowed his head down toward the former General. The crowd would follow him in an instant.
They were his soldiers, his students, his comrades.. who had fought alongside him in the great war at the end of his leadership.
Kai Deveraux may have ended the war, but Matsumoto Hirota was the one who led the warriors to victory.
And in disbelief, tears started falling down on Matsumoto Hirota's cheeks.. "Vivienne.." He whispered. "Thank you."
Holding the revolver, she replied with a quivering voice. "How could you do this to me.." Her throat ached.
"Please forgive my selfishness, Vivienne. " He softly smiled. "Burry me next to your brother, will you? He was the only son, my only son.."
Vivienne maintained her posture straight, but both her mind and soul struggled whether to scream or to keep on standing still. "Mm." She replied with a head soft nod, as she could no longer utter another word.
Her whole heart is aching, and to carry her duty as one of the leaders hurt her even more.
Silence was all around, everyone was watching the stage, and at twelve-fifteen after midnight under the moonlight, she pointed her revolver at Matsumoto Hirota's head.
**
"Hey Matsumoto-jiji, would you like to hear the story when I first ride the subway in New York?"
"Interesting. Go ahead!"
"Well my dearest brother here was calling me on every five minutes! I'd arrive in station A and he'd be like.. where are you now? Then I'd arrive in station C and he'd be like.. aren't you supposed to be arriving by now?? What took you so long?? Oyy?? Answer me!!"
"Hahaha!"
"I know! Then when I reached the destination point he made another call so I finally blew up!"
"I wonder how it went.."
"I said 'what the fuck Kai I'm thirteen!' Ahahaha that cuss almost cost me an entire year of no allowance, Matsumoto-jiji. My brother was meeaan!!"
"Ha! I don't think he'd have a heart to do so.."
"Well I got scolded for washing the dishes for the entire month but I made uncle Taka sending me some money, haha!”
Endless laughs..
Endless laughs with those two who loved my Kuro Ramen..
I watched them grow, I watched them glow..
Those days..
Inspite of everything that had happened, I had lived to my fullest.
I was happy.
**
At twelve twenty past midnight, Vivienne Ale Deveraux, pulled the trigger.