"Speak." The man facing Touma emitted a strong dominating aura around him but the way he looks at Touma was soft.
"Father, I have a favour to ask you. I want to get married!" Nobu jaw almost dropped to the floor and his eyes bulged bewildered to his so-called 'favour'. He never forced Touma for anything except succeeding the family and Touma since he was a kid; he never had caused anyone's trouble. Don't mention about rebellion a teenager had, he was having that too. It just never brought any serious problem. He is a good kid regardless of the way he was brought up to. Nobu never had to worry much about him but this time his demand is quite puzzling to Nobu.
"I thought you weren't serious with her. That is why I let you be," When he heard about Kahina and Touma, his emotion was riled up. Anzo and Hinode a nemesis for years and it makes him anxious but when he once saw the genuine smile on Touma's face he knows he should not be a stumbling block for both of them. He just needs to wait and observe. And he took a liking the way the girl creates the path to his son's heart. Even though he was cleared how manipulated she is but it actually a bonus for Touma to survive when he took his place later.
A truce between the two biggest yakuza family will heighten their power and influence. But from the information he had, Touma never accepts her more than a friend despite how strong she came to him.
"She somehow becomes an important person to me. I need to protect her with everything I have. Please lend me your help."
"Do you know other families will do everything they can to stop you right?" Indeed he is clear the other families with feeling anxious when two strongest yakuza family decide to unite. That is why he comes to Nobu for help. Touma knows his father will be able to help him and the favour he asked was to protect Kahina and Anzo family as well.
"Yes, father. To protect her and our family, I need to get married as soon as possible."
"I don't think marriage is the solution but more to create chaos. Let me meet and talk with Hinode first." Nobu can't agree to him without a proper plan. He can't let any harm to Touma and the family but he also not complete against his wish.
"Err… Father… I think you misunderstand me." Touma inhales a lot of air and blew it softly as he tried to arrange his thought to Nobu. He will never be married to Kahina. It was his wish that will never come true. He just wanted to protect her without harms his family.
"What do you mean? I thought you want to marry her." Now Nobu was more confused. This son of his was too complicated to understand. He doesn't want to marry her but he wanted to protect her.
Nobu frowned and turned his gaze to Ando instead but he disappointed with Ando's response. Ando has avoided his eyes by looking down prior to Nobu gaze.
'Please Master. I know nothing. Young Master didn't speak a word about getting married and sort of,' Ando silently pleaded his innocence inside. Nobu maybe his Master but his loyalty remain to Touma and it was the truth. Touma didn't spill a bean to him about it. If Touma did, he will be opposed it way earlier. He was shocked too when he heard Touma earlier. They were so many question pop up in his mind but he needed to keep it to himself for now.
"Please find me a bride. She must be the same level as Kahina but her background shall not be a threat to the family."
"Wait, Touma. Explain." Nobu was unable to comprehend his demand. 'What he meant by finding him a bride? It is not Kahina? Wait! He wants to sacrifice himself did he?' A flash of anger and the sound of him clenched his jaw was obvious of his displeasure. He will never let him do that. Nobu once lost his wife and never in his wildest mind would he let his precious son sacrifice himself for the sake of others. It is tortured enough when his wife decided to save both of them and now Touma wants to do the same for the sake of his love and family too. No! He refuses to accept it.
Touma saw his father reaction and he tightens his fists while looking down. He knows his father loves him and this is not something he will allow Touma to do but Touma needs to convince him to agree. It is for everyone advantage.
"If you thinking about what I thought you will do, then the answer is no. I will not help you. Your mother will curse me from heaven."
"Father, please. When I get married, Kahina will stop her advanced and no one feels threaten towards us. And I believe you find me the one that able to let our family become stronger. It is a win-win situation for everyone."
"Not for you. You will live without love. Our family was dark enough to live through and the only thing kept us human was love. Stop this nonsense for instance!" he smashed the table. A loud noise from it was scared Ando guts but not Touma.
"Mother will agree with me. She will want me to protect you. Please help me do this!" he does a dogeza [1] gesture to portray his sincerity and determination.
"This rotten child!" Nobu raised his hand to beat him but he was stopped by Ando.
"Please Master. Please understand his pain." Ando totally felt his guts were twisted too much for him to dare opposed Nobu directly but looking at Touma pitiful plead, he had no choice.
Nobu retracted his hand harshly and said, "Humph! Who do you think I am? I don't need your protection!" He stood and walked out from the room leaving Touma still on dogeza position.
[1]kneeling directly on the ground and bowing to prostrate oneself while touching one's head to the floor.