The next week passed rather fruitlessly. Though she had only just met him, Miyu was concerned to see that for the rest of that week, Hide was nowhere to be found. She'd questioned both Anri and Eliza, but neither seemed willing to give any answer if they had them. She also hadn't been able to bring herself to ask Saito about the incident during gym class. Instead, she passed her time doing assignments and just settling into her new home.
"Ojou, I have lunch. May I enter?" Saito's voice sounded from the hallway, and she moved to let him into her room. He calmly placed the meal at her desk. Unlike her, he didn't spend much time glazing or noting things around her room before continuing. "I have just received word from your father. There is a meeting tonight. You are to show instead of him."
At this, her ears perked up. She'd attended many meetings in the past, but normally always at her father's side. It was rather peculiar for him to request her presence instead. But knowing her father, he probably hadn't given a reason for the arrangement.
"Who will be attending?"
Organized as always, Saito slid several documents onto her desk.
"The main parties are the Kento Group and the Sato Clan. We have amicable relations with the Sato Clan, but the Kento group is raising some alarms. We've had rare dealings with them, as they mainly operated in mainland Japan, but recently their influence has been extending to Hong Kong and areas of China. In doing so, they are encroaching on our territory as well as the Sato's."
"So this isn't a meeting. It's a warning." Miyu let out a breath, leaning back in her chair.
"It seems preparations for your initiation are beginning." Miyu stopped herself from adding the word 'finally' to his sentence. She had always known this time would come, and she awaited it earnestly. Now that it was nearly here, she sat in anticipation for succeeding her father. He was only getting older, and he had done so much for her. He deserved to step back and live the rest of his years peacefully. She would ensure it. Determined, she flipped through the documents, memorizing each word before handing them back to Saito. "Get rid of these."
"Ojou." He lowered his head in a bow, excusing himself from the room and closing the door behind him.
"Wait, Saito--" He stopped, a crack of the door separating the two.
"Yes?" Miyu breathed, making her way to the door and gently opening it up. She stood firmly, raising her head to meet his eyes.
"You...you don't have to stay here. If you'd like to return to Okinawa, I am okay with that." She watched him carefully, his expression changing to something...unfamiliar to her. She knew that the words she'd uttered were a bit uncharacteristic for her, but she couldn't help but feel as if she were dragging him around on a string despite his desires. Yet the face he made was unexpected.
His violet eyes thinned into slits, a gentle smile pulling at his lips as he faced the younger girl.
"Ojou, my place is at your side. No matter where that may be. Your concern is appreciated, but do not worry. I do not regret leaving." With that, he shut the door, closing the distance between them. His words left an unfamiliar feeling in her chest. Saito was not the type to lie, but she wondered if he was saying that simply because of his position.
Even if he did go back to Okinawa, he would be looked down upon in the organization. Her father would definitely have the temper to even remove him. As her right-hand man, she regretted that he may never be able to speak his mind. Again, it felt like her coronation was too far in the distance. When it was time for her to lead, she would definitely ask him again. And if his choice was to leave, she would provide every resource to make it happen.
*
"Are you ready?" Saito's voice sounded outside her door, and Miyu walked out with a determined fire in her eyes. She was dressed in a crimson red kimono, the signature red oni mask tied to her hip. Her hair had been fixed into an intricate updo, with gentle strands framing her face. Not often did she dress in this attire, but it felt like a power radiated within her as she ran her fingers over the red fabric. "This suits you." Saito gave a proud nod and pulled open the car door.
She stepped inside the vehicle, the door shutting behind her. Perhaps because it was rare for Saito to compliment, Miyu did her best to hide the smile from him. She felt almost childish to be stirred by simple words, yet they were the only thing on her mind for the entire drive.
Soon the quiet, unsuspecting neighborhood began to turn into brightened, neon lights. Host clubs and sleazy con artists littered the streets promising fame and stardom. Host clubs lined the streets, and tourists walked cheerily, but warily clutching their bags and items. In between the crowds of people, Miyu could point out some too-obviously-innocent looking people that could only be undercover cops. Though places like this were just as dangerous for them, armed or not.
Saito made a turn toward a dark alley and drove until the only light reflected was their own headlights. Shortly, the vehicle came to a stop and the headlights darkened. The alley was dimly lit by faraway and towering neon signs inviting passersby. Though she'd attended many meetings with her father, they had never taken place in a location so...public. It was almost mocking to those unaware of the deals and crimes taking place.
Saito helped her out of the car, and after a deep breath, she placed the mask over her face. The contrast of her ornate, extravagant kimono against the scowling, sneering ceramic was a foreboding sight. Miyu felt a pang of nervousness in her chest, but that disappeared immediately when Saito took a step at her side.
The two exchanged a knowing nod, and Saito stepped in front of her, pulling open a door and entering ahead. They came to a small room, similar to a lobby area. On each wall was a plain, inconspicuous metal door. Saito stepped toward the one directly ahead, not sparing so much as a glance at the other two. He placed a single knock on the surface.
A voice sounded. "Fortune will call at the smiling gate."
Saito responded robotically. "Laughter cannot bring back what anger has driven away."
The door swung open.