Jin stretched his arms further back to shake off the jet lag that had been with him since the morning, he'd been flying patrol around the Hokkaido coast for a few hours and didn't catch a break until noon. One of many jobs Norio pilots were required to complete in exchange for the perks and customs they received in return.
He'd gotten the chance to finally wear some normal clothing consisting of a blue shirt and grey pants and shoes, as well as a black bomber jacket. At his hip was also his standard issue pistol, as pilots were allowed to carry both on and off duty.
Sitting across from him was Emma, smiling at her boyfriend while he took another sip of his coffee.
Dressed in a pair of grey pants, black shoes, and a light blue shirt with a jacket, it had been a day off of work for her. The two of them were enjoying a date at a café in Kasane's commercial district sitting outside under an umbrella.
"
"
Jin looked at the photo she pointed at which showed him a week earlier at a corporate headquarters, dressed in his formal military uniform alongside the rest of his family who wore formal wear. At the center of the group was Yasunori Matsuura, an elderly 90 year old CEO of Matsuura Industries and head of the Matsuura Family. The wealthy, noble, and prestigious family Jin was adopted into through his mother Aiko.
"
"?" Emma asked.
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"
"
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"
After a bit more time together Jin paid the bill for their food and the two headed off into the city, Emma holding onto Jin's arm in a lovey-dovey manner. As the two of them continued to walk pass the stores towards their next destination Jin spotted an advertisement floating overhead, one for Matsuura Industries. He sighed to himself.
"
***
*Matsuura Family Estate, Kasane City, 2129 A.D*
The VTOL aircraft landed on the pad and disabled its engines, the pilot giving Aiko the news that they have arrived. She nodded as she gather her belongings and turned to a little boy sitting next to her, her son she adopted a year previously. He was 12 and dressed in a school uniform with his backpack beside him.
"
Jin blushed as he looked down at his feet, he was as shy as ever as it had been a year. A year since Aiko had adopted him and showered him with all the love and affection any mother would give their young.
"
"
The door to the hover car opened to reveal the outside as Jin stepped out onto the platform holding Aiko's hand, before him was a sight of beauty and peace. Jin's eyes widened as he gazed upon the Matsuura Family estate.
A traditional-style Japanese mansion with some modern aspects with Sakura trees surrounding its outer perimeter and another small building adjacent to it. It was a two floor structure with glass windows, stone walkways, and small security drones flying about the vast area. Guards dressed in black suits and holding guns patrolled the area.
A traditional zen garden with a small lake sit behind the house, and the complex was surrounded by wall with only one gate. To top everything off the family's coat of arms and a Japanese flag flew side by side on the structures front lawn.
"
Jin followed his mother off the platform as the guard led them to the estate. Once they arrived the door opened automatically and they proceeded in down the long hallway lined with traditional Japanese art. Walking through a final doorframe the two found themselves in a luxurious yet traditional Japanese style living room. A set of couches in the center with a large glass window providing a full view of Kasane City in the distance.
A small table near the window with a teapot and mugs, more Japanese art prints lined the walls and an HD TV embedded into the wall overhead. Topping everything off were traditional Japanese pots and small trees on display near the marble walls.
Sitting at the head of the table was an old man and woman, beside them were their children all dressed in either business or normal clothing. The old man and women wearing kimonos. Jin and Aiko removed their shoes and walked into the area.
"
"
He was Yasunori Matsuura, CEO of Matsuura Industries and head of the Matsuura Family. Joining him was his wife Sora Matsuura and his other children Saburo, Rei, Michiko, Takeru, and Ayane Matsuura. Each of them glancing at Jin.
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"
Jin looked at Aiko and nodded as he showed himself before his new family. Yasunori eyed him up and down as he walked onto the tatami floor, his hands behind his back the entire time.
"
Jin did as instructed and stopped within inches of the man, even though he was old he was still tall and intimidating.
"
"
"
Aiko chuckled as Jin sat on the tatami floor at the table with the rest of his family, removing his school jacket and sitting next to Aiko. The next few moments Aiko had spent telling the family how she adopted Jin, after finding him injured in an alleyway, she decided to take him home with her seemingly by chance.
"." Sora said giving Jin a cup of green tea. "
Jin nodded. "."
"
Jin looked up and smiled slightly. While still a bit shy he felt good to hear that. After their initial introductions the rest of the family began to rain questions and comments onto Jin as he was their new nephew. Michiko couldn't help but cuddle Jin the entire time while his uncle Saburo teased.
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Jin eventually began to let his guard down more, becoming less shy as time passed and his new extended family continued to get to know him more. Yasunori even remarked that while he understands Jin may not be used to anyone other than Aiko, he need not fear. He was amongst loved ones.
***
Night had fallen and most of the family had bade their farewells leaving the estate and back to their respective careers, but not before giving their nephew a bunch of hugs and kisses. Aiko had been the only ones left at the mansion with her parents. She'd been inside with her mother while Jin walked the gardens with his grandfather, he was dressed in a black and grey kimono provided by one of the estate guards.
"As you are now my eldest grandson Jin, you must understand your position in this family. The Matsuura dynasty goes back many years and have always been of the most prestigious class, all of Japan looks to us in a light equal to that of the imperial family. Do you understand>?"
"
"Aiko is your mother, and therefore her word is absolute. As is mine as your grandfather. But even underlings of the Matsuura family must grow strong. That's where you come in. I shall train you to be strong and intelligent, to be a star role model for all you will meet."
Yasunori placed a hand on Jin's shoulder. Telling him that he would teach Jin his skills and secrets, that he will grow into a strong Matsuura.
"
"
Jin didn't care. He'd grown up with nothing and no one until Aiko had adopted him, and here he was with a mother, grandfather, and above all...a family. Regardless of who they were he was more than happy.
"
***
"...
"
Jin looked down to see his girlfriend poking his cheek as she sat next to him, the performance had ended as the crowd around them clapped. They were in an open field of Isshi Park sitting in a line of chairs with a stage before them, watching a play happening. As the actors gave a final speech the crowd began to disperse after a final round of applause. Jin and Emma stood up and walked to a raised platform where they started to watch the fireworks.
"
"
Jin tightened his grip around Emma's hand a bit as his heartbeat rose a bit, he looked around to see other couples kissing and chatting with one another as the fireworks went on. Emma noticed his behavior and wrapped her arms around his waist looking up at him.
"
The two of them shared a kiss and continued to watch the light show.