< Introduction >
He was embracing the new chapter of Miyazono Naoko. In his last chapter, he saw that his beloved fiancé had passed away, and now he's been recovering well while doing his job.
Present Times: Three years later, there's a time when he's overworked and has just collapsed in his office. Luckily, after Kaiyo's death, he'd still heard her voice from the wind, hushed tones throughout his ears, and when he looked back, there was no one behind him. Even the windows are closed. He goes for a check, and it says it's just hallucinations. It kept going all day and then on to the following days.
One day, Naoko receives a phone call from Anastasia, Kayo's mom. She says she wants to have lunch with him before shopping. She wants to see him before heading to another country for research. Naoko told Anastasia about his sickness lately, and it was not just him. Anastasia also kept hearing her husband's voice from the wind and felt his warm hand touch her hand. He was surprised by what he'd heard, and she chose to keep a secret from Ivan and Noah. But instead, since they're both in the same situation, they share secrets and laugh.
" I should be leaving now, my son."
" Ack... ah Mrs. Shinomiya.. "
" huh? " She stopped when she heard 'Mrs.' " Naoko- you don't have to call me Mrs. You're already my son-in-law."
" I feel selfish these few days because of not visiting her... usually."
" Silly boy, don't be anxious too much with or without a day of visiting my daughter. She's watching you, and they're here for us. It's your choice, Naoko. I've still got contact with Kazue and Michio, and I heard you dropped a new project, and it's coming soon."
"You're too nice... please...I regretted- "
the hesitancy inside his body is flowing. She embraced him and said, " I'll say the same: call me mother or mom like Malishka. Do you're already part of the family, even if one day you find another girl... "
" And same as before too, I wouldn't... I will never replace Kaiyo inside me.. "
" Let's all live a normal life, Nao."
As their conversation got longer, they didn't know the time. " Oh my! It's past noon, I need to go, excuse me..." Naoko is off to work, and Anastasia gets going, too.
< I can't sleep at night.... >
-----------------
It's so noisy these days, why is it loud again?
This one employee was discussing, and Naoko should have paid more attention.
"Sir, are you fine these days? You looked pale..."
" Ah- sorry I interrupted your work, you may continue...ha..ha... phew.."
[ Whispering between colleagues ]
"Hey! Boss Miyazono seems to be spacing lately, " Wato said.
" Takahashi-san, do you know what Sir Miyazono is up to? "
" Eh- nothing in particular... I don't know..! Why is it? He has always worked to calm down."
Wato was being pushy and asked the secretary ", Secretary Amasawa, what do you think of the boss? yoYou'veticked to Sir too, so you know rig- "
Ayame sighed and said. " Our CEO must be exhausted, but we all know he'll recover fast. "She nods. All the employees went back to work at once.
[ sigh ] I made Roku and his co-workers for me. Once again, it's a brand new day, okay? It's been a long, long time since I relaxed like this.
or maybe not....? because everyone said I looked pale, hahaha
[ - Looks at the mirror - ]
-----------------
Ooh- I really must have gotten thinner than usual....? is a bad habit of mine. I'm so sorry for skipping my meals.
[ glance grin ] Phew.... just looking at you makes my heart feel at ease...how are you, my darling Kaiyou? Sorry for not visiting you as I used to, Ms. Anasu- Mom said it's fine, it's so busy, you know y-you see, I don't know what to do later tonight. Hmm, practice..? I need to work on it. Using your fingertips will be so exhausting. What shall I do after work? Better go to sleep [sighed]. I miss you so much every day, Kaiyou. I know you're watching, so just keep it up. I have no meaning to live without you, yet they push me to move forward. [ laughed ]
~ Kaiyo smirked a little and said. ~ ( What a busy man? Sigh. You're exhausted. You had sleepless nights. Your handsome appearance might lose its shine. I don't want that to happen, so please take a nap when you go home)
~ Naoko flinched hard as soon as her voice approached him. ~
Ahh, that hushed tone again.
I see it's you, Kaiyou. Why am I afraid? I'm not haunted anymore. This is normal, isn't it? Oh, this is great. I have finally found the person I wanted to talk to.
< I feel your warm hug from behind >
[ Sighing ] ( hmm..? you are a sharp-witted man, but when it comes to your health you're useless.. )
[ dumbfounded ] It sounds dreadful, but I accept that you're correct anyway...as long it was said by you... [ hmph ]
(Nao Nao Darling) She used his nickname instead of saying the word 'Now' ( everyone's counting on you, so don't feel bad about it...enough drama~ ) [ giggles ]
Now you'd laugh around me, okay fine, I'm going to rest, my dear moth-
" Excuse me, this is the Head Department and Manager Tanaka.." They suddenly knocked.
[ Flinched ] " A- yes, come in, come in. What brings you here? "
( count on your man, my beloved; I'm off ) She disappeared.
" Manager Tanaka, what's with the restless face? " he was confused.
" U-um boss... the final files for the project."
" Yes and? "
The Head Department sighed and said. " It is stolen. The documents on the envelope were gone! And the copy on the computer was deleted. Sir, we must investigate it right now! "
Naoko's clenching his teeth and slamming his table. " This....! tsk! Who could that be? Call the policies, and I'll go down once they arrive! "
" Yes, boss, " both of them nod.
I must call and lend me a hand.
< Before >
" What, you're now a crime consultant? " Naoko was surprised.
" Yes, Hiro pushed me to be one..hahaha! "
" Mi-chi? th-then next time, lend me a hand, okay? "
I've taken this opportunity. I will not let Dad find out about this crucial event...
[ rings ]
" Naoko, what's up? "
" It finally started...hurry up and come to my office. I need you here, brother, this instant..! "
He'd finally hang up, but I can't just rest assured here...I need to go out...
( No need to freak out, you can do this, Naoko...."
thanks.
" Naoko...! I've checked it all and found the mastermind while going here.."
" Indeed. Great job, Detective Brother ~ "
" Don't mention it. In a way, one comrade quickly blocked this company's security. We cannot let this issue be public. Now, what shall we do, Naoko? "
" .....Before we look for the person who stole the documents. I'll state to the conference meeting next five days- "
" You can't do that, Nao...! Let's go to your office; let me tell you more information I'd gather.."
this… So, this is the crime organization group.
" What you're thinking is indeed factual, this is the mafia's underground territory.. "
" Yakuzas are still active until now in the nineteen-hundreds the anti-law had started.. but it seems this organization is still operating.. maybe this is the group that was the last not to be found.
" Yakuza does exist?" he muttered.
" This is serious. If we hold a fight, it will cause mayhem."
" Yes, but on the contrary, we cannot ignore this at all, not to mention the event is near already....the documents from the secret passageway... How did the snatchers know? And for the project, I'll try to find a way to recover it all. I also discovered that they hacked all of their banking accounts. Your people need to learn about this, so make a move, hold a meeting later, or just let them stay here overnight. I'll contact their family's houses."
" Okay...contact me once you're done, and tell Mom and Dad I'll be in Hiroshima starting today...I need to buy some time, brother."
" I got your back. Rest assured, Naoko." He nodded and hugged Naoko to cheer him up. " Don't get tense, and everyone's here for you.."
Naoko embarrassedly added. " ....Ca-can I also invite Micchi...I mean Hiro to the hotel. I'm just going to call him over here."
" Of course, he always clings to his uncle, so why not if you ask him...he can't say no to you either, HA! HA! HA! "
~ Nobuyuki left the company, headed to the mansion, and delivered the message to Hiro. In addition, he was thrilled by the news, but Yuki told him about the situation in Naoko's company, so he was fully aware of what was happening. Moreover, he advised him not to entertain anyone once he got there. As for Naoko, he's holding a quick meeting online for the other departments to be aware of the organization. Naoko provided temporary bank accounts, sent money to their families promptly, and let them all go home. Naoko invited his friend from China to help him inspect the employee's belongings. In conclusion, it was all clear and safe. ~
" Hiro-yu-ki MI-CHI~ hello hello~ "
okay, let's pretend to be his age so we are more comfortable talking like last time...! Let's not be like Nobuyuki, that old fart-
" Umm...Naoko-san, you don't need to pretend. I'm not a kid anymore. I heard what happened here, so let's both act normally..."
I speculated this much- wait what did he say? " BINGO....! Your father told you oya~ since you knew it already, there was no need to hide it. You'll come with me to Hiroshima."
" We'll stay there for a couple of days, right? "
It's hard to lie to this kid. " Indeed. "
I'm just going to smile and nod; he'll find out by himself anyway
" Now let's go, time is running, oh! Did you have dinner? If yes, I'll take you to the hotel's top and have a midnight snack."
" Er...is that okay with this situation..? ". As expected of my Uncle, he is challenging all right, what an elegant businessman...! not to mention highly intelligent and quite knowledgeable not only in business but at the same level as Dad...! Both had natural talents to grasp everything through their broad knowledge, but my family was expensive.
[ grin_ laughed ]
Talking about inheritance and genes-
" Hmm...Huh Mi-chi! Hop in! "
" Uwah- " Gosh...I praised them so well. Mom is so lucky to give birth from an imperial family."
< It reminds me of the good memories... >
" Hiroyuki..."
" erm..i.yeszh..." he Flinched and gulped.
" ha...yes, what is Naoko-san? "
"Don't talk when your mouth is complete, will you? " Naoko laughed and pinched his chubby cheeks.
[ proceeds... ] "This place, the rooftop we're standing right now, is where a man proposed to his fiancé three years ago...or perhaps four years at least. This rooftop's getting old, but after her and her father's death, Ivan, her eldest brother, said she would be glad to see if that guy would manage this hotel. After all, Tomio, the owner, gives it and passes it to him. That guy sure is so trustworthy, right?"
" Hmm...I see a tragic ending for you, and she isn't Naoko-san.. "
"you've looked closely, and you're a smart kid. After all, you resembled Yuki. But you know what? Even without her, I can still sense her these days. I could not visit her daily, so it hit me every day, cursing myself for not fulfilling my promise, but I could hear her from the wind. When her breath gets closer to my ear, it's warmer. She'll whisper in your ear and embrace you from behind. My love hasn't changed for three years, and I keep living anyway. Even if I die, I will be with her.
[ advanced ] "You'll end up in hell if you commit suicide," he insisted on the possible situation.
" But I know it's not the right time to think of dying,
I was given a great opportunity and responsibility and added you guys by my side... "
Naoko turned to him and smiled like he used to in the past.
" hmm....that's why you're so close with her family, even the head maid that brought her here too.." He fully understands.
" I'm happy that I'm part of that family called Shinomiya.."
" Eh- that's what I saw in the newspapers every time! no way "
" I see~ ours, and theirs are one of the biggest companies in Japan, that's why this head boss of the organization I'll fight them.. "
" B-but do you think there's another way to stop and let them confess? "
" My boy~ this uncle of yours... doesn't care about the king's pawns...~ "
Since then, they wanted to take me over. If they want money, I'll give it to them, but on the contrary, the safety of all people and my people is essential.
" Naoko-san, you know I've been thinking about this...you and Dad are prodigies...I know it's too much praise haha.. "
" Their life, their sacrifice for the king Mi-chi ~ "
He sighed. " You and Dad sure are brothers who resemble each other, man. I cannot interfere with two men's jobs anyway."
" Na-uh, in the future, you might be the one to help your father with cases. Also, what will you take in college? "
" I'm not so sure yet. I want to discover more about myself. I'm afraid I can't give you an answer.. "
" No, it doesn't. It's good to think before proceeding, ha, good thing you didn't resemble your mo- "
He went overboard. [ Groans ] " ...speaking of which, it's already past three am, we're unable to travel around here. I have work in the afternoon. Maybe I'll let you stroll alone with Livia, the head maid.. "
" It's fine to work comes first before real freedom anyways, hahaha~."
" My, my~ head to your room now "
~ Pats each other's back, and Hiro went inside. ~
< Rival caused mayhem >
[ sigh ] I've been looking forward to the unexpected fight... but how will this all go?
The press conference is near. I need to deal with this fast..( Having a hard time? )
" Indeed, I am... "
(don't give in; I'm sure this will end in peace)
" Peace, you say. I hope so. Do you know what will happen? "
( Even if I know, what will you do? )
" I... don't know... I'll use telepathy. Or ask you..? The answer to the future? "
( What the hell? Decision Naoko. Am I the one who's there? )
" Then what should I do? Our family is in danger.. his men are everywhere; I know they're here spying on me.. "
( Where did your confidence in fighting go? The fighting spirit I saw a long time ago? )
" Ah..... "
Should I bring it back? My past self.. but I promised my parents not to hook a fight for our family... Mom wanted me to be elegant at work.. after what happened with Baron.
[ sigh ] Mom almost lost consciousness because of me... Even Yuki lectured me (Darling, you're spacing out again. Isn't the time to sleep? It's midnight already )
I'm sorry, but I can't stand or sit down and do nothing. In short, I'm panicking.
( Talking with a ghost like me isn't worth it)
No, that's not true. I'm just acting like I'm having fun and don't care what's happening.. in front of Mi-chi.
Kaiyo's wisp of voice was gone. She'd think of a way to make him sleep, but she couldn't do anything with her hands. She can never push him to bed because she's just like a ghost showing up behind his back. She's doing everything within her strength just by talking.
( "How to force him...? Either way, I'll let him be, and I wanna return to where I belong." )
Kaiyo? Are you still there? Let's talk more...
Ah.... where are.. you? I see. So you've left without a word, but how can you do that? You're just a soul anyway.. free your soul; don't worry about me.
< Returns > Naoko leaves a note to Livia to give to Ivan when we go there.
" Are your bags ready? "
" Rest assured, everything's complete." [ nods ]
[ incoming call: ] huh? Who might this be? A, it's Roku
" Good afternoon, Roku. What's the matter? "
" Hello, sir. Takahashi Rokuro is speaking. Naoko-san, please, if you're coming back, don't. It's dangerous, Nobuyuki-san's in danger....! "
".... what? ". Naoko looked at Hiro.
" Huh, what's the matter, Uncle? " he dropped his phone and sped up in his car.
" H-hey wait...! Slow down..! " Hiro grasp. " What's with the fuss? Why are you panicking? Tell me, who called you? " He asked all his hurrying questions in one breath.
" Nobuyuki.... Yuki...! " He didn't finish the line.
" Wh-what.. happened to Dad... " he held his grip then grasped his forehead to hair.
Yuki...! you- why'd you have to fight alone...!
" Hiro, you straight home..! I'll be heading to the place right now...! "
" No..! let me go there with you, I'm sure Dad is sobbing there..! "
" LISTEN TO ME ONCE...! " He shouted with a harsh expression.
Hiro grasped and pulled his collar. " Th... snap out of it. MY FATHER IS IN DANGER, I KNOW....! BUT IF YOU GO ALONE WITHOUT A COMPANION.... "
" Hiroyuki.....? " he went silent and blank. " Now drive, I don't care if Mom wants to meet me today.. even in our situation right now..! "
Kaito's voice appeared again. Naoko glanced at his hand and looked back. He felt her warm hands on him and almost hit another vehicle on the road. He was distracted by her short appearance.
" Oh shoot...! "
Ah, come on... focus...!
As he tried to focus on the road, he couldn't help but worry about his Mom. What if she knew what was happening right now, and would she scold or feel disappointed?
< Scandalous: Gang on the road >
It was traffic, and Hiro wanted to check out once he went out. Hiro saw a big guy with their motorbike. It was a gang that he didn't know existed.
Naoko immediately called him to get in the car because he might get hooked by them. Naoko didn't predict this; his mindset was that the boss was in his company or this gang was another. He mysteriously masks everyone so he can't determine where their boss is. The only person Naoko was familiar with was one of his employees, but his friend said there was nothing suspicious about them. He escaped inspection day, and now that he fully understands the situation even more, he and Hiro have made three plans. One part is also saving Nobuyuki.
Naoko almost forgot the small detection device where he could locate where he was, so he gave it to Hiro and ran to the abandoned hospital, where he found the location. It's his turn to take action. It has nothing to do with gangs on the road, but the citizens were harassed and created a big commotion. The city's police officers were around them, but the gang's people were enormously strong and too many to handle. Naoko thinks of a way, but he hears the police calling for backups for circumstances. He knows it doesn't make sense. His body tensed up from not having a full-time rest, so he wanted to warm up.
The worker from his company was connected to the Mafia's boss and betrayed them, so he asked himself what he was doing now with another gang. His brain moved quickly and searched. He found out that the one lowly group joined with the last team in Japan, that's why they're so many appeared, but also part of his conclusion is they have a real deal at their backs once they've fought with the same level and lost, they'll call their upper rankings which will ruin the whole city, and police will be injured.
To sum up, he also called his Chinese friend to collaborate with him and brought the best guys from China whose gang was under his friend. Naoko added that he said to buy some time and added two more hours, but his bones were numb. As they cleared up, it took him a long time. When he looked up, he saw a woman dead from their punches and her husband cornering him, but he didn't survive the two men. Naoko was confident he could beat ten men with one blow but couldn't jump in. From his hesitation, he saw a girl there but was unsure if it was a girl or a boy.
Hiroyuki arrived safely at last, and he said there were other people besides five of them.
Nobuyuki looked up. " Na-oko....I'm fine," and smirked like a jerk child.
Naoko hurried and gave him a hand. "Brother! You.. " he sighed and smirked as well. " Good grief, you're not badly injured." He looked up at Mitsuya and said, " He made his eyes wider and switched his pace of looking to the road, and there's full of bloody people; they killed,
they were not just a gang but murders. " Ack!" while he was shocked, his palms and forehead sweated, and Naoko gulped every second. His feet could not move from where he was standing. He felt so heavy inside, but it was just a feeling.
[ blurry ] " Na...oko NAOKO...! " Not even once he hears Yuki and Hiro's voices for a minute, and Hiro gives him a wake-up punch to brighten him " Oi Hiro..! "
" How is he? " Hiro became soft after.
[ Threw up ] "Puke... Tsk, thanks for that, Mi-chi." Then smiled with a pat.
" Everyone, It's time to show our skills in crime. "
Naoko tells the plan, and it's been one hour, so they'll attack them the rest of the time. They'd known about the Chinese gang, and his friend would also come in person to fight alongside him.
< Report >
It was shown on the big screen what was happening [ smashed & cracked ]. The lower rank from the gang crashed the net and fell into the people who were stuck in their cars and injured.
" Nobuyuki, "he called his full name. "... unusual? " [ surprised ]
" Stay here. Mi-chi and I will end this ." Naoko wanted Yuki to watch what he'd.
" Even if it's none of your business, would you help? " he asked while being stubborn but couldn't watch him throwing up blood, so he'd help him.
" Oya? " A sudden voice joined in the conversation.
" kon-nichiwa~ minna~ o genki desu ka? "
" Oh, you stop it...! " [ slapped ]
< Hiro's trembling >
To be Continued.