Best Laid Plans for Mathias!
Title: Best Laid Plans of Liars
Author: monarchist
Recipient: Mathias
Pairing/Characters: Hirakoba, Zaizen, Tezuka, Atobe, Sanada, Yukimura, Niou, Oshitari Yuushi, Oshitari Kenya, Shiraishi, Kai, Shishido, Echizen, Tooyama
Rating: PG/PG-13
Warnings: mentions of violence
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine, unfortunately.
Summary: Hirakoba is sent to Tokyo on a mission and meets a member of the Shitenhouji-kai. (Yazuka AU)
Notes: Mathias, I tried to hit upon each of the pairings you requested, so I hope you love it.
Hirakoba dislikes dark, dingy places. It's one thing if they look like that from the outside, but when the interior is the same... no thanks. Hard pass.
Kite had sent him here on some intel-gathering mission. Something something Tezuka, something something that he had tuned out because whenever the job involved Tezuka, Kite was never in a right frame of mind. Of course, Hirakoba would never say that to Kite's face. He likes having all of his fingers and limbs, unlike some of the other people in their group.
Regardless, this place does not rank on the top ten list of places Hirakoba would go if he had a choice. Half the lights are out -- probably to help with shady deal-making -- and it smells. Hirakoba crinkles his nose in disgust as he steps around a group of men playing go, a messy stack of yen next to the board. He slides onto a stool at the end of the bar and orders a beer.
"You should have specified a brand," a voice says and Hirakoba looks around for the sound before his eyes land on another man dressed in black.
"I'm new," Hirakoba replies with a smile and takes a swig. It's absolutely disgusting, but he doesn't give the stranger the satisfaction of being right. "And you are?"
"Z," comes the answer. "And no, you don't get more than that Hirakoba Rin."
Shit. He turns towards Z and leans against the bar. "Now that isn't fair, hun. You knowing my name and I just get a snippet of yours."
"I know more than that," Z says, his voice lowering when the bartender comes close to wipe down the bar. Damn eavesdropper.
"Really now? Well, isn't that interesting?" Hirakoba rubs his thumb up and down the bottle out of habit. He looks Z up and down for any sign of weaponry. The hunched manner of his new friend tells him that the young man's fighting skills are subpar.
"Do you always look at people like that?"
"Like what?"
Z shrugs. "Like you're sizing them up for sex."
Hirakoba laughs. "Well, my hotel room is a few blocks away, but I'm meeting someone here, so you'll have to wait."
"Did it ever occur to you that I'm the one you were scheduled to meet?"
"I was expecting someone from the Rokkaku-kai. Unless you're a member of that, you're not who I'm here for, hun."
"You would have to pay me to be a member of that dysfunctional group." Z clicks his tongue. "Listen, this isn't exactly the best place to talk. I'm staying with a friend in Tokyo. Come with me and you'll get what you came here for."
"Give me proof you have what I need." Hirakoba nudges the beer bottle away. "The sooner I get back, the better. I don't trust Tanishi with my fish."
"He's dead. Also, afraid he'll eat them all? You really should put that guy on a diet."
Z slides off the stool and starts for the back exit. Hirakoba follows.
***
"Remind me why he's here again. What kind of kumicho sends their wakagashira to discuss business?"
"Atobe. You know the answer to your question."
"It really shouldn't matter."
"Oh, but it does," Atobe says, glaring at the supposed intruder. "There's no point in discussing anything if we have to wait for a reply from His Highness."
"That's really rich, coming from you."
"Sanada. Atobe. Enough."
Atobe huffs. Sanada crosses his arms.
"You know Yukimura is recovering and travel is ill-advised right now."
"All the more reason his first lieutenant should be by his side. It would be rather unfortunate if your precious kumicho was assassinated because you weren't performing your duties."
"I assure you, he is under strict protection unlike some people in this room."
Tezuka rolls his eyes. "If this is all you two are going to do, I'll just go speak with Yukimura and Shiraishi on my own."
"Now now, Tezuka," Atobe says with a conciliatory tone to his voice. "There's no need to be hasty. Sanada and I are just bantering. It's our way of greeting."
"If that's what you want to call it," Sanada says skeptically. "Anyway, Yukimura's willing to call a temporary suspension to our recruitment activities if Hyoutei, Seigaku, and Shitenhouji will do the same."
"Are you kidding me? Rikkaidai has over fifty thousand members. If anything, you should stop and the rest of us should be allowed to catch up."
"Don't be jealous because we have a better organization than you do, Atobe."
"Please," the Hyoutei kumicho says. "The members of my group are excellent."
"Rikkaidai rejects," Sanada supplements then looks at Tezuka. "Sorry."
"Are you two done?"
"As I was saying, we'll suspend our activities if you all do the same. Under normal circumstances--"
"By which you mean if Yukimura was one hundred percent," Atobe interjects.
"Under normal circumstances," Sanada continues, "Rikkaidai would maintain its expansion, but Yukimura happens to feel it's unfortunate that the competition isn't, and I quote, capable of being a proper threat."
"How delightful. Tezuka, you can't possibly--" Atobe cuts himself off when Tezuka closes his eyes and raises his hand slightly to pause him in his tracks.
"I happen to agree with Yukimura," Tezuka says eventually then takes a sip of tea. "We have been too careless lately and, as such, have damaged our organizations. It would be good to take time to regroup and recuperate. Plus, the silence will keep the police away for awhile."
Atobe can't believe what he's hearing. Tezuka has clearly gone insane, but he relents. "Very well then. I agree, but I want it in writing." He leans forward in his seat. "And while we're still here, what about the rumblings of Higa and Rokkaku that have been going around?"
"Of course," Tezuka acquiesced. "From what I know, Kite has sent one of his kyodai here. If he makes it to the mainland, Zaizen has been designated to intercept him before he meets with Kurobane."
"What do you mean by 'if he makes it here?'" Atobe asks. "I still don't understand why we just haven't taken them out yet."
"Kite put out a hit on his kyodai," Sanada starts. "If he gets to the mainland -- and Yukimura is positive that he will -- Rokkaku has given Kurobane the task of finishing the job. In any case, we haven't taken them out because of Tezuka. If Kite finds out that he failed his mission, we have a problem."
"And when Kite learns that his kyodai is still alive, he'll come here to do what he should have done in the first place," Atobe says. "How is that any better?"
"There is already a plan in place if it comes to that," Tezuka says.
"In the meantime," Sanada says, "we have someone from Shitenhouji to keep things going the way we want them to. It will work out in the end, Atobe."
"I'm going to assume that Yukimura also strongly dislikes it when you are correct."
"You have no idea."
Tezuka finishes his tea and sets the cup down. "Our business is done. Sanada, please give my regards to Yukimura. Atobe, shall we? I need to be in Osaka by nine."
"I shall. You'll have our agreement by noon tomorrow." Sanada stands and bows then leaves the room.
Atobe looks over at Tezuka. "I do hope you know what you're doing, playing with fire like that."
"Kite is little more than a spark on a stretch of concrete," Tezuka tells him.
"I meant Sanada, but your near-death experience with Kite also says plenty."
"He is a fire that is easily controlled," Tezuka says, standing. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
***
Hirakoba likes Z's friend's place. It's light and airy with that comfortable, lived-in feel that he can only imagine comes with not being a member of the yakuza. Lucky bastard.
"I don't think he's home, but let me check to make sure. He can be quiet when he wants to be and sometimes he enjoys being annoyingly dramatic. Kitchen's over there, better alcohol at the bar near the balcony, bathroom down the hall to your left. I'll be back soon."
Z disappears down another corridor. This place is far bigger than anywhere he's lived in Okinawa. The living room alone is bigger than his entire apartment. It's so unfair.
Hirakoba takes up the offer of better booze. There's some bourbon and aged whiskey plus mini bottles of flavored vodka in the bar fridge. He grabs a couple of bottles of the mango vodka and some coconut rum. There's even ice cubes. Hell, he could really get used to this.
"Mango and coconut over ice. Classy. At least it's not goya," Z says, another man joining him in the living room. "Hirakoba, this is Oshitari. He's the saiko-komon for the Hyoutei-kai."
Lovely. Now Hyoutei is involved. Hirakoba downs his concoction and tries not to think about how Z knew about the goya. Regardless, it's definitely better than the swill at that godforsaken bar.
"Nice to meet you, Hirakoba-kun," Oshitari drawls, walking towards the bar that Hirakoba is still standing behind. "My lovely friend here has told me so much about you, but I'd really love to know more from your own mouth."
"That better not be code for making out, Oshitari, or I'll have to inform Kenya. He'll be terribly disappointed in you."
"Well, we can't have that, hmm?" Oshitari holds his hands up. "I promise that was not an invitation to make out. Though, you do have very lovely lips. Do you use a lip scrub?"
"Must you?" Z asks, frustration apparent in his voice.
"Right, my apologies. Anyway, I understand you're here from the Higa-gumi investigating Tezuka. It's all terribly fascinating, your kumicho killing my kumicho's ex-boyfriend." Oshitari sighs. "Such a waste. Tezuka was quite gorgeous."
Z sighs. "I'm sorry. The guy's dead and this one still has a crush."
Hirakoba laughs. He doesn't know the reasons why Kite took Tezuka's life. Only that it was some strange obsession that has clearly lasted despite the other man being dead. He would never understand the way the heads of the organizations worked which was perfectly fine with him so long as he didn't get caught in the crossfire.
"He must have been someone very special."
"Oh yes," Oshitari starts. "Tezuka almost managed to get all the splintered groups under one umbrella syndicate. Unfortunately..."
"My oyabun silenced him." Hirakoba shrugs. "He isn't called the Hitman for nothing."
***
The driver pulls up in front of a takoyaki stand. An obnoxious-looking redhead in a leopard print shirt stands behind the stall. Atobe can hear him yelling about the food he's trying to peddle through the confines of the car. He wishes he had noise-cancelling headphones.
"I don't know why he couldn't meet you somewhere. He does remember you're injured, correct?"
"It's thanks to him I'm still alive." Tezuka unbuckles his seatbelt. "Will you be coming with me or staying here?"
"If staying means I have to listen to that child then I will be joining you."
"Very well," Tezuka says and exits the vehicle, nodding at the hyperactive redhead before entering the temple, Atobe following quickly behind.
"GET YOUR TAKOYAKI!" He hears the redhead shout as the door slides shut behind him.
"Shiraishi-kumicho is waiting for you in the back room behind the altar." The bald man bows then leaves.
"Who sets up their organization in a temple?" Atobe asks quietly as they walk through.
"Osamu and Shiraishi," Tezuka replies. "The Shitenhouji-kai is very popular among the population here, especially the children."
Atobe looks skeptically around. That redhead is probably one of the children. He appears to be seven, mentally. "Do not tell me they are the ones who started that ridiculous Halloween tradition."
"Then I won't." He knocks a pattern lightly on the door frame of the back room.
"Come on in, Tezuka." The door slides open and they step through. "Kenya, please go make sure than Kintarou is selling the takoyaki and not eating it."
"Fill me in later, yeah, Kura?"
A nod and the man is gone. "It's nice to see you whole."
"Mostly, Shiraishi," Tezuka says. "I hope it isn't too imposing that I brought Atobe."
"Not at all. Welcome to Osaka." Shiraishi grins and pours tea. "Zaizen texted an hour ago. Hirakoba is with him and Oshitari Yuushi."
"Of course he is," Atobe mutters. When would his saiko-komon stay out of things like this?
Tezuka ignores the comment. "Should we be concerned about Higa?"
"Yukimura isn't."
"That imbecile is only worried about two things, himself and his garden."
"Atobe."
"It's true."
Shiraishi takes a sip of tea. "I don't believe that to be true, but you may believe what you want," he says then looks back to Tezuka. "Higa isn't a threat. The only one who is a fighter is Kite. According to Koharu, the group is barely functioning. It's more like a bosozoku now; just a group of friends who cause mischief."
Atobe laughs. "And the leader of this group tried to assassinate you? And thinks he actually got away with it? How absurd."
"I'd like to remind you I was already injured when Kite happened upon me."
"How many times must I apologize for that? It was an accident. I thought you were Yagyuu."
"I'm taller than Yagyuu."
"Yes, well, it was also quite dark."
"You have very good eyesight in the dark as you so often reminded me."
Shiraishi hides a smile. "I can see why you're no longer together." He sets down his mug and pulls out a tablet. "Here is the current structure of the Higa-gumi. Kite as oyabun. Chinen is his wakagashira. Kai is his shateigashira. The rest, including Hirakoba, are kyodai. Hitouji tells me there aren't more than ten members left and there is definitely severe tension among them."
"Can I assume the others joined with Rikkaidai?"
"No. If you were anyone else, I wouldn't say anything, but we've been trying to recruit Kai and Hirakoba for some time. Zaizen has been drawing out the latter for awhile; he's the one that messaged Kite that you might be alive. Unfortunately, it set off another chain of events.
Tezuka nods. "Kite targeting his kyodai."
"You're okay with this?" Atobe interrupts, turning to Shiraishi to glare at him. "Why would you think that was acceptable? You put Tezuka's life at risk unnecessarily. Who cares if Kite has decided his own men can't be trusted? This has nothing to do with us."
"Careful, Atobe. It would be unfortunate if word got out that you were still easily swayed by Tezuka."
"Do not threaten me, Shiraishi. I can and will end you if I must."
Tezuka takes a deep breath and exhales. "I trust your judgment in these matters, Shiraishi."
"At least one of us does." Atobe closes his eyes and calms himself down. "I'm sure you're aware that with Tezuka's absence, Seigaku was folded, at least partially, into the Hyoutei-kai."
"Of course I am. Inui joined Rikkai. Echizen joined Shitenhouji. Everyone else went to Hyoutei."
"The boy is an idiot. I offered him a high position in Hyoutei three times, but he refused."
"You're too close to me, Atobe," Tezuka points out.
"He feels you betrayed his kumicho," Shiraishi adds.
"So he joined this lot of outcasts?"
"We're all outcasts, Atobe." Shiraishi smiles again and goes back to the tablet. "As I was saying..."
***
Hirakoba finds himself alone in one of the guest rooms while his new friends discuss sleeping arrangements. The en-suite is lovely with an old, Western-style claw-foot bathtub and antique fixtures. He slips into the warm water and submerges himself only coming up early because he notices Z standing above him.
"Next time you want to drown yourself, put a 'do not disturb' sign on the door. Or a tie. Whichever." He pulls the chair from the vanity over and sits down.
"Oh, hun, if I'm awake, there's no possibility of me drowning." Hirakoba walks his fingers along the edge of the tub then onto an exposed part of Z's leg.
"Gross. Use a towel."
"Don't wear jeans with holes in them, dear," he says, but pulls away and sinks slightly back into the water.
"Oshitari is making dinner. Well, his friend is making dinner. The bastard is popular."
"Are you his boyfriend?"
"What kind of question is that?" Z asks, but shakes his head. "His cousin is my kind of boyfriend."
"'Kind of boyfriend?'"
"We make out sometimes. Fuck on occasion. No big deal. Though, I guess I do that with him too," Z says, looking over his shoulder for a moment. "Both of them, if we're in the same place at the same time."
"Kinky," is all Hirakoba can say. Z is a very interesting young man. "Oh, hello Oshitari-kun." He waves to their host, sprinkling more water on Z's exposed knee. "Z was just telling me about the threesomes you two have with your cousin."
"There were no details," Z assures Oshitari who gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Can you not?"
"Give that to my dearest, most favorite cousin when you see him next, hmm?" Oshitari gives Hirakoba a sly grin. "Ryou is preparing sushi. I hope that is okay with you."
"Is there red bean soup?"
"Possibly."
"Then we're fine. Hirakoba likes fish. Did you stock shrimp crackers like I asked?"
"Yes, dearest," Oshitari replies. "Another thirty minutes then dinner. I'll see you then." He waves on the way out and closes the door behind him.
"Your sort of other boyfriend is interesting."
Z shrugs. "Do you want to stay in Okinawa?"
Well, that was a rapid change in subject. Hirakoba mimics Z's motion from a moment ago. "I like it. The waves are good. My friends are there."
"Is Kite really your friend?"
"We grew up together, so yes, I would say so."
"What if I told you that he charged Chinen with killing you before you left the island and that your little intel-gathering mission was just a ploy to get you to leave? Oh, and if Chinen didn't succeed, Kurobane from Rokkaku was going to do it instead?"
Hirakoba goes under the water. Kite could be a jerk. Sometimes a colossal jerk, but planning to kill him? That was a bit much, even for him. Then again, Chinen had been contemplating leaving the organization lately, saying Kite was becoming too paranoid for him to deal with. Hell, even Kai was keeping his distance. Maybe Kite's plan is the cause of their behavior.
"I understand that question was a lot to take in," Z starts when Hirakoba comes to the surface.
"It honestly doesn't surprise me any," Hirakoba says. "But I bet you already know Eishirou's had a rough go of it lately."
"Yes, the Higa-gumi is falling apart due to his own decisions. Shitenhouji is picking off members left and right. They can offer a better life for their members. According to historical data, the Higa-gumi has the highest mortality rate."
"We're a brash lot. Ride or die types."
"Most members of the yakuza are 'ride or die types,'" Z rationalizes. "It's kind of in the job description."
Hirakoba laughs again. "I admit I'm not fond of the 'die' part."
"Who is?" Z asks. "Though, the members of the Higa-gumi except you seem to like it plenty."
"Are you a comedian in your spare time?"
Z shakes his head. "No, but I guarantee you that the most senior members of the Shitenhouji-kai wish that were the case."
***
Oshitari leans over the bar and watches Shishido work. "You have such a way with your hands, Ryou. I'm sure Ohtori approves."
Shishido rolls his eyes then nods in gesture to Oshitari. The man turns around and grins, holding out his arms.
"Stop being gross," Z says.
"Agreed. Please stop," Shishido starts. "You're being lame, Yuushi. Atobe's not going to be pleased you're harboring members of the Shitenhouji-kai."
"One member," Zaizen reminds him. "Hirakoba's still with Higa for now, but I've got him thinking."
"Is our mermaid still in the bath?"
"Not ours and not a mermaid. Merman."
"Like there's a damn difference," Shishido mutters and sets two platters of sushi on the counter.
"Otoro?"
Shishido glares at Zaizen. "Like this guy would ever let me make anything but the best."
"I have a delicate palate."
Zaizen ignores the glare and Oshitari's rationale to pluck a piece of tuna off the plate and pop it into his mouth.
"Well?"
"Delicious, as usual. I might have to take some back to Kenya."
"You're leaving?"
"Soon. Shiraishi wants to meet him and Koshikawa has Kai." Zaizen turns to Shishido. "Can you wrap up this one to go? And, leave when you're done?"
"You know, you're almost bad as Hiyoshi."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Zaizen says. "After he's gone, you and me need to talk."
"If this is about you and my dearest Kenya, I'm all ears."
Zaizen crinkles his nose in disgust. "I'm going to go pack then check on the merman. Be gone by the time I'm back, Shishido."
"He's a charmer," Shishido says after Zaizen has disappeared down a hallway.
"He hasn't had any red bean soup today, so he's grumpy."
"You can tell him there's some in your kitchen. I'm done. Do not call me with gossip until at least eleven tomorrow morning."
"Very well," Oshitari says. "Tell Ohtori hi and that I wish him good luck with his performance."
"Yeah yeah, got it." Shishido waves him away and leaves the apartment.
***
Atobe flips the snap holding his gun in place. His hand settles loosely on the weapon, prepared to pull it out in an instant.
"You and I both know you're not quick enough."
The Hyoutei kumicho bristles. He secures the gun and forces his best smile. "Yukimura. I'm so pleased to see you doing well."
"Cut the bullshit, Atobe."
"Oh, how quaint. You brought your pet dog. Heel, Sanada, before I put you down."
"Enough."
Atobe can sense the ice in Yukimura's voice and sees Sanada straighten as he can feel himself do the same. No wonder Tezuka was willing to compromise. The thought doesn't escape him that even half-dead, Yukimura is still incredibly intimidating.
"Sanada, give Atobe the agreement."
"Hn. You will find the terms we discussed yesterday along with signatures from Yukimura, Shiraishi, and Tezuka."
Atobe takes the paper and reads it over in the dim light. Everything seemed to be in order. "One year, starting from today?"
"I do believe that's what it says," Yukimura responds. "There is also an addendum. You stay out of our territories and we shall stay out of yours. The exception is if you're invited."
"Don't count on it though."
Yukimura laughs. "No, it's not likely, but good fences make good neighbors. Yagyuu told me that. He also told me that it's your fault we're in this predicament, Atobe."
"I do believe your spy is mistaken. Kite and the Higa-gumi are the cause of this... problem," Atobe says.
"Surely Tezuka could have dispatched Kite with no trouble if you hadn't interfered."
Atobe clicks his tongue in annoyance. "An accident, I assure you."
"Well," Yukimura starts and Atobe suddenly feels cold again, "if anyone had accidentally mistaken me for someone else, they wouldn't be around to keep apologizing for it. One year, Atobe. Do not forget."
***
Hirakoba stares out the window of the shinkansen. The countryside passes by in a blur of green and blue. There's more green here than where he lives in Okinawa, but he has the ocean instead. It's a good exchange.
"We'll be in Osaka soon."
"I've never been."
"It's something." Zaizen looks at him for a moment then goes back to his tablet. "You're upset with me."
Hirakoba sits up. "What makes you think that, hun?"
"The blank stare out the window."
"I was just thinking. Do you always believe people are upset with you when they're thinking?"
"That's usually the case," Zaizen admits. "I can be... difficult."
"I would have never guessed." Hirakoba smiles at him then goes back to staring out the window. "Have you ever been to Okinawa?"
"Once," Zaizen replies, swiping to another email. "Too hot. Too sunny. Too much sand. Even with protection, sand still ended up in some of my electronics."
"Most people don't take electronics to the beach, Z."
"I'm not most people."
Hirakoba doesn't argue with that. He's only known the Shitenhouji member less than twenty-four hours and he is quite different than some of the people he has met over the years. He watches as Zaizen taps away at the screen until the train starts to slow.
"You should get ready," Zaizen starts as he begins to put his tablet away. "Our contact is picking us up as soon as we get off."
"Member of the Shitenhouji-kai?" Hirakoba whispers.
Zaizen nods and pulls his backpack on. The train comes to a stop in Namba Station and he motions for Hirakoba to follow closely. They weave through the crowd to what Hirakoba believes is a lesser-used entrance. In front of him is a bright red motorcycle and a leggy blond.
"You have a type, Z," Hirakoba says as they walk closer to the mystery man.
"Shut up," Zaizen mutters. "Hirakoba, this is Oshitari. Oshitari, this is Hirakoba. There. You've met. Can we go back to the temple now? I need to charge my tablet."
"You must be Oshitari-kun's cousin. Kenya, yes?"
"Yeah, that's me. Did Yuushi say anything?"
"He misses you and wishes you would call. He's oh-so-lonely," Zaizen answers. "May we go now?"
Kenya sighs and climbs on the motorcycle. "You should get in the sidecar with your bag, Hirakoba. I can't believe Kura made me attach the damn thing. It totally ruins the look of the Shooting Star."
"Shooting Star?" Hirakoba asks as he gets into the sidecar and sets his bag between his legs.
"It's the name of the motorcycle," Zaizen says. "He's not very good with them."
"Oi! I'm perfectly good at naming things. Take Ferrari, for example," Kenya says, starting up the motorcycle and putting on his helmet.
"You know," Hirakoba says over the noise, "naming your car Ferrari isn't very original."
"Not my car. My iguana." Kenya grins then lowers the visor over his eyes.
***
Tooyama pushes the cart out of the temple and secures it right in front of the main doors.
"TAKOYAKI!!! ONE HUNDRED YEN. GET YOUR TAKOYAKI!!!"
"Oi, stop your yelling. It's eight AM."
"GOOD MORNING, KENYA-SENPAI. DO YOU WANT SOME TAKOYAKI?"
The temple door slides open and Shiraishi steps outside, bandage already starting to unfurl. "Kintarou, what time did I say you could sell takoyaki?"
Tooyama swallows. "Eleven."
Another piece of bandage unravels. "And what time is it right now?"
"Eight."
"So, how many hours until you can start selling?"
"Uh... um..."
"Three."
"KOSHIMAE!" Tooyama grins, but it falters when he glances at Shiraishi again. "Three, Shiraishi-kumicho."
"Good. Echizen, please make sure he doesn't do anything until eleven."
"Do I have to?"
"Come on, Koshimae! There's a fighting game at the arcade. I bet I can beat you at it cause Koshimae is really bad at video games and I always win."
Echizen stares daggers at Tooyama. "Put your stupid cart away. We're going to the arcade."
"WOO HOO!!! ARCADE ARCADE ARCADE. I'M GOING TO BEAT KOSHIMAE."
"You can't beat me if you don't put the damn thing away so we can go."
Tooyama jumps to action and returns the cart to the temple storage area then rushes back to Echizen. "Ready. Let's go."
"Fine fine. Lead the way," Echizen grumbles, giving a look to Shiraishi as Tooyama pulls him in the direction of the arcade. You owe me, he mouths.
Shiraishi nods and heads back inside. He wanders through the temple until he comes upon Tezuka meditating in front of a fountain. "I'm still surprised Atobe left you here with me," he says then sits down next to the man.
"He has no control over my actions," Tezuka tells him. "Plus, I have done too much traveling as of late. I needed the respite. Even if it's temporary."
"Seiichi called to let me know Atobe has the signed agreement. Also, that he was jumpy. I fear the plan could become compromised. Atobe's feelings towards you are still quite strong."
"Yukimura can handle Hyoutei," Tezuka says simply.
"True, but you can handle Atobe."
"He doesn't need handling," Tezuka says, closing his eyes. "I noticed Zaizen returning last night with whom, I assume, is Higa's Hirakoba."
"Yes. I met with him."
"Does he know I'm here?"
"Not yet. He's swaying though. Since we intercepted knowledge of the hit and let him know, he isn't keen on going back to Okinawa any time soon. At least, not if Kite is there."
"Who are you suggesting becomes kumicho in Kite's place?"
"Chinen, if we decide the Higa-gumi needs to exist." Shiraishi leans forward and holds his hand under the waterfall from the fountain. "Personally, I would fold the lot of them into Shitenhouji since our reach almost extends that far anyway."
"You would poach from Rikkaidai?"
"Seiichi doesn't care about the southern part of Japan. He's been more than amiable towards our expansion."
"Only because you have yet to encroach on his territory."
Shiraishi chuckles. "I do not have a death wish like those in Kanto, Chiba, and Kanagawa," he says. "You could have gotten everyone but him, Tezuka. He does not like to share. It's too bad Kite spoiled your chances."
"I'm still alive, Shiraishi. The chance is not gone."
"Perhaps, but you should be careful. Echizen is starting to think something is going on."
"He's too smart for his own good sometimes. I'll fill him in when the time is right. Nonetheless, I'll be gone before he returns today."
***
On day three of his stay at the Shitenhouji-kai, Hirakoba gets up at seven AM. He stretches out his limbs, quickly retracting them as his hand brushes up against something rough. Shifting, he squints in the dark to see what he touched. The thing lets out a brief screech then toddles out of the room through the cracked door.
"What the hell?" Hirakoba asks himself.
"Ferrari," Zaizen says, picking up the iguana and gently stroking the creature's head. "She wanders the temple and someone left their door open. You're new; she had to check you out."
Hirakoba covers himself back up. It's too early to deal with an adventurous iguana and his owner's boyfriend.
"Oh, by the way, there's someone here that you know. Not Kite," Zaizen adds after he notices Hirakoba tense up. "Fluffy brown hair, ugly cap."
"Kai?"
Zaizen shrugs. "I don't know. He's talking with Shiraishi. Should I tell him you're here or would you like to surprise him?"
"Why is he here?"
"Maybe he wants to leave the Higa-gumi before it implodes. There are worse places Fluffy could join. Hyoutei, for example."
"Oshitari-kun is a member of Hyoutei," Hirakoba reminds him. "And that can't be true. Kai is loyal. To a fault."
"I tolerate three people from the Hyoutei-kai: Oshitari, Shishido, and Hiyoshi." Zaizen doesn't elaborate on the why and Hirakoba doesn't ask. "As for Fluffy, people change. Perhaps you don't know him as well as you think you do."
Hirakoba wishes he was back in the clawfoot bathtub at Oshitari's apartment in Tokyo. Mainly to submerge himself in the water and think. Unfortunately, there's nothing quite like that in the temple. Nothing that private, anyway. It's truly disappointing.
"Anyway, get dressed. Ishida-senpai is making breakfast. If you don't hurry, the bottomless pit will get to it first and then no one will have anything to eat until dinner."
***
Tezuka steps out of one car and slides into another. He waits for the door to be closed and car to start moving before turning to look at his host.
"Yukimura."
The Rikkaidai kumicho smiles. "Tezuka. Don't worry. Atobe and Sanada aren't here. I get tired of their bickering. They sound like an old married couple at times."
"Isn't that what is said about you and Sanada?"
Yukimura's smile widens. "I'm happy to hear you haven't lost your sense of humor," he says. "The difference is that Sanada doesn't want to kill me. The same can't be said for Atobe, but you know all about that, don't you?"
"I do not want to kill Atobe."
"I find it very strange that you are so unwilling to kill in your line of work."
Tezuka lets out a sigh. "Not unwilling, just not keen on letting people so easily off the hook."
Yukimura raises an eyebrow. "You would do well in Rikkaidai even if you would rather go the indirect route and make other people do your dirty work."
"I could never be subservient to you," Tezuka states. He feels the car turn left then right. "Nonetheless, I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. As I understand it, your recuperation takes up most of your day."
"Hmm, no, you're not Sanada," Yukimura says easily with a shrug then frowns at the mention of 'recuperation.' "Yes, well, it's not like I have much else to do. Clearly, Shiraishi and Atobe aren't willing to use methods I employ regularly. Am I right?"
Tezuka pushes up his glasses. "It's as you said earlier, I'd like you to do my dirty work for me."
Yukimura grins. "I'll send Sanada when you give me the green light."
Tezuka sighs. "Thank you."
"You can thank me when it's done."
"Aa." Tezuka shifts as the car makes another turn. "I noticed that Rikkaidai and Shitenhouji are still recruiting despite the agreement."
"I hope you didn't actually think I would follow through. For the record, I'm not actively looking to take anyone from Higa."
"I had a brief glimmer."
"If you came to berate me, it won't work. How did Shiraishi take your holier-than-thou approach?" Yukimura crosses his arms and sinks into the seat.
"He told me he was going to finish getting who he wanted from Higa then cease." Tezuka doesn't feel the need to elaborate further.
Yukimura hums. "That isn't surprising. Remember, you're the one that wanted to break the Higa-gumi apart from the inside. Shiraishi, Atobe, and I were only being kind enough to assist you because they are annoying, but Okinawa holds no interest for Rikkaidai, so we won't bother with that lot."
"Understood." Tezuka looks through the tinted window. They are now in the Yanaka District; he recognizes the building that once housed the Seigaku-gumi and is about to ask what they are doing when the car comes to a stop in front of it.
The Rikkaidai kumicho presses a button on the center console. "Niou. Make sure I get what I want before returning."
There is some movement in the front of the car then Tezuka hears one door close before his opens.
"You need to decide what you want to do and when to do it, Tezuka," Yukimura says firmly. "Otherwise, I will decide for you and I can guarantee you won't enjoy the outcome."
***
Hirakoba watches Kai from the other side of the courtyard. This entire exchange is weird and he can't help but feel like he's the punchline in some gigantic joke.
"Ferrari likes you," Kenya says, petting the iguana that has placed herself between them. "She's kind of particular. Took her a year to get used to Z."
He tears himself away to look down at the iguana. It sounds almost like she is purring or humming contentedly. "Thank you, Ferrari-chan. I'm sorry I was scared of you."
"She doesn't mind. Chillest iguana ever." Kenya picks her up and perches the iguana on his shoulder.
"I hate to break up the Ferrari love fest, but Shiraishi would like to see you," Zaizen says, reaching down to scratch under the iguana's chin. "I'll take you to him."
Hirakoba waves to Oshitari and Ferrari before following Zaizen to where Shiraishi and Kai are. When he gets close enough, he has ball his hands into fists to quell his nerves.
"Yo, Rin! Shiraishi was just tellin' me that you around. I had no idea you were gonna be here. Does Eishirou know?" Kai asks and continues. "I doubt it. He doesn't know I'm here. I left the day after you did. He wouldn't tell me where you were and it kinda ticked me off. So I was coming to find you, but then I ran into Koshikawa-san and decided to stop here first."
"Koshikawa-san?"
"Yeah, tall dude over there," Kai points to a young man talking with Ishida.
"Can I talk to you in private?"
"Yeah yeah." Kai grins at Shiraishi then pulls Hirakoba towards an empty room just out of earshot of the main circle of the Shitenhouji-kai. "What's up?"
"Cut the bullshit, Yuu. You knew about Kite and the hit."
Kai shakes his head. "What are you talking about? That's crazy."
"No. What's crazy is that our friend asked Hiroshi to kill me and you knew it was going to happen and didn't think to tell me."
Kai looks down and away. Hirakoba sucks in a breath. He had lied to Z about it being a surprise, but it truly was. This whole thing regarding Tezuka had changed Kite in such a way that he didn't trust anyone. Not even those he had grown up with in Okinawa.
"He told Hiroshi to take you down before you left for the mainland," Kai says eventually. "When Kite got word from Rokkaku that you never showed up, he assumed Hiroshi had succeeded."
"No wonder you looked so surprised to see me." Hirakoba gives Kai a slight smile. "I need to go think. Come find me in an hour."
"Bath house?"
"Where else would I go?"
***
Niou kicks around a rock while he accompanies Tezuka towards the old headquarters of the Seigaku-gumi. Eventually, it goes into a ditch. He doesn't want to bother getting it back out to continue his exercise in boredom.
"May I ask what Yukimura wanted?"
"I don't know," Niou replies, pushing open the door and following the other man inside. "Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."
"Even upon threat of dismemberment or death?"
Niou smirks. "There are only two people who could make that kind of threat and me take it seriously. You're not one of them. Sorry, princess."
Tezuka wants to argue the princess remark but thinks better of it as he steps into his former office. He trails his fingers through the dust on his desk.
"And I thought Sanada was bad about this nostalgia bullshit," Niou remarks from the door. "Boss said you had paperwork here that is incredibly important."
"I suppose that's what he wanted. I shouldn't be surprised you lied," Tezuka says with a frown, "but I'm afraid it has nothing to do with him and I have no intention of turning it over."
"Not according to him." Niou moves past Tezuka and starts going through drawers, checking for secret compartments and hollow cavities.
"Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Niou replies, continuing his work. "You know, this will end much better for you if you just give Yukimura what he wants."
"Unfortunately for you, I am not a person who blindly follows Yukimura."
Niou stands up and narrows his eyes. "I can forgive a lot of things, but insulting my kumicho is not one of them. Sanada, on the other hand..." He frowns then hops up to sit on Tezuka's desk. "I wouldn't normally give a fuck, but you owe him."
"I believe you are mistaken. My life debt is to Shiraishi. No one else."
"Who the hell do you think got you to Shiraishi in time? It sure wasn't Atobe. That asshole was too busy freaking out that he sent you to your death. Accidentally, as he likes to remind everyone who will listen."
Tezuka straightens. Owing a life debt to Shiraishi is one thing, owing one to Yukimura and/or Sanada is completely different.
"That's right," Niou says, noticing the look of realization dawning on Tezuka's face. "Yukimura ordered Yagyuu to keep track of you and when Yagyuu informed him that Atobe had shot you, he sent Sanada to recover you. Unfortunately, Kite was also there and blah blah blah. Too long, don't read. Sanada took you to Shiraishi."
Closing his eyes, Tezuka takes a deep breath. Why had Shiraishi not told him any of this? Did he think he would change his mind? Or pause on the plans he had discussed with him and Yukimura?
"So." Niou draws out the word and tilts his head. "About that paperwork."
"Third drawer, four taps to the bottom and gently pull," Tezuka says with a sigh.
"I thought it sounded off, but I can't be sure without my tools. Can you believe Yagyuu wouldn't let me bring them along? 'You have no use for your kit on this excursion, Niou-kun,'" he mocks, sliding off the desk and following Tezuka's instructions. "I'm pretty sure it was just his way of borrowing them for himself. Greedy bastard. Are all guys that look like you jerks or what?"
"Excuse you."
"Not in your way," Niou says, pulling out a surprisingly thick accordion file. "Is this all of it?"
Tezuka nods.
"Wonderful!" Niou says happily and tucks the file under his arm. "Well, it was fun talking to you, but I get to go now. Have fun doing whatever it is former oyabun do when they're being targeted by deranged assholes."
***
Kai reaches into the water and pokes Hirakoba in the forehead. "I gave you two hours," he says when Hirakoba breaks the surface.
"More than enough time."
"So you've decided?"
Hirakoba sighs. He spots Zaizen looking at them and he waves. Zaizen doesn't move. "I kind of like this," he admits. "The lazy days where the only thing I have to worry about is what time Tooyama-kun is going to start yelling about takoyaki or if Ferrari is going to fall asleep on my hair."
"We'll get Hiroshi and Kei here too." Kai tugs on the brim of his hat. "Eishirou's a lost cause, I think."
"No thinking, hun, he is. There's nothing we can do about him now. He made his choice."
Kai nods. "I'm sorry about all this."
"It isn't your fault." Hirakoba gives him a wan smile. "We'll have to find new surfing spots."
"Shouldn't take too long. Shitenhouji has places all over Kyushu. We could stay in Fukuoka."
"Hmm, no. I like it here. I've made some new friends, even if one of them is grumpy and secretive." Hirakoba gives Kai a slight smile. "Besides, I think we both need some time before we can travel close to Okinawa."
"You're probably right," Kai says. "Thanks, Rin. For staying."
"It wasn't a tough decision. Now, run off and let Shiraishi know while I finish my bath."
Kai laughs and splashes Hirakoba before heading off to find the Shitenhouji-kai's kumicho.
***
Sanada sets the file down on the table between them. Atobe looks at it skeptically before leaning forward to grab the folder.
"Should I be concerned?"
"No," Tezuka replies. "Did Yukimura find it useful?"
"Mostly. He kept the parts that dealt with Rikkaidai and sent the items that involved Shitenhouji and Higa to Shiraishi." Sanada nods to the dossier. "Hyoutei and Seigaku are in there."
"Intel on Hyoutei? Who was this gathered by?" Atobe asks as he begins to skim through the pages.
"Should I tell him or do you want to?"
Tezuka glares at Sanada. "I did."
Atobe pauses in his movements for a moment. Sanada crosses his arms. "Tezuka is hardly a saint. Him having blueprints to take each of our groups out isn't surprising."
"They weren't for taking the organizations out."
"Don't you dare say this is all for merging the organizations into one."
"It was," Sanada tells him. "Not that his intel on Rikkaidai was correct. Hyoutei and Shitenhouji though..."
"Sanada, enough."
"I offered combining Hyoutei and Seigaku, but you turned me down. How is this any different?"
"Force, I would imagine," Sanada guesses. "Yukimura said that the plan wasn't bad though only you would have never managed to get us."
Atobe frowns. "And what makes Rikkaidai so damn special?"
"My kumicho has never been in love with Tezuka."
"I seriously doubt your beloved kumicho has ever been in love with anyone or anything," Atobe says, sitting up in his chair. "Kite is worse than you and Shiraishi is a palatable version of Yukimura. Regardless--"
"For the record, my relationships with Shiraishi and Atobe had nothing to do with my plans."
"I still can't believe you were with him. We are perfect for one another." Atobe closes the file. "Of course, I'm fully prepared to forgive this minor transgression of yours. Join me, Tezuka."
Sanada rolls his eyes. "This is pathetic," he says and stands. "Good luck with that, Tezuka. Yukimura will be in touch when it's done."
"When what is done?" Atobe asks after he's sure Sanada has left.
"I wanted to end the threat once and for all, so I gave Yukimura the green light to take out Kite since I am not up to the task."
"Yukimura isn't exactly in a position to do so either. You could have sent someone from Hyoutei. Surely, one of your former followers would have grabbed at the chance to avenge you. The brat, for example, or the one with the bandana."
"Echizen and Kaidou," Tezuka corrects.
"Whatever," Atobe says, waving Tezuka off. "You should have come to me with this."
"You're too close."
"That's ridiculous."
Tezuka raises an eyebrow. "Atobe, you need to trust me. Yukimura is the only one I could have do this without repercussions."
"Yes, and watch him stab you in the back as soon as he's done what you've asked."
"He won't."
Atobe lets out a deep breath. "Only because you insist will I go along with this, but know I don't like nor approve of it and I feel you're making a mistake that you won't be able to turn back from. Owing Rikkaidai anything is paramount to suicide."
***
Hirakoba will never get used to the taste of sake. Thankfully, Shiraishi isn't too fond of it either and provides a cup of tea after the ceremony.
"I hope you don't mind, but I've sent some of my men to Okinawa to retrieve your personal effects. Zaizen specifically mentioned your fish and a surfboard."
So Z was short for Zaizen. Hirakoba smiled widely. "That's really all I need. I can replace everything else." For the most part.
Shiraishi takes a sip of tea. "As a member of the Shitenhouji-kai, I feel I must tell you that we are actively trying to recruit Tanishi and Chinen. If it becomes difficult, I hope I can count on you and Kai to assist."
"Of course." He would do almost anything to save his friends. Even if it meant turning against someone he considered family for a huge portion of his life.
***
its done
heres proof if you really need it
Tezuka looks at the picture then deletes the message.
feel free to come back from the dead at any time
He takes off his glasses, closes his eyes, and pinches the bridge of his nose. For the first time in years, Tezuka feels like he'll be able to sleep through the night.
***
"You seem happy," Zaizen says a few days after the sake ceremony.
"Oh, I'm quite pleased, hun," Hirakoba says. "My fish are here, Kai found a pretty good surfing area about an hour away, Hiroshi and Kei are alive, and I know your name."
Good. That's nice. Okay. Zaizen blinks. "What?"
"I don't think you let Shiraishi in on your little nickname business. He told me while we were making our relationship official. Then Kenya filled me in on the rest. Accidentally. I overheard him say your name." Hirakoba smiles slyly and leans in close. "So, Zaizen Hikaru, are you happy?"
Author: monarchist
Recipient: Mathias
Pairing/Characters: Hirakoba, Zaizen, Tezuka, Atobe, Sanada, Yukimura, Niou, Oshitari Yuushi, Oshitari Kenya, Shiraishi, Kai, Shishido, Echizen, Tooyama
Rating: PG/PG-13
Warnings: mentions of violence
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine, unfortunately.
Summary: Hirakoba is sent to Tokyo on a mission and meets a member of the Shitenhouji-kai. (Yazuka AU)
Notes: Mathias, I tried to hit upon each of the pairings you requested, so I hope you love it.
Hirakoba dislikes dark, dingy places. It's one thing if they look like that from the outside, but when the interior is the same... no thanks. Hard pass.
Kite had sent him here on some intel-gathering mission. Something something Tezuka, something something that he had tuned out because whenever the job involved Tezuka, Kite was never in a right frame of mind. Of course, Hirakoba would never say that to Kite's face. He likes having all of his fingers and limbs, unlike some of the other people in their group.
Regardless, this place does not rank on the top ten list of places Hirakoba would go if he had a choice. Half the lights are out -- probably to help with shady deal-making -- and it smells. Hirakoba crinkles his nose in disgust as he steps around a group of men playing go, a messy stack of yen next to the board. He slides onto a stool at the end of the bar and orders a beer.
"You should have specified a brand," a voice says and Hirakoba looks around for the sound before his eyes land on another man dressed in black.
"I'm new," Hirakoba replies with a smile and takes a swig. It's absolutely disgusting, but he doesn't give the stranger the satisfaction of being right. "And you are?"
"Z," comes the answer. "And no, you don't get more than that Hirakoba Rin."
Shit. He turns towards Z and leans against the bar. "Now that isn't fair, hun. You knowing my name and I just get a snippet of yours."
"I know more than that," Z says, his voice lowering when the bartender comes close to wipe down the bar. Damn eavesdropper.
"Really now? Well, isn't that interesting?" Hirakoba rubs his thumb up and down the bottle out of habit. He looks Z up and down for any sign of weaponry. The hunched manner of his new friend tells him that the young man's fighting skills are subpar.
"Do you always look at people like that?"
"Like what?"
Z shrugs. "Like you're sizing them up for sex."
Hirakoba laughs. "Well, my hotel room is a few blocks away, but I'm meeting someone here, so you'll have to wait."
"Did it ever occur to you that I'm the one you were scheduled to meet?"
"I was expecting someone from the Rokkaku-kai. Unless you're a member of that, you're not who I'm here for, hun."
"You would have to pay me to be a member of that dysfunctional group." Z clicks his tongue. "Listen, this isn't exactly the best place to talk. I'm staying with a friend in Tokyo. Come with me and you'll get what you came here for."
"Give me proof you have what I need." Hirakoba nudges the beer bottle away. "The sooner I get back, the better. I don't trust Tanishi with my fish."
"He's dead. Also, afraid he'll eat them all? You really should put that guy on a diet."
Z slides off the stool and starts for the back exit. Hirakoba follows.
***
"Remind me why he's here again. What kind of kumicho sends their wakagashira to discuss business?"
"Atobe. You know the answer to your question."
"It really shouldn't matter."
"Oh, but it does," Atobe says, glaring at the supposed intruder. "There's no point in discussing anything if we have to wait for a reply from His Highness."
"That's really rich, coming from you."
"Sanada. Atobe. Enough."
Atobe huffs. Sanada crosses his arms.
"You know Yukimura is recovering and travel is ill-advised right now."
"All the more reason his first lieutenant should be by his side. It would be rather unfortunate if your precious kumicho was assassinated because you weren't performing your duties."
"I assure you, he is under strict protection unlike some people in this room."
Tezuka rolls his eyes. "If this is all you two are going to do, I'll just go speak with Yukimura and Shiraishi on my own."
"Now now, Tezuka," Atobe says with a conciliatory tone to his voice. "There's no need to be hasty. Sanada and I are just bantering. It's our way of greeting."
"If that's what you want to call it," Sanada says skeptically. "Anyway, Yukimura's willing to call a temporary suspension to our recruitment activities if Hyoutei, Seigaku, and Shitenhouji will do the same."
"Are you kidding me? Rikkaidai has over fifty thousand members. If anything, you should stop and the rest of us should be allowed to catch up."
"Don't be jealous because we have a better organization than you do, Atobe."
"Please," the Hyoutei kumicho says. "The members of my group are excellent."
"Rikkaidai rejects," Sanada supplements then looks at Tezuka. "Sorry."
"Are you two done?"
"As I was saying, we'll suspend our activities if you all do the same. Under normal circumstances--"
"By which you mean if Yukimura was one hundred percent," Atobe interjects.
"Under normal circumstances," Sanada continues, "Rikkaidai would maintain its expansion, but Yukimura happens to feel it's unfortunate that the competition isn't, and I quote, capable of being a proper threat."
"How delightful. Tezuka, you can't possibly--" Atobe cuts himself off when Tezuka closes his eyes and raises his hand slightly to pause him in his tracks.
"I happen to agree with Yukimura," Tezuka says eventually then takes a sip of tea. "We have been too careless lately and, as such, have damaged our organizations. It would be good to take time to regroup and recuperate. Plus, the silence will keep the police away for awhile."
Atobe can't believe what he's hearing. Tezuka has clearly gone insane, but he relents. "Very well then. I agree, but I want it in writing." He leans forward in his seat. "And while we're still here, what about the rumblings of Higa and Rokkaku that have been going around?"
"Of course," Tezuka acquiesced. "From what I know, Kite has sent one of his kyodai here. If he makes it to the mainland, Zaizen has been designated to intercept him before he meets with Kurobane."
"What do you mean by 'if he makes it here?'" Atobe asks. "I still don't understand why we just haven't taken them out yet."
"Kite put out a hit on his kyodai," Sanada starts. "If he gets to the mainland -- and Yukimura is positive that he will -- Rokkaku has given Kurobane the task of finishing the job. In any case, we haven't taken them out because of Tezuka. If Kite finds out that he failed his mission, we have a problem."
"And when Kite learns that his kyodai is still alive, he'll come here to do what he should have done in the first place," Atobe says. "How is that any better?"
"There is already a plan in place if it comes to that," Tezuka says.
"In the meantime," Sanada says, "we have someone from Shitenhouji to keep things going the way we want them to. It will work out in the end, Atobe."
"I'm going to assume that Yukimura also strongly dislikes it when you are correct."
"You have no idea."
Tezuka finishes his tea and sets the cup down. "Our business is done. Sanada, please give my regards to Yukimura. Atobe, shall we? I need to be in Osaka by nine."
"I shall. You'll have our agreement by noon tomorrow." Sanada stands and bows then leaves the room.
Atobe looks over at Tezuka. "I do hope you know what you're doing, playing with fire like that."
"Kite is little more than a spark on a stretch of concrete," Tezuka tells him.
"I meant Sanada, but your near-death experience with Kite also says plenty."
"He is a fire that is easily controlled," Tezuka says, standing. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
***
Hirakoba likes Z's friend's place. It's light and airy with that comfortable, lived-in feel that he can only imagine comes with not being a member of the yakuza. Lucky bastard.
"I don't think he's home, but let me check to make sure. He can be quiet when he wants to be and sometimes he enjoys being annoyingly dramatic. Kitchen's over there, better alcohol at the bar near the balcony, bathroom down the hall to your left. I'll be back soon."
Z disappears down another corridor. This place is far bigger than anywhere he's lived in Okinawa. The living room alone is bigger than his entire apartment. It's so unfair.
Hirakoba takes up the offer of better booze. There's some bourbon and aged whiskey plus mini bottles of flavored vodka in the bar fridge. He grabs a couple of bottles of the mango vodka and some coconut rum. There's even ice cubes. Hell, he could really get used to this.
"Mango and coconut over ice. Classy. At least it's not goya," Z says, another man joining him in the living room. "Hirakoba, this is Oshitari. He's the saiko-komon for the Hyoutei-kai."
Lovely. Now Hyoutei is involved. Hirakoba downs his concoction and tries not to think about how Z knew about the goya. Regardless, it's definitely better than the swill at that godforsaken bar.
"Nice to meet you, Hirakoba-kun," Oshitari drawls, walking towards the bar that Hirakoba is still standing behind. "My lovely friend here has told me so much about you, but I'd really love to know more from your own mouth."
"That better not be code for making out, Oshitari, or I'll have to inform Kenya. He'll be terribly disappointed in you."
"Well, we can't have that, hmm?" Oshitari holds his hands up. "I promise that was not an invitation to make out. Though, you do have very lovely lips. Do you use a lip scrub?"
"Must you?" Z asks, frustration apparent in his voice.
"Right, my apologies. Anyway, I understand you're here from the Higa-gumi investigating Tezuka. It's all terribly fascinating, your kumicho killing my kumicho's ex-boyfriend." Oshitari sighs. "Such a waste. Tezuka was quite gorgeous."
Z sighs. "I'm sorry. The guy's dead and this one still has a crush."
Hirakoba laughs. He doesn't know the reasons why Kite took Tezuka's life. Only that it was some strange obsession that has clearly lasted despite the other man being dead. He would never understand the way the heads of the organizations worked which was perfectly fine with him so long as he didn't get caught in the crossfire.
"He must have been someone very special."
"Oh yes," Oshitari starts. "Tezuka almost managed to get all the splintered groups under one umbrella syndicate. Unfortunately..."
"My oyabun silenced him." Hirakoba shrugs. "He isn't called the Hitman for nothing."
***
The driver pulls up in front of a takoyaki stand. An obnoxious-looking redhead in a leopard print shirt stands behind the stall. Atobe can hear him yelling about the food he's trying to peddle through the confines of the car. He wishes he had noise-cancelling headphones.
"I don't know why he couldn't meet you somewhere. He does remember you're injured, correct?"
"It's thanks to him I'm still alive." Tezuka unbuckles his seatbelt. "Will you be coming with me or staying here?"
"If staying means I have to listen to that child then I will be joining you."
"Very well," Tezuka says and exits the vehicle, nodding at the hyperactive redhead before entering the temple, Atobe following quickly behind.
"GET YOUR TAKOYAKI!" He hears the redhead shout as the door slides shut behind him.
"Shiraishi-kumicho is waiting for you in the back room behind the altar." The bald man bows then leaves.
"Who sets up their organization in a temple?" Atobe asks quietly as they walk through.
"Osamu and Shiraishi," Tezuka replies. "The Shitenhouji-kai is very popular among the population here, especially the children."
Atobe looks skeptically around. That redhead is probably one of the children. He appears to be seven, mentally. "Do not tell me they are the ones who started that ridiculous Halloween tradition."
"Then I won't." He knocks a pattern lightly on the door frame of the back room.
"Come on in, Tezuka." The door slides open and they step through. "Kenya, please go make sure than Kintarou is selling the takoyaki and not eating it."
"Fill me in later, yeah, Kura?"
A nod and the man is gone. "It's nice to see you whole."
"Mostly, Shiraishi," Tezuka says. "I hope it isn't too imposing that I brought Atobe."
"Not at all. Welcome to Osaka." Shiraishi grins and pours tea. "Zaizen texted an hour ago. Hirakoba is with him and Oshitari Yuushi."
"Of course he is," Atobe mutters. When would his saiko-komon stay out of things like this?
Tezuka ignores the comment. "Should we be concerned about Higa?"
"Yukimura isn't."
"That imbecile is only worried about two things, himself and his garden."
"Atobe."
"It's true."
Shiraishi takes a sip of tea. "I don't believe that to be true, but you may believe what you want," he says then looks back to Tezuka. "Higa isn't a threat. The only one who is a fighter is Kite. According to Koharu, the group is barely functioning. It's more like a bosozoku now; just a group of friends who cause mischief."
Atobe laughs. "And the leader of this group tried to assassinate you? And thinks he actually got away with it? How absurd."
"I'd like to remind you I was already injured when Kite happened upon me."
"How many times must I apologize for that? It was an accident. I thought you were Yagyuu."
"I'm taller than Yagyuu."
"Yes, well, it was also quite dark."
"You have very good eyesight in the dark as you so often reminded me."
Shiraishi hides a smile. "I can see why you're no longer together." He sets down his mug and pulls out a tablet. "Here is the current structure of the Higa-gumi. Kite as oyabun. Chinen is his wakagashira. Kai is his shateigashira. The rest, including Hirakoba, are kyodai. Hitouji tells me there aren't more than ten members left and there is definitely severe tension among them."
"Can I assume the others joined with Rikkaidai?"
"No. If you were anyone else, I wouldn't say anything, but we've been trying to recruit Kai and Hirakoba for some time. Zaizen has been drawing out the latter for awhile; he's the one that messaged Kite that you might be alive. Unfortunately, it set off another chain of events.
Tezuka nods. "Kite targeting his kyodai."
"You're okay with this?" Atobe interrupts, turning to Shiraishi to glare at him. "Why would you think that was acceptable? You put Tezuka's life at risk unnecessarily. Who cares if Kite has decided his own men can't be trusted? This has nothing to do with us."
"Careful, Atobe. It would be unfortunate if word got out that you were still easily swayed by Tezuka."
"Do not threaten me, Shiraishi. I can and will end you if I must."
Tezuka takes a deep breath and exhales. "I trust your judgment in these matters, Shiraishi."
"At least one of us does." Atobe closes his eyes and calms himself down. "I'm sure you're aware that with Tezuka's absence, Seigaku was folded, at least partially, into the Hyoutei-kai."
"Of course I am. Inui joined Rikkai. Echizen joined Shitenhouji. Everyone else went to Hyoutei."
"The boy is an idiot. I offered him a high position in Hyoutei three times, but he refused."
"You're too close to me, Atobe," Tezuka points out.
"He feels you betrayed his kumicho," Shiraishi adds.
"So he joined this lot of outcasts?"
"We're all outcasts, Atobe." Shiraishi smiles again and goes back to the tablet. "As I was saying..."
***
Hirakoba finds himself alone in one of the guest rooms while his new friends discuss sleeping arrangements. The en-suite is lovely with an old, Western-style claw-foot bathtub and antique fixtures. He slips into the warm water and submerges himself only coming up early because he notices Z standing above him.
"Next time you want to drown yourself, put a 'do not disturb' sign on the door. Or a tie. Whichever." He pulls the chair from the vanity over and sits down.
"Oh, hun, if I'm awake, there's no possibility of me drowning." Hirakoba walks his fingers along the edge of the tub then onto an exposed part of Z's leg.
"Gross. Use a towel."
"Don't wear jeans with holes in them, dear," he says, but pulls away and sinks slightly back into the water.
"Oshitari is making dinner. Well, his friend is making dinner. The bastard is popular."
"Are you his boyfriend?"
"What kind of question is that?" Z asks, but shakes his head. "His cousin is my kind of boyfriend."
"'Kind of boyfriend?'"
"We make out sometimes. Fuck on occasion. No big deal. Though, I guess I do that with him too," Z says, looking over his shoulder for a moment. "Both of them, if we're in the same place at the same time."
"Kinky," is all Hirakoba can say. Z is a very interesting young man. "Oh, hello Oshitari-kun." He waves to their host, sprinkling more water on Z's exposed knee. "Z was just telling me about the threesomes you two have with your cousin."
"There were no details," Z assures Oshitari who gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Can you not?"
"Give that to my dearest, most favorite cousin when you see him next, hmm?" Oshitari gives Hirakoba a sly grin. "Ryou is preparing sushi. I hope that is okay with you."
"Is there red bean soup?"
"Possibly."
"Then we're fine. Hirakoba likes fish. Did you stock shrimp crackers like I asked?"
"Yes, dearest," Oshitari replies. "Another thirty minutes then dinner. I'll see you then." He waves on the way out and closes the door behind him.
"Your sort of other boyfriend is interesting."
Z shrugs. "Do you want to stay in Okinawa?"
Well, that was a rapid change in subject. Hirakoba mimics Z's motion from a moment ago. "I like it. The waves are good. My friends are there."
"Is Kite really your friend?"
"We grew up together, so yes, I would say so."
"What if I told you that he charged Chinen with killing you before you left the island and that your little intel-gathering mission was just a ploy to get you to leave? Oh, and if Chinen didn't succeed, Kurobane from Rokkaku was going to do it instead?"
Hirakoba goes under the water. Kite could be a jerk. Sometimes a colossal jerk, but planning to kill him? That was a bit much, even for him. Then again, Chinen had been contemplating leaving the organization lately, saying Kite was becoming too paranoid for him to deal with. Hell, even Kai was keeping his distance. Maybe Kite's plan is the cause of their behavior.
"I understand that question was a lot to take in," Z starts when Hirakoba comes to the surface.
"It honestly doesn't surprise me any," Hirakoba says. "But I bet you already know Eishirou's had a rough go of it lately."
"Yes, the Higa-gumi is falling apart due to his own decisions. Shitenhouji is picking off members left and right. They can offer a better life for their members. According to historical data, the Higa-gumi has the highest mortality rate."
"We're a brash lot. Ride or die types."
"Most members of the yakuza are 'ride or die types,'" Z rationalizes. "It's kind of in the job description."
Hirakoba laughs again. "I admit I'm not fond of the 'die' part."
"Who is?" Z asks. "Though, the members of the Higa-gumi except you seem to like it plenty."
"Are you a comedian in your spare time?"
Z shakes his head. "No, but I guarantee you that the most senior members of the Shitenhouji-kai wish that were the case."
***
Oshitari leans over the bar and watches Shishido work. "You have such a way with your hands, Ryou. I'm sure Ohtori approves."
Shishido rolls his eyes then nods in gesture to Oshitari. The man turns around and grins, holding out his arms.
"Stop being gross," Z says.
"Agreed. Please stop," Shishido starts. "You're being lame, Yuushi. Atobe's not going to be pleased you're harboring members of the Shitenhouji-kai."
"One member," Zaizen reminds him. "Hirakoba's still with Higa for now, but I've got him thinking."
"Is our mermaid still in the bath?"
"Not ours and not a mermaid. Merman."
"Like there's a damn difference," Shishido mutters and sets two platters of sushi on the counter.
"Otoro?"
Shishido glares at Zaizen. "Like this guy would ever let me make anything but the best."
"I have a delicate palate."
Zaizen ignores the glare and Oshitari's rationale to pluck a piece of tuna off the plate and pop it into his mouth.
"Well?"
"Delicious, as usual. I might have to take some back to Kenya."
"You're leaving?"
"Soon. Shiraishi wants to meet him and Koshikawa has Kai." Zaizen turns to Shishido. "Can you wrap up this one to go? And, leave when you're done?"
"You know, you're almost bad as Hiyoshi."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Zaizen says. "After he's gone, you and me need to talk."
"If this is about you and my dearest Kenya, I'm all ears."
Zaizen crinkles his nose in disgust. "I'm going to go pack then check on the merman. Be gone by the time I'm back, Shishido."
"He's a charmer," Shishido says after Zaizen has disappeared down a hallway.
"He hasn't had any red bean soup today, so he's grumpy."
"You can tell him there's some in your kitchen. I'm done. Do not call me with gossip until at least eleven tomorrow morning."
"Very well," Oshitari says. "Tell Ohtori hi and that I wish him good luck with his performance."
"Yeah yeah, got it." Shishido waves him away and leaves the apartment.
***
Atobe flips the snap holding his gun in place. His hand settles loosely on the weapon, prepared to pull it out in an instant.
"You and I both know you're not quick enough."
The Hyoutei kumicho bristles. He secures the gun and forces his best smile. "Yukimura. I'm so pleased to see you doing well."
"Cut the bullshit, Atobe."
"Oh, how quaint. You brought your pet dog. Heel, Sanada, before I put you down."
"Enough."
Atobe can sense the ice in Yukimura's voice and sees Sanada straighten as he can feel himself do the same. No wonder Tezuka was willing to compromise. The thought doesn't escape him that even half-dead, Yukimura is still incredibly intimidating.
"Sanada, give Atobe the agreement."
"Hn. You will find the terms we discussed yesterday along with signatures from Yukimura, Shiraishi, and Tezuka."
Atobe takes the paper and reads it over in the dim light. Everything seemed to be in order. "One year, starting from today?"
"I do believe that's what it says," Yukimura responds. "There is also an addendum. You stay out of our territories and we shall stay out of yours. The exception is if you're invited."
"Don't count on it though."
Yukimura laughs. "No, it's not likely, but good fences make good neighbors. Yagyuu told me that. He also told me that it's your fault we're in this predicament, Atobe."
"I do believe your spy is mistaken. Kite and the Higa-gumi are the cause of this... problem," Atobe says.
"Surely Tezuka could have dispatched Kite with no trouble if you hadn't interfered."
Atobe clicks his tongue in annoyance. "An accident, I assure you."
"Well," Yukimura starts and Atobe suddenly feels cold again, "if anyone had accidentally mistaken me for someone else, they wouldn't be around to keep apologizing for it. One year, Atobe. Do not forget."
***
Hirakoba stares out the window of the shinkansen. The countryside passes by in a blur of green and blue. There's more green here than where he lives in Okinawa, but he has the ocean instead. It's a good exchange.
"We'll be in Osaka soon."
"I've never been."
"It's something." Zaizen looks at him for a moment then goes back to his tablet. "You're upset with me."
Hirakoba sits up. "What makes you think that, hun?"
"The blank stare out the window."
"I was just thinking. Do you always believe people are upset with you when they're thinking?"
"That's usually the case," Zaizen admits. "I can be... difficult."
"I would have never guessed." Hirakoba smiles at him then goes back to staring out the window. "Have you ever been to Okinawa?"
"Once," Zaizen replies, swiping to another email. "Too hot. Too sunny. Too much sand. Even with protection, sand still ended up in some of my electronics."
"Most people don't take electronics to the beach, Z."
"I'm not most people."
Hirakoba doesn't argue with that. He's only known the Shitenhouji member less than twenty-four hours and he is quite different than some of the people he has met over the years. He watches as Zaizen taps away at the screen until the train starts to slow.
"You should get ready," Zaizen starts as he begins to put his tablet away. "Our contact is picking us up as soon as we get off."
"Member of the Shitenhouji-kai?" Hirakoba whispers.
Zaizen nods and pulls his backpack on. The train comes to a stop in Namba Station and he motions for Hirakoba to follow closely. They weave through the crowd to what Hirakoba believes is a lesser-used entrance. In front of him is a bright red motorcycle and a leggy blond.
"You have a type, Z," Hirakoba says as they walk closer to the mystery man.
"Shut up," Zaizen mutters. "Hirakoba, this is Oshitari. Oshitari, this is Hirakoba. There. You've met. Can we go back to the temple now? I need to charge my tablet."
"You must be Oshitari-kun's cousin. Kenya, yes?"
"Yeah, that's me. Did Yuushi say anything?"
"He misses you and wishes you would call. He's oh-so-lonely," Zaizen answers. "May we go now?"
Kenya sighs and climbs on the motorcycle. "You should get in the sidecar with your bag, Hirakoba. I can't believe Kura made me attach the damn thing. It totally ruins the look of the Shooting Star."
"Shooting Star?" Hirakoba asks as he gets into the sidecar and sets his bag between his legs.
"It's the name of the motorcycle," Zaizen says. "He's not very good with them."
"Oi! I'm perfectly good at naming things. Take Ferrari, for example," Kenya says, starting up the motorcycle and putting on his helmet.
"You know," Hirakoba says over the noise, "naming your car Ferrari isn't very original."
"Not my car. My iguana." Kenya grins then lowers the visor over his eyes.
***
Tooyama pushes the cart out of the temple and secures it right in front of the main doors.
"TAKOYAKI!!! ONE HUNDRED YEN. GET YOUR TAKOYAKI!!!"
"Oi, stop your yelling. It's eight AM."
"GOOD MORNING, KENYA-SENPAI. DO YOU WANT SOME TAKOYAKI?"
The temple door slides open and Shiraishi steps outside, bandage already starting to unfurl. "Kintarou, what time did I say you could sell takoyaki?"
Tooyama swallows. "Eleven."
Another piece of bandage unravels. "And what time is it right now?"
"Eight."
"So, how many hours until you can start selling?"
"Uh... um..."
"Three."
"KOSHIMAE!" Tooyama grins, but it falters when he glances at Shiraishi again. "Three, Shiraishi-kumicho."
"Good. Echizen, please make sure he doesn't do anything until eleven."
"Do I have to?"
"Come on, Koshimae! There's a fighting game at the arcade. I bet I can beat you at it cause Koshimae is really bad at video games and I always win."
Echizen stares daggers at Tooyama. "Put your stupid cart away. We're going to the arcade."
"WOO HOO!!! ARCADE ARCADE ARCADE. I'M GOING TO BEAT KOSHIMAE."
"You can't beat me if you don't put the damn thing away so we can go."
Tooyama jumps to action and returns the cart to the temple storage area then rushes back to Echizen. "Ready. Let's go."
"Fine fine. Lead the way," Echizen grumbles, giving a look to Shiraishi as Tooyama pulls him in the direction of the arcade. You owe me, he mouths.
Shiraishi nods and heads back inside. He wanders through the temple until he comes upon Tezuka meditating in front of a fountain. "I'm still surprised Atobe left you here with me," he says then sits down next to the man.
"He has no control over my actions," Tezuka tells him. "Plus, I have done too much traveling as of late. I needed the respite. Even if it's temporary."
"Seiichi called to let me know Atobe has the signed agreement. Also, that he was jumpy. I fear the plan could become compromised. Atobe's feelings towards you are still quite strong."
"Yukimura can handle Hyoutei," Tezuka says simply.
"True, but you can handle Atobe."
"He doesn't need handling," Tezuka says, closing his eyes. "I noticed Zaizen returning last night with whom, I assume, is Higa's Hirakoba."
"Yes. I met with him."
"Does he know I'm here?"
"Not yet. He's swaying though. Since we intercepted knowledge of the hit and let him know, he isn't keen on going back to Okinawa any time soon. At least, not if Kite is there."
"Who are you suggesting becomes kumicho in Kite's place?"
"Chinen, if we decide the Higa-gumi needs to exist." Shiraishi leans forward and holds his hand under the waterfall from the fountain. "Personally, I would fold the lot of them into Shitenhouji since our reach almost extends that far anyway."
"You would poach from Rikkaidai?"
"Seiichi doesn't care about the southern part of Japan. He's been more than amiable towards our expansion."
"Only because you have yet to encroach on his territory."
Shiraishi chuckles. "I do not have a death wish like those in Kanto, Chiba, and Kanagawa," he says. "You could have gotten everyone but him, Tezuka. He does not like to share. It's too bad Kite spoiled your chances."
"I'm still alive, Shiraishi. The chance is not gone."
"Perhaps, but you should be careful. Echizen is starting to think something is going on."
"He's too smart for his own good sometimes. I'll fill him in when the time is right. Nonetheless, I'll be gone before he returns today."
***
On day three of his stay at the Shitenhouji-kai, Hirakoba gets up at seven AM. He stretches out his limbs, quickly retracting them as his hand brushes up against something rough. Shifting, he squints in the dark to see what he touched. The thing lets out a brief screech then toddles out of the room through the cracked door.
"What the hell?" Hirakoba asks himself.
"Ferrari," Zaizen says, picking up the iguana and gently stroking the creature's head. "She wanders the temple and someone left their door open. You're new; she had to check you out."
Hirakoba covers himself back up. It's too early to deal with an adventurous iguana and his owner's boyfriend.
"Oh, by the way, there's someone here that you know. Not Kite," Zaizen adds after he notices Hirakoba tense up. "Fluffy brown hair, ugly cap."
"Kai?"
Zaizen shrugs. "I don't know. He's talking with Shiraishi. Should I tell him you're here or would you like to surprise him?"
"Why is he here?"
"Maybe he wants to leave the Higa-gumi before it implodes. There are worse places Fluffy could join. Hyoutei, for example."
"Oshitari-kun is a member of Hyoutei," Hirakoba reminds him. "And that can't be true. Kai is loyal. To a fault."
"I tolerate three people from the Hyoutei-kai: Oshitari, Shishido, and Hiyoshi." Zaizen doesn't elaborate on the why and Hirakoba doesn't ask. "As for Fluffy, people change. Perhaps you don't know him as well as you think you do."
Hirakoba wishes he was back in the clawfoot bathtub at Oshitari's apartment in Tokyo. Mainly to submerge himself in the water and think. Unfortunately, there's nothing quite like that in the temple. Nothing that private, anyway. It's truly disappointing.
"Anyway, get dressed. Ishida-senpai is making breakfast. If you don't hurry, the bottomless pit will get to it first and then no one will have anything to eat until dinner."
***
Tezuka steps out of one car and slides into another. He waits for the door to be closed and car to start moving before turning to look at his host.
"Yukimura."
The Rikkaidai kumicho smiles. "Tezuka. Don't worry. Atobe and Sanada aren't here. I get tired of their bickering. They sound like an old married couple at times."
"Isn't that what is said about you and Sanada?"
Yukimura's smile widens. "I'm happy to hear you haven't lost your sense of humor," he says. "The difference is that Sanada doesn't want to kill me. The same can't be said for Atobe, but you know all about that, don't you?"
"I do not want to kill Atobe."
"I find it very strange that you are so unwilling to kill in your line of work."
Tezuka lets out a sigh. "Not unwilling, just not keen on letting people so easily off the hook."
Yukimura raises an eyebrow. "You would do well in Rikkaidai even if you would rather go the indirect route and make other people do your dirty work."
"I could never be subservient to you," Tezuka states. He feels the car turn left then right. "Nonetheless, I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. As I understand it, your recuperation takes up most of your day."
"Hmm, no, you're not Sanada," Yukimura says easily with a shrug then frowns at the mention of 'recuperation.' "Yes, well, it's not like I have much else to do. Clearly, Shiraishi and Atobe aren't willing to use methods I employ regularly. Am I right?"
Tezuka pushes up his glasses. "It's as you said earlier, I'd like you to do my dirty work for me."
Yukimura grins. "I'll send Sanada when you give me the green light."
Tezuka sighs. "Thank you."
"You can thank me when it's done."
"Aa." Tezuka shifts as the car makes another turn. "I noticed that Rikkaidai and Shitenhouji are still recruiting despite the agreement."
"I hope you didn't actually think I would follow through. For the record, I'm not actively looking to take anyone from Higa."
"I had a brief glimmer."
"If you came to berate me, it won't work. How did Shiraishi take your holier-than-thou approach?" Yukimura crosses his arms and sinks into the seat.
"He told me he was going to finish getting who he wanted from Higa then cease." Tezuka doesn't feel the need to elaborate further.
Yukimura hums. "That isn't surprising. Remember, you're the one that wanted to break the Higa-gumi apart from the inside. Shiraishi, Atobe, and I were only being kind enough to assist you because they are annoying, but Okinawa holds no interest for Rikkaidai, so we won't bother with that lot."
"Understood." Tezuka looks through the tinted window. They are now in the Yanaka District; he recognizes the building that once housed the Seigaku-gumi and is about to ask what they are doing when the car comes to a stop in front of it.
The Rikkaidai kumicho presses a button on the center console. "Niou. Make sure I get what I want before returning."
There is some movement in the front of the car then Tezuka hears one door close before his opens.
"You need to decide what you want to do and when to do it, Tezuka," Yukimura says firmly. "Otherwise, I will decide for you and I can guarantee you won't enjoy the outcome."
***
Hirakoba watches Kai from the other side of the courtyard. This entire exchange is weird and he can't help but feel like he's the punchline in some gigantic joke.
"Ferrari likes you," Kenya says, petting the iguana that has placed herself between them. "She's kind of particular. Took her a year to get used to Z."
He tears himself away to look down at the iguana. It sounds almost like she is purring or humming contentedly. "Thank you, Ferrari-chan. I'm sorry I was scared of you."
"She doesn't mind. Chillest iguana ever." Kenya picks her up and perches the iguana on his shoulder.
"I hate to break up the Ferrari love fest, but Shiraishi would like to see you," Zaizen says, reaching down to scratch under the iguana's chin. "I'll take you to him."
Hirakoba waves to Oshitari and Ferrari before following Zaizen to where Shiraishi and Kai are. When he gets close enough, he has ball his hands into fists to quell his nerves.
"Yo, Rin! Shiraishi was just tellin' me that you around. I had no idea you were gonna be here. Does Eishirou know?" Kai asks and continues. "I doubt it. He doesn't know I'm here. I left the day after you did. He wouldn't tell me where you were and it kinda ticked me off. So I was coming to find you, but then I ran into Koshikawa-san and decided to stop here first."
"Koshikawa-san?"
"Yeah, tall dude over there," Kai points to a young man talking with Ishida.
"Can I talk to you in private?"
"Yeah yeah." Kai grins at Shiraishi then pulls Hirakoba towards an empty room just out of earshot of the main circle of the Shitenhouji-kai. "What's up?"
"Cut the bullshit, Yuu. You knew about Kite and the hit."
Kai shakes his head. "What are you talking about? That's crazy."
"No. What's crazy is that our friend asked Hiroshi to kill me and you knew it was going to happen and didn't think to tell me."
Kai looks down and away. Hirakoba sucks in a breath. He had lied to Z about it being a surprise, but it truly was. This whole thing regarding Tezuka had changed Kite in such a way that he didn't trust anyone. Not even those he had grown up with in Okinawa.
"He told Hiroshi to take you down before you left for the mainland," Kai says eventually. "When Kite got word from Rokkaku that you never showed up, he assumed Hiroshi had succeeded."
"No wonder you looked so surprised to see me." Hirakoba gives Kai a slight smile. "I need to go think. Come find me in an hour."
"Bath house?"
"Where else would I go?"
***
Niou kicks around a rock while he accompanies Tezuka towards the old headquarters of the Seigaku-gumi. Eventually, it goes into a ditch. He doesn't want to bother getting it back out to continue his exercise in boredom.
"May I ask what Yukimura wanted?"
"I don't know," Niou replies, pushing open the door and following the other man inside. "Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."
"Even upon threat of dismemberment or death?"
Niou smirks. "There are only two people who could make that kind of threat and me take it seriously. You're not one of them. Sorry, princess."
Tezuka wants to argue the princess remark but thinks better of it as he steps into his former office. He trails his fingers through the dust on his desk.
"And I thought Sanada was bad about this nostalgia bullshit," Niou remarks from the door. "Boss said you had paperwork here that is incredibly important."
"I suppose that's what he wanted. I shouldn't be surprised you lied," Tezuka says with a frown, "but I'm afraid it has nothing to do with him and I have no intention of turning it over."
"Not according to him." Niou moves past Tezuka and starts going through drawers, checking for secret compartments and hollow cavities.
"Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Niou replies, continuing his work. "You know, this will end much better for you if you just give Yukimura what he wants."
"Unfortunately for you, I am not a person who blindly follows Yukimura."
Niou stands up and narrows his eyes. "I can forgive a lot of things, but insulting my kumicho is not one of them. Sanada, on the other hand..." He frowns then hops up to sit on Tezuka's desk. "I wouldn't normally give a fuck, but you owe him."
"I believe you are mistaken. My life debt is to Shiraishi. No one else."
"Who the hell do you think got you to Shiraishi in time? It sure wasn't Atobe. That asshole was too busy freaking out that he sent you to your death. Accidentally, as he likes to remind everyone who will listen."
Tezuka straightens. Owing a life debt to Shiraishi is one thing, owing one to Yukimura and/or Sanada is completely different.
"That's right," Niou says, noticing the look of realization dawning on Tezuka's face. "Yukimura ordered Yagyuu to keep track of you and when Yagyuu informed him that Atobe had shot you, he sent Sanada to recover you. Unfortunately, Kite was also there and blah blah blah. Too long, don't read. Sanada took you to Shiraishi."
Closing his eyes, Tezuka takes a deep breath. Why had Shiraishi not told him any of this? Did he think he would change his mind? Or pause on the plans he had discussed with him and Yukimura?
"So." Niou draws out the word and tilts his head. "About that paperwork."
"Third drawer, four taps to the bottom and gently pull," Tezuka says with a sigh.
"I thought it sounded off, but I can't be sure without my tools. Can you believe Yagyuu wouldn't let me bring them along? 'You have no use for your kit on this excursion, Niou-kun,'" he mocks, sliding off the desk and following Tezuka's instructions. "I'm pretty sure it was just his way of borrowing them for himself. Greedy bastard. Are all guys that look like you jerks or what?"
"Excuse you."
"Not in your way," Niou says, pulling out a surprisingly thick accordion file. "Is this all of it?"
Tezuka nods.
"Wonderful!" Niou says happily and tucks the file under his arm. "Well, it was fun talking to you, but I get to go now. Have fun doing whatever it is former oyabun do when they're being targeted by deranged assholes."
***
Kai reaches into the water and pokes Hirakoba in the forehead. "I gave you two hours," he says when Hirakoba breaks the surface.
"More than enough time."
"So you've decided?"
Hirakoba sighs. He spots Zaizen looking at them and he waves. Zaizen doesn't move. "I kind of like this," he admits. "The lazy days where the only thing I have to worry about is what time Tooyama-kun is going to start yelling about takoyaki or if Ferrari is going to fall asleep on my hair."
"We'll get Hiroshi and Kei here too." Kai tugs on the brim of his hat. "Eishirou's a lost cause, I think."
"No thinking, hun, he is. There's nothing we can do about him now. He made his choice."
Kai nods. "I'm sorry about all this."
"It isn't your fault." Hirakoba gives him a wan smile. "We'll have to find new surfing spots."
"Shouldn't take too long. Shitenhouji has places all over Kyushu. We could stay in Fukuoka."
"Hmm, no. I like it here. I've made some new friends, even if one of them is grumpy and secretive." Hirakoba gives Kai a slight smile. "Besides, I think we both need some time before we can travel close to Okinawa."
"You're probably right," Kai says. "Thanks, Rin. For staying."
"It wasn't a tough decision. Now, run off and let Shiraishi know while I finish my bath."
Kai laughs and splashes Hirakoba before heading off to find the Shitenhouji-kai's kumicho.
***
Sanada sets the file down on the table between them. Atobe looks at it skeptically before leaning forward to grab the folder.
"Should I be concerned?"
"No," Tezuka replies. "Did Yukimura find it useful?"
"Mostly. He kept the parts that dealt with Rikkaidai and sent the items that involved Shitenhouji and Higa to Shiraishi." Sanada nods to the dossier. "Hyoutei and Seigaku are in there."
"Intel on Hyoutei? Who was this gathered by?" Atobe asks as he begins to skim through the pages.
"Should I tell him or do you want to?"
Tezuka glares at Sanada. "I did."
Atobe pauses in his movements for a moment. Sanada crosses his arms. "Tezuka is hardly a saint. Him having blueprints to take each of our groups out isn't surprising."
"They weren't for taking the organizations out."
"Don't you dare say this is all for merging the organizations into one."
"It was," Sanada tells him. "Not that his intel on Rikkaidai was correct. Hyoutei and Shitenhouji though..."
"Sanada, enough."
"I offered combining Hyoutei and Seigaku, but you turned me down. How is this any different?"
"Force, I would imagine," Sanada guesses. "Yukimura said that the plan wasn't bad though only you would have never managed to get us."
Atobe frowns. "And what makes Rikkaidai so damn special?"
"My kumicho has never been in love with Tezuka."
"I seriously doubt your beloved kumicho has ever been in love with anyone or anything," Atobe says, sitting up in his chair. "Kite is worse than you and Shiraishi is a palatable version of Yukimura. Regardless--"
"For the record, my relationships with Shiraishi and Atobe had nothing to do with my plans."
"I still can't believe you were with him. We are perfect for one another." Atobe closes the file. "Of course, I'm fully prepared to forgive this minor transgression of yours. Join me, Tezuka."
Sanada rolls his eyes. "This is pathetic," he says and stands. "Good luck with that, Tezuka. Yukimura will be in touch when it's done."
"When what is done?" Atobe asks after he's sure Sanada has left.
"I wanted to end the threat once and for all, so I gave Yukimura the green light to take out Kite since I am not up to the task."
"Yukimura isn't exactly in a position to do so either. You could have sent someone from Hyoutei. Surely, one of your former followers would have grabbed at the chance to avenge you. The brat, for example, or the one with the bandana."
"Echizen and Kaidou," Tezuka corrects.
"Whatever," Atobe says, waving Tezuka off. "You should have come to me with this."
"You're too close."
"That's ridiculous."
Tezuka raises an eyebrow. "Atobe, you need to trust me. Yukimura is the only one I could have do this without repercussions."
"Yes, and watch him stab you in the back as soon as he's done what you've asked."
"He won't."
Atobe lets out a deep breath. "Only because you insist will I go along with this, but know I don't like nor approve of it and I feel you're making a mistake that you won't be able to turn back from. Owing Rikkaidai anything is paramount to suicide."
***
Hirakoba will never get used to the taste of sake. Thankfully, Shiraishi isn't too fond of it either and provides a cup of tea after the ceremony.
"I hope you don't mind, but I've sent some of my men to Okinawa to retrieve your personal effects. Zaizen specifically mentioned your fish and a surfboard."
So Z was short for Zaizen. Hirakoba smiled widely. "That's really all I need. I can replace everything else." For the most part.
Shiraishi takes a sip of tea. "As a member of the Shitenhouji-kai, I feel I must tell you that we are actively trying to recruit Tanishi and Chinen. If it becomes difficult, I hope I can count on you and Kai to assist."
"Of course." He would do almost anything to save his friends. Even if it meant turning against someone he considered family for a huge portion of his life.
***
its done
heres proof if you really need it
Tezuka looks at the picture then deletes the message.
feel free to come back from the dead at any time
He takes off his glasses, closes his eyes, and pinches the bridge of his nose. For the first time in years, Tezuka feels like he'll be able to sleep through the night.
***
"You seem happy," Zaizen says a few days after the sake ceremony.
"Oh, I'm quite pleased, hun," Hirakoba says. "My fish are here, Kai found a pretty good surfing area about an hour away, Hiroshi and Kei are alive, and I know your name."
Good. That's nice. Okay. Zaizen blinks. "What?"
"I don't think you let Shiraishi in on your little nickname business. He told me while we were making our relationship official. Then Kenya filled me in on the rest. Accidentally. I overheard him say your name." Hirakoba smiles slyly and leans in close. "So, Zaizen Hikaru, are you happy?"