How a Cat came of age (A Catwoman origin story) Chapter 11 : Faultlines in the Empire

Sitting across the table from Enji Suzuki, Eiko Hasigawa watched as he spoke to his boyfriend Minato Kiyama, the heir apparent of the Kiyama clan. His voice trembled as he told his lover all about how he had been captured. Through the speaker, Minato assured Enji that he needn't worry, that he would get him out of captivity soon. This didn't do much for poor Enji's trepidation. He didn't know if he would make it out alive.

"So here's the deal, Minato" Eiko said in the cool and distant tone she had earlier practiced with Selina, "I'll let your boy toy go unharmed, if you bring me the all details of your family's rare Earths smuggling operation. I want to know which Chinese officials you're bribing, the identifications of the ships that will bring the minerals and of course, at which docks they will arrive."
"Do you even realise what you're asking me to do?" Minato Kiyama asked in disbelief, "You're asking me to pretty much hand over one of my father's most valuable businesses to you."

"Yes, Minato. That's more than obvious. You have thirty six hours to bring me all this information. Do we have a deal?"

The young Kiyama fell silent. As if he was weighing in his options. Wondering if he should betray his father or just let the man he loved die. Selina Kyle had been listening in and spoke in Eiko's earpiece, which was hidden by a thick lock of hair.

"Even if you value your daddy's business more than your boyfriend's life...."

Even if you value your daddy's business more than your boyfriend's life", Eiko repeated Selina's words "you do realise that we can reveal this secret relationship of yours to the world, including the Kiyama clan. I know for a fact that Enji here has pictures of the two of you together. And I'm sure he can give a very detailed description of your anatomy to your father and it would be clear as day how he knows you so intimately"

"You.... you wouldn't!" Minato Kiyama's agitated tone betrayed his nervousness. Selina was glad to hear it.

"Wouldn't I?" Eiko said with a snicker, "Minato, if you think we don't have the tools to make your boyfriend kiss and tell, you've seriously underestimated us Hasigawas. Besides, even if your dad doesn't believe him, the mere existence of Enji's claims will put your succession in great jeopardy, don't you think?"

Minato knew she wasn't kidding.

"All right. Fine! I'll give you all the information you want, just don't do anything to Enji."

"I knew you were a sensible man, Minato. Now listen carefully, at exactly four in the morning, the day after tomorrow two of my men will drive up in a matte black Range Rover and will pick you up from outside the Frech Restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental. You don't need me to tell you the consequences of any sneaky business. See you!"

As soon as the call ended, Enji Suzuki was taken to a comfortable guest room. He had stopped trembling but was clearly still terrified. Armed guards were standing outside the room and the windows were barred. Any attempt at an escape would be ill advised.

Eiko dismissed her kobun and shortly after, Selina Kyle entered the room.

"How did I do?" Eiko asked her "think I was convincing?"

"You did just fine, darling. And yes you were."

"Selina, I've been thinking", Eiko said as they sat down, "Why stop at taking over the Kiyama's rare Earths smuggling? Minato is walking right into our trap. Why not kidnap him too?"

"Out of the question!" Selina said, to Eiko's surprise.

"What? Why?"

"Because Eiko, that would start an all out war between the Hasigawa and Kiyama clans. That's the last thing your father needs right now. And believe me he will not be happy. He'll think you're immature and impulsive and therefore unfit to lead the family."

"Yeah.... I guess you're right."

"Eiko if you're going to do this, you need to know how far you can push things. Never, ever overplay your hand. Not now, not when you become the Obayun. Knowing your limitations is as important as knowing your strengths."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks. So, now what?"

"Now, we prepare for tomorrow. We make sure the transaction goes smoothly."

"You think Minato might try something?"

"He might. I'm sure he can get some of his men to help him and keep their mouths shut. Which is why I need to make sure he's too terrified to even think straight."

Minato Kiyama was usually cool as a cucumber. Secure in the knowledge that he would succeed his father, Fujio Kiyama, as the next Obayun of the Kiyama clan, Minato lived life to the fullest. His calendar was usually filled with social engagements with high rollers. He partied hard and savoured all the pleasures of life.

This day was different however. Minato was paranoid and would jump at his own shadow. It actually started the night before. After stewing all day over the threat issued by Eiko Hasigawa he was mentally exhausted. She did not sound like she was bluffing, and he had about a day and a half to make up his mind. Enji was important to Minato. Even more important was his own reputation. If his secret got out, he could forget about leading the Family one day. In fact, his father might actually kill him, just to preserve the family's honour.

He called in a masseuse to help him relax. The woman who was supposed to alleviate his stress only aggravated it. She kept telling him, even as her soft hands rubbed his back, that the Hasigawas were watching him. That Eiko was keeping an eye on his every move and if he tried anything funny, the consequences would be dire. The venom dripping from the woman's lips was such a contrast to the otherwise relaxing massage. About fifteen minutes into in, Minato just begged her to leave. Under normal circumstances, he would have yelled for security. These weren't normal circumstances, however and the woman walked out after reminding him one last time that he was, in fact, being watched.

After a disturbed sleep, Minato thought his favourite breakfast, in bed, would make him feel better. His appetite died when he lifted the cover and a picture of Enji, bound and gagged, stared back at him. Not only was he no longer hungry, but poor Minato had to rush to the bathroom to throw up.

During golf with his father, the caddy "accidentally" dropped the ball at his feet and as she picked it up she whispered "you only have another twenty one hours".

This was it. Minato was going to give Eiko the information she wanted and then send Enji out of the country. This torment was unbearable. Luckily, Fujio Kiyama had been pushing his son to get more involved in the family business. And Minato had access to all the details about the rare earths smuggling operations. A fact of which Selina Kyle was well aware, which is why she had concocted this scheme in the first place.

At about four in the morning, Minato Kiyama drove away from Selina's safe house, his lover in the passenger seat. Both of them were silent as they drove away. Enji wondered if this was the end of their relationship, while Minato was preoccupied with thoughts of getting Enji out of Japan so he, and their involvement, would remain a secret. He drove straight to the airport where his private jet was waiting to take Enji to the US.

Eiko jumped with joy. Adrenaline rushing through her body.

"We did it Selina! I can't believe we did it!"

"YOU did it Eiko. You planned this. You executed it. I followed YOUR orders."

"But Selina, you did all this...."

"Eiko, If you're going to present your candidature for succession before your Oto-San, you need to project unshakable confidence. And that confidence won't come unless you BELIEVE the things I just said. You need to know without any doubt that you are the best person for the job, otherwise you will sink."

"I do believe Selina...."

"Eiko you need to convince yourself that YOU are in control before you can convince your father. If you show a hint of doubt or uncertainty he is going to sense it and you'll be deemed too weak to be his successor.

"Selina, I understand. And I believe with all my heart that I'm fit to lead our family. If I didn't I wouldn't have come to you for help."

"Good. That's good"

Selina found Eiko's conviction to be quite, well, convincing. She only hoped the Boss felt the same way.

Communicating with the Kiyama ships that were bringing the precious rare Earths to the Aka Port in Okinawa was quite easy for Selina. As was misdirecting them and getting them to dock in a different harbour. The men on board were told to wait know the vassal until further instructions. Those instructions never came, however. Instead, one by one, every man was knocked unconscious by a figure too quick to be registered. When they came to, they were hog tied and the priceless cargo was all gone.

Eiko Hasigawa was directing the entire heist, as per Selina's instructions. The Hasigawa Kobun followed her orders and as the sun came up, they sailed with the loot back to Tokyo. Selina herself was not on the same vassal. She had left in a smaller boat, soon after incapacitating the Kiyama crew. She and Eiko worked in perfect coordination and the latter arrived with her men less than a minute after Selina left.

Selina had planned it this way because she needed to ensure that Eiko would command the respect of the Hasigawa men. They needed to think this was all her doing. An example of her leadership to present before her father.

The Obayun Tatsuo Hasigawa was about to retire to bed when his man servant informed him that his daughter wanted a word with him. This was unusual and for a minute Tatsuo feared that his dear child was in trouble. However, the news she have him left him truly speechless.
Tatsuo's little girl had blackmailed Minato Kiyama into divulging the details of the Kiyama rare earths smuggling operation, something Tatsuo himself had been trying to cut in on. She had used that information to rob the Kiyama consignment. As if this wasn't enough, she had also succeeded in establishing a connection in the Chinese bureaucracy and convinced them to sell their minerals to the Hasigawa instead of the Kiyama. The fact that she had possession of a huge chunk of those minerals certainly helped convince them.

However, his reaction was not what his daughter had hoped for.

"How dare you take something like this into your own hands? Do you have any idea how dangerous this was?"

"But Oto-San" Eiko said trying to defend her actions "I planned it all out very carefully. This Enji and I go to the same college. And your men were there to protect me. And Selina was by my side to...."

"That's enough!" Tatsuo just wasn't having it, "this is the last time you will ever do something like this. You need to focus on getting your college degree, not interfering in our business."

"Forgive me Oto-San, but what do you mean "our business". Do you mean that only the men in this family have the right to partake in it. And I can't because of two X Chromosomes?"

Eiko had spoken so frankly and assertively to her father for the first time. If he was taken aback, he certainly didn't show it.

"I will not discuss this with you any further, child. I have given you more freedom than any of the other families have given their daughters. I've allowed you to study business. I have turned down every proposal for matrimonial alliances with other clans. I did all this because your happiness is important to me. But what you have done today, It is unacceptable! You seem to have taken it for granted that I will give you anything you desire. You think reading a few books about feminism will make you, a woman, fit to lead this family. Well, I...."

"So it IS because of my gender!" Eiko interrupted her father. Another first for her.
"Yes. It is. Now whatever contacts you have made in China, you're going to hand them all over to me and never speak of this again."

Eiko was so angry and disappointed she couldn't even come up with a response. Her father, the man who had hitherto been her biggest cheerleader, was telling her to leave the heavy lifting to the men. She simply rose and stormed out.

"EIKO! EIKO!! YOU DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM ME! EIKO!!"

It was as if Tatsuo's warnings fell on dead ears and his daughter just left. He felt disrespected by his only child. Besides being livid, what he felt under the surface was fear. The kind of fear only a parent can experience.

"Do you know what he said to me?" An infuriated Eiko Hasigawa recounted her conversation with her father to a patiently listening Selina Kyle. "He may as well have said 'Just go back to the kitchen!'"

"Eiko, you're gonna have to display level headedness" Selina said, taking Eiko into her arms. "I have a strong feeling that your dad is actually impressed with what you did. What he's really worried about is your safety. Talk to him when he has calmed down a little."

"You think so?" Eiko asked hopefully, as Selina dexterously removed her clothes.

"Yes, beautiful" Selina said kissing her neck, "in fact, your cousin is about to fuck up in a big way."

"He is" Eiko asked as Selina lay her down in bed.

"Yes, darling. I'll make sure he does. And when you have your little chat with Daddy right after he hears of the said fuck up, you'd have a much better chance of convincing him."

Eiko wanted to ask Selina what her plan was. But she found herself incapable of forming coherent sentences, or even coherent thoughts, as Selina Kyle's naked body pleasured hers. As her fingers teased her clitoris. As her lips sucked in her hardened nipples. As Selina's voluptuous breasts smothered Eiko's smaller ones. As Selina's strap on entered her and each thrust drove her wild.

All worries were forgotten for the moment as Eiko orgasmed screaming Selina's name.

Asahi Hasigawa had recently closed a deal with an Italian mafioso who operated mostly from the United States. A notorious mob boss named Carmine Falcone. The Hasigawas were going to purchase huge amounts of some of the world's "finest" cocaine from Falcone's. It would help the former to further expand their illegal drug trafficking operations, and for the latter the deal meant tens of millions of dollars in profits.

Asahi had spent months carrying out negotiations and made sure that Denji knew even the most minute details of it. He had his son accompany him to every meeting with the Falcone men. He was going to make it appear that his son had done all the work and his business acumen is what made such a huge deal possible. This would further impress upon Tatsuo that Denji was worthy of being his successor. Which was why, when the deal was finally closed Denji and not Asahi, was at the helm. He was the one who shook hands with Carmine Falcone. Denji was at the forefront on the day the exchange was to be made, in one of the finest suits of the Palace Hotel.

Unfortunately, the currency notes that were to be given to the Falcone's, in exchange for the drugs, was gone. The bags that were supposed to be filled with money, were instead filled with pieces of paper. Needless to say, the Falcones were not happy. Words were exchanged, accusations were hurled. Denji being the arrogant fool that he was, only made things worse. Instead of being diplomatic and handling things with delicacy, he became enraged and physically threatened Carmine Falcone, by grabbing his collar. This caused Falcone's daughter, Sophia to deal Denji a blow to the face. The blow would have caused the young man to hit the floor, if he hadn't been caught by one of his men. Both sides drew their guns and the only reason a blood bath was avoided was because one of the Hasigawa kobun had the sense to call Asahi.

Tatsuo Hasigawa's Second in Command got there just in time to calm things down. He convinced Carmine that senseless bloodshed wouldn't do either families any good and tried to convince him to make the exchange on the next day. Falcone however, demanded to have a word with the Boss. The Obayun. That too in person.

And so, Tatsuo Hasigawa himself had to come down to the Palace to appease the Falcones. He made it clear that this was but a minor hitch and urged Carmine to make the exchange the next day. He also welcomed the Falcone's to stay at the Palace, free of cost, till the deal was done. Falcone, in spite of everything, was impressed with the man's display of strength and tact and agreed to make the exchange the day after.

Eiko Hasigawa was visiting her father's home, as she did on most weekends. She was in her bedroom suite. She and her Oto-San hadn't talked much, ever since her disastrous pitch. Selina had arrived with her. But then she left, in a maid's disguise. Leaving Eiko thoroughly confused.

About two hours later, as Eiko was watching a movie, Selina entered her room. Again disguised as a maid, but this time as a maid employed at the Palace Hotel.

Eiko tried to inquire what the hell was going on. Selina gave her a kiss and as she changed her clothes she explained to Eiko exactly what she had just done and what Eiko was supposed to do now.

Asahi Hasigawa was not someone who liked to apologise. The most feared man in the Yakuza world bowed before no one. No one except his older brother. His Obayun who he had sworn to serve and protect. Who, at the moment, was giving him and his son a dressing down for the catastrophic failure that could have ruined the Hasigawa reputation, if the Obayun himself hadn't gotten involved. It was bad enough that the equivalent of twelve million USD was stolen from them, but on top of that the Hasigawas were humiliated in front of the Falcones. As icing on the shit cake, Denji had made a complete fool of himself and got himself punched in the face by Sophia Falcone. All of this was recounted in a fearsome tone by the Hasigawa Obayun.

Denji was about to start defending his actions, but his father squeezed his hand discreetly, causing him to remain silent. Both father and son took the scolding.

When Tatsuo was finally done, Asahi rose to his feet and for the first time he apologised to his older brother. Tatsuo half heartedly accepted the apology before dismissing him and his son.

Once he was alone, Tatsuo ordered for some tea to be brought to his study.

To his surprise, it was Eiko who brought the tea to him.

"I heard what happened" Eiko told her father as she poured the beverage.

"Did you?" Tatsuo asked.

"Oto-San, you always tell me not to let my emotions cloud my judgement. But here you are doing the exact same thing."

Tatsuo said nothing, simply looked at his daughter. Eiko took the lack of a scowl as a good omen and continued.

"You are so rooted in your beliefs that a woman has no place running this business that you are willing to let an idiotic hot head like Denji take the reins. You saw how his ego almost ruined your deal with the Falcones. Does his gender really excuse all of his flaws? Do you really think he would do a better job than me?"

Tatsuo took Eiko's hand in his own and held it warmly.

"I know for a fact that my daughter is superior in every way to Asahi's son. I also know that she can lead this family better than that Denji."

"Oto-San, then why...."

"Because I'm afraid my dear. I'm afraid of what this business might do to you. You won't understand a father's worries. Even now, every waking moment I fear that my enemies will find a way of getting to you. And if you become the Obayun...."

"If I become the Obayun someday, I will deal with our enemies just like you do. I'm Tatsuo Hasigawa's daughter. A bunch of katana wielding fools who fancy themselves modern day samurais don't frighten me. Besides, I have Selina by my side. She's been such a good friend to me. She and all others who are loyal to you will protect me."

Tatsuo smiled. His little girl was grown up.

"It appears you have thought about it quite a lot."

"I have. And may I just point out that the person who punched Denji, Falcone's second in command, is in fact a woman?"

"That she is."

"I would have handled it differently Oto-San. Even if our money was stolen on my watch, I wouldn't have let things get so out of control."

"What would you have done?"

"Well, I would have reminded the Falcone's that in this business, rivals are always looking to get a pound of flesh. I would have brought up the time a Falcone cargo ship was robbed by the Maronis. I would have reminded unbent, yet respectful."

"How do you know about that?"

"I did my research on the Falcones."

"Hmmm..... you would let them know that you know they aren't infallible either. Wise."

"So.... Oto-San....."

"Look Eiko, I haven't yet decided who is going to succeed me. And I will not make any promises. But, I'm going to bring you into our business."

"Really?"

"Yes. You will report directly to me and we will see how well you do."

"Thank you Oto-San. I will not let you down."

As Tatsuo hugged his little girl, he wondered if she could truly lead the Hasigawa family. Could she carry his legacy? Was his daughter strong enough?

"But, dad!" Denji whined pathetically as his father slapped him for the umpteenth time. The whine earned him another slap, causing him to fall.

Asahi looked contemptuously at his son. There were times when he wondered if this weak, idiotic boy was truly his. So far he has protected Denji and had covered up his mistakes. But on this day, the lad had caused him to be humiliated in front of Tatsuo.

For all intents and purposes, Tatsuo was the leader and Asahi was the second in command. However, he had never considered his older brother to be his superior. The way he saw it, the Hasigawa throne should have been his. Tradition had caused it to be handed to his brother, but Asahi was the one who worked with his father to strengthen the foundation of the Hasigawa empire. And when Tatsuo took over, it was Asahi who grew their empire to the heights it had reached today. His brother was the boss but without Asahi none of the success they had would have been possible.

Asahi had accepted the fact that his brother would become the Obayun. He did not wish to disrespect his father or their family's traditions. However, that did not mean that he didn't feel cheated.

When Tatsuo's wife could not bear any more children after their daughter was born, it was as if a new hope was kindled within Asahi. He could still rule. Only he would rule through his son. His plan was to make sure that Denji would be Tatsuo's successor. But now, those plans were threatened. And what's more, for the first time in his life he had to humble himself before his brother. It was all because of his son's foolishness.

He would not allow that to happen. His son might be an idiot but he was also Asahi's only chance at ruling the empire.
He grabbed Denji's arm and helped him to his feet.

"Listen to me carefully Denji. Only a fool allows himself to become complacent. Yes, you are the foremost contender for Tatsuo's position, but do not think for a second that he cannot find a replacement. Remember that Eiko has been getting proposals for quite some time now. Tatsuo can always marry her to the son of one of our allies and make him the new Obayun."

Denji's lower lip was bleeding. Asahi gave him a tissue to hold against it and went on.

"You need to start behaving in a responsible manner if you wish to secure your position, Denji. The Hasigawa empire should have been mine. I was always the one truly worthy of it, but it couldn't be. Now, I want to see my son as the next Obayun. You will not let my dream be broken, will you son?"

Denji who was already terrified of his dad, just nodded.

"Good. Good lad. Now go, do something to clear your head. While I do some damage control."

Selina had been looking into colleges for Holly, in countries far away from Japan. She knew that due to her association with Selina, she just wouldn't be safe in this country.
Often, when Selina closed her eyes, Emiko Takahashi's face would appear. That poor woman she had tried to help. And it got her tortured and killed. Was it really worth helping people, if scum like the Hasigawas were ultimately going to win? And yet, here she was supporting her little sister who reminded her what it meant to be human again.

Selina constantly replayed her Sensei's teachings in her mind. He had introduced her to the Mahabharata and the Bhagwat Geeta. She would read and re-read these ancient Indian texts and they would always tell her the same thing. She needed to break the evil empire, if she was going to ensure Holly's survival and her own.

Over at the Hasigawa Estate, Asahi was headed to see his brother. He was going to suggest that as penance for his mistakes, Denji would accompany their men to a raid on a Thai smuggling vassal that had earlier intercepted a Hasigawa cargo ship. He hoped that sending his son on this seemingly dangerous mission would appease his brother. Although, Denji would never be in any actual danger. Asahi would be sure to send in enough men, who reported directly to him, to far outnumber the Thai smugglers. But he did hope that the project's success would put Denji in Tatsuo's good graces again.

Asahi was about to knock on the door of Tatsuo's study when it opened. Out came Selina Kyle, followed by the Obayun and his daughter Eiko. The glee in Selina's eyes bothered him.

"You are here" Tatsuo said calmly when he saw his brother. "Seline here was able to track down our money that was stolen."

"Yeah.... it was a bunch of thieves pulling a heist. I was able to track them down pretty easily. I took a few Kobun with me and now those thieves are sleeping with the fishes."

Selina told Asahi casually enough, while still thinking about how much planning went into hiring those thugs to play thieves being pursued by her and the Hasigawa men she had picked to assist her. Convincing those guys that being chased by Yakuza would be worth the money she paid them had been way more difficult than replacing the bullets of the Hasigawa men with blanks. Fortunately, it all went down smoothly. She had remembered to get those guys some blood squibs in order to produce the dramatic "water turning crimson" effect.

But Asahi Hasigawa was even better at sniffing out a lie than his older brother. As soon as the words left Selina's lips, she knew that Asahi could tell that they were lies. She didn't know what she had done wrong. Was it her body language? Was her tone too casual somehow? Did her story sound well rehearsed and not spontaneous?

Whatever it was, she could read in Asahi's eyes that he had read her. She decided it was best to make an exit.

As Selina walked away, she heard Tatsuo tell his brother that Eiko would be attending their meetings from now on. She had to make an effort to not smirk.

"But Obayun, what would little Eiko do at our meetings?" Asahi asked, wondering where this was going.

"My daughter has shown an interest in getting involved in our business. And I want to give her an opportunity to show her skills. She has already shown promise by taking away the Kiyama rare earths trade."

"And I'm not 'little' anymore, Oji-San." Eiko told Asahi, giving him an icy stare.

Asahi ignored her and continued to talk to his brother as if she wasn't even there.

"With all due respect Obayun, but what could a young woman like her possibly contribute to our business? She has had a small success, yes. But that does not mean she belongs at the high table."

"Whether she belongs or not will be known to us soon. My daughter will accompany me to our next meeting. Make sure our allies know this."

"Very good, Obayun."

The tension in the air was as thick as the conversation was polite.

At the next Hasigawa Clan meeting, Tatsuo Hasigawa entered the hall to pin drop silence and bowed heads, as was the norm. What was out of the ordinary was that two young women accompanied him. His daughter Eiko and her bodyguard, Selina Kyle. The scowl on Denji Hasigawa's face was hard to miss.

The scowl seemed to have become permanent after he accidentally fell into the Pacific Ocean while "raiding" the Thai smuggling vessel. He was in the boat that was farthest back, barking orders at men who already knew their job. That's when the railing gave way. It was later discovered that it had been tampered with. The Obayun obviously found out all about this and Asahi's plans for making his son look good were ruined.

Eiko's presence at Hasigawa meetings became a common occurrence. Each time, Selina Kyle would stand right behind her. Each time Eiko's wit and thorough research, which Selina would help her with, made her shine. And each time Eiko shone and earned the approval of the other members, Asahi and Denji would get more and more insecure.

One of their worst fears was realized when on Eiko's twenty first birthday, Tatsuo announced that she would now co run the Hasigawa diamond smuggling ring. This was a prized venture and Asahi had wanted that position for his son. To the surprise of the other guests at the event, he simply stormed off. His son followed after a moment's hesitation.

A heated discussion between Tatsuo and Asahi followed later that night. It seemed all the bitterness the younger brother had harboured all these years came pouring out of him.

"DO NOT FORGET WHO BUILT THIS EMPIRE BROTHER!! You and your daughter are living like royalty because I spent years.... DECADES of my life defeating our enemies. My son is the one who deserves to lead this family after you. You cannot deny him his rights."

"Asahi, you WILL keep your voice down when you speak to me." Tatsuo told his volatile brother, reminding him of his stature.

"You know as well as I do" Tatsuo continued, "that Denji is a fool. He is simple minded, arrogant and weak. You know he is incapable of leading our family. What you really wish to do is rule through him. Your plan is to put your son at the head of the table, while you pull the strings."

Asahi said nothing. His impenetrable mask was intact.

Tatsuo stood up and approached his brother.

"Asahi, I am well aware that you think you should have been chosen to succeed our father. And now you want to live your dream through Denji, your weak-willed son whom you can easily control. But have you thought about what would happen to this family when you are gone? Do you wish got it to be left in Denji's hands?"

"And what do you want?" Asahi shot back, "for our Empire, the empire our grandfather and father built, to be left to a woman?"

"It is not unheard of, Asahi. Besides, in these last three months, Eiko has proved herself to be quite capable. Just as your son has been providing his ineptitude for years."

Asahi bowed before simply walking out of the Obayun's office. After that he did not speak to his brother about the succession again.

"This is the lull before the storm, Selina-San."

A concerned Sakura told Selina as they had tea in her minka.

"You mean the whole deal with the succession?"

"Yes, child. I.... I just don't understand why Eiko needs to get involved in the family business. She wants to be independent, have a career. That's admirable. If she goes into business, I'm sure she can build her own empire. But the Yakuza business has always been the domain of men."

Selina cringed at the remark but had the sense to keep her mouth shut. Neither her nor Eiko had allowed anyone to know what Selina had been doing for her. The role she had played in ensuring Eiko's assent. Or about their relationship.

"Well....." Selina said taking little sips of her tea, "the Boss seems ok with it. And as far as I know the other senior members like her...."
"They merely tolerate her presence. And only because of her father. Besides, Asahi is not going to take this. This is going to lead to.... to something ugly."

'Yeah, that's the idea' Selina thought, but only nodded as she listened to Sakura.

"I wish Eiko had just built a 'normal' career and stayed away from this dangerous world. I have a very bad feeling about what has begun."

Just then, Selina's phone rang. She had been summoned to the Obayun's office. Selina hugged Sakura before leaving, not really paying too much attention to the conversation they had just had.

"Do you have this down Holly? You are going to New York to live with your aunt. Your dad's sister who was estranged for some time, but now wants you to be a part of her life again. You'll be attending your last year of school, and college in New York too."

Selina and Holly sat at their kitchen table after finishing dinner. She explained to the young girl, her sister, her plans for getting her out of Japan. Now that Eiko was officially being groomed by her father to succeed him, a shit storm was surely going to start. Already, many of the Hasigawa men had began swearing fealty to Asahi and his son. And the last thing she wanted was for Holly to get caught up in the mess that would surely ensue.

"Yes Selina, I get it. My aunt. Estranged. Reconciliation. College in New York. But why do I get the feeling that I'm not actually going to New York?"

"That's right Holly, you're not. We just need the Hasigawas to think that you are."

So, where am I going? You haven't even told me!"

Selina explained her plans for Holly's future to her in great detail and they began making preparations for a speedy transition.

About a week later Selina informed Tatsuo that she needed to take a few days off to take Holly to New York and get her settled in with her "aunt". The leave was granted and on the day of her departure, Selina and Holly visited the Hasigawa Estate, so Holly could say goodbye to Eiko and Sakura.

Both women had always been kind to Holly, so leaving without saying goodbye would have been improper. Besides, Selina didn't want to risk giving the impression that she was in a hurry to get Holly out of there.

The next morning, the private jet Selina had hired landed in New York, USA. She had tactfully turned down the Obayun's offer of taking one of the Hasigawa jets. She told him that since Holly was her responsibility, she should be the one to pay for anything and everything related to her.

Hours after landing in New York, Selina and Holly were on a flight to London. Private, not commercial. She didn't want any traces of Holly whereabouts to be discovered.

Once in London, Selina took Holly to an apartment she had bought for her. In Mayfair. Two bedrooms, a drawing room. Fully furnished. And located in one of the safest places in all of London. She admitted her to a private boarding school. One of the best in England. The flat was for Holly to live in when school would be closed, and when she would be in college.

For that whole week, Selina Kyle was occupied with making sure that her sister would be safe and taken care of in this new city. She spoke to Eiko occasionally and all seemed chaotic on the Tokyo front.

Selina's plans to rip the Hasigawa empire to bits, and leave them picking up the pieces while she escaped, seemed to be going smoothly. However, she had not reckoned with one factor. The person who was emotionally invested in keeping the Hasigawa family together. The one who had made it her life's work to take care of them.

All alone in her minka, Sakura Sato sat holding a framed picture of the love of her life. Obayun Genji Hasigawa. The man who had rescued her from a life of pain and exploitation, and had treated her like a queen. The man who protected her honour and made her feel loved. Even in death he had provided her with a purpose.

"My love" Sakura said as her tears fell on the picture, "my King. You entrusted me to care for your sons. You thought me worthy of such an honour. Today, a power grab threatens to tear this family apart. To turn your son and their children against each other. But I swear to you, I will not let that happen."

Steely determination building up inside her, Sakura wiped off her tears. She held the picture of her love close to her chest and said to herself.

"I will not."