Akamatsuverse Contract Labor
- Thread starter GreydonCreed
- Start date
Here is the preliminary first part to Chapter 31. Enjoy! :lol:
Hongo Campus
University of Tokyo
Early December
late morning
(three months after story start)
Keitaro looked at the new smart phone in his hands, absently turning it over and back again as he considered what he needed to do next. He had already spent half the morning reading the instruction manual and programming the phoneÆs applications, manually tapping in the numbers he wanted to store in the memory. Technology had certainly changed a lot since the last time he had owned a mobile phone. It had been only a little more than a year, but the new applications and features were almost enough to cause his head to spin.
The salesgirl at the phone store had been helpful, but she had been a little incredulous that he did not want the latest features. Apparently most current phones included a camera and a music media player, and the store did not carry any mobiles that did not include them. Internet access, email, and text messaging were also now a part of all smart phones as well. The strangest look he had gotten was when the salesgirl had offered to transfer his contact list from his old phone to his new one, and he had replied that he did not have an æoldÆ phone. It was only after he had explained that he had been out of the country for a year and he gave his old phone back to his family when he left that the girl understood why.
After leaving the mobile phone store in Hinata City that morning, Keitaro got on the train and started heading toward Todai, flipping through the manual to pass the time. Slowly and deliberately, he was able to program his email app and contacts into the mobile, the latter being copied from a mini-sized black address book that he kept in his wallet. After deleting the trio of spam that managed to sneak past his email filters, Keitaro flipped back to the main screen and brought up the phone number marked æMiyuki K.Æ before looking up to see that he was approaching his train stop. Tucking his phone away in his coat pocket, Keitaro put the instruction manual back in the store bag and patiently waited for the train to stop to disembark.
Once he was off the platform and walking toward Todai, Keitaro looked down at himself in some dismay. Today was one of the rare days that he was wearing business attire, which was something he did not normally do. The tight white shirt collar and tie and heavy dark blue suit jacket was too restrictive and stifling for his taste, and the leather lace up dress shoes were uncomfortable to wear for any amount of time. He had grown used to wearing shorts and a t-shirt around the Sou, and slacks and an open collared dress shirt when more dressy attire was required. But wearing a suit and tie was not something he normally did, preferring even traditional attire like haori and hakama to the modern Western business suit. But today he did not have a choice, he had to go to the university administrative offices to renew his contractor ID card and turn in some paperwork for Seta-sensei, and the dress code there was definitely not casual.
Seeing that the sunÆs glare was getting much stronger in spite of the winter cold, Keitaro slipped on a set of clip on shades for his glasses, fitting neatly over the squared off lenses. Looking around , the young ronin could see that he was getting quite a few glances from the various students and faculty as he walked onto the campus, most of them from the fairer sex for some reason. Keitaro did not quite understand why he would attract so much attention, unless it was just the novelty of seeing someone as young as he was dressed so formally.
After swinging by SetaÆs office and dropping off his bag and picking up some papers that his boss wanted him to fill out and submit to the admin people, Keitaro paused for a long moment outside the building before sighing and taking out his mobile. Keying it on and mentally reviewing what he had decided to say to the girls beforehand û something that he had spent most of a sleepless night thinking about û he finally hit the æSendÆ button, the phone ringing in his ear before the call finally connected.
ôMoshi moshi, how can I help you?ö Miyuki KobayakawaÆs voice came through the ear piece, recognizable even without her identifying herself initially, a wise precaution for someone in her occupation.
ôHello Miyuki-chan, itÆs Keitaro Urashimaàö The young man would have said more, but he was interrupted by a feminine squeal over the phone.
ôKeitaro-kun! YouÆre back in Tokyo already?ö Miyuki was sounding much more lively and excited than from when she had initially answered the phone.
ôYes I am, I only just saw your email the other day, and today is the first chance I had some time to call you. I just barely got a replacement mobile phone, you see.ö Keitaro was rubbing the back of his head, his excuse weak even by his standards.
ôAnd you didnÆt think to call us from a public telephone?ö Even with the scolding tone in her voice, Keitaro could hear how happy Miyuki was to speak with him.
ôWell, I wasnÆt sure you were all that eager to hear back from me after I was gone for such a long time.ö Keitaro would have continued, but he heard some other muffled sounds come through the line consistent with someone either dropping and picking up the phone or someone taking the phone from the speaker by force. Once he heard the voice on the phone again, he realized it had been the latter.
ôTaro-kun! YouÆre back, how are you, where are you!ö The exuberant voice could only come from one person, Natsumi Tsujimoto, MiyukiÆs partner in more ways than one.
ôHi Natsu-chan. IÆm fine, and right now IÆm at Todai doing some paperwork. Did you have to snatch the phone from Miyuki-chan?ö Keitaro could almost hear the pout in the short haired girlÆs voice as she replied.
ôIÆm just really happy to hear that youÆre back, Taro-kun.ö There was some more muffled sounds before MiyukiÆs voice came back on the line.
ôWe are both on the phone now Keitaro-kun, we are splitting a pair of earphones.ö Keitaro had to smile at the mental image of the two girls face to face, their foreheads together as they each listened through an earbud.
ôAre you two at work now?ö Because they were patrol officers, the two girls had some unusual work schedules, with days off sometimes in the middle of the week.
ôNope! We were doing some shopping for groceries. We were about to head for home when you called.ö Natsumi replied. ôHow much longer are you going to be at Todai? We really want to see you againö Her voice had dropped down into a suggestive purr.
Keitaro looked at his Luminox watch. ôItÆs 10:30 now, I should be done by one oÆclock at the latest. There is some paperwork I have to submit to administration for Seta-sensei.ö
ôWeÆre close to our apartment. By the time we drop off our groceries and make our way through traffic, it will be close to 1 pm. Could you meet with us today?ö MiyukiÆs voice was calmer than her partnerÆs, but he could still hear the eagerness in it.
ôSure. If you want we can meet here on the campus. Have either of you been to the gardens at Hongo campus?ö Keitaro asked.
ôA long time ago, when I was younger. It should not be a problem.ö MiyukiÆs voice replied.
Natsumi picked up where her dark haired partner left off. ôYeah, and we can get there faster if I drive!ö
Keitaro gave a slight shudder, having ridden in a car piloted by the outgoing girl before, it was not something to easily forget, even when you would much prefer to. ôLet Miyuki-chan drive, Natsu-chan. I donÆt think the drivers and citizens of Tokyo need the scare that you would give them.
Natsumi giggled. ôIÆm not that bad, Taro-kun.ö
ôYeah, but there is no big rush to getting here. WeÆre just going to talk there for a bit.ö Keitaro felt a shiver run down his spine at the next words, especially who they came from.
ôYou seem to think that we are interested in talking. We may do that for a while, but there are other things that we have been looking forward to doing.ö If he had not heard MiyukiÆs distinctive voice being so suggestive, Keitaro would have never believed it. As it was, his face flushed just from the tone of her voice.
ôIf itÆs OK with you, we can meet at the bridge at Sanshiro Pond at the Hongo campus at one oÆclock. If you donÆt see me, call me back at this number, itÆs my new mobile.ö
ôNo problem, Kei-kun. We look forward to seeing you again.ö It was now Natsumi who was speaking. ôBai bai for now.ö The call disconnected at the suggestive farewell.
Keitaro looked the phone to make sure the call was over, then pocketed the device and started walking toward the main admin office building. He needed to make sure everything he had to do today was completed by the time lunchtime was over, as he had a couple of very lovely ladies he was both nervous and eager to see.
Hongo Campus
University of Tokyo
Early December
late morning
(three months after story start)
Keitaro looked at the new smart phone in his hands, absently turning it over and back again as he considered what he needed to do next. He had already spent half the morning reading the instruction manual and programming the phoneÆs applications, manually tapping in the numbers he wanted to store in the memory. Technology had certainly changed a lot since the last time he had owned a mobile phone. It had been only a little more than a year, but the new applications and features were almost enough to cause his head to spin.
The salesgirl at the phone store had been helpful, but she had been a little incredulous that he did not want the latest features. Apparently most current phones included a camera and a music media player, and the store did not carry any mobiles that did not include them. Internet access, email, and text messaging were also now a part of all smart phones as well. The strangest look he had gotten was when the salesgirl had offered to transfer his contact list from his old phone to his new one, and he had replied that he did not have an æoldÆ phone. It was only after he had explained that he had been out of the country for a year and he gave his old phone back to his family when he left that the girl understood why.
After leaving the mobile phone store in Hinata City that morning, Keitaro got on the train and started heading toward Todai, flipping through the manual to pass the time. Slowly and deliberately, he was able to program his email app and contacts into the mobile, the latter being copied from a mini-sized black address book that he kept in his wallet. After deleting the trio of spam that managed to sneak past his email filters, Keitaro flipped back to the main screen and brought up the phone number marked æMiyuki K.Æ before looking up to see that he was approaching his train stop. Tucking his phone away in his coat pocket, Keitaro put the instruction manual back in the store bag and patiently waited for the train to stop to disembark.
Once he was off the platform and walking toward Todai, Keitaro looked down at himself in some dismay. Today was one of the rare days that he was wearing business attire, which was something he did not normally do. The tight white shirt collar and tie and heavy dark blue suit jacket was too restrictive and stifling for his taste, and the leather lace up dress shoes were uncomfortable to wear for any amount of time. He had grown used to wearing shorts and a t-shirt around the Sou, and slacks and an open collared dress shirt when more dressy attire was required. But wearing a suit and tie was not something he normally did, preferring even traditional attire like haori and hakama to the modern Western business suit. But today he did not have a choice, he had to go to the university administrative offices to renew his contractor ID card and turn in some paperwork for Seta-sensei, and the dress code there was definitely not casual.
Seeing that the sunÆs glare was getting much stronger in spite of the winter cold, Keitaro slipped on a set of clip on shades for his glasses, fitting neatly over the squared off lenses. Looking around , the young ronin could see that he was getting quite a few glances from the various students and faculty as he walked onto the campus, most of them from the fairer sex for some reason. Keitaro did not quite understand why he would attract so much attention, unless it was just the novelty of seeing someone as young as he was dressed so formally.
After swinging by SetaÆs office and dropping off his bag and picking up some papers that his boss wanted him to fill out and submit to the admin people, Keitaro paused for a long moment outside the building before sighing and taking out his mobile. Keying it on and mentally reviewing what he had decided to say to the girls beforehand û something that he had spent most of a sleepless night thinking about û he finally hit the æSendÆ button, the phone ringing in his ear before the call finally connected.
ôMoshi moshi, how can I help you?ö Miyuki KobayakawaÆs voice came through the ear piece, recognizable even without her identifying herself initially, a wise precaution for someone in her occupation.
ôHello Miyuki-chan, itÆs Keitaro Urashimaàö The young man would have said more, but he was interrupted by a feminine squeal over the phone.
ôKeitaro-kun! YouÆre back in Tokyo already?ö Miyuki was sounding much more lively and excited than from when she had initially answered the phone.
ôYes I am, I only just saw your email the other day, and today is the first chance I had some time to call you. I just barely got a replacement mobile phone, you see.ö Keitaro was rubbing the back of his head, his excuse weak even by his standards.
ôAnd you didnÆt think to call us from a public telephone?ö Even with the scolding tone in her voice, Keitaro could hear how happy Miyuki was to speak with him.
ôWell, I wasnÆt sure you were all that eager to hear back from me after I was gone for such a long time.ö Keitaro would have continued, but he heard some other muffled sounds come through the line consistent with someone either dropping and picking up the phone or someone taking the phone from the speaker by force. Once he heard the voice on the phone again, he realized it had been the latter.
ôTaro-kun! YouÆre back, how are you, where are you!ö The exuberant voice could only come from one person, Natsumi Tsujimoto, MiyukiÆs partner in more ways than one.
ôHi Natsu-chan. IÆm fine, and right now IÆm at Todai doing some paperwork. Did you have to snatch the phone from Miyuki-chan?ö Keitaro could almost hear the pout in the short haired girlÆs voice as she replied.
ôIÆm just really happy to hear that youÆre back, Taro-kun.ö There was some more muffled sounds before MiyukiÆs voice came back on the line.
ôWe are both on the phone now Keitaro-kun, we are splitting a pair of earphones.ö Keitaro had to smile at the mental image of the two girls face to face, their foreheads together as they each listened through an earbud.
ôAre you two at work now?ö Because they were patrol officers, the two girls had some unusual work schedules, with days off sometimes in the middle of the week.
ôNope! We were doing some shopping for groceries. We were about to head for home when you called.ö Natsumi replied. ôHow much longer are you going to be at Todai? We really want to see you againö Her voice had dropped down into a suggestive purr.
Keitaro looked at his Luminox watch. ôItÆs 10:30 now, I should be done by one oÆclock at the latest. There is some paperwork I have to submit to administration for Seta-sensei.ö
ôWeÆre close to our apartment. By the time we drop off our groceries and make our way through traffic, it will be close to 1 pm. Could you meet with us today?ö MiyukiÆs voice was calmer than her partnerÆs, but he could still hear the eagerness in it.
ôSure. If you want we can meet here on the campus. Have either of you been to the gardens at Hongo campus?ö Keitaro asked.
ôA long time ago, when I was younger. It should not be a problem.ö MiyukiÆs voice replied.
Natsumi picked up where her dark haired partner left off. ôYeah, and we can get there faster if I drive!ö
Keitaro gave a slight shudder, having ridden in a car piloted by the outgoing girl before, it was not something to easily forget, even when you would much prefer to. ôLet Miyuki-chan drive, Natsu-chan. I donÆt think the drivers and citizens of Tokyo need the scare that you would give them.
Natsumi giggled. ôIÆm not that bad, Taro-kun.ö
ôYeah, but there is no big rush to getting here. WeÆre just going to talk there for a bit.ö Keitaro felt a shiver run down his spine at the next words, especially who they came from.
ôYou seem to think that we are interested in talking. We may do that for a while, but there are other things that we have been looking forward to doing.ö If he had not heard MiyukiÆs distinctive voice being so suggestive, Keitaro would have never believed it. As it was, his face flushed just from the tone of her voice.
ôIf itÆs OK with you, we can meet at the bridge at Sanshiro Pond at the Hongo campus at one oÆclock. If you donÆt see me, call me back at this number, itÆs my new mobile.ö
ôNo problem, Kei-kun. We look forward to seeing you again.ö It was now Natsumi who was speaking. ôBai bai for now.ö The call disconnected at the suggestive farewell.
Keitaro looked the phone to make sure the call was over, then pocketed the device and started walking toward the main admin office building. He needed to make sure everything he had to do today was completed by the time lunchtime was over, as he had a couple of very lovely ladies he was both nervous and eager to see.
Keitaro doesn't have the proper hair cut to look like that. Yakuza wear their hair in what is called the 'punch perm', which is very distinctive. Keitaro's hair looks like a grown-out high and tight - short on the sides and back, and longer but not too long on top. With the shades he has on, he looks like a PMC in a suit; a security contractor or agent. B)
The second preliminary part of Ch 31. Enjoy! :lol:
Sanshiro Pond
Hongo Campus
University of Tokyo
Early December
early afternoon
Natsumi and Miyuki were walking at a quick pace, just a notch below an actual jog, as they looked around for Keitaro. They had not needed directions on how to find the pond, as it was visible through the main gate of the campus. The only thing that slowed them down even slightly was when the security officers at the gate had asked for either staff or student ID, but the two young women showing their police IDs was apparently sufficient.
The hard part had been finding parking for MiyukiÆs Toyota convertible. They finally wound up having to leave the car at a staff parking lot with the police placard on the dash, something that the dark haired girl would have previously protested even suggesting, but now done without any prompting, resulting in a raised eyebrow from her compatriot. Of course, the fact that the kinder, gentler policewoman had been driving through Tokyo traffic like they were in their patrol car with the lights and siren going had occupied much of her partnerÆs attention.
ôWhere is he, where is he, where is heàö Natsumi was muttering to herself as she looked around. There were various people around the beautiful garden and lake, but no one looked like their long lost paramour.
ôKeitaro-kun said that he would wait for us at the bridge, perhaps we should start there.ö Miyuki sounded calmer than her partner, but she was looking around just as intently as her partner.
ôBut the only guy there isnÆt Taro-kun,ö Natsumi almost whined. Her friend did not hear her, as she was focused on someone else.
The darker haired policewoman was looking closely at the lone male standing on the bridge. The guy was wearing a suit and sunglasses with a fairly short haircut, resembling most of the various plainclothes police officials and protective agents she had come across in her job. He was leaning back against the railing, facing out toward the larger part of the pond and while Miyuki could not see his face clearly from where she was standing, the manÆs posture was such that he was either rather tired and was simply resting there, or that he was lost in thought, and his distant gaze and relaxed shoulders were simply signs of that.
Slowing down to a walk, Miyuki, stepped onto the wooden bridge and approached the distracted man, Natsumi following behind her in some confusion. It was not until the man shifted slightly that she was able to see his face, and even with the squared off shades, the manÆs identity became obvious.
ôKei-kun?ö Miyuki started to move faster, the sound of her voice causing the guy to turn toward her. ôKei-kun!ö With three long steps she slammed into him, her arms wrapping around him as she buried her head in Keitaro UrashimaÆs chest.
ôMiyuki-chan?ö Keitaro would have said more, but the ebony haired girl reached up and yanked his head downwards, her lips crushing into his in a heated kiss. Stunned by the fiery greeting, he simply stood there for a long moment as she enthusiastically kissed him, her mouth open and tasting his. He was finally able to pull away slightly and was about to speak, but then Natsumi put her own two cents in, turning his head toward her and immediately starting her own search of his mouth with her tongue. After getting over the second stunner in the last couple of minutes, Keitaro was finally able to break free, gasping for breath as the two girls cuddled up with him.
ôMiyuki-chan? Natsumi-chan? What the hell?ö Keitaro had known that the two girls would be happy to see him, but they were acting like he had just come back from a major war. ôWeÆre in public!ö Public displays of affection between couples were no longer taboo in Japan, but they were still frowned upon, especially when it attracted a lot of attention. Two hot girls kissing one guy certainly qualified.
ôDonÆt care. We missed you so much, Taro-kun.ö It was now NatsumiÆs turn to bury her head in his chest. Her hand ghosted up his chest and started undoing the buttons of his now open collared dress shirt from the top downwards. Her hand slipped inside the shirt and she purred at her discovery. ôNo undershirt? How naughty.ö She nuzzled up against his throat, but pouted when his hand came up and grabbed her wrist, stopping her from undoing any more buttons once she had reached the middle of his chest.
ôNatsumi! WeÆre in public!ö Keitaro repeated, a little shocked. The brown haired girl could be enthusiastically passionate, but he was starting to think she was getting ready to thrown him down on the bridge and have her way with him right now.
ôYou donÆt understand, we really, *really* missed you, Kei-kun. It hasnÆt been the same since you left us.ö Miyuki was snuggled up to Keitaro besides Natsumi, the two girls pressed up in front of him.
ôYeah, even when I was helping Yuki-chan relieve some tension, she kept screaming out your name. I was starting to get jealous.ö Natsumi had taken her hand out of KeitaroÆs shirt and was now running it up and down his back under his coat, causing him to slightly shiver.
The dark haired girl flushed tomato red at her partnerÆs revelation. ôNatsumi-chan! YouÆre the one that bought thatà thing in the harness and kept telling me to imagine it was Keitaro-kun!ö
By now KeitaroÆs head was starting to spin. Taking a step back, he put his hands up so the girls didnÆt grab him again. ôLadies! Stop with the sex talk for a minute! We need to talk, seriously.ö The girls pouted but stayed in place. ôI know you two are happy to see me, but I didnÆt think you missed me that much.ö
ôWe did, Kei-kun. It wasnÆt until you left that we realized how much we enjoyed being with you. It wasnÆt just the sex.ö Here it looked like Natsumi was going to interject with some comment but Miyuki just nudged her with her shoulder in a sign to keep quiet.öWe had each other to keep ourselves company, but all those weeks without you really got to us. That is why we are so happy to see you again .ö Natsumi nodded her agreement.
Taking off his glasses, Keitaro tiredly rubbed the bridge of his nose. Detaching the shades from the frame, he slipped the spectacles back on his face and looked from one eager girl to the other.öWell, up until I got that email from you guys, I wasnÆt sure you even wanted to get back with me. After all, I am a ronin, and you two are attractive women, you shouldnÆt have trouble finding decent guys.ö
ôWeÆre policewomen, weÆre gearheads, and weÆre Christmas cakes, Taro-kun. You know how old we are?ö Natsumi gestured toward her partner. ôMiuyki-chan is 29 years old, and IÆm 28. The only men that want to date us are other police officers, and I hate to say it, but they act like assholes a lot. The one guy I was interested in is now running an expedition service for mountain climbers in the Himalayas, and the guy Miyuki was into is too busy polishing the chrome on his bike. We actually had more dates in one year from American guys when we were on exchange with LAPD than in all our time at Bokuto. *You* are the decent guy we found, and we want to see how much further we can go with that.ö
Keitaro looked them both, seeing the sincerity on both their expressions. ôYouÆre saying this now, but things have changed since the last time we were together. You may decide you donÆt want to continue with me after you hear about it.ö He had trouble believing that two hot, sweet, smart girls like Natsumi and Miyuki would trouble romantically.
ôLet us be the judge of that, Kei-kun. What is different now?ö Miyuki was starting to look concerned.
Glancing around, Keitaro could see that there were only a couple of other people in the pond area, and no one was anywhere near close enough to be able to overhear them. ôWell, two major things have happened. One is that my Granny Hina made me the manager of our family hot springs resort inn.ö Keitaro noticed both girls reacted slightly at his grandmotherÆs name, but he did not know why. ôItÆs a house and property on the other side of Yokohama. The problem was when she told me to met her there, she forgot to tell me that she had converted the inn to a girls dorm. She wasnÆt there to meet me, she just left me a letter saying that I was now the manager of the Hinata-sou and the heir to our family clan now.ö
ôGirls dorm? How many girls are there?ö Natsumi was frowning slightly.
ôFive at first, ranging from age 20 to 14. For the most part, theyÆre decent kids, but we had to ask one of them to leave for using violence in an improper manner.ö
ôWe? What do you mean we? Is your granny there?ö Natsumi asked.
ôNoà Granny knew that I wouldnÆt be happy to take on the responsibility of running the house, so she just left the letter and took off. My Aunt Haruka runs a tea house at the bottom of the hill, and she helps when she can, but I had to ask my sister Kanako to move into the Sou and become the assistant manager.ö
ôYour sister is only sixteen, correct?ö The look on MiyukiÆs face was starting to match her partnerÆs.
ôYeah, but for her itÆs only a part-time job. I need a female to stay in the Sou to keep things above board, and Aunt Haruka has to concentrate on running her tea house. Between the tenants, Kanako-chan and myself, we split up the chores of the Sou so that it isnÆt a major problem. That way we all have time to study and relax if we want to,ö Keitaro explained.
ôSo what is the problem with this? You being the manager of a girlÆs dorm isnÆt that bad, especially since youÆve brought in your sister to help you,ö asked Natsumi.
ôWellà IÆve been running it for the last three monthsàö Keitaro was interrupted by Natsumi grabbing him by the shirt and yanking him toward her so they were literally face to face.
ôThree months? YouÆve been in Tokyo for three months? Your Granny brought you home from Thailand to run a girlÆs dorm? And you didnÆt call us?ö Given that NatsumiÆs voice had been dropping in pitch with each sentence, it was almost a growl by the time she finished speaking.
ôNo, I came home early because things went to hell in Thailand. Seta-sensei, his daughter Sarah and I just barely got to Osaka when I got the word from Granny to get to the Hinata-sou as soon as possible. I got there the day after but she was already gone. I had to take over that day, and IÆve been busy running and fixing the place up since then.ö Keitaro was able to keep his composure even though he was being held on his tiptoes by NatsumiÆs fist on his shirt, but just barely.
ôWent to hell? Keitaro-kun, what happened in Thailand?ö Miyuki was openly frowning, which on the face of the normally placid woman was almost as disconcerting as the snarling look currently on NatsumiÆs face.
ôThe expedition site got raided by pirates. The site was pillaged, Seta-sensei was badly wounded, some of the workers and one of the other guards got killed, and Sarah was taken by the pirates.ö The fist on KeitaroÆs shirt loosened enough for him to drop flat on his feet again.
ôSeta-kun was injured? How badly? And Sarah was taken?ö The questions came from Natsumi now.
ôShot in the leg and chest, just barely missed the femoral artery. One of the others was able to patch him up enough that we were able to get him to get medical aid. And yeah, Sarah was taken by the pirates. Apparently a fourteen year old blonde haired blue eyed girl is worth a lot of money in certain circles.ö KeitaroÆs voice was flat by the time he finished speaking.
ôHowÆd you get her back? The police?ö Natsumi finally let go of KeitaroÆs shirt.
Keitaro snorted. ôThe police in Thailand arenÆt worth the money spent on their uniforms. Especially once we found out where the group that Sarah was sold to for resale was based.ö
ôWhere were they based, Kei-kun?ö Miyuki stepped up closer to Keitaro, the frown on her face now replaced by concern.
ôRoanapur.ö Both of the girlsÆ faces turned pale as they heard his answer. The criminal havenÆs reputation was such that even in Japan they heard stories about it.
ôAnd how did you get her back?ö asked Natsumi.
ôMy partner and I snuck into Roanapur, questioned some people and found out where she was, grabbed her back, and tried to sneak out of town. That didnÆt work out so well. Sarah and I managed to get away.ö KeitaroÆs voice was completely emotionless. Both of the girls inwardly winced. They both noticed that he had not mentioned that his partner had gotten away.
Keitaro continued speaking. ôWe got picked up by the Royal Thai Navy and taken to Bangkok. Because of the uproar we created, Sarah, Seta and I were put in protective custody. We got evacuated from Thailand on an American military cargo plane to get us out before the criminals could locate us and try and take revenge.ö
ôRevenge? Just what did you do, Taro-kun?ö Natsumi was still close to KeitaroÆs face, only now she was wide-eyed.
ôShot up a slaver auction, blew up a building, shot any bad guy that tried to stop us from getting away,ö Keitaro momentarily flashed back to the female criminal on the other side of the heavy machine gun he was using that he didnÆt kill, for the very reason that she and the others she was with did not point weapons at him. ôHijacked a boat, shot at the people chasing us. Oh, I think I killed the guy that was running the whole thing too. That probably pissed them off a lot.ö
ôAnd what does this have to do with you not contacting us?ö Miyuki asked, apprehension on her face.
ôYouÆre policewomen, you have your own lives. I didnÆt think you would want to get involved with a guy like me.ö Keitaro turned his head so he was not looking at them and instead was looking across the pond.
ôA guy like you?ö Natsumi asked now, all anger gone from her face.
ôA killer. I lost track of how many people I killed rescuing Sarah. Even now, IÆve only told my aunt and my sister what happened.ö And even then not everything, Keitaro thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a hand taking hold of his jaw and turning his face back toward them. It was Natsumi, who was visibly angry again, while Miyuki had what looked to be the start of tears in her eyes.
ôYou stupid, stupid manàö Natsumi pulled his head forward and kissed him hard. After a few moments she released him and turned his head so he was facing Miyuki, who was whispering, ôSilly, silly manö before kissing him as well.
ôWe are the ones to decide if we want to be with you. You donÆt get to make that decision for us, especially without telling us anything. Gods, weÆve missed you so much Taro-kun, that isnÆt a lie.ö Natsumi was now nuzzling up to his neck as Miyuki kissed him. ôBesides, thereÆs something we need to tell you as well.ö
ôWhat was that, Natsu-chan?ö Keitaro was getting distracted by MiyukiÆs kisses, but it was though a record player needle had screeched across an LP when Natsumi replied.
ôYour Granny came to talk to us when you left for Thailand. She made us an offer.ö Slowly, Keitaro pulled away from Miyuki and turned toward the brown haired girl, an incredulous look on his face. ôShe wants to have great-grandbabies, so she offered to give the Urashima name to and financially support any children both Miyuki and I have with you.ö
Sanshiro Pond
Hongo Campus
University of Tokyo
Early December
early afternoon
Natsumi and Miyuki were walking at a quick pace, just a notch below an actual jog, as they looked around for Keitaro. They had not needed directions on how to find the pond, as it was visible through the main gate of the campus. The only thing that slowed them down even slightly was when the security officers at the gate had asked for either staff or student ID, but the two young women showing their police IDs was apparently sufficient.
The hard part had been finding parking for MiyukiÆs Toyota convertible. They finally wound up having to leave the car at a staff parking lot with the police placard on the dash, something that the dark haired girl would have previously protested even suggesting, but now done without any prompting, resulting in a raised eyebrow from her compatriot. Of course, the fact that the kinder, gentler policewoman had been driving through Tokyo traffic like they were in their patrol car with the lights and siren going had occupied much of her partnerÆs attention.
ôWhere is he, where is he, where is heàö Natsumi was muttering to herself as she looked around. There were various people around the beautiful garden and lake, but no one looked like their long lost paramour.
ôKeitaro-kun said that he would wait for us at the bridge, perhaps we should start there.ö Miyuki sounded calmer than her partner, but she was looking around just as intently as her partner.
ôBut the only guy there isnÆt Taro-kun,ö Natsumi almost whined. Her friend did not hear her, as she was focused on someone else.
The darker haired policewoman was looking closely at the lone male standing on the bridge. The guy was wearing a suit and sunglasses with a fairly short haircut, resembling most of the various plainclothes police officials and protective agents she had come across in her job. He was leaning back against the railing, facing out toward the larger part of the pond and while Miyuki could not see his face clearly from where she was standing, the manÆs posture was such that he was either rather tired and was simply resting there, or that he was lost in thought, and his distant gaze and relaxed shoulders were simply signs of that.
Slowing down to a walk, Miyuki, stepped onto the wooden bridge and approached the distracted man, Natsumi following behind her in some confusion. It was not until the man shifted slightly that she was able to see his face, and even with the squared off shades, the manÆs identity became obvious.
ôKei-kun?ö Miyuki started to move faster, the sound of her voice causing the guy to turn toward her. ôKei-kun!ö With three long steps she slammed into him, her arms wrapping around him as she buried her head in Keitaro UrashimaÆs chest.
ôMiyuki-chan?ö Keitaro would have said more, but the ebony haired girl reached up and yanked his head downwards, her lips crushing into his in a heated kiss. Stunned by the fiery greeting, he simply stood there for a long moment as she enthusiastically kissed him, her mouth open and tasting his. He was finally able to pull away slightly and was about to speak, but then Natsumi put her own two cents in, turning his head toward her and immediately starting her own search of his mouth with her tongue. After getting over the second stunner in the last couple of minutes, Keitaro was finally able to break free, gasping for breath as the two girls cuddled up with him.
ôMiyuki-chan? Natsumi-chan? What the hell?ö Keitaro had known that the two girls would be happy to see him, but they were acting like he had just come back from a major war. ôWeÆre in public!ö Public displays of affection between couples were no longer taboo in Japan, but they were still frowned upon, especially when it attracted a lot of attention. Two hot girls kissing one guy certainly qualified.
ôDonÆt care. We missed you so much, Taro-kun.ö It was now NatsumiÆs turn to bury her head in his chest. Her hand ghosted up his chest and started undoing the buttons of his now open collared dress shirt from the top downwards. Her hand slipped inside the shirt and she purred at her discovery. ôNo undershirt? How naughty.ö She nuzzled up against his throat, but pouted when his hand came up and grabbed her wrist, stopping her from undoing any more buttons once she had reached the middle of his chest.
ôNatsumi! WeÆre in public!ö Keitaro repeated, a little shocked. The brown haired girl could be enthusiastically passionate, but he was starting to think she was getting ready to thrown him down on the bridge and have her way with him right now.
ôYou donÆt understand, we really, *really* missed you, Kei-kun. It hasnÆt been the same since you left us.ö Miyuki was snuggled up to Keitaro besides Natsumi, the two girls pressed up in front of him.
ôYeah, even when I was helping Yuki-chan relieve some tension, she kept screaming out your name. I was starting to get jealous.ö Natsumi had taken her hand out of KeitaroÆs shirt and was now running it up and down his back under his coat, causing him to slightly shiver.
The dark haired girl flushed tomato red at her partnerÆs revelation. ôNatsumi-chan! YouÆre the one that bought thatà thing in the harness and kept telling me to imagine it was Keitaro-kun!ö
By now KeitaroÆs head was starting to spin. Taking a step back, he put his hands up so the girls didnÆt grab him again. ôLadies! Stop with the sex talk for a minute! We need to talk, seriously.ö The girls pouted but stayed in place. ôI know you two are happy to see me, but I didnÆt think you missed me that much.ö
ôWe did, Kei-kun. It wasnÆt until you left that we realized how much we enjoyed being with you. It wasnÆt just the sex.ö Here it looked like Natsumi was going to interject with some comment but Miyuki just nudged her with her shoulder in a sign to keep quiet.öWe had each other to keep ourselves company, but all those weeks without you really got to us. That is why we are so happy to see you again .ö Natsumi nodded her agreement.
Taking off his glasses, Keitaro tiredly rubbed the bridge of his nose. Detaching the shades from the frame, he slipped the spectacles back on his face and looked from one eager girl to the other.öWell, up until I got that email from you guys, I wasnÆt sure you even wanted to get back with me. After all, I am a ronin, and you two are attractive women, you shouldnÆt have trouble finding decent guys.ö
ôWeÆre policewomen, weÆre gearheads, and weÆre Christmas cakes, Taro-kun. You know how old we are?ö Natsumi gestured toward her partner. ôMiuyki-chan is 29 years old, and IÆm 28. The only men that want to date us are other police officers, and I hate to say it, but they act like assholes a lot. The one guy I was interested in is now running an expedition service for mountain climbers in the Himalayas, and the guy Miyuki was into is too busy polishing the chrome on his bike. We actually had more dates in one year from American guys when we were on exchange with LAPD than in all our time at Bokuto. *You* are the decent guy we found, and we want to see how much further we can go with that.ö
Keitaro looked them both, seeing the sincerity on both their expressions. ôYouÆre saying this now, but things have changed since the last time we were together. You may decide you donÆt want to continue with me after you hear about it.ö He had trouble believing that two hot, sweet, smart girls like Natsumi and Miyuki would trouble romantically.
ôLet us be the judge of that, Kei-kun. What is different now?ö Miyuki was starting to look concerned.
Glancing around, Keitaro could see that there were only a couple of other people in the pond area, and no one was anywhere near close enough to be able to overhear them. ôWell, two major things have happened. One is that my Granny Hina made me the manager of our family hot springs resort inn.ö Keitaro noticed both girls reacted slightly at his grandmotherÆs name, but he did not know why. ôItÆs a house and property on the other side of Yokohama. The problem was when she told me to met her there, she forgot to tell me that she had converted the inn to a girls dorm. She wasnÆt there to meet me, she just left me a letter saying that I was now the manager of the Hinata-sou and the heir to our family clan now.ö
ôGirls dorm? How many girls are there?ö Natsumi was frowning slightly.
ôFive at first, ranging from age 20 to 14. For the most part, theyÆre decent kids, but we had to ask one of them to leave for using violence in an improper manner.ö
ôWe? What do you mean we? Is your granny there?ö Natsumi asked.
ôNoà Granny knew that I wouldnÆt be happy to take on the responsibility of running the house, so she just left the letter and took off. My Aunt Haruka runs a tea house at the bottom of the hill, and she helps when she can, but I had to ask my sister Kanako to move into the Sou and become the assistant manager.ö
ôYour sister is only sixteen, correct?ö The look on MiyukiÆs face was starting to match her partnerÆs.
ôYeah, but for her itÆs only a part-time job. I need a female to stay in the Sou to keep things above board, and Aunt Haruka has to concentrate on running her tea house. Between the tenants, Kanako-chan and myself, we split up the chores of the Sou so that it isnÆt a major problem. That way we all have time to study and relax if we want to,ö Keitaro explained.
ôSo what is the problem with this? You being the manager of a girlÆs dorm isnÆt that bad, especially since youÆve brought in your sister to help you,ö asked Natsumi.
ôWellà IÆve been running it for the last three monthsàö Keitaro was interrupted by Natsumi grabbing him by the shirt and yanking him toward her so they were literally face to face.
ôThree months? YouÆve been in Tokyo for three months? Your Granny brought you home from Thailand to run a girlÆs dorm? And you didnÆt call us?ö Given that NatsumiÆs voice had been dropping in pitch with each sentence, it was almost a growl by the time she finished speaking.
ôNo, I came home early because things went to hell in Thailand. Seta-sensei, his daughter Sarah and I just barely got to Osaka when I got the word from Granny to get to the Hinata-sou as soon as possible. I got there the day after but she was already gone. I had to take over that day, and IÆve been busy running and fixing the place up since then.ö Keitaro was able to keep his composure even though he was being held on his tiptoes by NatsumiÆs fist on his shirt, but just barely.
ôWent to hell? Keitaro-kun, what happened in Thailand?ö Miyuki was openly frowning, which on the face of the normally placid woman was almost as disconcerting as the snarling look currently on NatsumiÆs face.
ôThe expedition site got raided by pirates. The site was pillaged, Seta-sensei was badly wounded, some of the workers and one of the other guards got killed, and Sarah was taken by the pirates.ö The fist on KeitaroÆs shirt loosened enough for him to drop flat on his feet again.
ôSeta-kun was injured? How badly? And Sarah was taken?ö The questions came from Natsumi now.
ôShot in the leg and chest, just barely missed the femoral artery. One of the others was able to patch him up enough that we were able to get him to get medical aid. And yeah, Sarah was taken by the pirates. Apparently a fourteen year old blonde haired blue eyed girl is worth a lot of money in certain circles.ö KeitaroÆs voice was flat by the time he finished speaking.
ôHowÆd you get her back? The police?ö Natsumi finally let go of KeitaroÆs shirt.
Keitaro snorted. ôThe police in Thailand arenÆt worth the money spent on their uniforms. Especially once we found out where the group that Sarah was sold to for resale was based.ö
ôWhere were they based, Kei-kun?ö Miyuki stepped up closer to Keitaro, the frown on her face now replaced by concern.
ôRoanapur.ö Both of the girlsÆ faces turned pale as they heard his answer. The criminal havenÆs reputation was such that even in Japan they heard stories about it.
ôAnd how did you get her back?ö asked Natsumi.
ôMy partner and I snuck into Roanapur, questioned some people and found out where she was, grabbed her back, and tried to sneak out of town. That didnÆt work out so well. Sarah and I managed to get away.ö KeitaroÆs voice was completely emotionless. Both of the girls inwardly winced. They both noticed that he had not mentioned that his partner had gotten away.
Keitaro continued speaking. ôWe got picked up by the Royal Thai Navy and taken to Bangkok. Because of the uproar we created, Sarah, Seta and I were put in protective custody. We got evacuated from Thailand on an American military cargo plane to get us out before the criminals could locate us and try and take revenge.ö
ôRevenge? Just what did you do, Taro-kun?ö Natsumi was still close to KeitaroÆs face, only now she was wide-eyed.
ôShot up a slaver auction, blew up a building, shot any bad guy that tried to stop us from getting away,ö Keitaro momentarily flashed back to the female criminal on the other side of the heavy machine gun he was using that he didnÆt kill, for the very reason that she and the others she was with did not point weapons at him. ôHijacked a boat, shot at the people chasing us. Oh, I think I killed the guy that was running the whole thing too. That probably pissed them off a lot.ö
ôAnd what does this have to do with you not contacting us?ö Miyuki asked, apprehension on her face.
ôYouÆre policewomen, you have your own lives. I didnÆt think you would want to get involved with a guy like me.ö Keitaro turned his head so he was not looking at them and instead was looking across the pond.
ôA guy like you?ö Natsumi asked now, all anger gone from her face.
ôA killer. I lost track of how many people I killed rescuing Sarah. Even now, IÆve only told my aunt and my sister what happened.ö And even then not everything, Keitaro thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a hand taking hold of his jaw and turning his face back toward them. It was Natsumi, who was visibly angry again, while Miyuki had what looked to be the start of tears in her eyes.
ôYou stupid, stupid manàö Natsumi pulled his head forward and kissed him hard. After a few moments she released him and turned his head so he was facing Miyuki, who was whispering, ôSilly, silly manö before kissing him as well.
ôWe are the ones to decide if we want to be with you. You donÆt get to make that decision for us, especially without telling us anything. Gods, weÆve missed you so much Taro-kun, that isnÆt a lie.ö Natsumi was now nuzzling up to his neck as Miyuki kissed him. ôBesides, thereÆs something we need to tell you as well.ö
ôWhat was that, Natsu-chan?ö Keitaro was getting distracted by MiyukiÆs kisses, but it was though a record player needle had screeched across an LP when Natsumi replied.
ôYour Granny came to talk to us when you left for Thailand. She made us an offer.ö Slowly, Keitaro pulled away from Miyuki and turned toward the brown haired girl, an incredulous look on his face. ôShe wants to have great-grandbabies, so she offered to give the Urashima name to and financially support any children both Miyuki and I have with you.ö
Heh...
That'll go over really well with the anti-perv squad at the Sou... Not to mention Kanako. Probably be safer putting nitroglycerin in a blender than telling her.
Kitsune's just the type to wonder if there might be something good there if he's able to attract two beautiful women and might even try to partake of the goods.
Of course this is dancing into the harem league now.
That'll go over really well with the anti-perv squad at the Sou... Not to mention Kanako. Probably be safer putting nitroglycerin in a blender than telling her.
Kitsune's just the type to wonder if there might be something good there if he's able to attract two beautiful women and might even try to partake of the goods.
Of course this is dancing into the harem league now.
Meh... this might not really go over as bad as you might think... after all, Motoko is not there, Naru is defanged though potentially could be set off, even if Kitsune disapproves she likely would not raise a fuss once she learns it cops are involved.
And this Keitaro has proven more mature and stable than canon.
I do have one concern that occured to me just now though. it might be problematic for the Miyuki and Natsume if the intent is to have them eventually moved to the Hinata... they have careers in Tokyo... unless they can and are willing to get transfers... but considering this is well past their special training, Tokyo might not be too thrilled to see them go.
And this Keitaro has proven more mature and stable than canon.
I do have one concern that occured to me just now though. it might be problematic for the Miyuki and Natsume if the intent is to have them eventually moved to the Hinata... they have careers in Tokyo... unless they can and are willing to get transfers... but considering this is well past their special training, Tokyo might not be too thrilled to see them go.
Might not be too thrilled to see them go, or happy to see them go? :hmm:
There really is not a lot of job mobility for traffic officers in the Tokyo MPD. They can stay as traffic/patrol officers (BTW, almost all female officers plan to leave the dept when they get married; Natsumi and Miyuki are the exceptions) or they can try for a promotion to either investigators or supervisors. In Miyuki's case, she can transfer to the Forensics Unit, but the old boys club would keep Natsumi from getting a full-time transfer to SAT/SWAT. :no:
If you want me to detail what exactly Hina offered them to have Keitaro's kids, I can. It's along the lines of a spoiler, though.
Oh, and the girls aren't going to be having happy-happy time in the Sou with Keitaro; after setting the rule saying you could not have opposite gender guests stay in your room, Keitaro would look hypocritical if he did just that. ^_^
:mutter: Bloody FFN, no hits counter, no review alert, hell, no update alert! :/mutter:
There really is not a lot of job mobility for traffic officers in the Tokyo MPD. They can stay as traffic/patrol officers (BTW, almost all female officers plan to leave the dept when they get married; Natsumi and Miyuki are the exceptions) or they can try for a promotion to either investigators or supervisors. In Miyuki's case, she can transfer to the Forensics Unit, but the old boys club would keep Natsumi from getting a full-time transfer to SAT/SWAT. :no:
If you want me to detail what exactly Hina offered them to have Keitaro's kids, I can. It's along the lines of a spoiler, though.
Oh, and the girls aren't going to be having happy-happy time in the Sou with Keitaro; after setting the rule saying you could not have opposite gender guests stay in your room, Keitaro would look hypocritical if he did just that. ^_^
:mutter: Bloody FFN, no hits counter, no review alert, hell, no update alert! :/mutter:
The fact that Hina has been meddling (again) in Keitaro's life really gives the whole relationship he has right now a bad taste. I'm serious. Don't just brush this off, Greydon. You're making good drama, and just having Keitaro accept it would be terrible. There needs to be some things in here about how it should be Keitaro's choice, and about how Hina's meddling behind his back is a terrible thing.
I don't think he would break it off, but I do think he would need space to think about it. I also think he would be very, very angry at Hina. She had no right to do that. Not without talking to Keitaro first.
I don't think he would break it off, but I do think he would need space to think about it. I also think he would be very, very angry at Hina. She had no right to do that. Not without talking to Keitaro first.
Well, he can at least be sure that meeting them and losing his virginity in a hot threesome and wanting to see them again was all his own idea, yes.
So yeah, don't break it off with them, don't start doubting if they're sincere or not. Just, y'know, get upset at the meddlesome old busybody.
(After all, if the girls simply wanted the money, the simplest solution is to not tell Keitaro, keep boinking him, and 'forget' to take the birth control pills. Instead they were entirely upfront, so, Keitaro can rest assured that whoever in this mess is trying to play him -- it ain't them.)
So yeah, don't break it off with them, don't start doubting if they're sincere or not. Just, y'know, get upset at the meddlesome old busybody.
(After all, if the girls simply wanted the money, the simplest solution is to not tell Keitaro, keep boinking him, and 'forget' to take the birth control pills. Instead they were entirely upfront, so, Keitaro can rest assured that whoever in this mess is trying to play him -- it ain't them.)
Wait, wait, wait. Back up. Hold the phone.
Keitaro "killed the guy in charge?"
Keitaro killed Mr. Chang? The closest thing Ronapur has to a person in charge? The guy who's gun-kata skills are so fucking ridiculous that he could solo the entire cast of a John Woo movie while blindfolded? The guy who's so dangerous Revy calls him boss?
HOW!? How on earth did Keitaro kill him!?
Keitaro "killed the guy in charge?"
Keitaro killed Mr. Chang? The closest thing Ronapur has to a person in charge? The guy who's gun-kata skills are so fucking ridiculous that he could solo the entire cast of a John Woo movie while blindfolded? The guy who's so dangerous Revy calls him boss?
HOW!? How on earth did Keitaro kill him!?
Gawd... :huh:
If Keitaro killed someone like Mr. Chang, there would be no place in Asia where he would be able to hide. Chang is the head of the 14K Triad sub-group in Roanapur, with 14K being one of the largest triads in the world. Keitaro would be subject to a worldwide contract - any country that has a triad presence would be dangerous for him. It would be too dangerous for Keitaro to ever come home to Japan if that was the case.
Even though it is not specifically stated, human trafficking is one of the criminal enterprises that takes place in Roanapur. Prostitution and human trafficking go hand in hand, especially in Asia, and we know the former has a strong presence there.
14K probably is involved in human trafficking and smuggling, but they are not the group that is running the slaver operation in Roanapur. The head of that group will be an OC... unless there is someone already there that you guys think would be perfectly willing to sell a 14 year old blonde blue eyed girl at auction.
BTW, Chang may be the best solo gunfighter in Roanapur, but in the anime series Gretel of the Vampire Twins was able to stand him off in a shootout. Mind you, she was shooting at him with a WWII Browning Automatic Rifle, what in today's terms would be classified as a Squad Automatic Weapon, a light machine gun. A gun like that can tear apart a car used for cover, as Chang can attest to.
If Keitaro killed someone like Mr. Chang, there would be no place in Asia where he would be able to hide. Chang is the head of the 14K Triad sub-group in Roanapur, with 14K being one of the largest triads in the world. Keitaro would be subject to a worldwide contract - any country that has a triad presence would be dangerous for him. It would be too dangerous for Keitaro to ever come home to Japan if that was the case.
Even though it is not specifically stated, human trafficking is one of the criminal enterprises that takes place in Roanapur. Prostitution and human trafficking go hand in hand, especially in Asia, and we know the former has a strong presence there.
14K probably is involved in human trafficking and smuggling, but they are not the group that is running the slaver operation in Roanapur. The head of that group will be an OC... unless there is someone already there that you guys think would be perfectly willing to sell a 14 year old blonde blue eyed girl at auction.
BTW, Chang may be the best solo gunfighter in Roanapur, but in the anime series Gretel of the Vampire Twins was able to stand him off in a shootout. Mind you, she was shooting at him with a WWII Browning Automatic Rifle, what in today's terms would be classified as a Squad Automatic Weapon, a light machine gun. A gun like that can tear apart a car used for cover, as Chang can attest to.
Depends. You're cameoing a lot of stuff from other series. The Urashima are an old and distinguished family of martial artists. If the Martial Arts World (i.e. Murim) exists in any form whatsoever, it's possible that being the sole heir and effective standing Head of the family would protect him. Chang, were he alive and wounded, may not view it as worth the effort to mess with him. Dead, the Triad may not have the resources to touch him. Whether Keitaro is a declared member or not, he would still be protected by the other families, if only because they don't want to set a precedent with the Underworld being able to pull off a hit on whoever they chose. It would be a matter of pride, and they probably wouldn't let it go.
You haven't been spinning it that way, and I certainly wouldn't pressure you to do anything you didn't want to, but if the person Keitaro offed was a high ranking Triad commander or executive, him saving Sarah could very well have sparked a cold war between the Asian criminal element and the various martial arts families that still exist in Japan.
Both sides have pride on the line. The various criminal elements present in Ronapur don't want the kind of precedent set where anybody can just walk into the place, start shooting everything up, and then get away with it. They want Keitaro dead or captured to make an example of him. The families, regardless of their affiliations, don't want that kind of precedent that would imply that a wanted criminal can just kill whomever they please, especially a clan head and heir.
It could be interesting politics, if you ever intended to have other old martial arts clans involve themselves in the plot.
You haven't been spinning it that way, and I certainly wouldn't pressure you to do anything you didn't want to, but if the person Keitaro offed was a high ranking Triad commander or executive, him saving Sarah could very well have sparked a cold war between the Asian criminal element and the various martial arts families that still exist in Japan.
Both sides have pride on the line. The various criminal elements present in Ronapur don't want the kind of precedent set where anybody can just walk into the place, start shooting everything up, and then get away with it. They want Keitaro dead or captured to make an example of him. The families, regardless of their affiliations, don't want that kind of precedent that would imply that a wanted criminal can just kill whomever they please, especially a clan head and heir.
It could be interesting politics, if you ever intended to have other old martial arts clans involve themselves in the plot.