CHAPTER 6: Equilibrium

"Koji-sama will be going back to college?" one of the regional bosses asked him.

"Yes. Until I finish my course, Takehiko will be temporarily in charge of a few things. Of course, I will check everyone's activities periodically, but my primary concern at the moment is college."

The regional bosses nodded. "We understand, Oyabun."

Koji grinned. "Just call me Koji-sama. Oyabun seems too...old."

His companions laughed. "True, true!"

Koji excused himself from the table and headed to his room, where he had previously deposited his things. Takehiko, seeing their kumicho leave, left his place and followed him.

"Takehiko?"

"I just wanted to ask you something, Koji-sama."

Koji nodded.

"Were you disappointed by Isamu's death?"

The subject in question did not surprise Koji. After all, he expected that at least one or two would ask it.

"Of course. I thought him better than that. He must have thought he was depriving me from a splendid revenge. He was foolish."

"Because he killed your father?"

"No. Because he killed himself."

A moment of silence passed between them until Koji broke it, saying, "I'll be going, then. I'm not too comfortable with good-bye's." He ran his hand through his mass of dark hair.

Takehiko smiled and nodded. "Please come back for the New Year celebrations."

"I will."

continue: acknowledgements