A tall, white-haired guy who didn't look like a 16-year-old entered the office. He was wearing a white shirt, black trousers, a black vest and several earrings in his left ear. The guy looked at the class and the student without any interest, and then said:
Hello. My name is Aris Kahira and from today on I will study with you.
After the performance, Aris went to an empty desk near the window. I looked at him and tried to figure out why he looked so grown up. I had a feeling that Aris was definitely 20 years old, but not 15-17. So, before the end of classes, Canoe was enthusiastically wondering about Arisu's age.
When classes ended, Canoe and Hirata were waiting for Mari as usual. At that time, Aris came up to them and asked them to have a private conversation.
So what did you want to talk about? Canoe asked when they were out of the way.
It seemed strange to me that you were watching me almost all day, so I wanted to know why? – Aris said in an even and somehow soporific voice.
Oh, that… I'm sorry, I just thought you looked much older than 16. Canoe replied.
Let's just say I had to go through a lot. – Aris said with a slight smile. – Can I ask you one more question?
Yes, of course. Canoe replied.
Who is Manhiro Tsushima? Aris asked, with a kind of bleary look.
He's my father," Canoe replied. "Do you know him?"
No, but I can say that my father was familiar with him," Aris replied, thinking a little.
Canoe, let's go home! Marie ran up to them.
Yes, of course. Canoe replied.
I think I should go myself, thanks for the conversation. – said Aris and headed for the exit.
Is this a new student? What did he want? Marie asked at once.
Just asking about Dad. Canoe replied.
After that, Hirata, Mari, and Canoe set off for the exit.
Aren't you going today? Canoe asked as Hirata started to say goodbye.
Yes, there are a lot of things to do at home. Hirata said sadly. – See you tomorrow!
See you later! Marie said.
Till tomorrow. Canoe said. "And you're Marie?"
I'm coming to you. Marie replied, coming closer to the Canoe.
As they approached Tsushima's house, Mari and Canoe noticed Han discussing something emotionally on the phone. Canoe told Marie to go inside, and he went over to Han, who ended the conversation.
Uncle Han, is something wrong? Canoe asked.
There was a small problem, nothing serious..." Han replied uncertainly.
Canoe stared into Khan's eyes, which caused Khan to sigh and add:
2 of our fighters were abducted.
How did it happen? Canoe was surprised.
I haven't figured it out myself yet. – According to the report, they were attacked in an alley and taken away in a car. Now we are trying to figure out who did it, and most importantly why.
Are there any other options? Canoe asked.
Only the recently activated "Shirashi" clan comes to mind, but it is unclear why they do this. Besides, as we know, their previous head is long dead. Khan said thoughtfully.
What does Dad think about it? Canoe asked after thinking for a while.
The gentleman doesn't know about this incident yet. –It's not a particularly serious problem to worry him about."
Yeah," Canoe said softly.
Young master, I think Marie is waiting for you. Han said, glancing at the Canoe.
Uncle Han, well, I asked you to avoid this "young master". Canoe sighed heavily.
Yes, yes, I remember. "But still, you should go inside."
You're right, Uncle Han," Canoe said and headed home.
When I got home, I noticed that Marie was already doing her homework. He went into the kitchen, made tea, and brought it into the living room.
Thank you. Marie said with a childish smile, accepting the mug from Canoe's hands.
Are you almost done yet? Canoe asked, looking at Marie's notebooks.
Yeah, there's not much left. Marie replied. "You start doing it too.
Uh–huh.– Canoe said with a smile.
After finishing her assignments and looking at the time, Mari began to get ready to go home, Canoe volunteered to accompany her, but at that moment Han and Manhiro came into the house.
Hello, Uncle Manhiro! - Marie said.
Hi, Dad! I'll go with Marie. - Canoe said.
Looking at Han, Canoe saw the alarm on his face and suspected something was wrong.
Hello, kids. Manhiro said. – Marie, stay with us today.
With pleasure! Marie said. – I'll just call my mom.
Marie went into the kitchen to talk on the phone, and Canoe looked seriously at Manhiro and Han, and asked:
Uncle Han, Dad, what's going on?
In what sense? - Manhiro asked. – Nothing is happening.
Canoe looked at his father, then looked at Han.
Are you serious right now? - Canoe asked. - Dad, you've never behaved so strangely, and Uncle Han's face is too worried, so I'll ask you again, what's going on?
" Manhiro chuckled slightly, and then replied:
It looks like a storm is coming, son.
What do you mean? - Canoe was surprised.
Apart from the fact that 2 fighters were abducted from us - Khan began. - Now some kind of confusion is beginning in the city. Someone caused a fatal accident with the head of the Taiko clan, then killed the head of the Kyoto Shadow clan.
Are these the same clans that have moved from illegal activities to legal ones? –I asked Canoe
, yes,– Manhiro replied. – And apparently, they have targeted all the clans that are now working for the benefit of society.…
But why did you ask Marie to stay with us? - Canoe asked.
Because they can attack you, too - Manhiro said, coming up and hugging Canoe.
At that moment, Marie came into the room and said that her mother had allowed her to stay.
At night, Canoe went to the kitchen to drink water and heard Manhiro and Han discussing something in the study. After going up to the second floor, Canoe quietly went to the door and started listening.
Yes, I understand perfectly well that we need to get rid of these assholes quickly. - Manhiro said, slamming the table.
So let me take the guys and destroy them. - Han said, coming closer to Manhiro.
You can't! - Manhiro replied. – What if innocent people get hurt? We need to find the lair of these ghouls somehow, or at least figure out who's behind it.
It's clear that the whole thing is the work of "Sirashi". - Khan said, sitting down on the sofa.
I think so myself, but you remember perfectly well that we destroyed them. - Manhiro said, rubbing his eyes.
Wait a minute - Khan said thoughtfully. – Let's assume that there is someone left alive from the old Sirashi.
Do you think they're taking revenge like that? - Manhiro asked.
Maybe. Khan replied. – Did Ishiho have any relatives?
No. He was alone, and his wife left him when he challenged us. Manhiro said. – Although... it's better to look for information.
That's what I'll do. - Khan replied.
After listening for a while longer, Canoe returned to the room, looked at Marie sleeping peacefully in bed and lay down on the floor.
"So that's what we have. Our fighters have been kidnapped, 2 clan heads have been killed, and it is likely that we are the next target. Probably revenge on our clan, but then why kill the heads of other clans? Something doesn't add up here."
Without having time to come to a conclusion of reflection, Canoe fell asleep.