The morning air was crisp and overcast when Hina stepped into her father's study, her heels soft against the dark wood floor. She found Ren already standing by the window, a file in hand, his presence steady as always.
Yuto stood beside him, dressed in charcoal-grey slacks and a crisp, buttoned shirt, sleeves rolled up slightly at the forearms. He looked calm but alert, sharp in a way that reminded her how much he'd grown into his role.
Ren looked over his shoulder. "We leave in twenty."
Hina nodded, straightening her blazer.
"What's today's meeting about?" she asked.
Ren handed her a folded dossier. "Internal dispute. The Kisaragi group, one of our smaller syndicate allies, has tension between the second-in-command and the heir. The father's stepping down. The son wants to modernize. The lieutenant wants to preserve tradition."
"Sounds like a power struggle," Yuto said.
"It is," Ren replied. "And a fragile one. If we don't mediate, the group may fracture. And if they fracture, others will watch and wonder if Kazama still commands loyalty."
Hina's grip on the file tightened slightly.
"You're not here to speak today," Ren added, his eyes meeting hers. "You're here to understand when to step in and when silence holds more power."
"Yes, Papa."
"And you," Ren said to Yuto, "you'll watch the lieutenant. He respects Daiki. He'll measure you against that name."
Yuto gave a short nod. "Understood."
*****
The meeting took place at a private ryokan just outside the city, chosen as neutral ground. The tatami room was spacious and quiet, with a single low table and two rows of men seated on either side.
The Kisaragi heir, Sota, was in his early thirties, clean-cut and sharp-eyed, dressed in a modern slim-fit suit. Across from him sat Takeshi, the weathered second-in-command, wearing a traditional hakama and haori, his expression calm but firm.
Ren entered first. The room fell into a respectful hush.
Hina followed one step behind him, and Yuto beside her. Both acknowledged with small bows, earning side glances and whispers that quickly quieted once Ren sat at the head of the table.
No words were wasted.
"You've both served this syndicate with loyalty," Ren began, his voice calm but commanding. "And yet you now stand divided. That endangers not only your house but our alliance."
Sota spoke first. "With respect, Kazama-sama, the world is changing. The old ways won't protect us from digital surveillance, political shifts, or economic manipulation. We need to restructure—move quietly into legitimate sectors."
Takeshi's jaw clenched. "And lose our identity? You'd sell the Kisaragi name to corporate wolves. Our code matters."
"Your code is rooted in honor," Sota shot back. "Not stagnation."
Ren let them speak, never raising his voice, never flinching.
Beside him, Hina watched every word, every twitch of a hand, every shift of breath. She could see the undercurrent of fear disguised as pride in Takeshi and the desperation disguised as progress in Sota.
She leaned slightly toward Ren and whispered, "He's not trying to disrespect tradition. He's afraid of becoming obsolete."
Ren glanced at her, his gaze unreadable.
Then to Yuto: "Your thoughts?"
Yuto's reply was quiet. "They're both right. Which means either one wins… or you give them both something to lose."
Ren turned back to the table.
"The Kazama family won't decide your future for you," he said. "But we'll offer a path."
He paused, letting silence settle like a blade.
"Sota will begin trials on the restructuring plan but only in two districts. Limited access. Full reporting. Takeshi will oversee those reports, and reserve veto power through council vote."
Sota's brow furrowed. "That slows everything."
"And keeps you unified," Ren said.
Takeshi grunted. "What if it fails?"
Ren didn't blink. "Then we'll discuss what happens next. Together. But if you split now, you both lose."
After a long, heavy silence, both men bowed.
The room exhaled.
The negotiation was over.
Outside, as they walked back toward the car, Hina stayed quiet and processing everything she'd witnessed.
Ren glanced at her. "What did you learn?"
"That peace isn't about winning," she said softly. "It's about timing. And pressure."
He gave a small nod. "And restraint."
Then, as he stepped ahead, Yuto fell in beside her.
"You did well," he murmured.
"I barely spoke," she said.
"You didn't need to," Yuto replied. "But your eyes were sharp. Ren noticed."
She looked up at him. "You did too."
Yuto smiled faintly. "You're already learning how to lead. The room felt it."
They had barely stepped back into the hallway when Ren turned to the two of them.
"No more meetings tonight," he said. "You've both done enough."
Hina blinked. "We're heading back?"
"No." Ren looked at the passing staff. "I asked the ryokan to prepare a room with a private onsen. Stay the night. Relax."
Hina's eyes lit up immediately. "Really?"
Ren gave a faint nod. "You've earned it."
Yuto looked slightly surprised. "We can arrange our own transport, sir."
"I've already arranged it. You'll return in the morning." Ren said as he began to turn but paused.
Then, to Yuto alone, he reached into his inner coat pocket and handed him something discreetly.
A box contains silver-foiled squares.
Yuto blinked, then his eyes widened. "Ren-san…"
"I'm not a traditional father," Ren said with his voice even. "I know you're respectful. And I know you care deeply for her. I just ask for one thing. Let her finish school. Let her choose everything at her pace."
Yuto quickly nodded, still stunned. "I… I would never force anything. I follow her lead. Always."
"Good," Ren said. "Then I'll trust you with this."
And with that, he left.