Chapter 71: July 29th - Soutou Situation pt. 5 11th Hour

  Much like the Soutou Estate the Soutou Companies Tower was also a monolithic symbol of their wealth and political power.

  Across the front of the building written in 3 different Languages was the same phrase.

  Once in Shinkai, Once In Edogo and then Once in Eroba the Iborian Native Tongue.

  “The Sea Is The Home To Wealth.” It read.

  It was an old saying and one which didn’t translate well outside of Eroba. Kanashi only knew it because of him having an interest in pirates as a child.

  It’s intended meaning being that the seas are home to trade across the world and those who trade on the sea become rich. Something to that effect.

  It was a saying most would say isn’t exactly true now as much as it was back then when it was a popular saying but going off the Soutous massive wealth you could have a solid argument otherwise.

  Putting aside that interesting detail, Kanashi and Kenji arrived at the building's front after chasing Raizens escort vehicle. Thankfully it wasn’t too far, the car ride and run only lasted around 15 minutes from the estate though by the end Kanashi was quite winded while Kenji was of course doing fine except for his bleeding bandages.

  “Okay, well now what?” Kenji asked.

  “Stop asking that!” Kanashi complained, spitting thick phlegm from his throat to the ground. “They went into their private parking lot underground and I don’t think they’d take too kindly to us breaking in down there.” He sighed standing up straight, his back cracking loudly as he did so.

  “So more waiting!?”

  “Yes! This is a super important mission we’re on!” Kanashi barked.

  “This all sounds like you just trying to save your stupid bad plan you had that already failed!” Kenji yelled, pointing his finger at Kanashi.

  “I’ve already admitted my plan was a bad one!”

  “Then just go with my plan!”

  “To what? kill him!?” Kanashi asked sarcastically.

  “It’s guaranteed to work isn't it!?”

  “Lots of the problems we face in life could be solved by killing someone but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do!” Kanashi yelled, throwing his arms in the air.

  “If this mission was as important as you’re trying to make me believe it is, wouldn't you be willing to break the concept of right and wrong in order to get it done!?” Kenji asked with a shout.

  “That’s the one rule of mine that I’ve pushed onto you Kenji! No killing for the sake of convenience!” Kanashi yelled back.

  “That’s a lie, you don’t want me to kill anyone no matter the reason!”

  “Well yeah obviously I don’t!”

  “So then why are you saying that your only rule was to not kill for the sake of convenience!?” Kenji asked with a scream.

  While the two argued on the sidewalk across from the Soutou companies headquarters, those passing by them shared glances at the odd couple who stood horribly out of place. One being a foreigner with a noticeable scar across his cheek and a pitch black right arm which contrasted greatly with his natural pale tone. The other being a tall Kimono wearing swordsman covered in white bandages turned red from blood.

  After a few more exchanges of pointless bickering Kanashi and Kenji both ran out of breath. Seemingly having come to a mutual disagreement and not pushing the issue further as they noticed how much time had passed.

  “Has it been long enough?” Kenji asked with a sigh turning to look at the buildings front entrance,

  “Oh yeah for sure it has!” Kanashi laughed with his own sigh as he put his hands on hips.

  “So… are you gonna go talk to them now or what?” Kenji asked with a frown.

  “Yeah, just give me a second to think about how to approach this topic.” Kanashi muttered, putting his hand to his chin and rolling his eyes to the sky as he thought deeply.

  “...”

  “...”

  “...”

  Kenji tapped his foot on the ground loudly until Kanashi nodded his head to himself, coming to some kind of consensus. Looking up he shot Kenji a thumbs up and grinned.

  “Alright then let’s go already!” Kenji huffed, turning and beginning to walk across the busy street to the Soutous building with no mind to the cars who swerved to avoid him.

  “Wait Kenji!” Kanashi called out, grabbing the samurai by his Kimonos sleeve.

  “What now!?” Kenji hissed in response, whipping his head around.

  “You can’t come with me! Not yet at least.”

  “What, why not!? What the hell did you even bring me for anyways if you just want me to stand still and do nothing?”

  “As insurance! If something is gonna happen I’ll need you.”

  “And when you do need me?” Kenji asked with a sly grin.

  “...you can let loose.” Kanashi nodded with a gulp.

  “Ha, deal.”

  # # #

  The Soutou towers front lobby was just as magnificent as expected. At this point Kanashi felt like he was becoming numb to the grandness of it all.

  The style of the lobby, much like the Soutou estate, was also more western influence in its design. White sleek walls with red brick and dark brown mahogany into which were carved various symbols and shapes served as the main features.

  The front desk which was made from a mix of wood, brick and wrought iron gave a harsh rustic feeling which Kanashi felt a strong sense of nostalgia for as his own home in Azhar had a similar style in places.

  Putting that aside, Kanashi walked up to the counter where a woman with pulled back hair dyed red with visible black roots and a sleek velvet black dress stood.

  “Hello?” Kanashi asked meekly in Shinkai, waving his hand politely at the woman who raised her brow at him.

  “Do you speak Shinkai?” He asked.

  “Do you mean to insult me?” The woman hissed in response, her rounded eyes narrowing and lip curling in disgust as if seeing a roach.

  “N-no not at all! You’re just an Edojin so I figured it’d be worth testing the waters out first!” Laughed Kanashi, ruffling his head of light brown hair nervously.

  “I’m not some random bitch clerk! I’m a member of the Soutou Clan and the Grand Daughter of Soutou Raizen!” The woman barked, her gaze felt as though it was burning into Kanashi, melting his flesh like sunlight would a vampire.

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  “I-I’m sorry I really am!” Kanashi said bowing deeply, his voice cracking.

  “Tch, pussy.” The girl huffed, clacking her heel on the ground with a snort as she turned her head away from him.

  What the hell do you want from me!? Is this like one of those teen romance novels where I have to grab her and slap her around until she likes me or what!? Kanashi screams internally, his teeth grit and a vein bulging on his temple.

  “Anyways, what'd ya want?” She asked, turning back to him.

  At this question Kanashis back jumped straight up and his smile returned, though now somewhat forced. “I’m here to speak with your grandfather Soutou Raizen.... In a business meeting of course.”

  “You want to speak to Raizen? Who the hell do you think you are?” The woman asked with another snort.

  “You know you’re really rude, what if I was a super important businessman and I came here to talk to your grandfather and you drove me off with your attitude? What then huh?” Kanashi scoffed, shaking his head.

  “So you’re not an important business man who came to talk to Raizen then?” The woman asked with a sly smile.

  “!?” Kakashi's nostrils flared and his eyes widened at this. “I didn’t say that! I said super important business man which I sadly am not. I'm just a normal important business man and I did come here to talk with your grandfather. But if you replaced me with my boss and spoke to him that way. You could ruin a multi billion dollar business deal ya know.”

  The woman frowned at this and picked at a loose strand of hair which crept down her cheek. “So you want to speak to my Grandpa because you have a business deal?”

  “Yeah.”

  “For what company?”

  At this question Kanashi momentarily faltered, he’d already used the [Kusig Manufacturing] on Inurashi and it failed, he could try it again but there was a high chance that Inuarashi had at least told them about his previous failed attempt. In such a case he had no choice but to pick another company at random.

  “Galactic Films, ya know the movie company?”

  “Galactic films?” The woman repeated, tilting her head to the side.

  “Yeah, they’re from Saharis, 2nd only to Walton Films. I mean they made a ton of big movies, like Galaxy Wars, Tomb Runner, Cretaceous Safari, Sharks Tooth…” Kanashi listed movies from the top of his mind, though he wasn’t even sure if all of them did in fact come from Galactic films.

  “Yeah, no clue.” She said, letting out a sigh. But anyways assuming what you say is true what the hell would ya need us for?”

  “I mean, I can’t tell you that. It’s top secret.” Kanashi answered, crossing his arms to make an X shape and then putting it before his face.

  “So let me get this straight. You want me to believe that some dirty kid off the street covered in scars and ragged clothes is the representative of the 2nd largest film company in the world. Not only that but you want to speak to my Grandfather Soutou Raizen, owner of an import and export shipping company about a business deal?” She asked, raising her brow and cocking her head back.

  “I mean anything can sound bad if you put it a certain way you know. I mean if you give me enough time I can make someone donating millions to cancer research sound evil. Also who are you to judge me as being some random dirty kid? No offense but you don’t look like the most picturine character for Raizens granddaughter and also don’t you know the richest people in the world dress the most casual? That’s how they stay rich!”

  “Touché, I still don’t really trust you but I’m also tired of talking sooo…” The woman let out a shrug and sigh as she said this before moving to her computer and typing something on the keyboard quickly. “I can squeeze you in about… eight months from now.” She read aloud.

  “Eight months!? I only have a few hours!?”

  “Well that’s too bad! What kinda company only has a few hours to make a multi billion dollar business deal? Look I don’t believe in a single thing you’ve told and I'm still generous enough to throw you a bone so you should be on your hands and knees licking my shoes!”

  “W-what kinda pervert are you!? This is sexual harassment you know!”

  “Oh yeah!? What’re you gonna do about it, call HR!?’

  “Urk!” Kanashi grunted at this, his eyes narrowed and flames appeared in his pupils.

  “Is there a problem here?”

  That single sentence sliced the atmosphere like a hot knife would butter. With a pair of panicked eyes Kanashi turned to look at the voice's origin and to his relief saw a man he didn’t know. Perhaps relief wasn’t the best term but seeing as it wasn’t Inurashi he was happy.

  “Shikinori-Kun!” Raizens granddaughter laughed, pumping her fist in the air as if she’d just won some competition.

  “I told you not to call me that, Mikami-Chan.” The man teased with a crooked smile. He was rather tall with broad shoulders and short black hair similar to a crew cut and a grey business suit. His hands were large with thick fingers and his neck bursting with rippling veins and muscles. If Kanashi was to describe it with a comparison it’d be like a professional fighter dressing fancy for a press conference.

  “Blegh, never mind. I’m not happy to see you either then Kazuki! ” Mikami sighed, turning her head away from the man.

  “Yet you still call me by the name I wanted you to… what a nasty little creature you are.” The man laughed dryly. “Now then is this boy bugging you?” He asked, turning to Kanashi, his eyes still squinted and a smile across his face.

  “Shikinori…” Kanashi repeated, feeling the sensation of the name on his tongue. The same Shikinori whose property we broke into?

  “Nah, he’s just some punk. Doubt he can even do anything.” Mikami hummed, shrugging her shoulders and looking down at Kanashi. “Besides, if he even tried anything then my Grandpa who loves me so much would be down here in the blink of an eye to kill him.”

  “Don’t let Raizen-Sama hear you say that. He’d get angry.” Kazuki frowned.

  “What does he have to be ashamed about? Only he is in denial about it, he spoils me, Toujou and Aruma, that's common knowledge in the family.”

  “S-sorry to interrupt this family drama discussion but um can I speak?” Kanashi asked, raising his hand.

  “Ah of course sorry, how rude of me.” Kazuki bowed.

  “Domo.” Kanashi said, giving his own bow.

  “Now then, it seems as if Mikami here was having a hard time fulfilling your request so maybe I might be able to meet them.” Kazuki said, standing up straight and pulling at his tie.

  As Kazuki spoke Mikami tried to interrupt but by putting his finger up he silenced her.

  “Yeah sure that’d be great! I wanted to speak to Soutou Raizen about a business deal with the company I represent.”

  “Oh is that so? I was here to do the same thing funnily enough.” Kazuki laughed, rubbing the back of his head. “Now what is it you’re here to speak to him about, maybe I could squeeze you in after me.”

  “Kazuki!” Mikami growled.

  “It’s fine, it’s fine. I was a struggling business man at one point before too so I understand what it’s like to be the middleman. Come on now erm…” Kazuki trailed off with an awkward smile.

  “Kanashi, my name is Kanashi.”

  “That’s a good name, a strong name. I like it.”

  “Tch, sounds like a girl's name.” Huffed Mikami.

  “Now then Kanashi, what would you like to speak to Soutou Raizen about? What business do you present?” Kazuki asked with a smile.

  “Oh well I’m from Galactic films and-”

  “Don’t lie to me.” The sudden change in tone and atmosphere nearly choked Kanashi, the smile which had been plastered over Kazuki's voice vanished and was replaced with a stern solid line for lips. “I’m offering to hear you out so please return the kindness by being truthful and not lying.”

  “...” Kanashi bit his cheek unsure of what to say, at this point he’d already dug himself a grave so the only choices were to fight to crawl out of it or accept being buried.

  “Well?” Kazuki asked, tilting his head.

  “It’s… It’s about politics. That’s all I can say and I can’t tell you anymore about it. I know lying probably wasn’t the best choice but there’s no way someone would just listen to me if I said I wanted to talk politics to him with no backing.”

  “So you have no backing? Then what kind of politics are you wanting to talk about?” Kazuki asked, raising his brow.

  “I don't think you’d let me up there even if I told you truthfully now would you?”

  “....Ha, you’re not as dull headed as I thought you would be.” Kazuki hummed with a smile and raised brow.

  “So it’s a no go then… Can I leave or are you gonna try to stop me with force?” Kanashi asked. Though he tried to hide it he began to direct his aura towards his legs and feet so he could jump back and retreat if needed.

  Kazuki with a shrug turned to Mikami who let out a sigh and a lazy shrug of her own in return.

  “She says you’re free to go then.” Kazuki hummed, patting Kanashis shoulder roughly. “Make sure to thank her.”

  “Thanks.” Kanashi sighed, his eyes cast low.

  # # #

  “What happened, did it work?” Kenji asked upon seeing Kanashi return to him, his hands in his pockets and head hung low.

  “No… not at all.” Kanashi complained looking up into the sky and seeing the sun low enough that it would start to set in only another hour or two. I said I’d wrap this up by night time… He thought ,biting his lip.

  “Sooooooo~” Kenji giggled, patting Kanashi on the back. “My plan?”

  “Yeah…”

  “Hahaha yes!” Kenji roared flexing his muscles, blood leaking into his already dirty bandages.

  “But I’m gonna combine your plan with mine.”

  “Huh, what?” Kenji frowned, his mood suddenly killed. “No fair!”

  “Don’t worry, it’ll be a split, you get to do your thing I’m just directing it.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Alright so here it goes, we’re gonna-

  During Kanashi and Kenjis chase of the escort car they had to pass through a populated area at one place. I like to imagine Kenji running through people while Kanashi nicely smiled and waved. Though their running wouldn’t be too out of place since it would look more like an olympic runners jog rather than a full on sprint. It’s not like the car was going more than say 35 miles per hour for the most of it.

  Much like Ciencia, Eroba is an existing language but one which is rarely spoken, Ciencia and Eroba have much in common due to Ciencia being the hybrid of the true native language of Saharis and the settlers from Eroba mixing together.

  Think of it like… Spaniard Spanish vs. Spanglish maybe?