How could he forget the guy with such a nickname. After all, they were all from the same generation and grew up around the same sort of people.
“Yes… I remember him well. I’m surprised you still kept in contact after he turned down the boss’s offer.” Tomo said, his expression looking a little unpleasant.
However, Tsukasa shrugged nonchalantly.
“He’s still my brother, no matter what.”
Tomo frowned, “Just as long as he doesn’t interfere in our business.” He said warily.
“Pfft… Hahaha!”
Tsukasa couldn’t help but burst out into laughter at these words. Thinking about what Tetsu looked like now with his bakers apron and soft hands, it seemed like a silly joke.
“There’s no need to worry about him. The only things he cares about is baking and his daughter.” He added, still wearing an amused expression.
Tomo nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response.
“I can understand, family is everything after all.” He replied, looking at his sons fondly.
“Speaking of Family…”
A deep voice came out from the door behind them, prompting everyone to turn around.
There was a short man with long black hair tied into a ponytail at the door. He was garbed in traditional Japanese Kimono and held a Samurai sword still in its sheath in his left hand.
He was flanked by an average sized man who looked to be in his early 50’s. His gray goatee was long and his eyes seemed to surge with intelligence.
“Shin, Naoki! It’s good to see you two.”
Tomo went in for a hug, yet he was pushed back by the hilt of the Samurai sword from the shorter gentleman.
“Ah come on Shin, give your fellow Lieutenant a hug.” Tomo said with a playful grin.
“Touch me and you’ll lose a hand.” He said plainly. In the next moment he sent a glance to Tsukasa and nodded in greeting, a small smile gracing his lips.
“Good to see you both.” Tsukasa added.
“Mmm. Tomo, where’s your hospitality? You won’t even offer your brother’s a drink?” Naoki said, feigning displeasure.
“Ah yes yes, that’s my fault. Kiyo, Katsu, go warm us up some Sake” He quickly said, ushering his two sons out of the room.
“Everyone else should also leave.” Shin said, his words a statement, not a suggestion.
No one rebutted, quickly grabbing their things and quickly leaving the room as fast as possible. They would not dare ignore a direct order from one of the Lieutenants.
Once the room had been cleared out, Naoki moved forward and took a seat at the table, letting out a small grunt as he lowered himself down. With his age, he needed to rest more than ever before.
The other three joined him a few moments later, sitting on opposite ends of the rectangular table.
There was a short pause before the atmosphere turned melancholic.
“It’s been a while since we all gathered like this.” Naoki said, letting out a sigh.
“Mmm. I’m afraid it’s not for any good news though.”
Everyone nodded, they were not so naive to think that the boss had called a meeting just for them all to catch up.
The door opened in the next moment as Katsuya and Kiyoshi brought in the warmed Sake, placing it on the table. Just as the latter was about to pour the cup, Naoki placed his hand on the teen’s arm.
“No, let me pour my brothers a drink.” He said simply, waving the two off.
They quickly obliged, leaving the room once more.
Naoki proceeded to pour the cups full of the warm Sake, sending it around the table until everyone had one in front of them.
He raised up his cup in front of him, prompting the others to do the same.
“Here’s to family… May we never grow apart.”
Naoki’s tone was somber, showing some unexpected raw emotion.
“To family.”
Everyone responded before throwing back the drink.
The group then began to catch up, speaking of certain things that were happening in their designated areas. Of course since they were part of the family, some of the topics were a little gruesome, yet no one seemed too bothered.
As the drinks flowed, everyone began to loosen up. The topics moved to lighter things like their children or even sports events.
“My Niece is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.” Tsukasa said, his tone full of pride.
“She actually moved to Tokyo recently to study at a design school. Make sure you keep an eye on her Tomo.” He added, pointing to the guy over the table.
“Eh? She goes to Joshibi High then?” Tomo responded in question.
“Hmm.” Tsukasa ran his hand through his hair, thinking deeply.
“Yeah! That’s the one. I helped her move a couple weeks ago.”
“Alright, Katsu goes there too. I’ll tell him to keep an eye on her for you. What’s her name?”
Just as he was about to answer, the sound of the door opening cut through the atmosphere.
Everybody stopped what they were doing and stood up in one smooth motion.
“Welcome, boss.”
The four men bowed deeply, showing their respect.
The man they called boss was a person in their 50’s, donning a simple Kimono. Though he was middle aged, his back was still straight like a spear, his intelligent eyes scanning the four men.
“I hope you left enough Sake for me.” He said, letting out a small laugh.
Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed. Naoki stood up and pulled out a chair for the man, prompting him to take a seat beside him.
It wasn’t until the boss sat down that the rest of the men followed suit, another sign of respect only given to the boss.
Naoki poured another round of drinks, emptying the bottle on the final cup.
“I’ll go get some more.” Tomo said, however he was interrupted.
“No need. We have important things to discuss.” The man said simply, stopping Tomo in his tracks.
By the sound of his tone, it was definitely something important.
The boss’s expression turned serious.
“We might not be peaceful much longer…”
We’re heading back to America in the next chap.
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