Extra chapter for reaching 600 Power Stones.
...
The car pulled to a stop just outside the grand, traditional gate of the Sumeragi estate.
The towering stone lanterns on either side cast a soft, welcoming glow in the deepening twilight. The air, crisp and clean, held a scent of pine and rich soil that was completely different from the rest of the city.
Haruya's family exited the car, and for a moment, they stood together as a small, united group. The gate, a beautifully crafted steel structure, was already open, and standing within the entryway was his grandfather, Isamu.
Isamu Sumeragi stood straight, and his gaze was steadily staring at them.
He didn't move as they approached, but his presence was a tangible thing in the still air. Despite his age, there was a hidden power in the lines of his body, a presence that seemed to command respect.
His face, though weathered with time, held a kind smile that was reserved for family. He watched them approach, and his eyes first settled on his son, Kenjiro.
"It is good to see you home, Kenjiro," Isamu said, his voice deep and calm.
Kenjiro walked forward, a rare, almost boyish smile on his face. He wrapped his arms around his father in a hug that was brief but filled with a year's worth of unspoken emotion.
Haruya had never seen his father so openly affectionate with anyone other than his family, and it was a moment that felt both private and deeply personal. "It's good to be back, Dad," he said.
The reverence in Kenjiro's voice was clear, and Haruya, watching from a distance, noticed how his dad, the head of their own family and the confident businessman, still looked up to his own father with a deep, quiet respect.
Isamu's gaze then moved to Akari and Minako, a warm smile spreading across his face. He embraced both of them, his happiness evident. "Akari, Minako, it is wonderful to have you all here again. The house has been too quiet for a while now." His eyes then fell on Tsumugi, who had been hiding a bit behind her mother. "Tsumugi, I'm so glad you could come back here again."
Tsumugi, shy at first, stepped forward and gave her grandfather a quick, gentle hug. "Thank you, Grandpa. I'm happy to be here."
Isamu then looked at Haruya, a long, thoughtful gaze settling on him. "Haruya. You have a long way to go, but I see so much of your father in you."
Haruya felt a familiar warmth spread through him at his grandfather's words. He bowed. "It's good to see you again, Grandpa."
"Come in, all of you. Dinner is ready," Isamu said, gesturing toward the house. "I imagine you're all very hungry after the drive."
The walk to the house was peaceful, a quiet procession down the meticulously raked stone path.
The estate itself was a masterpiece of traditional Western and Japanese architecture, with a beautiful tile roof and wide, sweeping eaves.
The gardens were immaculate, filled with perfectly sculpted bonsai trees and a serene koi pond where vibrant koi swam in lazy circles.
Haruya inhaled the scent of the wood and the clean air and felt at peace.
They entered the house, and the scent of freshly prepared food filled his senses, a comforting aroma that instantly made him feel at home. The dining room was large and traditional, with a low table set for everyone.
The lanterns cast a soft, warm glow on the polished wood floor. A large vase of fresh flowers sat in the middle of the table, their subtle scent adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The room was simple but elegant, a testament to the family's understated wealth and long-standing traditions.
They all sat down, with Isamu at the head of the table. Kenjiro sat to his right, Minako to his left, and then Akari, Haruya, and Tsumugi. The meal began with a quiet grace, the only sounds being the soft clink of chopsticks and the gentle murmur of conversation.
Isamu was the first to break the silence in a meaningful way. "So, Kenjiro," he said, his voice calm and measured. "How was your trip? I've been hearing a lot about the business."
Kenjiro smiled, his expression lighting up. "It was going well, Dad. I was working on the expansion plans for the company. It was a lot of work, but I think it was worth it. The business is growing bigger and bigger, and I'm happy with what we've accomplished."
Isamu nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face. "I'm happy for you, son. You've always been a hard worker. The company is in good hands with you and Akari." He looked at Akari and gave her a small, respectful smile. "Thank you for taking care of everything, Akari. I know it's a lot of work, especially with your own company to manage."
Akari smiled back, her eyes twinkling. "It's a pleasure, Dad. I'm happy to do it."
The conversation continued as they ate, the family catching up on everything that had happened over the past month.
Kenjiro started talking about Haruya. "He's been working hard, Dad," he said, his tone enthusiastic. "He's been training with Senzaemon Nakiri, and he's been learning so much. He's a natural. You should see him in the kitchen. He's got his mom's talent for sure."
Haruya felt a familiar warmth spread through him as his dad spoke. It was always a little strange to hear his dad talk about him so positively, but it was a feeling he had grown to love.
Isamu looked at Haruya, a knowing look on his face. "Is that so? I've always known you had a knack for things, but to be training with the Nakiris for cooking... that's a whole other level. You're a very talented young man."
Haruya just smiled, a small sense of accomplishment welling up inside him. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Isamu smiled, a long, thoughtful look on his face. "The Nakiris are an old family. Their reputation precedes them, even in the business world." He looked at Kenjiro. "Senzaemon Nakiri is an old friend. He and I used to be business partners. It was at his place that your father first met Akari."
Kenjiro fell into nostalgia. "That's right. You know, I actually first met your mom at a party hosted by the Nakiris. It was a long time ago, but I still remember it. She was serving one of her special creations, and I was just a young man trying to find my way in the world."
Akari laughed, her eyes twinkling. "He kept coming back for more, so I knew he was the one."
The table was filled with laughter, and Haruya felt a wave of happiness wash over him.
It was a simple story, but it was a part of his family's history, a small piece of a larger puzzle.
He had always known that his parents had a happy marriage, but to hear the story of how they met, to see the way they looked at each other, it was a different kind of feeling.
Isamu looked at his grandson, a long, thoughtful look on his face.
He was observing, as he always did, looking for the deeper meaning in things.
"The Nakiri family is a powerful figure in the culinary industry," he said, "For them to take such an interest in you, Haruya, it means something. They see a talent in you that is worth cultivating."
Tsumugi, sitting beside Haruya, smiled brightly. "And you know what else, Grandpa? Onii-chan can play the piano now! We recreated the song that I lost. He learned so fast!"
Isamu's eyebrows rose in surprise. He looked at Haruya, his eyes filled with a new kind of interest. "Is that true? You can play the piano?"
Haruya nodded. "Tsumugi taught me," he said. "She's the genius."
Tsumugi shook her head. "No, Onii-chan. You're the genius. I've never seen anyone learn so fast. You just knew what to do. It was like you could feel the music."
"That's quite impressive," Isamu added. "It sounds like you're talented in more ways than one, Haruya."
He looked at Haruya, and a pleased expression appeared on his face. "You're a talented young man, Haruya. You have the heart of your mother and the mind of your father. And now, you're learning from the best. The next generation of the Sumeragi legacy will definitely go further in your hands."
...
POWER STONE GOAL - 1 EXTRA CHAPTER WHEN REACHED:
100 POWER STONES (✔)
200 POWER STONES (✔)
300 POWER STONES (✔)
400 POWER STONES (✔)
500 POWER STONES (✔)
600 POWER STONES (✔)