The following days passed quietly within the Tsushima estate. Although it was peaceful on the surface, the atmosphere still carried a strange tension that neither Tane nor Gen'emon could fully ignore.
For the first time in years, their mansion felt... too undisturbed.
Then weeks went by without a single visitor.
The Boss never sent word or gifts. The usual letters from business associates, partners, and even old acquaintances from the underworld seemed to have slowed to a halt. Even the local deliverymen who used to visit the estate with parcels began to act differently as i f something unseen loomed beyond the walls of Kanagi.
The servants noticed it, too.
There were no clear signs of danger, no broken fences or intruders caught on their hidden cameras. But they could all feel it. There's heaviness in the air. It's the kind that once blanketed the Port Mafia headquarters before a storm of bloodshed began.
Tane would often find herself pausing while watering her garden. Her hand frozen mid-air as the water streamed from the brass watering can. Her eyes would scan the horizon and she would feel her pulse quicken for no reason at all.
Gen'emon noticed her silence and joined her by the rose bushes one morning. He placed a hand over hers and feeling the tension beneath her skin.
"You could sense it too, right?" he murmured.
Tane's hand trembled slightly.
"It's like the calm before the storm."
He gave a small nod.
"Old instincts never fade, Tane. Maybe it's nothing. But I'll have Kaito tighten security around the perimeter just in case."
Thankfully, their children seemed unaffected by the creeping sense of unease. Shuuji spent his afternoons reading in the library or tending to his small flower patch at the edge of the garden while Mariko painted and played the piano under Hana's supervision. It was offering the couple a fleeting comfort.
But the silence of the outside world persisted.
No word from the Boss.
No communication from any Port Mafia associate.
And even the government officials who used to greet Gen'emon with courtesy had gone quiet.
These were all they wanted. A world that was separated from the underworld. But still...
This silence was different.
Until one afternoon.
A letter arrived and it was sealed with wax bearing an unfamiliar emblem. But Gen'emon recognized it immediately. It was the symbol of Dr. Minoru Kashiwagi, an old acquaintance from his early Port Mafia days.
Minoru had been one of the organization's head researchers. He was a man who dabbled in sciences too advanced and too dangerous for ordinary institutions. But unlike most scientists who worked for the Mafia, Minoru had retired early and moved to Subarachi, a quiet seaside district several towns away.
Gen'emon broke the seal and read the letter in silence while Tane looked on. The doctor's handwriting was neat with firm strokes.
'Gen'emon,
It's been far too long. I hope this letter finds you and your family well.
There is something I've been meaning to show you. It is something I discovered recently that may concern our shared past. I would prefer not to discuss it through letters.
If you can, visit my laboratory here in Subarachi. I trust no one else with this matter.
Bring Tane, if you wish. I know she would find it fascinating.
— Minoru Kashiwagi.'
Gen'emon folded the letter quietly and set it on the table. His brows furrowed slightly as he thought.
"Something's wrong with that letter?" Tane asked.
He shook his head slowly.
"No. Nothing's wrong. But it feels strange. Kashiwagi rarely reaches out unless it's something important. He mentioned a discovery related to our past. That could mean anything."
"Do you plan to go?"
Gen'emon's expression softened as he looked at her.
"I think I should. He was always careful with his words. If he says it's important, then it must be really important."
Tane thought for a moment before nodding.
"Then I'll go with you. The children can come too. Subarachi has a small beach, doesn't it? I heard the water there is crystal clear. We can turn it into a short vacation once you finish your visit."
A small smile tugged at Gen'emon's lips.
"A family trip, then."
Tane smiled back.
"A family trip."
The morning of their departure came bright and clear. The estate buzzed with energy as servants carried luggage to the black limousine parked at the front gates. Hana was overseeing everything with her usual sharp precision and Kaito stood by the entrance while checking the perimeter one last time before the Tsushima family's departure.
But in the middle of their pleasant bustle, one thing was out of place.
Mariko wasn't feeling well.
The little girl sat on the sofa in the living room and wrapped in a blanket. Her usually bright eyes dulled with fatigue. A faint flush colored her cheeks and her breathing was slightly uneven. Tane knelt in front of her before pressing a cool hand to her forehead.
"She's running a fever." Tane whispered. "It's not high but she shouldn't travel in this condition."
Gen'emon frowned.
"Then we'll postpone the trip."
"No..." Mariko weakly said while shaking her head. "You promised, remember? You told us we'd go after Daddy's meeting with his friend. You shouldn't break a promise."
"Sweetheart, it's okay to rest." Tane softly said. "The beach will still be there."
"But you said promises shouldn't be broken."
Mariko's lips quivered but her voice was soft and steady.
"You and Daddy always said that."
Her words pierced through the room like a whisper of guilt. Shuuji, who was sitting silently beside her, lifted his gaze from his book and looked at their parents. His expression was calm, but his intelligent eyes that always seemed to see through everything carried a quiet understanding.
"I can take care of her." Shuuji simply said. "We can stay here."
Tane looked torn while glancing between her husband and her children.
"I don't want either of you alone. It's not safe."
As if on cue, a car horn sounded outside the gate. Hana excused herself to check. A few moments later, she returned with a surprised look.
"Tane-sama." she said while bowing slightly. "You have a visitor. It's your sister, Lady Kiye."
"Kiye?" Tane asked in surprise. "She didn't say she was coming."
Soon, Kiye entered the living room. She was Tane's younger sister by three years although her demeanor often made her seem older. Her hair was tied in a sleek ponytail and her piercing amber eyes that was similar to Tane's eyes immediately scanned the room before it stopped on Mariko who was wrapped in her fluffy blanket.
"I was nearby for business and thought I'd visit." Kiye said while putting down her bag. "But it seems I've arrived at a busy time."
Tane gave her a small smile.
"You always have perfect timing, Kiye."
Gen'emon explained the situation briefly. Kiye listened without interruption but her gaze softened when she turned to the little girl.
"So that's why you look pale, my sweet niece."
Kiye crouched in front of Mariko and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
"Don't worry. A fever this mild will pass quickly."
Mariko blinked up at her.
"Are you going to the beach too, Auntie?"
Kiye chuckled.
"No. But I can stay here and keep you company. How about that?"
The girl's eyes brightened a little.
"Really?"
"Of course. I'll make sure you take your medicine and eat properly. You can tell me stories about all those fairy tales you love too."
Tane and Gen'emon exchanged a look.
"Are you sure?" Gen'emon asked. "We might be gone for a day or two. I don't want to trouble you."
Kiye waved a hand dismissively.
"Nonsense. She's my niece. Besides, you two deserve a short break. It's been years since you left the estate together."
Tane hesitated for a few seconds before finally nodding.
"All right. But call us immediately if anything feels wrong. You know how to reach us."
Kiye smiled.
"Of course. Don't worry, Tane. Your home is safe with me."
Shuuji watched quietly as the adults spoke. His sharp eyes studied his aunt, the servants, and the air around them as though sensing something deeper. But he said nothing. He just closed his book and stood beside his sister.
"Be good." he softly told her. "I'll bring something from the beach."
"Promise?" Mariko asked while looking at Shuuji with hopeful eyes.
"Promise."
And with that word, the Tsushima couple finally agreed to leave.
They kissed their daughter goodbye, thanked Kiye for staying and promised to return as soon as possible. The servants lined up respectfully as the black limousine pulled away from the gates. The sunlight glinted off its polished surface as it rolled down the long path out of the estate.
Mariko watched them leave from her window.
After that, the mansion grew quiet again save for the faint chirping of birds and the sound of distant wind brushing against the tall oak trees.
Kiye stood behind her niece. Her arms were crossed and her expression had an unreadable look on her face.
"Let's get you back to bed." she softly said. "You need to rest."
Mariko nodded and allowed her aunt to guide her back toward her room. The little girl's fever had made her drowsy. She climbed into bed, hugged her doll close and unaware of the faint flicker of something sharp in her aunt's gaze as Kiye closed the door and turned off the lights.