Bonus Story:
Grandchildren Video Viewing Party
IN THE DEPTHS OF THE ABYSS, SHADOWS writhed.
“Hee hee hee… I suppose it’s time to begin…”
Houjou Tenryu. Head of the Houjou Group, the puppet masters pulling the strings of Japan’s financial world—a cold-blooded man who eliminated his enemies without mercy.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment… I’m truly looking forward to it.”
Sakuramori Chiyo. Proprietress of a high-class Japanese restaurant frequented by the political elite—a steel-blooded empress who could make even the most powerful men tremble with a single glance.
The two of them sat shoulder to shoulder, visibly delighted, in a secret room where even their closest subordinates were forbidden to enter and see what was about to happen.
“Here we go!” announced Tenryu. “Our grandchildren video viewing party!”
Tenryu pressed the play button on the remote. A big screen lit up with footage from their grandchildren’s new life.
Akane was clinging to Saito, crying. “…But I don’t like it! The thought of you being out shopping with another girl breaks my heart!”
Chiyo let a single tear roll down her cheek. “Akane… Well said! That’s the spirit! You truly are my granddaughter!”
Tenryu sighed. “Back when you were her age, you could never have said anything like that. If you had, things would’ve gone much more smoothly between us.”
Chiyo cleared her throat in embarrassment. “That was just…the folly of youth, on my part,” she said apologetically.
“Oh, here comes another great scene,” said Tenryu, pointing at the screen.
“Maybe I’ll get you a ring?”
“R-ring?! Isn’t that a bit premature?!”
As they watched the sweet, bashful exchange between Saito and Akane, Chiyo clenched her fist and yelled, “It’s not too soon, Akane! Just have him buy it already! It’ll be something you treasure for the rest of your life!”
“Should we stake out the jewelry stores they might visit and slip in a custom ring in advance?” suggested Tenryu.
“No, honey, that won’t do. It has to be something Saito-san chooses and gives her himself. That’s what makes it meaningful.”
As Tenryu and Chiyo deliberated, the door to the room suddenly burst open.
“I heard your entire little scheme.”
“You!”
“It’s you…”
Standing tall in the doorway, arms crossed and wearing a smug expression, was Shisei, another one of Tenryu’s grandchildren.
“Security let Shisei through again?” lamented Tenryu.
“There’s no helping it. Shisei-san is just way too cute,” said Chiyo.
Tenryu and Chiyo both looked resigned.
“Watching the secret footage of Ani-kun and Akane’s private moments like this? If they found out, who knows what would happen. Don’t even try to bribe Shise to keep quiet,” she solemnly declared.
“We have sweets. Want to watch with us, Shisei?” Tenryu proposed.
“Very much so.” Shisei was instantly bought off, nestling herself between Tenryu and Chiyo and happily munching on rice crackers.