Early in the morning, Canoe woke up because of the noise below. He got up and went downstairs, noticing Han and Manhiro discussing something animatedly.
"If it turns out to be true, I will personally kill everyone involved!" Manhiro said angrily.
"Sir, we will re-check all the information and question that doctor. Han said, with an equally angry expression on his face.
- Dad, Uncle Khan. What happened? Canoe asked, surprised by what was happening.
- Good morning, son. It's okay, it's just a little problem for the staff in the office. Manhiro replied when he saw the Canoe.
"Good morning to you, young master." Khan said, looking at the Canoe with a slight sadness.
Canoe looked at them suspiciously, and then said,
"Okay, I have to go to class now, so I hope you'll tell me the truth by tonight, and I also want to ask you about someone."
- Yes… By the evening, we will explain everything in detail and talk about this person, if, of course, I know about him. Manhiro replied, realizing that he could not deceive his son.
After washing up, having breakfast, and packing up, Canoe headed to school. Classes went on as usual until lunch, but Canoe and Hirata were alone at recess, and Mari said that she needed to study more today. After class ended, Hirata informed him that he needed to go home, so they couldn't go to the Canoe together. The canoe waited for Marie, and they headed home.
- Listen, I wanted to know why you kissed me then? Canoe asked.
- To be honest, I just wanted to do it. Marie replied, starting to twist her long blonde hair around her finger. – There was no special reason, and I've already told you many times that I like you.
- Do you understand that even if we start dating, we won't be able to communicate as before after we break up? Canoe asked, stopping and looking at Marie.
"Why should we break up?" Marie was surprised.
- Everything happens in life, but perfect love only happens in the movies. Canoe replied with a slight smile. "I think you're right, though. Considering how long we've known each other and how much we know about each other, there would hardly be a good reason to break up.
"Well, you see. Marie said with a smile. "Then we'd be a good couple."
At that moment, they both looked into each other's eyes and seemed to be trying to read each other's thoughts. After a few minutes, Marie blushed and broke the silence.
- Let's talk about this more later, I think we both have a lot to think about.
"You're right. Canoe replied with a smile.
Unbeknownst to himself, Canoe accompanied Marie right to the house.
"See you tomorrow, Canoe." Marie said, approaching the door.
"See you tomorrow." Canoe answered her with a smile.
On the way home, Canoe thought again. "So. Marie really likes me.… And I care about her. But at the same time, I also like Miku.… Now there's a strange feeling inside, somehow unpleasant, as if I'm to blame for both of them. We need to decide what to do next in the end."
When Canoe came home, Khan was already waiting for him.
"Young master, let's go to your father's office. Khan said, with a kind of angry and sad face at the same time.
"All right, let's go." Canoe replied. "Uncle Han, is something wrong?"
- Now you will find out everything. Han replied, opening the door to the office.
After going inside, Canoe saw Manhiro standing by his desk and looking at a photo where a small Canoe, Manhiro and Yui were on the beach.
"Dad, what happened?" Canoe asked, seeing his father's sad and angry face at the same time. – Is it because of your conversation with Uncle Khan this morning that you have such faces?
- First, I'll answer about the person you wanted to ask about. Manhiro replied, sitting down in his chair.
"Very well. Does the name Hisoko mean anything to you? Canoe asked.
"Wait, you're not talking about Iwaru Hisoko, are you?" Khan asked.
"I do not know the name." Canoe replied. – I know that he was a member of some gang, but he died while protecting a girl.
"Iwara Hisoko?" Yes, I remember. What exactly do you want to know about him? Manhiro asked, remembering the man his son had asked about.
- So he was a member of the Scarlet Sakura and it was you who compensated for his death to his family? Canoe asked, thinking a little.
- Yes, that's right. He joined the clan under your grandfather's leadership, and he was a good fighter and a good person. It's a pity for him, he raised two children alone after his wife's death..." Manhiro shook his head. "How did you find out about him?"
- His son and daughter study with us, and I also communicate well with them. Canoe replied. – Kai told me that his father was a gang member, and for some reason it immediately seemed to me that he was in our clan.
"Oh, really,– Manhiro said thoughtfully. – Well, I'm glad that my son has more and more friends.
- So what did you and Uncle Khan want to tell me? Canoe asked.
"Young master, you'd better sit down..." the Khan said, putting his hand on Canoe's shoulder.
"Very well. Canoe replied, feeling the tension.
- Son, do you remember why Mom died? Manhiro asked, looking at the photo.
"Because of the cancer," Canoe replied sadly.
"As it turned out, that's not the case," Manhiro said, fury boiling in his eyes.
"What do you mean?" Canoe was surprised.
"She was poisoned. Khan replied, looking at the floor.
- But my mother was ill for a long time, and the doctors diagnosed the disease. Canoe was even more surprised.
- Yes, she was really sick, but not with cancer, she had a milder disease, similar to cancer, and those doctors used some kind of drug that poisoned her. Manhiro said, clenching his hands into fists. – We found out about this ourselves quite recently, so we started collecting information. The papers that Han and I were shipping were all collected information about those involved in Yui's death.…
"But… Why? Why would someone want to kill Mom? For what? Canoe asked, tears welling up in his eyes.
- I do not know... the most important thing is that now almost everyone who is guilty is already dead. Manhiro said, walking up to the Canoe and hugging it. – It remains to find and kill the customer.
"The customer?" Canoe asked, wiping his tears with his hand. "Did someone plan and order Mom's murder?"
- There was a man who hired everyone for this, unfortunately, we couldn't find him. Khan replied.
"He must die the cruelest death." Manhiro said.
- yes. Canoe said softly. "He shouldn't be alive in any way.
Canoe couldn't sleep at night. He found out that his mother had been killed, this fact was ingrained in the Canoe's head and weighed down with a heavy load. "Who did this? Why? What for? These questions bothered him, so he came to class restless, tired and distracted.
"Are you okay?" Hirata asked his friend during lunch, "You don't look good."
- Oh, I was just studying all night. Canoe replied with a tight smile.
- Today, after studying, I'm coming to you. Marie said, looking anxiously at the Canoe. "Hirata, are you coming?"
- I can't, I have to help at home again today. Hirata replied with a sad sigh.
At this time, Kai and Miku came up to them.
- hello everyone. – Said Kai.
- Hello. Marie said.
- Hello. Canoe, Mari, and Hirata greeted each other.
- Canoe, why is it so sour? Didn't you sleep? Kai asked, noticing the Canoe's fatigue.
- Yeah, I studied all night. Canoe replied.
"Ah, that's it, you be careful, or you'll get yourself some sores." Kai said, patting Canoe on the shoulder.
Miku, with some kind of sadness incomprehensible to Marie, looked at the Canoe and seemed to want to say something, but did not dare.
- Okay, we'll go, I'll see you later. Kai said, and he and Miku left.
- Somehow they left quickly. Hirata said. – We should go too, the bell will ring now.
"You're right. Marie agreed. "Let's go."
The rest of the school day passed quietly, although it was very difficult for the Canoe. After waiting for Mari and saying goodbye to Hirata, Canoe headed home. Marie watched him the whole way and tried to figure out exactly what had happened. When I got home, I went to take a shower, and Marie sat down to do her homework. After getting out of the shower, Canoe wanted something to eat and went to the kitchen, offering Marie a cup of tea. Marie agreed with pleasure, so she followed Canoe into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Canoe made sandwiches and poured tea, then put the treats on the table and sat next to Marie. After eating, the friends headed to the living room, where they decided to finish their lessons and then play a little console game. An hour later, the lessons were over, and half an hour later, Marie couldn't stand it and decided to ask anyway.:
- Tell me honestly what happened yesterday.
- I told you, I didn't get enough sleep because of my studies. Canoe replied with a sigh.
"You're lying." Marie said sadly. – I feel that it's something else.
"Somehow, I'm not surprised that you feel that way." Canoe said with a tight smile. – No wonder, you've noticed since childhood if I tried to deceive you.
Sighing, Canoe looked into Marie's eyes and said:
- Yesterday, Dad said that Mom didn't actually die of cancer.
- And because of what? Marie was surprised.
"Someone ordered her murder. Mom was poisoned, and the doctors helped with this…
"How?" Marie was taken aback. – Who needed it and why?
- So far, we don't know that ourselves. Canoe replied. – But the person who is behind all this must surely die.
Looking at Canoe, Marie saw anger, resentment and concern in his eyes. She felt everything that Canoe felt when he found out the truth. At that moment, she wanted to somehow ease his suffering, so she sat down closer to him, pressed his head to her chest and stroked his hair.
- I'm sure this man will pay for what he did. She whispered softly in Canoe's ear. – Everything will be fine, know that I will always be by your side, you can trust me.
At first, Canoe was a little surprised when Marie hugged him so unexpectedly, but feeling her warmth, he laid his head on her legs and quietly fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, I immediately looked at the wall clock and noticed that it was already 10 p.m.
He turned his head and saw that Marie had fallen asleep sitting up. He got up and sat next to her.
- Marie, get up, it's getting late. Canoe said softly, shaking Marie by the shoulder.
- And? What time is it now? Marie asked, half asleep.
"It's already 10,– Canoe replied.
- Wow. I'll call my dad and tell him I'll be right there. Marie said, taking her phone out of her purse.
"Okay, I'll give you a ride." Canoe said and went up to his room.
Mari called her father at that time and told him how she had fallen asleep, to which San replied, "If you're with the Canoe, then I don't have to worry. If you want, you can stay the night, of course, if Canoe and Manhiro don't mind it.". When the Canoe came down, Marie told him about the conversation with her father.
"I don't mind, but we don't have a change of clothes for you." – Canoe said, thinking a little. – Although, we can go and buy now.
"Really?" Marie was delighted. – I would be very grateful.
The night city was incredibly beautiful, there were no cars along the way, which made the journey shorter and more exciting. When the Canoe was parked, Marie ran to the store to buy everything she needed. Canoe was sitting on his motorcycle and waiting for her when Kai approached him.
"Oh, Canoe, hi. – Kai said when he saw his friend.
- Hi, Kai, did you go out for a walk or for groceries? Canoe asked, shaking Kai's hand.
- Yeah, she asked Mika to buy sugar and something delicious. Kai replied. – And what are you doing here? Are you riding?
- I came with Marie. She's staying with us today, but she didn't take anything, so now I'm waiting for her to buy everything she needs. Canoe said with a slight smile.
- Wait, is this the girl who sat with you this afternoon? Kai asked.
- Yes, she's my childhood friend. Our family has been friends for a long time. - Canoe replied.
- Ah, a childhood friend. – Kai said after a moment's thought. - I thought this was your girlfriend. I would be very surprised if I found out that you have a girlfriend, but you also spend time with Miku. Let's just say I would be extremely disappointed in you.
- You know, I wouldn't do such stupid things.… But right now, I feel like I'm cheating on both of them. Canoe said, with a thoughtful face. "Marie said she likes me." I do not know Mika's feelings, but the problem is that I care about both of them... because of this, I don't even know what to do anymore.
- Love affairs are not easy. There's not much I can recommend here. Listen to your heart, my friend. Kai said, putting his hand on Canoe's shoulder. – Listen to your heart, my friend
- Yes, you're right, as always. Canoe said with a slight smile.
- Okay, I'll go, I'll see you again. Kai said, waving his hand. "Good night, Canoe."
"Good night, Kai,– Canoe said, waving back.
A few minutes later, Marie came out of the store with the bags, and she and the Canoe drove back. When they arrived, Han and Manhiro were sitting in the living room and studying some papers.
- Hello, Uncle Han, Uncle Manhiro. Marie said.
"Greetings, Marie. Khan said.
- Hi, Marie. Manhiro said with a smile. "Are you staying the night?"
"Yes, Dad allowed it,– Marie replied.
"Marie, will you wait in my room?" Canoe asked.
- Yes, it's fine. Marie replied, heading to the room on the second floor.
- Dad, Uncle Khan, what are you studying? Canoe asked. – And don't even try to deceive me.
- Materials received from informants. Manhiro replied with a grin. – Now we know where the customer is from.
"From where?" Canoe asked.
"From the Shirashi clan." Khan replied.
"That sounds familiar." Canoe said thoughtfully. – Are they by any chance those who refused to switch from crime to normal business?
"That's them,– Manhiro said. – So far, the reason is unclear, but I promise we will destroy them.
"They'll all pay!" Khan supported him.
After talking with his father and Han for a while longer, Canoe headed to his room. When he got inside, he noticed that Marie had already changed her clothes and was asleep. Taking out a futon, a blanket, a sheet, and a pillow, Canoe settled down on the floor and fell asleep. He had a nightmare in his dream.:
He was holding a bloody katana that his father had given him, there were pools of blood on the floor, and Uncle Han was standing next to him, looking at the floor and crying softly. In front of him, Canoe saw an unknown man in a Scarlet Sakura clan costume, he was sitting on his knees, his chest was pierced by a Canoe katana. Looking around, Canoe tried to figure out what kind of place it was. At first, due to the large amount of blood, he did not understand where he was, but after looking at the details of the Canoe, he realized that they were in Manhiro's office. "What's going on here?" thought Canoe. "Did I kill this man? Why is that?"
Abruptly waking up from a nightmare, Canoe felt cold sweat trickling all over his body. He looked around and saw that Marie was still asleep. Without waking her up, I went to take a shower and rethink my dream. "What the hell did I dream about? Why would I kill a clan member? Maybe this man was responsible for Mom's death? And why wasn't Dad there?" He couldn't find an answer to these questions. He washed up, changed his clothes and got out of the shower. It was 7 a.m. on the clock. He returned to his room and woke Marie up. She went to take a shower, and Canoe went to the kitchen to make breakfast. When Marie changed her clothes, they had breakfast together and went to class. A couple of minutes before class started, Canoe and Hirata chatted for a while and sat down in their seats. Miku came into the classroom and as the prefect said:
- From today on, this person will be studying with us. Come in.
A tall, white-haired guy who didn't look like a 16-year-old entered the office. He was wearing a white shirt, black trousers, a black vest and several earrings in his left ear.