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As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2635 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Initial D, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-As the Smoke Clears
- 2-Smoke 2
- 3-Smoke 3
- 4-Smoke 4
- 5-Smoke 5
- 6-Smoke 6
- 7-Smoke 7
- 8-Smoke 8
- 9-Smoke 9
- 10-Smoke 10
- 11-Smoke 11
- 12-Smoke 12
- 13-Smoke 13
- 14-Smoke 14
- 15-Some 15
- 16-Smoke 16
- 17-Chapter 17
- 18-Smoke 18
- 19-Smoke 19
- 20-Smoke 20
- 21-Smoke 21
- 22-Smoke 22
- 23-Smoke 23
- 24-Smoke 24
- 25-Smoke 25
- 26-Smoke 26
- 27-Smoke 27
- 28-Smoke 28
- 29-Smoke 29
- 30-Smoke 30
- 31-Smoke 31
- 32-Smoke 32
- 33-Smoke 33
- 34-Smoke 34
- 35-Smoke 35
- 36-Smoke 36
- 37-Smoke 37
- 38-Smoke 38
- 39-Smoke 39
- 40-Smoke 40
- 19
- 20
- 21
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks so much to OldOwl for noting a typo I made in this chapter. I have corrected the missing words in Hirata's dialog. Whew. I am so glad I got that review. Thanks again Old Owl.

CHAPTER 20

Hirata spoke in crisp tones as Takumi felt like he'd been kicked in the gut. "Rin san died two months after your fifth birthday, Fujiwara san. Bunta san blocked me from speaking with you because he had a legal restraint placed against Rin Haruko while she was alive. The courts ordered him to allow my contact because of your Trust Fund. Bunta and I went to court twice because of his contumacy. He flat refused to comply with the consecutive verdicts, and court orders that allow my access to you. I took this opportunity to speak with you because I understand you no longer live with him. Is that correct?"

Takumi stared at the man holding a stack of papers out to him. His mind was blank and struggling to understand the words he knew he had heard. Whatever contumacy was, it sounded bad.

Keisuke answered Hirata for him. "Hai, Takumi's been living with me since last September. I'm sure you've heard we're a couple by now. The press wouldn't shut up about the rumors. So I got pissed, and told them the truth." Keisuke nudged him. "Take the documents, Takumi."

With those words, Takumi reached blindly for the pages. Blinking several times, he sought to get his mind focused. His voice came out as a thready sound. "How did Haru chan die?"

Calmly, Hirata explained. The Kēsatsu ruled that she hung herself because she could not cope with a traumatic experience, Fujiwara san. However, there were several oddities to her suicide. There wasn't any expected explanation and apology letter for one. Bruises also covered her body, also odd. The strangest element was the unusual distance from the body where the authorities found the closest available standing platform she could have used to hang herself effectively."

Keisuke's arm wrapped around his shoulder. His voice was strong. "If bruises covered Rin san's body, someone must have beat the hell out of her. Is it possible someone actually murdered her, Hirata san?"

Lightheadedness shifted to swirling molten hot steel flooding Takumi's chest. The top document heading read: Custody case 2158; Fujiwara Bunta verus Rin Haruko. He whispered as he reread the heading, "Haru chan tried to get custody of me?"

Keisuke leaned closer. "Nani was that, Takumi?" Handing the sheaf of papers to Keisuke, Takumi stared mutely at the lawyer that had provided the documents. A moment later Keisuke gasped. "Was Rin Haruko your step okasān?"

Hirata answered. "Rin san had no such legal right to Fujiwara Takumi. She became disturbed by several violent attacks against him by his otosān when Bunta san was drinking too heavily. Rin san sought to protect Fujiwara san by getting custody of him since he was so young. The reason she lost was her failure to involve the kēsatsu during each assault. Without concrete proof of his debilitated condition, the courts would not give her custody of Fujiwara Takumi."

Keisuke sounded thoughtful. "Oyaji san made sure Rin couldn't get proof of his debilitation by getting a legal restraint. If she couldn't see Takumi, she wouldn't know when to call the Kēsatsu. The same applies to you. Since you're a lawyer, Oyaji san wouldn't want you around because your word holds serious weight in a courtroom."

"My thoughts exactly, Takahashi san."

Takumi looked over at Keisuke, who was reading with considerable interest. "I always thought Haru chan got tired of me, or I did something wrong. So she left, like Okasān did. All this time, . . . I was wrong."

Keisuke looked up and nodded. "Hai, Takumi. How many people has Oyaji san blocked from seeing you because of this specific document, I wonder? Anyone willing to help Rin san by telling the authorities he was drunk enough to abuse you would be kept away from you. One thing's certain, Oyaji san's been desperate to keep you. With you having a trust fund, Oyaji san could have gotten a huge financial break by letting Hirata san see you. So, naze didn't he accept the Trust Fund's stipulations? Naze was he afraid of losing you?"

"Eh?" Takumi found that confusing. Keisuke had told him he was twenty when he got his trust fund. How could Oyaji get financial help before he turned twenty? Tired and uncomfortable as he was, it was hard to think.

"Very true, Takashi san. The Trust Fund would have covered all of Fujiwara san's clothing and necessities. The only time I ever wrote any checks on it was to enroll Fujiwara san in school. Had Bunta san allowed me to meet you, I could have discussed college or trade school options with you, Fujiwara san. Unfortunately, you thought you had no options because of lacking funds."

"Lacking money didn't keep me out of college. I'm not book smart. I passed my classes, but was always in the lower level. Naze should I waste a professor's time? I never really understand the lectures I had in high school at any rate. I'm a little confused about this trust fund stuff. I thought you had to be twenty or even older to even get into one."

"Not so, Fujiwara san. You can always make requests for necessities covered by the Trust Fund's stipulations before taking full control of your account. In your case, the full Rin estate and trust fund come to you on March nineteenth of this year. Had the estate been separate from the Trust Fund, you could have inherited the property upon graduating highschool."

"Nani exactly will I inherit from Haru chan?" Takumi asked the lawyer rummaging in his briefcase again. Hirata pulled out a yellow manilla envelope with strings wrapped around it and held it out. This time Takumi took the file without prompting.

"These are photographs and descriptions for the physical assets you're inheriting in March."

Unraveling the string, Takumi opened the big envelope and tilted it so the contents spilled onto his bed. Keisuke leaned closer. A dark redwood china cabinet with carved birds on either side of beveled glass doors looked old to Takumi. Two more pictures showed details of the carvings. The birds, probably phoenixes, were intricate. Heavy knobbed brass fixtures with enamel inlays gleamed beneath the glass. On closer inspection, Takumi realized it was a silverware drawer.

Passing the pictures to Keisuke, Takumi found a new set. These photos featured different dishes and bowls. The back of each had an intricate enamel worked design of the phoenix and dragon flying in an eternal circle both creating, and eating each other's tails. "These dishes look old. Hirata san?"

"Hai. Those serving platters and bowls are antiques from the mid eighteen hundreds. They have enameled exteriors wrapped around bone china interiors. Our appraiser estimated the largest platter in this collection to be valued at four hundred and sixty thousand yen."

"Hirata san, are you sure a plate could cost that much? That's more than an average full time job pays in a month!" Takumi choked out.

"Hai. Only a few complete sets like yours still exist, Fujiwara san. The Rin family protected this rare collection for three generations. This complete set is in near mint condition which makes them very valuable. Two other complete sets of this quality are in museums that feature the evolution of enamel working techniques."

Keisuke hummed. "Interesting. Definitely not something for everyday use. This antique cabinet is where they were kept I'm sure."

"Hai, Takahashi san. There's also an intricately carved Ivory serving set for the lower drawer. The eight person chopstick sets are natural jet black wood with mother-of-pearl and abalone teardrop inlays." Hirata continued.

Keisuke gave an appreciative whistle after Takumi handed him the pictures of the elaborate looking chopsticks, thick elaborately carved cram colored spoons, and tongs. All the heavy wooden furniture he was inheriting surprised Takumi as he continued looking at the photographs. A tall reddish hued wardrobe he recognized from Haru chan's home surfaced. The linen chest he used to sit upon to get his shoes on when visiting her came next. Two chests of drawers in six, and twelve drawer sets were welcome additions, also the same richly hued redwood. A long coffee table with some kind of inlay within the center contained swing out doors. It was an attractive find. The top had some kind of stone that was placed in the center with rectangular slabs of wood cradling the weight on both sides. Deep drawers on each end would provide welcome storage. Once they got their own place, he would have the furniture they needed. A traditional wooden table caught his attention. Fond memories surfaced as Takumi looked at the photo. He remembered eating at the table with Haru chan.

Grabbing another photo, Takumi studied the image. A classic Japanese pagoda styled house greeted his eyes. Ancient cedar trees acted like a natural screen. Picking up another image, Takumi saw a house length porch with bamboo railing, and overhanging roof. Sliding doors gave it a historic feel. Another photo revealed a tranquil garden. "This house is amazing. Where is it, Hirata san?"

"Your house is located on the outskirts of Nikko Kokuritsu, Fujiwara san. It belonged to Rin's grandparents, as did the furniture, and serving set. When they passed away, Rin san inherited everything. Her otosān was already dead, and her okasān too ill to take care of the house. Rin san mentioned spending school vacations there. She mentioned loving the quiet atmosphere of the place. It's protected from the elements by very old Japanese cedars as you can see from the images."

Takumi nodded. "I know I would enjoy spending a couple weeks in this house every year. Still, move to Nikko permanently? I don't even know anything about the job market there. Hotels, resorts, the famous shrines, Tosho-gu compound, and various tombs are the only places to work as far as I know. Nikko only exists because of history loving tourists."

Keisuke snatched the snapshots from his fingers. A few moments later he commented, "This really is a beautiful house. Salarymen from Tokyo, Yokohama, or Kyoto wanting natural scenery to unwind in would pay a fair price to rent it for a week."

Takumi found images of the house's interior. Traditional tatami mats covered the floors of most rooms. Two rooms, the kitchen and traditional bath had lighter hardwood planking. Hirata spoke. "Hai, Takahashi san. Rin san said the house was too large for a single person so she locked it into the trust as a vacation place. We have leased it to several families, and small business groups over the years. It increased Fujiwara's trust fund significantly while employing a gardener and full time housekeeper."

"Do you get repeat renters?" Takumi asked.

"Eight families make their reservations as soon as the February announcements go out. One family has been reserving the house these last seven years for two week stays. Three families have been reserving it for one week each over five years. The other families are three and four-year, single week reliable bookings. We have four business groups that have been renting for one week conferences every year for nine years, and two others have reserved six week long slots for seven years. The rental price on your house is comparable to staying in one of the better resorts around Nikko. We include meals in the vacation package we offer to our clientele. The housekeeper I hired is an exceptional cook. Staying at a resort, you have the extra expense of meals. Home cooked meals are one of the highlights most appreciated by those who return every year."

Keisuke spoke softly next to his ear. "Bet it would make a great honeymoon spot too. Fewer unwanted Interruptions. Don't you think?" Takumi ducked his head as his ears and face ignited. Increasing his volume Keisuke continued, "Sounds like this place might be a good time share prospect if Takumi ever decides to sell it."

"I can turn it into a time share if that's Fujiwara san's wish. I'll look into such an arrangement. I still have two months before officially turning the property over." Hirata answered, scribbling on a pad he had set next to his briefcase.

Feeling uneasy Takumi pointed out, "I don't know how to do the things you've been doing with it, Hirata san. I'm not a businessman. I don't understand anything about time shares either. Moving to Nikko isn't an option before we know the evidence review findings, and whether Keisuke will be charged. I'd have to find work in Nikko, or I can't live there. I honestly don't know how to answer your question about this house, Hirata san."

Keisuke chuckled and swiped a hand across his head. "Calm down, Takumi. Hirata san gets paid to take care of those things for you. All you have to do is re-hire him after you sign for your inheritance."

"Eh? I can do that?" Takumi looked at Hirata who smiled and nodded. "How does that work? I mean, if you continue doing the house rental thing for me?"

"I draw up a contract that stipulates I'll continue managing this house for you. If you wish, the trust fund can remain the main deposit account for the profits the property makes, minus the costs to run the facility. I'll turn over copies of all receipts for maintenance, staffing wages, reservation line, advertisements, and other management fees to you so you have a full accounting of the operation on whatever schedule you would like to do your reviews."

"Wow. It sounds like I need a lot of money to run this place." Takumi shook his head. Money was not something he could squander.

"Takumi, sometimes you sound like a baka. Hirata san has always gotten paid to manage this place. He has always paid those things he mentioned, and still made deposits into your trust fund. Otherwise, your trust fund would be empty. How much is even in his Trust Fund? I know Takumi. Trust me, he'll never think to ask."

It was the lawyer's turn to chuckle as he reached into his briefcase again. "I have the spreadsheet right here."

Taking the report, Takumi noticed it was set up like an elaborate checkbook. As he looked at the different columns, his head began to spin. In black and white, someone had neatly typed every expense for the house. He saw outgoing expenses to maintain the house. A storage locker fee was shown. A list of stocks, purchased and sold filled other columns. The thing that shocked him most was the final column's balance. "Kami-sama, I don't believe this. This says my trust fund has six million, seven hundred thousand yen in it! I'm not sure about this other number. Where does the nine million five hundred thousand yen at the very bottom come from?"

Hirata nodded. "The physical assets' appraisal values bring your total worth to nine million, five hundred and forty-two thousand, three hundred, and eighteen yen. Rin san added the house's rental agreement to the Trust Fund to increase the Fund's worth, and to try to insure the house would not be sold without deep consideration of it's long term value to your financial comfort, Fujiwara san."

Keisuke bumped his shoulder and began teasing him. "Oy, Takumi. To think you've been throwing fits about finances and getting a new job for months. Now we find out that you've been comfortably padded this whole time."

"I didn't know. But, I still plan on getting a job when I get out of this hospital. I'm not nearly as wealthy as you. You have close to seventeen million in your trust. I have less than half of that. At least I can pay you back for everything you've taken care of while I've been busted up. Looks like I didn't need to sign that stupid document to be put on your account either." Takumi grumbled.

"That's not getting changed, Takumi. Hikaru needs you to take care of him if anything happens to me. You're staying on my account. Depending on how your Trust is set up, we can link the two after you take control of your assets if it makes you feel any better."

"Is that nani you want, Keisuke?"Takumi asked as he looked at his spouse.

"You have real estate that keeps your trust generating income. Set up correctly with additional property investments, Your trust fund could increase to the same level as mine in four or five years. To do that you need the money to invest in similar types of property that would rent to tourists during periods like Golden Week, or other high volume tourism periods. Properties that are close to popular vacation areas would flourish year round if marketed correctly. Like I said, your current Japanese classic styled home might be a good prospect for honeymoon rentals if there are lag times in repeat renter usage months." Keisuke told him.

"That's your money, Keisuke. Naze would you want to have me use it to purchase more places to set up for rental places?"

"Takumi, must you always say baka things like that? It's our money, not mine. You're with me for the rest of your life. Right?" Keisuke gave him a stern look as he spoke.

"Well, hai. I mean, at least I want to be . . . " Takumi was squirming as his voice trickled away. Dejection because he was unsure that he deserved Keisuke tainted his voice.

Keisuke frowned. "Then stop being so stubborn. You already have a Fiduciary that specializes in property management that my trust's manager doesn't do well. It makes since to diversify our combined assets in the event that I do get thrown into prison. You'll have Hikaru's welfare to consider if that happens."

Hirata san cleared his throat. "If you'll sign this requisition form, Fujiwara san, I can go to the hospital accounting division and arrange for your medical bill to be charged to your trust fund. Unfortunately, I'll also need to keep the photographs and appraisals on your current physical estate until you turn twenty."

"His main hospital stay has already been covered by me. The isha sans' bills and lab work are all that's left since we don't have all the totals in." Keisuke told Hirata.

"Fujiwara san's trust fund can cover those. If that is acceptable to you, Fujiwara san?" Hirata looked at him as he spoke.

"Uhm, sure. I'd like to know I'm paying my own way for once." Takumi put the pictures and papers into the envelope and retied the string around it. Hirata pushed the table closer to him, handing him a pen and another form. Takumi looked it over and realized it was using complicated words he did not know. However it had a line about requesting funds be paid to a blank line section. Shrugging, Takumi signed the correct line and dated the document. He handed Hirata the envelope and document.

"Do you need these other papers too?" Takumi asked as he looked at the pages that Keisuke had been looking through.

"Those are your copies. I have the originals on file at the main office. Also, Rin's okasān asked me to give you these." Hirata pulled out a wrapped package and handed it to Takumi. The package was bulky. "She said that package contains Rin san's diary and a photo album. She said she wanted you to have them because you are often the subject of her entries. Jun'ko san said she felt she knew you from the things she read. She sends fond regards, Fujiwara san." Hirata closed his briefcase and prepared to leave.

Takumi looked down at the bundle in his hands. A complete stranger thought well enough of him to send fond regards. Haru chan had spoken of her okasān, but Takumi could not recall much beyond Jun'ko san being a very nice person that worked in a restaurant as their pastry chef. "Tell Jun'ko san I said domo arigato gozaimasu, yoroshiku."

"That I shall. Sumimasen, but I must be going. I hope to see you in better health soon, Fujiwara san. Let me know how you wish to proceed within two weeks after discussing your plans for the vacation home with Takahashi san. I'm happy to continue working for you if you wish. We can modify your contracts at any time after you turn twenty. Takahashi san has my card, so feel free to call my office anytime."

"Domo, Hirata san. I'll be sure to call your office in a couple of days."

"I'll be waiting for your final instructions. Sayonara, Fujiwara san." With those words, and a bow, the lawyer turned on heels and left.

Takumi unwrapped the package with care. His hands revealed a thick, leather journal and a photo album. Setting the journal aside, Takumi opened the album. Pictures of himself as a toddler covered the first page. He flipped it to the next, and saw Haru chan and Okasān. She held a small bundle that he realized was his infant self.

"Wow, who is the onna holding the infant?" Keisuke's voice startled him.

"Uhm, that's okasān. The other onna is Haru chan."

Feeling his chin gently tugged to the side, Takumi looked at Keisuke. His older spouse gave his features a considering look and then stared at the picture for several moments. "Your face really is a masculine version of hers. I think I'm beginning to understand Oyaji san a little better, my own."

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As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series