Same Day

Miyazaki Chie

True to his word Inui-kun had the file on my student council desk by the end of the day. From the information given this really was a great ally for Oto-san. Old ties would help his image be more respectable than the upstart bastard son of a minor politician. I put the file aside in favor of my student council president work. I sifted through the new requests; approved some, denied others, and sent some back for improvements. Then I moved on to the reports from my informants. Hmmmmm. I had forgotten that I had asked for someone to check up on Sakura-imouto and Yuki-nee. It seems they were both doing well. My eyes widened. It seems Sakura-imouto had gotten herself a steady boyfriend. He looked to be acceptable and not as rebellious as her normal type. Hmmmmm. This would be worth asking her about.

I thought about my sisters. I glared at the folder on my desk. If father wanted to arrange an Omai for either of them he would be in for a fight. Yuki-nee had her dreams of becoming a doctor, and Sakura-imouto's new boyfriend looked promising. Hmmmmm. It seems I have something I want to bargain for.

After arriving home from school, I waited in Oto-san's office with a cup of tea. Chores could wait. I studied his office while I waited. It seems he has been very busy. I frowned, normally his office is neater than this, and since when was there a pillow in this room?

"Tadaima."

"Okari Oto-san" The office was on the first floor so I didn't have to move to greet Oto-san.

"Chie, you were waiting for me?" He changed his shoes and strode across the living room to the office. "Hai, Oto-san we need to talk." He settled across from me as I poured tea. "If you wish me to attend the Omai I have two conditions." He nodded with a rueful expression. "First, I have the power to reject the suitor if I find him unsuitable." He nodded in agreement. "And second, neither Yuki-nee or Sakura-imouto will ever have to attend an Omai." He opened his mouth to speak, but I held up my hand to silence him. "You know neither one of them are suitable for an arranged marriage. You would have to guilt Yuki-nee into it and Sakura-imouto would only go kicking and screaming. That isn't very good for sustained relationships with the in-laws. Especially since Yuki-nee would eventually snap. I however, will go willingly if you don't arrange Omai for my sisters." ….. He contemplated me for a moment. "You always were my little girl. Always able to see the best solution." He gave a decisive nod. "Agreed." I paused at the door as I left. "Can I ask a favor of you" He nodded. "Don't tell Yuki-nee and Sakura-imouto about our agreement. They would think too much." He nodded again, and told me as I left the room. "The Omai is set for tomorrow."

Sanada Genichiro

The Sanada family was siting down to a quiet, traditional meal while the wind blustered outside. Sanada Genichiro was staring off into space presumably thinking about tennis and how the cold weather affected it, his mother and father speaking of friends, while Sanada Gen'emon stared at Genichiro. Gen'emon had been staring at Genichiro the entire meal. It was odd. Satoshi and Kayo noticed first, wondering why Gen'emon was staring at their son. Kayo offered Gen'emon more rice, and got a grunt of assent but he went back to staring at Genichiro right afterward. Genichiro finally noticed "Do you need something of me Jiji?". That seemed to bring Gen'emon back to the room. "You know we are an influential family." Genichiro nodded, still puzzled. "I think it might be time for you to start thinking about making a living and having tennis as a hobby." Genichiro slammed is fist on the table. "Jiji! We talked about this! Tennis is important to me! I will not play political games!" "If you are done shouting?" Gen'emon got a terse nod from Genichiro. "I have a deal for you. There is another influential family called the Miyazaki. They have daughters, I have arranged an Omai with them for you." "Na ne!" "Quiet! I am trying to get you to think about something besides tennis. You will be engaged to one of them and you will attend to some of the family business! That includes attending some functions with your fiancée."

Genichiro was radiating anger. " You said it was a deal?" "Yes, you will participate in this and if you continue to be belligerent we will move to a school without a tennis team however if you cooperate we will stay and you can have a chance at your championships." Genichiro's glare turned fiercer. "However, I know you will be able to rebel eventually so cooperate in an old man's schemes for a while so that I can let this go without a messy family feud." Genichiro's glare turned softer, just a smidgen, before he gave another terse nod as he left the dinner table.

"Genichiro. The Omai is tomorrow. Be prepared."

"Tarundoru!"

I know Gen'emon's reasoning is kind of screwy, but it is hard to make a modern arranged marriage… at that age. Especially if you don't want totally dysfunctional families or characters that have conveniently forgotten they can rebel in many ways. Like in the U.S. you can sue for emancipation if your parents are controlling (spare me. I heard it mentioned once. In a book. As a passing remark.)

Sorry for the wait!

Please review!

-Kip