Page 78 of Kotori
"Your advisor," I continue, voice dropping to ensure only those present can hear, "did he perhaps suggest that now would be an opportune time to apply pressure to the Matsumoto family? To reconsider territorial boundaries established after your father's unfortunate miscalculation fifteen years ago?"
Sato coughs uncomfortably. Hiroshi remains utterly still. Both remember the bloodshed that followed Ishida's father's last attempt to expand their territory at our expense.
Ishida's expression hardens. "He suggested that changing leadership dynamics might create opportunities for renegotiation, yes."
"How convenient," I smile thinly. "And did he happen to mention what he stood to gain from such renegotiations?"
Silence stretches between us as Ishida processes the implications. He's being used. He's being offered fabricated evidence to encourage him to do someone else's dirty work. The question is whether his pride will allow him to acknowledge the manipulation.
"The documentation seemed authentic," he finally says, a noticeable retreat from his earlier certainty.
"I'm sure it did. Forgeries usually do, when created by someone with insider access." I gesture casually toward my assembled advisors. "Which is why I'll be conducting a thorough investigation into their origins. I suspect we'll discover fascinating things about loyalty and ambition."
Hiroshi steps forward, his face a careful mask of concern. "Kaito-kun, perhaps we should discuss this privately before—"
"Before what, Hiroshi-san?" I interrupt, voice pleasant but eyes cold. "Before I discover exactly who has been fabricating evidence to destabilize alliances that have kept peace for fifteen years? Before I identify who has been using rival families as pawns in internal power plays?"
The courtyard falls silent, tension crackling through the night air.
Ishida studies me carefully, recalculating his position now that he understands he may have been manipulated. "If what you say is true, Matsumoto-san, it seems you have internal matters requiring attention."
"Indeed." I rise, signaling the meeting's conclusion. "And you have careful consideration to give to the reliability of your sources. It would be... unfortunate... if misunderstandings led to unnecessary conflict."
He inclines his head slightly, acknowledging the warning beneath my words. "Verification is always prudent before action."
"Especially when manipulation benefits neither of our families." I gesture toward the gate. "Takeshi will see you out. Please extend my respects to your father."
The Ishida delegation departs with ceremonial formality: bows exchanged, pleasantries offered, threats wrapped in politeness. Once their vehicles clear the gates, I turn to my advisors.
"An enlightening evening," I say conversationally. "I find myself particularly interested in these documents Ishida mentioned. The ones suggesting Matsumoto involvement in a death we had nothing to do with."
Silence stretches between us, heavy with implication.
"Kaito-kun," Hiroshi finally speaks, using the familiar form that he's earned through decades of service but that now sounds like presumption. "I'm sure there's been some misunderstanding."
"No misunderstanding," I interrupt with perfect courtesy. "Someone created false evidence implicating our family in a murder we didn't commit. Someone with access to our records, our systems, our private communications. Someone with the technical skills to create forgeries convincing enough to bring the Ishida heir to our doorstep seeking retribution."
I let my gaze drift across all three men, noting micro-expressions that tell their own stories. Sato's carefully blank face. Yamada's nervous swallow. Hiroshi's tightly controlled breathing.
"Someone," I continue, "who stands to benefit from renewed conflict between our families. From the chaos that would follow my removal as head of the Matsumoto-kai."
"Such actions would be unforgivable," Hiroshi says carefully. "A betrayal of everything our organization stands for."
"Indeed they would." I agree. "Which is why I'll be conducting a comprehensive review of all communications, all access logs,all movements over the past three months. Nothing will remain hidden. Nothing will escape scrutiny."
I step closer to them, voice dropping to something intimate and lethal. "And when I discover who orchestrated this manipulation—who endangered not just me, but my children with their ambitions—the consequences will beeducationalfor everyone involved."
The threat hangs in the air between us, unspoken but unmistakable.
"Of course," Hiroshi bows slightly. "When you feel such a review would be most productive."
"I'll begin tonight," I promise, the words carrying weight beyond their surface meaning. "Takeshi will coordinate the investigation personally."
I watch them retreat toward their private residences within the compound, calculation replacing anger in my mind. Not a confrontation to be handled with immediate violence—something requiring more careful, more thorough correction. A lesson that needs to be taught not just to the traitor, but to anyone who might consider similar defiance in the future.
I find Takeshi waiting by the main house entrance, his expression revealing nothing.
"Begin surveillance on all three," I instruct quietly. "Communications, meetings, electronic access, everything. I want to know who created those forgeries, who made contact with Ishida, who supported it, and who merely failed to report it."
