Once upon a time, in the peaceful town of Kanagi, hidden from the prying eyes of society, stood a massive mansion surrounded by lush green gardens and tall oak trees. The mansion in question was a sprawling estate with lush gardens and opulent furnishings, in stark contrast to the grim world they had previously lived in. The mansion itself was breathtaking, with its grand halls and opulent furnishings. But there seemed to be a sense of mystery and intrigue in the air behind its luxurious facade.
And this mansion belonged to the prestigious Tsushima Family, which was well-known throughout the community for their wealth and influence.
Tsushima Tane and Tsushima Gen'emon were the enigmatic couple who headed the Tsushima Family. Both were former executives of the infamous Port Mafia, a powerful criminal organization that dominated the Yokohama's underworld. Tsushima Tane is known for her cunning skills and quick executions during her missions, whereas Tsushima Gen'emon is a former assassin who rose to the top ranks of the Port Mafia at the age of eighteen.
Nobody dared to believe these two would have a normal life outside of the Port Mafia. Both had spilled a great deal of their enemies' blood in their hands. They were also the figures who established their underground organization's strong foundation. And nobody expected Tane and Gen'emon to have a change of heart in their lives.
But life is truly a mystery to everyone. The two executives who were feared in the Port Mafia surprised everyone when they both decided to leave the organization and start a new life. Tane and Gen'emon apparently decided to leave their dark past behind and settle down in their lavish Kanagi mansion after falling in love. These decisions had a significant impact on everyone associated with the two mafiosos.
These decisions were difficult to carry out, as one might expect. The first person to express concern was Gen'emon's father, who was also the current boss of the Port Mafia at the time. The boss raised his son with the intention of having him inherit his throne and make a big name for himself. So when Gen'emon announced his intention to leave the mafia and marry one of his talented executives, the boss was clearly furious.
However, months later, the boss surprised everyone by finally giving his approval to the two executives and even allowing them to leave the Port Mafia. This decision came as another huge surprise to everyone. Everyone in the organization understands how much their boss valued Gen'emon and his abilities. But since they were merely employees in lower positions, nobody dared to express their opinions. Instead, they chose to accept the situation as it is and congratulate the executives.
Five years later, despite their change in lifestyle, Tane and Gen'emon were able to live a quiet and peaceful life together. Just as they had planned, the two married and began a new life for their family. Aside from the large sums of blood money they earned as executives, Gen'emon owns a large shipping company that is not associated with the Port Mafia, and Tane has skills and brains that occasionally dominate the stock market.
The two decided to use the money they earned in a normal manner to begin a new life. Tane and Gen'emon did it not out of shame for their past, but because they wanted their future children to grow up in an environment free of darkness and shadiness. They want their children to grow up as normal people who are unaware of the creeping feeling of darkness that surrounds them.
Despite spending a few years away from their pasts, Tane and Gen'emon were still feared and respected by many. It was said that even after retirement, they had eyes and ears everywhere. The Tsushima Family's handful of loyal servants and butlers, each a former assassin or mafioso who had followed their masters to the mansion, made this abundantly clear.
These servants and butlers, despite being skilled in their previous professions, struggled to function without Tane and Gen'emon's thorough guidance and leadership. They were like lost souls wandering aimlessly through the darkness. They found it difficult to find their place in the world without the guidance of their masters. So, after a few important deliberations, these people resigned from their positions in the Port Mafia to remain by the Tsushima couple's side disguised as servants, serving them with unwavering loyalty.
Kaito, a former hitman known for his ruthlessness, was one of these servants. But under Tane and Gen'emon's guidance, he discovered a new sense of duty and loyalty, and he was willing to go to any length to protect his masters and their family.
Hana, a former spy known for her brutality and deception, was another loyal servant. But now, she used her abilities to assist the Tsushima Family in navigating the treacherous waters of high society, always keeping a close eye out for potential threats.
To everyone's delight, Tane made a significant announcement on the fifth year of their marriage. Tane Tsushima had finally gotten pregnant after years of trying. And it was twins! Those who know the couple expressed joy and excitement at the news. Everyone sent Tane and Gen'emon heartfelt messages and congratulations on their wonderful news. Even the boss sent gifts after learning of Tane's pregnancy.
Although the couple has severed ties with their dark pasts, they maintain good communication with the boss and the few people and comrades they once had in the Port Mafia. Tane and Gen'emon left behind only their previous lives, not the people they met during their difficult times. True, they were former mafiosos, but the couple understands loyalty and friendship for those they believe deserve it.
Tane's nine-month pregnancy had finally come to an end. It was fraternal twins. Tane delivered a baby boy first, followed by a baby girl. It was a difficult and lengthy labor, but Tane knew the two children she had waited for and carried in her womb for nine months were worth it.
Tsushima Shuuji and Tsushima Mariko.
These are the names they gave to their children. Upon witnessing the light after their birth, the Tsushima family resolved to defend their newborns with all of their might. These kids are miracles in their eyes. They were children born to people who were feared because of their dark reputations, but who made the courageous decision to step into the light and try to change for the better.
Four years later, the twins grew up in peace, guided by their parents and the people who serve their family. The eldest twin, Tsushima Shuuji, inherited Gen'emon's soft curly hair and eyes that change color depending on the light. But what is most noticeable about him is his incredible intelligence. He is already demonstrating his genius mind at a young age. Shuuji, at the age of four, can already compete with his father in chess and simple mind games.
Tsushima Mariko, the youngest twin, is stunning with her amber brown hair and heterochromia eyes. Her right eye is a shade of sunset that she clearly inherited from Tane, while her left eye is the same color as her twin. The younger twin is also a genius. But, unlike her brother, Mariko does not enjoy displaying her intelligent mind. She prefers to appear as a naive and happy child in the eyes of the adults around them, enjoying the way they pamper her.
Living a peaceful life helps them forget their past. Years after leading a happy life in which they see the people they love every morning, wake up smiling, and experience the calm that makes their hearts grow fonder every day. However, as a result, even the former executive fails to recognize the subtle signs of the undercurrent that was occurring not far from their lives.
It all started in a normal sunny day. The Tsushima couples are having a peaceful tea time while their children sit on the carpeted floor, with thick books scattered around them. Some of them are difficult for adults to read, but the majority of them are fairy tale books appropriate for young children. It is because Mariko practically begged her twin brother to read those books to her aloud.
The younger twin can actually read it on her own. But Mariko insisted on Shuuji reading her fairy tales instead, claiming that she enjoys hearing his voice. Despite acting maturely for his age, Shuuji remains weak and susceptible to his sister's wishes. Shuuji, the older twin, had already promised to protect Mariko from any potential harm. Not to mentioned, the said younger twin has a weak body constitution and a condition that can put herself in harm if not properly dealt with.
Mariko Tsushima suffers from a rare condition that causes her to be completely unaware of physical pain. There is a nerve in her that is not properly connected to parts of the brain that receive messages, causing her to be physically numb to all pain. Shuuji discovered it after accidentally dropping a thick and heavy book on Mariko's foot. The book cover has metal edges, and Shuuji was certain he saw those edges hit Mariko's foot.
To his surprise, the younger twin simply blinked her eyes and attempted to push the book away, despite her obvious wobbling. Shuuji initially assumed Mariko was just pretending to be fine so he would not feel bad. However, after a few more questions and deliberate checks on her now swollen foot, Shuuji became suspicious and quickly informed their parents of what had happened.
Tane quickly called their trusted doctor to check both her daughter and her son. After a few check-ups and tests, it was confirmed that Mariko is completely numb from any pain. Luckily for Shuuji, his results are all normal. Lucky because the doctor mentioned that a person should feel pain because it is a common warning sign that they are pushing themselves too hard or that they need to rest and heal until they recover.
Since then, the people of the Tsushima estate have become more alert and cautious while caring for their young master and mistress. Most of their mansions now have foam walls, edge bumpers on the furniture, and a thick and fluffy carpet covering the entire floor. The servants are now more alert than ever before, prepared to take immediate action if they notice even the slightest hint that the children are in danger.
"...And they lived happily, ever after. The end." Shuuji stated as he read the final line of the fairy tale he had just finished reading for his sister.
Mariko looks at her brother for a moment before tilting her head and hugging the large doll in her arms.
"Shuuji..." Mariko uttered his name in a sweet tone. "What's your favorite fairy tale so far?"
The older twin blinks his eyes while staring at Mariko. He did not expect that Mariko will suddenly ask him that. Pressing his small lips into a thin line, his gaze wanders to the fairy tale books around them, and he considers his response quietly. Then he raises his gaze and mimics Mariko by tilting his head and looking back at her.
"What about you?" Shuuji asked. "You probably have your favorite now, right?"
"I'm the first who asked you a question."
"I will not say it unless you gave me an answer."
"That's not fair!"
"Most of the things in this world are not indeed fair. Even the history books says so."
"But I am just asking your favorite fairy tale."
"I will say it after you share what is yours."
"Shuuji, just answer the question!"
"No. You should go first."
Before Mariko can whine again, Tane finally intervenes with her twin's banters. She sits on the carpeted floor and pulls the two kids closer to her. Gen'emon notices this and does not want to be left out, so he follows his wife's lead and sits on the floor with his family before enveloping them in a large hug.
"You two always fight because of simple reasons." Gen'emon suddenly commented.
"We're not fighting." Mariko replied.
"She's right." Shuuji added. "We're simply having a communication that only us can understand."
"He's right! It's just a simple discussion about the fairy tales we favors at the moment."
"Hmm. That means there is no reason for us to be mad about it."
"Right!"
Tane can't help but laugh hearing her children's replies. These two can argue about trivial matters but will insist that they are not arguing at all. But perhaps they are correct. Until now, none of them had seen any of the twins become enraged over something or someone. Although they may express annoyance when confronted with an unpleasant situation, they are also quick to dismiss the issue as unimportant.
Tane's thoughts were interrupted when Hana appeared in the living room to inform them that an important visitor had arrived. It was the Boss. Mariko's eyes lit up after she realized who their visitor was, while Shuuji pursed his lips and said nothing. Gen'emon notices the twins' differing reactions but instructs Hana to bring his father to the receiving room and serve him a cup of tea that he enjoys.
"Daddy, can I see grandpa too?" Mariko asked as she gently pull her father's sleeve. "Please?"
Gen'emon smiles as he sees the delight on his daughter's face. He can't help but pat Mariko's head before nodding his head in approval. Then he turns his attention to Shuuji. Unlike his twin, the young boy does not react after learning who their visitor is today.
"What about you, Shuuji?" Gen'emon asked. "Do you want to see your grandfather today?"
"...I still have books to read in the library."
"I see."
Tane and Gen'emon exchange quick glances before he carries Mariko in his arms, while his wife offers to accompany their son to the library to read. They had already performed this routine several times when the boss paid them a visit. As Mariko says her quick goodbyes to Shuuji, Gen'emon ensures his daughter is safe in his arms and begins walking down their long corridor.
"Mariko, why do you like your grandfather?" Gen'emon suddenly asked his daughter.
"Because he's nice to me." The little girl replied. "He spoils me with gifts."
"What about your brother? Do you think Shuuji hates grandpa?"
"He doesn't hate him. Hmm..."
Mariko frowns a little as if considering the words she wants to say next.
"But he said there's something wrong with grandpa. That he is hiding something from us."
"Hmm, I see. Do you feel the same with your grandpa, Mariko?"
"Yeah. But I just ignore it because grandpa is treating me nicely."
Gen'emon made no comment on her words. Nevertheless, he quietly admires his children. No matter how much the boss hides his true self, the twins can feel it, even if they deal with it differently. The boss can easily trick others by pretending to be a normal businessman. However, the twins could have gotten it from him or Tane.
He has a vague idea why Shuuji dislikes associating with the boss so much. But Gen'emon does not want to jump to conclusions. If there is one thing he learned from the mafia that he is still putting into practice today, it is not to make premature assumptions without first seeing the full picture.
When they arrived in the receiving room, Gen'emon gently placed his daughter down and allowed her to run towards his father. The boss notices their presence and smiles kindly at his granddaughter before letting her fall into his arms. Mariko greets the boss sweetly and allows him to sit her on his lap. Amused by her actions, the boss laughs as he instructs Hirotsu-san, who is standing behind him, to bring the gifts he brought for the twins inside.
"Where is Tane?" The boss inquired after placing Mariko down and allowing her to open the gifts he had brought for her. "And also, where is that boy?"
"Tane is accompanying Shuuji in his studies." Gen'emon replied smoothly.
The boss snorts hearing that answer.
"You can be honest with me, son. That boy is avoiding me like plague."
Gen'emon made no attempt to agree with or refute his father's words. He simply observes the boss from a short distance. Years later, clear signs of aging are visible on the boss's appearance. He also noticed that his father had lost some weight after months of not seeing each other. Still, no one is foolish enough to underestimate the man who still holds the top position in the Port Mafia.
"Gen'emon." The boss called his name, jolting him awake from his reverie.
"What is it, father?"
The boss does not speak right away. His gaze is fixed on the little girl, who is currently opening another gift box and showing Hirotsu-san the doll inside. The man smiles at Mariko and compliments the doll, prompting a giggle from the child. Gen'emon is enjoying himself as he watches this brief moment of peace when the boss interrupts it with words.
"Are you now considering your children joining the Port Mafia?"
The atmosphere within the room changes in an instant. Gen'emon's gaze is sharply focused on the boss. Hirotsu-san quickly steps in front of the small child, preventing her from seeing the true situation between the father and son. Hirotsu-san, seeing the rapid development of this situation, brings Mariko out of the room under the pretense that he wants to see the dolls she has been collecting for months. Even though the young child can sense that something is wrong, she chooses to ignore it, hold Hirotsu's hand, and they both leave the room.
"Boss." Gen'emon formally called his father in a cold voice. "I will appreciate it if you stop asking such jokes from now on."
"We both know well that I am not joking—"
By hurling the first sharp object he saw nearby—a pen—Gen'emon even prevented the boss from finishing his sentence. He tosses it with such force and speed that the pen buries half of its barrel on the cement walls. The boss slightly cocks his head to avoid getting hit by the pen, but not before it grazes his cheek, leaving a thin cut where new blood begins to flow.
"Tane and I will never let our children gets near the Port Mafia."
For their kids, the Tsushima couple only wants the best for them. This includes forcing them to live a life free of the chaos of their previous lives as mafiosos. Tane and Gen'emon are determined to raise the twins as normal children, without worrying about their survival the next day. Shuuji and Mariko should follow their own desires, which will only lead to good and happy outcomes in the future.
As a result, the boss's offer to bring the twins to the Port Mafia is almost a taboo on their estate. Don't get them wrong. Everyone in this household will never be ashamed of their mafioso pasts. Their past experiences shape them into the people they are today. Still, they know firsthand how brutal and chaotic the mafia world is, where death is almost like a clingy lover and life is like a person you only see once in a while. And Gen'emon does not want his children to experience any of this.
"I know what I saw, Gen'emon." The boss said out of nowhere. His eyes are staring at the remaining gifts on the table that Mariko haven't opened yet. "I can tell Mariko has a wide understanding on her surroundings and knows how to read a situation although she choses to ignore it. But Shuuji? That boy certainly got both yours and Tane's intelligence and skills. Those two will undoubtedly become valuable assets in the Port Mafia if they are properly trained and guided."
The boss wants to congratulate himself for seeing the potential in his two grandchildren. The boss is aware that he was not supposed to witness or notice those talents. He only saw it once, but the boss is confident in the great powers and potential that those two children possess.
It all began six months ago, when he went to the Tsushima manor to see his son and daughter-in-law. A servant informed him that the couple was currently out, but were on their way home after learning that the boss was visiting them. While waiting, the boss noticed his grandchildren sitting on a large blanket in the garden and playing chess. The boss chose to watch their games without giving it much thought.
The boss was expecting a silly match between the two. After all, they were only children. After greeting the boss and the twins, they both returned their attention to the board and resumed their match. Mariko played the black pieces, while Shuuji played the white pieces.
As the game progressed, the silly match that the boss had anticipated never happened. Instead, he witnessed a game comparable to the strategies used by professional chess players in an official match. Although some of their movements remained clumsy, no one could deny the vicious intent behind each one. After nearly an hour, Shuuji won the match. He used the queen, horse, and pawn to trap the black king.
The boss is aware that his grandchildren are both intelligent, but not at this level. It sparked the boss's desire to raise his grandchildren to be potential Port Mafia members. Although he already heard the possibility that the twins will never developed any special abilities just like him and his son, it didn't deter his desire to train his grandchildren. Whether or not those children have special abilities, the boss wants them to be a part of the Port Mafia and will most likely crown one of them as his heir.
Since then, the boss has subtly hinted his intentions to the Tsushima couple. Tane and Gen'emon, as expected, rejected the idea. But it was his son who was the most opposed to it. Gen'emon, the boss's son and a former executive in the Port Mafia, understands how dangerous the mafia is to anyone who wants to join it.
"Why don't you consider—"
"Shut your filthy mouth this instant!"
The boss's words were cut short when Gen'emon grabbed his neck and tightened his grip. They may be father and son, but Gen'emon is prepared to fight him right now just to prove his point. And if things get worse, Gen'emon and Tane will band together and prepare to face the boss and the Port Mafia in order to keep their children safe from their sharp claws and drowning in darkness.
Even though the former executive had warned him, the boss continued to smirk at him. Gen'emon is about to break his jaw with his pure strength when a hand grabs his wrist and stops him. It was Hirotsu. The man shakes his head slightly, reminding him not to hurt the boss or there will be consequences. The former executive glares at Hirotsu-san before focusing his sharp gaze on the boss. But soon, Gen'emon releases his grip on his father's neck and turns around.
"You two will now leave this place now. And without our permission, I am forbidding any members of the Port Mafia from visiting us or even entering this place." Gen'emon sharply said. "Whoever attempts to disobey my words will find themselves dead in an instant. Is that clear?"
When no one responds, Gen'emon is forced to use his special abilities to exert pressure on them. The former executive has the ability to alter the density of the air based on his intentions. Gen'emon, staring at his two guests, raises the temperature in this room until he notices sweat beading on their skins.
"I said, do I make myself clear?" Gen'emon asked again in a heavy tone.
"...You are wasting your children's potentials." The boss grimly replied. "You understand perfectly well that people like us belong in the darkness. That also extend to Shuuji and Mariko."
The former executive did not say anything. He knows his father well. The boss is only trying to taunt him, and Gen'emon is not a fool to take the bait. Instead, he looks at Hirotsu-san and quietly orders him to bring the boss out of his mansion and leave as soon as possible. Hirotsu-san gives a quiet sigh and bows his head slightly to his boss.
"We should go back to the headquarter, boss." Hirotsu respectfully said. "Your meeting with the executives is quickly approaching."
The boss clicks his tongue in annoyance, but he no longer taunts his son. He quietly puts on his thick coat, with Hirotsu-san assisting him. Before leaving the room, the boss turns around to give his son a look that says he is not going to stop talking about his plans to put his grandchildren in the Port Mafia. When Hirotsu-san opens the door for his door, he is a little surprise to see the twins standing in front of it with Tane standing behind them. Mariko looks at them with interest, while Shuuji greets Hirotsu-san and barely pays attention to the boss.
"Are you leaving already, grandpa?" Mariko asked.
"Yes. I still have work to do for the rest of the day." The boss replied as kindly as possible.
"Oh..."
"Don't worry. I will try to visit again when I have available time."
The little girl simply nods her head in understanding. The boss smiles and pats her on the head before turning his attention to Shuuji. The little boy looks back at him with an expressionless face. They exchange glances for a moment before the boss raises his head and pats him as well. While these events are taking place, the boss can feel his son's sharp eyes on his back and Tane's chilling gaze on him.
After a few more perfectory words, the boss and Hirotsu-san finally leave the mansion. The Tsushima couple did not relax until they saw for themselves that the potential threat to their peace was no longer present. Tane sighs softly as she hugs her children and gives Gen'emon a quiet look.
"Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen to them." Gen'emon said.
Tane closes her eyes and nods. She believes her husband's words too. Nothing bad will happen to them as long as they live and stay with their children. They will make sure of it.