The two went over several more specific handover arrangements.
Hisao Oguchi handled matters efficiently. Once he had finished his report, he rose to leave.
"Over the next few days, hand over the miscellaneous matters you have on your plate." Nakayama Takuya called after him, his face once again wearing that witty smile. "Starting next week, move into the director's office. The view over there is better—you can see the entire nightscape of Shinagawa Ward. Pick a few suitable people from my assistant team and take them with you. I need some fresh blood on my side too."
Hisao Oguchi inclined slightly and gave a deep bow.
"I will not disgrace your trust. I will not disappoint you."
By late April, Tokyo's cherry blossom season had already passed. The greenery along the streets had grown ever lusher, and the breeze carried the warmth of early summer.
Minato Ward, the Nakagawa family estate.
A black Toyota Century came to a smooth stop outside the courtyard gates.
Nakayama Takuya pushed open the car door, took the folded stroller from the back seat, and expertly snapped it open with a click.
Eri got out of the car carrying one-year-old Miki.
The little girl wore a pink spring outfit that day, with a soft knitted cap on her head.
She had just woken up and rubbed her eyes. She neither cried nor fussed, merely burying her face quietly in her mother's neck like a docile kitten.
"Grandpa! Grandma!"
The door on the other side was flung open, and six-year-old Kazuki shot out like a cannonball leaving the barrel.
He clearly was not wearing a school uniform that day, yet he still had that square black leather schoolbag strapped firmly to his back. It bobbed with every step as he ran.
Nakagawa Jun and Nakagawa Takako