All great empires that succeeded required two key factors–an architect with a clear vision and the contractor to make their vision into a reality. For Brahman, Senju and Tenzo need to learn to fulfill these roles in harmony or fail miserably.
---
"Senju..."
"No, you're not listening to me, Tenzo!" Senju spat out. The short pink-haired girl was glaring at him.
"Why are you so against my idea!?"
"Cause this isn't the 90s Senju! We don't have the funds to get every member a motorbike nor the time to teach them all martial arts!" Tenzo rants.
Senju scowls at him,"I thought as my right-hand that you would at least think about it."
"I did, Senju and honestly it's nonsensical expectations, we already have Toman on our radar and a good chance of other gangs testing our strength. We just don't have time."
Senju ticks at his reasoning, clear hurt in her hazel eyes. "Fine. Just inform the members of the upcoming meeting. " She whispers. Akashi turns her back to Tenzo, stomping her way into her gym.
"Senju..."
"I'm not in the mood for training!"
Bang
She slams the door close.
"Great...she's mad at me." Tenzo rubs the wrinkles on his forehead, inhaling slowly to relieve the stress.
——————–————————————––
[System update]
[New mission available]
° As Senju's right-hand, you must help build her empire.
Task:
> Find Brahman a sponsor.
> Buy 3 motorbikes.
> Train members to be competent in martial arts.
Rewards:
> 10 000 SP
> +5 intelligence
> +20 Influence
Penalty:
> Senju losses all trust in you.
> Akashi gym and Brahman's headquarters will be invaded by a rival gang.
> Kisaki will cement an alliance with Senju.
———————————————————
The new mission alert had Tenzo completely baffled.
'System, how will I lose Senju's trust?"
' Host, as a right-hand, your responsibilities include being an advisor, anchor and second leader. '.
'Do you realise how expensive motorbikes are?'
———————————————————–
[System Update]
[ Vehicles available]
Kawasaki Vulcan- 800 000 SP
Kawasaki ninja- 1 500 000 SP
Honda super cub- 250 000 SP
———————————————————
' WHAT ARE THESE PRICES!?' Tenzo screeches at the absurd vehicle prices.
'Host, the system transcends time itself to provide you with the best items.' The entity justifies the prices.
'Honestly...never mind. '
'Good luck Host.' The system encourages.
"Tenzo–you there?" Mahito taps his shoulder.
Tenzo shrieks back from the contact. "Mahito! What the hack!? " Tenzo hisses like a jumpy feline.
"I'm sorry –it's just you've been staring at the gyms entrance for a while. " A sweat mark appears on Mahito's forehead.
"Sigh–look, Mahito. Senju and I are having a disagreement about the gangs needs. " He confesses.
Mahito nods with clear understanding.
"From my observation, Senju has is a strong personality whose adamant about her goals, and you are a rational guy when it matters..."
"What?" Tenzo blurted out.
"It's not my place to tell neither of you on how to run Brahman, but as the second in command, Senju's ambitions must reflect on you. You are her first attack and last defence, don't leave her exposed. " Mahito adds.
Tenzo is taken back by his wisdom, "I can't even argue with that. " Eze scratches the back of his scalp.
"As much as you want to be her equal, don't undermine her authority. "
"Damn...your right." Tenzo admitted.
"Hey, Mahito?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you find local bike shops and compare prices since Senju is adamant about this." Tenzo reluctantly smiled.
"Sure thing, Boss." Mahito nods, he walks off without making another glance, footsteps as silent as a whisper.
Tenzo sooths his white locks, looking back at the gyms entrance. "Here we go again."
---
[Mizo high school]
Another dreadful day at school came for Tenzo as he drifted into classes with no worry about education nor his future positive contributions to Japan. He kept thinking about Senju's demands.
'Honestly, I hear her wishes but bikes? As in plural? When are we going to get time to train those incompetent members who only joined cause I ended Kiyomasa's little fight club.' Tenzo muses internally, the stress of being a second commander is taking a toll on his lazy self.
DIINGGG
The school bell screeches across the halls, putting an end to the school day.
"Finally. " Tenzo immediately leaves the classroom, ignoring his teacher's warning.
"I'll deal with it tomorrow. " He lets out a cheeky response.
Tenzo was halfway out the gate when–
"Eze Tenzo. We need to talk." The familiar voice of Tachibana kept him from leaving.
"Tachibana...what do you want from me?" Tenzo glanced back at her.
Her cherry blossom themed hair rests softly on her forehead, a cute pouting expression.
"Can we talk?"
"Sure." He shrugs.
Hinata leads him to an ice cream stand across the street from their school.
She offered to pay for him, like any shameless guy, he accepted and requested a vanilla cone. Something simple and not taxing.
"Are you sure you want vanilla?" Hinata asked, a tint of annoyance in her coral eyes.
"I'm positive, Tachibana. " Tenzo took a lick of his cone. "Besides, you have a man, don't you?"
"Huh?" She stammers, a blush creeping up her neck. "Yeah, but this is just me being grateful for you saving me that day, I really appreciate it..." Hinata trails off, her eyes are focusing on her mango and kiwi treat.
"You like mango and kiwi?" Tenzo shows his grimace.
"It's actually good, you know. " Hinata justifies her purchase, taking a bite of the frosted fruit mix.
"So...what is it you wanted to talk about?" Tenzo addresses the elephant in the room.
Hinata turns to him fully. Her eyes staring into his soul.
"Why does Kisaki hate you?"