Our Bonds

What is this...? Forget losing my job. I'm going to die.

Grand Admiral Akihito was sat in front of me, staring menacingly. Takao and Rei sat on his right and left respectively.​​

It hasn't been a full day since I used that trash bag as a punching bag. As expected, videos of the whole fiasco were being spread online. There were various captions such as 'Pervert gets thrashed' or 'Random dude beating up a noisy boy". Some of them made me laugh. There were some which caught the argument between Rei and the pile of crap before I stepped in, while there were those which only featured the beating part. Either way, I will get into trouble if HQ realizes that person in the video is me. Though, I'm already caught by the worst person ever imaginable in the higher echelon.

Yesterday, Rei called me to say she would be spending the night with her family. She didn't sound distressed, instead, she sounded as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulder. I was at ease when I heard her voice like that.

When dawn broke, a car came in and Grand Admiral Akihito snatched me from my office. Now, we are in some Onsen Ryokan in Toyooka.

Takao and Rei are both in Yukatas while Grand Admiral Akihito and I are still on our uniforms.

This awkward atmosphere is overwhelming. Someone say something.

"Erm..."

"HMMM?" (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Such overwhelming pressure...!

"Father, if you keep staring at Keita-kun, we won't make any progress." (Rei)

"HUH?! Since when were you two on first name basis? And call me Papa!" (Grand Admiral Akihito)

"What are you talking about? We have always been on first name basis. Since day one." (Rei)

Rei! Don't say things that will hasten my death!

Grand Admiral Akihito's glare is now sharper and colder than a blade on my neck.

"Come on, darling. We won't make any progress if you keep staring." (Takao)

Takao hugged Grand Admiral Akihito from behind. This is the first time I hear Takao say 'darling'.

Wow. I never thought I would see Grand Admiral Akihito blush like that.

"Ta-Takao-chan, n-now is not the time. At least, not in front of my subordinate." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

I should record this, but i would get sent to Davy Jones locker almost immediately if I did.

"Relax, Admiral Keita. We are just here to talk." (Takao)

"Even if you tell me that..."

"Come on, darling. Smile. Smile." (Takao)

"..." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Grand Admiral Akihito's face twisted into a- Oh god!

"Pfft! G-grand Admiral, please. You don't have to force yourself."

"You ba-" (Grand Admiral Akihito)

"Darling, watch your language." (Takao)

Crap. That weird smile... I wasn't able to hold in my laughter fast enough...

"So noisy..." (???)

The door behind me slid open and a small girl in a night gown, no older than 5 years old, appeared, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Who is this child?

"Ah. Rin-chan. Sorry, we were too loud." (Takao)

"Rin-chan, let's get you washed up and ready." (Rei)

"Onee-chan~" (Rin)

The two girls disappeared as the door closed behind them.

Oh, crap. Rei! Don't leave me here!

"Now," (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Ah. This is the end. I'm so dead.

Grand Admiral Akihito's aura has just gotten more intense than before.

"With Rei-chan gone, Let's get down to business." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

"Can I go to the toilet first? I would like to write my will."

"No. There is no need for such thing." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

"First things first," (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Grand Admiral Akihito reached into his pocket. He is going to pull out a knife and butcher me!

No. Even though he is bigger and stronger than me, I'm not going to go down without a fight.

Oh. He was just taking out his phone.

After a bit of scrolling, he placed the phone in front of me,

"This is you, isn't it?" (Grand Admiral Akihito)

It was a video of the whole altercation yesterday. This one even recorded part of the argument between Rei and the pile of crap. Rei had her back facing the camera, so this was probably taken by someone sitting near the entrance. Oh come on, why do you have to follow me like that? Ah, there is Shioi.

Okay. Let's feign ignorance.

"This is a video of the fight that has been circulat-"

"Before you say anything else or give me your answer, I want you to consider the consequences of lying to a higher ranking officer. Consider this an order and a warning." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Figures...

"Yes. That's me. But I have a reason."

"I knew it. It is you!" (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Grand Admiral Akihito suddenly raised his hands. It's probably useless but I raised mine to shield my head from his attack.

Goodbye, everyone...

"Thank you, for looking out for our daughter." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

Eh?

I opened my eyes and peaked through the gap between my arms. Grand Admiral Akihito and Takao are in a Zarei position?! Why?!

"This is an oversight on my part. I shouldn't have agreed to this arrangement in the first place. Thank you so much." (Grand Admiral Akihito)

"Wai- Please raise your Grand Admiral. You don't have to this. Takao-san, you too."

"No. I also have the responsibility for not be able to prevent this sc.u.m from humiliating my daughter." (Takao)

This is even more awkward than before.

"Papa, Mama? What are you two doing?" (Rin)

Rin stood by the sliding door, bewildered by the scene in front of her.

"Rin-chan! Geez. Don't just run off like that. Stay still. Let me tie yo- What are you two doing?!" (Rei)

Looks like Rei was chasing her little sister through the inn. She was shocked to see her parents bowing their heads to someone like me.

"Rei, help me~"