"Jiman sounded very sad, knowing that his father lied to him. He loved Miyagi. They talked on the phone every other night. Didn't you know that?"

No, Yoko. I didn't. I was too busy with work.

"He wondered why his little brother hadn't called him. They were in the habit of playing chess over the phone. Didn't you know that?"

No, Yoko. I was unaware. I was too busy with my war.

"Aware's been wondering where Maru's been. I told her. I gave her the number to Shun's cell phone, so she could call and check up on her. Didn't you think they'd figure it out eventually?"

No, Yoko. No.

Because I think I'm ahead of the game.

But I'm not.

"Kiri... Kiri... please... leave me for now..."

Silent tears are dying on my lips.

I'm thirty seven years old. My name is Hanami Kamakiri. I had two kids that I claimed as my own. My firstborns were hidden in a boarding school in America. I have another one on the way in less than two weeks. I'm on my knees in front of a wife that feels no mercy towards me, for I have hurt her too much. I own only three things, and they're all broken.

My pride is shattered.

My resolve is shot.

And my heart...

My heart is split in two.

***

stats.

job description :: kyodai
affiliation :: sumiyoshi-kai
height :: 5'11"
weight :: 180 lb
age :: 37
tattoos :: over the heart in hanzi:: Because there is nothing to be attained, He has no obstruction in his mind. Because there is no obstruction, he has no fear.
Across his back :: a beautifully painted phoenix
writer :: AINSI

***

The Chinese are all about face.

So are the Japanese.

A wound to one's pride merits one in return.

All's fair in love and war,
and W A R is just a game.