Chapter Text
The meeting with the board of directors of Youth Placement Centers, was not going well. Kaoru had attempted to keep Nagai from attending the meeting, worried that what he saw as irrational anger from the man, would offend the members of the board, but legally, he was unable to do so.
That wasn’t what happened.
Kaoru and Mally were already seated at a large table in the conference room, when Nagai arrived. Dressed in a typical salaryman’s black suit, Nagai carried with him, a large brown folder. Bowing slightly to Mally and Kaoru, Nagai took a seat opposite his co-workers. Mally stole a quick glance at Kaoru, who nodded imperceptibly, a cue to Mally to remain silent…for now.
Before Kaoru could speak to Nagai, the four board members enter the room, and took their seats at the end of the large table. Introductions were made and documents were handed out to each of the attendees.
“Thank you for your attendance today.” Board Director Tanaka began. “We will be reviewing and possibly changing the intake protocols for both the Hiroshi and Sakura facilities.”
Board member Sugiyama was next to address the room. “we understand that…” he looked at his document, “Hiroshi House had a recent fire, set by one of the facility’s residents, is this correct?”
“Yes, that is correct.” Kaoru acknowledged, “While the fire itself did little physical damage to the building, many of our younger children were severely frightened.”
“Is it true he child in question, Reitsu, has had prior incidents of arson?”
“Yes, Kamei-san. Reitsu was arrested and prosecuted for arson, he set his family home on fire.” Mally said.
“Why was he sent to Hiroshi, instead of a detention center?”
“He was only seven years old when he was arrested, much too young for formal detention.” Mally explained. “He had been shuttled around to at least three other facilities, before arriving at Hiroshi.”
“I see.” The woman said.
“If I may?” Nagai stood, and took the opportunity to speak before the woman could continue. “Reitsu is not the first severely delinquent child Hiroshi House has accepted.” Nagai proceeded to hand out documents. ‘If you will please read these.”
“And you are?” Tanaka asked.
“Nagai Tenshi, I am a teacher at Hiroshi House.”
“Your relevance to this case?”
“Reitsu was under my charge at the time of the incident. You will find my report included in these documents.”
Kaoru was glaring at Nagai; the fact that the man had written up his own report without consulting Kaoru, bordered on insubordination.
Tanaka looked to Kaoru, “Niikura-san, what are your thoughts on this report?”
Karou’s glaze shifted from Nagai, to Tanaka, “I have not been privy to its contents.”
The four board members leaned in, whispering to each other and pointing at the document. After a minute or so, the board members returned to the discussion.
"Nagai-san, is there a reason you have not made a copy of this report available to Niikura-san?” Sugiyama asked pointedly.
Nagai stared intently at Kaoru, “I wanted to make sure it is perfectly clear that Reitsu is not the first of many problematic children that Hiroshi House has accepted in the last few years. Reitsu is just the latest in a string of failures.”
Nagai went on a tirade, albeit calm with no anger or aggression in his voice. Just stating what he believed was fact. “In conclusion, that is all I have to say on the matter.” Leaving the folder on the table, Nagai bowed and left the room.
Several tense moments passed before Kaoru reached across thee table for the file, “May I? I’d like to be able to rebut any falsities before we proceed.”
Paging through Nagai’s missive, Kaoru was unsurprised with the commentary directed at him; Nagai issuing severe words and harsh criticism of his role of director. What he did not expect was the same thread directed at Mally, in which he questioned her credentials as a social worker. Nagai did not gloss over the incidents in which Tatsurou was involved.
“Niikura-san, do you find any discrepancies in Nagai’s report? Kamei looked at the report, “Who is the child, Tatsurou?”
“Are all of these incidents accurate?” Sugiyama was frowning. “Has the child been a target for bullying, and was Reitsu prompted to set the fire, in any way related to Tatsurou?”
Kaoru was waving his hand dismissively before Sugiyama had finished, “No, the fire and Reitsu are completely unrelated to Tatsurou.”
“But the other incidents?”
Mally cleared her throat and began telling Tatsurou’s story.
“Yes, these incidents are at least partially correct, though we have no proof that Genta ever sexually assaulted the boy. At times he acted as a protector for Tatsurou against the violence dealt out by Kaito and Hiro.”
“Violence? Can you explain further please?”
Mally went through all the known incidents featuring Kaito and Hiro, including a vivid recount of the final act of violence.
“After that fight, Tatsurou shut down completely for six months, the child was non-verbal and clung to Nagai-san if Sana was absent.”
The discussion shifted back to reforming the guidelines for future intakes.
“I do believe that there is a need to change our policies and procedures in order to keep both children and staff safe.” Tanaka began, “I will work with the other directors on a new course of action. For now, all intakes into Hiroshi and Sakura are suspended.”
Sitting in the director’s office, Mally read through Nagai’s report. She was not completely caught off guard with the contents of the independent report. She was well aware that the man held her in contempt over certain situations regarding Tatsurou.
“Your thoughts?” Kaoru asked.
“Not surprised, though some of his choices of words are a little harsh. He does however make some valid points.” Mally sat back in her chair, her shoulders drooping slightly.
Kaoru scoffed, “He did not need to go behind my back with a report, he should have come to me to discuss his concerns.” The director was tense, upset over the paperwork.
“Kaoru really?” Mally chuckled, “I think you know exactly how you would have reacted to that.”
Karou side-eyed the woman, “Perhaps, but it was out of line and wholly unprofessional.”
“What are our next steps?”
“A senior staff meeting by end of day. We have enough aides to watch over the children for the thirty minutes during the meeting.” Kaoru would hope the meeting would put an end to the divisiveness between himself and Nagai Tenshi.
Reading Karou’s email, Nagai was prepared for his termination, knowing that upon reading his report, Kaoru would relieve him of his position. Even before the board of directors meeting, he had started forming an exit plan in anticipation of the day that Tatsurou turned 13. “I’m not willing to take one more chance on your life.” He could fit his life at Hiroshi in a single box, there was nothing keeping him at the facility other than Tatsurou.
“…will be a monitor checking in with each facility three times a week. Please make sure to have notes and observations on any child that seems to be acting out more than usual.”
“Sensei?” Kazuki raised his hand, “What exactly are these monitors looking for? I know that several of my nine-year-olds get a little crazed by the weekend. What keeps these monitors from passing unfounded negative judgements?”
“Consistency being number one. In the past, Kaito was consistent in his attacks on Tatsurou and Sana. If one of your charges behaves negatively on a daily basis, we need to review that child’s records and intake information in order to keep or remove them from Hiroshi House.”
Mally weighed in, “I do not believe we have any problematic children at Hiroshi at this time. Going forward I will be working closely with the front office admins, in reviewing the files of all the current residents.”
While Mally was speaking Kaoru noted that Nagai, arms crossed tightly across his chest with his eyes closed. Kaoru specifically did not mention Nagai’s independent report to the staff. He did not want to add aggressive fuel to the fire.
At the thirty-minute mark, Kaoru dismissed the meeting, but held Nagai back. “A moment to speak, Tenshi?”
Nagai steeled himself for what he believed to be a last show down with the director. He calmly stayed seated, “Yes, sensei?” He knew using honorifics would irk Karou.
“Obviously I have questions about your report. The key question is why…why go behind my back? Do you distrust and think so little of me and my ability to run Hiroshi?” Karou’s words were even, but tinted with regret.
Nagai paused before answering. “Yes, I do distrust you…you clearly have some agenda in place by taking in these delinquent kids. I’m guessing Savior Syndrome, or something close.”
“Tenshi, that’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” Mally interjected.
Nagai turned his attention to Mally, “You are the same side of the same coin. You ignored the red flags, and obvious violent tendencies in order to further your agenda to be viewed as The Great Social Worker Mally.” Nagai’s tone was flat and even.
“My concernes were overlooked,” he continued, “my words ignored. Had you listened to me, Tats…there would have been nothing of the sort of actions shown by Kaito and Hiro. You mishandled situations and completely dropped the ball, and as a result an already traumatized child was pushed into being non-verbal for over six months. The way you handled all the incidents were cause for concern.”
Kaoru leaned back in his chair; finger tips pyramided together. He stayed silent for a good minute, before speaking.
“What do you expect of me? How do you want me to move forward, Tenshi?”
“I would like to leave my permanent residence here, and become a daily instructor.”
Kaoru was taken aback by the request, “Leave Hiroshi? Are you sure?”
Nagai nodded, Yes, I’m sure. I’d also like a change of which of the children are in my charge on a daily basis, that does not include Tatsurou.”
Mally gasped, “You’re abandoning Tatsurou?”
“No, I’m not abandoning the boy.” Nagai was miffed, “I simply feel that he needs to become more independent and if that means putting distance between us…I only want what’s best for him.”
Kaoru wasn’t buying the request for one minute. “I believe we can implement these changes of the course of the next week or so, unless you need more time to secure housing?” Something did not ring true with Nagai Tenshi.
Nagai smiled, “Thank you, Kaoru. There is one other topic and request I’d like to discuss.”
“Oh?” Here it comes.
“Yes,” Nagai turned his attention to Mally. “I want an independent social worker to come and speak to Tatsurou, preferably a male.”
“Excuse me?” Mally snapped incredulously.
“You heard me. Much like myself, you are too close to the boy to be completely objective. I want someone outside of Hiroshi to speak to him, to gauge where he is at emotionally.”
Kaoru was about to overrule the request, but Mally held up her hand, “Why a male social worker? Do you believe Tatsurou would be comfortable speaking with a man, a complete stranger?”
“The short answer is yes.” Nagai explained, “He will not know of the collective incidents prior too speaking to the boy.”
Now Kaoru was alarmed, “You want to send a social worker in to interview Tatsurou and not reveal the boy’s past? That’s highly irregular Tenshi.”
“Yes, it is,” Nagai agreed, “But if the social worker was made aware of Tatsurou’s past incidents here, it could cloud his judgement. I would just say that the boy has past trauma and leave it at that. This could be beneficial for both the boy and for his teachers, to understand his status emotionally.”
Kaoru was silent for a moment, “Fine. I’ll call the social services office in the morning. Thank you for meeting with me.” Both Nagai and Mally left the office.
Kaoru was suspicious of Nagai’s sudden change of heart regarding Tatsurou. Something just wasn’t adding up. “What are you planning?” Having no real proof of any ill intent, all the director could do was accept Nagai’s demands at face value.
Kubo Satoshi was instructed not to ask the staff why Tatsurou was a resident at Hiroshi House. “Focus on academics and the child’s interaction with his teachers.” Kaoru instructed the social worker.
“We all love Tatsurou.”
“He is the sweetest child at Hiroshi.”
“Sana and Tatsurou are each other’s shadow. One is rarely seen without the other.”
“Bright, very talkative for the most part. He is up to grade level in all subjects, though he is behind a year in math, but so are some of the other children.”
By the end of the day, after several hours of observation, if Kubo were to submit his report, based off the information and interviews with the staff members, his evaluation of Tatsurou would be completed. There were no outward problems shown. He seemed like a normal eleven-year-old boy.
Waiting for Mally to bring Tatsurou into an empty classroom for the interview, Kubo shifted papers around, and tried to get comfortable sitting at an all too small student’s desk. Going through the information he had received, as well as the warning from Kaoru, “Be gentle,” Kubo was still unsure of who he would face.
“Sensei?” a soft knock at the door.
“Yes,” Kubo stood, “please, come in and have a seat.”
An obvious nervous child, smallish in stature, entered the room with Mally.
“Sensei, this is Tatsurou,” she smiled, trying to remain at ease. “Tatsu-kun, this is Sensei Kubo, he’s interviewing all the children for a new project,” she lied with ease, “He would like to ask you some questions.” Mally bowed slightly and left the room.
“Hello Tatsurou, my name is Kubo Satoshi.” He bowed.
“Hello Sensei Kubo.” Tatsurou replied softly as he took a seat at the desk across from Kubo.
“How do you like living here at Hiroshi house?” Kubo started easily. “I heard you have a bestie here?”
Tatsurou’s eyes lit up, “Mmm. Sana is my best friend.” Kudo noted the light in Tatsurou’s eyes, as he went on to talk about Sana, and what they do every day.
“He’s younger than I am, but we still are best friends. We have three classes together, and we play during free time.”
“Wow, sounds like a perfect friend. What about your teachers? Who’s your favorite?”
Tatsurou pondered the question for a moment. “Well, I think Erika-chan is my favorite teacher, but Nagai sensei is my favorite of everyone.”
“What about Mally sensei and Kaoru sensei? Do you like them as well?” Kubo was starting to fish.
“Um,” the boy fidgeted a bit, “I like Mally sensei, but Kaoru sensei is kind of scary, especially if he’s mad.”
“Oh? Does he get mad a lot?” Kubo was unaware of this side of the director of Hiroshi.
“Only when something bad happens.” Tatsurou looked down at his hands, a sudden change came over the boy.
“Bad? What has happened that is bad?” Kubo pressed on, but Tatsurou shook his head, not answering.
“Well, that’s not important right now.” Kubo moved on to Tatsurou’s academics, “What is your favorite subject in all of your classes?”
The interview ran through all of the young boy’s thoughts on different school subjects, ending with the question about moving on to Sakura.
“I bet you’re excited to graduate, and move to Sakura House once you turn thirteen. After that you can move on to…”
“I don’t want to go to Sakura. That’s where they are.” Kubo looked at his notes. “Who are they?”
“Kaito, Hiro, Genta.” Tatsurou replied softly, tears forming ready to fall. “If they are at Sakura, I don’t want to go.”
Kubo didn’t know the specifics of the issues with the boys Tatsurou mentioned. “Do you not like those boys?”
Tatsurou shook his head hard, whispering a soft ‘no’.
“What happened with those boys? Were they mean to you?” Kubo pressed again.
The boy started to shake, he looked up at Kubo, his face was filled with pain and fear. Looking at the social worker dead in the eyes, Tatsurou stood up and left the room without a word.
Mally face palmed at the description of Tatsurou’s demeanor when he brought up the three boys and Sakura house. “Did he say anything else about them?”
Kubo shook his head, “Nope, just said he doesn’t want to go to Sakura if they are there. Can you please shed some light on what the issue is please?”
Mally and Kaoru exchanged a glance, “Those boys, specifically Kaito and Hiro, physically and possibly sexually assaulted Tatsurou while they were here. We have no proof that Genta was involved, but we have our suspicions.”
“Shit.” Kubo groaned. “The moment I started talking about Sakura, and his graduation, he started shaking, then completely shut down. He just got up and left the room. I hope I haven’t caused any harm; I had no idea.”
“We will deal with the fall out if there is any. Please don’t blame yourself,” Kaoru explained, “we wanted you to go into the interview with no preconceived ideas, it was the only way for you to get an accurate summation of where Tatsurou is emotionally and mentally.”
Mally interjected, “If we had told you prior to your assessment, it could have clouded your judgement. I am not faulting you in the least.” The atmosphere in the cramped office was heavy with regret.
Kubo slid a file across the desk to Kaoru, “With this new information, my professional opinion is that you need to leave Tatsurou at Hiroshi as long as possible. There is no harm in him staying, you can adjust your curriculum enough to keep him advancing in his academics. The boy is emotionally stunted, he does not react as an eleven, almost twelve-year-old boy. If Hiroshi is his safe place, and you want him to grow into a well-rounded adult, he should remain here.”
Nagai was lurking around the corner from the empty classroom where the social worker was interviewing Tatsurou. Seeing the door open, he ducked back and hid. Seeing the boy walk out alone, and seeing that all too familiar shuffling walk, he stepped into the hallway. “Hi Tatsurou, all done with Kubo sensei?”
Tatsurou shrugged, “I guess. I don’t like him. He talks about Sakura too much.”
“Oh? What about Sakura? Don’t you want to go?”
“No, I want to stay here. Genta, Kaito and Hiro are at Sakura.”
“Yes, but all boys at age thirteen graduate to Sakura. You will too. I’m sure they won’t bother you anymore.” Nagai was trying to sound positive, knowing full well what the boy’s reaction would be. He was hoping the scare tactics would get the desired effect. He was right.
Tatsurou’s lip started to quiver, and with a sob he threw himself into Nagai’s arms, pleading through the tears not to send him away, not to send him to Sakura. Kneeling down and clutching the boy in his arms, Nagai smiled to himself. The seed had been planted, all he had to do is watch it grow.