⇢ Chapter 20.

It was finally the day to go to court, Shota and Hizashi had told the kids what was going on. Hitoshi was pissed that they didn't tell him sooner, but scared that he will lose his baby sister. Eri was afraid she will be taken away. After Shota and Hizashi assured her that they will fight to make sure that doesn't happen, but they did tell her that she might have to live with either Nemuri or Toshinori. But, no matter what, she will be with family.

The kids had to go to school even though they begged to go to court, Shota told them, that it would be better for them to be in school. Shota and Hizashi arrived at the court house to see Tensei, Enji, Rei, Nemuri, Yuu, Toshinori, and Inko there. "What are you guys doing here?" Shota asked surprised.

"We are here to support you, of course. You are family, and family support each other." Toshinori says as he hugs Shota with everyone agreeing. Shota just smiles and hugs Toshinori back.

"Thanks." Shota whispers.

"We are so lucky to have such amazing friends, right, Shota?" Hizashi says with a smile. Shota just nods and grabs Hizashi hands.

They walked into the court room and waited for their turn. On the other side of the room, Kai was sitting there with Kurono, staring and smiling every time his eyes would meet with Shota. "Now, we will hear the case of Chisaki Kai Vs Aizawa Shota and Aizawa Hizashi for custody of Makoto Eri," The court officer read as he hands the case file to the judge.

"Is everyone here?" The judge asked.

"Yes, your honor. I will be representing Mr. Chisaki," Kurono says to the judge.

"And who will be representing you Mr. Aizawa?" Judge asked as he looks at both Shota and Hizashi.

"I will, your honor," Tensei raises his hands.

"Okay, let's proceed. This case is just a preliminary hearing to see if the child Makoto Eri who will remain with the Respondent or will be removed" The judge says. Shota's heart was beating fast and he began to shakes at the thought of losing Eri. Hizashi grabs his hands giving it a light squeeze letting him know it will be okay.

"Your honor, it will be best for the child to remain with my client. She has her family and friends here as well as her school. Removing here from her home will be detrimental to her. She already lost her mother due to cancer and the Aizawa family is the only one she has," Tensei says to the judge.

"Your honor, Mr. Shota didn't even know Eri existed until almost a year ago. He also fathered another child who he lied about and claimed him as his nephew until a year ago as well. They are not even her blood family. I have the DNA test proving my client is Eri biological father and I move for the courts to remove Eri from the home and place her with either my client or foster care until this matter is resolved." Kurono states as he hands over the paper of the DNA results.

"Your honor, placing Eri in the foster system is too much. If you agree to remove Eri, then please place her in the home of either Mr. Toshinori Yagi or Ms. Nemuri Kayama. They are listed as her guardians and will take care of her. But, please your honor, do not send her to foster care." Tensei say.

"Is there any argument from you, Mr. Kurono?" The judge asked.

"Yes, your honor. We do not feel it will be safe for the child to be place in either homes. We have reasons to believe Mr. Toshinori has a strong past of drug abuse in particularly steroid and Ms. Nemuri has a sketchy background in the sex Industry that will be harmful to the child. My client just moved here, so his living situation isn't ideal, but is suitable to have her but if the court doesn't seem it's enough then we move for her to be place in foster care." Kurono states.

Both Nemuri and Toshinori is seething with anger, but is being held back by Inko and Yuu. Rei whispers something in Enji's ear who only nods and gives Tensei a look. "Your honor, there is no proof in Mr. Kurono allegation about Mr. Toshinori. As for Ms. Nemuri, she did not work in the sex industry as Mr. Kurono states. She did some work during her college years as a Mistress which was not pornograph and it was never hidden or kept secret. They both have respectable jobs, Mr. Toshinori is a teacher at one of the most prestigious High School UA Academy, and Ms. Nemuri is one of the top editors at Bellfire Publishing. If it would please Mr. Kurono, Mr. Toshinori will gladly submit to a drug test." Tensei says as he looks at Kurono who knows he just been one up. "Also, your honor, Mr and Mrs. Todoroki will gladly take Eri in if you feel that Mr. Toshinori and Ms. Nemuri are unfit for it." Tensei added making everyone look at Enji.

"That won't be necessary. I can clearly see the child is very well loved and has strong supporters. I believe..." the judge was cut off by Kurono.

"I'm sorry, your honor, but I believe it's best to remove the child. Yes, she has people who loves her, but they are not her family. Makoto Rei never informed my client that he had a child. She knew how to reach out to him, but never did. She ran away because she knew she was an unfit mother since she wasn't sure who the father was. The longer the child stays with the respondent, the harder it will be for my client to be her father. We tried to work with Mr. Aizawa, but was met with hostility. We are afraid they will tell lies to the child to hate my client. It will be best if she is removed." Kurono says.

"All I want is to get to know my daughter..." Kai softly says as he makes himself appear sad.

"Your honor, please.." Tensei stops as the judge signal him to.

"This is a very tricky situation. I usually do not like to remove the child and place them in foster care if it's unnecessary. So, I will not be sending Eri to foster care, but I will be ordering that she should be removed and place in the care of Mr. Todoroki. Mr. Toshinori will submit to a drug testing, and if he passes, then in the next court hearing we will decide what to do about further placement. Also, Mr. Chisaki will have supervised visitation with the child twice a week as well as the Aizawa's. It will be here in the court house under the supervision of a child case worker. Mr. Kurono and Mr. Tensei can contact her for the dates. Is there any objection?" The judge states.

"No, your honor," both Kurono and Tensei says.

"Child must be removed by Sunday, a child protective agent will come by to see her and bring her to the Todoroki residence. Court adjourn!" Judge states firmly as he slams the gavel. Shota merely sits there in disbelief.

Eri will be gone.

She won't live with him.

As everything finally hits him, Shota began to cry. "Shota, it's gonna be okay. She's gonna be with family..." Hizashi says as he comforts Shota. Everyone surround Shota letting him know it's gonna be okay.

Kai walks out with a smile on his face, knowing he is slowly breaking Shota. "It worked out just as we planned." Kai says.

"It's even better, didn't think Touya's dad would actually agree to take her. With his past, I know for sure the judge will remove her. I'll let Tomura know to move to the next step. Let's just hope Touya doesn't mess this up." Kurono says as he takes out his phone to call Tomura.

"It doesn't matter, I'll end him, too, if I have to. He's nothing but a pawn in my game..." Kai mumbles with an evil smirk.
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