Chapter 1

Character Introduction:

1. Mikuya Mizuki (13 years old) Mikuya was once a carefree and lively girl. Growing up in a world controlled by a mysterious and corrupt agency, she was shielded from its true nature by her loving parents and older brother, Saito. However, everything changed when Saito, at 16, rejected the agency’s invitation to become a soldier. His refusal led to his brutal execution, shattering Mikuya’s world. Consumed by grief and anger, she embarked on a journey of vengeance, relentlessly hunting down those responsible for her brother’s death. Cold, calculating, and resolute, Mikuya abandoned all remnants of her former self as she walked the dangerous path of retribution.

2. Saito Haruki (16 years old) Saito, Mikuya’s older brother, was a boy of strong moral character and keen intelligence. When the agency approached him to join their ranks, he refused, unable to align himself with their cruelty. His defiance cost him his life, marking a turning point for Mikuya. His memory became the fire fueling her determination to bring down the agency, even from beyond the grave.

3. Nene Ishikawa (13 years old) Nene is Mikuya's closest friend, standing by her side through thick and thin. After Saito’s death, she remained Mikuya’s emotional anchor, trying to help her process her loss. Despite Mikuya’s descent into darkness, Nene never stopped caring for her and continuously attempted to pull her back from the edge. Her unwavering loyalty remained intact even as the world turned its back on her friend.

4. Hana Takahashi (13 years old) Hana is the voice of reason in the group, always trying to prevent things from spiraling out of control. Pragmatic and cautious, she foresaw the destruction Mi Kuya’s quest for vengeance would bring. She did everything she could to keep Mi Kuya from losing herself entirely, but as her friend grew colder, Hana’s efforts seemed futile. Her inner conflict—standing by Mi Kuya or stopping the bloodshed—tore her apart.

5. Yuka Fujiguro (13 years old) Once a trusted friend of Mi Kuya, Yuka was sweet, innocent, and trusting. She admired Mi Kuya’s strength but struggled when confronted with the agency’s manipulation. Torn between loyalty and self-preservation, Yuka ultimately chose to align with the agency, believing that survival in this cruel world depended on obedience. Her betrayal left a permanent scar on Mi Kuya’s heart.

6. Emiko Sato (13 years old) Emiko is a fiery and passionate girl, fiercely protective of her friends. While she couldn’t fully grasp Mi Kuya’s need for vengeance, she respected her resolve. Despite fearing that Mi Kuya would lose herself completely, Emiko knew her friend was on a path from which there was no turning back.

7. Kaito Ishida (19 years old - Soldier) A leader within an underground faction of soldiers, Kaito has grown disillusioned with the agency’s methods. He offers Mi Kuya assistance and protection, revealing the agency’s inner workings to her. Calm, rational, and strategic, Kaito is always several steps ahead. Though he sees Mi Kuya as an ally, he remains wary of her thirst for vengeance.

8. The Soldiers of the Shadow Syndicate

Kaito Ishida (19) – The Ambitious Leader The first to meet Mi Kuya, Kaito admires her strength but is torn between his duty to the Syndicate and his curiosity about her motivations.

Renzo Fujimoto (20) – The Ruthless Tactician Cold and calculating, Renzo is a master strategist. He sees personal attachments as weaknesses and is determined to end Mi Kuya’s reign of terror, though he finds her unpredictability intriguing.

Takahiro Okabe (21) – The Silent Hunter A quiet, methodical leader who prefers to observe before acting. Patient and fearless, Takahiro’s encounters with Mi Kuya test his limits.

Sora Asano (19) – The Charismatic Manipulator Sora is a persuasive, charming figure who has a knack for turning situations in his favor. He sees Mi Kuya as a puzzle he’s eager to solve.

Hiroki Takeda (20) – The Loyal Protector The most devoted member of the Syndicate, Hiroki is dedicated to maintaining order. He views Mi Kuya as a threat that must be eliminated at any cost.

---

Story - Book 1:

---

Chapter 1 : The Spark of Vengeance

Fateful Night

In the heart of a bustling city, where neon lights flickered like dying embers and the streets pulsed with restless energy, a legend was born.

They called her "The Silent Shadow."

A name whispered in fear, spoken only in hushed voices by those who had seen the aftermath of her wrath. She moved like a ghost, an unseen force in the night, her presence marked only by the bodies she left in her wake.

Her real name was Mi Kuya Mizuki.

But the girl who once bore that name no longer existed.

She had been someone else before—someone who knew love, laughter, and warmth. A girl who had a family. A home. A world that once felt safe.

And above all, she had Saito Haruki.

Her brother. Her protector. The light that had guided her through the darkest moments of her life. He wasn’t just her family—he was everything. The one who shielded her, teased her endlessly, and made her laugh even when she wanted to cry. He had promised to always be there, to always keep her safe.

But promises meant nothing in a world consumed by cruelty.

The day the Agency came, that fragile world shattered into pieces.

It had been a day like any other—ordinary, peaceful, deceivingly normal. Mi Kuya had been at home, her parents away on business, leaving her alone with Saito. They had spent the afternoon by the riverbank, the golden sunlight shimmering on the water, their laughter mingling with the rustling leaves.

But when evening came, so did the soldiers.

The agents—merciless, faceless, and armed—arrived at their doorstep with a single demand: Saito Haruki must join them.

The Agency wanted him—his strength, his intelligence, his unwavering spirit. He was to become one of their elite operatives, molded into a weapon to serve their will.

But Saito was more than that. He was a boy of honor, a young man of unshakable morals. He refused.

And the Agency—ruthless and unforgiving—did not ask twice.

They took.

They killed.

Mi Kuya could still see it. The memory seared itself into her mind, playing over and over like a broken film reel.

Saito standing before her, shielding her with his body. His voice, firm yet desperate, commanding them to leave. The cold, indifferent gaze of the soldiers. The way their guns gleamed under the dim hallway light.

Then—

Bang.

A single shot.

A single moment that tore her world apart.

Saito staggered. His body trembled. The life in his eyes flickered like a dying flame.

He fell.

Mi Kuya's breath had caught in her throat. She had rushed to him, hands shaking, pressing desperately against the wound, as if she could will the blood to stop, as if she could stop time itself.

His lips parted, forming her name. His voice—weak, fading—held no hatred, no regret. Only love. Only a final plea.

“Mi Kuya… always smile. No matter what happens, always smile. Okay?”

It was a simple request.

But how could she smile when the world had stolen her brother from her?

How could she feel warmth when the one person who had always protected her was gone?

The girl who once wore smiles like second nature was gone.

All that remained was rage.

A cold, unrelenting fury that coiled around her heart like a serpent, suffocating every trace of innocence she had left.

Mi Kuya no longer belonged to the world of laughter and light. That world had died along with Saito.

All that remained was a single purpose.

Vengeance.

She took up his katana, the one he had once wielded. A sleek, black blade that gleamed like a sliver of night itself.

And as she gripped its hilt, a single thought echoed through her mind.

The Agency took everything from me.

Now, I will take everything from them.

---

A Memory Before the Darkness

Before the bloodshed. Before the loss. Before the rage—

There was a memory.

A golden afternoon by the riverbank. Sunlight danced upon the water, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of summer. Mi Kuya sat beside Saito, laughing at one of his ridiculous jokes, the sound of her amusement ringing like a melody in the open air.

Then—his laughter faded. His expression turned solemn.

She noticed immediately. “Saito?”

He stared at the water, his gaze distant, as if searching for something beyond the rippling waves.

“You know,” he murmured, “if anything ever happens to me… you need to stay strong, Mi Kuya.”

She frowned. “What are you talking about?”

His lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Just promise me. Promise me you’ll fight for what’s right—not just for me.”

She scoffed. “Nothing’s going to happen to you, idiot.”

Still, he reached out, ruffling her hair the way he always did. “Promise me.”

She sighed, rolling her eyes before flashing him a grin.

“I promise.”

She didn’t know it then.

She didn’t know that this was the last time she would ever see him smile.

---