You're Willing To Start A War?

Mika stood on the wooden structure of the marina, watching as multiple yakuza bosses and their subordinates exited the yacht at gunpoint, their boots carrying the weight of their heavy consciences. She felt a rush of pure adrenaline combined with the fluttering butterflies in her stomach from having shared a moment of camaraderie with the woman she detested. Her hand motioned them away from the dock, and toward the shore of Yuigahama Beach, her revolver held firmly in her dominant hand.

Charlotte was the last to emerge from the boat, holding in her large hands various jewelry and luxuries.
"Check this out, puppy. This stuff is worth more than the entirety of the neighborhood of Sanya."

Mika's eyes naturally drifted away from Charlotte's stolen jewels, finding it hard to believe she had just cooperated with her, a smile plastered on her face in the process. She was conflicted. On one hand, Charlotte rescued her from being assaulted, and even patched her wound; on the other hand, she was still responsible for Nozomi's death, as well as various other nights of torture and taunting.

"What's wrong, puppy? Half of this wealth is yours, now. Wear these jewels with honor. We've just made history by killing Tetsu."
Charlotte placed multiple golden watches in Mika's hand, clasping a beautiful diamond necklace around her slim neck.

Mika slapped Charlotte's hands away from her body, tossing the diamond necklace into the sand below.
"Stop! Don't think I've warmed up to you or anything. I still resent you from the bottom of my heart, even if we just fought side by side. I admit, I had a moment of weakness when you showed me respect, but I'm never going to be your friend!"

Charlotte bent down to retrieve the necklace, clasping it around her own neck as she stared down at Mika.
"I see... That's fine, I wasn't trying to be your friend. I'm your owner, remember? I just thought you might want to bask in luxuries that you never have before."

Mika scoffed, gazing down at the revolver in her hand.
Of course I want to! I want to prance around in my diamond jewelry and brag about my wealth to those less fortunate! The same way they did to me when I was homeless!
She dared not reveal her true feelings to Charlotte. Instead, Mika opted for a more logical question.
"Are you really willing to start a war?! We won't even be able to sleep without yakuza members busting down our doors in the middle of the night, like the Naraku-gumi did the other day!"

Charlotte let out an exasperated sigh, bringing a cigarette to her lips. She puffed the smoke into the cloudy sky, concealing her true feelings just as she always had.
"You don't understand a damn thing, puppy. The Bara-gumi is merging with four separate yakuza. We're about to be the largest group in all of Japan. Who the hell do you think is going to come after someone bold enough to kill Tetsu of the Doku-gumi?"

Mika stumbled forward, feeling the bullet wound in her thigh burst open as she stomped her foot.
"You didn't kill Tetsu! I did!"

Charlotte's face paled with anger. She grabbed Mika by the collar of her kimono, bringing her dangerously close to her face.
"And who's going to believe you, loser dog?! On paper, I'm the one who started this war, not some lowly mutt! Think for a second! Do you really want people knowing your identity?!"

Mika stopped moving. Why hadn't she realized it before- that she was getting riled up over the thrill of killing someone important? She didn't have an answer for herself, yet her conviction drove her to question Charlotte's intelligence as a leader.
"Then, why don't you make my name known? Umeda Mika, the loser dog of Tokyo. The little girl who single-handedly slaughtered Tetsu under Charlotte's watch. You have Kazuya, Harumi and even Wang Xianshi under your belt! But why not me?! I'm the girl who's going to make history, not you! Give me tattoos, send me on missions, whatever!"

Charlotte froze in place, carefully searching Mika's defiant eyes. She arrived at a simple conclusion.
"I see, now. You're craving praise for your work. You want to be somebody; you want to be remembered. It makes you angry, feeling as if you're nothing but a dog, even after your exploits thus far."

Mika couldn't bear the truth. Her heart ached upon hearing the words she wished she hadn't. It was a scary feeling, transforming herself into someone she never wanted to be. There was no denying it any longer, as it was presented directly in front of her face on a silver platter.
"Yeah... I want to be remembered. Doesn't that make me human?"

Charlotte let out a bitter chuckle, releasing Mika from her rough grasp.
"A human characteristic, indeed. But your vile attitude is still that of a vicious canine. So, be it. I'll schedule your tattoo appointment for tomorrow."
She reached into her pocket, dialing a number into her outdated cell phone.

"Good afternoon, Enki... Yes, that's correct. I have a new client for you... Of course, payment up front as usual. If you don't have any openings tomorrow at noon, I suggest you clear your schedule... Good day."
Charlotte took a long, deep drag of her cigarette, blowing the smoke into the windy sky.

"Enki? That's... an unusual name."
Mika clutched her elbow nervously, immediately having second thoughts about transforming her body into something unchangeable.

"She's the best in the business... been tattooing yakuza all over Japan for over two decades. Let's get you home, puppy. I'll upgrade you to the fourth-floor bedrooms for your work today."

Mika fell in line as Charlotte headed away from the beach, watching as a familiar black Lexus pulled into the parking lot just inches from their standing point. They climbed inside, taking seats on opposite sides of each other.

Charlotte's head leaned against the window; her eyes closed from a stressful morning. Mika too fell under the spell of the calming car ride, ultimately falling asleep beside her enemy, who was already snoring.