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Despite all the efforts of the Yamakawa family, the war could not be prevented.

Early in the morning, the Miyazaki family started an attack against some of the Kurokawa's property. I was ordered to stay in the mansion with Tatsumi. The whole area was very well protected, but this negatively affected the number of our men in the field. No matter how fast our reaction was, the Miyazaki family was always ahead of us.

It was like an all-out war, even if it's not something a mafia would do before. Conditions had changed now. All the mafias gained more strength; they suppressed the governments, and they were all greedy for more dominance over others.

The longer the war lasted, the more civilians would suffer. At worst, the country would become vulnerable to external threats. If it comes to that point, it wouldn't matter how strong the Yamakawa family is. Everything could end in a disaster; that's why we had to finish this war as soon as possible.

Suddenly, I took a phone call from Misaki. It wasn't a good time to call, actually. He should have known that the war had started. I decided to answer it.

"What's up, Misaki? Is something happened?"

"Well, hello."

It was an unfamiliar voice. Something was wrong; was there something I missed? Why would they target Misaki, especially during the war? I couldn't resist the feeling that was gnawing at me. Did I make a mistake? Did I forget something?

I, in fact, forgot something very important.

Misaki wasn't a yakuza. However, it was different for the Miyazaki family. As far as the Miyazakis know, Misaki was a member of ours. That was enough of a reason for them to target Misaki, and we were—no, I was responsible for this incident. He was in danger, just because of me.

"Who are you?" I asked, as calmly as I could. I couldn't let them notice my feelings or hear my voice trembling.

"You already know the answer, kid. You caused us a lot of trouble. Do you have any idea how much your actions cost us? We fell behind schedule. That young lady of yours should have been dead months ago!"

"For what reason?"

"Ohh, are you curious? Or rather worried for her?"

He was definitely enjoying this situation. I didn't answer his questions; they were nothing but provocations. I could already see the outcome. They were trying to take their revenge from me. They were using Misaki as bait, but I was sure that they had no intention to let any of us live. Finally, he stopped laughing behind the phone and started talking again.

"Why don't you give us a visit, kid? Let's have a nice and friendly chat. I will send you the address, don't make us wait."

They didn't give me a choice, and I didn't need one anyway. I had to take responsibility, but I couldn't leave Tatsumi just like that. That would be disobedience to an order. However, I guess Tatsumi was in the room for the whole time and witnessed the conversation I just had.

"Just go and do what you have to do."

"I can't leave here without Mr. Kurokawa's permission."

"He's my friend, Matsui, and so are yours. I'll explain the situation to my father. He'll understand us, for sure. So please, just go and save him."

I still had some doubts, but in the end, I chose to go. It was a matter of mine, and I had to fix it all myself.

The location he sent was indicated between the territories of both of the families. It was a small industrial area, and they were waiting for me inside an abandoned depot. The entire building had been damaged in a fire recently, so the building had lost its functionality. It was the perfect place to hold people in captivity.

"Here you are!"

That was the same guy from the restaurant incident—the one who talked a lot. He pushed an old office chair towards me on its wheels.

"Feel free to have a seat."

There was a bit of distance between us. Even though it seemed like there were just the two of us in this empty building, I was sure he wasn't alone. The real question was, how many of them there were. I took the seat.

"Where is Misaki?"

"No need to be impatient. He's safe. There is a very kind lady looking after him. You'll meet her soon, too."

"I rather not."

"Oh, you'll have to-"

"I do NOT care. Just get to the point."

"Watch your tone, kid. We're not playing here."

This definitely bothered him, and I, honestly, enjoyed it.

"So? What do you want from me?"

The man sighed.

"If you are too eager to learn, that's fine by me."

He stood up and started walking around as he talked.

"You remember what I said on the phone, right? You caused us a lot of problems. The thing is, it bothered our guest a little. She was eagerly waiting for us to get things set. And you, little brat, kept getting in our way."

"Sure I did."

"The deal we made almost slipped out of our hands. Who do you think would pay for it? I'm certain that it wouldn't be you."

"Wait, what deal are you talking about?"

"Oh, now it draws your attention, huh? Well, well, since you bothered to come all the way here, I guess I can tell you."

He came closer to my face. There was a condescending smile on his face, as if he waited for me to ask this question for the whole time.

"It's a deal between the Miyazaki family and the Tiger Clan."

I was... horrified. That was something beyond my expectations. The Tiger Clan was a Russian-based mafia organization. They were supposed to fight against the Chinese Mob over the domination of Asia; what were they doing in Japan so suddenly?

"Oh, what is it? Where did your confidence go? Kekekeh~"

"That's enough, Shinei."

Shinei stopped his laughter. I saw a serious expression for the first time.

"Please get that other kid over here for me."

"As you wish, Lady Olya."

The whole situation was more serious than I expected. I thought it was all a revenge plan, but now I had no idea of their intentions.

"Your name?"

"Matsui Kin."

"Your real name?"

"It is my real name."

"Mhm, I'm sure it is. Whatever..."

I must admit that she was a real beauty. It was a type that you would only see in video games. Natural blonde, a good physic... She was a person that a lot of women would admire. However, she was dangerous. The Tiger Clan had more than one leader. If there was someone above the known leaders, it wasn't known who it was. Among all the leaders, the name Olya was heard enough, especially in Asia. Olya Borisova was a dangerous woman.

"Now listen, boy. There are a few things we have to do. We need to take control of the Kurokawa family. It'll serve us as a shell to hide our men. You can think of it as a puppet. For that reason, their only heir must disappear. You understand me?"

Her Japanese was a bit broken, but her words were still understandable. 

"She has no intention to take the leadership."

"Well, we cannot know that. What if she changes her mind? What if she comes to avenge her father?"

"Wait, what?"

"Well, obviously, the current leader has to die for our purpose."

"So what does the Miyazaki family get out of this?"

"Whole Japan. Worth a deal, don't you think?"

Betraying your own country to gain more power... How disgusting...

"So, I also have an offer for you, boy."

"Oh yeah? What is it?"

"Why won't you work for us?"

Now it all made sense. The reason they invited me here, the reason she explained me a lot of things. She was incredibly confident that they would win the war. However, with the information I just got, maybe I could have changed the course of the war. Of course, first of all, I had to get out of here with Misaki. I decided to play along, only for the time being.

"What benefit will this offer bring me?"

"You can leave here peacefully with the other boy and then do whatever you wish. You both are definitely talented, and I believe both of you would quickly rise in the new organization."

I didn't feel the need to ask what would happen if I refused; the answer was already clear. We were either leaving here alive or dead.