Ashen Moon: Volume 2 - Chapter 6

The content warning is in the footnotes⁰.

◇:*:◆:*:◇

The moment he stepped out of Shinagawa Station, he was enveloped by an air as stifling as a heatwave, making it suddenly hard to breathe. After a few steps, his underarms were damp with sweat. While Osaka was humid, Tokyo was no different.

Kato got into a taxi and headed to the home of the Motohashi group's leader. The driver, who seemed to be around fifty, was a chatty man, and by the time Kato had been subjected to his one-sided conversation for about fifteen minutes, the high wall surrounding the leader's mansion came into view.

"Is it around here? Where should I stop?" The driver glanced at the GPS and asked.

"Near the gate."

The taxi stopped in front of the building. Through the windshield, the driver looked up at the wall and said, "What a grand mansion this is."

While Kato was paying the fare, a stern iron gate slowly opened outward. A man in a white suit with slicked-back hair appeared, walking slowly toward the taxi with a bow-legged gait.

The driver's face turned pale.

"Keep the change."

As soon as Kato got out of the car, the taxi revved its engine loudly and sped through the residential area like a bullet. He hadn't intended to scare the driver, and he could have gotten off a bit earlier, but the heat outside was severe. He didn't want to walk in the scorching sun.

"Long time no see, Mr. Kato."

Yoshino, who was thirty-five this year and had joined the Motohashi group seven years after Kato, bowed his slicked-back head.

"Is the leader in?"

"He’s waiting inside."

Following Yoshino, Kato walked through the gate of the mansion. It was a familiar place, as he had lived there in the past.

The expansive garden was as beautiful as ever, meticulously maintained by a gardener. Vines entwined with the shrubs were in full bloom, with vibrant orange flowers that evoked a tropical feel.

Just as they entered the mansion, Kato encountered the leader's wife coming down the hallway. Despite it being summer, she wore a kimono with a cool grace. Though well past sixty, she still carried herself with the elegance of a white lily.

"It’s been a while," Kato greeted her.

She smiled amiably, saying, "It really has been a long time," but swiftly turned her slender chin aside and disappeared quickly into the depths of the mansion.

She used to take good care of the younger members living in the mansion, including Kato, but after the arranged marriage of her only son, Soichi, was called off, she had become noticeably distant.

When Soichi was brutally attacked by a low-ranking member of a rival group and was left severely injured, it was said among the members that she blamed Kato for not being by his side. Coupled with the failed marriage, her distrust in him had grown. Regaining trust in such a situation was difficult. With no excuses to offer, he could only continue to approach her with sincerity.

In the reception room, the leader was leisurely seated on the sofa.

"Sorry to summon you like this, Kato."

Seeing the leader for the first time in two years, Kato noticed that he had lost weight around his cheeks and stomach, giving him a more streamlined appearance. Though previously overweight, making this a healthier look, he seemed somewhat haggard. Despite the heat, he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt.

There was no ashtray on the table, and the room didn’t smell of smoke. For someone who used to love cigarettes, he must have quit.

"I hear you're doing well in Osaka."

The leader stroked his neatly groomed goatee.

"The elder brothers over there have been good to me."

"Is that so... Well, have a seat," the leader said, narrowing his eyes and nodding in satisfaction.

In Osaka, there was the Ashitani group, which was part of the same Rano group as the Motohashi group and the home of the leader's wife. They were making a modest living through traditional methods. The Kusasegawa group, located in the neighboring area and part of the same Rano group, coexisted with them by dividing the territories.

However, when the leader of the Kusasegawa group was replaced, the new leader, aiming to expand his influence, began to take in large numbers of young thugs, regardless of age or nationality. These thugs frequently caused disturbances in the Ashitani group’s territory.

When Kato arrived to help, the Ashitani group’s area was in chaos. Although the matter was handled discreetly, and no news stories emerged, several people had died.

The new Kusasegawa group leader's regime faced internal dissent, and several disgruntled senior executives defected to the Ashitani group. The police, fed up with the chaos caused by the Kusasegawa group’s thugs, secretly collaborated with the Ashitani group. With the defected executives' help, the new leader was caught red-handed with drugs and arrested.

The new leader died in prison. With key members gone, the Kusasegawa group fell apart from within, and their scattered thugs fled like spiders. Eventually, the group collapsed.

The Ashitani group swiftly absorbed the Kusasegawa group’s territory and members. A former Kusasegawa executive revealed that the new leader had planned to crush and absorb the Ashitani group, expand their territory, and then defect to the rival Touzen group. This explained why they had been unilaterally provoking conflicts within the same organization. In Osaka, the Rano group was weak. One could understand the desire to side with the stronger faction, but there was no sense of loyalty.

However, it was hard to believe the new Kusasegawa leader had devised such a bold plan alone. It seemed likely that a faction within the rival Touzen group had approached and incited him. But the Kusasegawa group's flashy activities had forced the police to act, thwarting the plan.

The new Kusasegawa leader hanged himself in prison. The Ashitani group claimed no involvement, but it was whispered that the Touzen group had silenced him. Yet, the drama in this world never truly ends. The cunning Touzen group, who had instigated the Kusasegawa group, might strike again. Although it had been quiet for the past six months, the eerie calm suggested something might be brewing beneath the surface.

Yoshino brought iced tea. The leader grabbed it eagerly and drank it down in one go, letting out a sigh of relief.

"There haven’t been any major disputes here either..."

His face, refreshed, softened.

"Everyone’s been so quiet, it’s almost unsettling."

Kato instinctively straightened his back. The leader grinned.

"...The calm before the storm, as they say."

The leader reached for the glass again, but stopped halfway when he realized it was empty.

"I’ll get you a new one."

As Kato began to stand, the leader stopped him.

"No need, sit down."

"You've been in Osaka for two years now... Have you seen my son?"

"No."

Kato shook his head slowly. He hadn't seen the leader’s son once in the past two years, but he had arranged for Hachi, the underling he left with him, to report back regularly.

"My son seems to have taken your departure quite hard. He’s completely stopped playing around with men... well, as far as I know."

Hachi had reported the same. Soichi no longer summoned anyone to his room or went out at night unless it was for work.

He stayed holed up in his room, focusing solely on amassing money. However, during the past two years, he had traveled abroad once, for a whole month. He only took two men from the group, leaving Hachi behind. When Hachi later confirmed with the two bodyguards, they said Soichi had spent his time idly abroad. He even let the bodyguards have a break, spending several days alone. Considering the attack incident, it was surprising to hear he had been alone.

On the other hand, it made sense that no enemy organization would likely pursue him overseas. It might have been more relaxing for him, allowing him to indulge freely.

"I don't care about him as long as I don't hear any embarrassing rumors. By the way..."

The leader leaned in.

"I want to speak frankly... Do you have any intentions of taking over the Motohashi group?"

Kato understood the question perfectly. He smiled.

"When Mr. Soichi eventually becomes the leader of the Motohashi group, I hope to support him, to be his foundation and shadow, if allowed."

"I have no intention of letting Soichi inherit the group."

The leader’s tone was light, but his eyes were serious.

"That happens often, doesn’t it? The first generation works hard to build a company, and then the second generation, the spoiled son, ruins it. Soichi might not be dumb, but he lacks character and popularity. He should just focus on the financial aspects, and a man with leadership qualities should handle the rest."

I couldn’t help but speak up.

"The industry is changing. I believe Soichi has the qualities needed to lead in the coming era."

I subtly indicated that I had no intention of taking over the organization. The boss leaned back on the sofa.

"You appreciate Soichi more than anyone else in this group. I’m grateful for that, but even with a parent’s bias, he’s still a screw-up."

Despite two years of restraining from scandalous behavior and diligently generating money for the group, the boss’s view of his only son as a burden hadn’t changed. He’s a stern man, even towards his children. Rebuilding trust in just two years was too short. Fortunately, the boss, at sixty-five, was still relatively young. There was enough time for things to change before he retired.

"Soichi won’t end up this way."

Soichi had indeed changed over the past two years. If his current calm state was due to my absence, then stepping away was the right decision.

"I believe that in five years, or even ten, he’ll have the stature and character to lead the group."

The boss listened quietly. The air conditioning was blasting so much that it felt chilly.

"Last month, I went to see Dr. Aizawa..."

The boss had a chronic condition, and Dr. Aizawa was his regular physician.

"I started feeling unusually short of breath. It had happened occasionally before, so the doctor ran some tests ‘just in case’. It turns out my heart isn’t in good shape. I need to be hospitalized for surgery."

I was too shocked to speak. Is it that serious? It must be, or surgery wouldn’t be recommended. What’s the success rate? In the worst case, during surgery... I didn’t want to think about it. My palms were sweating, and my heart was racing.

"Hey, you look like you’re at a wake."

The boss laughed heartily.

"They say there’s a 99% success rate. The blood vessels in my heart are clogged, so they’re going to use a vein from my leg to fix it. Even though it’s safe, it’s still major surgery, and there’s always a chance something could go wrong. That’s why I want to decide the group’s future now, to avoid any disputes later."

"I see..."

"Kato."

The boss tilted his head.

"It seems I don’t have much time. Even if the surgery goes well, there are still the post-operative concerns. I’m thinking it might be good to retire a bit early and take it easy. But the senior members won’t accept Soichi as the successor. You, on the other hand, have the qualities and presence."

"But..."

"How about this? You take over the group for now. If Soichi gains enough respect and stature to lead everyone, you can hand it over to him. That way, you’re just a ‘caretaker,’ so there’s no problem."

I couldn’t reply. I’d never considered becoming the boss. I didn’t see any meaning in holding power. I only wanted to protect the people and places I found important in my own way.

Moreover, how would Soichi feel about me taking the lead, even as a temporary measure? He’s determined to carry the group as its leader. I didn’t want to crush that spirit.

However, considering that the boss had called me from Osaka and confided in me about his illness, it was hard to outright refuse.

"...Can I have some time to think?"

After a moment of silence, I spoke up.

"Can you at least give me a verbal commitment so I can rest easy and focus on my recovery?"

He hit a sore spot. If it would give him peace of mind... I almost wavered but clenched my teeth.

"I’m sorry."

I bowed deeply, almost touching my forehead to the table.

"I’m truly sorry."

In the face of the boss’s disappointed expression, all I could do was apologize repeatedly.

I had planned to return to Osaka that day, but I changed my plans and decided to stay in Tokyo for a while. I wanted to ensure the surgery went well and be close by in case anything happened.

I informed the office of the Ashitani group in Osaka that I would be staying in Tokyo for a few days due to some personal matters. When asked for a reason, I lied, saying, "A woman asked me to stay." They laughed and said, "You’re quite the ladies' man." Although the boss of the Ashitani group was the brother-in-law of Soichi’s father, I didn’t mention the surgery. There were no rumors among the members, so there must have been a gag order.

I checked into a business hotel near Shinagawa Station and headed out into the night. I didn’t want to be alone and dwell on the boss’s words, and I wanted a drink.

I visited "Lavender," a familiar cabaret club in Yoyogi, after two years. It’s an old, out-of-fashion place, but the mama of the club was close with my first girlfriend.

"Oh, Kato. Long time no see."

Mama always wore heavy makeup, and as she aged, it got even thicker, creating deep wrinkles when she smiled. She looked almost like a youkai (Japanese demon).

As soon as I sat down, a hot towel and my usual drink were brought to me. I didn’t need to order; they knew my preferences.

"When did you come back to Tokyo?"

"Today. I have some errands."

While talking with Mama, a woman joined us. An old acquaintance in her thirties, someone I’d slept with a few times before.

"Welcome back, Kato. I’m glad you’re here again."

Ako entwined her arm with mine and leaned against me like a cat. She placed her hand gently on my thigh. Her green dress had a deep neckline, drawing my gaze to her ample chest. I remembered the softness and her moaning, which sounded almost like screams.

I listened to her talk, responding here and there while drinking. The content didn’t matter; I just needed a distraction.

We arrived early, so the place was almost empty, but it filled up as the night went on. I was getting pleasantly drunk.

Returning from the restroom, I saw Ako setting her smartphone aside and smiling at me.

"Hey, Kato, where are you staying? At the office?"

"No, at a hotel in Shinagawa."

Ako’s eyes narrowed, and she asked in a sweet voice, "Can you tell me your room number?"

"Can I come over after work?"

There was no reason to refuse a casual fling, so I gave her the hotel and room number. After about an hour more of drinking, I stood up to leave. Ako saw me off at the entrance.

While looking for a taxi, I heard someone call, "Kato!" Mama came running over. She was panting, her red lips trembling.

"What’s wrong?"

She placed her right hand on her chest to calm her breathing.

"It was hard to say in the store. Um, Ako has a boyfriend. And he’s a thug from the Abiko group. I told her to stop because this is Motohashi group’s territory, but..."

The Abiko group was an enemy organization associated with the Touzen group, though we hadn’t had major disputes with them.

"I don’t want to meddle, but I’d hate for you to get into trouble later."

A faint sense of unease connected the dots. Why did she ask where I was staying? Why didn’t she suggest a love hotel, which would have been less trouble...?

"Sorry if this bothers you."

"No, thank you, Mama."

I kissed the old, familiar woman and parted ways. I then immediately canceled my hotel reservation, claiming an urgent matter. Since I hadn’t left any belongings, there was no need to return.

I bought underwear and alcohol at a convenience store and checked into an old business hotel across the street. After confirming a vacancy, I settled in.

Sitting on the bad springy bed, I thought about Ako. If she was involved with an Abiko group thug, her approach wasn’t a coincidence. Her frequent checking of her phone might have been her communicating with him.

What’s the objective? Is it, as Mama said, to accuse me of stealing someone else's woman? However, right now, I'm living in Osaka under the care of my gang. I plan to return once the leader’s surgery is over. Do you plan to come all the way to Osaka to complain? Would you go that far just for some money?

Or is it simply to create a spark that will cause a clash between our gangs? If that's the case, the reason seems too trivial, claiming a subordinate’s woman.

I feel uneasy, taking a shower while feeling this uncomfortable, and drinking beer when my smartphone rings. It’s Ako.

"Hey, I’m at your door. Let me in."

Her sweet, coaxing voice now grates on my ears.

"I’ve checked out of the hotel."

"What?"

Her voice shifts from an actress's performance to her true self.

"I have to go back to Osaka suddenly."

"Back? At this time?"

"It was nice seeing you. Goodbye."

I end the call unilaterally and lie down on the bed.

"Before a storm, it’s always quiet."

The boss’s words briefly crossed my mind and faded away.

◇:*:◆:*:◇

I called Yoshino to a café across from the business hotel I was staying at. It’s a run-down place where time seems to have stopped since the Showa era (from 1926 to 1989), with dusty cat figurines on the shelves and faded menus.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Yoshino, indoctrinated with seniority hierarchy to his bones, apologizes even though he’s not late and orders iced coffee without looking at the menu.

"I heard the boss is being admitted today. Aren’t you busy? Sorry for calling you out suddenly."

Yoshino shakes his head, "No, it's fine."

"The surgery is in three days. Since having gang members at the hospital would bother the civilians, the boss’s wife and two bodyguards will be accompanying him, and we’re staying behind."

Sure, having tough guys hanging around the hospital would be bothersome, but even with strict secrecy, is it okay to have only a few guards for the boss?

"Though there are only two guards, they’re with him 24/7, taking shifts."

Reading my worried expression, Yoshino explains.

"It's peaceful around here now."

Was my unease just in my head? I hope nothing happens, but there’s also the issue with Ako.

"No noticeable moves from any gangs, enemies or allies?"

"That’s right."

The ordered coffee arrives.

"How about the Abiko group? Anything recent?"

"Abiko? Haven’t heard of any troubles with Motohashi group."

"Anything troubling you with Abiko?"

An old fling of mine became a mistress of an Abiko thug, which might have caused a scuffle, but it could just be a setup for a scam to swindle some money.

Yoshino glances at his watch.

"Got plans?"

"No, just bringing the boss a spare pair of glasses. He dropped them and cracked the lens. He can use them, but he says it looks bad."

"You’d better hurry then."

I just needed to check the situation with the Motohashi group and their affiliates or enemies since I’m in Osaka. I stood up.

"By the way, if you have time, would you like to visit the boss with me? He’s already complaining about being bored. He’d be happy to see you since you’re his favorite."

I remembered the boss talking about handing over the gang to me, though I haven’t responded yet. Despite the awkwardness, I decided to see him before the surgery and suggest increasing the security, then followed Yoshino to the hospital.

The boss is being treated at a private university hospital. I might run into Soichi, who might be visiting his father, but I’ll deal with that if it happens.

The boss’s private room is at the end of the south wing on the third floor. I wore a dark, subdued suit, while Yoshino wore a white suit, standing out conspicuously. A woman in the elevator with us moved away and avoided eye contact.

On the third floor, Yoshino exclaimed, "Ah!" and searched his pockets frantically.

"Sorry, I left the glasses in the car. Please go ahead. It’s room 301."

He returned to the elevator. I thought about how careless he can be as I headed to the boss’s room… but there was no one at the door. Odd. Maybe the guards are inside to avoid being seen. I knocked on the white sliding door.

"Excuse me, it’s Kato."

No response.

"May I come in?"

I listened closely but heard nothing. Are they sleeping? The boss and the guards? Unlikely. Did they go for a walk? The boss, with his cracked glasses? My unease grew.

"Excuse me."

As soon as I opened the door, a strong smell of blood hit my nose. A chill ran down my spine. The private room was about 16 square meters in size, with a light green curtain around the bed even though it was daytime. I rushed past the washstand and sofa to the bed, pulling the curtain back forcefully.

It was a sea of blood. The boss lay on the bed, eyes wide open. Blood dripped from his left hand, hanging off the bed.

"Boss!"

His chest was torn, soaked in red. His head slumped when I pressed his shoulder. He wasn’t breathing. His eyes were lifeless, like a mannequin’s. I had seen dead bodies before, but this person was not supposed to die like this.

The sliding door opened with a rattle. The boss's wife and Yoshino entered. Seeing them snapped me back to reality.

"Call a doctor!"

Yoshino stammered, "Huh?"

"Call a doctor now! The boss has been attacked."

Yoshino, still not grasping the situation, didn’t move. I shoved him aside and ran out, grabbing a nurse in the hallway.

"Get a doctor to room 301 immediately!"

The nurse hesitated, "Which doctor is in charge…?"

I dragged her to the room, pushing her inside. She screamed at the sight of the blood-soaked bed. The boss's wife collapsed in her kimono, and Yoshino stood frozen.

The nurse, trembling, pressed the nurse call button.

"You! You did this!"

The boss’s wife’s shrill voice echoed.

"You did this, didn't you?"

Her eyes glared at me, pointing directly.

"It was you! Not satisfied with seducing Soichi, you even went after my husband. I’ve always looked out for you, you ungrateful wretch!"

Doctors and nurses rushed in. A doctor shouted something, and nurses ran out. We were pushed aside as they worked. Even then, the boss’s wife hysterically accused me.

"Take her outside," I whispered to the pale-faced Yoshino.

"Oh, okay…"

"I’ll contact Soichi."

I left the room and walked to the end of the hallway, pulling up a number from my phone that had been silent for two years. After five rings, it connected.

"...What is it?"

The same voice as two years ago sent a shiver down my spine.

"It's been a while, this is Kato. I’m at the hospital. The boss has been attacked in his room."

I could hear Soichi gasp.

"The doctors are attending to him now."

"Is my father alive?"

The question was cold and direct.

"When I arrived, he was not breathing."

A pause, then Soichi sighed, "I see."

"The assailant is unknown. There were supposed to be two guards, but they’re missing."

"Are you at the hospital?"

"Yes."

"I’m coming now."

The call ended abruptly. I saw two uniformed police officers walking down the hall toward me.

◇:*:◆:*:◇

Since he was the first to discover the scene, Kato was taken to the station for "questioning" by the detectives who later arrived en masse. Unlike ordinary people, he was viewed with the preconception of being a "yakuza" from the start. The questioning was accusatory and persistent, but there was no evidence or weapon found. His alibi was confirmed as he was at a coffee shop at the estimated time of death, and a shadowy figure resembling the perpetrator was caught on the hospital's surveillance camera. Finally, he was released after 7 PM.

The boss had been admitted to the hospital in the morning and returned home cold late that night. The lady of the house clung to the boss, sobbing uncontrollably. Kato wanted to see the boss's face, but feared that his presence would further agitate the lady, so he could only glance at the scene through the sliding door.

When he stepped away from the living room into the hallway, he ran into Yoshino.

"I'm so sorry!" Yoshino apologized, bowing deeply.

"It's my fault... because I invited you to visit, you were suspected of being the perpetrator... I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. Don't worry about it," Kato reassured him, finally lifting Yoshino's tear-filled eyes.

"If only I had gone to see the boss sooner..." Yoshino said, wiping his tears away. Kato kneeled, pulled Yoshino close, and whispered in his ear.

"Are all the executives gathered?"

Yoshino nodded, and they proceeded to the far end of the hallway. The 32 square meters annex, usually used for executive meetings, awaited.

"It's Yoshino. I'm coming in," Yoshino announced, sliding the door open. As soon as the sliding door was slid open, an angry shout rang out, shaking the air.

"The boss has been killed!"

An elder, Yamahira, who was over sixty but more hot-blooded than the younger members, stood up from his chair.

"We can't stay silent! We'll make whoever did this pay!"

Around twenty executives, including the chairman, officers, and advisors, sat across a long table. At the head of the table, Soichi sat on a single-seater sofa, leaning on the armrest, his expression more somber than two years ago.

"Even if it means mutual destruction, we'll avenge the boss!" Yamahira roared like a bear. Though Yamahira was the only one speaking, the tension and murderous intent were palpable from all the gathered executives.

"...Kato," Soichi's voice redirected everyone's gaze.

"Everyone... it's been a while," Kato bowed his head. Itokawa, an executive who had looked out for him since his twenties, beckoned him over.

"Kato, sit next to me," Soichi said.

The surrounding stares were piercing. Two years had passed, but the scandal involving Soichi had not been forgotten. 'Even with your father dead, you keep your man by your side,' they seemed to silently accuse.

The executive sitting next to Soichi rose reluctantly, trying to vacate the seat, but Soichi stopped him with a glance, saying, “It's fine, don't move.”

"We don’t need your seat," he declared.

With no other seat vacant, Kato stood behind Soichi like a shadow, noticing the thinness of his nape.

"Why is someone from another group here?" Yamahira raised his fist.

"Kato! You're currently under the custody of the Ashitani group, aren't you?"

"I called him back from Osaka," Soichi stated calmly.

"The timing might seem off, but the boss intended to bring him back eventually. Now, the more people we have, the better."

His decision was unilateral, without seeking Kato's opinion.

"Kato, you didn't kill the boss, did you?" Katagiri, an officer with protruding teeth, glared at Kato. The room fell silent; there were those who doubted him.

"Why did you return to Tokyo on the day the boss was killed when you were supposed to be in Osaka?"

"The boss called me to the main house. When I heard he was having surgery soon, I decided to stay here until it was over."

Yoshino, sitting near the entrance, spoke up. "I also heard from the boss that he called Kato from Osaka."

"It was I who invited Kato to visit the boss," he said defensively, but Katagiri silenced him with a shout, "Are you in on it too?"

"Why did the boss call you from Osaka to Tokyo?" Katagiri pressed.

Kato couldn't reveal the reason in this setting.

"...Just say it plainly," Soichi, still facing away, ordered.

"The boss asked me to take over as his successor," Kato stated, causing a stir among the executives.

How did Soichi know that?

"It's not surprising. My father had health concerns. Naturally, he considered succession. Since the Motohashi group doesn't follow hereditary succession, he likely found me inadequate and considered Kato as the leader," Soichi's voice resonated through the room.

"I don't care who leads the Motohashi group. Do as you please. But until we find and kill those who murdered my father, I'll lead this mourning battle," he declared.

No one objected. Soichi was slender and not exactly the type to be imposing, but the rough-looking executives were subdued by Soichi's determination and presence, sending shivers down Kato's spine.

"Anyone have any objections?"

With the boss's son leading the vendetta, there were no dissenters.

"There was an incident in Osaka where the fifth-generation Touzen group instigated the Kusasegawa group under the Rano group to cause infighting. Touzen group didn't make another move after their plan failed. They're likely shifting their operations to Tokyo after being exposed in Osaka. This time, they targeted the leader directly," Soichi declared.

The executives listened attentively, subdued like tamed cats.

"My father's death is just the beginning. Other bosses under our umbrella might also be targeted, and once chaos ensues, they'll aim to crush us," Soichi continued.

"Katagiri," he called out.

"Do you believe Kato killed the boss?" he asked.

Katagiri averted his gaze, looking uncomfortable.

"Well... no..."

"If you do, you're out. Leave."

Katagiri's eyes widened in shock. Soichi stood up from the sofa.

"When the leader is killed, we need to unite and find the enemy, not suspect our own. People like you disrupt our unity," Soichi said sternly.

Katagiri trembled, his shoulders shaking.

"Until we avenge my father, my word is law."

Katagiri, despite his harsh demeanor, was a trusted executive by the deceased leader. Being expelled over a single word would leave unnecessary resentment. Kato instinctively leaned forward.

"Mr. Katagiri has every reason to doubt me. I was the first to find the scene, and the circumstances..."

Before he could finish, Soichi turned and slapped him hard. Kato staggered back, hitting the wall.

"Don't talk back," Soichi warned, shaking his hand slightly. He walked slowly towards Katagiri, whose menacing presence was now subdued.

"You've always worked hard. My father trusted you completely, and I know that too. But don't doubt Kato. Anyone suspicious will face my punishment," Soichi said.

Katagiri looked up at him, his voice trembling, "Understood."

Satisfied, Soichi returned to his seat.

"Have your subordinates gather information discreetly. Report anything suspicious to Kato. I will stay here until everything is resolved," Soichi declared, glaring at the ceiling.

"Consider this the start of a war," he said quietly.

◇:*:◆:*:◇

The meeting ended, and Soichi was the first to leave. As soon as the person who had dominated the room left, the atmosphere relaxed slightly.

"...Wow, that was surprising," someone murmured.

"I thought he was just a weakling, but he turned out to be quite capable."

"And his yelling reminded me of his father."

Admiration for the transformation and leadership of the only son welled up around them.

As I touched my cheek, still throbbing from where Soichi had struck me, a sharp pain ran through my skin.

"Kato," Itokawa whispered in my ear as he quietly approached.

"Was that speech in front of everyone your idea?"

"What do you mean?"

"The big speech by the young master. Even I was captivated."

"I had nothing to do with it. I was in Osaka and hadn't been in contact with Mr. Soichi for the past two years."

His eyes, filled with suspicion, asked, "Is that true?"

"Honestly, when I heard the old man died, the first thing that came to mind was who would succeed him. Our group's leaders are solid but plain. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's hard to say if any of them have the presence to lead. When I thought about who could take over, your face came to mind first. But you're still young and under the care of the Ashitani group. I wondered what would happen, but..."

Itokawa nodded shallowly.

"If the young master leads the vendetta for the boss, and we can punish those who attacked us, his standing will rise. Then, no one will oppose him taking the lead. If he can generate money and has charisma, no one will complain."

"That's wonderful. Mr. Soichi always had the capacity to lead the group. I think the boss's death spurred him to renew his determination."

"Aren't you disappointed?" Itokawa peered up at my face.

"You might miss your chance to become the master of the castle."

I laughed softly.

"I'm not the type to be at the top. It's more my style to support someone I believe in."

My clenched hands began to tremble slightly.

"I was at the scene when the boss died this afternoon. At the time, I was too shaken to think clearly, but now the anger is welling up. I regret not realizing that the quiet movement of the opposition after the skirmish in Osaka was strange, even though the boss felt it too. We couldn't do anything about it."

As I spoke, tears welled up in my eyes.

"But recalling Mr. Soichi just now makes me incredibly happy. It was like seeing the ideal man I've long wished for."

Itokawa watched me intently, caught between regret and excitement.

"I never thought much of the young master, but if that's his true nature, maybe I underestimated him."

The senior members of the group began leaving the room one after another. Now they would each use their subordinates to desperately flush out the people who killed the boss. The disappearance of the two members who were on guard duty was also worrying. There were no signs of a struggle in the hospital room, so they probably defected to the enemy group. They either committed the act themselves or facilitated the hitman and then fled.

As I was about to leave the room last, Yoshino appeared from the other end of the hallway and approached me.

"Mr. Kato, Mr. Soichi is calling for you. He’s in his room."

"Understood."

"See you," Itokawa said, returning to the main building. Yoshino, who was supposed to have finished his job as a messenger, stayed and stared at me.

"What’s wrong?"

Yoshino looked down, then lifted his face determinedly.

"Did Mr. Soichi really have to hit you like that?"

He asked quietly.

"In the meeting earlier, you were just defending Mr. Katagiri, right? And yet..."

"It's fine. If he had only blamed Mr. Katagiri, it would have isolated him and left a lingering issue. That's why he punished me too. By doing so, he showed everyone that he doesn't treat me differently."

Yoshino's eyes widened in realization.

"That person calculates everything he does. Don't criticize, just watch the results."

I left Yoshino with those words and headed to Soichi's room in the western wing. Even after Soichi moved into an apartment, his mother kept his room as it was, so he stayed there when he came home.

"...It's Kato."

"Come in," came the brief reply when I knocked on the door.

"Excuse me," I said, entering the room, which was about 16 square meters in size. Soichi was sitting on a chair at the desk he used during his student days. It had been a while since we were alone together, and I was a bit nervous.

"...It's been a while."

"Yes," I replied, bowing deeply.

"When the information comes in, sort it out and report to me."

"Understood."

The chair creaked as he shifted.

"I'll talk to the Ashitani group's leader and get you back from them."

"Understood," I replied, noting his decision. He glanced at me for a moment to gauge my reaction, then looked away.

"Find the person who killed my father. Until things settle down, stay here in the mansion."

I assumed he meant we would share a room, but he said, "Use the vacant room in the east wing. Just inform the housekeeper."

"Thank you. But won't the lady object to me staying under the same roof?"

She had already accused me of being the culprit without seeing any evidence.

"She's just agitated because of how my father was killed. She's a yakuza's daughter and wife. She'll calm down eventually. But try to stay out of her sight as much as possible."

Though it would be hard to avoid her entirely under the same roof, staying in the mansion was certainly more efficient for gathering information.

Soichi let out a long sigh, his gaze wandering aimlessly around the room before slumping onto the desk.

"...Perhaps you should rest a bit."

"Yeah."

"Did you eat dinner?"

"No."

"Should I have something prepared?"

After a moment of consideration, Soichi nodded and closed his eyes.

"...I never thought my father would die."

He muttered.

"We talked on the phone last night. He laughed and told me not to worry about the surgery. And now this... In just one night, everything has changed."

He seemed to be talking more to himself than to me.

"I couldn't live up to my father's expectations. I knew he was disappointed in me. But... he was still my father."

Covering his face with both hands, he said, "Leave me alone."

A child couldn't remain unaffected when a parent died so brutally. Despite it all, Soichi had managed to win over the senior members who might have held a grudge against him with his performance at the meeting.

I quietly left the room and went to the kitchen, asking the long-time housekeeper to prepare a light meal for Soichi and to inform her that I would be staying in the vacant room in the east wing. Then I headed to the entrance. Just as I reached it, the sliding door opened, and Hachi appeared with a briefcase in hand. He froze in surprise, then bowed his head.

"...It's been a while."

I had made sure to keep Hachi's reports to me a secret from Soichi, so we pretended it was our first meeting in two years.

I nodded slightly. Hachi followed, understanding the gesture.

The east room was about 9 square meters in size, windowless, with just a TV in one corner and a desk opposite the entrance, making it a rather bare space. It had once been used by junior members of the group, but no one had occupied it since I left for Osaka.

I entered the room and closed the sliding door.

"I'm back in Tokyo."

Hachi, looking pleased, bowed and said, "Welcome back."

"I'll be working under Mr. Soichi. You've done well these past two years."

"No, I'm grateful for your attention, Mr. Kato."

He's a loyal man. I glanced at the briefcase Hachi was holding.

"What's that?"

Hachi replied, "I don't know."

"Mr. Soichi ordered me to bring this black briefcase from his bedroom."

A faithful man like him wouldn't have looked inside. I knew the case contained sex toys, implying Soichi couldn’t part with them for even a day. Considering how he used to voraciously engage with multiple men daily, it was preferable he was satisfied with toys.

"I need your help. There's a hostess named Ako working in one of Motohashi group's bars. Apparently, she's dating a young member of the Abiko group."

Hachi chuckled, "She's quite fearless, isn't she?"

"That woman approached me the other day. I turned her down, but she might have been trying to set me up with a man from the Abiko group. Given what's happened, I want to make sure. I'll follow the woman, and if the Abiko man shows up, we'll catch him and make him talk. We might get some information about the boss's situation too."

Hachi nodded firmly, lips pressed together.

"I'm going to lure the woman out. After you've finished your errand for Soichi, secure two more strong men and have them standby nearby."

Hachi nodded again, saying "Understood," and left the room. After taking a deep breath, Kato called the woman, Ako.

"Who is this? Oh, it's the heartless person who stood me up!"

Even though she pretended to be angry, her voice was sweet.

"I apologize for last time. I had to return to Osaka, but now I'm back in Tokyo."

"I know. I saw the news about the boss of the Motohashi group passing away."

Her somber tone irritated him, but he let it slide.

"The funeral arrangements haven't been made yet, so I'll be here for a while... Can we meet tonight?"

Ako responded softly, "Sure. I'll comfort you, even if you are heartless."

Kato ended the call and booked two adjacent rooms at the hotel he had canceled previously, then emailed Ako the number of one of the rooms. She replied with a heart emoji, saying, "I'll come after work. Don't leave this time."

There were two hours until the meeting time. Suddenly, Kato realized he was hungry. He hadn't eaten since lunch but hadn't felt the hunger due to the constant tension.

He wondered if Soichi had eaten. The housekeeper mentioned she had brought him some tea and chazuke about thirty minutes ago and was about to collect the dishes. Kato offered to do it, saying he needed to talk to Soichi.

The days ahead would be tense until they captured the person who had attacked the boss. The psychological burden would be significant. Soichi, always a light eater, needed to maintain his strength.

As Kato approached the west wing, he heard faint noises... like gasping. It wasn’t his imagination, and the sounds grew louder.

"Ah... ha... fuh..."

Mixed with the gasping was a buzzing electronic sound. Light spilled into the hallway from Soichi's partially open door. The cautious Soichi wouldn't have left it ajar; perhaps the housekeeper had forgotten to close it.

"Hee... ha... haaan... fuh, fuh..."

Cold sweat broke out on Kato. Other executives might still be in the mansion. He needed to close the door before anyone else noticed. As he hurried closer and peeked through the gap, he saw Soichi sitting in a chair. He had slid his hips forward, with his legs folded and placed on the chair's edge... and he was naked from the waist down.

"Ha... ha... ahnn..."

A vibrator was thrust between his legs like a skewer. Soichi gripped the sex toy with his left hand, moving it vigorously up and down. His slender waist shook, and the chair creaked.

"More, more... make it more intense."

He pleaded with the machine.

"Ruin me, mess me up."

The machine, of course, had no intention, providing only mechanical stimulation.

"I want it bigger, more... I want it..."

His head fell back, mouth open like a bird begging for food.

Years ago, Soichi had enjoyed being penetrated simultaneously from the front and back by two men. Now, he had nothing. His red tongue flicked out, licking the air as if seeking something not there. Kato suddenly recalled the boss once calling his son a "rotten peach."

Soichi's defiant stance in front of the executives had excited Kato. But seeing him masturbate in the same manner as before left Kato disheartened.

Was he expecting too much from this man? No one is perfect. Soichi had stopped recklessly getting involved with men and began showing leadership. That should be enough. He would just have to pretend he didn't see the perverted masturbation.

Kato stepped away from the door. He hid and opened a nearby closet door, slamming it shut to alert the wanton man.

The loud bang echoed. Panicked footsteps followed, and Soichi's slightly ajar door slammed shut with tremendous force.

Footnotes

0. Content warning: NSFW, violence.

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