Sato stood before his mirror, the early morning light filtering into his room as he meticulously styled his hair. His backpack lay slung over one shoulder, a silent testament to his impending mission. "Yes, this should do," he mumbled to his reflection, giving a final nod of approval. He turned to leave, but a sudden jolt of memory sent him scrambling back. His phone, a vital lifeline to his digital quest, lay innocently on his bed. "Almost forgot this," he muttered, snatching it up and sliding it into his pocket before making his swift descent downstairs.
His mom, already bustling about, preparing to open their family restaurant, looked up, a puzzled expression creasing her face. "Your breakfast is on the table, where do you think you're heading dressed like that?" she asked, her arms already beginning to fold. Sato, grabbing a slice of bread and practically inhaling it, pointed vaguely towards the door as he fumbled with his shoes. "I'm heading to the Mega Mall, Mom!"
"There's a literal supermarket next door, why the Mega Mall?" she questioned, now with her arms fully crossed. Sato, finally managing to secure his shoes, explained, "The game's first sale is at the Mega Mall, and I have to grab one before it's sold out!" He finished chewing the bread, eagerness practically vibrating off him.
His mom's expression softened. "Oh, so that's why you needed an early pay. Well, take care and make sure you're back on time, okay?"
Sato, clearly in a hurry, flung the door open. "Yeah, sure, love you, bye!" he called out over his shoulder, disappearing into the morning light. His mom smiled, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she watched him go.
Outside, Sato's phone was already out, his thumbs furiously typing to locate the nearest train station. "Shinjuku train station isn't that far from here. If I hurry, I can make it before 9 AM," he calculated, increasing his pace, a determined glint in his eyes.
Meanwhile, deep within the opulent, underground mansion headquarters, Ryū sat upon his imposing black chair. His brow was furrowed, his mind consumed by strategies to neutralize the burgeoning nuisance that was the Kuro Ryū-kai. Damn it, Jigoku Akagi... I swear I've heard that surname before. Akagi... Ryū's eyes widened, a sudden, chilling realization dawning on him. I remember now. Riku Akagi, the first leader of Sunset Yakuza. Back then, they were the biggest mafia group in Japan. He ruled for years and died. Jigoku must be related to him somehow, seeing how he combined Sunset with Kuro Ryū-kai and they share the last name.
He swiftly pulled out his sleek laptop, typing "Jigoku Akagi" into the search bar. A site popped up, detailing a horrifying profile. Ryū read aloud, a grim incredulity in his voice, "What the fuck? 2000 body count in one and a half years and he's wanted? How is this guy wanted around the world for the past seven years and no one has gotten him yet? My stakes aren't this high. This guy is a devil... So he's Riku's grandson... that son of a bitch. I can't fight him financially as well, his mafia's net worth is at 3.8 billion dollars, at tie with ours."
A sharp knock at his door instantly snapped Ryū from his thoughts. His laptop slammed shut, and every trace of nervousness vanished from his face, replaced by an impassive mask. "Come in," he commanded.
Kenma entered, his expression urgent. "Sir, you need to know this. Kuro Ryū-kai has taken out some of our guys in Tokyo, and they also came across one of our Rokushin members, Hayashi. He was able to take out fifty in total, but unluckily, Jigoku was with them. With their numbers, they took him out."
Ryū's voice was low, laced with a dangerous calm. "So Hayashi is dead?"
"No," Kenma corrected, a hint of surprise in his tone. "He somehow survived, so we rushed him to the hospital. He'll be okay, but it would take months of healing. Our other Rokushin are thirsty for revenge. Even our top two Rokushin members, Eddie and Grey, came all the way from the UK. We are just waiting for your orders, sir. Give the go-ahead and let us end this!"
Ryū remained silent for a moment, deep in thought, before finally stating, "I can't."
Kenma's eyes widened in genuine shock.
"Everyone Jigoku knows is dead," Ryū continued, his gaze hardening. "So he wouldn't think twice before putting everything into a death match. Me, I don't care about what would happen to me; death is the least thing I fear. But I do have someone to protect: my daughter."
"Then make this happen," Kenma urged, "because if you don't, they are only going to target her and force you to. With all members of Rokushin in Tokyo, plus you, we can win this fight."
Ryū scoffed. "You are underestimating them, Kenma. Don't do that. Yes, you're right, there's an 80 percent chance if we go to a full-out blood war with the new Kuro Ryū-kai led by Jigoku, we would win. But the Akagi's fight mentally; that's how they were able to stay at the top for so long. In a battle, they use their brains more than their fists. So I doubt things would end well."
"Then what are we going to do?" Kenma pressed.
A sly smile crept onto Ryū's lips. "Just ignore them for now. But we can't stay quiet. Send a bomb to one of their hideouts and locate Jigoku no matter what it takes. Then send his address to the police. The military would kill for that. And inform everyone at home to guard my daughter and proceed with caution."
Kenma bowed deeply and exited the room.
"Jigoku Akagi," Ryū murmured to himself, his smile widening into a predatory grin. "You want a mafia war? Then you have to bark for it like the dog you are."
Meanwhile, Sato was in a desperate dash to catch the early train to the Mega Mall. As the train doors began to slide shut, he launched himself forward, leaping through the shrinking gap just before they closed, landing awkwardly on the floor inside. Other passengers stared, thinking he was mad. He slowly stood up, gripping a train pole as the carriage lurched into motion. I made it! This is supposed to be a six-minute ride, right? Sato thought, tapping his foot repeatedly, trying to occupy himself.
But the more he tapped, the more he noticed his shoe sticking oddly to the ground. He raised his leg, a groan escaping him as he saw a large piece of gum firmly adhered to his sole. "Fuck, I just bought these shoes! Okay, don't panic. Just use your napkin," Sato muttered, rummaging frantically through his bag. "Of course, I forgot it." He sighed in defeat and settled for using a piece of paper to try and scrape the sticky mess off.
As he bent down, his head accidentally bumped into a girl's butt. The girl, (Sakura), turned, her face contorted in disgust. Sato straightened up slowly, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Let me explain! It's not what it looks like—"
But Sakura gave him no chance. A shrill scream tore through the train car.
Minutes later, Sato stood outside his train stop, a clear red handprint starkly visible on his cheek. He frowned, mumbling to himself as he finally headed out of the station. The Mega Mall loomed before him, a beacon of hope after his chaotic journey. "Finally made it! All those long hours of work... yes!" Sato exclaimed, pushing through the automatic doors.
Immediately after, a sleek limousine glided to a halt in front of the mall entrance. Hikari stepped out, a wide, joyful smile gracing her lips as her eyes fixed on the impressive structure before her.