Rainy Night, Tokyo Bay
The rain poured relentlessly, blanketing Tokyo Bay in a stormy shroud. It was as if the entire scene had transformed into a chaotic ink painting, each droplet splashing and smearing the canvas of the night.
The downpour cleansed the bloodstains from the ground, the crimson streaks winding their way down the rivers and vanishing into the endless sea.
On the desolate shoreline, two men in black suits stood motionless, exuding an aura of icy menace that seemed to seep into the very air around them.
One was tall and slender, the other short and stout. Yet together, they radiated a murderous intent so palpable it was as though the Grim Reaper himself had taken form.
They were Gin and Vodka.
Vodka, his suit muddied from the rain-soaked ground, leaned slightly over the edge, peering into the turbulent waters. He couldn't help but speak, his voice tinged with unease:
"Brother, Bacardi's body has sunk. Should we call the men to recover it?"
Gin, his silver hair glistening under the rain, turned sharply, his anger barely restrained.
"Idiot," he hissed. "The gunshot hasn't faded yet. The police will be here any moment."
He paused briefly, his lips curling into a cold, mocking smile.
"And no one survives a bullet to the heart."
Confidence gleamed in Gin's expression, a testament to his impeccable marksmanship. Yet, the faint ache in his shoulder made him wince. His brows furrowed in irritation.
The traitor, Bacardi, had dared to fight back, landing a lucky shot that grazed him. It was a small wound, quickly dealt with, but the very act had been an affront to his pride.
Vodka, noticing his elder brother's discomfort, stepped forward, concern etched across his face.
"Brother…"
"Drive," Gin interrupted coldly, cutting him off.
…
Moments later, a familiar sound broke the silence. The low growl of a classic Porsche engine echoed as the black 911 roared to life.
As the wail of police sirens began to rise in the distance, the car sped away from Tokyo Bay, disappearing into the labyrinth of the city.
Inside the vehicle, Gin dialed a number, his voice calm but sharp.
"Boss, Bacardi has been eliminated. Are there further instructions?"
Before the Boss could reply, a furious voice erupted from the other end of the line.
"What?! Gin, are you out of your mind!?"
The voice belonged to Vermouth. Her anger crackled through the phone like a storm, every word laced with venom.
"Bacardi was mine! Who gave you the right to kill him!?" she demanded, her tone wild and almost hysterical.
Gin and Vodka exchanged uneasy glances. They had never witnessed Vermouth in such a state.
"Vermouth—" Gin began, but his words were cut off by an aged, commanding voice in the background.
"Enough!" the Boss barked.
But Vermouth only grew more frenzied.
"So it was you, wasn't it, old man!? You're the one who gave the order…"
Her accusations devolved into a chaotic tirade before the line went dead.
Gin stared at the phone, his expression darkening. He understood the delicate position Vermouth held within the organization. Yet, her blatant disrespect toward the Boss over something as trivial as Bacardi was unforgivable.
He clenched his phone tighter, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Fortunately, Bacardi is dead," he muttered to himself. "Soon, everything will return to order."
…
Meanwhile, the rain continued to intensify, pounding against the streets of Beika Town.
Outside a luxurious apartment complex, a white car pulled to a stop. Inside sat two women, the dim streetlights casting a soft glow over their features.
The driver, a young woman in a green coat, looked lively and cheerful. Her straight brown hair framed a face brimming with energy—this was Midori Kuriyama, an assistant at the Kisaki Law Firm.
But next to her, in the passenger seat, sat a woman of an entirely different caliber.
Draped in a sleek blue suit skirt and gold-rimmed glasses, the woman's presence was magnetic, almost otherworldly. Her brown hair was meticulously tied back, exposing a face so flawless it seemed sculpted by divine hands.
Even in her silence, she radiated an air of regal authority, a queen-like aura that commanded both admiration and fear.
Her suit, though conservative, could not conceal her elegant figure. Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, held a brilliance that drew others in while warning them to keep their distance.
She was the kind of woman who turned heads effortlessly—a ripe beauty, exuding allure and danger in equal measure.
This Is the Trump Card of Kisaki Law Firm
Erina Kisaki—the undefeated "Legal Queen" of Kisaki Law Firm. Her name alone was synonymous with excellence in the courtroom, a figure revered for her flawless record.
Yet, even a queen can show signs of weariness.
Seated in the passenger seat of a white car, Eri leaned back slightly, her delicate features framed by the soft glow of the dashboard lights.
Beside her, Midori, her young and spirited assistant, could barely contain her excitement.
"Sensei, you were incredible in court today! You completely silenced Prosecutor Kujo!" Midori exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "And those reporters, bribed by the real estate company—they'll have to swallow their words now!"
Her voice brimmed with energy, as though she was still reliving the courtroom showdown. But when her gaze shifted to Eri's slightly tired expression, she quickly reined in her enthusiasm.
"We're here, Sensei," Midori said softly. "Please, get some rest."
Eri nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Midori. You've worked hard today as well. The case is finally over, so take a couple of days to rest."
She glanced at the rain pelting the car windows and added gently, "It's pouring out. Drive home safely."
With that, Eri opened the car door and stepped out, her black umbrella unfurling against the heavy rain.
As she emerged, a pair of elegant legs clad in flesh-colored stockings and sleek black heels touched the wet pavement. Her tall, graceful figure cut a striking silhouette against the stormy backdrop.
Midori watched her mentor walk away, admiration shining in her eyes. To her, Eri was a vision of perfection—poised, intelligent, and commanding.
'If only I could be even one-tenth as amazing as her…' Midori thought wistfully before shaking her head. She started the car and drove off into the rain-soaked streets.
…
The rhythmic clatter of high heels echoed in the downpour as Eri made her way home. The familiar path brought a sense of calm—finally, a moment to relax after the grueling case.
'A warm bath sounds heavenly right now,' she mused.
But her thoughts were interrupted as her sharp, phoenix-like eyes caught sight of something unusual.
On the sidewalk ahead, a small figure lay sprawled on the wet ground.
Eri's steps quickened, her heart tightening as she approached. Beneath the rain-soaked black shirt draped over him was a young boy, unconscious.
The sight froze her in place for a moment.
The boy's short black hair framed a face so delicate and flawless it resembled a porcelain doll. Despite the mud streaking his features, his beauty was undeniable—more striking than even the most famous child stars.
His small frame, wrapped in ill-fitting clothes, appeared fragile and vulnerable. An inexplicable wave of pity and protectiveness surged within Eri.
She looked around, but the street was deserted.
'Is he lost?' she wondered. 'He can't be more than seven or eight years old…'
The cold rain continued to soak him, and the thought of him catching a fever spurred her into action. Without hesitation, she picked up the boy, shielding him with her umbrella as she hurried toward her apartment.
…
When Akashi Kushikawa stirred, he felt warmth replacing the cold. His heavy eyelids fluttered open, catching glimpses of a soft, delicate face and concerned phoenix eyes.
He felt gentle hands wiping him down with a warm towel, soothing his chilled body.
And then, exhaustion pulled him back into unconsciousness.
But in his mind, a strange voice echoed repeatedly:
『Ding! Contact with a high-quality member of the opposite sex detected. Yin energy absorbed. Body recovery and attribute improvement in progress.』
『Ding! Contact with a high-quality member of the opposite sex detected. Yin energy absorbed. Body recovery and attribute improvement in progress.』
『Ding! Contact with a high-quality member of the opposite sex detected. Yin energy absorbed. Body recovery and attribute improvement in progress.』
Eri, watching the boy slip back into unconsciousness, gently touched his forehead. Thankfully, he didn't have a fever.
Her gaze lingered on his delicate, almost otherworldly features. His body, unmarred by any injuries, was like a masterpiece sculpted by an artist.
'He should rest for the night,' she thought. 'I'll ask him about his situation in the morning.'
Yet, as her eyes wandered, an uncharacteristic blush crept across her cheeks. She quickly pulled a blanket over the boy, chastising herself internally.
'What's wrong with me?' she wondered, her heart racing. 'Why am I having such inappropriate thoughts about a child?'
Shaking her head, she picked up the basin and towel and retreated to the bathroom.
Her reflection in the mirror revealed her flushed face. She sighed and splashed cold water onto her cheeks.
'I must be exhausted. That's all it is…'