Kenjiro Muto leaned forward, the dim office light catching the edge of the revolver between them. His voice was calm, almost too calm for a man with blood on his hands.
"This is your moment. One bullet. One choice. Save them and change... or leave like you came—untouched, unmade."
Jin stared at the gun. His hands trembled. Sweat trickled down the side of his temple. He reached forward, fingers brushing the cold steel. The weight of it sent a jolt up his arm.
Kenjiro turned to his subordinate.
"If he doesn't pull the trigger by the count of ten—shoot the girl and her father."
"Yes, sir," the man said without hesitation, raising his pistol toward the hostages.
Jin's breath caught in his throat. His heart pounded like a war drum.
"This psycho…" Jin thought, swallowing bile. "He's forcing me to become a killer."
"Eight…"
Jin gritted his teeth. "Bastard…"
"Six…"
"I have no choice," Jin whispered. "I have to do it. If I don't... he'll kill them."
"Four…"
His eyes darted to Kuno—her small body trembling in fear beside her father.
"He's the bad guy," Jin muttered. "He deserves it."
"Two…"
Jin exhaled, deep and broken. "Just shoot him."
"One."
Kenjiro's voice was still eerily casual. "Pull the trigger."
Jin's finger squeezed the trigger.
BOOM.
The hammer struck metal. The last bullet exploded from the chamber.
It tore through the space between them and struck Kenjiro Muto square in the forehead.
For a moment, no one moved.
Blood erupted like a crimson fountain. Kenjiro's body fell back in his chair with a dull thud, his eyes still open . Blood dripped onto the wooden floor in slow, sickening taps.
Jin lowered the revolver, staring at what he'd done.
The subordinate's arm went limp. The pistol in his hand clattered to the floor.
Outside the room, someone peeked in and then ran off shouting. A moment later, fists pounded on the door. Angry voices shouted beyond it.
The subordinate hesitated, then turned to the door and opened it.
He looked at the gathering thugs.
"Boss is dead," he said, voice hoarse. "He died the way he wanted. No one moves."
And he slammed the door shut.
Jin blinked, disoriented. The smell of blood, alcohol, and gunpowder filled his lungs.
"Why?" Jin asked. "Why did he do this?"
The subordinate leaned lit a cigratte, rubbing his eyes. "I don't know. Maybe the cancer. He was sick. Still had a few years left, but… people get strange when they know they're dying."
Jin clenched his jaw. "So… what happens now?"
The man looked at him, exhausted. "You can go. All of you."
"And you?"
He gave a tired shrug. "I'll tell my boss what happened here. But if you're smart, you'll leave town. Fast."
Jin narrowed his eyes. "Your boss?"
The man's voice hardened slightly. "You've overstayed your welcome. Please… go."
Jin didn't argue.
He rushed over to Muten and Kuno, slicing the rope binding their wrists and peeling the tape off their mouths.
Kuno fell forward and clutched him tight.
"I was scared, Jin-oniisan…" she whispered, voice shaking, eyes wet with tears.
Jin gently stroked her head. "You're a brave girl, remember?"
She sniffled and nodded.
"Let's get you home."
He handed her over to Muten, who was still limping from the earlier abuse.
The two men stood, shielding the girl between them as they made their way out.
As they passed through the hallway, every gangster stared at Jin—some with respect, some with fear, others just stunned.
Muten glanced at them all—bruised, groaning, leaning against walls and holding broken arms.
"You did all this… alone?" he asked.
Jin nodded once. "Yes."
They stepped outside.
The city was still alive. Neon lights blinked, laughter spilled from nearby bars, and taxis zoomed past. A strange contrast to the bloodstained silence they left behind.
Jin raised a hand and flagged down a taxi.
As the car slowed to a stop, Jin looked at Muten, who was cradling Kuno in his arms, her small body asleep from exhaustion.
"So… where will you go?" Jin asked. "I don't think this is over."
Muten exhaled. "I know people in Kyoto. And… Kuno's mother is there. I've kept them apart for too long. It's time she knew the truth."
He looked at Jin.
"And you? What will you do?"
Jin stared out at the city. "This is my home. I've got nowhere else. I grew up here… with my mother. I'll stay."
"You can come with us. You'd be safe—"
"Thanks, but… i am staying."
Muten nodded reluctantly.
"Ki—" he began, trying to gently shake her awake.
"Let her sleep," Jin said. "She's been through enough. She doesn't need to say goodbye."
Muten gave a quiet nod and stepped into the cab.
But Jin remembered something. "Wait."
He sprinted across the street to a corner shop, ducked inside, and returned moments later holding a small item.
He handed it to Muten through the taxi window.
"Give her this. It's from me."
Muten opened it. "A… school bag?"
Jin smiled faintly. "Our secret. She'll understand."
He passed a few bills to the driver and then to Muten.
"This should get you to the your destination."
Muten looked at him one last time. "Thank you for everything, Jin."
Jin stepped back. "No need to thank me, Muten-san. I just did what I had to do."
He tapped the car roof twice. The driver took the cue and pulled away.
Jin stood there alone, watching the taillights disappear into the night.
The city moved on around him.
But Jin… Jin stood still.
Alone.
Changed.