*
The adrenaline still thrummed through Ren's veins as he stood in the dimly lit alley, the bodies of his would-be assassins sprawled around him. The three Shadow Guard operatives stood motionless, their armored visors reflecting the flickering neon glow of the city.
**[Host has successfully survived the first assassination attempt. Analyzing threat origin…]**
Ren clenched his fists, his mind racing. *Who the hell wants me dead? And why now?*
One of the Shadow Guard stepped forward, removing his helmet. The man beneath was sharp-eyed, his face lined with scars of countless battles. "Sir, we should relocate. This area is no longer secure."
Ren blinked. "You… you can talk?"
The guard nodded. "We are the Shadow Guard—elite operatives personally trained by your father before his death. Our sole purpose is to protect you."
Ren's chest tightened. *Father…* He had only vague memories of the man—a stern face, a rare smile. Had he really been part of something so vast?
**[New Quest: Investigate the Assassins' Backers. Reward: Unlock Tier-1 Black Market Access.]**
Ren exhaled sharply. "Alright. Let's move."
---
### **The Hidden Safehouse**
The Shadow Guard led him through a series of backstreets before arriving at an unassuming apartment building. A retinal scan later, and the door slid open to reveal a high-tech hideout—sleek monitors, weapon racks, and a holographic interface glowing in the center of the room.
**[Safehouse Activated. Host may now access basic intelligence networks.]**
Ren approached the hologram, where a digital map of Neo-Tokyo pulsed with red markers.
"These are known syndicate hotspots," another guard explained. "The men who attacked you carried gear linked t ino the *Yamaguchi-gumi*, one of the major underworld factions."
Ren frowned. "Why would the Yakuza care about me?"
The System chimed in.
**[Hypothesis: The Kuroda Zaibatsu's rivals have hired them to eliminate the last heir before you reclaim your inheritance.]**
Ren's jaw tightened. *So this is a power play.*
"Sir," the lead guard said, "we need to strike back before they send more men."
Ren's fingers hovered over the hologram. "Then let's find out who's really pulling the strings."
**[Accessing Black Market Network…]**
A new screen flickered to life, displaying encrypted auction listings, illegal arms deals, and—most importantly—a shadowy forum where information was traded like currency.
Ren's eyes locked onto one name: **"The Broker."**
A notorious information dealer who operated in Neo-Tokyo's underworld. If anyone knew who had ordered the hit, it was him.
**[Quest Updated: Locate and Interrogate The Broker.]**
Ren smirked. *Time to play their game.*
---
### **Neon Underground**
Dressed in a borrowed tactical suit, Ren moved through the neon-drenched underbelly of the city, flanked by two of his Shadow Guard. The third remained at the safehouse, monitoring communications.
The Broker operated out of a high-end club called **"Eclipse"**—a front for the city's elite criminals. Getting in wouldn't be easy.
**[Suggestion: Use Legacy Points to purchase a Disguise Kit (50 LP).]**
Ren mentally confirmed the purchase, and a sleek facial scrambler materialized in his pocket. He activated it, his features shifting subtly—just enough to avoid recognition.
The bouncers at Eclipse barely glanced at him as he slipped inside, the bass of the music vibrating through the floor. The club was a sea of masked socialites and underworld figures, all hiding in plain sight.
Then he saw him.
The Broker—a thin man in a tailored suit, lounging in a VIP booth, a smirk playing on his lips as he exchanged a data chip with a cyber-enhanced mercenary.
Ren's grip tightened. *Time for answers.*
**[Warning: Host is entering a high-risk confrontation. Activate Stealth Protocol?]**
Ren's lips curled. *No. Let's do this the direct way.*
He strode forward, his Shadow Guard blending into the crowd, ready to strike.
The game had just begun.
---
**To Be Continued…**
**Next Chapter Preview:**
- **Interrogation & Betrayal:** The Broker holds more than just answers—he knows a secret about Ren's family that changes everything.
- **First Blood:** Ren's first true kill—will he hesitate, or embrace the ruthless legacy of the Kuroda name?
- **The Hidden Enemy:** A new faction emerges, one even the Yakuza fears.
Would you like a more action-heavy next chapter, or deeper intrigue into the Kuroda Zaibatsu's past?