The atmosphere in the room turned grim. It was hard to believe that the very company they had fought for and bled for now branded them 'rogue'. In Japan, such a word meant only one thing—death.
Li checked the windows, scanning the distance through his binoculars."Caps… we've got a problem. There's a whole group of men out there, all geared up—same uniforms as Riku's team. They're just standing there, waiting. And leading them… it's Chief Takeshi himself.And he's not alone—there's someone with him. American, maybe? Looks like another mercenary unit has joined them and…"
His voice cut off. His body stiffened. He couldn't bring himself to finish.
Anton's face hardened as realization hit. "Holy mother of God… those SUVs…"
Richard yanked the binoculars from Li, muttering, "The fuck are you talking ab—" He froze, his breath catching. Then the words tore out of him. "That fucking son of a bitch. It was Kieta. The damned rat staged it all!"
Ayane staggered back as if being slapped. She had trusted Kieta like a younger brother. Her lips trembled, but no words came. Disbelief crashed over her like a wave.
Riku frowned. "Fuck. What's wrong with him?"
Li slumped into a chair, despair washing over his face. "Shit… I should've seen it coming. With his obsession, that lunatic was bound to pull something like this."
Riku pressed, "You mean you know 'why'?"
Li cut him off with frustration raw in his tone. "Because of you. Because you actually won the caps. Dammit."
The words hung in the air like poison. Silence pressed in. Ayane's tears finally broke through her stoic mask. Even Riku clenched his fists, hating that he was being singled out but unable to deny the truth.
Richard broke the silence, his voice steady but low. "It's all right, bro. None of us blame you. His betrayal? That's on him, not you."
Riku exhaled and nodded. His eyes flicked to Ayane. She looked lost. Quietly, he laid a hand on her shoulder, letting her lean against him for support.
Li straightened, forcing calm into his voice. "I'm sorry for the crash-out. But listen.. they're well prepared. Not firearms this time. Tactical shields. Machetes. Advanced helmets. Every countermeasure we've set up—poison gas, mines, kerosene, escape routes—they know it all. Because of that rat, Kieta." He struck the table with his thumb as he laid out the bleak reality.
The celebratory mood had bled dry, replaced by chill resolve. The shadow of life and death loomed heavy over them. But beneath it, another fire stirred in every heart—rage.
Ayane's team had worked together for three years. Despite their differences and occasional doubts in each other's opinions, time had forged those rough edges into understanding and respect.
Their bond had been tested repeatedly through chaos, fire, and thunder. Yet each time, they triumphed. Each mission not only brought them closer to their goals and earned them money, but also built a sense of camaraderie that felt like family.
And now, that bond was shattered by someone they once called their own. Someone they had trusted to watch their backs and to lean on in times of need.
*Thump*
a dagger was plunged on the table. it was anton, who burst out in anger. he was not the one to take on things as it is so easily. he said looking straight at caps,"i dont care if i die or run, but i want.. this dagger on kieta's chest. traitors must die.
Richard nodded. "Yes, boss. As long as you're with us, I'm sure we can pull this off."
Ayane snapped out of her shock. She wiped her tears and looked around at everyone's faces.
Riku was the only one who remained calm, as if quietly accepting whatever she had planned. The others, however, were clearly out for blood.
Her pained expression hardened as she made her decision. Reaching out, she took the dagger herself."Then he won't be spared," she said coldly.
Before their unity could settle, a loudspeaker crackled. Kieta's voice filled the room."Captain, Ayane—it's me. I know you hate me. But I have my reasons. Riku fooled you with big promises, but the Company will never let that go. He's dealing with the Chinese alone, and you know what that means. If you surrender willingly, with your team, and hand him over… we can settle this peacefully. Please. Reconsider your choice."
Li shot to his feet, with rage boiling. "That deceiving bastard! Still trying to worm his way into captain's head!"
Richard shoved open a window for a clearer view, his jaw tight. "What a fucking fox. He wants us to be Company slaves forever."
Then another announcement came. It was from Takeshi."Listen, Ayane. As your mentor, I'll give you ten minutes. Don't even think about running.If we come in… there will be only blood."
Ayane's face hardened at Takeshi's words. She knew this man—her master. Everything she had learned came from him. The odds were stacked against them, but surrender was not an option.
Hope sparked suddenly. Li, excitement creeping into his tone, pointed at Anton and Richard. "Wait—you two. Where the hell is the yacht? Yes.. that can be our escape ticket."
The men blinked. Then it hit them as their memory turned into realization.
Anton scratched his chin and nodded. "Hmm… possible, bratan."
Both Riku and Ayane looked confused. Ayane raised an eyebrow."Can someone please tell me what's going on?"
Richard sighed, half-exasperated. "All right, boss. Don't get mad. We were actually planning to surprise you on your wedding night—with a yacht. Rented one. It's parked on the neighbor's deck."
Anton smirked through his accent. "Best part? Kieta don't know. We rented after he left."
Ayane took it all in and reached a conclusion. "So you're saying we make a scene, trap them, and escape from the rooftop using the grappling gun?"
"Sounds like a good plan," Li exclaimed.
But Riku raised a hand, practical as ever. "Agreed. But we still need someone to sneak past them, get the yacht ready, and bring it close. Who's going?"
The room fell silent. One by one, all eyes turned to Richard.
He froze, swallowing hard. "Fuck… why always me?"
Outside the villa, after 8 minutes..
David looked impatient as he tapped his foot and checked his watch."Damn… why give them ten minutes when five could've done the job?" he muttered.
He glanced at Takeshi, who was still scanning the villa and its surroundings with binoculars, completely ignoring him. That lack of response grated on David. He raised his voice to needle the man into speaking."Don't forget, we need atleast a head and the copied source code. Company won't pay for sob stories."
Takeshi finally looked at him, his tone calm but cutting."We will bide by our deal. And we expect you keep yours."
The jab shut David up. He hated the reminder, but money was the only thing that mattered here. Every extra bullet fired, every minute wasted—it was all profit slipping away. He hmphed, kicking at the dirt, but spat out one more retort anyway."Two minutes. No more."
akeshi returned to his cool watch, unmoved. He had his units positioned on the front and back exits, confident the mined lawn was enough to kill any suicidal attempt. If Ayane's team tried that path, it would be their own grave.
Deep down, he still hoped she'd surrender, as mercy was the last gift he could give her as her former master.
Just as the timer ran down, the villa door opened. Out came a short, broad-shouldered American with his hands cuffed high. Richard.
Kieta frowned immediately. Something wasn't right.
He whispered sharply to Takeshi in Japanese."Chief, don't trust him. He's Ayane's most loyal dog—he'd burn himself alive if she ordered it. This is a trick."
Takeshi gave a slight nod, acknowledging the warning.
David chuckled when he saw Richard."Damn, Takeshi. You recruiting all nationalities now? Planning to replace us in the global rankings?"
Kieta puffed himself up, trying to impress Takeshi. He had already noticed his distaste in conversing with the american."We take pride in skill, Sir Anderson. If you ever change your mind, we would also welcome your approach."
Takeshi chuckled, but David barked out a harsh laugh."Like you bastards could afford me. Besides, I don't like kennels where the dogs forget who holds the leash."
Kieta's face darkened, but before he could answer, Richard was shoved forward. Kieta redirected his fury onto him, sneering."You American dog, think you're too smart?" He kicked Richard hard in the stomach. "Why did you come instead of captain? What's going on inside?"
Richard staggered but tried to spit at him. Kieta dodged and drove a fist into his gut, sending him rolling across the dirt. Then he laid into him, boots slamming against his ribs."I fucking hate you, dwarf! Always taking sides with that traitor. Bet it was your idea to cheat the company. Fucking Americans.. best place for you is under someone's boots!"
Richard groaned, curling under the blows, but no one moved to stop it until Takeshi's steady voice cut through."Halt. We need him able to answer."
Kieta stopped reluctantly, straightening his shirt and fixing his glasses. At least he'd had his chance to grind down an American after Anderson's mockery.
He shot David a look, but David only smirked, unbothered.
Personally, David didn't give two shits about Kieta or Richard. Their cause, insults, pride—none of it mattered. Deep down he knew they were no less than primates who could be crushed whenever he wanted. His only concern was the timing that he needed to pass.
Richard was dragged up, face swollen, lips bleeding. Surrounded by guards, one pressing a machete to his neck, he still grinned through the blood."Long time no see, Chief. I came to present captain's terms."
Takeshi raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly at the absurdity."You think you're in any condition to negotiate?"
Richard added with a chuckle, "Yes, because we are half the prize. Won't it be a shame if we decide to bury the rest with us?"
Kieta snarled and lifted his hand to slap him."You fucking little—"
"Enough." Takeshi's hand stopped him cold. "Tell me her terms."
Richard licked blood from his lip and spoke."She's willing to surrender, but wants assurances for her safety and the team's. We've even captured Riku—he'll die on your command. But for trust, she wants Kieta himself as your representative, guarded by at max ten men. I'm here as a hostage, a sign of good faith."
Kieta's face paled instantly. He bowed low to Takeshi, panicked."Chief, don't believe him. It's a trap! They'll kill me the moment I step in there!"
Takeshi, however, didn't sense any foul play as he considered the words he'd heard. By the details, Riku was the mastermind—so if Riku alone died, things could be much better. Ayane didn't have many options.
Also they were the ones who had set the terms earlier, so it was only fair for her to be cautious. Given her personality, it was beneath her expectations to act otherwise.
He said, looking at Kieta, "You think they'd dare attack you in the presence of ten of my best guards?"
David laughed, a note of scorn rising in the air. "Some work culture you've got. Captain willing to throw one of his own into the fire just to save a bunch of misfits. Cute." He leaned toward Kieta, smirking. "I hope you don't chicken out, pal. Looks like your captain's got bigger balls than you."
Kieta swallowed his rage, fixing his glasses before bowing again."I shall follow Chief's order."
Takeshi gave him an approving look and ordered two teams of five men each to escort him.
One of the guards pointed at Richard."What about him, Chief?"
Takeshi glanced at the beaten American whose hands were cuffed. Hurting him further might break the fragile trust. And he knew Ayane's eyes were on them even now."Put him at the corner. Keep him under watch."
The guards dragged Richard aside.
Despite the blood on his face, Richard grinned wider. In his head, everything was moving exactly as they'd planned.