Inside the Port Mafia Headquarters.
Kurumi Tokisaki walked briskly down the hallway alongside the secretary guiding her.
The floor was lined with an exquisite red carpet, embroidered with golden threads in a simple yet captivating pattern. On either side, dark brown hardwood walls stretched out, adorned with ornate Western-style sconces that illuminated the path ahead. The European-inspired architecture exuded both luxury and classical elegance.
But upon closer inspection, the truth became apparent.
Every corridor had surveillance cameras mounted on the ceiling, dutifully monitoring every inch of the building. If one examined the walls carefully, faint traces of hidden compartments could be spotted—should an intruder be detected, poison gas or automated machine guns would activate, eliminating the threat without mercy...
This was the stronghold of the Port Mafia, the most impenetrable fortress in all of Yokohama.
Anyone foolish enough to barge in had better weigh their own strength carefully—otherwise, the moment they took their first step inside, they'd never see the sun rise again.
Soon, under the guidance of the boss's secretary, after passing through multiple identity checks and switching elevators, Kurumi finally arrived at the underground parking garage.
Rows of black Port Mafia sedans sat parked there, as silent and oppressive as coffins—each coming and going accompanied by death.
"Well, my duty ends here. Best of luck on your mission."
Having completed the boss's orders, the secretary turned and left, leaving Kurumi alone.
Once the secretary was gone, Kurumi stepped into the garage, scanning for her driver.
Her gaze quickly landed on a figure standing beside one of the cars.
A female mafioso, dressed in a man's suit, her short blonde hair tied back simply. She carried an air of maturity and efficiency, the very image of a career-driven woman.
"Hello."
Kurumi approached with a smile. "I'm the assigned operative for this mission—Kurumi Tokisaki. I'll be in your care for the journey ahead."
"Ah—"
The sharp-eyed woman faltered for a moment, clearly taken aback by Kurumi's extravagant dress and youthful appearance. She hadn't expected the mission's executor to be… this kind of girl.
But years of experience in the organization quickly brought her back to her senses. She extended a hand. "My name is Higuchi Ichiyō. Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, Miss Higuchi."
Kurumi shook her hand lightly, a brief but polite greeting. "I'll be counting on you to take me to the mission site."
"No trouble at all. Assisting the assault squad captain is part of my job," Higuchi replied. "Please, get in."
The two entered the car, and Higuchi smoothly started the engine, following the GPS's directions as they drove out from the underground garage onto the city streets.
Gazing out the window at the rapidly passing nightscape, Kurumi let out a quiet sigh.
Only now, after leaving Port Mafia headquarters, did her tightly wound nerves finally loosen a little.
Her induction into the Port Mafia was already set in stone.
During her face-off with Mori Ōgai, she'd been fully alert, carefully playing the role of Kurumi Tokisaki to avoid any mishaps.
Though she'd been confident in her plan's success, confronting a genuine, ruthless mafia boss was no small psychological burden for someone who, just an hour ago, had been an upstanding citizen.
Fortunately, the outcome had been favorable—both sides reached an agreement without much conflict, allowing her to complete her first side mission.
The hardest part was over. Now, all she had to do was follow orders as a member of the organization while looking for chances to complete her other system tasks.
As Kurumi pondered her next moves, Higuchi—seated in the driver's seat—kept stealing glances at her through the rearview mirror.
As the secretary assisting the assault squad captain, this was Higuchi's first time serving someone other than her usual superior.
Because until now, the Port Mafia had only ever had one assault squad captain.
Her boss—Ryūnosuke Akutagawa.
The Port Mafia's Rabid Dog, the Hell's Gatekeeper who reaped lives, the most dangerous individual on the government's most-wanted list.
As the organization's top enforcer, Akutagawa carried out his duties with ruthless precision, annihilating every enemy in his path without hesitation, proving his worth to the syndicate.
Infamy was the highest praise. Bloodshed, the greatest honor.
He executed slaughter with cold indifference, enforcing the organization's authority through sheer, unrelenting violence.
Relied upon by his allies, feared as a monster by outsiders, possessing strength beyond compare—that was the assault squad captain in Higuchi's eyes.
Yet this girl, Kurumi Tokisaki, gave her none of that impression.
So then—how could someone like her hold the same rank as Akutagawa?
"Miss Higuchi, is something the matter?"
"Huh?"
"You've been looking this way quite a bit."
Higuchi stiffened. She'd been sure she was being subtle—Kurumi's gaze had been fixed outside the window the whole time. How had she noticed?
But now that she'd been caught, there was no point hiding it. "I… I was just curious why someone like you would join the Port Mafia."
"Someone like me?"
"Yes. How do I put it…? You seem like an upper-class young lady—graceful, refined, well-mannered. The kind of sheltered noble daughter who'd never even glance at the underworld."
"My, what flattery. But I have my reasons for joining."
"I see. Still, as your senior, I should warn you—mafia work is exhausting, both physically and mentally." Higuchi sighed. "It's probably too late now, but someone as young and capable as you… you really should've gone somewhere else."
"Oh? Could it be… you're worried about me?"
Kurumi's lips curled into a smile, her crescent-moon eyes gleaming with amusement. "How kind of you, Miss Higuchi. But rather than worrying about me, I'm more concerned about whether you're suited for the Port Mafia."
Caught off guard by the newcomer's sharp insight, Higuchi could only let out a dry chuckle.
At first, she'd joined the Port Mafia out of admiration for Akutagawa. She'd thought she was prepared.
But the reality of the organization's work was far more brutal than she'd imagined.
In the year since she'd joined, she'd forced herself to act the part of the hardened professional—but inside, she was already worn thin.
Not that she regretted it. But survival was… difficult.
Maybe it was precisely because she understood the Port Mafia's true nature that seeing a girl like Kurumi step into this abyss made her uneasy.
"Don't worry, Miss Higuchi. I'm not as delicate as I look—I'm actually quite strong."
Kurumi's smile deepened.
"Still, I appreciate your concern. I'm confident I can handle Port Mafia work just fine."
--+--