Hokkaido, within a secret manor.
Night spread like ink, the estate hidden deep in a dense coniferous forest, surrounded by towering stone walls. Sharp barbed wire crowned the walls, making it a fortress isolated from the world. The buildings inside were ancient and mysterious, wooden structures arranged with deliberate irregularity. Thick snow covered the rooftops, and occasionally a few flakes slid from the eaves, producing a soft rustling sound.
At the center of the manor lay a natural hot spring. Steam rose from the warm water, blending with the cold night air, forming a thin veil of mist that shrouded the estate in secrecy. Stone lanterns dotted the edge of the spring, their faint light passing through paper shades to reflect gently on the water's surface, shimmering like scattered waves.
Kawashima Fukuichiro stood at the spring, dressed in a dark kimono, a black belt tied around his waist, projecting solemnity and gravity. His hands hung loosely by his sides, fingers slightly curled, betraying a subtle tension beneath his composed exterior. His gaze cautiously studied the man in the spring, mingling respect with unease.
In the hot spring, Koizumi sat with his eyes closed, shoulders and above exposed to the warm water. His lean face radiated an austere presence, like an iceberg one dared not approach lightly. His hair had begun to gray but remained meticulously combed. Drops of sweat trickled down his forehead, gliding over his cheeks into the steaming water.
A few cherry blossom petals floated atop the spring, drifting with the gentle ripples. This traditional touch of Japanese onsen culture symbolized fleeting beauty, complementing the warm water and casting a serene, harmonious atmosphere.
"Kawashima-kun," Koizumi finally spoke, his voice low and measured, as if drifting from a distance, "I hear your Dark Night Project is progressing smoothly. Congratulations are in order."
Fukuichiro bowed slightly, a modest smile on his face, though a trace of subtle pride gleamed in his eyes. "Thanks to you, Koizumi-kun. Our samurai blade is nearly complete, the scabbard almost ready. Soon, the day the blade unsheathes will arrive."
Koizumi slowly opened his eyes, their sharpness slicing like knives directly at Fukuichiro. "But… Commissioner Smith's side… there seems to be trouble?"
Fukuichiro's expression darkened instantly. He lowered his head, his voice laced with restrained anger. "Yes, Koizumi-kun. While the Pacific allies support us, it seems… they want to claim all the credit for themselves."
"All the credit?" Koizumi's brow furrowed, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. He raised a hand and tapped lightly on the water's surface. Ripples rose and fell with crisp, deliberate sounds. His movements seemed casual, yet each tap carried invisible pressure, pressing on Fukuichiro's nerves.
"Outrageous!" Koizumi's voice rose, tinged with anger and indignation. "Ever since the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Plan failed, the Empire's fate has rested in America's hands. Now the Eastern powers are rising again. Caught between two nuclear giants, our extinction is always a risk. In this global climate, developing nuclear weapons is impossible. Therefore, if your Dark Night Project succeeds, it becomes a bargaining chip, a deterrent."
Fukuichiro's eyes glinted coldly. He lifted his head, voice low and resolute. "Koizumi-kun, I've secretly altered the EASV's attack mechanism. Its lethality is no longer confined to East Asians. If we choose, it can infect all humanity. Those arrogant Westerners will think twice before underestimating us."
Surprise flickered in Koizumi's eyes but was quickly replaced by a harsh, decisive calm. A shadowy smile curved his lips. "Kawashima-kun, you must know—so long as it remains in Japan, America can still seize it."
Fukuichiro nodded, eyes glinting with cunning. "Exactly. That's why I've devised a perfect plan. Risky, yes, but the only option."
Leaning forward slightly, Koizumi fixed his gaze on Fukuichiro, probing, as if trying to read his thoughts. "Oh? Do tell."
Fukuichiro leaned close to Koizumi's ear, speaking in a whisper, cautious that the wind might carry his words. Steam rose between them, forming a thin barrier that isolated their conversation from the rest of the world.
Koizumi's expression shifted with every word—first confusion, then shock, then cold resolve. His fingers tapped lightly on the spring's edge, a soft "thump-thump," as though drumming the battle call for this audacious plan.
"Well, Kawashima-kun," Koizumi finally said, voice laced with approval and anticipation, "risky as it is, this is indeed our only path. If it succeeds, the Empire will rise again, and those who once underestimated us will pay the price."
Fukuichiro allowed a faint smile of satisfaction but quickly masked it. Bowing slightly, he spoke with a tone of respect. "Koizumi-kun, I will spare no effort in executing this plan, and I will not disappoint your expectations."
Koizumi nodded, eyes growing deep and distant. Slowly, he sank back into the spring, lost in thought. The cherry blossom petals continued to drift on the water, silently blessing the conspiracy about to unfold.
Fukuichiro stood by the spring, gaze fixed on the horizon, ambition and desire brimming in his heart, as if he already glimpsed the future he envisioned. Yet he failed to notice the subtle, knowing smile curling on Koizumi's lips, laden with hidden intent.
Steam continued to rise from the hot spring, shrouding the estate in mist. Outside, wind and snow howled, as if heralding the storm soon to arrive.
Meanwhile, Kawashima Sakurako lay on a cold hospital bed, the monotone beeping of machines filling her ears. Weak and nearly immobile, her mind remained sharp. She knew she had to regain strength quickly to have any chance of rescuing her child.
Every corner of the laboratory was under surveillance. Fukuichiro and Commissioner Smith monitored her every move. She needed a breakthrough, an opportunity they could not anticipate.
At that moment, the door to the room opened slightly. A nurse in white uniform entered, carrying a tray with bottles and syringes. Her face bore a professional smile, yet her eyes betrayed a faint, almost imperceptible tension.
"Miss Sakurako, it's time for your injection," the nurse said softly, her tone tinged with concern.
Sakurako nodded slightly, eyes locked on the nurse. She noticed the nurse's fingers trembled subtly, as if hiding something.
"Are you new here?" Sakurako asked gently, probing.
The nurse paused, then nodded. "Yes, I just transferred to this laboratory."
A glimmer of hope sparked in Sakurako's heart. This nurse might be her only chance.
"Thank you for looking after me. I'm hungry. Please bring me something to eat later," Sakurako said, feigning resignation, subtly testing the nurse's reaction.
"All right, Miss Sakurako. Finally, you're speaking and ready to eat," the nurse replied.