Ayume's POV
"Did you find him?" I asked one of my underground bodyguards.
"Yes, sir. He's in the basement," he replied.
I hummed in response, lost in thought. After all these years… fifteen years… I had finally found a trace of him—D-N0. Just a mere rat working for him, but even a rat can lead me to its nest.
My thoughts were interrupted by a sharp, agonized scream. I clicked my tongue in irritation. So noisy.
As I stepped into the basement, the metallic scent of blood filled the air. The man tied to the chair was covered in crimson, his body trembling.
"P-please… let me go! I don't know anything!" he stammered, his voice thick with terror.
I crouched before him, my patience hanging by a thread. "This is the last time I'll ask—where is he?"
His lips quivered. He knew. I could see it in his eyes—the fear, the hesitation. He understood just how desperate I was to find the man who had destroyed my family.
"I-I don't know where he is," he finally choked out. "B-but… there's a rumor… they say he visits a bar called Bar Blooming every month. That's all I know, I swear!"
Osamu, standing beside me, sighed in disappointment. "That's not good enough." Before the man could beg further, Osamu raised his gun and pointed it at his forehead.
Bang. Bang.
Our eyes met the moment the shots rang out. Osamu had already read my anger, my burning desire for revenge.
"Let's go home," he muttered, tucking the gun away.
I exhaled slowly, calming the fire raging inside me. I should introduce myself—Ayume Fujikawa, leader of the Yamaguchi-gumi.
---
One Hour Later – Fujikawa Residence
The moment we stepped into the living room, a small but firm voice stopped us in our tracks.
"Stop right there!"
I closed my eyes, already feeling my exhaustion fade. That voice could make me forget everything—the blood, the violence, the revenge.
Michi.
My adorable little brother stood before us, arms crossed, a pout on his face. His big eyes sparkled with frustration, and his small nose was a little red—signs of an impending tantrum.
"Where have you two been this late at night?" he demanded.
Osamu, sensing the incoming storm, subtly tried to escape.
"Brother Osamu," Michi caught him instantly, narrowing his eyes. "Are you trying to run away?"
Osamu froze. "N-no, of course not."
I sighed, knowing full well why Michi was upset. We had returned late and had missed having dinner with him. He hates being left alone.
"Big brother, don't talk to me," he huffed, turning away dramatically.
I crouched beside him, gently tilting his face up. His nose was even redder, his lips quivering slightly. Oh, God. He's about to cry.
Without a second thought, I pulled him into a hug.
"Baby, why are you crying, my cute little puppy?" I murmured, stroking his hair.
He wiped at his eyes furiously. "I'm not crying! You guys are just… cheaters."
Osamu chuckled. "Cheaters? What did we do, cutie?"
Michi puffed out his cheeks. "You forgot! You forgot about our promise!"
I glanced at Tetsu, who was sitting comfortably with a bowl of popcorn, thoroughly enjoying the scene.
I sighed. "Okay, I'm sorry. What should we do to make it up to you?"
Before he could answer, Tetsu suddenly spoke up. "Oh, by the way, Toshiro and Yuichi went to Shimoichi."
Osamu and I snapped our heads toward him.
"What?!" we said in unison.
"They went to apologize and confess," Tetsu added nonchalantly.
I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. They could handle themselves, but still… my stomach twisted at the thought of anything going wrong.
My thoughts were once again interrupted by Michi tugging at my sleeve.
"Brother, let's go too! Now I want to go to Shimoichi!"
I narrowed my eyes. "Michi, don't tell me you have a test tomorrow."
Tetsu smirked. "Oh, he definitely does."
Michi ignored him and changed the subject. "Did you guys have dinner?"
Osamu and I exchanged guilty glances.
"No," I admitted.
Michi huffed. "We were waiting for you."
I ruffled his hair. "Okay, first, let's have dinner. Then we can talk as much as you want."
And so, the night ended with all of us gathered around the table—family, together despite the chaos surrounding us.
---
Shimoichi – Toshiro's POV
I stared at the house in front of me. My heart was racing.
"Is this the place?" I asked.
Yuichi nodded. "Pretty sure. Just go for it." He gave me a thumbs-up.
I swallowed hard and rang the doorbell.
The door creaked open, revealing a small figure. A child? Or maybe a very young boy? I couldn't tell.
Before I could process, he asked in a sharp voice, "Who are you? What do you want?"
From his tone, I guessed a boy. Clearing my throat, I asked, "Does Harumi Matsuo live here?"
The boy hesitated. "Yes, she does, but—"
A woman's voice interrupted him.
"Wazuki, who's at the door?"
A beautiful woman, likely in her forties, appeared. She frowned at the boy and playfully flicked his forehead.
"How many times have I told you not to call her by her name so casually?" she scolded before turning her attention to us. "You're here for Harumi, aren't you?"
Before I could answer, a voice rang out from inside—a voice I had been aching to hear.
"Oh my God… what are you doing here?!"