As they entered, they could see what Hiroshi's restaurant had become, a once bustling, vibrant establishment filled with the mouth-watering aromas of traditional Japanese cuisine, now felt like a ghost of its former self. The tables and chairs were overturned, and the once beautifully decorated walls were marred with graffiti and scorch marks. A few of the hanging lanterns flickered weakly, casting erratic shadows that danced on the walls, adding to the eerie atmosphere. N
As they passed through the main dining area, Kazuya and the others saw dozen of people lounging around, some were gambling, while others were doing bizarre acts, the gangsters who wore full black were scattered everywhere with their weapons casually draped over their shoulders or resting on the tables. They looked up with suspicion and curiosity as the trio was escorted through. Some were sharpening their blades, while others were counting stacks of money or inspecting their unique weapons. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, smoke, and a faint hint of alcohol.
Kazuya's eyes caught a glimpse of the kitchen through a set of swinging doors. It was in complete disarray, pots and pans scattered across the floor, and the once-gleaming countertops now stained and grimy. The sight of the ruined kitchen made his stomach churn; this was supposed to be a place of warmth and community, not fear and chaos.
They were guided through a narrow hallway adorned with faded pictures of happy patrons and family gatherings. The contrast between the joyful past and the violent present was stark. Kazuya felt a pang of anger and sadness for Hiroshi and his family.
Finally, they arrived at a large, private dining room at the back of the restaurant. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few flickering candles placed haphazardly on the long wooden table in the center. The table was cluttered with maps, documents, and empty sake bottles. Three figures sat at the table, their conversation halting as the group entered.
These people seemed like the leaders of this gang.
One of them, a towering figure with a scar running down his cheek, held a sword that seemed to flicker with flames. His eyes were cold and calculating, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. Next to him stood a lithe woman with jet-black hair, her whip coiling and uncoiling like a snake. Her expression was one of cruel amusement, clearly relishing the power she held.
But Kazuya's attention was drawn to the third boss, a young man with wild, unkempt hair. He possesses a katana, but it was unlike any katana that Kazuya had ever seen. It was glowing with an eerie dark light, and Kazuya had no doubt that it was as deadly as they looked.
The man with the scar, who appeared to be the leader, looked up from a map he was studying. His piercing gaze swept over Kazuya, Toma, and Shota.
The gangster who escorted them nudged Toma forward. "Here they are, boss. They claim to be the advance team sent by the boss to check security."
The man with the scar leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Is that so? And what exactly is the crucial information you have for us?"
Kazuya and Shota glanced at each other, they had a worried expression as they knew they were definitely going to be in trouble now.
Toma stepped forward, his expression unwavering. "We've been tracking rival groups in the area. We have reason to believe they might be planning an attack. We're here to ensure your defenses are solid and provide any necessary.
They were all quiet for a while until the young man who wielding the dark katana spoke.
"Is that so?"
"Yes." Toma answered.
The gangster who escorted them was behind Kazuya and Shota. He was glancing at the leaders, reading their expressions as tighten the grip of his sword, ready to slash at any moment.
The tension was high and dense, there was a long silence that seemed like an eternity. And to everyone in the room, it seemed like a fight was going to occur at any moment....
But then the young man with the dark katana ended the silence with a clap. "Very well then, good work! This is delightful news, now we can prepare ourselves if there's going to be an incoming attack"
Kazuya couldn't believe it, even the gangster behind them was astonished. It was a surprise that the boss believed them.
"Is there anything else." The young man asked.
"N-no! That's all!" Toma said, clearly surprised as well.
"Then you are dismissed..."
The gangster who escorted them who was still dumbfounded about what happened was told to led Kazuya and others out of the room.
When the leaders were alone, the man with the scar started asking questions.
"Who were those people, and why would you let them go without our consent"
"Calm down old man, everything is going according to plan"
The leader with the scar and the woman glanced at each other with a skeptical expression.
The young man grinned as he stood up. "They were clearly sent by Hiroshi, it's just a matter of time until everything falls in place."