Meanwhile, Kojima and his bodyguards arrived at the place where the Mistress and Lady in Pink intented.
It is located on the outskirts of Tokyo, eight miles away from the heart of the city.
Kojima and his bodyguards stepped out of their vehicles, and the first thing they found was a small, alone and secluded Japanese house nestled among the outskirts of Tokyo, surrounded by a tranquil garden and traditional elements that evoke a sense of serenity and history.
This house features a classic design with wooden beams, sliding paper doors, and a tilted roof. It's situated amidst a lush garden filled with carefully trimmed bonsai trees, flowering cherry blossoms, and a peaceful koi pond.
As Kojima and his bodyguards approach the entrance, they were greeted by a stone pathway leading to a genkan, a small entryway where shoes are removed before stepping onto the straw mat floors inside.
"Remove your shoes before entering the house." Kojima instructed his bodyguards.
"Huh?"
"What for, boss?"
His bodyguards may be best at fighting and violence, but their oblivious, ignorant and cocky attitude is what keeps them from respecting foreign traditions.
Kojima sighed.
"It's my country's traditions, and you shall show respect." Kojima strictly said.
"Fine, boss."
"You're the boss, mate."
Kojima and his bodyguards approached the paper door.
The door suddenly opened, but strangely, no one opened it from the inside.
Kojima was the first one to remove his shoes and entered the house. He was quickly followed by his bodyguards, who also removed their shoes.
Inside is adorned with traditional tatami mats covering the floor. Low wooden tables with zabuton cushions invite you to sit and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the space. The walls are made of sliding paper doors, allowing soft moonlight to filter through and mingle with the gentle light of the candles.
It was quite dark and quiet outside, but the house was illuminated with the warm, flickering glow of candles and the bright moonlight.
"Where's this Mistress you've spoken of, boss?" The American bodyguard asked Kojima.
Suddenly, something dropped to the floor.
The bodyguards were startled, but Kojima knew what it was.
Kojima then sighed.
As they turned around, they saw one of the bodyguard's lifeless body on the ground with two sharp shurikens pierced into his head and the other one on his back.
The dead bodyguard hadn't removed his shoes.
Suddenly...
"A failure to respect my tradition is a death sentence." They heard a calm, alluring, feminine and heavenly voice coming from the outside of the house.
"It's the Lady in Pink." Kojima said calmly.
The bodyguards looked forward outside and saw a woman with an average height, glistening pink long hair, and wearing a casual pink kimono robe. Her identity is unknown as she's covering her face with a pink mask resembling a Japanese fox.
"God, I believe she's a hottie behind that mask." The American bodyguard commented while admiring the Lady in Pink.
"Easy, comrade, she look like she eats men like us." The Russian bodyguard joked, but no one laughed.
"Oh, I'll eat her first." The American bodyguard retorted with perverse intentions.
Lady in Pink then approached them, and the American bodyguard became allured by her mysterious beauty.
"I believe the Mistress would like to have a conversation with you, Kojima-san." The Lady in Pink said calmly.
"Hi, I don't believe we've met but my name is-" The American bodyguard tried to make a move but she was interrupted by the Lady in Pink.
"Silence, westerner!" Lady in Pink suddenly raised her alluring voice.
Kojima sighed again.
"Shit!" The American bodyguard muttered in fear.
"Now, this way, Kojima-san." The Lady in Pink's said calmly.
"Lead the way, Lady in Pink-sama." Kojima them bowed.
The Lady in Pink then guided Kojima where Mistress is waiting for them.
As they approach another paper door, they can see a faintly and vague silhouette of a woman through the translucent paper. Her figure is shrouded in darkness, with only the outline of her form visible againts the soft candlelight.
The flickering flames reveal hints of her features, a delicate profile, long hair cascading down her back, and a sense of quiet confidence in her posture. Her eyes, partially hidden yet captivating, seem to hold a world of secrets and depths.
Despite the obscured details, there's an undeniable allure to her presence, drawing them closer to unravel the mystery she embodies. The play of light and shadow adds an ethereal quality to her silhoutte, enhancing the enigmatic nature of the scene.
The Lady in Pink suddenly bowed in front of this mysterious, dark silhouette.
"Mistress, Kojima-san is here." The Lady in Pink humbly said.
Knowing it's the Mistress herself, Kojima quickly bowed.
"I'm here as you ordered, Mistress-sama." Kojima said with submissive manner.
The Mistress didn't utter a word.
"I would like to know what plans the Mistress has in store for me." Kojima humbly asked.
"The man." The Mistress uttered with soft, alluring and hypnotic voice.
"Who is this man you speak of, Mistress?" Kojima humbly asked again.
"Persuade him." Mistress uttered.
"What do you mean by that, Mistress?" Kojima asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
"You have one week." The Mistress uttered one last time before vanishing in the light of the warm candles behind the paper door.
Kojima then looked at the Lady in Pink, confused.
The Lady in Pink chuckled behind her mask.