Six Years Ago
The dimly lit, abandoned factory buzzed with activity as members of the organization moved about, discussing missions and handling weapons. Among them, a young Hiro and Aidan stepped inside, their eyes immediately landing on a lone figure standing near the center—a new recruit.
Hiro's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh, a new member! Let's go see who they are!"
Aidan, ever cautious, narrowed his eyes. "Something's off… Kazuya never mentioned bringing in someone new."
Despite Aidan's hesitation, the two approached the unfamiliar face. The recruit turned to face them, his sharp eyes meeting theirs.
Hiro was the first to speak. "Hey, you must be new around here. My name's Hiro Namikaze, and this guy here is Aidan Maganaga. Nice to meet you."
The recruit gave a slight bow. "Greetings. My name is Umito Nishahara. It's a pleasure to meet both of you."
Hiro mirrored the gesture. "The pleasure's all mine. So, what made you join the organization?"
Umito straightened. "My parents moved here from Japan. They've known Kazuya for years, and when they learned about his business, they believed it would be beneficial for me to join." His voice remained steady. "Before this, I was part of the mafia back in Japan. That's why Kazuya accepted me so quickly."
Aidan's expression darkened. His gut told him something wasn't right. That's way too convenient… My father would've told me if someone new was joining.
His suspicion sharpened as he crossed his arms. "That's great and all, but we don't know you. So, how about a little spar? Just to see what you're capable of."
Hiro blinked in confusion. "Aidan, what are you—"
Aidan shot him a look, cold and unwavering. It was enough to silence Hiro immediately.
Umito, unfazed, met Aidan's gaze. "I understand why you'd be suspicious. If it'll put your mind at ease, then so be it."
Aidan smirked. "Then let's begin."
He strode toward the entrance and shut the factory doors. The air grew thick with tension. "Just so we're clear… if you win, I'll believe your little story. But if I win…" His smirk twisted into something more sinister. "I'll kill you."
The factory went deathly silent.
Umito hesitated for a split second but nodded. "Fine."
"Oh, and one more thing." Aidan cracked his knuckles. "No rules."
From the second floor, other members gathered, watching in eerie silence. Aidan was the first to strike, charging forward, fist cocked back. Umito mirrored his movement, both aiming to land the first hit.
Both fists missed by a hair's breadth.
Aidan swiftly pivoted, throwing a right hook. Umito ducked and countered with an uppercut, landing a clean hit. Without hesitation, he followed up with a roundhouse kick, sending Aidan staggering backward.
Aidan hit the ground hard. Fury flared in his eyes. He pushed himself up, ready to charge again—but a voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough, Aidan."
The fight halted instantly.
All eyes turned toward the factory entrance where Kazuya stood, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Hiro, relieved yet worried, rushed forward. Aidan and Umito lowered their fists and approached as well, their expressions tense. The onlookers quickly returned to their business, avoiding Kazuya's gaze.
Kazuya's sharp eyes flicked between them before settling on Aidan. "I see you've met Umito, co-leader of the Mafuyu Clan in Japan."
Aidan stiffened. His mind reeled at the revelation. Mafuyu Clan?!
Umito gave Kazuya a respectful bow. "Apologies for the disturbance, sir. It won't happen again."
Kazuya smirked. "No need to apologize. But I do have an announcement for you three."
Hiro, Aidan, and Umito stood at attention.
"Aidan will be leaving for a training exercise. He'll be gone for a month or two. Until then…" He turned to Hiro. "Umito will be your new partner."
Hiro's brows lifted in surprise, but he nodded. "Understood." He turned to Umito. "Glad to be working with you. I'm curious to see what skills you'll bring to our missions."
Umito nodded. "Likewise."
Kazuya's gaze snapped back to Aidan. "As for you—come with me. We need to discuss your training."
Aidan hesitated but quickly masked his unease. "Yes, sir."
With that, Kazuya turned and exited the factory, Aidan following close behind.