As the dust settled and the last of the thugs lay unconscious on the floor, Alex turned to Master Kenjiro, still catching his breath. "How did Jack become a 'former' disciple?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
Kenjiro glanced at Jack, who was inspecting the room with a smirk. "That's a story only Jack can tell," Kenjiro replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Jack shrugged, a playful grin crossing his face. "Yeah, but I'd rather not spoil the fun with a sob story right now."
"So… does this mean I'm your boss?" Alex concluded, a hint of arrogance in his voice as he processed the implications.
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "In the future, maybe. But not yet."
Kenjiro's expression hardened. "Alex, you've been reckless and hot-headed. I'm disappointed by your lack of patience." His gaze was steady, unyielding. "A strong leader must exhibit calm, especially under pressure. Your recent actions lack the discipline I expect from you."
Alex bristled, meeting Kenjiro's gaze, unwilling to back down.
"And are you even taking your daily meditation routine seriously?" Kenjiro pressed, raising an eyebrow. "Meditation isn't just a ritual; it cultivates patience and clarity of mind. Yet from what I've seen, you're barely scratching the surface of its potential."
"I've been busy!" Alex shot back defensively, though he knew the words felt hollow.
Kofi's voice crackled in his ear. "Busy is no excuse, Boss. A little zen wouldn't hurt. Might even help you grow a backbone."
Kenjiro continued, undeterred. "That's why I'm assigning you a task."
"What kind of task?" Alex asked, a mixture of eagerness and reluctance filling his voice.
"You'll be working at a small firm Jack recommended," Kenjiro explained. "He's friends with one of its partners. This task will teach you the patience you so sorely lack."
Alex felt a wave of shock wash over him. "What's the name of the firm?" he pressed.
Jack grinned, leaning against the wall. "It's called Taylor, Wright, and Co."
Kofi let out a low whistle. "Ooh, this is getting interesting. Bet you didn't see that coming, Brick Phone."
Alex's face froze, his mind racing with a storm of thoughts. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, struggling to process the coincidence.
Kenjiro nodded, a small smile breaking through. "Consider this a sign. You'll gain invaluable experience."
Jin, who had been quietly observing, brightened at the news. "And I'm moving with you, right?" he asked, hopeful.
"Yes, as your master, I suggest you accompany Alex," Kenjiro replied with encouragement.
Jin grinned. "Good! We still have a shogi match to settle." He shot Alex a teasing look, who couldn't help but grin back, feeling a flicker of excitement.
As they discussed their next steps, the atmosphere shifted from tension to camaraderie. The fight was behind them, but the road ahead was still fraught with challenges. With Kenjiro's guidance and Jack's unexpected support, Alex felt this might be the turning point he needed.
Kofi chimed in again. "You better win that match, or I'll change your name to 'Shogi Loser.'"
—---
As the day drew to a close, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over Prague. Master Kenjiro, radiating quiet authority, led them toward Nikolai Veselov's stronghold. The streets were bustling, but an undercurrent of tension buzzed as they approached.
Kenjiro knocked firmly, the sound reverberating ominously through the lobby filled with onlookers.
Jin took the lead, swiftly incapacitating one of Veselov's men who had wandered too close. With a powerful shove, he sent the thug crashing into the reception desk. The scene drew stares from onlookers, and Jin moved fluidly, focused on their objective.
As chaos erupted, a polished woman emerged from a side office. Maya, with striking features framed by dark, cascading hair, exuded quiet strength. She wore a tailored black dress, her gaze zeroing in on Jack. A faint smile softened the tension as she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.
"Jack," she said warmly, her voice like silk, "I didn't expect to see you here."
Jack smirked, his usual bravado giving way to genuine warmth. "What can I say? Just another day at the office."
Kenjiro stepped forward, his presence commanding the room. Maya bowed respectfully. "Maya," he acknowledged with a nod. "I trust you've been vigilant."
She straightened, resolve in her eyes. "Of course, Master Kenjiro. I made sure my report on Alex's… impatience… reached you."
Veselov's office door swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Nikolai "The Bishop" Veselov, flanked by his guards. The room crackled with tension as he assessed the situation, his gaze narrowing at Kenjiro and Jack.
"What's the meaning of this?" Veselov demanded, attempting to assert control.
Kenjiro stepped forward, his demeanor cool and unyielding. Jack fell into step beside him, the two forming an unstoppable front.
Maya stepped back, observing with a knowing look. Kenjiro's voice cut through the noise, calm but sharp. "Nikolai, it's time we had a conversation about your operations in Prague."
Jack flashed a confident grin, ready for confrontation. "Let's make this clear, Nikolai. Your reign ends tonight."
Realizing he was cornered, Veselov tried to rally his men. "You think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine?"
Kenjiro advanced, his tone icy. "Oh, we know exactly who you are. A man perched atop a crumbling empire." He gestured slightly, and Maya sprang into action.
Alex watched, heart racing as Kofi's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm. "If this were a movie, you'd be the guy who swoops in at the last minute. Just don't forget your lines."
Maya disarmed one of Veselov's guards with a swift kick, sending him sprawling. Kenjiro and Jack pressed forward with ruthless precision, leaving no room for error.
The guards began to falter, watching their comrades fall. In a desperate lunge, Veselov rushed toward Kenjiro, but the master sidestepped effortlessly, allowing him to crash into the wall.
"You've run this empire for too long," Kenjiro said, his voice unrelenting. "We're here to dismantle it."
Veselov, still clinging to bravado, spat back. "You don't have what it takes to bring me down!"
Jack smirked. "You'd be surprised." He exchanged a look with Maya, who nodded, ready to execute the next phase.
Alex felt the thrill of the action, the energy in the room electrifying. Kofi's voice echoed in his mind again. "Hope you're taking notes, kiddo. Might be your chance to finally do something impressive."
Kenjiro surveyed the chaos, a mix of disappointment and resolve in his gaze. "Nikolai, your greed has blinded you. Now you face the consequences."
With that, Kenjiro moved with precision, dispatching Veselov's guards one by one. Jin tackled the last henchman, a determined gleam in his eye. "Wrong side," he muttered before turning to Veselov.
"Enough!" Veselov roared, desperation creeping in. "I can offer you wealth, power—"
Jack cut him off, tightening his grip. "We don't need your offers. We're here to dismantle your empire, piece by piece."
Maya stepped closer, her voice cold. "And you'll be left with nothing. Just like those you wronged."
Cornered, Veselov finally asked, "What do you want from me?"
Master Kenjiro leaned in, his gaze unyielding. "Your operations, your connections—everything. Or we can do this the hard way."
Defeated, Veselov nodded. "Fine… just spare me."
Jack stepped back, a triumphant smile crossing his face. "Smart choice. We can work together, but remember: cross us again, and you'll regret it."
"What's next, Master?" Jack asked.
Kenjiro's eyes gleamed. "A new empire begins. Nikolai 'The Bishop' Veselov? I'M YOUR KING."
The words resonated through the room, a signal that Prague's underworld was about to be redefined. Alex felt a surge of adrenaline, realizing they weren't just changing the game—they were about to rewrite it.