The team spent the next few days strategizing, pouring over what little information Yukari had managed to recover. Kaede's trail led to a remote, heavily guarded compound on the outskirts of the city. It was a fortress, complete with high-tech surveillance and armed guards.
"This isn't going to be easy," Yukari said, pointing to the holographic blueprint of the compound. "Kaede's not just hiding; she's daring us to come after her."
Renjiro studied the layout, his mind already racing with possibilities. "She thinks she's untouchable, but every fortress has a weakness. We just need to find it."
Hana leaned against the wall, her arms crossed. "I've dealt with people like her before. They're smart, but their arrogance is their downfall. If we play this right, we can exploit that."
The plan was risky, relying on a combination of stealth and distraction. Saito would lead a team to create a diversion at the front gates while Renjiro, Yukari, and Hana infiltrated from the rear. Aiko was initially meant to stay behind, but she refused.
"You're not leaving me again," Aiko said, her voice unwavering.
Renjiro sighed. "This isn't a game, Aiko. One wrong move, and you could get us all killed."
"I know," she replied, meeting his gaze. "But I'm not going to sit on the sidelines anymore. If you want me to stay safe, teach me how to help."
Her determination surprised him. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded. "Fine. But you follow every order I give. No exceptions."
As night fell, the team moved into position. The air was thick with tension as they approached the compound. Saito's team initiated the diversion, explosions and gunfire drawing the guards away from the rear entrance.
"Go," Renjiro whispered, leading the infiltration team into the shadows.
Inside, the corridors were eerily quiet, the faint hum of machinery the only sound. The group moved with precision, disabling cameras and avoiding patrols.
But as they neared Kaede's main control room, an alarm blared.
"She knew we were coming," Yukari hissed, her voice laced with frustration.
Renjiro's jaw tightened. "Then we fight our way through."