"Nakamura, look out!" A voice echoed from behind Takashi, prompting him to swiftly turn toward the source of the sound. In that split second, Takashi was struck by a rubber ball, hitting him square in the face. The force of the impact sent Takashi sprawling to the floor. From a distance, the contagious sound of laughter erupted, marking the aftermath of the unexpected strike. "Are you okay?!" a short man rushed over to check if Takashi was still in one piece. "I'm alive, Masaru. Don't worry," Takashi reassured, sitting up and turning his gaze towards Miyama, who was doubled over with laughter. "Bhahaha! You should dodge when someone yells 'look out.' Not take it with your face!" Miyama managed to say between fits of laughter, the mischievous gleam in his eyes suggesting that he might have had a hand in orchestrating the unexpected incident. 

"What if you try to focus on your target better!" Takashi retorted, a playful but bit annoyed smirk tugging at his lips. "It was a perfect throw, though!" Miyama responded, his laughter continuing. The banter between them echoed through the air, creating a lighthearted moment amid the everyday hustle within the Taeko family. The comradeship shared by Takashi and Miyama had evolved into a blend of shared laughter and playful jests, fostering a sense of familiarity and warmth in the unlikeliest of places. It brought hope and a feeling of home to other members too, connecting the whole gang to one big family.

“Takashi…” Masaru’s gentle voice warned before they all felt a striking feeling of doom around. Man with a well built body, long obsidian black hair laying on his shoulder had emerged behind Takashi and Masaru. "Takashi! Miyama!" The second lieutenant, Ryota, bellowed. Of the two lieutenants within the Taeko family, Ryota was the more serious and cold one, with little room for humor. "Boss has a task for you two." The abrupt shift in tone cut through the playful atmosphere, signaling that a more serious matter awaited the TaMi duo. "Fun killer..." Miyama muttered, standing up and straightening himself. "Understood," Takashi acknowledged to Ryota, rising to his feet as well. The transition from laughter to business was swift, the weight of Ryota's command casting a shadow over the playful moment. 

Navigating through the corridors of the Taeko family residence, Takashi and Miyama made their way to the boss's room. The air seemed to carry a sense of gravity, an unspoken understanding that their encounter with the boss held significance. As they approached the door, Takashi exchanged a glance with Miyama, both bracing themselves for whatever task lay ahead. The familiar hustle within the Taeko family now gave way to a quiet anticipation, the seriousness of their mission casting a sobering veil over the once-lighthearted atmosphere..

Takashi and Miyama sat down on their knees, as they attentively listened to their boss. “Ryota has discovered worrying activity around the harbor,” Kazuki poured tea into his cup. “It seems that the rival family will have a meeting regarding something big that is bound to happen soon at the harbor. The meeting will take place at Mizuyaki Cafe. I want both of you in there to eavesdrop on the conversation. The harbor is too important to our business, we cannot allow it to be under any danger.” The boss shared the mission with a stern expression. “Is there a specific person we’re looking for?” Takashi inquired, seeking clarity on their mission. 

“Can’t those damn losers just die?” Miyama blurted out, prompting Takashi to swiftly hit him on top of the head. “Shut up!” Takashi whispered, emphasizing the need for discretion in the boss’s presence. Both of the boys turned to look at the head of the family, being sure they would get scolded. The boss chuckled lightly at the dynamic between Takashi and Miyama. As Miyama rubbed the top of his head, shooting Takashi a death glare, the boss's amusement lingered. It seemed that the contrasting personalities of the two subordinates provided an unexpected source of entertainment in an otherwise serious situation. Despite appearances, Kazuki Taeko, contrary to assumptions, defied the stereotypes of being old-fashioned, serious and cold, despite approaching the age of 50. His way of controlling the Yakuza was to treat them as his family rather than pawns on a game board, unlike most of other Yakuzas did.

“Anyhow, all the information you can gather is enough. Just make sure you’ll get back in one piece. We’re still unaware which family has turned their back completely to us.” The boss clarified, underscoring the significance of their mission. Takashi and Miyama nodded in acknowledgment, fully aware of the delicate balance they needed to strike as they ventured into the potentially dangerous presence of a rival Yakuza family. 

Unlike the typical Yakuza attire characterized by suits or suit elements, Miyama and Takashi opted for everyday casual clothing. This deviation from the norm was a tactical choice, acknowledging that their missions often involved skulking around, and a suit would draw unnecessary attention in their current environment. Dressed in inconspicuous garb, they prepared to blend seamlessly into the surroundings as they embarked on the reconnaissance mission in the cafe near the harbor. 

As they reached the cafe, both Takashi and Miyama were soaked through. A sudden heavy snowfall had caught them off guard halfway through their journey, and without umbrellas, they bore the brunt of the winter weather. Seeking refuge from the cold, they decided to settle into the warm ambiance of the cafe and ordered steaming cups of coffee.

As they sat down, Miyama started with a hint of annoyance. "We should probably talk about something; otherwise, this will seem really weird," He turned to look outside. "Yeah, probably... ummh," Takashi fumbled for a suitable topic. "How did you end up with the Taeko family?" Miyama suddenly asked, breaking the awkward silence that had settled between them. The question hung in the air, inviting Takashi to share a piece of his own story within the intricate tapestry of the Yakuza world.``You're my reason... who is yours?" Miyama continued the question, avoiding direct eye contact with Takashi. "My uncle works as a law advisor to Mr. Taeko. He introduced me to the Taeko family in the first place," Takashi explained, the weight of his words carrying a mix of familial ties and professional connections. 

When their order finally arrived, Takashi thanked the waiter before turning to look at Miyama. "I guess you're not a fan of coffee?" he asked, noting that Miyama had opted for hot cocoa covered in marshmallows. "Coffee doesn't really suit me. Cacao is a much more warming option," Miyama replied. A brief pause followed as they both seemed to have something to say. However, they hesitated, realizing each other's intentions. "You say first," Takashi urged, gracefully passing the conversational ball to Miyama. For a moment, they both enjoyed the quiet ambiance of the cafe. The sound of hustle and bustle surrounded them—people coming and going, some lingering with their coffee in hand. While the winter landscape outside might have been more inviting in the summer, the gray snow was complemented by the warm air of the cafe, peaceful music, and friendly staff, creating a serene atmosphere.

"I wanted to know..." Miyama began, but his words were abruptly cut off by the shattering of the window beside them. As if he were in a car accident, time seemed to slow for Miyama as he watched the shattered glass fly past him in a painfully slow manner. After he registered a bloody figure sprawled across the table next to them was he able to snap out of it. The once-cozy scene was instantly shattered, replaced by the chaotic sounds of screams, Takashi's urgent commands, and the surreal sight of people panicking. Customers running out of the cafe and hiding under the tables.*What the hell is going on?* Miyama thought as Takashi shouted for them to take cover under the table. Miyama caught a glimpse of a masked figure entering the cafe, the ominous announcement ringing in his ears. "This cafe is now temporarily closed." Miyama felt a shiver run down his spine; the voice sounded eerily familiar. High pitched tone, with crackling in it echoed in his ears.

Miyama turned to look at Takashi, who was sitting under the table with him. Takashi extended his hand towards Miyama, urgency etched across his face. "Let's get the hell out of here, now!" he whispered forcefully. Miyama, fueled by a mixture of confusion and fear, couldn't help but play along, grabbing Takashi's hand.

Takashi led Miyama towards the front door, moving stealthily and staying low. As they made their escape, Miyama glanced back to see the masked intruder being dragged into the center of the cafe. The surreal scene unfolded in the middle of the day, casting a dark shadow over the once-peaceful space

After putting enough distance between themselves and the chaotic cafe, gasping for breath, they found refuge in a small alley. "What the hell is going on here?" Miyama asked, seeking answers from Takashi. "I bet it was another Yakuza getting involved. This area is still no man's land. No one owns it," Takashi explained, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of the Yakuza world. Leaning against the alley wall, Takashi slid down to sit in the snowy ground. Miyama, still grappling with the sudden turn of events, joined him. The falling snow on his hands prompted reflections on his past life, delving into the depths of his thoughts. “Miyama…” Takashi broke through Miyama's contemplation by touching his wrist. "The glass got into your hand." Reality of the cafe incident surfaced again, reminding them of the physical toll it had taken on Miyama.
“Damn it…” Miyama looked at his wrist, the glass parts in the wound, causing blood to drip through the creases and down his forearm. He would need to get inside to clean it, out in the alley it wouldn’t do much good. “I got hurt, I'm bleeding, and what did we get out of that whole thing... NOTHING!” Annoyance laced his words. “We came here to eavesdrop on some rival family meeting, and we got butchered by some random punk!”

Miyama's outburst conveyed the raw frustration of the failed mission and the unexpected violence they had encountered. The reality of their situation weighed heavily on them, and the initial anticipation of gathering crucial information had spiraled into chaos and injury. Takashi, recognizing Miyama's frustration, remained silent for a moment, allowing the emotions to settle before contemplating their next move.

"Well... I managed to take a picture of one table full of Yakuza-looking punks," Takashi revealed, showing a picture from his phone. "HUH!?" Miyama grabbed the phone in surprise. "When did you manage to take this!?" he asked incredulously. "While you were savoring your cocoa," Takashi chuckled, the hint of a wry smile playing on his lips. The unexpected photographic evidence brought a momentary lightness to the tense atmosphere "Wait... isn't that... hold on. Who the hell is... mmmm... Kobayashi. Yeah! The weirdly talking children's book guy who visited the boss a few weeks ago!" Miyama exclaimed, recognizing one of the men in the picture. The unexpected connection added a layer of intrigue to the situation, tying the mysterious cafe incident to a recent visitor to the Taeko family. "Yeah... you're right. Why is he there?" Takashi wondered aloud, the puzzle of their mission taking an unexpected turn. The presence of Kobayashi, known for his peculiar mannerisms and the seemingly innocent way of talking like he was reading a children’s book, in the midst of a gathering of Yakuza figures raised questions about the nature of the rival family's activities. 

"We need to take this back to Mr.Taeko," Miyama stated, the urgency in his voice underscoring the significance of the information they had uncovered. The decision to involve their boss in the unfolding events reflected the gravity of the situation, as the puzzle pieces they held could potentially reveal a larger, more intricate picture within the intricate web of Yakuza affairs. With a shared determination, Takashi and Miyama prepared to bring their findings to the one person who held the authority to make sense of the complex threads entangling their lives within the Taeko family. 

Back at the Taeko family house, the sound of fists hitting empty heads echoed from the boss’s room. “Idiots! I told you to not get hurt!” Kazuki’s voice reverberated through the corridor, a mix of frustration and concern evident in his tone. Takashi and Miyama exchanged uneasy glances, knowing this is what they expected. The anticipation outside the boss’s room intensified as the scolding continued, setting the stage for the aftermath of their ill-fated mission. 

“Well, we upgraded from parental lectures to full-blown Yakuza style discipline. Lucky us.” Miyama whispered to Takashi. As the Kazuki’s scolding continued, punctuated by the occasional thud, the two couldn’t help but find a touch of dark humor in the situation. Although, after Miyama’s comment, Kazuki struck them again. “This is not a time to joke!” Boss’s stern voice cut through the air, the seriousness of the situation demanding their full attention. Takashi and Miyama winced in unison, realizing that their attempt at humor had not landed well in the midst of their boss’s reprimand. Takashi leaned slightly towards Miyama while Kazuki was turned away. “Note to self; Yakuza bosses don’t appreciate stand-up comedy during scoldings.” Miyama managed a stifled chuckle, but the boss’s continued lecture made it clear that levity was the last thing on the agenda. They straightened up, bracing themselves for whatever consequences could still  await them after the verbal and, apparently, physical dressing-down.

Kazuki sat down after he calmed down. “Back on track, it is worrying… Kobayashi has been a big part of our family. If he were to betray us, it would mean a great loss to us.” Kazuki admitted, the gravity of the situation settling in the room. The boss's concern added complexity to their current predicament, as the potential betrayal of someone close to their own ranks hinted at a larger threat that could have far-reaching consequences for the Taeko family."Alright then... you're dismissed." The boss gestured for the boys to leave, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. Takashi and Miyama exchanged a glance, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, and then quietly exited the boss's room. 

Takashi couldn't help but break the tension with a whisper to Miyama, "Well, that went better than expected. No flying furniture, at least." Miyama managed a half-smile, "True. We might survive this yet." Leaving the boss's room, they were left to contemplate the uncertain path that lay ahead, a mix of loyalty, betrayal, and the enigmatic figure of Kobayashi casting shadows over their Yakuza world