Read Kizuna :: Chapter 1: "Shadows of the Past"

Chapter 1: "Shadows of the Past"

Taro walks through the streets of Japan, his gaze downcast and his hands in his pockets. The lights of the signs and buildings illuminate his silhouette.

Taro (thinking): "Everything seems so... uncertain. Every step I take takes me further away from what I knew. Is this really what I want? Or am I just running away?"

Taro (thinking): "I have to decide... and that terrifies me."

Taro stops in front of a news screen on the street. The crowd watches in silence.

Reporter on TV: "Breaking news: Kitsune yakuza leader James Kitsune has been killed. 34 yakuza-linked homicides of innocents are reported."

Taro clenches his fists. The news only reinforces what he already knows: the violence has no end.

Taro (thinking): "34 dead… If even someone like James Kitsune fell, then no one is safe."

Taro Matsumoto, 19 years old.

Son of a yakuza family.

Bound to a fate he cannot escape.

Taro continues to watch the news screen. The noise of the city seems to fade away as his thoughts consume him.

Taro (thinking): "James Kitsune's murder will change many things... The yakuza doesn't forgive. This won't end here."

TV Reporter: "The authorities have not yet identified those responsible, but a settling of scores between rival clans is suspected."

Taro looks away. He knows this world well. He knows that revenge is imminent.

He steps away from the crowd and lights a cigarette, leaning against a wall.

Taro (thinking): "If the war between clans starts again... I won't be able to stay out of it."

(Footsteps approach. Taro doesn't need to turn around to know who it is.)

???:"I thought I'd find you here."

Taro sighs and exhales the smoke before answering.

Taro: "You're always following me, Kenji."

(Kenji Matsumoto, 27 years old, Taro's cousin and high-ranking member of the Matsumoto yakuza, appears. His expression is serious, with a scar on his cheek.)

Kenji: "Your father wants to see you. Now."

Taro frowns. He doesn't like his father calling him out like he's a simple soldier.

Taro: "I'm not in the mood for your speeches."

Kenji: "It's not a request."

Taro watches him for a moment before stubbing out his cigarette against the wall. With no other option, he follows him.

(In the background, the city lights shine as the shadow of the Matsumotos lengthens over society.)

Taro (thinking): "No matter how hard I try... I always end up coming back."