Chapter 3: “Echoes of the Past”

Taro walks through the streets, lost in thought. His gaze is serious and he seems worried.

Taro (thinking): “No matter how much I try to push away… the past always catches up with me.”

A quick flashback of a blood-covered hand dropping a glass in a bar.

Back in the present, Taro sighs and continues walking.

On a store’s TV, there’s a news report about a yakuza-related murder.

TV Reporter: “The body of a businessman was found this morning. It’s suspected to be linked to the war between families.”

Taro watches the screen for a few seconds, with a serious look.

An older man in a suit with scars on his face approaches Taro.

Mysterious man: “Taro Matsumoto… It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”

Taro slowly turns around, showing no surprise.

Taro: “I didn’t expect to find you here, Yuu.”

Yuu smirks.

Yuu: “Old ghosts never go away. Or have you forgotten that night at the bar?”

Taro narrows his eyes, visibly tense.

Yuu crosses his arms.

Yuu: “There are things you can’t erase, Taro. And sooner or later, someone will come for answers.”

Taro walks past Yuu without looking at him.

Taro: “That night means nothing to me.”

Yuu smiles and watches him walk away.

Yuu (thinking): “Come on, kid… we know that’s not true.”

Taro keeps walking, but his shadow projects the silhouette of a man with a bloody katana.

Elsewhere, a group of suited men gather in a dark room.

Man 1: “Taro Matsumoto’s name comes up again in our investigations.”

Man 2: “If he was involved in that incident… we can’t let him loose.”

A man in the shadows smiles.

???: “Then it's time to send him a message.”

As Taro walks down a lonely street, a shadow appears behind him.......