The night was thick and heavy, as if the city itself was holding its breath. Taro walked through the neon-lit streets, deep in thought. That conversation he had with Yuri kept turning over in his head.

"I'll find a way out."

Was it really possible? Or was he just kidding himself?

As he walked forward, a familiar figure waited for him in a nearby alley. Kenji, his cousin, watched him with his arms crossed and a disapproving expression.

"Since when do you start talking to strangers about our family?" he asked in a serious tone.

Taro stopped. He wasn't surprised that Kenji knew. It was impossible to hide anything in the yakuza world.

"It's not your problem," he replied calmly.

Kenji clicked his tongue and stepped forward.

"Yes it is. You're putting us all in danger, Taro. Do you think they're not listening?"

Taro clenched his fists.

“I didn’t tell him anything he didn’t already know.”

Kenji studied him with his eyes.

“You’re still planning to go out, aren’t you?”

Taro didn’t answer.

“You’re playing with fire,” Kenji continued. “And sooner or later, you’re going to get burned.”

“If that happens, I’ll face it,” Taro replied firmly.

Kenji sighed and took out a cigarette, calmly lighting it.

“You’re a stubborn bastard… but at least you’re not an idiot.”

Taro raised an eyebrow.

“Does that mean you’re going to help me?”

Kenji blew out the smoke slowly.

“No. But I’m not going to stop you.”

Taro let out a slight smile. Kenji was the only one who, although he didn’t fully support him, understood him.

But the conversation didn’t last much longer.

A noise caught his attention.

From the other corner of the alley, a silhouette appeared. A tall man, dressed in a dark suit and with a scar on his cheek, watched them with a sharp smile.

“Well, well… if it isn’t the rebellious son of the Matsumotos.”

Taro felt a chill run down his spine.

Kenji, for his part, dropped the cigarette and stubbed it out with his foot.

“Who the hell are you?”

The man tilted his head mockingly.

“Just a messenger. But I bring a warning…”

Taro and Kenji tensed.

“The Kitsune family may be finished, but there are many others who still have scores to settle with you. And now that the balance has been broken, everyone is drawing their knives.”

Taro said nothing. He just stared at the man coldly.

“Tell your father that war is about to begin.”

And with those words, the man disappeared into the darkness of the alley.

Taro felt his jaw tense.

Kenji sighed.

“Just what we needed…”

Taro looked at the ground. He knew it. Getting out wasn’t going to be easy. But now, more than ever, he had to decide.

Because the blood had already started to flow.

End of chapter