That same night.

Ring…

“Hello?” said Mr. Miura, picking up the phone.

“It’s Sono,” the voice answered. “Been listening around. The Austinites are planning to expand. Your shop… might be next.”

Mr. Miura closed his eyes and leaned back. “Well, that doesn’t sound good. But if anything happens… you know what to do.”

“Understood.”

The line went dead.

The next morning.

BAM BAM BAM!

“SAIGOICHI! OPEN THE DOOR!”

Saigoichi jolted awake. His vision blurred as he looked at the clock.

“Crap! It’s ten?!”

He scrambled to the door.

“Good morning, Mr. Miura. I can explain—”

Mr. Miura raised an eyebrow. “You better.”

Saigoichi explained everything—Ayana, Najime, Onzi, everything.

When he finished, Mr. Miura crossed his arms, glanced at Matsuo.

“So that’s Matsuo…”

He smiled faintly. “Your father would’ve been proud of you.”

Saigoichi smiled back, eyes softening.

“Anyway, get everyone up. We’ve got a big delivery.”

As he walked away, Mr. Miura whispered under his breath.

“So… they’re making their move.”

Saigoichi shook Najime and Matsuo awake.

“We’re late. Let’s eat and go.”

As the scent of sizzling eggs and ham filled the air, Ayana stirred.

“Make me a plate too.”

Najime turned. “Look who’s finally awake.”

“How’s your head?” Saigoichi asked.

“A little better. Just some migraines. But I swear, next time… I’ll rip that jerk to pieces.”

“Let’s eat,” Saigoichi said. “We’ve got work.”

Meanwhile.

In a dark stone room. A diamond-shaped table.

Ryesuchi sat at the head, surrounded by his five generals.

“So,” he began. “What news?”

Varo shrugged. “Nothing from my end.”

Sic: “Same.”

Jaw: “Robbed a family from Amodine.”

Sam: “Looks like it’s time to expand.”

Ryesuchi nodded. “And you, Onzi?”

Onzi leaned back. “Mission complete. The girl learned her lesson. Some punk challenged me with energy arrows. Weak as hell. Still, he grazed me.”

Ryesuchi narrowed his eyes. “How are their skills?”

Onzi rubbed his cheek. “Not bad. The girl kicked me once. The boy aimed with intent. But they’re no match.”

Varo: “Want us to kill them?”

Sic: “Maybe not.”

Ryesuchi tilted his head. “Why?”

Sic: “If we’re expanding… We need strong new blood. You said you needed an errand boy, right? They hit the second strongest among us. That means something.”

Varo: “They won’t join us. Not willingly.”

Jaw cracked his knuckles. “Then we force them.”

Varo: “How?”

Onzi grinned. “We crush their spirits.”

Varo: “Still. How?”

Ryesuchi slowly reclined in his chair, a devilish grin spreading across his face.

“By killing that old man… they call, boss.”