The international airport was a sea of voices, constant announcements echoing through the speakers as crowds moved in every direction. Orion observed everything with a curious gaze, absorbing every detail of this modern world that was still unfamiliar to him.

Vlad, always impeccably poised, walked up to the airline counter. Within minutes, he returned holding the tickets and handed them to the others.

Ellie took hers, eyes widening.

— “First class?! Vlad, do you have any idea how much this costs?”

The vampire gave a small smile, showing no concern.

— “The young master would never fly economy.”

Orion, indifferent to the conversation, stared at the massive aircraft through the airport window. He furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend the logic of it all.

— “So… we’re going to climb into a giant bird?”

Chloe let out a muffled laugh, while Asuna covered her mouth, stifling her own laughter.

— “It’s an airplane, Orion. It uses technology to fly, not magic.” — Asuna explained.

Orion looked at her, as if still doubtful, but chose not to argue.

— “If it falls, I’ll handle it.”

— “If it falls, we’ll all die.” — Ellie corrected, rolling her eyes.

Orion just smiled.

The Flight to Japan

During the flight, the comfort of first class allowed everyone to relax, yet Orion remained fascinated by everything around him. The in-flight service, the screens, the reclining seats… everything was new to him.

Next to him, Asuna gazed out the window.

— “You’ve never traveled like this before, have you?”

— “I never imagined humans could fly without magic.” — he replied, crossing his arms.

— “The world has changed a lot since your time.”

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

— “And you? How do you feel about returning home?”

Asuna sighed, staring at the horizon of the starry sky.

— “I don’t know. My father is… complicated.”

Orion sensed there was more, but decided not to press.

— “Either way, if he’s a problem, I’ll handle it.”

She gave a faint smile.

— “I hope you won’t have to.”

Arrival in Japan

Upon landing at Narita International Airport, the group moved through the terminal, blending with the throngs of passengers. Japan carried a different vibe… a mix of technology and tradition in the air.

As they walked, Vlad suddenly stopped. His eyes narrowed.

— “Young master.”

Orion noticed the change in his posture.

— “You sense something?”

— “We’re being followed.”

Chloe and Ellie tensed, but Orion remained calm.

— “Take care of it, Vlad. I’ll stay with the girls in case something happens.”

The vampire disappeared in the blink of an eye, like a shadow in the night.

While Orion and the girls headed to the airport’s exterior, Vlad intercepted the pursuers. They were three well-dressed men, armed. In an instant, Vlad drove them away from the airport to an abandoned warehouse.

— “Who sent you?” — Vlad asked, his tone soft but heavy with threat.

The men remained silent.

Vlad gave a faint smile, his presence suffocating.

— “You don’t want to talk? That’s a mistake.”

Muffled screams echoed in the warehouse for several minutes.

When Vlad returned to the group, his expression was as cold and refined as ever.

— “I handled the problems.”

Orion studied him for a moment, sensing Vlad was hiding something, but chose not to question it.

The Path to Kabukichō

The group rented a car and set off. As they entered central Tokyo, Orion’s jaw dropped.

— “It’s brighter than daytime…” — he murmured.

Gigantic LED panels, colorful billboards, and a massive crowd of people—Orion had never seen anything like it.

— “This city never sleeps.” — Asuna commented.

Ellie glanced out the window.

— “This is Tokyo… but don’t get used to it. Kabukichō is a whole different story.”

As they entered the district, the contrast was stark. Homeless people slept on the sidewalks, addicts staggered, drunk people argued, and women offered their services on street corners.

— “This… is still Tokyo?” — Orion asked, confused.

Asuna simply nodded.

They arrived in front of a formidable building. Men in black suits stood at the entrance, but as soon as they saw Asuna, their eyes widened.

— “Asuna-sama! We’re so glad you’re back! The boss was worried about you!”

One of the guards glanced at Orion and the others.

— “Who are they?”

Asuna maintained a firm posture.

— “They saved my life. I’ll explain everything later. Take me to my father.”

The guards nodded and cleared the way.

The Yamamoto Clan Headquarters

The interior of the building seemed like a fusion of a traditional temple and a modern skyscraper. Red lanterns lit the hall, while ancient paintings depicted samurai in battle.

— “This looks like a shogun’s palace.” — Ellie murmured.

They walked through long corridors until a massive wooden door opened.

In the center of the meeting room sat a man with white hair and beard. His red eyes, cold as blades, scrutinized the group.

Ryu Yamamoto, the clan’s boss, waited silently, his gaze assessing each newcomer.

The air grew heavy.

— “Asuna.”

His voice resonated through the room.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward.

— “Father.”

The meeting had finally begun.