The Bagrovskiy estate stands out over the hills of Rome like a sleeping dragon —majestic, silent, and dangerous when provoked. Mr Bagrovskiy walked through its halls with the confidence of royalty, though every step was a challenge to his rule.

The Council Room hadn’t changed since his father ruled. A long table with fruits, wine, and whiskey in the middle, surrounded by seven chairs, one for each capo under the Bagrovskiy banner. Mr Bagrovskiy was the only one placed slightly higher, a reminder of who ruled.

As he entered, the capos were already seated. Men old enough to remember wars fought with blades and pistols.

Gabriel stood at his right, Haruto behind him, silent and watchful.

“Gentlemen,” Mr Bagrovskiy began, his deep, cold voice that made them nervous. “Let’s not pretend we’re here for a friendly chat.”

Fredrick De Luna, the oldest capo, leaned forward and spoke. “You embarrassed Ramilo in public. That wasn’t wise.”

“He embarrassed himself by selling us out,” he snapped.

Another capo, Alfonso Viel, steepled his fingers. “You made a choice your father would’ve handled... differently.”

“My father is dead. And I’m not him,” he replied. “I don’t rule with nostalgia. I rule with results.”

Murmurs spread. Some approving. Others unconvinced.

Haruto’s gaze scanned the room. They were testing him. Every word, every gesture was bait, waiting for him to slip.

Then Mr Bagrovskiy stood. “We’ve had three shipments hijacked. San Diego’s people are pushing harder, closer. One of you fed them intel. Ramilo was the first rat. I don’t believe he’s the last.”

They are silent, and they are looking at each other.

“I’ve doubled encryption protocols. Gabriel is auditing financials. And this man… ” he motioned to Haruto “is my new right man.”

Whispers. Angry ones

Haruto was also shocked by what he said. “Who? Me? But he never discussed this with me.” He leaned closer and whispered to Gabriel, and Gabriel just looked at him.

Fredrick stood up. “You bring an outsider into our council? This is a violation.”

Mr Bagrovskiy gets his gun out of his pocket, eyes blazing. “You call it vilotion. I call it survival. We are lacking in manpower right now, and he's skilled enough to do his job well. If San Diego crushes us, your traditions will die with your bodies.”

“Can’t your boss calm down for a second? Why is he always so eager for violence? One mistake and he’s already drawing his gun,” he whispered to Gabriel.

Gabriel got pissed and asked him if he could keep his mouth shut, “Hey, keep your mouth shut.” 

Haruto got pissed. Why does everyone here have such a bad temper? You can just say it nicely!! He mutters to himself.

Fredrick met Mr Bagrovskiy's glare, then slowly sat.

“Good,” he said, voice sharp. “Then we understand each other.”

The meeting adjourned with murmurs. One by one, the capos left.

“Gabriel, you can go home now, do the things I told you.”

“Roger, Mr Bagrovskiy”

“How about me?” he asked

Mr. Bagrovskiy just looked at him, and Gabriel just whistled to call Haruto.

“Follow me,” Haruto followed with a question in mind

“Mr Gabriel, can I ask why we left him inside?”

“Stay with him. I asked you to follow me so I could hand you the car keys. You’ll drive back with him to Mr. Bagrovskiy’s place. Call me right away if anything happens,” He said with a hint of doubt in his voice.

“Roger, Mr Gabriel.” After watching Gabriel leave, he couldn’t help but wonder why Mr. Bagrovskiy was left alone, so he went inside immediately.

Mr Bagrovskiy remained behind, staring at her father’s portrait hanging above the hearth. His eyes, dark and unforgiving, watched him still.

*****

Haruto approached. “They won’t fall in line easily.”

“I don’t need them to fall,” he said quietly. “I need them to fear me first.”

“Do you always choose violence? You could talk things out first… why do you always let yourselves get carried away in the heat of the fight?” He let his curiosity get the better of him and asked him without fear.

Mr Bagrovskiy looked at him and chuckled. “You and your goddamn mouth, I don't know where that courage of yours comes from every time you open your mouth.”

He studied him for a moment. “You have that look again.”

“What look?”

“The one you wear right before you change the game.”

He smiled faintly. “Good. Because I’m done playing by their rules.”

Outside, the estate lights burned like torches, warning the city that war was coming.