Run

We are currently under attack. A group of black men have broke into the meeting center and have pointed their weapons at us.

Boss and father are keeping their cool. I see that Shizuka and Mona are also calm.

Despite being young, Shizuka has seen these kinds of things. So she is used to them.

Mona is the same. I don’t have to worry about them. The problem is the grunts.

We were here to have a simple meeting. So no weapons allowed. Anyone who had weapons, left it at the counter.

But that bit us. These men first took control of the counter and now are pointing those weapons at us.

I recognize these black men. After being thrown out, I left the country, illegally.

I jumped inside a container at the very last moment and somehow made it out. When I came out, I was at Cairo port.

That was almost 5 years ago. And thus began my African journey. In that journey, I met some people. Good and bad both.

Unfortunately, I crossed some people who don’t like to be crossed. I spent 15 months in Africa before returning to my country.

But even after returning, they kept searching for me. The reason was that I made them shoulder a huge loss. More than a billion dollars.

I think they are still trying to get me for it.

Their target is me. Neither the Kanehaya group nor the Kusanagi group.

So I should lure them away.

“Boss, they are after me. I think I should run away.”

“They are after you? What did you do?” (Boss)

“I will tell you later.”

I tell him and call out to the black men.

“Yo guys, long time no see.”

“Bastard. I’ll kill you.”

They aren’t even willing to listen.

“Calm down. Don’t hold onto a grudge for this long. That happened almost 4 years ago.”

“But because of that we lost billions of dollars and our boss is in jail. We are here to kill you.”

That man isn’t listening at all.

So I start running towards the window.

They are firing at me. But the bullets are flying past me and hitting the window glass. The window glass is bullet proof. It’s hard to break. But the amount of bullets fired at the glass made it crack.

“Thanks for opening a path for me.”

I turn back to them and thank them.

“What are you saying?”

That man still doesn’t get it.

I punch the window glass and the cracks enlarged and shattered.

Now the window is open and I jump down the window.

The meeting center is on the first floor. Just above the ground floor. So it isn’t that high.

I hear bullets again but they aren’t going to hit me. I land. However I had to roll a few times to kill the momentum.

I stand up and dust myself off. They will be here soon. So I better hurry or this time I won’t be able to get away.

I am in a suit. It’s kinda hard to run in a suit.

Still, I have to do it or they will be in trouble. I have caused enough troubles for both father and Boss.

I have to clear this on my own or else I won’t grow up.

I start running. I should lure them away as soon as possible. But since they brought weapons, they are shooting at me.

I haven’t felt like this for a while. Bullets flying around and I am running away from them. The sound of bullets have caused an uproar.

The whole neighborhood is in uproar.

The bullets stopped. I stop running and look back.

They are exiting the room and all of them are coming out of the building. They have cars parked. They will be chasing me in cars.

Isn’t that too unfair? I can’t outrun cars. What should I do? Everything is becoming very cliché like an action film.

But I should do something. I look around. The bustling area is now deserted. I hear police sirens. Someone must have called them.

I better get out of here. But wait, maybe I should take a better cover. If they think I am still here, they will come after me.

I come out from behind the building.

They spot me but the police cars are also in sight. They are discussing what to do. If they chase me, they risk getting caught.

And if they run away from the police then I can also run away from them.

In the end, they ran while giving me an intense glare.

I am about 200 meters away from the building. But they gave up the chase and ran away.

Police came and entered the building. I shouldn’t enter as it’ll be troublesome. I wait for a while.

Boss and father will handle the police. And the police left after some time.

That’s my cue. I start walking and reach the building.

I enter the meeting center. Inside, Boss and father are seated while the others are kinda jittery.

I guess this is something even a Yakuza wouldn’t see.

“Boss, I am back.”

“Akito, what the hell did you do to them?” (Boss)

“Nothing much. Just that their leader is in jail because of me.”

“That’s plenty of a reason. You should stay hidden.” (Boss)

“That’s why I was always on the move. And they aren’t the only ones, Boss.”

“There’s more?” (Boss)

“Another 6 or 7 groups, maybe more.”

I honestly don’t remember that. In my travels, I did meet a lot of people. But I met bad people more than the good ones.

“Akito, you have become quite the trouble maker.” (Father)

“Now now, let’s calm down.”

Father said that with a evil grin. I stop him.

But Mona and ojou-sama are staring a hole through me.

“But it is true that we were attacked because of you. How are you going to take responsibility?” (Boss)

“Then I don’t have to return, right? I am always under attack. So I can’t stay in one place for too long.”

“Nonsense. I will deal with those. But you are coming with me.” (Boss)

“I don’t mind if you can deal with weekly attacks like that.”

“I will manage somehow.” (Boss)

Boss looks tired. I guess he is also getting old like father.

“Then Kusanagi, are we clear on the deal?” (Boss)

“Yes. We will work together and this alliance will help us fend off other groups. And I am making my daughter in charge.” (Father)

So Mona is in charge from the Kusanagi side.

“I am also making my daughter in charge. However she still isn’t completely accustomed to it. So as her chaperone, Akito would be here.” (Boss)

Boss just made me her chaperone. But I can’t say anything.

“That’s okay. I trust him.” (Father)

Father is giving me a meaningful glance. Boss is kinda surprised.

“Do you know him, Kusanagi?” (Boss)

“Yeah, he should have told you, right?” (Father)

“He did. But I thought you didn’t see him favorably.” (Boss)

“No, I see him very favorably. But there are circumstances. Anyway, Mona will be in your care, Akito.” (Father)

Why am I getting the feeling that I am being sucked into another troublesome situation?

But I can’t really go against them. I look at Mona and ojou-sama.

Both of them are grinning at me. Their grin shows their intentions. I am in for a lot of work it seems.