Few weeks have pass by. Much to the reluctance to Kunikazu Okumura, the merger between Okumura Foods and Yamatachi International Banking completed, the day soon came when Kunikazu announces his empire as a subsidiary business. The news shakes the business world momentarily. Such a massive corporation becoming a sister company to a lowly and obscure business is mystery in it's own right. The party cared little and the news died down soon enough. That is due to the more pressing news of oncoming wave of crime. Police cracking down on a large gang rising up from the underground known as, the Hebi. They mostly act through cruel acts of public outrage and violence, garnering much hatred from the public, however they hold the power to out man and outgun the police. This alone has quickly labeled them as priority number one, and the country's most wanted, the population looks to the election of a new Prime Minister for justice. They look to the police for safety. They look to the politicians for guidance.
Oblivious that their savior may come from the least most expected place.
"Sakamoto! Pay attention!"
Ryuji jumps in his seat with a snort. He looks around confused before he yelps in pain. A piece of chalk bounces off the bridge of his nose and into the hands of his teacher, who glares at him, adjusting the glasses with a polite cough.
"It's the changing of seasons from Spring to Summer! If you plan on hibernating do it during Winter Break!"
"Y-Yes sir..."
Ryuji rubs his nose not even bothering to glare. His master and questionable friend is far too immersed in his current role. He can tell by listening to the students in his class.
"There he goes again... I'll give him credit though, that looked like it really hurt, but he can take the punishment."
"I'll say but he should pay attention to Kurusu-sensei!"
"He's such a cool teacher. I wonder what he's like outside of school?"
"I heard he's been butting heads with Kamoshida-sensei though..."
That's right. Lately the two have had a scene. The school came to an understanding it was something as simple a bad day for both the men. Ryuji however knows better. Kamoshida treats Shujin Academy as his castle, and this newcomer is acting as an usurper to the throne, a silent declaration of war was made on that day. Before he can think on it anymore the final bell rings.
"Ah, that's the bell. Remember your exam results have been posted, but more importantly is the firework festival is just around the corner, be sure to have fun!"
Ryuji stretches before leaving his desk. He approaches his teacher who is busy with another student. Shiho takes a familiar item from him.
"Thank you so much... Practice has gotten easier as of late. I must be making an improvement!"
"Just make sure to pace yourself. Hopefully I won't need to give you anymore of these ointments."
"Yes, sensei. Thank you..."
She bows before giving Ryuji a smile as she leaves. The blonde shakes his head giving Yamatachi a side way glance.
"You gotta stop playing around with these little girls, man. Get some guy friends at least."
Yamatachi rolls his eyes at his rebellious
"Your only friends are girls; Take your own advice. Haru said now that everything's settled she wants to meet with Pierce. He's been quite patient from what I hear."
"That right? Both of those guys have been quiet."
"Not the crazy one. I bet he's among that growing domestic terrorist group."
"If everyone hates them so much how come they have so many members...?"
"So far we've seen them spontaneously show up to cause a mess, vanish soon after the damage is done, and reappear elsewhere to start it all over. It's mindless yet coordinated violence."
"You think they're both apart of it?"
"One of them at least... By the way. You should really check the list. You'll be in for a surprise."
"I thought you said I failed my exam?"
"I said you did lower than I wanted you to. Go look."
Ryuji raises a brow and leaves the classroom for the halls. He finds the students crowding around the test results list and scans it for himself.
"N-No way...!"
He had just barely made it to the passing line. Truthfully this should be disappointing, and no one around him cares as their eyes are on the top, but for him this is a feat. He didn't just reach his highest grade in years, he passed, and it feels good. He feels a nudge in his elbow coming from a perturbed Ann.
"Look at how low you got! You barely passed at all!"
"What're you getting mad at me for? I passed at all! I never get this high a grade!"
He winces with an eye closed as she pulls at his short hair.
"That's not the point! Just making it will never get you anywhere. Don't be satisfied with just making it."
"You're one to talk! I see your name is pretty effin' low too! Where do you get off, huh?"
He begins to pull at her hair in retaliation. They growl at each other before Makoto conks their heads together.
"Please refrain from misbehaving during school hours you two."
They releases each other and mumbles an apology under their breath. Makoto sighs and shakes their head.
"She is right you know. I'm proud of your progress considering where you started-"
Ann interrupts.
"The bottom of the barrel."
Ryuji shoots a glare at her, which she retorts by sticking her tongue out playfully, Makoto continues with a groan.
"You're coming along nicely. I guess all you needed in your life was a push in the right direction."
Ryuji rolls his eyes.
"More like a train slamming into me... Still, I'm kinda glad that things are moving along, I just hope things start to calm down soon."
Ann shakes her head as she taps her finger against her phone.
"As if. Those freaks, the Hebi? They're going from minor nuisance to a big time problem."
Makoto nods at her fellow student.
"Yes... From what I've learned from my own sources-"
Ryuji remarks with a snide smirk.
"Hanging around the police department like a vulture."
She smiles at him before punching him in his side. He doubles over slightly with a cough allowing the upperclassman to finish.
"The Hebi are lead by a man calling himself Boss Jin. He recruits troubled individuals like a cult and groom them into the fold. That's about all I have for now."
Ryuji's eyes widen for a moment.
"Boss Jin...? A lot of the guys I'd beat the piss out of would say that name. Maybe-"
Both Makoto and Ann slap their hands over his mouth. They hiss whispers at him angrily.
"Hush, stupid! You're still under a lot of heat!"
"Police are now investigating anyone who remotely looks like you. The last thing we need is you and your loudmouth getting yourself in even more trouble!"
"And it isn't like you don't go beating on thugs still... I know you go out at night trying to help fight Hebi."
Ryuji rolls his eyes before he slaps the hands off of him.
"Alright! Alright, I gotta be more careful, I'm listening..."
Makoto looks around cautiously before gesturing for the two to follow her.
"Let's continue on the roof."
The trio makes it to their destination with Haru diligently attending to her private garden. She turns and smiles at the others.
"Oh my! Are you all here to help?"
Ryuji rolls his arms as he struts over.
"I can pitch in some labor of love."
Ann scoffs at the act and mumbles to Makoto.
"There he goes again..."
"He's always been sweet on Haru-chan."
"I mean yeah, after all they went through, but I for sure thought you two were-"
Ann blinks as she notices Makoto's distant face, an almost disheartened sigh as she watches the two interact, she only breaks off her gaze with a polite cough as she notices Ann's staring.
"W-We're just friends! We look out for each other."
"Yeah, that's what friends do, so let this friend give you a bit of advice..."
Ann points to the duo as they tend to their shared project.
"You got like, two choices, maybe three."
Makoto skeptically looks to Ann with a defiant tone.
"And those would be?"
"I've known Ryuji longer than anyone here. I don't really know his tastes, he's simple and dense, but he can be surprising when it comes to people. Do you know why he dyed his hair in the first place?"
"There's a reason...?"
"When we were in grade school, I had little to no friends, then one day out of the blue..."
Ann looks to Ryuji with a nostalgic smile.
"This stupid kid in my class runs up to me with blonde hair talking about how we're the same now... I got so upset with him that I chewed him out. I thought he was copying me to mock me."
"But he just wanted you to feel like you belonged..."
Ann looks to Makoto off guard.
"How'd you guess that? Did he tell you this?"
"No but... It sounds like the kind of thing he'd do."
"That's what I found out in the principal's office. We had an argument that got us in trouble but... We used to be really close, and then we weren't; I don't know what happened. It isn't like we had a big dramatic break-up."
"You simply stopped talking to each other is what he told me. What of your friend, Shiho?"
"I met her in middle school. One day in art class, she tells me, 'Takamaki-san, your painting sucks'."
Makoto gasps with a hand on her mouth to keep her smile hidden and her laugh held.
"M-My goodness!"
"No, no, it was true! That's why it was funny! I never really had anyone just tell it to me how it is before. It's refreshing when you're used to either being ignored or praised all the time."
Ann snickers at herself.
"That kind of relationship is precious. That's why... If you do like Ryuji, you should go after him now, or never."
Makoto's smile fades into a pout.
"I... I doubt it's anything more than admiration."
"... You know... I thought that too... But I noticed something these past few days."
Ann points at the couple as they finish their work.
"See how Haru's face is totally glowing?"
Makoto nods having noticed the strange bright aura surrounding her classmate. Ann then gives Makoto a teasing side glance with an light elbow at her side.
"You have that same face when it's just you and him. I've seen it before these past few days."
"I..."
She curses herself in her mind. Did she really? She has tried to spend her time productively, but even she knows she's spent more time with her friends than studying as of late. Ann sees the conflict in Makoto and gains a more earnest tone.
"You should be honest with your feelings."
She knows this! She's read several books about the topic itself! Watched experiences from afar, some closer to home, even television shows. She simply can't bring it to herself to admit such an embarrassing truth.
"I could do better than him."
Ann leans back with a dismissive stare.
"Damn... You're not wrong though. If that's what you think then don't worry about it. I just thought, as one friend to another, I'd give you my two cents."
As Ann leaves Makoto, she wants to set the record straight, and yet there's this unseen force within her that simply refuses this. Embarrassment? Disgust? Fear? Whichever it is, she drags herself to the party regardless, forcing such thoughts out. Haru tilts her head at Makoto.
"Are you alright, Mako-Chan?"
"W-Well-"
She quickly points at Ryuji.
"I'm just waiting for our street fighter here to pay attention. We came up here for a different reason."
Ryuji meekly smiles and rubs his neck.
"Oh yeah!~ Sorry, sorry, I just went along without thinking!"
"Well stop that! You'll get yourself killed because of it. Anyways, I think now is a good time to get into contact with Quinton Pierce."
Haru nods.
"I've called his number earlier not too long ago. His receptionist is expecting us any day now."
Ann looks between her friends confused.
"Hey, so I'm a bit in the dark still, does this have anything to do with the earthquake awhile back?"
Ryuji looks at Ann confused.
"What earthquake? There hasn't been one in town recently."
Haru and Makoto glance at each other. They knew what Ann is talking about despite Ryuji's ignorance. His fight with Kuma shook the school just enough that the staff evacuated the student body, mistaking it for a small tremor and taking precaution, it was through this that they were able to sneak Ryuji out of the school. It was at Yamatachi's request that they kept quiet. Makoto giggles waving Ann off.
"Oh that was something else entirely Ann. I'll tell you later. What matters right now is that we have an appointment."
Haru cleans the dirt on her hands with her handkerchief.
"It's within three hours, but I say we should go now, if that doesn't interfere with anyone's current schedule."
No one speaks up. She nods with resolution.
"Good. Let's speak with Yamatachi-san."
Before the party can move on, a shout sounds from the school entrance, leading the group to the edge of the rooftop. Men in ski-masks with a snake emblem on matching arm bands approach the school. They shout and make a scene. A teacher confronts them only to be knocked out by a wooden bat to his skull. Haru gasps with fright.
"Those are them...! Why are the Hebi at our school?! They hurt Inui-sensei!"
Makoto narrows her eyes at the scene.
"They're shouting a name... Kamoshida?"
Ann plays with her hair trying to stay calm.
"You think he's affiliated with those guys? He's... He's not that bad, is he?"
Ryuji is silent. Mostly because he's already gone for the door. The girls chase after him with Makoto grabbing his wrist.
"Don't act without thinking, idiot-!"
She yelps as he tears himself from her. He pushes past student and staff to get through the crowds until he doubles over wheezing.
"Excuse me, Kawakami-san. He seems to be having trouble breathing. Can you handle him for me?"
Yamatachi's fist smoothly slides from Ryuji's stomach and becomes a soft guiding hand that leads him to his fellow teacher. He can't find the strength to inhale just yet and no one noticed the swift action. Their eyes lock with each other as Yamatachi rolls up his sleeves and takes his gloves off. The scars on his knuckles and arm visible. Ryuji understands immediately with a silent apology while Kawakami looks between them.
"S-Sakamoto?! What happened? And you there! K-Kurusu! Don't go near those men!"
"I'll be quick about it. I'm only doing my duty as a teacher."
He approaches the men cracking his knuckles. The assumed head of the group points at him with a gruff growl.
"You Kamoshida?"
"No sir."
"Then get out of our way! We'll search this whole school if we have to!"
"No sir. You won't."
"Oh? You gonna try and stop us? There's six of us and one of you!"
Yamatachi takes out a cigarette and lights it as he stands there with a casual stature. This confuses the men.
"What do you think you're doing...?"
"I'm thinking... Thinking of a cool line to say in front of the kids."
The leader threateningly marches over to him with a fist raised.
"You asshole! I'm going to break your face- AIE!"
The man stumbles back after Yamatachi spat his cigarette into his assailant's eye. The indignant teacher catches the cigarette with his hand and stomps his target's foot, forcing a scream out of the man, he flicks the still burning stick into the man's mouth before uppercutting him to close it.
"You should have gotten a mask with only eye holes."
He seizes the now crying man by the collar of his shirt. He lifts him off his feet, over his head, and crashing down headfirst into the stone tiles of the school. The masked gangster's eyes roll to the back of his head as the others all step back. Yamatachi looks to them with a strange look. Makoto had been watching with the other students but she could hardly believe it. She isn't sure if it was only her, or if everyone else could see it too, as one of Yamatachi's eyes have flushed red... Or, perhaps it was something simpler, as she looks down to find a contact lens on the ground by Yamatachi's feet. She had only noticed it due to the hazel brown colored iris that make his usual eye color.
"Excuse me."
Her attention moves back to the scene at hand. Yamatachi, now holding onto the idle leg of his first victim before it could fall, uses it to swing the man like a doll at the others. They turn to flee but all fall as their comrade collides with them. As they scramble to their feet the clacking sounds of dress shoes against stone has their hearts freeze.
"This is a prestigious house of education and vast knowledge. Anyone who comes here with intentions of harming staff or student will be taught a valuable lesson."
The bat wielding thug stands up with a snarl before advancing.
"I'll teach you something!"
The bat whistles in the air before a sound crack makes contact with Yamatachi's head. He leans to the side slightly yet maintains unblinking eye contact. The man goes for another swing with a terrified grunt as he shuts his eyes instinctively. A loud snap later and the man opens them to a broken bat. The other half rolls across the ground. Yamatachi had countered the swing with his own elbow. He fireman kicks the batter in the chest sending him past his friends.
"Here's a lesson in natural selection. The strong consumes the weak. Now then, in this circumstance of a physical altercation, who is the strong and who is the weak?"
One of the men pulls out a knife and rushes right for him. He faints Yamatachi out with a sudden strafe to the side, his arm thrusts the knife out. However, it's not just caught, but Yamatachi palms the elbow with just enough force to disarm the man. He then throws the man by that same arm back to the group.
"Here's a simple math equation. There are six criminals and one man. He manages to knock out three and chase away two. How many are left?"
The remaining man tilts his head as he gets up only to see his last two members flee the scene. He crawls back sputtering words incoherently.
"Do you need a Japanese lesson too? The final bell has rung sir. I suggest you go home. Class dismissed."
The masked man screams and runs off. Yamatachi runs a hand through his hair as he keeps one eye closed. Looking around feigning anxiety, he helps the elder teacher who had been assaulted to his feet, his pleasant tone returning.
"Is everyone okay? Sorry for such a violent display, Inui-san, everyone."
As if on cue, he is bombarded by questions by just about everyone present, which gives the perfect cover for Ryuji and the others to sneak past. Ryuji, still holding his stomach, makes his way through the crowd and waits for the others. Makoto comes put first, with Haru second, and finally Ann. The blonde girl looks back still in awe.
"Did that just happen...? I know you guys told me he was teaching Ryuji to fight, but.. That didn't even seem real!"
Haru nods with a smile.
"Oh yes! Kurusu-sensei, or perhaps Yamatachi-san in this instance, can be quite the fierce combatant."
Ryuji folds his arms trying to tough out the pain.
"Yeah. He's cruel when he wants to be and scary when he needs to be. Still... He really pulled through for me there."
Ann looks to him raising a brow but Makoto quickly answers the unasked question.
"To think he'd put his own cover on the line, but I can't blame him, if you fought those men everyone in school would have connected the dots. You'd have exposed yourself."
Ryuji thumbs behind with a scoff.
"That asshole gave us the opening to leave so let's take it. He can take care of himself."
Ann sighs deflating some as they walk.
"Yamatachi is supposed to be with us though... I wonder if we'll be okay. We're only teenagers."
The three look back at her as Makoto reassures her.
"You could always just go home. No one here would blame you."
Haru gestures to Ann with a honey sweet tone.
"We're grateful for any support but this may be too much for you..."
Ryuji doesn't even look back and merely waves at her as he keeps walking.
"You don't wanna get involved in this kind of stuff anyways. It's too annoying."
Ann runs after him just give him a glare from in front.
"And your excuse for going is?"
"He wanted to make a deal with me."
"And what about Haru?"
The posh girl shakes her head.
"I... Unfortunately have been dealing with the matter in a personal manner. He's expecting us both."
Ann rolls her eyes to Makoto with a skeptical frown.
"And you, Makoto?"
The upperclassman looks side to side. Ann has a point. She doesn't have the connections or resources like Yamatachi or Haru, she certainly didn't have the strength or experience to fight by Ryuji's side, she begins to wonder herself why she even continue to get involved. Ryuji then speaks up for her.
"She's been with me the longest. If I had to have anybody have my back it'd be her. Makoto's saved my life time and time again. I need her by my side. Now more than ever."
He looks to her with an expectant smile. Her own face glows from the faith instilled into her before she smiles with confidence.
"I am the brains to his brawn, simply put. Who knows what his idiocy will get him into without me?"
"Hey!"
Ryuji growls at her giggling until he looks to Ann.
"It's not like we're some exclusive club... We're risking our lives just knowing who this guy is. You weren't there when we met him either..."
Haru continues as he trails off.
"And it isn't that we don't want you with us. We just can't guarantee your safety."
Makoto places a hand on her thigh.
"You were there when I got hit by that car, right? That could potentially be any one of us now. Can you really afford to live like that for the time being?"
Ann shrinks back some. She never actually considered any of this until now. What if she got hurt? Unlike the trio she has both her parents, and though she admittedly hardly talks with them, would she be any more useful to anyone throwing herself into danger like this? Makoto takes notice of Ann's visible decline in mood.
"Those men from earlier were asking about Kamoshida, correct? Ann, why not try to look into that, keep Shujin Academy safe by learning about why the Hebi would target it!"
Haru looks to Ann with optimism in her voice.
"You could be as our informant for the school! Should anything be going on that we're unaware of, you'll be the first to know, do you think you can manage that?"
Ryuji rolls his arm smiling at Ann.
"Those assholes have their fingers in the school through the principal. If you can find a way to expose that, or at least keep us updated on anything going on, it'll be a huge help!"
Ann straightens herself with small grin.
"Yeah... I could manage that! I'll keep my eyes and ears open for anything new! You guys go on with your bad selves!"
Ann makes her own way home afterwards leaving the others to their destination. Taking Haru's private limousine, the trio find themselves at sleek skyscraper within the city, revolving doors lead them into a lavish and yet bleak lobby. Black tile path a white marble floor, a luxurious yet simple furniture on each side of the path, numerous business men and women idly fill the area with ambient chatter. A large crescent mahogany desk sits at the end between two elevators. A woman multitasks between talking on a company phone and typing on a keyboard. She eyes the teenagers with annoyance before holding up a finger at them.
"Yes sir. I'm sure he'd love to hear so. Our regards. Good-Bye."
She hangs the phone up, types on the keyboard for a few more moments, finally she adjusts her glasses and addresses the party.
"You three must be lost. This isn't an arcade or some playground. Adults work hard here."
Haru bows with Makoto offering apologetic greetings.
"We don't mean to intrude on any important business. My name is Haru Okumura. I believe we've spoken on the phone."
"I'm Makoto Niijima, please forgive us."
Ryuji stares the woman's glare back as he places his hands in his pockets.
"You always gotta bitch at people who haven't even met you yet?"
Makoto responds quickly by slapping the back of his head and force him into a bow.
"Forgive him too, he's an idiot- Ow!"
Ryuji pulls her by her hair up with him as he continues.
"You're the front desk right? First impressions and all that? That ugly scowl and shit attitude makes for poor attitude."
The woman merely blinks at the two with her frown growing. She looks to Haru with a raised brow as she ignores the duo.
"Okumura-sama... Which means this ape with bleached hair is your fighter, Ryuji Sakamoto?"
All three of them look at each other with puzzled until the woman snaps her fingers for their attention.
"Quinton is expecting you, although he's wasting his time, you're not at all cut out for this."
Ryuji releases Makoto as he wakes up from a daze.
"You know about the whole underground-"
She raises a hand stopping him.
"I have been maintaining and handling men like Kuma since I was in middle school. Everyone in this building is here for that kind of thing. Didn't he tell you anything?"
She eyes them for a moment then speaks before anyone can get a word in.
"Judging from your attire he hasn't. Take the elevator to your right. Top floor. That's the button above all the others for your pet ape."
After dragging Ryuji away into the elevator. Makoto huffs with a glare as she hits the top button.
"That could have gone better..."
"Don't look at me when she started it!"
"It doesn't matter when you called her that!"
She places a hand on her chest with a sigh of relief.
"Ryuji... Please refrain from your usual vulgar speech. We're in enemy territory now. We have to play by their rules."
"I guess..."
Haru takes his hand into hers reassuring him with a firm grasp.
"Just bide your time and keep calm, just like in a fight, don't let them play you or rile you up."
"R-Right."
The doors soon open to large spatial room with a ceiling that reaches far above average height. Within this massive area after such a display of wealth and affluence, the clientele being no-nonsense and straight to the point, the decor itself exuding a regal aura of near royalty; one would think that such a large room is to be filled with trophies or material boastings of grandeur. However, there is no such scenery, no exotic items or bobbles. No expensive paintings or wine cabinetry. No hand woven carpets or drapes, nor any special design, not even a window. This room is not a luxurious penthouse suite they expected. It's a prison with only fluorescent lights and single way out.
Makoto looks around trying to find anything but stone and artificial lighting. Only a few vacant vents for cool air at the ceiling is all she discovers.
"What...? Does he live here...?"
Haru releases Ryuji as they exit the elevator.
"I expected... Something. This is quite literally, nothing. It's depressing..."
Ryuji stares ahead at his target. Within this silent room stands Quinton Pierce with his back to the trio. He turns and walks towards them himself, his impossibly large frame hiding decorations on the wall behind him, now revealed with his movement. A wall with an American flag and a series of military medals of the United States. A dog tag hangs from the wall with a name none of them can make out. It hangs just above a picture of a large extensive family all smiling together save for one fat child. Pierce speaks first
"You came."
Ryuji scoffs feigning rebellion. His eyes barely able to keep contact with the dark skinned tower. His hands in his pockets to hide their incessant shaking. His legs locked to hide their quaking. His breathing is made irregular as the ominous primal instinct of fear grips his rapidly beating heart.
"C-Course I did. You wanted to talk."
"Let's get right to business. I don't want to hire you."
"You don't...?"
"I have twenty other men like you and Kuma. Kun Woo Li and Takamata. Even the man you know as Yamatachi... Well. I have sixteen now. The Hebi have been recruiting if not killing hired talent across the board."
"Don't compare me to those guys, I'm no killer; and Yamatachi is a good guy! When he wants to be."
"He isn't our subject of today. You are. I want to work with you in rooting out the problem. Although my home is America, I have an obligation to this country, I made a promise to someone."
Haru looks to Ryuji who lowers his head at that. Promises.
"A man's only worth as much as his word..."
"Precisely. You're not to be contracted with me. That honor and burden goes to her."
Pierce moves his eyes to Haru who squeaks at the small action. Without a word she walks by Ryuji's side, as if obeying an unspoken order, she even finds herself standing at attention subconsciously.
"W-What does that mean, sir?"
"Kunikazu is too foolish and too old to handle the contract. I imagine he has lost any and all power within his own company, the one you call Yamatachi does instead, with you acting as an intermediary between the two companies. This means you are the true co-owner of Yamatachi-Okumura Group."
"How did you figure that all out...?"
Pierce moves his gaze back to Ryuji who had grown relax until their eyes lock again.
"I watched the news and listened to the reports. I put what the pieces together and came out with a speculation. It seems that I'm right. There, is, an official contract that settles you both within the records and ranks of our community. You won't be signing it."
Ryuji abruptly speaks up.
"Good! We don't want any part of your shitty club!"
"That's why I need you two. Specifically you, Mr. Sakamoto. Your naive yet pure sense of right and justice... The strength to put yourself in way of danger and come out victorious... I cannot interfere personally with the Hebi, and my employees as well as my contacts are either siding with or failing against them, I'm admittedly against the wall. You are not my only hope. You are however, my best bet."
Makoto stunned by the speech steps up at last. She looks to Haru, then to Ryuji, before staring at the giant's reflective dress shoes.
"I think I get it, sir. Your standing as a foreigner would put you and the whole system at risk. If not yourself personally, someone who knows you personally, someone who may give them any potential weakness."
He nods with a raised brow.
"That's right... What is your name?"
She gives a formal bow with her eyes closed. She's sure this man is merely human. He admitted to being in a metaphorical corner. So why is there this unyielding pressure on her? A sensation she has only felt when under the pressure of her sister...
"M-Makoto Niijima, sir."
"... Why are you here?"
"Ryuji is my friend. I can't abandon him when he might throw himself into a fight he cannot win."
"You came here hoping you could stop him should a fight break out between us."
"... Yes sir."
He groans lowly with a quick look between the girls and Ryuji. He gives another nod.
"Mr. Sakamoto. Ms. Okumura. I will grant whatever aid I can, so that you can save my business and the country from self-implosion, at the cost of silence and confidentiality."
Haru and Ryuji look to each other. Sure, Yamatachi made a fool out of a handful of men bumbling around their school, but the other members are far different. There are men who take lives each week within that group. There are people who may be at or even above Yamatachi's skill level, far surpassing Ryuji currently, and if the Hebi caught word of Ryuji's identity they wouldn't have the same courtesy as they had before. Everyone they knew and love would be involved. Ryuji hates it, but he has to admit to himself more than anyone, they need all the help they can get. Together they look to Pierce and nod as Haru speaks.
"We accept the proposal."