Yukari sighed softly as she snuggled her pillow. She had gotten some decent sleep and she was thankful for that. For a few nights she hadn't been able to sleep at all. Shiina had always offered his comfort and slept with her. But, for the first time in a few nights, Yukari was sleeping alone. Shiina was in his own room, no doubt sound asleep.

At least Yukari thought he was sound asleep. He hadn't come in to check on her like he had been. She was thankful for his caring nature, his fretting, and his overprotective aura he'd always get. She loved and adored her Shiina-chan. Thinking of him made her smile, and her mind wander, somewhere between tired and active.

She laid there for about twenty minutes before she got up. She kept her thoughts focused on her brother, his Sekirei, Shiina, and Juma. Yukari gathered herself up, and opened the door. She closed it silently behind her, looking down the hall towards the bathroom. She could hear chatter downstairs and began to move towards the staircase. To her surprise, Juma and Shiina were talking. It wasn't too much, but she couldn't help but hide herself and listen.

She always got a kick out of Sekirei interactions.

"Breakfast will be done soon."

Yukari was tempted by the aroma wafting through the air. Juma was going all out for her breakfast, as she believed any Sekirei would. Even if she didn't bolt her foot down like Musubi did, Juma could still heap it on. Yukari kept control over herself, not obeying her stomach and getting up to go downstairs. Instead, she carefully stepped down again, and then again, the two chattering Sekirei voices becoming easier to hear.

"I would've helped you."

Yukari smiled, adoring Shiina's polite nature. Even if he didn't exactly trust Juma, he was still more than willing to assist her. That's a lot, Yukari considered, because he could've not cared. He could just sit there and let her cook for all three of them. Maybe Juma would've made him cook if he tried that, and outside of simple dishes, Shiina didn't make too much. Yukari always made sure they ate out at least three times a week.

"Do you think Yukari is sleeping still?"

Yukari could recognize some concern in Juma's tone. Maybe she was just imagining it, and wanted the buxom Sekirei to be concerned about her. Yukari could admit the idea of two Sekirei being concerned about her wasn't a bad one. She loved being loved and always returned the favor. She was also a fighter and wouldn't back down from any challenge put in front of her.

She began to squeeze her hands, imagining Juma's breasts within them. She had grabbed them by accident that one time she fumbled around in the bedroom. It hadn't been easy to explain that one away and she was thankful Shiina hadn't pressed her for more answers. He had been satisfied with her response, even if she was hiding a few key details from him.

"I think she'll be waking up soon."

Yukari smiled, Shiina was quite the optimist. She could've stayed in bed a lot longer, but truth be told she wanted to spend time with Shiina and Juma. She was more than surprised that the two were talking, even if it was in a more formal manner. There was definitely emotions between them, as far as the dynamic between Shiina and Juma went.

She decided to make her presence known and came down the stairs. Shiina's eyes immediately lit up, and for Yukari it was the most brilliant thing. Something she wouldn't take for granted.

"Yukari. I was going to have Shiina come wake you." Juma said, setting down some hashbrowns and eggs.

"Thank you, Juma-san." Yukari said, smiling brightly.

Yukari appreciated the sentiment. Even if there technically wasn't one, the fact Juma wanted her present was more than warming. Maybe she did have an effect and affect on the Sekirei. Yukari had to wonder at times, especially during the beginning of their partnership. Even if Juma had often been throwing Akane and others around, Yukari could still get under her skin enough where they were arguing.

But that was before...Things got a little complicated between them.

"In any case. Have a seat. Breakfast is done." Juma said.

Yukari immediately grabbed some eggs and bacon, getting some hashbrowns and pancakes on a second plate. She dug in with vigor, appreciating Juma's choice of breakfast. She had always liked bacon and syrup when she had been younger. It was her favorite. Her mother would make the best bacon and waffle sandwiches. Minato would always bolt them down quickly.

Thinking of her brother made her smile. She was thankful she was able to communicate with him and would never lose touch with him. He hadn't been too thrilled before and she knew he was watching for anything odd. Anything out of place. If she wasn't her usual self he'd know right away. If it wasn't right away it'd be close enough where Yukari would be surprised at how perceptive her brother could be.

"Is it okay if I see Minato today?" Yukari asked, sipping some orange juice.

"Possibly." Juma said.

Yukari smiled, she'd take that. She couldn't think of any reason why she wouldn't be able to see her brother. It wasn't like Higa would purposely keep her away from her brother. She did what she was supposed to do. She would never be able to cut down anyone, and she hoped she never had to witness such a thing again.

That had been Higa's test.

Yukari didn't care if she passed or not. She was thankful to be in Juma's home, away from Higa, away from his Sekirei. All of them vicious and nasty just like he was. Yukari had to wonder how anyone could ever be in that tower. They were always at each other's throats and stopped at nothing to keep the Eastern sector under their control.

She ate her food with vigor, despite her mulling, she had to eat in order to get energy. She watched Juma and Shiina eat, both of them being neat and polite. For once they weren't arguing with each other and getting on the other's nerve. Shiina and Juma both moved with precision. Yukari found herself looking at her chopsticks.

"Yukari-sama?" Shiina piqued, eyes searching her own.

"I'm just thinking." Yukari said, going back to eating her eggs.

Shiina nodded, finishing the rest of his toast. "Will we able to go to Maison Izumo today?"

Juma looked Yukari then turned her gaze onto Shiina. She could've sworn it was happening again. She had to wonder why Shiina was asking her if they could go there. Yukari had just got done asking that very same thing. Juma didn't like having to repeat herself, but she was going to let it slide this time since she was eating breakfast.

"Possibly. It depends on what Higa has planned." Juma finally replied.

Just then her cell phone she began to ring. She finished her waffle before quickly snatching up the phone. "Juma speaking."

Juma. It's Higa. We need to talk. I'd like you to come in.

Juma nodded to herself, leaving the room. "Okay I can do that for you."

Bring Yukari and Shiina.

Juma felt some curiosity, wondering what his line of thought was. "Do you mind if I ask?"

We're going to have a meeting with some clients from overseas.

That got Juma's attention.

"Okay, I'll be there. I'll be sure to bring Yukari and Shiina."

How is Yukari?

"She's okay as long as she has her own space."

I understand. I need her to handle missions. There's been some disorderly ruck-

Juma was reminded of how ruthless Higa could be. Even after all of that he still wanted her to carry out missions for him. It was almost beyond belief, but Juma wasn't surprised. There was no end the man wouldn't go to. Yukari went to Teito university and there was not more of a perfect place for Higa to have his eyes and ears than the finest college of Japan.

"Guys I need to take this." Juma said, coming back from the living room. "Finish up, shower, then wait for me outside."

Yukari looked a little disappointed. "Are you sure?"

Juma nodded.

"Well, if you're sure." Yukari gave her a wave.

She finished up her breakfast, put the leftovers away, and did the dishes. She made sure everything was neat before she left to get ready for the day. Shiina followed right behind her, going to the bathroom to shower. It took them about an hour and a half, but they were dressed and ready for the day. Yukari wore a very long scarf and had a hat on as well.

Shiina wore a hat and a jacket.

They were leaving when they caught Juma on the phone, jotting something down on paper quickly. Whatever it was, Yukari observed, it was worth getting all of her attention and focus. She wasn't even paying them any mind, not making any comment to Shiina. She was completely focused on the task at hand, and Yukari quickly remembered what position Juma was in with Higa.

Something big must've been happening.

Shiina looked around as he exited Juma's home. The Sekirei had said there were no cameras or spies around them, and a part of him wanted to believe her. He didn't trust Higa as far as he could kick him, he always had eyes and ears somewhere. He was always listening and observing. Shiina didn't exactly want to trust Juma, yet he wanted to believe she truly gave Yukari freedom, and she wouldn't need to be in that sickening tower.

He paused in his observations, noting that he couldn't see or sense anyone around the house. The street was empty save for Juma's car that was parked in front of the house.

The whole neighborhood was quiet, the hustle and bustle of people leaving, families gathering and coming together, and people gathering together in general wasn't as prevalent.

I guess they left.

Shiina turned and walked back to the front door, moving his feet carefully across the snow, so that he didn't slip on hidden ice. Yukari followed his example. Quietly, she followed after him. The snow was plowed from the street and sidewalk. Shiina looked up to the second story of Juma's home uneasily. The house did not seem very secure to him. Still, it was an improvement over fighting his way out of a heavily armed fortress.

They watched the snow fall, ignoring the cold. Occasionally, there was a rustle of cool wind.

Juma had told them to wait outside once they were done getting ready, that quickly turned into wait outside while I talk to Higa. The man had called her, and Yukari wasn't exactly thrilled about it. Yukari tried not to gag. Shiina seemed to notice it, but kept up the same determined face. At last Juma came out of her home, moving with a bit of hast. She moved towards the car silently. The ground was covered in snow and ice.

"Sorry about that." Juma said as she unlocked the doors. "Higa wanted a progress update."

Shiina shivered at the thought, pushing it away, as he knew too well what that meant. Someone or people were going to be punished. Probably a local gang that didn't fall in line with Higa.

A semi pulled up beside her, and Juma put her foot down, cutting through the traffic.

"Progress report?" Shiina asked.

Juma nodded.

"Hopefully he isn't in a bad mood." Shiina said.

Around them, people were speeding and cutting through traffic. Juma guessed they were last minute stragglers that wanted to leave. Shapes took form and became towering buildings, appearing out of the shadows and from behind the clouds to gather around the East sector. Amazed, Yukari gazed around at the beautiful skyline. Most of them were businesses, mansions, bars, restaurants, or clubs.

Yukari gazed at Juma curiously, without any attempt to be polite, she spoke. "Did he want a progress report on me or Shiina?"

Juma threw back the hood of her jacket, and Yukari saw her tired expression. Her long hair was a little unkempt. Her jade eyes shimmered.

"He wanted one on both of you." Juma said.

Shiina looked at Juma from his seat. "We prefer that the game be over."

"You still have a lot to learn, Shiina."

"I've seen graffiti in a lot of places." Shiina said, his eyes lighting up. "Don't tell me... "

"At some point you will have to punish them." Juma said, setting her jaw

"Do I have to do that?" Yukari asked.

"I'll do it. I don't want Yukari to dirty her hands." Shiina said.

Juma waved her hand. "There are those who already handle that. Your time to dish out punishment will come. Even Kakizaki handles the punishments with stringency."

"Now I get it." Shiina said, nodding. "Higa wanted a progress report on Yukari's recovery."

Juma sped up, cutting in and out of traffic. "Yes, he did. He still needs Yukari to handle missions. Ichiya and Oshino also grow restless the longer Yukari is away."

"They go on fighting." Shiina remarked. "Their hatred never stops."

"They think Yukari is fine, but I told Higa she needs her own space." Juma said.

"Her own space." He gestured around. "We have nowhere we can go that Higa's eyes don't stretch into."

"I told you already, there are no cameras or anything of the like at my house." Juma told him, tone serious.

"That's why he needs us. It was either this or let ruck do as they please."

Yukari gazed around the horizon at the tall buildings of the east and the clubs around her. From what she had seen in her time in the east, she knew that it had a lot of businesses and clubs. The sector was known for parties and the like. The time-honored college parties were always hosted here, and even celebrities were known to make appearances. Yukari was amazed, she could feel the energy of the east all around her.

"Higa trusts me. He doesn't need to keep tabs on me." Juma explained. "Higa may have plans for the two of you, so be prepared."

"I don't like the sound of that." Shiina remarked.

Yukari spoke up. "Higa thinks he can do whatever he wants."

Juma tightened her hold on the steering wheel, a sigh escaping her lips.

To some extent Higa could do what he wanted. There was a reason MBI had more outposts in the east than any other sector. Even the South didn't have quite as much outposts. Higa had taken over completely, almost a clean sweep entirely by a long shot. The only people stopping him had been Ryu, the Hannya, Hayato, and Sanada.

Hayato in his own right had over twenty Sekirei and was neck and neck with Higa. Ryu had winged the Black Sekirei, Karasuba. Sanada had also winged five rather vicious Sekirei.

"He'd just better watch himself." Yukari said.

Juma took the threat for what it was. Yukari would never be able to get close enough to Higa to ever do that kind of damage. Shiina wasn't as brazen as she was and was remaining quiet. His discontent over the situation was a brooding point for him. Even now he didn't trust her, and Juma couldn't blame him. Higa had eyes and ears everywhere.

It took them a little while, but they arrived at the tower. Higa's tower was even more impressive than MBI's tower. Even if it wasn't as tall or adorned with lights so that overnight it was like a shining beacon, Yukari could admit it was nothing to scoff at. From where she stood it just towered high into the sky, having no end.

"We're going this way." Juma motioned for them to follow her as she went towards the elevator.

She pressed the button for the top floor, where Higa's personal office was. The door closed with a chime and began to rise, Yukari could feel the sudden rise in her feet, trying to guess how many feet off the ground she was. The elevator shot upward, climbing rapidly, and the ride was reltively quiet. Juma was too busy organizing her own thoughts, knowing more about this meeting than she was letting on. Shiina was doing his best to stay composed and contain his anger towards Higa.

Yukari was oddly silent as well, not offering much in the way of conversation. The idea of Higa wanting a progress report on her was enough to make her not be so cheerful. Even if it was in her nature to be cheerful and lively, now wasn't one of those times. Higa would be surrounded by his legion, Kakizaki would be surrounded by his Sekirei. Someone in those groups would be watching her every single move, trying to decipher every emotion she was trying to keep hidden from their prying eyes.

She looked at Juma, who had her focus on the heel of her boots. She wanted to say something, anything at all, but she stayed quiet. Unable to speak from the depth of her heart, she wanted Juma to relax and not have so many burdens. She wanted the Sekirei to know what fun was and to laugh her heart out and enjoy herself.

The elevator finally came to a stop and there was a chime. The door opened and there was a hallway, leading to a left turn where the office was. Juma took the lead while Yukari and Shiina walked behind her, both of them setting their jaws and narrowing their eyes. Juma walked with confidence and poise, having no worries like the two beside her.

Rather, she was looking forward to this meeting.

Juma opened the door and wasn't surprised to see Hari seated just in front of Higa. Kakizaki was on his other flank. No other Sekirei was present besides herself and Hari.

There were three men present. The first one was dark skinned with a bald head, wearing a black suit with a golden dress shirt, and black tie. He wore a ring on his smallest finger and middle finger on his right hand. The second man was older than the first with silver white hair. He wore a black suit with a blue tie. He had a ring on his right ring finger. The third man didn't wear a suit at all. He wore a black tank top that showed off his muscly body, blue pants, blue and white gloves, and black shoes.

Yukari and Shiina found a seat while Juma took her own, sitting beside Higa in the empty seat.

"Juma. Just in time." Higa said with a smile. "I'd like you to meet our overseas clients."

Juma looked the three men over. The dark-skinned man had defined features, with chiseled facial hair. He looked the part of a businessman that was well into his leap. The silver haired man wore a smile on his face, but Juma could tell it was a sarcastic and rather dubious smile. The third man was younger than these two and wore a pair of sunglasses to keep his eyes hidden. He was heavily muscled and wore a hard expression.

Juma shifted slightly in her seat. Not the must trustworthy men, but then again Higa didn't care about honor or things of that nature. He just cared about results and doing whatever it took to get them.

"The pleasure is all mine." The silver haired man said with a dubious smile. He held out his hand for Juma to shake.

Juma didn't reach out to touch his hand. She just didn't trust the man. There was just something insincere about him. How long this partnership would last she couldn't begin to guess, but hopefully she didn't need to be around this man longer than necessary. She didn't miss his wandering eyes on herself and Hari, but Juma chose not to comment.

Another fine gentleman that Higa recruited.

The fair skinned man smiled as he retracted his hand, seeming to not take offence to Juma refusing to shake his head.

"Well, we should get the introductions out of the way." Kakizaki said, adjusting his glasses.

"I am William Price." The fair-skinned man said, his voice sharp.

"I am Joseph Price." The heavily muscled man said, his hard look surprising for such a meeting.

"I am Benjamin King." The dark-skinned man said, his tone, one that suggested, that there always be respect when it came to using his name.

Yukari composed herself as much as possible, hoping that Akane wasn't present.

That's the last person she wanted to deal with at this point in time. If this meeting fell apart she'd burst in the room like a banshee and start swinging her spear around. It'd be nothing short of carnage, and Yukari, never wanted to bear witness to such things. She was too bright and exuberant to ever fall prey to that mindset.

"Now we must persuade the businessmen to agree to our deal." Benjamin, was saying. The man was tall and regal, with perfect posture and a large gait.

"That shouldn't be too much of a problem." William said.

His hair was silver and perfectly trimmed and his elegant features, strong jaw, and piercing eyes completed the look of a man who was the leader of just not a gang, but a true force.

In looking at him, in feeling his presence, Yukari understood that nothing less than the best would ever suit this one.

"What about Ryu?" Asked William. "Is he still a problem?"

Yukari nodded, huge pieces of the puzzle starting to fall into place. It made sense to her that William would want Ryu handled, even if his opposition to MBI was working in their favor. Ryu had embarrassed Higa badly, after all.

"He is." Higa answered.

"Well, that's something that needs to be taken care of." William said.

"You have worked with Benjmain before, right?" Higa asked, seated at the head of the room.

"Never got the pleasure until now." William said with a sly smile.

Across the way, Benjamin nodded "We know of each other well enough."

"As I explained to you earlier, I'm quite convinced that more businessmen will rally to our cause. We will support you in secret as well." Higa said.

"It's quite the treat." William went on. "When my nephew's gang is combined with yours, we shall have an army greater than anything seen before. Our enemies will be overwhelmed."

"Let's get one thing straight." Benjamin said, staring down everyone gathered in the room. "The Vice Kings will always be the Vice Kings."

"Yes, Benjamin." William said. "We are always interested in hearing from the leader of the Vice Kings."

The tall and regal man offered a slight nod to William.

"I am authorized to sign this treaty." Joseph said.

"If we find it agreeable." William said, his voice getting stern.

"We are most grateful for your cooperation." Kakizaki said.

Yukari recognized the exchange for what it was, a play for the benefit of the other, less enthusiastic, people at the table. Higa was trying to build some momentum. That momentum hit a bit of a bump a moment later, though, when Benjamin piped in.

"I never said I'd agree to this treaty." Benjamin said, though he smoothed it over immediately. "We look forward to doing business with you."

Higa only smiled. "That is all we ask."

"The Westside Rollerz will support you, Higa." Joseph declared.

William smiled a sly smile, looking at his nephew. He didn't need to repeat himself. He wasn't going to repeat himself. If the treaty was agreeable, he'd allow the signature to be on it. If it wasn't agreeable, well, he didn't want to waste a trip to Japan. There was new territory to be claimed. Even right now his gang was chomping at the bit to get out there.

He was a patient man, however.

Yukari settled back, trying to sort out the implications of it all. Higa had it all falling together here. Was that why the Discipline Squad had recruited more members? Had Minaka sensed this growing danger, perhaps? But if that was true, then what was the tie between these three men and the group of businessmen before?

"I assume we're going to fight for our territory." Benjamin said.

"Naturally, Benjamin." William said, a sarcastic smile on his face.

"I'm inclined to agree to this." Benjamin said.

Higa grabbed a bottle of whiskey, pouring out glasses for everyone gathered.

"Here's to good business, gentlemen." Higa raised his glass.

Benjamin raised his glass. "Which brings us to the next point."

Yukari stiffened as all eyes fell on her and she did her best to keep her expression stoic. It wasn't so easy being under the focus of such men, but Shiina was with her and that gave her more courage. Yukari didn't puff out her chest, but she rather, calmly met the gaze of everyone gathered. She went from Higa, to Kakizaki, to Hari, to Juma, to Benjamin, to Joseph, and lastly to William.

Joseph took another drink, and Yukari noted he looked like a man that could really drink. He was showing restraint at this moment and savoring the drink, rather than chugging it down.

William smiled slightly, looking Yukari over.

Yukari didn't miss the action, but kept her tongue held tightly. She knew better than to make a scene right now, even if William's eyes were wandering a little too much.

"Yes." Hari said, a smile adorning her face as she took the reins. "We've got some stragglers from gangs called the Hi-Hats and Savage Huns."

Yukari felt a shiver run down her spine when Hari set her eyes onto her.

"You will punish them." Hari continued, delighting in the way Yukari clenched her teeth.

Shiina could feel his Ashikabi bristle, and he immediately stepped up. "I will handle it."

Higa stared at the duo with a critical gaze. Truthfully, he didn't have time or patience for the theatrics. Yukari and Shiina were always theatrical more than anything. At first he found it to be amusing, as if the duo could ever defy him. They would certainly keep it to themselves, but Higa knew, at some point, they'd be on opposing sides. He would do everything in his power to keep Yukari and Shiina under his control naturally, they were just too valuable.

Higa looked at Kakizaki, his eyes narrowing. "Send word."

Kakizaki pulled out his cell phone, dialed a number, and put it to his ear. "Send them up."

Yukari's heart raced in her throat, making her latch onto herself and gather composure. If she let Higa see her break down, it'd be a wound to her pride. Yet, she couldn't help but feel panic stricken as Hari stood up from her seat and began to walk around, carefully setting down her feet each time, testing the floor with every step.

Shiina hardened his gaze as the door to the room swung open. He turned his gaze towards the intrusion, spotting what appeared to be mimes being led side by side with men wearing green martial arts uniforms and green hats. Shiina had to guess there were twenty men in all. Ten from each gang. Higa hadn't been wasting any time at all in rounding them up.

It was just like the man to be so quick.

"These are some men from the gangs I flew in from the states. Evidently, they've gotten started early." Higa said, his tone clipped and stoic.

Yukari spent a good minute sizing the men up, noticing that they were all battle hardened and weren't shy about letting their fists do the talking. Yukari wondered how many there had been total before Higa got to them. Akane must've been cutting through swaths of their ranks with her spear, nothing short of mayhem given physical form. The thought made Yukari grimace, and she quickly brushed it away.

She didn't need to focus on what had happened, she needed to focus on the present.

"Our leader said the deal is off!" One of the men wearing the green martial arts uniform shouted.

Higa smirked, chuckling at the insolence of the man. He knew there were going to be very few that wanted to have a partnership with him. Such was the nature of street gangs. Besides getting them over from the states, they weren't going to want any assistance. They were more than happy taking territory in Teito. Higa was more than happy to let them have at it, as long as they remembered he was at the top.

Evidently these twenty men would be the example set.

"Shiina."

"Yes."

Shiina stood up, walking towards the twenty men. Despite them being taller, more muscular, and more battle hardened he didn't sway in his steps. He knew exactly what he had to do, and these men were no match for him. He'd deal with them in short.

One of the men wearing a green martial arts uniform threw a punch, and Shiina calmly raised his palm, letting his decaying beam fly. It struck the man, driving him back into the others. The mimes let out screams as the beam struck them, shredding at their clothes and vitality. Shiina was practical, and swiped his beam harshly to the side, striking the last three men in the face. They staggered backwards, crashing into the floor and rolling towards the wall.

Yukari nearly hissed, but kept the sound from ever leaving her lips. Shiina had struck down twenty men with ease, she could hardly believe her eyes. Shiina's beam had fried the men into oblivion. It didn't take long for their clothes to be shredded and their vitality to be torn asunder from their bodies as Shiina's beam ripped through them.

It all happened so fast, a part of Yukari couldn't believe it was done. She had expected more screaming, more blood, but it was relatively clean. Shiina's decaying beam didn't spray blood like a sword would, but rather tore into his foes, shredding away their vitality in mere seconds. The fact still remained there were bodies on the floor, and once again, Yukari clenched her lips between her teeth, struggling to stay quiet.

William clapped his hands, a sarcastic smile on his face. "Bravo. You finished them off in no time at all."

Joseph's hard gaze had gone a little harder.

Shiina stared at the still bodies of the twenty men, eyes still hard like they had been when he was attacking. He slowly lowered his palm and took a deep breath, coming back to the present and keeping himself composed. No matter how many times he did it, he would never be able to stomach doing such tasks for Higa, and whether it was a test or not didn't matter to Shiina.

He clenched his teeth, sweeping his gaze away from the bodies and moving back towards his seat.

"Excellent work, Shiina." Kakizaki said, adjusting his glasses with a smirk on his face.

"Of course." Shiina only offered a nod as he sat back down.

Hari nodded her head, smirking. "It was quite the display."

"Fill up a glass for them." William said, waving his hand at Shiina and Yukari.

Higa stared at Shiina and Yukari for a brief second before he closed his eyes and nodded.

Shiina wanted to decline, but seeing Higa pouring out the whiskey for him and Yukari, he just kept himself quiet. He accepted the glass with a bow. Yukari accepted it with a slight bow. They didn't really drink too much, and Miya would never allow him to drink at the inn. Yukari was too young to purchase alcohol as well. Still, Shiina took a sip, grimacing as the liquid burned all the way down to his stomach.

"Try to savor it." Kakizaki chuckled, sipping his own whiskey.

Yukari traded looks with Shiina, who sipped his whiskey. She had yet to sip her own.

"Well..." Hari trailed off, taking a sip of her whiskey.

Yukari nodded to herself, and took a generous sip.

She instantly regretted it, and nearly spit it out, but she swallowed it. The burn went from her throat all the way to her stomach. Yukari leaned forward slightly, feeling her stomach burning, but she righted herself up and met the gaze of everyone gathered. It'd do her no good if she was the only one who couldn't stomach her booze.

"That is how we should always handle trash like that." Benjamin said, sipping his whiskey.

"You should've let me handle them." Joseph said, cracking his knuckles.

"No need to get your hands dirty. After all, Higa promised us it wouldn't disappoint. And, it didn't." William said, clasping his hands together in his lap.

Higa nodded.

He could agree with the methods. Street gangs were a different breed. They wouldn't take orders or direction. They just wanted to fight and that was it. Fighting over territory. Higa hoped to use that to his advantage. Even if only a few had the wit to work alongside of him, if the majority wanted to oppose him and fight, he welcomed that.

It would only speed things along with his business executives.

"Good work, Shiina." Higa said, tone and gaze emotionless.

"Thank you, Higa-sama." It was almost mechanical the way Shiina spoke.