Kagome stepped out of her car and smoothed her skirt, trying to fight the anxiety rising in her chest. This was it. Her only chance to get close to Eri and maybe, just maybe, save her from the life she was trapped in. The Yakuza compound loomed in front of her, a daunting fortress of concrete and reinforced glass. She had done her research, knew the man she was about to meet with was Kai Chisaki, the heir apparent to the organization. He was ruthless, cold-blooded, and supposedly unmarried. Perfect.
The interview was tense, Kai Chisaki, or "Overhaul" as he was known in the underworld, grilling her about her qualifications, her past, and her reasons for coming forward. Kagome played the part of the desperate yet capable tutor to a tee, laying out her fake degrees and glowing recommendations on the table. The man didn't seem convinced, his eyes narrowed and as cold as the depths of winter.
It wasn't until she mentioned her time-related quirk that his demeanor changed, a spark of interest lighting his otherwise dead eyes. "A time-space quirk, huh?" he mused, steepling his fingers under his chin. " And you think you can help my... daughter... control hers? So far she's been nothing but disappointing."
"I can't make any promises, but I've worked with quirked children before, and I'd be honored to try and help Eri-chan," Kagome said, using the polite honorific for a young girl. Inside, she seethed at the way he referred to his own 'daughter' as a failure.
His eyes lingered on her during the entire interview, taking in her form in a way that made her skin crawl. Kagome forced herself to maintain eye contact, feigning ignorance to his lecherous stares. She needed this job, she reminded herself, no matter the cost.
"Very well," he finally said, standing up abruptly, the meeting apparently over. "You start tomorrow." He extended a hand, and Kagome took it, trying not to flinch at the way his fingers lingered just a moment too long.
"Allow me to show you to your quarters, Kagome-san," Kai Chisaki purred, his voice like velvet as he placed a hand on the small of her back. It was clear this wasn't a request.
Kagome suppressed a shudder at his touch, forcing a demure smile. "Thank you, Chisaki-sama. You're too kind."
As they wound through the labyrinthine compound, Chisaki's hand remained firmly in place, guiding her around corners and through doorways. His fingers traced small circles on her back, sending involuntary tingles up her spine.
"We'll handle the paperwork tomorrow," he explained, leaning in close. "For now, let me acquaint you with our rules. Discretion is paramount. Loyalty, unquestionable."
Kagome nodded, wide-eyed. "Of course, Chisaki-sama. I understand."
He smirked, clearly pleased by her acquiescence. "Your salary will be quite generous. I expect nothing but excellence in return."
As they approached a door, Chisaki's hands slid to her waist, holding her in place. His breath tickled her ear as he leaned down, whispering, "I know you're not stupid. We are yakuza and by working for us the heroes might view you as... less than savory. You will let me know if they approach you or try to use you to get inside info. It won't turn out well for you if you try to betray us."
The threat hung in the air, crystal clear. Kagome met his gaze, summoning tears to her eyes. "I-I would never," she stammered, injecting fear into her voice. "I just want to help Eri-chan."
Chisaki's smirk widened, a predatory glint in his eyes. He was eating it up, Kagome realized with disgust. A sadistic bastard who got off on wielding power and instilling fear.
Perfect.