The eting Daigo Tadashige had arranged was a rare and aningful occasion even for the yakuza leaders who had competed for years.
For Watanabe Yoshinori, boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi, and Yamamoto Ken, boss of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, it was especially significant.
It was the first ti the two had shared a drink together since the organization had split.
They used to say that an ally turned enemy was more terrifying than any foe.
Since the split, they had never stopped cursing and fighting each other. Countless small and large disputes had broken out, and many mbers had died.
One eting would not easily bridge such a deep rift—unless the diator was Daigo Tadashige.
“Boss Watanabe. Allow to offer you a drink.”
Yamamoto rose from his seat and approached the low table set before Watanabe.
The two n faced each other.
Watanabe extended his cup, and Yamamoto, with a faint smile, filled it with sake.
Watanabe drained it in one gulp and then handed his cup back toward Yamamoto.
“Have a drink yourself. It’s been years since we drank together like this, ever since you led your branch away. Don’t you think?”
“Haha, please pour one. It’s all in the past now, isn’t it? But you were harsh back then, Boss. If you hadn’t sched to pass the leadership to your son, I’d have stayed loyal forever.”
The hand pouring the sake stopped mid-motion.
“You and I weren’t on bad terms, were we? I devoted everything I had to help you reach that seat. But Saoru? The first and second bosses both handed down their will that leadership be passed to another regional chief. It’s our tradition. Yet you broke it and tried to make Saoru your successor, didn’t you?”
The sake overflowed from the cup and dripped onto the table.
“If you had supported him that much, he should have succeeded. But dying like that in Korea? What a disgrace. The na Yamaguchi-gumi deserves better.”
Yamamoto kept talking until the sake pot ran dry.
“Yamamoto... Do you have a death wish? How dare you say Saoru’s na in front of .”
Watanabe’s teeth ground together. His ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) voice carried a chill, and murderous intent glead in his eyes.
But Yamamoto rely smiled, despite the weight of Watanabe’s glare.
He brought the overflowing cup to his lips.
After gulping it down in one shot, he slamd the cup onto the table. One corner of his mouth twisted upward.
It was a deliberate provocation.
Just as Watanabe was about to speak, Daigo Tadashige, who had been watching the confrontation with amusent, intervened.
“Enough.”
Watanabe bit his lip in frustration. Since Daigo had stepped in, he could no longer speak out rashly.
“Yamamoto, apologize.”
“Master, but...”
“Will the man who’ll succeed Watanabe be so small-minded? How will you lead the Yamaguchi-gumi if that’s the case, Yamamoto?”
“...I apologize.”
“Not to . To Watanabe.”
Rebuked, Yamamoto reluctantly knelt before Watanabe and bowed.
“I’m sorry, Boss. I was out of line.”
Watanabe looked down at the back of his head with a gaze sharp enough to kill.
“Watanabe.”
Only after Daigo urged him did Watanabe finally speak.
“...Forget it. I got worked up too. Raise your head. It’s a good day, isn’t it?”
Yamamoto lifted his head. Watanabe barely restrained the urge to rip that faint smile off his face.
“Both of you, co forward and take a drink.”
The two n stepped closer and silently accepted their cups.
As Daigo Tadashige watched them share the sake he poured, he said,
“I’ll say it once more. When this matter is settled, you’ll reunite the organization. And Yamamoto will be nad successor.”
Watanabe’s face hardened, while Yamamoto’s brightened with a smile.
“Watanabe, you should expand overseas. Leave Japan to Yamamoto. I’ve arranged everything, so don’t feel slighted.”
“Yes, Master.”
“For now, combine your strength and stabilize the holand. Once that’s done, everything will return to how it should be. Understood?”
“Yes, Master!”
Daigo Tadashige lifted his cup, pleased by the resounding reply.
“Let’s all have a drink.”
Everyone present raised their cups in unison.
“For Japan!”
“For Japan!!”
When Daigo led the chant, the rest echoed in booming voices.
The mood of the banquet grew ever livelier, and the night deepened.
“Boss. Just a mont...”
The Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi underboss cautiously called to Yamamoto.
After excusing himself, Yamamoto followed him outside. The underboss whispered,
“There’s a call from Korea. They said it’s urgent.”
Yamamoto frowned.
“Those bastards? Why?”
“I’m not sure. But they said it’s urgent. They also know you’re here.”
“What? How the hell would they know that?”
“No idea. They said you must call back imdiately—or you’ll regret it.”
“Tch. Damn it. Call them.”
The underboss nodded, made the call, and after a short exchange handed the phone to Yamamoto.
“This is Yamamoto. Who’s speaking?”
— Mr. Yamamoto? This is Yoo Seongjin from Chunha Group.
“Chairman Yoo Seongjin? What’s this about? Are you spying on ? How did you even know where I—”
Yamamoto pressed urgently, but Yoo Seongjin cut him off calmly.
— There’s no ti. Listen carefully. Leave that place imdiately. Or you’ll regret it. This is an order from President Kim Muhyuk.
“What? President Kim Muhyuk? An order? Hey. Do you think I’m one of your lackeys? We agreed to mutual cooperation, not interference!”
His voice rose, and the underboss gestured for him to lower it.
“Boss, please keep your voice down.”
Yamamoto shot him a glare, then continued, quieter this ti.
“Tell —wasn’t that our agreent?”
— Yes. We have no interest in Japan, nor do we care what happens there. We’re warning you only to save your life.
“What do you an, save my life?”
— I can’t give details. But everyone there will die.
“What!”
Yamamoto shouted in shock.
— Quiet. If you go back in and tell anyone, you’ll die too. Do you understand, Yamamoto Ken?
“...”
— Decide what you’ll do once they’re all dead. There’s no ti. Leave now.
The line went dead.
“Hello? Hello!”
Yamamoto called desperately, but no answer ca.
He stared blankly at the silent phone.
“What’s wrong?”
“They told to leave imdiately. Said I’ll die if I stay. What should I do?”
“What do you an?”
“They’re not the type to joke. What the hell is this...”
He trailed off, scanning his surroundings.
“I have to leave. But what excuse can I use?”
He fidgeted restlessly.
The underboss closed his eyes for a mont to think, then opened them and spoke quietly.
“Say headquarters was attacked, Boss.”
“...Will that work?”
“I’ll handle the rest. Just say that and leave.”
Yamamoto nodded and returned to the banquet.
Seeing his stiff face, Daigo Tadashige asked curiously,
“What’s wrong? Why that face?”
“Th-that’s...”
His voice trembled, drawing everyone’s eyes.
“What’s going on? Why’s Boss Yamamoto shaking like that?”
Murmurs spread, and Daigo’s eyes narrowed.
“Speak. What is it?”
“H-headquarters was attacked. I have to return imdiately.”
Surprise swept across the room. Only Daigo’s expression remained doubtful.
“Is that true?”
“They said the damage isn’t big, but still—I must return. My apologies.”
Yamamoto bowed his head. After a long pause, Daigo finally nodded.
“I see. So small fries must be stirring again. Go handle it. I’ll contact you later.”
“Yes, Master.”
Yamamoto hurriedly excused himself, bowing to the other bosses before leaving. As soon as he was gone, the raucous drinking resud.
Daigo Tadashige sat amid the noise with his eyes closed, deep in thought.
After so ti, he opened them again and spoke quietly.
“Araki.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Check it. See if headquarters was really attacked, or if he’s plotting sothing. The man couldn’t even look in the eye. I don’t like it.”
“Understood.”
Araki slipped out silently, and Daigo once again led the toast with a smile.
But the fragile peace did not last long.
* * *
“Do not move. That’s the only way the President will stay alive.”
At my warning, Jang Minhyuk was the first to react.
“President Kim Muhyuk, you’re being disrespectful. This is before His Excellency.”
A loyal dog barking again. I smirked at him.
“Deputy Director Jang, you’re as loyal as ever. But a true subordinate corrects his master when he strays. Standing beside him isn’t enough. Obeying wrong orders blindly leads to this ss. Oh, right—you’re a dog, so you just do what you’re told, is that it?”
Jang Minhyuk’s eyes sharpened with fury.
“You insolent brat...”
Choi Sunman raised his hand, stopping him. Grinding his teeth, Jang Minhyuk reluctantly stepped back.
“How much do you know?”
“You’re planning a coup, and I know who’s executing it. If I detect even the slightest movent, those n will be arrested imdiately.”
“Where did you hear that? Only Minhyuk and I, and...”
“Heaven knows, earth knows, and I know. Who else? Do you really think Arica doesn’t?”
“...”
My casual tone made Choi Sunman let out a bitter laugh.
“Well. So my hand’s exposed this easily. But if you think my only piece is the Defense Security Command, you’re mistaken. I could have you killed right now and start the plan anyway.”
“Mr. President, don’t bother with cheap threats. That only worked when you actually held power.”
The words hit where it hurt. Choi Sunman growled and slamd the table hard.
“Kim Muhyuk! Do you really want to die?”
Even a tiger without teeth still has claws—but Choi Sunman had lost his claws too.
“I said don’t do it.”
“Muhyuk!”
Jang Minhyuk drew his pistol.
“Do you think I can’t shoot you?”
He cocked the hamr.
The more frightened the dog, the louder it barked. The idea that I had co here unprepared was almost funny.
“If I don’t walk out of this room alive today, your entire family dies, Mr. President.”
“What?”
“I said your whole family dies. Should I repeat it?”
I slipped a hand into my jacket pocket and pulled out a photo.
Jang Minhyuk imdiately aid the gun closer.
I chuckled and held out the photo.
“Put the gun away. Take this, Deputy Director Jang.”
Choi Sunman nodded slightly, and Jang Minhyuk hesitated before taking it.
The mont he saw what was in the photo, his eyes wavered. Then he glared at with murderous fury.
“Muhyuk, what is it? Let see.”
Pressed by Choi Sunman, Jang Minhyuk handed him the photo.
As soon as Choi Sunman saw it, the color drained from his face.
“Don’t cross the line, President Choi Sunman.”
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