Chapter 137: The Awakening of the 2nd Generation Godfather

Hardy was not surprised by the news of Buno's death. The killing of Buno, the son of Philippe, the head of the Tatakilia family, was a clear indication of escalating violence among the families. Philippe had supported Sorasso, who had been behind the attack on the old godfather, Vito Corleone. The motive was simple: profit. 

During Prohibition, the Mafia had thrived on smuggling alcohol, but with its end, their profits dwindled. The new goldmine was drugs, a lucrative business that attracted all the major families. Vito Corleone had steadfastly refused to engage in the drug trade, which made him a significant obstacle for those seeking to expand their empire into this new realm.

Hardy had met Buno before, during the Flamingo Casino's opening. Their brief encounter had ended with a clash, and now Buno was the first casualty in the power struggle among the five major New York families.

Henry's intelligence network had been effective. The assassination of Buno was reported to Hardy before Mike was even informed. Hardy had decided not to intervene directly but instead watched the unfolding situation with interest.

The following morning, newspapers reported the assassination. Mike, unsure of whether to consult Hardy or return to Corleone's house, ultimately chose to seek Hardy's advice.

On a cold, sleet-filled morning, Mike arrived at the hotel where Hardy was having breakfast. Hardy greeted him with a warm smile and gestured for him to join.

"Do you think the Corleone family will go to full-scale war with the other families?" Mike asked, glancing at the newspaper.

"The war has already begun," Hardy replied. "We're in the preliminary stages, the trial runs before the real conflict. It's not yet the full-scale battle."

Mike frowned. "Do you think the Corleone family has any chance of winning?"

Hardy took a moment to consider his response. "The Corleone family is the strongest of the five, but facing all four families simultaneously is a different story. The Corleones could be overwhelmed and swallowed by the others."

Mike's heart sank. "Why do you think so?"

Hardy continued, "The Corleone family's strength lies in its people: the Tessio and Clemenza factions, totaling around 300 men. Sonny commands around 60 more, making it roughly 400 in total. The other families each have a similar number, and combined, they outmatch the Corleones."

He added, "Economically, both sides can fund their operations, but Vito Corleone's connections are what make the Corleones exceptional. His political capital is the Corleones' greatest asset. The other families want to control the drug trade and eliminate Vito because his political ties are their biggest obstacle."

Mike listened intently. Hardy's analysis made everything clearer.

"So, why are you helping me?" Mike asked.

Hardy chuckled, patting Mike on the shoulder. "A true friend is someone who supports you not just in times of comfort, but in crises. Real friendship isn't about the easy times; it's about sticking together through the tough ones."

Mike appreciated Hardy's support and trust.

"What should we do to overcome this immediate crisis?" Mike asked.

"Kill Sorasso," Hardy said plainly.

"Why?" Mike inquired.

"Sorasso is the linchpin for the other families' alliance. As long as he's alive, the alliance remains intact. Eliminating him will disrupt their unity," Hardy explained. "The Corleone family should spread word that while negotiations are possible, they must wait until Vito recovers. This will give the other families hope and prevent them from committing fully to the conflict."

Mike nodded in agreement.

---

Returning home, Mike found Sonny and Tom in another heated argument. Sonny wanted vengeance, while Tom advocated for peace talks.

"Sonny, your actions have escalated the situation. Other families will see this as a threat and unite against us," Tom argued.

"Let them unite!" Sonny retorted. "They killed our father and even tried to do it in the hospital. We cannot forgive that."

Mike observed the argument, realizing the need for a clear and strategic response. He decided to take a proactive approach.

"I'll go and meet with Sorasso," Mike announced. "I'll discuss the terms with him and see what they want."

Sonny and Tom agreed, though Tom was tasked with negotiating terms and ensuring they were in public places for safety.

Later that evening, Mike was picked up by Sorasso and the sheriff. They drove to an unremarkable restaurant, where Sorasso made a pitch for cooperation in the drug trade, promising substantial profits in return.

Mike, uninterested in the meal, played along, pretending to consider the offer. After the dinner, Sorasso made veiled threats about the Corleone family's future if they didn't agree.

As Mike left the restaurant, he noticed the tension in the air. Two cars with machine guns drove by, and gunfire erupted, shattering the restaurant's windows and killing everyone inside, including Sorasso.

Hardy and Mike, who had been observing from a distance, watched as the scene unfolded. Hardy commented on Mike's newfound ruthlessness, reflecting on how Mike was beginning to embody the traits of a true godfather.

Mike, now more resolute than ever, had taken a decisive step in reshaping the power dynamics among the Mafia families.