Chapter 66 edited

[A/N: I have found some interesting things from TMNT comics that can be used in Arashikage forbidden techniques, an ancient discipline called kuji-kiri, the nine cuts, are enacted by hand gestures that pull on the mystical energies of the universe... techniques were only taught to a handful of ninja at higher level.The techniques are incredibly dangerous and have strong ties to black magic. They can be debilitating to the user and those around them, so they must be used with sparingly. The the techniques are mystical like Astral projection, Summon the dead, Retrocognition (See into the past), Precognition (See into the future) and last,but not least Shadow phasing..]

Inside Kage and Lady Jaye's Suite, In the luxurious bathroom where Lady Jaye sits, contemplating her task. She empties her makeup onto the counter, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Suddenly, a tap at the door interrupts her.

Lady Jaye questioned "Yes?"

The door swings open, and Kage strides in, carrying a sleek garment bag. He hangs it on the hook behind the door with a confident smile and said "Something I picked up at the little place nearby."

Lady Jaye, intrigued by his gesture, smiles back, enjoying their playful banter and asked "Something you expect me to wear?"

With a nod, Kage replies, his tone teasing yet sincere "I need you looking fabulous, darling. So that when they see you walk up behind me and kiss me on the neck, the players across from me will be thinking about your neckline and not about their cards. Do you think you can handle that?"

Lady Jaye matches his playful tone with her own charm "I'll do my best, darling."

Kage chuckles appreciatively before heading to his bedroom, where he freezes in surprise at the sight of another garment bag lying on his bed.

He takes it and goes back inside Lady Jaye's bathroom, where Kage reappears with the garment bag from his bedroom, hanging it casually from his finger and said "I have a tuxedo."

Lady Jaye, still focused on her reflection, responds confidently without turning around

"Oh, I've seen it. There are tuxedos, dear, and there are tuxedos. This is the latter. And I need you looking like a man who belongs at that table."

Kage, intrigued by her words, probes further "It's tailored."

Without missing a beat, Lady Jaye's responded in playful tone "Oh, I sized you up the moment we met."

Though she hasn't turned to face him, Kage senses her satisfaction. He accepts her words with a nod before exiting, leaving Lady Jaye to continue her preparations with a satisfied smile.

Inside Kage' Bedroom, he pulls on the jacket, his reflection in the mirror revealing a newfound sense of confidence. He acknowledges the difference the tailored suit makes with a wry smile, appreciating Lady Jaye's discerning eye. As he turns away from the mirror, he senses Lady Jaye's presence in the doorway, her involuntary smile confirming her approval before she walks away.

He strides purposefully out of the hotel, the city lights casting dramatic shadows on his determined face.

It walks towards the grandeur of the Casino Royale envelops Kage as he steps through the bustling entrance, the air thick with anticipation and tension. He navigates the maze of tables with ease, his gaze locked on his destination.

In the exclusive salle privée, Kage passes through the velvet ropes, he was moving towards the private bar. When he spots Le Chiffre, approaching, his demeanor as sharp as his tailored suit.

He shakes Kage's hand and said "You must be Mr. Bliss' replacement. I must say, his choice to sit out was unexpected."

Kage meets his gaze with a cool smile, his confidence unwavering and replied "Yes, it was."

Without missing a beat, Kage joins the circle of players, each one a master of their own domain.

Dealer get up on top of small podium and said "Ladies and gentlemen, the game is no limit Tenez Les Cartes. Five communal cards, two in the hole, minimum stake $10,000. Monsieur Mendel here represents the Banco de Credito Montenegro, holding the stakes."

As the rules are laid out, Kage's eyes scan the eclectic group of players, sizing up their strengths and weaknesses with a keen eye.

An Argentinean billionaire, Gallardo; a long-haired Japanese software king, Fukutu; the deposed African dictator, Infante, as well as an American, Wolpert; a Russian, Kaminofsky, Chinese woman Madame Wu, and Italian media mogul Tomelli and a German countess, Grafin Manstein.

The dealer gave way to Mr.Medel, who's

Voice cuts through the tension as he outlines the high stakes of the game "Monsieurs et Madame, you have each deposited ten million dollars. Further buy-ins of five million will be by electronic transfer. The money will remain in escrow until I return and the winner of the contest enters his or her password into the encryptor..."

With a flourish, Mendel unveils the device, its sleek design belying its significance and coninued "...whereupon the entire sum will be wired to any bank account in the world you nominate. Mister Kage, we proceed alphabetically. Please be so kind as to enter a password of your choice."

The spotlight shifts to Kage as he steps forward, his focus razor-sharp.

As Mendel added "Six letters or more."

Kage's lips curl into a confident smile as he enters his chosen password, the click of each key echoing through the room.