Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Jamie could hardly believe he was standing in an airport, clutching his passport as he waited for the next leg of his journey. His brother Kun stood stoically beside him, the silence between them heavy with unspoken tension. They had no clear directives or hints about what was expected of them in Japan, leaving Jamie to navigate the unknown.

As they arrived in Tokyo, Jamie's thoughts drifted to the city that had inspired his game development. Japan had always held a special place in his heart—its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant street food, and unique shops that had influenced his creations. The familiarity of the city was a comforting reminder of his creative past.

They checked into a luxury hotel in Tokyo. Kun, as expected, was assigned the opulent presidential suite, while Jamie settled for a standard room. He sulked quietly about the disparity, his narcissistic tendencies flaring at the thought of not receiving the same grand accommodations. However, he held his tongue; Kun's unpredictable temper was something Jamie preferred to avoid.

The next morning, Jamie was jolted awake by a knock on his door. Still groggy, he opened it to find Hwa Gino standing there with a stern expression.

"Jamie, you need to come to an appointment with Kun. He's leaving early for a meeting, and I'm here to inform you about your schedule," Gino said with a no-nonsense tone.

Jamie nodded, barely able to keep his eyes open. "Understood."

Gino left him to prepare, and Jamie contemplated soaking in the hotel's luxurious jacuzzi. But he recalled Gino's authoritative voice, urging him to get ready promptly. The thought of Gino's disapproving gaze was enough to make Jamie opt for a quick bath instead.

Gino, Kun's childhood friend and loyal right-hand man, had been a strict but caring figure in Jamie's youth. Now, his focus was solely on the Kim organization and Kun's needs. Jamie couldn't help but feel a tinge of nostalgia mixed with a bit of sarcasm.

Dressed in casual attire—a white polo, black trousers, semi-formal coat, and black shoes—Jamie headed out. His blonde hair caught the spring sunlight, adding a touch of flair to his otherwise indifferent demeanor. Gino waited outside, and Jamie noticed the hotel staff's admiration for the older man's imposing presence.

The drive was uneventful, with Gino remaining silent and Jamie lost in his thoughts. As they arrived at The Peninsula Tokyo, a place Jamie was well-acquainted with, he felt oddly at home rather than on vacation. The familiar streets and landmarks evoked a sense of nostalgia.

Upon reaching the conference room, Jamie strolled in with a casual air, only to find the meeting already in progress. The discussion centered around drugs, smuggling, and a missing cargo, topics that Jamie found monotonous. Seven underbosses were on their knees, their nervousness palpable.

Kun's voice cut through the tension. "I think Dragon has been too lenient lately. One cargo has vanished overnight. Doesn't that strike you as odd? Kenjin?"

"Y-Young master, we are still investigating. The captain of the ship is also missing," Kenjin replied, his clean-cut appearance and pale skin contrasting sharply with his emotionless demeanor. Dragon tail tattoos snaked from his neck to his back.

"The Virgo gang has been spotted in our territory. They are dealing drugs extensively," a bald underboss reported, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Jamie stifled a yawn, finding the scene tedious. Only one of the kneeling men seemed to be speaking the truth, and the rest were either lying or evading responsibility. Jamie found the entire situation exasperating.

"I think Alan knows where the cargo is," Jamie interjected.

"Gino," Kun ordered curtly.

To Jamie's surprise, Gino swiftly escorted the man out. Kun's scrutiny of the remaining underbosses was intense, leaving Jamie to wonder what his brother had in mind. It was clear Kun was evaluating each one's credibility.

"Oh, for those who don't know, that man was my younger brother. Father wanted him to join us, but don't mind him," Kun explained, crossing his legs with a hint of casualness.

Jamie couldn't hold back his frustration. "Hyung, Kenjin is the honest one, though a bit naive. He needs better training."

Kun's silence was his only response. Kenjin's glare was met with Jamie's disinterested roll of the eyes. The boredom of the meeting was almost unbearable.

Kun finally sighed and nodded. Gino seemed to understand, and the underbosses were dismissed. Jamie thought the meeting was over, but Kun remained seated.

The door opened to reveal a new group of underbosses, and Jamie resigned himself to another round of excuses and lies. The Tokyo branch's incompetence was almost comical. Kun remained vigilant, and Gino sent the underbosses away after hearing their excuses.

Jamie shook his head in disbelief at the complexity and absurdity of the Mafia's inner workings. The meeting had been an exhausting display of inefficiency, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was just the tip of the iceberg.

End of Chapter 19