33 Yakuza

After the incident, Shin and Mira found it awkward to be around each other. Going from close friends to suddenly having that kind of interaction was quite a leap. Because of this, Shin felt guilty and uncomfortable. He began, "Is everything going okay-"

"I'm okay," Mira interrupted Shin, quickly heading to the bathroom. They had breakfast together before Mira hurriedly left, swaying.

Shin could only shake his head and sigh.

...

Mira was now in class, her mind still in a daze from what had happened. Her professor noticed her distant expression and asked if she was alright. Mira simply smiled and assured them that she was fine, but her face turned scarlet as she recalled the moments of her and Shin embracing.

---

In a certain part of Tokyo near an airport, there stood a solitary, nondescript building.

Inside, a shirtless man with a robust physique displayed a dragon tattoo on his back.

Surrounding him were people dressed in formal black suits, showing utmost respect.

The robust man gazed at the KiShin SKT FamiCom in front of him and ordered, "Shatei-kun, please connect it to the TV."

"Understood, Wakagashira," the man in the black suit, Saito Nakamura, responded with a respectful bow as he connected the console to the television.

Saito Nakamura was a Shatei, associated with criminal groups and families, while the robust man with the dragon tattoo was the Wakagashira, Ryuji Nakajima.

The television and console powered up, and Ryuji rested his chin on his hands, the little finger of his left hand visibly missing.

The iconic Super Mario Bros. theme filled the room.

The respectful onlookers stood to the side, their eyes fixed on the Super Mario Bros. game.

Ryuji grabbed the controller and started playing the game. As he played, he found it much more captivating than the traditional video game machines he was accustomed to.

He took a drag from his cigarette and crushed it underfoot before remarking, "No wonder our Pachinko machines couldn't compete with these arcade machines. They're too entertaining, wouldn't you agree, Saito Shatei?"

Saito bowed and replied, "Absolutely, Ryuji Wakagashira. In recent weeks, we've seen a significant decline in our Pachinko machine revenues."

Ryuji listened in silence, and Saito's comrades admired his straightforwardness.

Ryuji stood up, blowing smoke in Saito's direction, and stated, "Intimidate those malls and stores under our influence. Promote our Pachinko machines and buy those arcade machines at a reduced price."

Saito suppressed his discomfort at the odor of Ryuji's breath, bowing respectfully as he inquired, "Wakagashira-sama, I understand. But will arcade machines still be profitable with the rise of home gaming consoles?"

Ryuji resumed playing the game, unfazed by Saito's directness. He explained, "They will still be profitable. People who seek the social experience and want to play with others, especially students, will continue to visit arcades. And for those who can't yet afford the KiShin SKT console, they'll play at arcades."

Saito nodded in understanding and bowed respectfully.

The other Shatei followed suit before Ryuji dismissed them.

Afterward, the Shatei left the room, still stiff from the encounter.

While Ryuji continued to play Super Mario, his phone suddenly rang.

His expression shifted to seriousness as he noticed it was his boss's number - the Kumicho.

The Kumicho held the second-highest position in the Yamauchi family, just below the Oyabun in power.

"Shitai-sama," Ryuji greeted with deep respect.

"Is everything taken care of?" Shitai Yamauchi asked, his voice carrying a deep and intimidating tone.

Ryuji replied in a hurry, "Shitai-sama, I've already given orders to the Shatei on what to do."

"Ensure you handle everything with utmost care," Shitai emphasized gravely.

Ryuji quickly affirmed, "I understand, Shitai-sama."

Shitai continued, "Our Pachinko and Gashapon industry is suffering due to the emergence of the KiShin Arcade Machines."

Ryuji could sense the concern in Shitai's voice, so he suggested, "Shitai-sama, we could consider pressuring the KiShin company or even demanding money from them-"

His words were abruptly cut off as Shitai interjected urgently, "No. We must maintain our moral standing within our family. Besides, we need to exercise caution since the Toshima Ward is not directly under our control. Attacking another territory could lead to chaos."

Ryuji felt somewhat helpless as he sighed and nodded, saying, "I understand, Shitai-sama."

On the other end of the phone, Shitai added, "Be cautious in your actions. A single misstep from you could bring about chaos, especially at a time when the government is eager to eradicate us."

Ryuji nodded again, agreeing, "Yes, Shitai-sama."

Afterward, Shitai ended the call, and Ryuji returned to his plush sofa seat.

He glanced at the stolen KiShin arcade machines that his subordinates had secretly taken from the Toshima Ward.

Sitting in front of it, he resumed playing Super Mario Bros. at the arcade machine.

---

Saito was held in high regard by his fellow Shatei, and the thinner members of the group sighed in relief. One of them confessed, "Whew, I'm always nervous when dealing with high-ranking Yakuza."

Others nodded in agreement, saying, "Yeah, it feels like my heart is constantly in my throat."

"Did you notice the cut on his little finger of his left hand? I heard it's part of their strange ritual."

"So intimidating."

Saito paused and looked at his comrades, saying, "If you're scared, you're not a true Shatei."

His comrades came to an abrupt halt, freezing in their tracks. One of the Shatei nervously chimed in, "Hey, Saito, I get that we're scared, but it's tough to hear those kinds of words from you."

Saito turned his gaze toward the person who spoke and replied, "As a Shatei, you must be prepared to face either the best of times or the worst of times. In other words, you have to be ready for a life of prosperity or your own downfall," his words were icy and unyielding.

The Shatei swallowed hard in response.

"It's not like any of us aspired to be Shatei in the first place," the slightly taller man retorted.

Saito regarded them coldly and asked, "Then why did you choose to become Shatei?"

"It's not that we joined the Shatei to engage in wrongdoing. We had our own reasons. I joined because my sister is ill," another Shatei admitted.

The others shared their motivations, saying, "My father was too old to work, so I became a Shatei to support my family."

"I joined because my brother had an accident, and I needed money for his medical bills."

Saito listened solemnly before delivering his cold verdict, "Don't think for a moment that your reasons will earn my sympathy. From the moment you joined the Shatei, you signed up for these dirty jobs."

"Criminals and government law enforcement won't hesitate to eliminate you quietly or throw you behind bars. Consider yourself lucky if you end up in jail. That's why you must be cautious and precise. Mistakes can happen, but avoid the ones that could lead to your demise," Saito's words remained unfeeling as he walked away.

They had joined the Shatei group to provide for their families, but the criminals and government officials cared little about their obligations. As long as they made a single wrong move, their fate was sealed.

The Shatei stared at Saito's departing figure, feeling a mix of fear and increased respect for his harsh wisdom.