34

Rean knew better than to wander outside the territory where her father held the most power, but despite being loaded, she lacked the decency to pay for her things.

This was because she enjoyed the thrill of power; it brought a rush of adrenaline she couldn't explain, and she preferred to keep it that way.

While she relished her life, thoughts of her siblings occasionally crossed her mind. It had been years since she had seen or heard from them, but it was all part of their training.

They were undergoing a new identity change, blending into the foreign lands they resided in as gateways to those countries.

As Rean walked, her eyes remained fixed on the phone in her hand.

She giggled and laughed at its contents, oblivious to the world around her. This behavior was risky given the potential dangers fate held; a car could easily swerve off the road and collide with her. While accidents were unpredictable, that wasn't the fate the universe had in store for her.

Suddenly, Rean bumped into someone, and a flash of fury crossed her eyes as she looked up. It seemed as though this person had committed a grave offense, but that wasn't the case.

"Pardon me, I should have watched where I was going," the voice apologized but there was no hint of fear in his voice.

Before Rean could fully focus on the person, he had already walked past her, further stoking her anger. The stares from the bystanders meant she couldn't afford to lose face in this situation.

"HEY YOU!" Rean barked at the man, but he didn't even bother to turn back, continuing on his way. 

"Do you know who I am!?" Rean persisted, prompting the man to stop in his tracks.

"And who are you?" The man questioned.

The crowd was shocked, unable to believe what they were witnessing.

Someone was standing up to Rean, and she was momentarily flustered, unable to reveal her father's identity. However, she had a response prepared for such occasions.

"The day you find out is the day you will die," Rean threatened, but the man remained unimpressed.

He turned around, and the moment Rean's eyes caught a glimpse of him, they sank.

His face was marred, with scar tissue covering 95% of his features, making it impossible to discern his true appearance. Rean felt a wave of nausea wash over her at the unexpected sight.

"Is that it? Death? There are things scarier than death, little girl. If you keep speaking to me that way, I will show you," the man warned in a blood-curdling tone, an open-mouthed grin slowly forming to reveal his toothless mouth. This chilling grin creasing his scarred face and sent a shiver down Rean's spine.

Stepping back, Rean watched as the man continued on his way. Although she had never encountered him before, growing up around killers had honed her instincts, and she recognized the danger emanating from him. The fact that he was blind offered her a slim chance to save face.

"I'll let you off because you're blind," Rean muttered under her breath, relieved when her tactic seemed to work. As the man moved away, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye, a sense of danger that cautioned her against tempting fate.

-

Kenzo left the mansion, wearing a face mask to shield his identity, wary of potential onlookers. Xi had seen his face but he was unaware of his true identity, only knew him as a guest expected by his boss.

However, Akujin was the sole person who had seen Kenzo's unmasked face and knew exactly who he was, a result of a past altercation between the two.

As Kenzo's car sped off, he remained the sole occupant, provided with a vehicle for his movements. The distinctive plate number denoting Yakuza affiliation ensured that others treated him with the same way they would any member of the Yakuza.

This proved to be the most convenient method of transportation, allowing for seamless movement while also ensuring that law enforcement turned a blind eye, avoiding unnecessary trouble. It was a system that worked well for both sides.

It wouldn't be an overstatement to declare Akujin as one of the most influential figures in all of Japan, with ties reaching even into the political realm. These connections not only provided him with financial backing from his illicit operations but also through his associations with these politicians.

Assigning himself with the straightforward task of locating someone, Kenzo treaded cautiously, wary of drawing attention that could potentially reveal his true identity to the target.

Proficient in technology, he skillfully traced the origins of a message, leading him to a standalone apartment—a seemingly ordinary house nestled within a typical neighborhood.

As Kenzo approached the door and knocked, he was met with silence at first before discreetly scanning his surroundings, ensuring no prying eyes lingered.

The irony of the situation, reminiscent of Mrs. Woo's failed attempt, elicited a chuckle from him. However, time was of the essence, prompting Kenzo to discover the door unlocked, signaling either a remarkably safe neighborhood or this person anticipated his arrival.

Accepting the unspoken invitation, Kenzo crossed the threshold, greeted by a dusty interior that contradicted the notion of habitation. Undeterred, he proceeded, entering the deserted living room where only faint footprints hinted at recent activity.

Following the trail, he encountered a dead end, the footprints abruptly ceasing before a seemingly solid wall, as if the person had vanished into thin air.

"Perhaps a hidden entrance?" Kenzo pondered, scrutinizing the room for any concealed passages, his keen eyes searching in vain for a way forward.

But he noticed the camera that was barely hidden, confirming that this entire building was a front.

"Miles, are you done playing games?" Kenzo said in an indifferent tone, he already knew that Miles was the only one capable of finding him or even using such a decoy.

And the wall he was standing in front soon bulged out before splitting apart to reveal an elevator.

Kenzo didn't even want to imagine how much this cost but this had to be the epitome of paranoia to begin with because he had no reason for such an elaborate set up but this wasn't his concern.

Kenzo knew what he had to do.