Prologue

Haru stood at the edge of the crowded Tokyo streets, his black hair flowing in the wind as he surveyed the bustling city. At just 24 years old, he possessed a unique aura that set him apart from the rest. His long, black hair cascaded down his back, and he often tied it in a messy bun on the right side. But it was his piercing green eyes that truly captivated those who crossed his path. They shimmered like bright emeralds, revealing a depth of intensity and mystery. His arms and neck were adorned with tattoos, each telling a story of his life's journey. The inked designs held deep personal significance for him, reflecting his inner struggles and triumphs.

Among his tattoos, two held a special place in Haru's heart. The first was a magnificent phoenix with its wings spread wide, symbolizing rebirth and resilience. It inked his upper chest, a constant reminder that no matter how many times life knocked him down, he would rise again, stronger than before. The second tattoo, covering his entire back, was a tribute to the yakuza style, representing loyalty, honor, and a code that he held dear.

But it was the small, pink heart with an arrow through it on the left side of his neck that held the most tender significance. It was a symbol of his lost love, Rin. They had been childhood sweethearts, inseparable until fate cruelly snatched her away at a young age. Haru carried her memory with him every day, finding solace in the ink that adorned his skin.

At the thought of her, he shook his head as he started walking again, pushing down the memory that haunted him. "I need a drink," he muttered to himself, heading towards his favorite bar.

The bell chimed as Haru pushed open the heavy wooden door. Inside the dimly lit bar, the air was thick with the scent of cigarette smoke and the low hum of conversations. Haru's eyes scanned the room, searching for an empty seat at the counter. Spotting a vacant stool, he made his way towards it, ignoring the curious glances from the other patrons.

He took a seat and leaned against the counter, tracing the bar surface with his fingertips, lost in his thoughts. The bartender, a middle-aged man with graying hair, approached him with a knowing smile. "The usual, Haru?" he asked, already reaching for the bottle of whiskey.

Haru nodded in response, his gaze fixed on the amber liquid being poured into a glass. The bartender gave him the glass with a knowing smile. Haru thanked him with a nod. As he raised it to his lips, he could feel the warmth of the drink spreading through his body, momentarily easing the ache in his heart.

Haru's eyes drifted toward the TV mounted above the bar. On the screen, the news anchor was speaking about an incident that had taken place the previous night.

"In the latest news, an unknown assailant struck at the headquarters of the Sankaku Corporation, killing ten people in the attack," the woman reported. "The police have yet to apprehend the perpetrator, but they suspect that it was an act of corporate sabotage."

Haru's gaze narrowed at the news, his mind working to process the information. He knew the company well; it was a prominent business conglomerate involved in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of weapons. Haru had done work for them in the past, but he had no connection to the incident.

As the newscaster continued her report, Haru's eyes caught sight of a familiar face. It was a photo of the CEO of Sankaku Corporation, Masayoshi Shido, with his arrogant features on full display. Haru's grip tightened around his glass, the anger within him bubbling to the surface. Shido was a powerful and corrupt businessman who had risen to prominence through unscrupulous means. His name was synonymous with corruption and greed, and his influence reached far beyond the corporate world.

Shido had been the subject of much controversy over the years, but he was always able to evade prosecution, with his connections protecting him. But Haru had never forgotten the suffering Shido had caused. It was his fault that Rin was no longer by his side, and his negligence had led to her tragic death.

The memory flashed through Haru's mind, and his anger flared. He would make Shido pay for his crimes, no matter what it took.

As the TV broadcast switched to another news story, Haru finished the last of his whiskey and rose to leave. The bartender offered him a small, sympathetic smile. "Come back anytime, Haru."

Haru nodded to the bartender, his expression resolute. "Thank you," he replied, his voice steady. With his emotions simmering beneath the surface, he stepped out into the Tokyo night once more. The city's streets were still alive with activity, but Haru's focus was unwavering. He knew that bringing down someone as powerful as Shido would be no easy task. As he walked, Haru's mind began to weave a web of connections. He had contacts within the underworld, individuals who held valuable information and harbored their own grievances against Shido.

A smirk graced Haru's lips. It was time to call in some favors, but as he was about to pull out his phone, he saw something in the corner of his eye: an ad from the Sankaku Corporation. "Bodyguard wanted confidential work," he read quietly. Haru looked at the ad again and wondered if it was a chance. Could this be the opportunity he needs to take down Shido?

With the image of the arrogant businessman fresh in his mind, Haru pulled out his phone and dialed the number on the flyer. As the phone rang, he steeled his resolve. If he could become Shido's bodyguard, he would have access to all of the company's secrets and the chance to exact his revenge.