30

Mizumi may have woken up that night, but that didn't mean the world stopped when she fell asleep. Kenzo did something to her, not on purpose, but it seems like a power within him awakened because of the situation.

It was the power of manipulating memories. He took Mizumi back home, not only reading her mind but also changing her memory. This meant he didn't have to harm those girls; instead, he altered the memory of himself by swapping faces in her mind.

Kenzo was rapidly growing in power, feeling it surge through him like a beast consuming everything. Despite becoming something supernatural, he couldn't refuse an invitation from Akujin without facing consequences. Akujin, a man who still posed a threat even to Kenzo's newfound abilities, invited him to his grand estate.

Although Akujin offered to send his men to fetch Kenzo, the young assassin declined, knowing other mafia leaders were watching closely, aware that Kenzo was a wildcard. Akujin never lied and assured the other leaders that he would deal with Kenzo, a statement filled with hidden meaning. Kenzo was taken aback by the heavy security at the estate, a sign that Akujin anticipated conflict with the other mafia bosses.

A man with missing fingers, a clear punishment for betrayal, halted Kenzo in his tracks with a commanding voice.

It was a customary practice for the guilty to atone by cutting off a finger. 

"Leave him alone. The Oyabun wants him treated as an honored guest," a bald man, his entire scalp adorned with intricate tattoos, ordered the smaller man, who complied without hesitation. 

Kenzo was taken aback by the warm reception, but what truly impressed him was the opulence of Akujin's surroundings. 

"Welcome. Our boss isn't here right now, but he instructed us to offer you anything you desire," the larger man spoke with a friendly demeanor, despite his intimidating appearance.

Kenzo understood that the man's amiability could swiftly turn to hostility at the first sign of threat. 

As he entered the lavish mansion, Kenzo was struck speechless. Akujin lived a life of luxury, every detail hinting at his immense wealth. The imported furnishings raised questions about the extent of his fortune. 

"I'm Xi," the man introduced himself politely, to which Kenzo responded with a nod. 

He was a foreigner, how did a foreigner get accepted into the Yakuza?

Kenzo remained silent, with no intention of engaging in conversation. He was led to a spacious flat at the rear of the house, large enough to accommodate a sizable family. Here, he found not only privacy but also a secure place to rest without the looming threat of assassination. 

While unspoken, it was a well-known rule that Yakuza-owned properties were off-limits to outsiders. This included refraining from targeting Akujin or his relatives, as failure to comply meant the annihilation of the offender's entire lineage. 

Kenzo couldn't believe he was within Yakuza territory, knowing that Akujin would likely attempt to recruit him as he had done in the past. 

"Hmmm..." Kenzo muttered, his only audible response. 

Surveying the house, he couldn't help but notice the discreetly placed cameras, indicating a vigilant watch over his movements without revealing that he had observed them.

It would seem more suspicious if they didn't have those cameras installed.

Before he could get comfortable, a knock interrupted Kenzo's solitude. The moonlight cast a serene glow, and he simply wanted to revel in its beauty. Opening the door, he was greeted by two women carrying a tray laden with food and drinks.

Although he was being treated like royalty, Kenzo understood the intentions behind the women's scanty attire. They exuded beauty, with flawless skin and curves that caught his eye, but he knew he couldn't let his desires take control. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself that this was just the beginning.

As the women set the trays down, their suggestive gazes lingered on him.

"That will be all. You may go," Kenzo commanded, surprising them as no man had resisted their advances before. It was common for guests to indulge not only in the food but also in the company of these women.

After politely bowing, the women left the room, leaving Kenzo to ponder the situation. "Escorts?" he mused to himself, noting their refined appearance that suggested they were affiliated with the Yakuza.

In the Yakuza, it was a customary practice for debtors to offer their wives or daughters to settle debts incurred by the family. Kenzo deduced that these women might be in their current predicament against their will, a prospect that didn't sit well with him. There was no satisfaction in taking something forcefully given.

Reflecting on Akujin's plans to confront the mafia bosses, Kenzo considered the power dynamics at play. While they held significant influence in the underground world, Akujin possessed a unique advantage. His long-standing presence in Japan and his reputation built on fear set him apart from the other bosses who relied on wealth.

The decision to recruit Akujin stemmed from the desire to leverage the fear garnered from his reputation for their gain. Kenzo's thoughts turned inward, wondering about Akujin's whereabouts and the impending power play he had planned against the dons.

-

A man dragged a limp body, leaving a grim trail of blood behind him. Depositing the body in a dark corner, a second man emerged from the shadows, a lit cigarette illuminating his face.

"I didn't finish him off as you requested," the first man reported to the cigarette-smoking figure.

"Good. We'll use this punk to send a message," the man with the cigarette replied, the dim light briefly revealing the Yakuza tattoo on the unconscious man's skin.