Tokyo Revengers Masterlist - Sutures Masterlist
Summary: Struck with tragedy, medical student (Name) is down on her luck and in need of a better job. Looking for fast money, she attends an interview for a job at a local club. Unfortuantely, she finds herself tangled in the web of the crime organization Bonten with no clean way out.
Warnings: Profanity , description of gore, self harm
Already ready, save for the clothing, you’re unsure of where they want you. Luckily the driver drops you off at home without another word. Once there, you're glad for the familiar space, even if you spent the time incredibly rigid seated, in an attempt to not mess up the work it took to get you ready.
Once the end of the hour is near, you look through the dresses available, pulling on one you found suited you best. With the heels on, you take a long look at yourself in the mirror.
Knocking at your door, almost causes you to trip. Grabbing the clutch you had chosen, you open up to find Ran leaning against the door. While bored, he looks properly rested now, his dark eye bags lighter. As you look at him, involuntarily, your eyes trail up and down his body noticing his purple suit. It complements your dress, and his hair seems to be his preferred color. Just as you take his appearance in, you feel yourself heat up from his wandering eyes. As he finishes his examination, he sends you a nod accompanied by a small smirk.
“I like you better like this Doc.” Leaning towards you, he lets out lazily in almost a whisper. Closing your door, you follow behind him down towards the running car.
He opens the door for you, allowing you to get in before shutting it and walking over to his side. Once the car starts moving, he sighs and reaches over to the side grabbing out two glasses. Adding ice to both, he pours out dark liquor from a crystal decanter. Holding one out to you, you slowly grab it.
Holding his out towards you, he lets out a small smile that scares you a little. Afterall, you were more used to his haughty smirk or annoyance. At your slight confusion, he raises his glass keeping his lips quirked up.
“A job well done.” He says before tapping his glass against yours and drinking. “Your probation period is over, Doc. You’ve done well.”
His chuckle and sudden warm demeanor are a welcome surprise from his past coldness. It seemed that your success was his success.
“Don’t get lazy now. This is merely the beginning. You’re going to have to keep it up, because it’s only going to get more difficult from here. Alright?”
“Good. Now drink.” He coaxes, tossing an arm over your cold shoulder. “Come on. We got a party to get to.”
As you finished your drink on the way to the party, Ran gave you a run down of what you would be doing. For tonight, you were to accompany him for the birthday celebration of an important man. You were to keep quiet, observe, and smile. His orders followed the training the three had given you earlier in the day, which didn’t seem too hard to do. Afterall, for these men, women were more decorations than people.
The lowering of the partition and stopping of the car signal your arrival. Stepping out, you can’t help but let out a small gasp at the luxurious venue. The sheer size of the beautifully crafted building, made you feel incredibly small and extremely out of place even in your getup. A hand on your back brings you back, as Ran pulls you with him towards the entrance.
“Come on. He doesn’t like to wait.”
Walking along the carpet beside Ran, you can’t help but take in each person near you. Uniformed attendants guide cars and guests to their place, as dozens of well dressed guests make their way inside. Chandeliers, elaborate marble carved statues and railings, multiple staircases leading to an upper level which would be impossible if it weren’t for the ceiling’s elaborate height of several stories.
It was another world. One you'd only ever seen in movies, or read about in tabloids when bored. Never could you have imagined you’d ever witness such an event in person.
The further you walk, the more you can’t help but slow down to take it all in. So much so, you don’t notice the growing distance between you and Ran.
“And, who do you belong to, little bird?”
A deep voice breaks out from behind you, causing you to jump a bit before turning to face them. Salt and pepper hair to match the wrinkles on his thin face, signifying his status as your elder. While his appearance was relatively unassuming, the underlying tone behind his words left goosebumps on your skin. Disregarding your silence as a sign of your discomfort, the man smiles as he allows his eyes to rake over your form. Instinctively, your arms fall to your front as he takes steps toward you, his arm reaching out.
Before you're expected to respond or he can continue, a hand from behind places itself on your right thigh saving you. Pressing up behind you, Ran looms over you as he faces the man.
A look of annoyance washes over the man’s face at the intrusion, but dies as he connects the hand to the person behind you. It takes a mere second for the air to freeze between you three. Upon recognizing him, the man turns pale before stringing together apologies as he leaves. All while avoiding eye contact with Ran and you.
“I told you to follow me.”
His voice stern, even with his smile. Giving him a nod, he walks away with you trailing closely behind. Even if he’s cross with you, you’re grateful he stepped in.
Now right behind him, he leads you through the sea of people towards an area with plush couches scattered for guests. There, men and women drink, lounge, and converse in groups scattered throughout the room. As you make your way further in, Ran nods and greets his acquaintances on the way. Even though you are unable to pinpoint the familiar faces of some of the individuals, you're certain you’ve seen some of them before.
Ran slows as a colorful group comes into view.
Mochi is the one to call out towards you with a grin beside Koko, who was busy whispering into the ear of the woman under his arm.
“Some of us like to look good.” Ran bites, earning a scowl from him before acknowledging the scarred man seated to his left, who nods in response “Takeomi.”
“They’re off mingling.” You guess the other Haitani, his brother replies, as his date rubs his chest. His eyes dart between you and Ran, as a grin grows on his face. “I know you're old, but I didn’t know you needed a caregiver yet.”
Ran narrows his eyes as he leads you to the open seats by Mochi. “Nah. She’s here to make sure you don’t give yourself alcohol poisoning.”
As you sit, you greet Mochi and the girl seated against his armrest. Ran hands you a glass of bubbly champagne, from a tray before falling into conversation with the guys. Sipping the sweet drink, you rest your back against the cushion as you continue to look around.
Such a grand celebration for a singular person, running up a bill of at least fifteen million yen. Granted, the people in this room were the kind where money didn’t matter. While it was bad manners, you found your observing fruitful.
In a shimmering gown of red, at a full table, you recognized a popular anchor woman. On another sofa, you were able to place a young man as a new breakthrough actor from a popular drama laughing with a group of older men. From a distance, you thought you even recognized a distinguished lecturer. The more you observed, the more you wished you were able to pull out your phone to confirm your suspicions on other faces.
It only made sense that at such a high profile event, you’d find notable public figures and celebrities. That being said, you were still a little confused.
What reason did Ran’s group have for being here?
Organized crime was an unsavory topic in recent years. The media reports and scandal papers painted vivid portraits for citizens like you who were uninvolved in such things. Murder, drugs, smuggling, human trafficking, etc. All enough to turn one's stomach. Unfortunately for Japan, in recent years it has only gotten worse.
However, you, like many, knew of the unspoken agreement between such groups and the government.
A sort of mutual understanding, supported by the income such groups afforded the country.
Your sheer presence in a room you’d never set foot in if not for your predicament, is proof enough of not only their power in society but in your life.
“Who are you looking for?”
A whisper tickles your ear, knocking you outside your head as his arms finds its way around you. He’s close enough you smell his cologne and he’s warming up the side of your body. You try your best not to pull from his arm not used to it, but don’t even if you’re nervous.
“I’m just people watching.” You say which earns a hum in response. “Who’s the party for?”
Following his words, your eyes trail up the main stairs to the top step. There a well dressed elderly man stands laughing alongside what appears to be his wife hanging off his arm. What should be just another sight, stops all the fun in your little game of guess who, upon recognizing the face of the birthday boy as the one plastered all over the news.
At your wide eyes, Ran finishes the game for you. Tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear, he relishes in your shock.
“The Prime Minister turns 60 today. It’s only natural we celebrate him, don't you think?”
As he smiles at you, you’re at a loss for words. Replacing your empty glasses, he takes a sip.
“Don’t worry. There’s no business tonight, only fun. It’s your first night afterall.”
“Why am I here?” You manage as you meet his smiling eyes, attempting to quell the unsavory scenarios running through your mind.
“Insurance. Look around you.” He angles his head to the girls fawning over his colleagues as they continue to make conversation. Moving your eyes to run through the crowd, you make note of every young woman next to a man twice her age, before he continues. “To everyone else, you fit right in. But we know you’re more than that right? It only makes sense to keep you close for business.”
Rindou calls for his brother, taking attention off you as he joins their conversation.
Immediately, your fingers dig into your cuticle, but you stop yourself remembering where you were. Your eyes flicker to the ground as you allow your body to relax against the sofa and Ran’s arm. Tilting your full flute back into your lips, you allow the warmth to take over your body. It wasn’t like you needed to be sober or anything for the night.
So instead, you reach for another flute to hold, as you allow a small smile to grace your lips as you sit. All while ignoring the way the harsh eyes of the man across from you kept finding you.
Just as he said the night went by without so much as a scratch. A dinner alongside a dance after with music from a favorite of the Prime Minister. The conversation between you and Ran was short, which was fine by you. Small talk was made between you and a few of the other girls but not much since you were all ‘working.’
Thankfully, the other three were seated separately from you guys with Takeomi joining them for dinner. Several tables away, they sat in deep discussion with some men from earlier. Like the others, they disregarded you, which was nice.
Occasionally, you found yourself watching them, but not long enough for them to feel it. During rotations and school, being treated that way always left a bad taste in your mouth. It was infuriating. Yet, it was the best case scenario for you, even if demeaning. You wanted nothing to do with the pink guy and their boss.
With that, you were free to sit, eat, drink, and listen to the music in comfort as you went ignored.
From there, you continued going through the motions uninterrupted for about another month.
Upon receiving word of the rotation schedule for clinicals, you adjusted your schedule with Ran and continued with schooling and work. While the hours in the ER were busy, you enjoyed the environment of the hospital. The other students, alongside the resident, and attendings were all different, some in a good way, others questionable. Overall, you were grateful to be able to learn from such knowledgeable and experienced physicians. In particular, the director of the hospital was a treat, always dropping in to check on staff. An admirable professional you hoped to learn from in the future.
Work at the club was alright and more interesting as each day went by. As you finished up checking all the women and updated their paperwork, the men started to trickle in.
Things varying from stab wounds, broken fingers and limbs, gashes and cuts in need of stitches and cleaning, etc. Some were cordial and silent, others loud and rough but respectful of your position. A few there only to satisfy their curiosity about the new doctor.
Thankfully, even if some were mildly annoying, there was a line they left uncrossed. One that kept you safe, and them alive without losing any fingers or whatever punishment that hung over their heads.
Not complete gentlemen, but at the very least civil.
It was interesting seeing all the different faces and made your time there drag less. Afterall, with their files on hand, you were able to learn a lot. The notes on each individual who had previously come into the clinic were extensive. At the very least, the ones he got to talk were. Children, spouses, anything of significance to an individual listed in their chart.
All individuals with their own lives working to take care of themselves or their family. It was easy to forget such things considering the things they did everyday. While it didn’t excuse their actions, it explained them.
Your conflicted about it all. Your payments aren’t late anymore and for the first time, you feel relaxed. Before there was never enough of it. Prescriptions went unfilled and checkups were rescheduled until the offices got the hint. Now, your bills were paid on time. Your fridge was full and you were able to make deposits into your grandmother’s account so she could be worry free with your aunt.
Even with the nagging voice in your head, every time you swiped your card; you couldn’t fight how good it felt.
Alongside your grandmother, your friends were pleased to hear you were doing better. Your appearance now improved as well, only further solidified your claims. Thankfully, your busy schedule of work and school gave them fewer chances to see you as regularly as well as no room to pry.
In the club, the only of the higherups you saw weekly were Ran and Koko. Ran in glimpses, off doing whatever it was he did. And Koko at the end of the week for your pay.
“We’ll, well. If it isn’t my favorite dancer.” Koko grins as you make your way into his office.
Sitting down in the chair, he pulls out the envelope labeled Doc from his drawer, placing it in front of you. Pulling it to your lap, you shift the thick envelope in your hands mindlessly. You don’t even realize how long your staring at it until Koko comments on it.
“Do you want to count it?” He teases as you stare at it almost contemplatively in your hands.
“No. No. It’s just..” you start unsure if you should even finish, “I’m just amazed.”
“Don’t be. There’s people getting paid double what you get.”
“No. See. That… That’s what gets me. I just can’t wrap my head around how much money is involved in all this.” You say, unable to hide your disbelief.
Swiveling slightly in his chair, he stares back at you with his lips slightly pursed. Uncrossing his arms, he rests his chin on his fist.
“I’d tell you how, but we both know you're better off not knowing.”
“That’s probably true.” You agree as you place it in your bag and stand to signal your leave.
“Until next time, Doctor.” His voice rings out as you nod and wave him off with a small smile.
While still very much a stranger and far from a friend, Koko was somewhat of a comfort at the club. He was arrogant and his ego was taller than him. The sheer fact you were able to deduce this from how short your talks were was telling. But at the very least, he was amicable with you.
A show boat, but he never made you feel less than, unlike others. Whether your positive view of him stemmed from a good grasp of him or a lack of observation, you cared little to confirm.
Looking at the message, you're glad you had gotten out of ER early. Such a late message meaning you’d be the one getting yourself ready. Which was fine and likely the plan as the woman had given you the bag of products used on you.
Still you were nervous. The whole thing just made you nervous. If the last time was a trial run, then tonight would be the real thing. Whatever that meant.
Sitting down, you set your face with powder before deciding on a hairstyle. With an hour to spare, you’re frantic as you're unsure of where you're even going.
What were you even supposed to wear?
They had supplied the dress last time, so maybe when he arrives you’d know. Finally at ease with your appearance, you relax with some wine for your nerves. Relying on alcohol wasn’t your favorite thing, but what else was there to do that would ease you than chance a dependency.
Opening the door, Ran thrusts a dress into your hands, before making himself at home. Walking past you, you follow carrying the bag in your hand.
“Don’t be long.” He comments as he takes a seat on your sofa. Wordlessly, you leave to change.
Now in the bathroom, you shed your clothes and pull on the dress. Rather than a gown fit for a gala, it’s a shorter purple cocktailesque dress. With your heels on and a suitable clutch, you follow Ran into the car.
As you stared out the window, Ran typed away on his phone. Making several short phone calls accompanied by heavy sighs with each vibration from his phone. He wasn’t much for conversation, which was fine by you. Resting your head against the window, you closed your eyes fighting the slight nausea you had been experiencing for a majority of the ride. Maybe wine wasn’t your best idea.
Your eyes burst open at the feeling of an ice cold bottle left on your lap. Turning to face Ran, he motions for you to drink. Twisting the cap off, you can already feel the sparkling water settle your stomach as you sip slowly.
“Thank you.” You say as he goes back to his phone.
“Can’t have you ruining the car or your dress.” He lets out halfheartedly.
The bright lights bounced off the car as you passed the busy streets of Yokohama. Fixing your dress and hair, you collected your things as the car slowed down in front of a night club. With Ran at your side, you followed him closely as the bouncer allowed the two of you to bypass the long line.
Inside, loud music shook the room as dancers seemed to shake the ground. The building reminded you more of an old European hotel than the clubs you were used to. Tilting your head, you made out four floors above you. Iron railings lined each floor, preventing the drunk dancers above you from falling and or attempting to swing from the chain lights hung from the tall ceiling.
With his hand on your back, Ran leads you past the dance floor and bar to an elevator. As he presses the number four, you watch through the glass elevator as the dancers below become smaller.
Ran clears his throat before adjusting his collar. Holding your eyes, he commands your attention. “Tonight we’ll be meeting with not only all of our board, but another group. I expect you to play your part. Alright.”
His words cause your palms to sweat. The last time you had done this had been a month and even then, you hadn’t been around all of them since the day he had broken into your apartment. Still, it wasn’t as if you had to talk to them or acknowledge them really. You were with Ran.
“Alright.” You respond, nodding your head.
Stepping off, you find yourself surrounded by private sections full of club goers while others dance around the railing.
Turning the corner, his fellow gang members came into view. Against the wall, they sat in a closed off section. As soon as the two of you come into view, they greet you. An open deck of cards decorates the table amongst the half empty glasses and bottles. Of the group, it seemed only two were missing. Mikey and Sanzu.
“Nah, just in time. Waiting on the boss and his dog.” Mochi jokes, earning some laughs from the guys. Sitting by Ran, you watch them redistribute the deck out.
Unlike last time, there were only three other girls hovering over the group. One stood over Koko massaging his shoulders, while another sat on the armrest of the chair messing with Mochi’s collar. The other girl sat with Takeomi far more interested in his neck than the game he was playing.
For ten minutes, you sat in silence watching Ran play their game. Another couple rounds and you were sure he’d win, but the fun was cut short upon the arrival of Mikey. As he came into sight, all stood up to greet him.
“Right on time.” Kakucho announced as he finished off his drink.
“Let’s get this party started.” Sanzu chuckles as he along with everyone, follow behind Mikey. Passing several full obnoxious sections, four burly men stand at the mouth of another staircase. Their size and the velvet rope, likely doing most of the securing as most of them weren’t attentive to your approaching group.
Walking up to the entrance, Mikey tilts his head to the stairs. “We’re here for Akira.”
Unexpectedly, a hand darts out, to keep everyone back. With the other three busy, the youngest of the four is the one to stop you.
“I’m afraid he’s not seeing anyone tonight.”
While the young security guard had Takeomi and the guys chuckling, Mikey was unmoved.
At the sound of his voice, the amusement from the men behind him died down. From the corner of your eye, a scared hand twitched as if waiting for something. As Ran’s grip on your side tightened, you had an idea of what was coming.
But instead, the sound of a heavy ringed hand coming into contact with skin, cut through the tension. The young guard, was left with his head to the ground as the senior of the men shoved his head down.
“Bow your head dumbasss. Don’t you know who he is?” The guard from behind spits, forcing what seemed to be his subordinate to his knees, before joining the rest with a lowered head. “Forgive our failure to properly educate him.”
“Get out of the way.” pulling him up from the collar and roughly shoving him to make room for you to pass
“Some welcome.” Mochi mumbles out in passing, which only leaves them more nervous.
“We’re unworthy. Forgive us sir.” they continue to apologize, their eyes wide and honed onto the ground.
Coming up the stairs, a large room awaited. A reserve section for who you assumed to be the man in charge and his men. At the sight of you all, he stands a cig in his mouth clapping.
“Well, well. It seems God has blessed us today. What an honor.”
“You know how to talk without kissing someone’s ass?” Kakucho comments as they receive the guys with a bow. As they stand, another suited man seems to brief him on the situation, which causes his jaw to clench as he burns a hole into his back with his narrowed eyes.
“Forgive them. If we had known you were arriving, I’d have informed them beforehand.” The underlying message behind his words stated far too boldly for someone in his position. But rather than showcase the regret for his words, he holds himself foolishly.
Rather than react, the group's playful demeanor unwavered, as they moved to take a seat.
“Where’s the fun in that? We had some business in the area and just thought we’d stop by for a visit.”
As Ran sits down, you move to sit next to him. Before you can, the woman hanging onto Mochi takes it. Left standing, you freeze. But no one has time to notice, as Ran pulls you down into his lap. Remembering the men across from you watching, you force the corners of your lips upwards as you toss your arms around his neck. For it’s nothing as he pays you no mind after, while you fight to try your best to not show your discomfort.
“I hope it’s not the same kind of visit you had in Osaka.”
“Of course not. I don't see why it would be. Do you?”
At the question, Akira seems to freeze as all wait. The words left his mouth far too quickly for him to have thought them through. As he fills his glass, he keeps his eyes trained on the table. The men behind him tensing, leaving you slightly nervous. Throwing his head back, he downs his drink before shaking his head amused.
“I’m guessing it wasn’t an isolated incident. Afterall, it’s been a while since we’ve had the pleasure of meeting with the whole board. Which is a shame. Here I was so sure you missed me or something.” he chuckles at his jest as he signals the waitress to pour out drinks.
“When was the last time you spoke with your English friend?”
His eyes shoot up towards Mikey at the questions. Relaxing slightly, he shrugs his shoulders.
“He wasn’t much of a friend, a bother if anything. Last time was a handoff about a year ago.” He answers cooly, crossing his legs. “If I didn't have to see him, I did my best to keep away.”
“He was fucking annoying.” He continues, earning grins and nods from his men.
“Then why were you in Osaka that week?” Mikey interjects, which causes their merriment to slightly falter.
“What business exactly?” Ran questions rubbing his chin.
“I fail to see how it’s relevant."
Akira’s playful demeanor from before slips fast, as his nostrils slightly flare. He clears his throat before answering.
“A dispute between my men and some wannabe gangbangers bringing trouble over.”
“So you weren’t there for your friend’s party.”
“I have no friends in Osaka. Besides, we wouldn’t be talking if I were.”
Despite it being his joke, he holds himself stiffly. A stoic look on his face as he stares right back at them. The silence in the room is telling as neither side falters.
It’s Sanzu who softens the atmosphere as he can’t help but throw his head back in laughter, dragging his tongue over his sharp smile.” guess that’s true, huh.”
The men chuckle in agreement, as everyone relaxes. Kakucho clears his throat as he leans forward to set his glass down on the messy table.
“Apologies but we’ll be cutting this meeting short. However, we’ll try to be more present in the event there’s any way we can be of use.”
“Yokohama is yours whenever you desire it. Until next time.” He gestures from his seat. Behind him, his guards and men bow, as Mikey stands.
Even the newbie from before is in line, trembling as he cements his eyes to the ground. The speckles of red on his shirt likely came from one of his superiors educating him.
Squeezing your thigh, you follow the older Haitani’s signal to stand. Slipping behind you, he guides you from the seat to the stairs. But you’re caught off guard by the grip tightening on your waist as he turns you around to the sound of footsteps moving in the wrong direction.
“Before I forget.” Mikey’s words catch their attention briefly, before it's stolen by the flash of silver in Sanzu’s hand.
The room, although permeated by the pounding music from below, was silent save for the screams.
At the thud of bodies hitting the ground, the women in the section scream in terror with some running as fast as their heels and drink would let them.
Your legs feel weak as you stare at the bodyguards crumpled on the ground. But Ran’s arm holds you in place. His frame keeps you from turning away from the mess on the ground.
The Yokohama group stands panicked and covered in their subordinates' blood. Even so, they remember themselves and behave, keeping still save for their leader.
Akira now standing, with his tatted hand splayed over his chest as he breathes erratically, looking between the mess and Mikey.
“Dont worry, we'll be sending you some of our men to help out. We know how hard it is to find good help.”
Gritting his teeth, Akira stands seething. His displeasure is apparent, even as he responds with a nod and a halfhearted bow.
But it’s not enough for Sanzu. With an audience, he struts over to the man. Tutting, he pushes the man into a 90° bow, allowing the cold metal in his hand to rest heavy on his back.
“Don’t forget, the only reason you’re here is because we let you.” He growls, digging the body of his gun into his back. Mikey sends him a look, ending the interaction with a pat on the back before Sanzu returns to Mikey’s side.
“We’ll be in touch.” Mikey calls out as he signals the group’s leave. The beating of your heart overpowers the music as Ran pulls you with him. Their mouths move as they focus their eyes forward. As you follow behind, you strain your ears to try and at least listen to some of what Kakucho was saying.
“Mucho, we’ll have you oversee the integration of our men. For now, we’ll need nine by morning, so make arrangements.” At this the goateed man sighs lightly before nodding.
“Koko, we’ll have you accompany him for the day to review their numbers.”
“Sanzu will be looking into any friends of both branch leaders, to help cleanse. The rest of you, are to continue as usual. Keep an ear open for anything of interest. You’re all dismissed.”
Sanzu and Kakucho follow Mikey to the elevator as the rest leave their bows. As the door shuts, they return upright.
“Well. There goes any further invitations to the club.” Mochi jests as they stroll towards the now empty elevator. Ran rolls his eyes as others chuckle between glances at their phones.
As you go down, you stare from the glass elevator at the people below, alongside the younger Haitani.
“Nothing to mourn really.” Rindou kisses his teeth as he scrutinizes the layout of the club, yawning. “It’s not much anyways.”
“Fix that mug up a bit, and maybe I’d be willing to show you a real club.”
“Considering the bullshit statements, I’ll be thumbing through tomorrow, it couldn’t hurt.” Koko chimes in with a sigh.
Takeomi narrows his eyes as he lights up a smoke, letting out a puff. ”Might as well, make a night of it.”
“Not tonight.” He answers bored clicking away on his phone. Rindou makes a face as he slings an arm around him, before chatting with the others about their plans.
Walking out the elevator and out of the club, you feel your feet begin to ache. Your steps slow a bit putting you behind Ran but he doesn’t seem to notice unlike someone else.
“Care for a drink Doctor?”
You pick your head up slightly, as Koko brings everyone’s attention to you. Not a word spoken to you at all before this, only now do they seem to realize you’re there. Looking you up and down, as they laugh.
“I have work back at the club in the morning.” You protest meekly as Koko rolls his eyes, ignoring your hesitation.
“Cmon Doc. You deserve a break. A night out on someone else’s dime. They look rough but they don’t bite.” Koko grins as he hooks his arm around yours, before adjusting some of your hair. “We’ll take care of ya, I promise.”
While Ran was your boss, they were still your superiors. Even though you were familiar with Koko, staying in an unfamiliar town with unfamiliar men was the last thing you wanted. Men who had witnessed and written off several executions, instead caring more for the design of a stupid building.
They knew your answer, they weren’t stupid. But they also knew you were in no position to say it.
“She has shit to do for me, so no.”
Ran answers annoyed, as he gestures to the black car stopping. His intervention does the trick. Koko releases your arm, allowing you to return to Ran’s side. Holding his hands up in surrender, Koko shakes his head before stuffing them into his pockets..
“Have fun in this shithole.” Ran calls as he opens the door and gestures for you to get in. You try not to show your relief, but you practically jump into the car.
“Next time Doc.” Koko calls before Ran slams the door shut in his face. From the curb, Koko waves you off as the rest begin to enter the new car that had pulled up.
Whether it was because he didn’t want you distracted, or understood the situation, you were glad Ran had spoken up.
Sitting down, you rest your head against the window as Yokohama disappears behind you. Ran has his head back as well with his eyes closed. The whole way home was silent. Not a word nor glance wasted on you.
As if it were nothing, you had seen the demise of four men.
Four men with lives and loved ones. As if it was nothing, a single mistake used as a reason to crumple their bodies to the ground. But it wasn’t even that. Their lives taken as a needed casualty to make a statement.
You type hurriedly on your phone.
The last time you had attempted to look into Ran and the others, it was unfruitful. As if any useful shred of information was scrubbed off the internet.
From searching, you were unable to find anything of significance under their names. Just a few obituaries of family, but nothing of importance.
Clicking the new link, you read the report.
Just last month, a shootout occurred during a birthday celebration for a 10 year old.
Over fifty Men, women, and children were found decorating the walls of a private room at an upscale restaurant.
Owners have decided to close down in respect for the tragedy that had occurred.
Comments on the article of the tragedy vary the more recent they were. Some condemned the violence, others praised it as a cleansing once further details were released about it being a gang dispute.
A word that tasted like acid on your tongue. And burned your thumbs as you typed it into the search bar.
The screen burned as the name filled the screen with links. Articles of their crimes and activity. Photos of different crime scenes. Online forums discussing the group, seemingly abbreviating names with letters or the use of nicknames.
The glaring name from the screen sent palpitations to your heart. A clenching sensation reminiscent of a fist painfully squeezing it. Soon the blue light became too much. Turning your phone off you laid in silence and darkness.
As you laid, your chest heaved. It was like you had run a marathon the way you felt out of breath. Pulling a tossed blanket over yourself, you struggled to breath. The heat now trapped under the unbreathable material, filling your lungs and causing your scalp to perspire. Your fingers immediately sting as you pull and pick at the raised skin of your cuticles.
They were Bonten. It was finally making sense.
Whispers of what they were capable of kept Japan in line. Various gangs who ran rampant suddenly disappeared. The rise in criminal activities no longer only concentrated in large cities but spikes all over Japan.
The gangs you grew up seeing in your youth were formidable but juvenile. It was nothing to this extent.
Your mother was right to be careful.
Too bad you were a poor listener.
Taglist: @pandanen @zhamooz @vainful-vanity @brights-place
