The Shirogiri Manor stood as a shadow of its former glory. Its wooden halls, once bustling with retainers and warriors, were now silent save for the occasional flicker of paper lanterns swaying in the evening breeze. The estate, though grand in design, bore the scars of decline—weathered pillars, overgrown gardens, and empty rooms that once held the strength of an entire lineage. Yet, within its walls, something stirred once more.


    Ash Atsuyuki stepped into the main hall, his boots echoing against the aged wooden floor. He had returned—not as a boy escaping his past, but as the heir determined to rebuild what had been lost.


    Waiting for him was Kaito, his most trusted advisor and one of the last warriors still loyal to the Shirogiri name. Though past his prime, Kaito''s sharp eyes and composed stance betrayed the mind of a man who had survived countless battles. As Ash entered, the older man gave a rare smirk.


    "Word travels fast," Kaito said, arms crossed. "You broke the bullies of Nova Helix Academy, and now they call you a champion. I''d say your grandfather would be proud, but you and I both know pride isn''t enough."


    Ash met his gaze with quiet resolve. "I didn''t fight for pride. I fought to prove the Shirogiri aren''t finished."


    Kaito chuckled. "And in doing so, you''ve stirred the waters. Good. That means we can move to the next step."


    He motioned toward a low table where an old digital display flickered to life. Financial statements, market reports, and underground dealings filled the screen—each tied to one name.


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    The Mori Clan.


    Once a formidable force, the Mori had diversified their power, balancing political influence with underworld dealings. But with their recent losses and internal fractures, their empire was vulnerable. Ash knew that if the Shirogiri were to rise again, they needed more than just honor. They needed resources.


    "The Mori still control significant assets," Kaito continued, gesturing at the fluctuating numbers on the screen. "Shipping routes, black-market arms deals, even smuggling networks. But without strong leadership, they''re bleeding. If we strike first, we take what''s left before their rivals do."


    Ash studied the data, his mind already mapping out the possibilities. But this wasn''t just business.


    This was revenge.


    He had not forgotten the duel. The moment he had bested Takeshi Mori, proving that the Shirogiri were not yet dead, the Mori had responded with treachery. Takeshi''s dishonorable attack after his loss, the whispers of humiliation that had spread through the Keiretsu circles, and the assassins sent to erase him in the dead of night—Ash had survived them all. And he had promised himself that the Mori would pay for their cowardice.


    "The corporate syndicates will be watching. If we make a move, we need to do it cleanly—take their financial veins, not just their muscle. Money controls power more than blood ever did."


    Kaito nodded approvingly. "You''ve been paying attention. If we take the Mori''s underworld holdings, we don''t just gain wealth—we gain leverage. Influence. The kind that makes people remember the Shirogiri name with fear and respect."


    Ash folded his arms. "What''s our first target?"


    Kaito''s smirk widened as he tapped the screen, pulling up a location.


    "Their biggest asset? A money laundering operation disguised as a high-end club in the upper districts. The perfect place to start."


    Ash exhaled, his fingers tracing the hilt of his sword as his mind sharpened with purpose. The Mori had taken advantage of the Shirogiri''s fall. They had tried to erase him in the dark.


    Now, he would erase them in the light.


    The Shirogiri Clan would rise again.


    And the Mori''s wealth would fund their return.