Inside the manor, in the cool, dimly lit halls that still smelled of fresh lacquer and old wood, Ash and Arata sat across from one another at an intricately carved table. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. It wasn''t just the weight of their past— it was the collision of two very different worlds.


    Arata broke the silence first, his voice calm, almost too calm. "Your grandfather and I fought alongside one another, back in the days when the Shirogiri were more than just a name. He was a man of principle, Ash. A man who understood the cost of power. Now, here you are— his heir, making waves in ways he never could. Your recent actions have… complicated things. The syndicates have accepted your independence, but the Keiretsu see more than just the streets. They see the game as a whole."


    Ash leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. His eyes narrowed. "Let me guess. They want to test me. See if I''ll fall in line like everyone else."


    Arata smirked, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Something like that. But they''re not sending threats, not yet. The Keiretsu don''t waste time crushing what they might find useful. That''s why I was sent. They''re willing to see what you can do, but only if you play by their rules."


    Kaito, who had been silent until now, pushed off from the wall and stepped forward, his eyes hard and unyielding. "So, what''s the test?" he asked, his voice low and distrustful.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Arata reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, holographic device. He placed it on the table, and with a flick of his wrist, the device sprang to life, projecting a 3D display of encrypted data streams, financial graphs, and corporate schematics. Ash''s eyes quickly scanned the information, already looking for hidden meanings.


    "There''s a situation developing in the city," Arata began, his tone more serious now. "One that involves interests beyond the underworld. If the Shirogiri can resolve it, the Keiretsu will acknowledge you as a legitimate force— not just an upstart."


    Ash studied the display with a critical eye. "And if I refuse?"


    Arata''s smile didn''t fade, but there was something colder behind it now. "Then they''ll send someone else. Someone who sees you as a problem to be eliminated."


    The room fell silent as Ash considered his options. He could feel Kaito''s gaze boring into him, waiting for his response. The stakes had just been raised, and Ash knew it.


    Finally, he spoke, his voice calm, but with an edge that cut through the tension like a blade. "Tell them I''ll handle their ''situation.'' But let''s be clear— I don''t take orders. I choose my battles. If they think they can control the Shirogiri, they''re already mistaken."


    Arata chuckled softly, his expression unreadable. Kaito''s glare didn''t waver, and Ash could feel the weight of history between them. This wasn''t just business— there was something personal here, something deeper than just corporate politics or gang warfare.


    Ash stood up, his decision made. The first trial had begun. The Keiretsu were testing him, but he was ready to show them just how wrong they were to underestimate him.


    It was time to prove that the Shirogiri were more than just a name— they were a force to be reckoned with.