The following morning, Ash stood over Kenshiko''s workbench in the manor''s underground tech room, the hum of the machines mingling with the quiet buzz of the city outside. Kenshiko, his sharp eyes focused intently on the decrypted files, clicked through layers of encrypted data with practiced precision. His fingers danced across the holographic interface, each tap unlocking another piece of the puzzle. Finally, he turned to Ash, his face grim.


    "The situation" was far more than just a test—it was a power struggle playing out in the corporate sector. A high-ranking executive in a Keiretsu-affiliated conglomerate had gone rogue, taking highly sensitive data with him. That data contained classified projects, blackmail material, and trade secrets that had the potential to destabilize multiple factions, including the Keiretsu themselves.


    "The rogue executive," Kenshiko said, tapping a few more commands into the console, "Takeda Ryo, is hiding in the city. He''s surrounded by a private military force, most likely funded by an unknown rival of the Keiretsu. Whoever is behind this is not just trying to expose the Keiretsu—they''re aiming to destroy them."


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    Ash studied the files, his expression unreadable. He ran a hand over his jaw, his mind whirling through the implications. "They want us to clean up their mess," he said quietly.


    Kaito, who had been standing nearby, folded his arms, his eyes hard. "And if we do?"


    Ash smirked, the familiar glint of ambition returning to his eyes. "Then we make sure we get more than just recognition. We take a piece of the power they''re so desperate to hold onto."


    Kaito shot him a sidelong glance, his eyes searching Ash''s face for any sign of hesitation. "You''re not just going to do this to prove something to them, are you?"


    Ash''s gaze remained fixed on the holographic display, the data flickering in the light. "The Keiretsu may think they''re pulling the strings, but we''re going to make them realize the Shirogiri are no one''s pawns. Not anymore."


    The mission was clear: Find Takeda Ryo. Retrieve the data. And prove to the Keiretsu that the Shirogiri were more than a relic of the past.


    Ash stood up, his voice firm, unwavering. "We''re not just cleaning up their mess. We''re making our own path. Let''s get to work."


    The first real move against the corporate elite had begun.