With the first strike delivered in blood and fire, Ash turned to the next phase of his war—corrupting the Keiretsu''s foundation from within. A war was not won through brute force alone. True victory lay in unraveling the enemy from the inside, turning their own strength into a liability. It was time to rot the Keiretsu at its core.


    A clandestine meeting was held within the inner sanctum of Shirogiri Manor, far from prying eyes and unwanted ears. The chosen attendees were more than mere subordinates—they were the architects of subterfuge. Political informants, corporate defectors, and high-ranking underworld brokers, each with deep ties to Keiretsu businesses and infrastructure, sat around a low-lit war table.


    Above them, Kenshiko''s holographic form flickered into existence, casting an eerie blue glow across the chamber. A complex lattice of connections, assets, and influence networks materialized in the air, pulsating like a living organism.


    "Keiretsu''s reach is vast," Kenshiko began, her voice calculated, precise. "But not unbreakable. Their power is built on control—of people, of wealth, of information. Yet many within their hierarchy do not serve out of loyalty, but out of necessity. If given the right incentives, they can be turned."


    Ash leaned back, his fingers steepled in contemplation as he studied the glowing projections. "Who do we start with?"


    The lattice reconfigured, zooming in on a series of corporate figures, politicians, and bureaucrats. Their faces, names, and affiliations flickered into view, each marked with potential points of leverage.


    "These are our primary targets," Kenshiko continued. "Executives controlling logistics, security contracts, and financial oversight of Keiretsu''s black market dealings. Essential to their daily operations. And vulnerable."


    Kaito smirked, arms crossed. "Vulnerable how?"


    "Debt, leverage, greed, and fear," Kenshiko answered. "Some have hidden financial troubles. Others harbor secrets that could ruin them. A few simply crave more than what Keiretsu allows them. If we apply the right kind of pressure, we force a choice—loyalty to Keiretsu, or survival."


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    THE INFILTRATION BEGINS


    The operation unfolded in layers, a silent war waged through whispers, transactions, and carefully placed threats.


    Kaede spearheaded the initial overtures, approaching Keiretsu executives and political figures under the guise of mutual business opportunities. Some were pragmatic enough to recognize the winds shifting, eager to align themselves with Ash before the tides turned against them. Others, however, required persuasion of a more forceful nature.


    Ghost and his team operated in the shadows, uncovering fraud, embezzlement, and illicit dealings within Keiretsu''s ranks. Each discovery became a weapon. Those caught in their net were left with a choice—aid Shirogiri in dismantling their masters, or be exposed and left to the Keiretsu''s merciless judgment.


    Meanwhile, Viper orchestrated a silent coup within Keiretsu''s supply chain. Bribes exchanged hands, key logistical operators were replaced, and smuggling routes were rerouted under Ash''s influence. With every passing week, more of Keiretsu''s infrastructure subtly shifted into Shirogiri''s control, an unseen noose tightening around their empire.


    One by one, the Keiretsu''s trusted allies began to fracture, their foundation riddled with unseen cracks.


    THE FIRST TURNCOAT


    The breakthrough came in the form of Souta Ishikawa, a high-ranking Keiretsu financial strategist overseeing offshore laundering operations. His defection would be the first stone to fall in the avalanche that followed.


    Souta was dragged into a dimly lit room, the air thick with tension. Seated across from Ash, his fear was palpable, his hands trembling against the table''s surface.


    "I-I had no choice," Souta stammered, beads of sweat forming along his brow. "If they knew I was even talking to you—"


    Ash leaned forward, his voice low, measured. "They won''t know. Unless you make the wrong choice."


    Souta swallowed hard. He understood the stakes. Betrayal meant certain death. But so did refusing Ash.


    "You''re asking me to risk everything," he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    Ash''s stare was unyielding. "No. I''m offering you a future. Choose the losing side, and you''ll be buried with them. Choose wisely, and you''ll be rewarded beyond what Keiretsu ever allowed you."


    Silence stretched between them, thick as smoke. Then, slowly, Souta nodded.


    The first major defection was secured.


    And with that, the Keiretsu''s foundation had begun to rot from within.