Empire of the Unseen

Breaking Ties

The dimly lit office carried the smell of polished wood and aged leather. Renji stood near the door, his arms crossed, while Crow leaned casually against the wall, his sharp gaze fixed on the Oyabun. Hajime sat stiffly in a chair, acutely aware of the weight of the moment.

The Oyabun, a middle-aged man with streaks of gray in his slicked-back hair, regarded them with a piercing gaze. His fingers drummed softly against the desk as he waited for Renji to speak.

"The mission was a success," Renji said. "The gang at the docks won't be a problem anymore. We made sure they understood the consequences of their actions."

Crow added, "Hajime handled himself well. He's got potential."

The Oyabun's eyes shifted to Hajime, studying him. "Potential isn't enough. Loyalty and discipline are what matter here. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Hajime replied, his voice steady despite the tension in the room.

The Oyabun nodded. "Good. Your next assignment will come soon. Until then, prepare yourself. This life isn't forgiving."

At Home

Later that night, Hajime returned home, his mind still buzzing from the encounter with the Oyabun. His family's modest apartment felt suffocatingly small after the spacious office.

As he stepped inside, his mother greeted him with a mix of relief and concern. "Hajime, where have you been? You haven't been going to school."

He hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I've been… figuring things out."

His mother's face fell. "Figuring things out? Hajime, you had a future! Why did you drop out?"

Before he could answer, his father's voice cut through the room. "Enough, Midori."

His father stepped into the living room, his expression hard. "You think you can just throw your life away and come back here like nothing's happened? This isn't a hotel, Hajime."

"I'm trying to make something of myself," Hajime said, his voice rising.

"By running around with criminals?" his father snapped. "You're no son of mine if this is the path you've chosen. Get out."

Hajime froze, the weight of his father's words sinking in.

"Kenji," his mother pleaded, but his father silenced her with a glare.

Hajime didn't argue. He turned and walked out, his chest tight with anger and hurt.

A New Mission

Renji was waiting for him outside, leaning against a lamppost. Crow was nearby, smoking a cigarette.

"So," Renji said, straightening up, "I take it you're staying with us now."

Hajime nodded, his jaw clenched.

Crow handed him a cigarette. "Welcome to the family."

Renji's expression turned serious. "We've got another job. The boss wants us to send a message to a local businessman who's been refusing to pay his dues. Simple intimidation—break a few things, make sure he understands the consequences."

Hajime took a deep breath, pushing aside the pain of what had just happened at home. "When do we start?"

Renji smirked. "Now."

The Businessman's Shop

The shop was small and cluttered, with shelves lined with knick-knacks and old books. The businessman, a wiry man in his forties, stood behind the counter, his face pale as Renji and Crow stepped inside.

"Y-you don't need to do this," the man stammered. "I just need more time—"

Renji cut him off. "Time's up. You've been warned."

Crow moved to block the door while Renji began overturning shelves, sending items crashing to the floor. Hajime stood in the middle of the chaos, gripping a metal pipe.

"Your turn," Renji said, nodding toward a glass display case.

Hajime hesitated, but then his mind flashed back to his father's words. With a sharp exhale, he swung the pipe, shattering the glass.

The businessman flinched, his hands trembling. "Okay! Okay, I'll pay! Just stop!"

Renji nodded, satisfied. "Good choice. Payment's due by tomorrow morning. Don't make us come back."

Aftermath

As they left the shop, Hajime felt a strange mix of emotions—adrenaline, guilt, and a growing sense of detachment. This was his life now, and there was no turning back.

Renji clapped him on the back. "You did good tonight. Keep it up, and you'll go far."

Hajime nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He was beginning to understand the cost of his decisions—and the power he now wielded.

End of Chapter 3