Chapter 7: Shadows Against the Light
Shadows Against the Light
The Yakuza office was alive with hushed voices, cigarette smoke swirling in the air. Hajime leaned against the wall, flipping through the dossier Renji had handed him. Inside were photographs, notes, and a map detailing the life of their next target—a politician who had betrayed the Yakuza.
Renji sat across from him, calmly sipping sake. Crow stood near the window, arms crossed, his figure silhouetted against the city lights. The tension was palpable, but not from the mission briefing. Hajime could feel something—someone—was watching them.
"Everything clear, Hajime?" Renji asked, lighting another cigarette.
"Yeah, it's clear," Hajime replied, his mind working faster than his words. "But this target… He's too clean. He's got protection. Superpowered protection."
Renji raised an eyebrow. "You're sharp. That's why I brought you in. You've got the instincts for this."
Crow finally spoke, his voice as cold as steel. "If protection's a problem, we'll handle it. No one stands against us and lives to tell the tale."
Revealing the Powers
As they prepared for the mission, Hajime turned to his companions. "You've been in this world longer than I have. What exactly can you two do?"
Renji smirked and extended his hand. A faint glow surrounded it, and suddenly, an intricate knife materialized out of thin air. "I'm a Creator. I can generate weapons, tools, whatever I need. As long as I've seen it before, I can make it."
Crow stepped forward, his shadow rippling unnaturally at his feet. "And me? I'm a Shadow Binder. Darkness is my domain. I can manipulate shadows, turn them into weapons, or even use them to move unseen."
Hajime nodded, piecing together their strengths. "So, a strategist, a weapon master, and a ghost. Not bad."
Crow tilted his head. "And you? What else are you hiding, Hajime?"
He hesitated for a moment, then smirked. "You'll see when the time's right."
The Encounter with a Hero
The trio made their way to the politician's heavily guarded mansion. As they scoped out the area, Hajime noticed something unusual: a figure perched on a rooftop across the street.
The figure leapt down gracefully, landing in front of them with a thud. The man wore a sleek, black and blue suit that shimmered faintly under the moonlight. A silver mask covered his face, and a glowing emblem of justice adorned his chest.
Renji's eyes narrowed. "Vanguard. The hero."
Vanguard folded his arms, his voice firm and authoritative. "I know what you're planning. The Yakuza's been causing too much chaos in this city. Your reign ends here."
Hajime stepped forward, his calm demeanor hiding the storm brewing inside him. "We don't want trouble. Walk away, and this stays quiet."
Vanguard laughed, his tone laced with confidence. "You think you can scare me? You're out of your league, kid."
Crow's shadow surged forward, twisting like tendrils toward Vanguard. The hero leapt back, dodging the attack with ease. "So, it's a fight you want."
The Fight
Vanguard charged forward, his fists glowing with energy. Renji summoned a sword and blocked the strike, sparks flying as the weapons clashed. Hajime stayed back, observing Vanguard's movements. He was fast—too fast for an ordinary human.
Crow used the shadows to trip Vanguard, but the hero countered, slamming his fist into the ground and sending a shockwave that disrupted the shadows.
"Smart," Hajime muttered, stepping into the fray. He activated his ability, his perception of time slowing as he analyzed Vanguard's attacks. Every movement, every feint, every strike became clear to him.
"Renji, cover his left!" Hajime shouted, moving in sync with his teammates. Renji created a shield to block Vanguard's energy blast while Crow used the moment to trap the hero's legs in shadow bindings.
Vanguard struggled against the shadows, his strength tearing through them, but Hajime was already behind him. He delivered a precise blow to the back of Vanguard's neck, sending him staggering forward.
The hero smirked, blood trickling from his lip. "Not bad. But you're just criminals playing a game you don't understand."
Renji raised his weapon, ready to strike, but Hajime stopped him. "Enough. We're not here to kill him. Let's go."
Crow hesitated but relented, and the three disappeared into the night, leaving Vanguard kneeling in the street.
First Problems
Back at the headquarters, the Oyabun was waiting. His expression was unreadable as the trio reported.
"You let the hero live," he said, his voice low.
Hajime stepped forward. "Killing him would've drawn too much attention. We handled it."
The Oyabun's gaze hardened. "This isn't a game, Hajime. Heroes don't stop. They'll come for you again, and next time, you might not be so lucky."
Hajime didn't flinch. "Then I'll deal with them when the time comes."
As they left the office, Crow glanced at him. "You've got guts, but the Oyabun's right. Heroes are a problem."
"I know," Hajime replied. "But every problem has a solution. And I'm good at finding them."
The Next Mission
The next day, Hajime received his new mission: infiltrating a rival gang's hideout to steal a valuable artifact. The stakes were higher, and the risks greater, but Hajime was ready.
As he studied the details, he couldn't help but think about Vanguard. The hero had shown him just how dangerous this world could be. But instead of fear, Hajime felt excitement.
"This is just the beginning," he muttered to himself, a smirk playing on his lips