Kenji sat atop the building's roof, his feet dangling over the edge as he hummed some song he wasn’t quite sure the lyrics of to himself. It’d been around an hour since Kanashi had entered the restaurant and so far nothing of note had happened. While that was certainly a good thing it also was horrible for Kenji's insanity. He felt the boredom beginning to tear into his mind and open large cracks which wept with impulsive urges to entertain himself.

  Overall this had been a very fun week for Kenji with high ups and low downs, but that wasn’t something he was able to express in words. He more or less was based entirely on instinct, he didn’t think “that was fun.” He knew it was. He doesn’t wonder what his next move should be, or what he should be doing at a time he simply does it without hesitation. As such there was a great deal of unusual control in his current situation. Forcing himself to sit and wait for Kanashi to signal him to move. Of course he couldn’t be exactly well behaved. Sitting atop a three story building roof while dangling his legs over the side he most certainly looked like a mad man. The few people who spotted him from below gasped in shock and stared for a moment before remembering their own life and rushing away. In that whole hour not a single person had called a higher authority, whether that was total negligence or blind trust who knows, Kenji certainly didn’t know nor did he care.

  “!”

  Then he felt it, like a sharp stabbing in his brain, not painful but a jolting shock he received the signal. Leaping from the building's top without a care in the world and flying through the air, his bandaged limbs raining down drops of blood he slammed to the floor. Falling with his body held low like a squat he instantly dashed forwards, keeping his head down and body leaning forwards to split the air he rushed towards the signal with amazing speed. Those who saw him only did so for a fraction of a second, his figure like that of a blur which weaved through the crowd like a pro racecar driver would obstacles on the track.

  Then with a jolt and leap forward he arrived at the signaled location, the front of the restaurant where he came face to face with smiling Kanashi. A wide smile across Kenji's own. However he quickly noticed that there were two others with Kanashi. A girl of an absurd color scheme which Kenji personally tuned out to not overwork his brain. Next to her and behind Kanashi was a tall man, while shorter than Kenji he was certainly tall for an Edojin. Thin and lanky with dense muscle, sharp eyes and beach blonde hair the man who he faced must have been the Nordon which Kanashi had told him about.

  “I’m surprised he was able to come with such a weak signal.” Nordon said, raising his brow as if intrigued.

  “Yeah me and Kenji are on a good wavelength like that, also his observation is insanely good so I figured he’d be able to pick up a spike in my aura even if it was only for a fraction of a second and barely enough to be called a spike at all.” Kanashi said with a wide smile, as if bragging about Kenji like one would themself.

  Kenji frowned at Kanashi and Nordon's words, for him Observation and the other two basic magic skills were again nothing more than instinct. If you asked him he wouldn’t be able to describe how he used it. Though if you asked him why the sky was blue he’d also probably just shrug and say it blue because it’s blue.

  “Ah, let me introduce you guys properly.” Kanashi said, a light bulb going off over his head. “Kenji, this is Tatematsumi Nordon, who you could call… my boss I guess?” Kanashi said looking at Nordon who seemed as if he wasn’t quite sure what their relationship was at this point.

  “As of now we’re simply in discussion of a potential partnership.” Nordon said, clearing his throat and brushing his hair from his eyes.

  “Okay then, well Nordon, this is Tatakayaiba Kenji , my friend, retainer, samurai and well… bodyguard?” Kanashis words seemed to trail off the more he listed the roles of Kenji until they became an incoherent mutter.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tatakayaiba-San.” Nordon said in Edogo with a deep bow.

  Kenji frowned at the over formality of the greeting and offered a shrug in return. “You too.” He said.

  “And then this is Yuko.” Kanashi said, grabbing Kenji's attention and pointing to the overly colorul girl.

  “Nice to meet you, Kenji-san.” She said with a light bow.

  “Hey how come he’s san and I’m kun?” Kanashi frowned. And why are you using his first name not his last?

  “Don’t think too much about it.” Nordon said, clearing his throat. “She just has her own… style if you would.” Keeping his eyes on Kenji, Nordon looked the Samurai up and down. Noticing his bandages he also focused on the bulge of the Katana hidden under Kenji's red kimono and his wild beast-like orange aura. “Tatakayaiba-San I’ve heard much about you from Sarumalder-San. I’m hopeful to see if you’re as great a man as Kanashi thinks you to be.”

  Kenji smiled at Nordons words and looked at Kanashi who muttered something under his breath while looking embarrassed. “Well, I’ll work with you if you really want me to.” He laughed.

  “That would be splendid-”

  “But only if Kanashi’s coming along.” Kenji added.

  “...” Nordon didn’t speak, he only straightened his posture and cleared his throat. “Well then, let us continue.” He said turning to Kanashi who nodded, motioning for the three to follow him back to the Karatino casino.

  “Shouldn’t we be worried about the Toumeikan yakuza and stuff?” Yuko asked, looking around quickly.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll kill em if they show up.” Kenji said, flashing her a cruel smile which the girl frowned at.

  “That wouldn’t be necessary, Tatakayaiba-San. If things escalate. I'm more than capable of immobilizing and arresting any potential attackers.” Nordon said.

  Kanashi clenched his hand tightly at Nordon's words. The threat of Domushi lurking around searching for them and maybe even already following them from afar was still a real prominent throat. However, as Nordon would put it, “Domushi might be reckless but he’s not incompetent.” To attack them in public during broad daylight, even if he could come out victorious in the end. It would not be worth exposing his crimes to hundreds if not over a thousand onlookers. To put it in simple terms, team Kanashi had already won this round, by meeting up with and recruiting Nordon they’d secured themselves a safe trip back to the casino. However once there the second round would begin, and that round's winner wouldn’t be decided until the liberation. So for now Kanashi could relax just a little knowing they were safe, for the time being at least.

  # # #

  When the casino came into view Kanashi caught his breath, his heart thumping loudly in his ear drums. The sign which spelt [カラティノ] in bright neon colors flashed repeatedly as if in sync with his shortening breathes.

  “We’ve arrived.” Nordon said, as if questioning what the next move would be.”

  “I think we can tell.” Kenji huffed, shooting Nordon a sly side eye which Nordon sighed at.

  “I’ll handle this, Kenji you stay out here and watch them alright?” Kanashi said, turning to Kenji who flashed a thumbs up.

  “We don’t need to be babysat you know, we can take care of ourselves here!” Yuko complained, sticking her tongue out.

  “Yeah well, suck it up.” Frowned Kanashi.

  “Yuko, why don’t you go with Sarumalder-San while Kenji and I discuss things amongst ourselves further?”

  At this suggestion Kanashis frown deepened, wrinkles growing across his face. Yuko on the other hand seemed to light up with excitement and rushed to grab Kanashis hand quickly dragging him away flying behind her as she charged into the casino.

  “Yuko wait!” Kanashi complained as he was dragged along ,despite the girl's rather petite size she was surprisingly strong, so much so that Kanashi felt as if he was slipping on ice whenever his feet managed to grab the ground.

  Yuko ignored Kanashis complaints and entered the casino with a leap, upon which her eyes widened and a goofy smile grew across her face. Her eyes darted around the casino as if taking in something she’d never before seen.

  “Why are you so excited about this?” Kanashi asked, with a growl as he finally managed to free himself.

  “Why wouldn’t I be excited to see a casino? I’ve never been in one before so of course I am!” Yuko barked before returning to scanning the casino's interior.

  “You haven't? How come is Nordon that strict?” Kanashi asked.

  “You have to be at least twenty to enter a casino and gamble here in Edoland.” Yuko answered.

  “Oh really? I’m not twenty and I’ve been staying here for a couple days…” Kanashi muttered.

  “What!? No fair how come you’re allowed to and I’m not!? How old are you!?” Yuko asked, spinning around and grabbing Kanashi by the collar of his shirt.

  “I-it’s probably because I’m cool with Akatora the casino owner!” Kanashi answered with a whimper. “And I’m 18, I turn 19 on November 6th!”

  “So we're the same age, I don’t turn 20 until April 15th.” Yuko frowned, releasing Kanashi who let out a deep breath as he put some distance between him and the girl.

  “Hey!”

  Interrupting both of them was a loud and gruff voice, a massive man at least 6 '3 tall and three foot wide with a tattoo covered body. Wearing nothing but a white wife beater with suspicious red stains across it he quickly moved towards Kanashi and Yuko.

  “Yes?” Yuko asked, her face going pale as the man approached her.

  “If you’re not twenty then what the hell are ya doing in here huh? Tryna shut us down or something?” The man asked with a growl, moving past Yuko and grabbing Kanashi by his shirt's color. He lifted Kanashi up into the air until their eyes were level and Kanashi's feet had left the ground.

  “Put me down.” Kanashi answered, narrowing his eyes.

  “Huh what’d you say punk!?” The man asked with a bark.

  “I said put me down!” Kanashi repeated.

  “And why should I listen to you!? Ya know what, why don’t we go in the back and I teach you a thing or two about respect? You see these tattoos? Ya know what that means?” The man asked, his breath reeking of cheap beer as he screamed into Kanashi's face. “Huh, Gajin, do ya?”

  “Put him down!”

  The sudden yell, laced with authority and like the clap of thunder, seemed to silence the entire noisy casino, appearing from behind being a tall man with a young beautiful face. Standing half a head taller than the aggressor and about a foot wider with more muscle was Beniise.

  “Beniise!” The man yelped, dropping Kanashi who fell to the floor on his behind with a thump, a grunted curse escaping his mouth.

  “They’re with me.” Beniise said, his normally calm eyes filled with a flame as he glared at the man.

  “Haha of course!” The man laughed. “I was just talking to them ya know!” He turned to Kanashi with a desperate face as if begging for Kaanshi to agree.

  “It’s fine.” Kanashi answered as he stood up shakily. “He was just trying to do his job.”

  “I was Beniise, hand to Yamato!” The man said, swearing his honesty to the head godess of Edoland.

  “Then all is good, I wasn’t looking to turn this into a big deal either.” Beniise sighed, his face returning to its regular soft appearance.

  Yuko, who had been silent this whole time had her eyes drawn wide and lips turned thin with a straight line. Turning to Kanashi, her face asked if he too saw the massive boy.

  “That’s Beniise.” Kanashi answered. “Son of Akatora, he’s our age too.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Beniise said with a light bow which Yuko blinked at.

  “Ah, domo.” She said, giving a short bow herself.

  “Well then, Nordon and Kenji are waiting outside so do you think you could prepare for a meeting with your dad please?” Kanashi asked as the wife beater wearing man slinked away in the background.

  “Of course, bring them in and meet me in the back in five minutes.” Beniise said, waving his hand as if saying it was no big deal.

  “Sounds great, thank you.” Kanashi smiled, turning to Yuko who shrugged her shoulders. “Let’s go get them.”

  # # #

  It was as if the very oxygen of the room had been lit on fire. The painfully awkward mood like that of a lump stuck in your throat.

  Kanashi, feeling like he was being baked in an oven and pulled on his shirt's collar in an attempt to stop it from being glued to his chest by sweat. At the very least the humidity problem was now nonexistent, the air so dry it could crack skin.

  Including Kanashi there were six people in the hastily made conference room, their table two smaller tables pushed together with a red cloth thrown on top. The chairs they sat in were unmatching, not one like another and positioned in a hexagon pattern. The room was most likely previously unused and long abandoned, the remains of hastily swept away cobwebs dangled loosely from the pipes on the roof. Dust bunnies hopped across the floor thrown around by the cold draft which leaked through the cracked concrete foundation.

  Sitting at the north head of the table was of course Akatora, with a cigar in his mouth and leaning back with his arms crossed he stared at the man opposite him. Sitting at the south head of the table was Nordon, his hair quickly combed back and square rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He rested his chin on his hands as he started back at Akatora not speaking a word.

  To the left of Akatora was Beniise and next to Beniise was Yuko. Of course next to Yuko was Nordon and to Nordons left was Kenji. Next to Kenji and to the right of Akatora was Kanashi. Since the meeting had started roughly two minutes before, not a single word had been said and the tense atmosphere wasn’t affecting only Kanashi. Yuko looked between Akatora and Beniise with thin lips and wide eyes as if wondering if she was the only one to see the two giant men. Kenji as usual tapped his foot on the ground impatiently but also played with the end of his Kimono, trying to scratch bits of dried blood from the red cloth.

  That they’d sat in silence for this long was shocking to Kanashi seeing how excited Akatora had been about this meeting, but he understood that hesitation himself at the same time. He’d only just fallen victim to it himself not even an hour before. But the current situation was without a doubt preferable to Akatora burning the room down in another panic attack like he had after meeting with Kobe.

  “...”

  “...”

  The silence only lasted another thirty seconds or so but it seemed to stretch on for at least ten minutes before it was finally broken by Akatora.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “I appreciate you coming to meet with me Tatematsumi Nordon, I know it’s not the kind of thing you’d normally be willing to do. Considering our respective organizations numerous past conflicts this is a great risk for not only you but everything the Venator Society has been working towards recently.” Akatora said in Edogo, his tone humble yet confident.

  “It’s the least I could do to thank you for looking after Sarumalder Kanashi. I know he can be difficult to work with so you’ve certainly needed to put a lot of effort into keeping him as safe and healthy as you have.” Nordon said, his tone warm but face stone cold and stern. “Though perhaps we should switch to speaking Shinkai so Sarumalder-San himself can understand what we say? If that’s acceptable for you of course.” He said, switching to Shinkai himself.

  “If you so choose.” Akatora answered in Shinkai as well.

  “...”

  “...”

  There were a few more moments of silence which Kanashi couldn't help but fidget during. His eyes scanned back and forward between the two men before he couldn’t help himself anymore and spoke out. “Look this was really stressful for me… and all of you to set up so the least you can do is try to work things out even if just a little bit right?” He asked, His tone while humorous laced with clear anxiety.

  “I understand your complaints and sympathize with your worries Sarumalder-San.” Nordon said as if trying to fight back a defeated sigh. “And while I know it’s highly unprofessional for me, the captain and representative of the Venator Societies Edoland branch I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hold some animosity for Taishi Akatora.”

  “...” Kanashi kept his lips sealed tight at Nordon's words, listening intently.

  “I've had two of my own employees killed by the Toumeikan during my short time as Captain and before me the Edoland Branch has easily lost over 100 members in total to them. So to face one of the Hachibuto this close and not be able to arrest them for their organization's crimes is extremely challenging.” Nordon finished, his voice shaking slightly.

  “But I’m pretty sure Akatora himself wasn’t responsible for any of those, right? If he was, I think he would have mentioned it by now and so far he’s been nothing but a real good guy… at least as much as a Hachibuto could be.” Kanashi argued, throwing his hands up in the air weakly and looking to Akatora for support. No offense by the way…

  “What Kanashi says is the truth Tatematsumi Nordon, Never have I personally nor any of my men been responsible for the death of a Venator Society remember. In fact If I remember correctly the two you speak of were dealt with by Yamikawa and Kuroyama.” Akatora said.

  At the phrase “dealt with” a vein bulged on the head of Nordon but he managed to keep his composure near flawlessly. “If what you’re saying is the truth then my personal grievances shouldn't be directed at you in particular and for that I apologize.” Nordon said which Kanashi sighed in relief at. “However, I can't say that my heart isn’t still pounding with you being within my grasp.”

  “And I feel the same for having the Venator Society Captain of the Edoland Branch in front of me.” Akatora laughed dryly. “But I think we’ve cleared the air enough to discuss the main point now have we not?” He asked, his eyes narrowing.

  “...” Nordon didn’t speak but he didn’t reject Akatoras words either so he continued.

  “I’m going to assume that Kanashi has already given you a general summary of my proposition but would you mind summarizing what you understand this agreement to be? I’ll fill in the gaps if any are left.”

  Nordon cleared his throat before speaking, shooting a quick glance to Kanashi who nodded his head.

  “From what Sarumalder-San had told me you are looking to separate your current business / division from the rest of the Toumeikan, while not outright disavowing the organization you hope to seek an alliance with the Venator Society during the liberation. During said liberation you will of course be fighting against the Toumeikan and be supporting the Venator Society. In return you want full amnesty for you and your employees previous crimes as well as be allowed to take over the Toumeikan yourself as the new leader. Once you’ve done so you will remodel the Toumeikan to be a more lawful company which borders on the gray zone of business.” Nordon explained.

  Kanashi looked at Akatora who nodded at Nordon's summary.

  “Yeah, that’s about it.” Akatora said. “There’s some more fine details we would need to iron out of course but that’s the main plan.”

  “If I may ask, what about the current Toumeikan makes you oppose it so viciously? How exactly do you plan to change it for the better and in what way?” Nordon asked.

  “The current Toumeikan is nothing like the organization I joined. I can’t say it was a squeaky clean business but it had morals, respect and a clear image. Now it’s nothing more than a group of criminals and the scum of the world. Human trafficking, drugs, assassinations, those kinds of things while profitable aren’t feasibly possible en masse anymore. Not to mention that the majority of the current members lack any honor at all for the company. I’ll turn the Toumeikan into an organization which benefits from those things which are not only profitable but also ethical. An example is gambling the current business I run.”

  Kanashi shot Akatora a thumbs up as he ended his short speech, while rough around the edges and no doubt a thing of the moment he felt it was something which was heartfelt enough for Nordon to understand and agree with. However he could not have been more wrong as Nordon's face was twisted in unhidden rage. Murderous rage, something which Kanashi had never expected to see. At this sight however Akatora kept firm, if he was anxious he didn’t show a single sign of it.

  “Your justification and explanation for your desire to overhaul the Toumeikan is not for empathy, remorse or wanting to erase the evil which this Yakuza gang spreads but instead because it’s no longer profitable?” Nordon growled.

  “W-wait Nordon I don’t think that’s what he mean-”

  “Silence, Sarumalder-San.” Nordon said, looking at Kanashi who froze before slinking back down into his chair. However in response to Nordon's glare Kenji grabbed the handle of his Katana, as if ready to slice Nordon down then and there at a moment's notice.

  “Yuko!” Kanashi breathed in a hoarse whisper.”

  “I… I kinda agree with the captain.” Yuko answered with a shrug.

  “Do you have nothing to say?” Nordon asked, glaring at Akatora.

  “Father…” Beniise muttered, flexing his arm as if preparing to defend against an incoming attack.

  “Settle down everyone.” Akaotora ordered, his voice quiet but tone stern. Only Beniise listened to his fathers words, finding some comfort in them. Kenji clutched his Katana while Kanashi curled his chest to his knees in his chair. Yuko looked nervously at Nordon who in turn continued to Glare at Akatora with a snarling expression.

  “I do have empathy for those which have been wronged by the Toumeikan, I truly do. But I feel no responsibility for their suffering.” Akatora explained calmly.

  “...” Nordon didn’t seem to settle down or get angry at Akatoras words; he only listened intently.

  “In my time here in this company I’ve done some things I’m not proud of, I’ve killed people, I’ve extorted and hurt people. But never once was it a citizen. It was only other Yakuza, loan sharks, debt evaders and the like. Never once have I hurt someone who didn’t strike me or those I care for first. I think that’s something you can understand, Tatematsumi Nordon.”

  “...” Nordon slightly calmed down at Akatoras words, his composure still lost it seemed however as if the flames in his eyes which burned with a passionate hatred and rage began to flicker out.

  “I will change the Toumeikan, I’ll make sure it doesn't hurt the innocent any longer. However I can’t say I personally feel as if I’ve ever done anything like that. So no, I don’t feel remorse because I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “Is that how you truly feel?” Nordon asked.

  “It is.” Akatora answered.

  “...” Nordon relaxed in his chair somewhat but still kept his hands clenched into fists “Can you say the same for your employees? Your Joshin and other underlings?”

  “They wouldn’t work under me if they did.”

  “You understand that outside of your division no other member of the Toumeikan will be spared from the law?”

  “Of course, I hate most of them anyways.” Akatora nodded with a frown.

  “You’re willing to put all of your assets into this liberation during and after the conflict as well as rebuilding your new Toumeikan under the watchful eye of both the Venator Society and Government?”

  “Yes.” Akatora said.

  “...” Nordon paused, exhaling through his nostrils. “Sarumalder-San, does everything he’s said so far align with what you had discussed before?”

  “Yeah, I think so at least.” Kanashi nodded with a beat of sweat dripping down his brow.

  Nordon took in Kanashis words and nodded his own head slowly, “Then it seems as though all of the cards have been laid on the table.”

  Kanashi looked to Yuko who gave him a stiff smile laced with anxiety. He then turned to Kenji who shrugged with a frown. One hand still clutched around his Katanas handle ready to draw at a moment's notice.

  Nordon cleared his throat before speaking. “Taishi Akatora, in return for your full and complete assistance and cooperation during and after the liberation of Edoland from the Toumeikan Yakuza you and your division will be pardoned for all class three and below crimes previously committed. You will also be appointed as the new leader of the Toumeikan which you can reconstruct in your image under the watchful eye of the Venator Society and in complete cooperation with the laws of Edoland. This partnership is to be enacted immediately upon your agreement and any violation of this agreement's rules by either yourself or any of your employees is immediate grounds for the agreement to end and all your privileges within this agreement revoked as well as being charged for all previous crimes. Under this agreement you must devote your full assets both physical and financial to the Edoland liberation if asked. You also cannot violate any law considered class eight or above. Doing such would be terms for this agreement to be terminated. Under this agreement you are to have no contact with any member of the Toumeikan outside of your division without expressed permission by myself or a member of the Venator Society equal to or greater than myself in clearance. Doing so would be terms for termination. This also extends to your employees themselves, though their action might not lead to immediate termination of the contract entirely they will be considered eligible for their previous crimes and put on trial. If multiple employees of yours are to break this agreement in rapid succession it might be considered terms for this agreement's complete termination. Do you Taishi Akatora agree to these terms and are you willing to enforce them with a blood pact between you and I?”

  “...”

  “...”

  There was a few second pause of pure silence after Nordon finished. It was so quiet that you could hear the air itself.

  “I have only one problem with your proposal, and I have a problem with it for two reasons.”

  “And what would that be?” Nordon asked.

  “That I nor my employees can speak to another member of the Venator Society.”

  “And why would that be?”

  “Firstly is for the sake of safety, if I was to stop all contact it would be obvious that I was a traitor, 2nd is that it would limit my ability to reform the Toumeikan after the fact.”

  “...” Nordon chewed on his cheek for a moment to rephrase the terms. “You cannot speak to a member of the Toumeikan ranged Sanjogou or above without permission, you also must report any conversation you had with a member of the Hachibuto or above immediately.”

  “That works.” Akatora shrugged, as if still not completely happy but not wanting to press the issue further.

  It truly was a good deal on Nordons end, of course there could always be a better one but with that kind of thinking you’d only end up having nothing at all, that’s something which Kanashi took almost his entire life to learn. When he’d scream, cry and beg for a toy as a kid when his parents said it was too expensive yet he kept crying and throwing a fit he’d get nothing at all. Even after years of this same pattern he always hoped that one day it would work, but it never did and he learned around the pretty late age of twelve what it meant to settle for what you could get.

  “Then we’ll sign a blood pact.” Nordon said.

  I’m sick of hearing that word… Kanashi frowned, he himself has signed three alone within the last few days, something which Nordon's face went white upon hearing of. Though Kanashi wasn’t exactly sure why.

  Akatora stood up from his chair, when he and Nordon stood across from one another it looked like an adult staring down at a child yet despite that their aura read a different story they were more or less equals. Akatora's aura was blazing red and rough like the flames of a wildfire while Nordons was a calm and clear light blue.

  The first to move was Akatora without hesitation he sliced open the palm of his thumb with his index finger nail via reinforcement and pressed the now bleeding finger towards Nordon.

  Nordon carefully took a small knife from his pocket and in a clean yet quick motion sliced his thumbs palm open as well.

  Nordon repeated his terms of agreement quickly yet clearly, each word said with care to make sure it was understood by Akatora and everyone in the room. Once he was done he asked his final question before the pact was placed.

  “Do you agree to these terms?” He asked.

  “Wholeheartedly.” Akatora replied.

  With that the two pressed their thumbs against one another, a light emitting from their joint thumbs if only for a brief moment. The blood pact being fulfilled.

  “What should this pack be named?” Yuko asked, perking up out of her seat.

  “A name? That would be good for future reference and documentation.” Nordon muttered, turning to Kanashi who smiled weakly. “What does your surname mean Kanashi?”

  “Oh, well that’s kinda complicated since Sarumalder is a Saharis inflection of the name Salamanca which is the Iborian word for “Salamander.” But not the actual species that's Salamandre, no “Salamanca.” means the mythical kind of Salamander, the kind which is on fire...” Kanashi explained, his tone dropping as he noticed everyone looking at him as if wondering why he didn’t say that from the start. “So Salamander.”

  “Then it will be called the Tiger Salamander Pact.” Nordon nodded to Akatora.

  “Works for me.” Akatora laughed dryly. “But I don’t think we're quite done yet with this.” Akatora said, clearing his throat.

  Kanashi tilted his head at this and so did Yuko, Kenji frowned bored of the endless talking and Bennise seemed to be the only one in the peanut gallery to understand what Akatora meant.

  “And what do we need to do to complete this pact?” Nordon asked with a stiff expression.

  “Sakazuki, we need to toast to this new relationship.

  “I see, that does make sense however I must ask for you to forgive me, I don’t drink alcohol during my business hours.”

  “But this is a part of our business is it not?” Akatora asked with a sly smirk.

  “It can be thought of as so…” Nordon frowned with a defeated sigh. “Then let us toast Sakazuki.”

  “Then let’s go.” Akatora said, making a motion for the group to follow him out of the room.

  “We’re not going to do it here?” Nordon asked, his face one of true nervous confusion, an alien expression which Kanashi had not seen yet and apparently Yuko had neither as she also stared open eyed at Nordon's expression.

  “Of course not, this isn’t just a toast between us, but the whole team.” Akatora laughed wickedly as he opened the door wide. “Everyone’s already waiting in the break room.”

  # # #

  The room was packed, while not all of Akatora's men were present, seeing as they wouldn’t even be able to fit into the break room there were still at least two hundred, all laughing and talking, playing card games and arguing. That all turned to silence however when Akatora entered, not fearful silence but out of respect. All except for Ohi Yoshin of course who drunkenly pointed to Nordon. “So this is the big shot huh? Mr. Venator Society man!?” He asked in Edogo, his words slurred.

  “Shut it Yoshin!” The rest of the room yelled, turning to him with a growl.

  “Hey I don't wanna hear it from you-ow ow okay I’m sorry!” Yoshin's anger quickly turned to a plea for forgiveness as the cat-faced man Nejimaru ground his elbow into his side painfully, the drunk man grumbling quietly as he rubbed his sore side and moved away from the cat-faced man.

  “This is Tatematsumi Nordon, Captain of the Venator Societies Edoland branch and the man who will be pardoning you of your crimes in return for you helping in the liberation!” Aakatora yelled out.

  The crowd let out a quiet cheer, but kept listening intently. Nordon looked at the crowd, his composure all but shattered, his eyes wide and mouth tightened into a thin line as he scanned over the crowd. Yuko hid behind him clutching his arm as if looking for protection from the group of Yakuza.

  I felt the same way at first so I guess I can’t complain. Kanashi thought to himself, he looked to Kenji who picked at his bandages not even paying mind to what was going on around him.

  “Me and Nordon have come to an agreement. The details aren’t important for you all except for the fact that it's exactly what we wanted, the Tiger Salamander Pact has been formed!”

  The crowd let out a louder cheer though one still quiet enough to be talked over without yelling.

  “And so to seal the deal we will all toast to this!” Akatora yelled his own voice filled with tangible excitement.

  “!”

  At this the crowd's quiet cheer turned into a loud roar of whistles, laughing and clapping. Yuko flinched at the sudden uproar which made Kanashi snicker under his breath.

  “It’s okay.” Bennise said, patting her on the back with a wry smile. “No one will hurt you here.” He promised.

  Yuko nodded her head at him, her eyes still wide enough to cover half her face.

  “Akatored walked behind the bar in the breakroom and pulled out a massive gourd with the Kanji for Sake written on it. It appeared to be an old gourd with cracks from age running down its side and bits of clay chipped off from years of weathering use.

  Then pulling out a box from under the bar he ripped the top open revealing hundreds of Sakazuki and waved everyone to join him in a line which they all did. The last of which to collect their sip of sake being Nordon who took his carefully and stared at the foggy white liquid as if not sure to trust it or not. When Akatora began to talk however he quickly snapped back to the present and looked up at the crowd and even shot a glance to Yuko who stared at the alcohol with a devious smile like a child who’d been given an extra cookie after dinner. She wasn’t old enough to drink after all so this must have been her first time.

  Clearing his throat Akatora raised his sakazuki up into the air, its red and black colors shining under the ceiling light. “To the Tiger Salamander Pact!” He roared with laughter.

  “To the Tiger Salamander Pact!” Everyone except Nordon and Kenji cheered with their own laughter.

  Then at the same time following Akatoras lead they all quickly downed the liquid. It burned Kanashis throat as it went down the taste of that ever disgusting soap like flavor which made him gag as a few bits tickled his tongue.

  “Blegh!” Yuko coughed, retching forwards after swallowing the liquid which she’d drank like one would water, letting her tongue bathe in the flavor “It’s awful!” She cried with a tear in her eye.

  “Yeah, it is.” Kanashi smiled weakly as the laughter around them continued to grow and even Nordon began to lighten up a bit and smiled at Akatora awkwardly. Kenji was already off into the distance playing a game of knuckles with Yoshin who complained about losing.

  “But this aftertaste isn’t too bad.” He finished with a wide warm smile staring at his reflection in empty Sakazuki. “Not bad at all…”

  Wow what a great point to end the Tiger Salamander Pact off right? I thought so too but then I realized we have some more left… I know I’m sorry but there’s only a little more I promise! I’ll wrap it up with this volume and the next volume will lead straight into the next arc. There’s just some loose ends I need to tie up. But I’d say the actual “Tiger Salamander Pact” part is finished, and Kanashi got a real true victory under his belt. Not a small personal victory but a true grand achievement which this entire arc has led up to!