1:45 AM - HQ
"**Shiinchiro Hayashi.**"
Shiin stepped forward. Tried to look confident. Failed.
"Tell us what happened."
"I encountered a loan shark. Crimson Dragons affiliate. He was collecting a predatory debt from an elderly shopkeeper. ¥300,000 principal had become ¥500,000 in six months. The shopkeeper couldn't pay."
"And?"
"I confronted the loan shark. Used Sakuratei's authority as leverage. Negotiated an extension—one month, ¥350,000 instead of ¥500,000. Gave the shopkeeper time."
"You threatened a Crimson Dragons associate."
Shiin hesitated. "...Yes."
"Despite being terrified."
"I—how did you—"
"I have informants everywhere." Matsuno's expression didn't change. "I know you were shaking. Voice cracking. Nearly ran twice."
Shiinchiro's face flushed. "I... I was scared."
"Yes," Matsuno agreed. "But you didn't run. "
The words hit like a slap.
"You stayed. Scared, yes. But present. That takes courage. Keep that up maybe you won't fail courage. "
Pause.
