The situation was spiraling so quickly that Eichi could barely keep up. He'd gone from a normal, uneventful life to being thrown into a world that seemed entirely foreign to him—one where stab wounds during "playtime" were just part of the daily routine, and his little brother was apparently running a schoolyard mafia.
Sakimura, still driving with utmost reverence, didn't seem to notice his young master's growing distress. Instead, he continued with his report, speaking as though everything was completely normal.
"Your little brother, Mugen," Sakimura said, "has also been showing leadership potential. It's said that he's managed to recruit half of the school's toughest kids into his group. The future of the Arata Clan is certainly secure with his efforts."
Eichi rubbed his forehead, struggling to comprehend it all. "So... Mugen is running a gang, and I'm supposed to be proud of that?" he asked, disbelief lacing his voice.
Sakimura's face brightened, nodding vigorously. "Ah, indeed, Young Master! It's wonderful to see that he's already taking such initiative at such a young age! His leadership potential is undeniable. This shows great promise for the Arata Clan."
Eichi stared at him blankly. "Wait, no... I didn't mean it like that. I'm... I'm not sure if I should be proud of him, or... or terrified. Is this really what we do now? Just run gangs?"
Sakimura paused, his expression suddenly thoughtful. "Ah, I see. You are worried that Mugen is not doing enough yet. You're concerned he hasn't built up a strong enough gang?" He glanced back at Eichi with a serious nod. "It is true, he has managed to recruit only half of the toughest kids. But he will need more... he should aim to recruit all of them to truly solidify his leadership."
Eichi blinked in confusion. "No, no... that's not what I meant!" His voice cracked slightly as the panic set in. "I'm just saying, this feels... wrong. Is this really what the Arata Clan stands for? Does it really have to be like this?"
Sakimura, misunderstanding yet again, smiled proudly. "Ah, Young Master, you are so astute! This is exactly what we need to secure our position. Mugen is showing excellent assertiveness. He must work harder and ensure his gang is feared and respected. Once that is done, our influence will grow!"
Eichi was lost in thought. Work harder? Is Sakimura really interpreting my words like that? "So you want him to... make his gang even more powerful? More violent?"
Sakimura's eyes widened with excitement. "Yes, precisely! If he's to carry the weight of the Arata Clan, he must show more strength! More power! Strength is what the world respects. If Mugen does not strengthen his position, we might fall behind other clans. His actions must show that the Arata Clan will not be underestimated."
Eichi recoiled, rubbing his temples. This wasn't making sense at all. He had no idea his little brother was apparently in charge of a mini-mafia, let alone that it needed to be stronger. What had he gotten himself into? He took a deep breath. "Wait, wait, you misunderstood me. I'm not... I'm not saying he should make the gang stronger. I just don't know what to think about it all."
Sakimura nodded solemnly. "I understand, Young Master. You wish for Mugen to be even more ruthless in his dealings. A gang that isn't feared is no gang at all."
Eichi just stared at him, struggling to catch up with how everything had gotten twisted. "Wait, no! I just wanted to know if I should be proud of him! I didn't think he was running a gang, and now I'm thinking he might need to be... more ruthless?" His voice cracked as the absurdity of it all sank in.
But Sakimura, ever calm and composed, was completely unfazed. "Indeed, Young Master. If Mugen strengthens his gang—asserts his dominance—he will be a formidable leader. That will bring great honor to the Arata Clan."
Eichi sighed heavily, feeling completely out of his depth. "What am I even saying? I didn't mean to ask for this level of... whatever this is. I'm just trying to figure out if I should be proud or scared."
Sakimura smiled warmly, his tone full of reverence. "You should be both, Young Master. The world respects both pride and fear in equal measure. And as for Mugen, we shall see how much he grows. With your guidance, he will become an even greater asset to the Arata Clan."
Eichi looked out the window, his mind reeling with everything that had just happened. The whole conversation had been a mess of confusion, and yet, somehow, Sakimura was acting as if everything had gone perfectly according to plan.
As the car glided through the streets, Eichi tried to process what had just unfolded. Had he really just asked if he should be proud of his little brother... and somehow ended up unintentionally encouraging a more ruthless gang? His mind spun as he realized he couldn't keep up with the whirlwind of misunderstandings anymore.
His thoughts were interrupted as the car rounded a corner. Ahead, the lights of a large building illuminated the night. Eichi felt his heart skip a beat. It was a mansion—a grand, sprawling estate that looked like something out of a movie.
"Young Master," Sakimura said with an almost reverent tone, "We've arrived at your family's estate."
Eichi's mouth went dry. This was it. The moment he'd been dreading. This was where the real questions would begin. What if they realize I'm not who they think I am?
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. This was it. He was going to face this, whatever came next. He couldn't back out now.
The car came to a stop in front of the mansion. Sakimura opened the door, bowing respectfully. "Young Master, your arrival has been eagerly awaited."
Eichi hesitated for a moment, then nodded, stepping out of the car. He glanced around, still processing the fact that he was in a mansion surrounded by people who expected him to be someone he wasn't. His stomach churned, but he straightened up, trying to look like he belonged.
As he took a step toward the entrance, he suddenly remembered something. A yakuza leader should walk with a katana, right? He straightened, turning toward Sakimura. "Get me a katana," he ordered.
Sakimura, who had been following closely, stopped in his tracks for a brief moment. His expression was unreadable, but his voice carried a note of caution. "Young Master, are you provoking someone? This is the main mansion, the HQ of the entire clan. You might provoke the elders or one of the factions."
Eichi paused, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. He didn't fully understand the weight of his words, but in his mind, this was the kind of boldness he needed to project—just like in those mangas and animes where the main character walks into a room with a katana, commanding respect from everyone in sight. He wasn't sure of the exact reasons, but it felt like the right move to make.
"I told you, get me a katana," he said again, his voice firm. His thoughts wandered, imagining the fear and respect he could command. I have to look the part. If I act like a boss, they'll treat me like one.
What Eichi didn't realize was that by requesting a katana, he was inadvertently sending a far more serious message. To those who understood the inner workings of the clan, a katana wasn't just a weapon—it was a declaration. Bringing a katana into the main mansion would signify a challenge for leadership. It was a symbolic act, one that said, I want to be the leader of this clan, and I am willing to fight for it.
Sakimura's expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing with understanding, but he didn't challenge the Young Master's command. "As you wish, Young Master," he replied, his tone betraying a hint of concern.
Eichi, still oblivious to the implications, continued forward. Just as he was about to reach the entrance, one of the men guarding the door—tall, with a scar running down his cheek—stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Young Master, welcome. Your presence is most anticipated."
Eichi froze, unsure of how to react. His mind scrambled for something to say, but only one thought came to him. I can't just walk past him. I need to do something, make my presence felt, or they'll think I'm a fool.
Without thinking much about it, Eichi turned his gaze to the man. "Hey, you. What's your name?" he asked bluntly.
The man seemed startled by the directness but quickly recovered. He straightened, his posture stiffening, as if he had just been given a command. "Kazuna Teita, Young Master," he said, his voice low and respectful.
Eichi's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the name. He nodded once. "Good, I've memorized your name. Good work, Kazuna Teita. I want you by my side moving forward."
Kazuna's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't hesitate. "Of course, Young Master. It would be an honor," he said, stepping into line behind Eichi.
Sakimura, who had been standing quietly to Eichi's right, gave Kazuna a quick, almost approving glance before turning his attention back to his Young Master. "As you wish, Young Master," he said, falling into step beside him.
Kazuna, now positioned behind Eichi on his left, followed closely. The trio moved further into the mansion, Eichi feeling the weight of the situation pressing in around him. He glanced at the men standing in line, all observing him with a strange mix of respect and curiosity.
The hallway stretched ahead, and as they walked, Eichi tried to act like he had some semblance of control. But inside, he was spiraling. I've just made him follow me, and I don't even know why he's doing it! What is going on?
Kazuna's steps were firm, and his presence was silent but powerful. Eichi had the strangest feeling that every action he made was being analyzed. And yet, for some reason, no one questioned him. What did I just get myself into?