FBI Safe House — Conference Room
The atmosphere was heavy.
James Black sat at the head of the table, hands folded, eyes tired but sharp. Around him were familiar faces—
Andrew Camel.
Jodie Starling.
Akai Shuichi.
And several senior FBI agents.
On the screen behind them was a single headline:
SHARON VINEYARD — DECEASED
James exhaled slowly.
"We've hit a wall," he said.
"No confirmed trail on Sharon Vineyard before her death."
Andrew frowned.
"All financial records are clean," he added.
"No irregular movements. No hidden transfers."
One agent spoke cautiously.
"We suspected a link between Sharon Vineyard and Vermouth of the Black Organization."
James nodded.
"But Sharon is dead," he said.
"That line of investigation is officially closed."
Another agent sighed.
"And Chris Vineyard?" he asked.
James shook his head.
"Impossible."
He tapped the screen.
"Multiple childhood photos."
"Verified education records."
"Independent witnesses."
"Chris Vineyard's identity is airtight."
The room fell quiet.
The investigation into the Black Organization—
Stalled.
Jodie sat silently, hands resting in her lap.
Outwardly calm.
Inwardly—
Keith…
You really made sure there was nothing left.
Not a trace.
Not a crack.
For the first time since joining the FBI—
She felt pride not as an agent.
But as a woman.
My man did this.
James turned his attention to Akai.
"Shuichi," he said.
"Any updates on the Black Organization?"
Akai leaned back slightly.
"They're dormant," he replied.
"After losing the shipment, they went silent."
He paused.
"…But they're furious."
"About Zoo," Akai continued.
"They know Zoo exists now."
A ripple of unease passed through the room.
"It's troubling," Akai said calmly.
"An organization of that scale—
and we didn't even know it existed."
James nodded slowly.
"Agreed."
He then asked, carefully:
"And the Miyano sisters?"
Akai's gaze sharpened.
"They escaped," he replied.
"Both Akemi and Shiho."
"And now?" James asked.
"…They're under the protection of the Runcandel family."
Silence slammed into the room.
One agent hesitated.
"…Should we bring them in? For questioning?"
James Black's expression changed instantly.
Cold.
"No."
The agent stiffened.
James looked around the table.
"Listen carefully," he said.
"If we touch anything owned by Runcandel—
we'll be signing our death warrants."
No exaggeration.
No drama.
Just fact.
"They are the oldest and most powerful family operating in the shadows," James continued.
"And their heir—"
He paused.
"…Is not normal."
Andrew swallowed.
"We know Keith Argus Runcandel," James said.
"Trained by geniuses in every field."
"Strategy."
"Weapons."
"Martial arts."
"Psychological warfare."
James lowered his voice.
"During his training, his tutors gave him names."
The room leaned in.
"…Runcandel Beast."
"…Yaksha."
A chill ran through the agents.
"They were afraid of him," James said quietly.
"Men who trained assassins for a living."
"If we lay a finger on Akemi or Shiho—"
"we won't even leave bodies behind."
Akai said nothing.
But he didn't disagree.
Jodie lowered her gaze.
Not in fear—
But in certainty.
Keith wouldn't threaten them.
They already know better.
James closed the folder.
"This meeting is adjourned."
As chairs scraped back and agents stood, the unspoken truth lingered:
The FBI could chase criminals.
They could fight syndicates.
But Runcandel—
Was something else entirely.
And somewhere far above—
Keith Argus Runcandel continued watching the world move exactly as he intended.
Unseen.
Untouchable.
Unchallenged.