I'm willing to let you save him

Ayumi shuddered as she walked into the multimillionaire skyscraper. Her bones were cold from the fall air that hugged Tokyo like a blanket, so she wrapped her leather jacket more tightly around her and rushed in.

Since she was used to luxurious settings by now, the lobby's high columns and ornate ceilings barely registered with her. Even the building's security guard, who was posted at the entrance, recognized the woman who had visited the 49th floor so often.

Ayumi made her way to the elevator, passing the crystal fountain in the middle. She was completely lost in thought that she didn't see an approaching woman walking toward her.

"Oh, you seem so hurried, dear. Are you alright?"

She froze as the familiar female figure, dressed in a long beige coat and black gloves, stood near her. Her face was hidden under a big hat that cast a shadow over her eyes, but Ayumi recognized the woman nonetheless.

"Mika," she addressed with a scowl.

"It is a shame we missed those drinks. I believe you are headed to Takuya's apartment, so why not invite me in, and we can fix that?" Mika Kamiwara asked rather seductively.

"No, I don't think so," Ayumi said firmly, wishing the woman had never stepped foot in her salon. She was about to pass her and leave her behind, but Mika grabbed her arm.

"I think you should reconsider. You don't want to make the wrong choice," she responded in a low voice.

Ayumi tried to examine the woman's expression to see if she was bluffing or not, but the hat cast too much shade for her to read Mika's face - the devious smile was all she could see.

"I am here to look for my subordinate, not to cause trouble for you. That can be arranged as well, if you catch my meaning."

Ayumi snorted and yanked herself free. She considered her options, knowing that dealing with a human like her would be stupid - just as stupid as angering her.

Still, her curiosity was also peaked, as she wondered why the woman had bothered to come all the way down there and not just send someone for her. She could reveal something new and valuable about Jiya's accident, possibly information that even the authorities didn't have - because of his yakuza connections, they weren't too keen on investigating the crime in the first place.

"Fine. But I'm warning you, if you try any funny business, you will have to deal with me," she warned, ignoring the the woman's status in the underworld.

(A while later)

Ayumi watched the yakuza's figure closely, her arms crossed and her brow furrowed, as Mika surveyed the penthouse's furnishings and decorations. She beyond relieved that her teal-haired friend hadn't returned from the hospital yet.

The apartment was quite messy with clothes and books scattered across the floor. It was obvious from the piled-up dishes and thin layers of dust that the current residents weren't motivated to clean.

"I see you have been enjoying Takuya's hospitality. Would you mind telling me where he is?" the yakuza boss inquired as she glanced at the empty sake bottles lining the kitchen counter.

"So you don't know?" Ayumi asked with a gramice.

"Dear, if I knew where he was, I wouldn't look for him today."

"He was poisoned and nearly died in one of your fucking bars!" Ayumi shouted, letting her resentment and frustration overtake her.

Mika's eyes widened as she listened to the other woman's outburst.

"He has been in a coma for two months, you fucking idiot!"

The yakuza boss looked emotionless, but her gaze flickered a bit, as if she were calculating whether the young lady should get punished for her attitude.

"Calm down, now. There is no need to get angry," Mika said, a little cold warning thrown in.

Ayumi scowled at her, clenching her fists. She couldn't believe that the yakuza failed to take responsibility for what had happened to her friend, who was a member of their supposed family.

"But it's unfortunate to hear that. His pupil only reported that he had been in an accident, but - "

"Shoji was supposed to watch their drinks, but he went to the bar with some dumb whore."

Mika took steps forward, focusing on her conversation partner. Ayumi could see the hidden aggression in her eyes, but the woman kept her composure.

"Is that so? Then we will investigate the matter."

The first lieutenant of the yakuza looked at Ayumi with an analytical expression.

"You seem quite passionate about this. Takuya must be very close to you," she stated.

Ayumi's gaze lowered as she tried to calm herself down. Sudden tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about how much Jiro meant to her. He was like a brother to her, always there for her when she needed him the most, no matter what day or time it was. They had been there for each other when no one else was.

When she couldn't pay her rent, the multimillionaire bought her a home. When she told him she dreamt of having her own salon, he surprised her with one.

She never had to ask for anything, because her friend was always one step ahead. He knew her needs and dreams before she even told him about them.

All those things made Ayumi feel helpless. She wanted to do something for him, to repay him for all he had done for her, but there was nothing she could do.

"Jiya is everything to me," she whispered weakly, trying to hold back tears.

Mika Kamiwara's lips curled slyly.

"Do you want to help him?"

Ayumi gave the woman a questioning look.

"I tell you a secret, dear. We have agreed to execute Takuya for his failures, but I'm willing to let you save him."

It was like a bolt of lightning shot through Ayumi when the woman's words sank in - for a moment, she couldn't find the words to answer, even though she usually was quick with her mouth.

"Now that you have told me what had happened to him, we would easily locate him, but I promise his life will be spared if you accomplish this task."

"I will do it," Ayumi declared confidently. To save her Jiya, she would do anything.

"I'm glad to hear that. Please, follow me," the waka gashira instructed with a dark smile and walked toward the entrance.

(Later that night)

The two women drove away from the city in a car with tinted windows. The scenery changed from busy streets to dense woods where the trees seemed to go on forever.

"Can you tell me about the deal already?" Ayumi asked impatiently.

Mika Kamiwara smirked and glanced at her sideways.

"Has Takuya ever explained to you my role in this organization?"

"He said you were evil," Ayumi snorted, thinking back to that time when he stormed into her salon in search of his missing roommate.

"Oh, how sweet of him," Mika chuckled, shaking her head amusedly.

"Just tell me what I need to do," Ayumi repeated and folded her arms.

"I have two types of employees. My subordinates in the organization and then... a different kind of workers."

Finally, they stopped in front of a large, white wooden building surrounded by tall trees. Ayumi peered out of the window and tried to figure out what was going on.

"This is the place you will be tonight. I will show you around."

The petite woman stepped out of the car, nervously scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. She forced herself to take a deep breath and followed the yakuza boss through the imposing gates, determined to get Jiya out of danger.