Chapter 9

The man, Ripper, had an appearance that could easily be mistaken for a stereotypical yakuza from various media. Genji couldn't help but notice his rough exterior, which added to his already lingering sense of unease. "Are you gonna tell me your name?" Ripper asked, his tone indicating a mix of curiosity and nonchalant attitude.

Despite his reservations, Genji mustered the courage to respond to Ripper's question. "Genji, Takeshi Genji" he muttered softly, his voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and caution. Hearing his name, Ripper raised an eyebrow and continued the conversation. "I could tell just by your looks, mate, but you're not from around here, are ya?"

Genji, feeling a wave of unease, cautiously responded, "No, I'm not."

Ripper, sensing Genji's reluctance to reveal his origins, shifted the conversation, focusing on Genji's clothing. "Judging by your clothing, you're from a family that ain't in the slums, right?" Ripper asked. Genji, hesitant to disclose personal details, replied evasively, "I come from a different place."

Recognizing Genji's guardedness, Ripper decided not to press further on the topic of family. Instead, he asked. "Well, can ya tell me why you were sleeping here, mate?" Ripper asked, his tone laced with curiosity. Genji, still grappling with his own confusion, responded, "I... I don't know. I can't explain it."

Ripper noticed Genji's guarded demeanor and empathized with his need for solitude. He offered reassurance, "You know what, mate, take your time to rest up here. No need to worry about repaying me, alright?" Genji, still grappling with his recent traumatic experiences, was about to respond when a loud banging sound echoed from outside the room. Both of them turned their attention towards the noise.

Reacting quickly, Ripper assessed the situation and said, "Looks like we've got a visitor at the front door. Don't you worry, I'll go check it out. You stay put." With those words, Ripper left the room to investigate the source of the disturbance. Genji, left alone on the bed, contemplated Ripper's kind gesture. *Should I trust him? Despite his rough appearance, he seems genuinely concerned,* he pondered. However, the memory of his recent death still lingered, leaving him cautious about placing too much trust in others. The trauma of the event had left him wary and guarded.

After a brief moment, Genji's attention was abruptly drawn to the sound of shattering glass, causing him to jump in surprise. His couldn't help but wonder, *What is going on out there?* Ignoring the lingering fear, he cautiously approached the door, opening it slightly to catch a glimpse of the commotion.

To his shock, Genji's gaze fell upon the individuals, the two men and the woman, it was the same group of individuals who had caused him so much pain and ended his life before. One of the men menacingly brandished a broken glass bottle, while Ripper appeared visibly concerned and cornered. The woman, with a cold determination in her voice, uttered threatening words to Ripper, "If you can't pay, then your organs will have to do."

Ripper let out a nervous chuckle, attempting to reason with the individuals. "Come on, you can't be serious, right? I promise I'll get you the Crowns later, just give me some time," he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. However, his plea fell on deaf ears as one of the men abruptly thrust the broken bottle into Ripper's throat, silencing him in an instant.

Genji's gasp escaped his lips as he witnessed the gruesome scene unfolding before him. His heart raced with a mix of horror and fear, and before he could react or find a place to hide, the woman's gaze locked onto him. Sensing his vulnerability, she swiftly approached the door and swung it open, revealing Genji to her companions.

"Well, would you look at that. Don't you look good," the woman taunted, her voice laced with a malicious tone. Genji's body froze in fear, unable to muster the strength to move or escape. The woman wasted no time, grabbing hold of him forcefully, and began dragging him towards her accomplices, who eagerly awaited their next victim.

Struggling against their grip, Genji realized his feeble attempts were futile against these monstrous individuals. He understood the depths of their depravity, willing to do anything for their own gain. Helpless, he felt a wave of despair wash over him, knowing his fate was sealed. "Wow, you're weak. I hope your organs are at least worth it," the man with the broken bottle sneered before ruthlessly plunging it into Genji's neck. The cold embrace of death enveloped him once again, marking his third encounter with the abyss.

Genji opened his eyes once again, fully expecting to find himself back in the market where people went about their lives, oblivious to the tragedies that unfolded nearby. However, to his surprise, he found himself in what appeared to be Ripper's bedroom. Confusion filled his mind as he tried to grasp the reality of his situation.

Just then, Ripper's voice broke the silence, "You're finally bloody awake." Genji turned his gaze towards Ripper, who stood before him, alive and well. Questions swirled in Genji's mind, but the most prominent thought was, *Why did I wake up here?* The mysteries surrounding his newfound powers and the cycle of life and death remained enigmatic to him. All he knew for certain was that every time he died, he was forced to relive the torment of his existence once more.

Ripper was about to say something, but Genji cut him off, his voice trembling with fear and desperation. "Three people, one woman and two men, are going to come here any minute now to collect crowns or whatever," Genji said, his voice filled with a mix of terror and urgency. He refused to experience death once again, haunted by the trauma that had been inflicted upon him. He was determined to prevent his own demise and, if possible, protect Ripper, the only person who had shown him kindness in this unforgiving world.

Ripper hearing what Genji had said could only reply, "Wot?" his voice reflecting his perplexity. The information Genji shared left Ripper perplexed and unsure of how to respond.