Chapter 6: The Kageyasu Family, Pt.1

In the heart of Matsumoto, Japan, concealed beneath an unassuming warehouse, lay the fortified underground bunker of Mr. Kageyasu, a notorious Yakuza leader. Guarded by armed soldiers and equipped with bulletproof doors, surveillance cameras, and advanced security systems ahead of its time, the bunker exuded an ominous, monochromatic ambiance—its corridors draped in shades of grey, save for the starkly illuminated training rooms designed to keep its inhabitants alert and focused. A pervasive scent of incense mingled with the faint metallic tang of weaponry displayed in glass cases, creating an atmosphere steeped in secrecy and authority. Upon their arrival in Matsumoto, Isshiki and Rikka found themselves thrust into a world of strict discipline and intense training sessions. Mr. Kageyasu, their father, insisted on extra fortifications, including a missile-proof door for his own quarters and a panic room with a secret tunnel leading to an underground train—an escape route in case of emergencies. Both siblings were abruptly enrolled in martial arts and combat training instead of attending school, much to their initial dismay.

As Mr. Kageyasu's grip on power tightened, his demeanor towards his children grew increasingly abusive. The once-respected leader now felt the creeping erosion of his former glory, pushing him deeper into a dark abyss where emotions waned, replaced by a relentless pursuit to regain his lost status. Isshiki and Rikka bore the brunt of this transformation. They watched in dismay as their father, once their protector, became a distant and harsh figure in their lives. His every word carried a weight of authority that stifled their youth and innocence, leaving them to navigate a world fraught with fear and uncertainty. The turning point came with a tragedy that shook their fragile existence to its core. Their mother fell gravely ill during a season marked by a virulent virus sweeping through their community. Desperate for medical attention, Rikka pleaded with her father to take her mother to the hospital, but Mr. Kageyasu, consumed by paranoia and the need to maintain control, adamantly refused. Trapped within the confines of their fortified bunker, the family relied on makeshift medical supplies and the limited aid of bunker medics. Despite their efforts, Rikka's mother succumbed to the illness three agonizing years after they had moved in, her death casting a permanent shadow over their already fractured family. Isshiki and Rikka found themselves adrift in a world marred by loss and isolation, their childhood stolen by circumstances beyond their control. As Mr. Kageyasu's obsession with power deepened, his children faced not only the tyranny of his rule but also the profound grief of losing their beloved mother—a stark reminder of the devastating toll his choices had exacted upon their lives.

6 years later (1980, 15 years ago)

One day, amidst their routine training, Mr. Kageyasu interrupted their session—a rare occurrence considering his usual seclusion in illicit dealings.

Mr. Kageyasu: "Isshiki, Rikka," he began solemnly, dismissing their trainer. "It's time we had a talk. You've been trained long enough. Meet me in my office. Urgent."

Descending from the 25th-floor training area to the 18th-floor main chamber, the siblings speculated nervously about the impending conversation.

Rikka:" "Do you think he'll finally tell us why?" she murmured anxiously.

Isshiki: "I don't know, but it's about time we find out," he replied, his tone reflecting both curiosity and apprehension.

As they entered the main room, Mr. Kageyasu sat behind a massive oak table, his demeanor grave. With a gesture, he dismissed the guards, leaving them alone. Mr. Kageyasu leaned forward, his expression unyielding as he surveyed his family with steely resolve. The room felt heavy with the weight of his revelation, each word cutting through the air with precision.

Mr. Kageyasu: "I've kept you in the dark about my work," he began, his voice low and commanding. "I lead a gang—a family, if you will. We engage in robberies, assassinations, drug trade—all the dirty work."

Rikka, barely twelve, struggled to grasp the implications. Her father, was now revealing a world she never knew existed.

Rikka: "Dad, what does this mean for us?" Her voice trembled with uncertainty and fear.

Isshiki: "You're saying... we're part of this?"

Mr. Kageyasu's gaze hardened, his jaw set with unwavering determination.

Mr.Kageyasu: "From now on, you are my soldiers. Your training was to prepare you for this."

Rikka's eyes welled with tears, her innocence shattered by the harsh reality unfolding before her.

Rikka: "But... we're just... kids..."

Mr. Kageyasu: "Your feelings don't matter," he interrupted coldly, his tone devoid of sympathy. "You work for me now, like any other soldier. No special treatment."

The room fell silent, the implications sinking in with each passing moment. Rikka and Isshiki exchanged a glance, their youthful faces reflecting a mixture of fear, confusion, and a profound sense of loss. Their childhood had abruptly ended, replaced by a cruel new reality where their father's commands held the weight of life and death. Outside, the faint sound of sirens wailed in the distance, a stark reminder of the dangerous path their lives had now taken. Devastated and confused, Isshiki and Rikka retreated to their training, their minds racing with disbelief and fear. Months passed in silence as they continued their rigorous preparation, each mission drawing them deeper into the criminal underworld. They were forbidden guns due to their age but equipped with knives and small explosives for covert operations like raids on banks, offices, and labs to steal sensitive documents for the black market. Despite their youth, their intensive training made them among the most skilled operatives in Japan. Each mission brought a mixture of danger and disillusionment, as they grappled with their forced involvement in their father's criminal enterprise. The bunker became both their sanctuary and their prison, its grey walls a constant reminder of the bleak path their lives had taken under Mr. Kageyasu's relentless ambition.

To Be Continued.