Chapter 17: Caught you lacking

The assemblyman was lounging in his office when his phone buzzed sharply, jolting him from his calm demeanor. It was one of his allies, a man known for his ambition and a thinly veiled desire to overthrow the assemblyman and take his position as leader of their syndicate. The voice on the other end carried a mix of mockery and urgency.

"Turn on the news," the ally said.

The assemblyman grabbed the remote and switched on the television. His jaw tightened as the screen filled with images of Korean drug smugglers caught along the Pakistani coastline. The report detailed the success of the Pakistan Navy, which had confiscated an enormous quantity of drugs linked to the smugglers. The news anchor highlighted the smugglers' connection to South Korea, raising questions about the origin of the operation.

The assemblyman's face turned crimson with fury. His carefully orchestrated empire was under threat, and this incident could cast a spotlight on him and his associates. He slammed the remote onto his desk and immediately called for an emergency meeting.

The meeting was tense, with the assemblyman pacing the room as his allies gathered. They discussed the implications of the botched operation, their voices overlapping in frustration and concern. The ally who had called the assemblyman earlier took the opportunity to remind everyone that this catastrophe could have been far worse.

"Let's not forget," he said, leaning forward, "it was Manager Jin who warned us about potential naval patrols in the area. He also ensured we used disposable smugglers with no traceable connection to us. If it weren't for him, we'd all be on the news right now, branded as international criminals."

The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. Several allies began murmuring their agreement. Their frustration shifted subtly, and doubt about the assemblyman's leadership began to grow. The assemblyman could feel their stares, their judgment. He clenched his fists, realizing that his control over the group was slipping.

To divert attention from himself, he decided to summon Jin Ho, the man who had become a rising star among his allies.

When Jin Ho arrived, he was greeted with applause and praise. "You did great work, Manager Jin!" one ally exclaimed. Another clapped him on the back, adding, "You saved us from a disaster!"

Feigning humility, Jin Ho replied, "You flatter me, but I was only doing my job."

One of the allies hinted at greater things to come. "We've been discussing giving you a higher position in the organization. You've proven your worth."

The assemblyman, who had been silent throughout, left the room abruptly, clearly uncomfortable with Jin Ho's growing popularity. Jin Ho watched him go, his mind already spinning with plans.

Once the assemblyman was gone, a few of the more ambitious allies pulled Jin Ho aside. Their voices were low, their tone conspiratorial.

"The assemblyman is incompetent," one said bluntly. "If he continues like this, he'll drag us all down."

Jin Ho nodded, his face carefully neutral. "I agree. What can I do to help?"

The allies exchanged glances before handing him a small stack of files. "These contain some evidence against him, but it's not enough. Use it to gather more substantial proof. We need something airtight if we're going to act."

Jin Ho took the files, his expression one of quiet determination. The meeting concluded, and he left with the weight of a new mission on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, across the globe, Goto was wrapping up his own operations. Seated in a dimly lit room, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The call was answered almost immediately.

"Your intel about the drug shipment was accurate," said the voice on the other end. "Thanks to you, we intercepted the operation. If there's anything you need from us, don't hesitate to ask."

Goto's lips curled into a faint smile. "I'll let you know when the time comes."

The call ended, and Goto leaned back in his chair, his mind already on the next step of his intricate plan.

Back in Korea, the assemblyman was in his office, engaged in a tense video call. His usual arrogance was gone, replaced by a look of desperation. He was on his knees, bowing repeatedly to the shadowy figure on the other end of the call.

"I deeply apologize for the failure," he said, his voice trembling. "I take full responsibility."

The person on the other end, whose face remained obscured by poor lighting, spoke coldly. "This is your last chance. Make up for this debacle, or you'll pay the price."

The assemblyman nodded furiously. "Thank you for your patience. I promise—"

But the call ended abruptly, leaving the assemblyman staring at the blank screen. He slumped back into his chair, wiping sweat from his brow. He knew that his position, his power, and even his life hung by a thread. He had to act decisively, and fast, to regain control.

Jin Ho returned to his car, the files from the assemblyman's allies resting on the passenger seat. He glanced at them briefly before dialing another number. It rang several times before going to voicemail.

"Goto, it's me," he said. "Call me back when you can."

He sighed and hung up, his mind racing. The files were a start, but he needed more to bring the assemblyman down. And while the assemblyman's allies seemed willing to betray him, Jin Ho knew better than to trust them completely.

For now, he would bide his time, playing the loyal subordinate while slowly gathering the evidence he needed. His endgame was clear: the assemblyman's downfall. But how and when it would happen remained to be seen.

As Jin Ho drove away, the lights of Seoul blurred past him, a city that seemed oblivious to the dangerous game being played in its shadows. He tightened his grip on the wheel, determination hardening his features. He had come too far to fail now.