A name from the past

The city lights blurred as Si Mok drove down the busy road, the hum of the engine steady against the backdrop of honking cars and neon signs. He maneuvered through the streets with ease, eventually turning into a quieter alley. The air was thick with the scent of street food, a contrast to the lingering smoke from the warehouse he had left behind.

He pulled into a parking space, cut the engine, and stepped out. Adjusting his coat, he took in the surroundings before making his way to a small, tucked-away restaurant. The kind of place that had been around for years but never drew too much attention.

Inside, the soft clatter of dishes and low murmurs filled the air. His eyes scanned the room before landing on a man wearing glasses, sitting near the corner. Without hesitation, Si Mok approached and slid into the seat across from him.

The man smirked, adjusting his glasses as he looked up.

"It's been a long time, Si Mok."

Si Mok leaned back in his seat, exhaling. "Si Mok is dead. I'm Lee Jin-ho now."

The man chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. Lee Jin-ho. Order something."

They signaled for the waiter, and while the food was being prepared, Si Mok began explaining everything—his faked death, the Assemblyman's betrayal, the slush fund, and most importantly, the unexpected involvement of Goto Suguru.

Most people in the underground world knew of Si Mok back when he was a crew head. But Goto? He had remained more of a ghost, a force that had single-handedly dismantled the old hierarchy.

The man in glasses—Kim Ji-hoon—listened intently, occasionally nodding as he absorbed the story.

"So let me get this straight," Ji-hoon finally said, adjusting his glasses. "The same Goto Suguru who ended the crews from back then... is now helping you?"

"Yeah."

Ji-hoon leaned back, crossing his arms. "That's unexpected. But here's the thing—there was someone else, wasn't there?"

Si Mok's expression darkened slightly.

"Goto was the executioner, but he wasn't alone in ending the crews. There was another factor. Someone powerful. And unlike Goto, this guy wasn't leading anyone—he wasn't affiliated with any crew. He just... appeared."

Before Ji-hoon could respond, the waiter arrived, setting down steaming plates of food. They fell silent as the scent of grilled meat and spices filled the air. Picking up their chopsticks, they began eating, the weight of their conversation lingering between them.

Then, as if it was an afterthought, Si Mok casually dropped a bombshell.

"By the way, Osamu is Goto's brother."

Ji-hoon froze mid-bite. His eyes widened, and he nearly choked on his food, coughing as he reached for his water.

"Wait, wait, wait." He wiped his mouth, staring at Si Mok. "Osamu had a brother? And it's Goto?!"

Si Mok smirked. "Not only that, but they're nothing alike."

Ji-hoon was still processing the information when Si Mok's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—Lee Man-ho.

Answering the call, he listened as Man-ho spoke in a low, urgent tone.

"I found it. The name of the one who fought against Goto back then. The other unknown factor."

Si Mok's grip on the phone tightened. "Who was it?"

There was a brief pause before Man-ho answered.

"James Park."

The name hung in the air like a loaded gun. Si Mok exhaled sharply.

"Got it. Thanks." He ended the call, his mind racing.

He turned back to Ji-hoon. "Have you ever heard the name James Park?"

Ji-hoon frowned, tapping his fingers against the table. "Yeah... but only in passing. The countryside crews used to mention him. He was more of a myth than a man. No one really knew much about him."

Si Mok nodded, already forming a plan. "I need you to take Osamu with you and dig into this. Find out everything you can about James Park."

Ji-hoon raised an eyebrow. "Osamu? He doesn't exactly blend in."

"That's why I want you with him," Si Mok said. "You're the best at staying unnoticed. Besides, Osamu needs to know more about Goto's past, whether he likes it or not."

Ji-hoon sighed but nodded. "Alright. But if Osamu picks a fight with every thug we meet, I'm not babysitting him."

Si Mok smirked. "Just keep him focused."

He pulled out his phone again and dialed Osamu's number.

"Meet me at the restaurant. I've got something for you."

As they waited for Osamu to arrive, Ji-hoon shook his head, still in disbelief.

"First Goto, now some mystery guy named James Park... What the hell kind of past did we all survive?"

Si Mok picked up his glass, staring into the dark liquid.

"That's what we're about to find out."