3 Fujimura
Near Fuyuki Park, there was a bar that Roy often frequented.
Beneath its modest sign was a typical entrance. The bar's décor was simple, and the exterior didn't have anything particularly attractive to draw customers. The lighting inside was dim, and the windows were dark, with a few holes here and there. The only redeeming feature was the decent milk and the affordable, budget-friendly drinks.
Although the environment drove away quite a few customers, the bar remained in business, thanks to its low prices.
Roy's initial reason for coming here had been those cheap but tasty drinks. The environment wasn't a factor in his decision.
Roy pushed open the bar's door. The familiar scent and dim lighting filled his senses, as distinctive as ever. The bartender at the counter greeted him; after all, Roy had become a regular.
However, this time he didn't sit at the counter to order. Nodding in acknowledgment, he walked into an open private booth and found a seat.
"Happy New Year, Boss."
"Happy New Year, young man."
The dim lights flickered.
An elderly man sat across from him.
"Want something to drink? The sake here is pretty good. Care to join this old man for a cup?"
"You're still as lively as ever, Boss."
"Hahaha, you sure know how to joke, young man. I've already got one foot in the grave. There's nothing lively about me anymore."
The elderly man, dressed in a black kimono, smiled and personally poured a cup of sake, pushing it toward Roy, signaling for him to drink together.
Seeing the elderly man teasing him, Roy smiled and shook his head in return.
'Your health is unbelievable. Just a few months ago, you led your men at the Fuyuki docks, wiping out other groups in one fell swoop. When the police showed up, you still had the energy to get everyone out of there. A ruthless man like you claiming to be old? That's hard to believe.'
He couldn't help but wonder how such a mafia boss ended up raising someone as lively as Taiga.
After that, the old man drank his sake, and Roy followed suit, raising his cup and drinking.
After a cup, the elderly man rested one arm on the table, tapping it lightly with his fingers before asking, "Roy, how have you been lately?"
"Not too bad, thanks to your care. Things have been going alright for me."
"At least I'm not sleeping on the streets anymore."
"Is that so? Gold shines wherever it is, and the same goes for capable people. You can't credit me for your success. Everything you have now is because you earned it."
"You flatter me, Boss."
After a bit of small talk, the large private booth felt a bit empty with just the two of them inside. It was this emptiness that gave Roy an odd sense of unease. His gaze occasionally darted to the blind spots of his field of vision.
[There's no one around, only two regular men guarding the entrance.]
Count?
Hearing the voice in his ear, Roy paused for a moment before realizing what it was. Feeling reassured, he grew more confident. Although he trusted Fujimura's character, knowing the Count had his back made him feel even more at ease. He looked curiously at the elderly man in front of him.
The application he had submitted a few months ago shouldn't have been too much trouble for him, so was it really necessary to ask for a face-to-face meeting?
Although Roy had received a lot of care from the Fujimura group, he had more than repaid that kindness with his contributions over time. They had no reason to stop him from leaving.
He had come alone, trusting Fujimura's character, not wanting to trouble the Count. But as the saying goes, you can know someone's face but not their heart. If things took a turn in the wrong direction...
"..."
Then there would be no other choice.
"Are you feeling tense, young man?"
"You're joking. Anyone would feel nervous being alone with Boss."
"What worries me is whether I've done something wrong that has upset you."
"Hahaha, you're quite straightforward, young man," Fujimura laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't worry. It's just the two of us here. I'm not the type to be rigid, so feel free to speak your mind."
"I'd like to hear what you truly think."
"Well, since you put it that way, I won't hold back. I want to ask... did you agree to that matter?"
"You mean your resignation letter?"
"Heh, I thought someone like you, who acts decisively, would simply toss the letter and leave. It surprised me that you followed the proper procedure and submitted a formal application."
"You flatter me, Boss," Roy scratched his head awkwardly. "I had to be clear on such an important matter."
"Hmm, after all this time together, I see myself as a bit of a mentor to you. I understand your nature."
"But why? You know that your position in the Fujimura group isn't low, and you've never done anything illegal. I don't understand why you're so eager to leave."
"Is the reason that important? It should be my personal freedom."
"It's important," Fujimura nodded, "Someone with your skills is exactly the fresh blood the Fujimura group needs to grow. If you can't give me a good reason, I won't let you go so easily."
"That's not the reason, Boss."
Roy shook his head, rejecting the old man's offer. He explained, "The group has treated me well, and I'm deeply grateful. Without your help, I might still be homeless, and who knows, maybe starving on the streets. So I will always remember the kindness Fujimura group showed me."
"Then why are you leaving?" The old man took a drag from his cigarette, giving Roy a deep look.
"Sorry, this is a personal reason, and it has nothing to do with the group. Boss, I have to leave for reasons that are not only for my own good but for the good of the Fujimura group as well. Please, trust me one more time."
"..."
Fujimura gazed at Roy intently, seeing the seriousness and resolve in his eyes, along with a hint of struggle.
"..."
"Fine, fine."
After a long silence, the old man finally shook his head and slowly spoke, "If you don't want to say, I won't force you."
With that, he retrieved the resignation letter from under the table and pushed it in front of Roy.
"This is?"
"Hmph, it's your resignation. Although we haven't known each other for long, I understand you well. You're young but as stubborn as I was back in the day."
"If you don't want to talk about it, then no matter how much I press, you won't say a word. You might even make up a reason just to placate me."
"..." Roy scratched his head awkwardly but didn't deny it.
"Hmph, since you don't want to say, I'll let you be. I understand your nature. You have your reasons for doing things, and I trust that you've thought this through."
"Boss, I..."
"Don't interrupt me just yet. Let this old man ramble a little longer." The old man raised his hand, cutting him off, and continued speaking.
"I can guess that you've probably gotten yourself into some big trouble. Trouble so large that even the Fujimura group can't handle it. You don't want to drag us down, which is why you've decided to leave. While I'd love to help you, if this is your choice, I'll respect it."
"But... even though you're leaving the Fujimura group, don't forget that you were once one of us. We're family. No matter what trouble you face, never forget us. Even if the power of the Fujimura group isn't enough, we will still do everything we can to help you, young man."
"Boss, thank you."
A soft laugh escaped Roy's lips, his heart swelling with unspeakable emotion. Slowly, he stood up and gave the elderly man before him a deep bow, expressing his gratitude for all the years of care and understanding.
Seeing this, the old man simply smiled gently, shook his head slowly, and waved his hand dismissively.
"Go on, kid. Don't linger here any longer. Go do what you want to do. Don't worry about us old folks. Just don't forget about the Fujimura group, and be sure to come home often."
"In a few years, I'm still counting on you to keep tutoring Taiga."
Thank you...
Roy stood and gave the old man a deep bow once more, full of gratitude.
"Boss, there's actually one more thing I'd like to ask of you."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"In a few months, I'd like to ask you to take the Fujimura group out of Fuyuki City for a while. Leave for about a week, just treat it like a vacation. Can you do that?"
"Leave Fuyuki City?"
Upon hearing this, the old man fell silent for a moment. He looked up, meeting Roy's serious gaze, and slowly nodded.
"I understand. I'll think about it."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
With that, Roy turned and left.