Plan of Action

Mariko slipped through the shadows of the Arakawa estate, her form moving with the same lethal grace that had overwhelmed Kairi just moments earlier. Her boots clicked softly against the marble floors as she approached the grand room, the heart of the mansion, where her masters waited. Her mind was sharp, but there was an icy calm in her chest, knowing she had fulfilled her role for the night.

As she stepped into the dimly lit room, the three figures seated before her exuded an intimidating presence. At the center, Kayd Arakawa lounged lazily on a grand leather chair, a snide smirk playing on his lips, his sharp eyes locking onto Mariko as she entered. His parents, Ryotaro and Sayuri Arakawa, flanked him on either side. Ryotaro, ever composed, was an aging but still powerful man, his suit pristine and his expression unreadable. Sayuri, elegant and cold, watched with the eyes of a serpent, her manicured nails tapping rhythmically against the armrest of her chair.

Mariko knelt down, bowing her head in submission, her voice unwavering as she spoke. "The task is done. Kairi Saigeru has been weakened, and the Iron Serpents are no more. Rulaze is dead."

Kayd chuckled softly, his snobby tone carrying an air of mockery. "Rulaze… that idiot thought he could control things. It's always amusing when pawns forget their place, don't you think?" His eyes glinted as he leaned forward. "But Kairi—she's still alive, isn't she?"

Mariko's head remained bowed, her voice steady. "Yes, but she's not in a position to pose an immediate threat."

Ryotaro, who had been silent until now, leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze piercing through Mariko. "She's dangerous, Mariko. Don't underestimate her." His voice was firm but controlled, a commanding presence that made Mariko's spine straighten.

Sayuri's voice cut through the air like a blade, softer but no less dangerous. "Kairi Saigeru is more than just a nuisance. Her chaos disrupts our plans. If you fail to deal with her next time…" She let the words hang, the threat unspoken but heavy.

Kayd leaned back, crossing his legs with an air of arrogance. "We'll send more, stronger people if we have to. We'll make her fall, and we'll make sure she knows who's pulling the strings." He waved a dismissive hand. "For now, let's just watch and see how this plays out."

Mariko, still bowed, nodded slowly. "Understood."

Kayd's smirk widened as he glanced over at his parents, confidence oozing from his every gesture. "Sooner or later, she'll realize she's up against more than just some street thugs. She's in the big leagues now. And I can't wait to see her squirm."

Mariko stood gracefully, backing out of the room with a final bow. As she left, the doors quietly clicked shut behind her, the tension in the room remaining thick.

Kayd turned to his parents, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "We'll keep an eye on her, but I want our forces ready. When the time comes, Kairi Saigeru will regret ever crossing the Arakawa family."

Ryotaro nodded, his steely gaze unwavering. "We'll be prepared."

Sayuri's lips curled into a thin smile. "The Harvesters were just the beginning. Soon, the real game will begin."

Mariko moved silently through the corridors of the Arakawa estate, the weight of the night's events lingering on her shoulders. Her mind, however, was clear, each step deliberate and calm, despite the chaos she had left behind. The brutal death of Rulaze and the collapse of the Harvester of Unity were nothing more than pieces in a larger game, and Mariko was simply the hand that moved them.

She approached the grand room where the masters of the Arakawa family awaited, the lights dim but the atmosphere thick with power and anticipation. The double doors opened, and there they were, seated like royalty on their thrones of influence and wealth.

Kayd Arakawa sat in the center, leaning back in his chair with a confident smirk playing on his lips. To his right was Ryotaro Arakawa, stoic and commanding, his gaze piercing even in the shadows. To his left, Sayuri Arakawa, cold and composed, exuded an aura of quiet malice. This was not just a family—this was a dynasty, and Mariko served them with unwavering loyalty.

Mariko knelt, bowing low before them, her voice even and respectful. "It's done. Rulaze and his Harvester of Unity are no more."

Kayd's smirk widened, his voice laced with arrogance. "So, the infamous Rulaze crumbled like the weak fool he was. Always thought he was bigger than his boots. Pathetic."

Ryotaro's deep voice cut through the room, calm but commanding. "What of Kairi Saigeru? You encountered her, didn't you?"

Mariko, still bowed, nodded. "Yes, I fought her. She's strong, much stronger than anticipated. But she was weakened by the end of the battle."

Sayuri, elegant as ever, leaned forward slightly, her voice smooth and icy. "Kairi Saigeru continues to interfere in our plans. She's not to be underestimated. If she's allowed to roam free, she could become a larger problem than the Iron Serpents or the Harvesters."

Kayd waved a hand dismissively, his tone dripping with overconfidence. "She's just a wild dog that needs to be put down. The Harvesters were a distraction; the real challenge hasn't even begun." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous excitement. "Besides, we still have plenty of other pieces on the board. We'll deal with her when the time is right."

Ryotaro nodded slowly, his fingers steepled in thought. "You did well, Mariko. But Kairi Saigeru will not be easy to control. We'll have to prepare."

Sayuri's voice cut through again, softer but sharper. "This is just the beginning. Kairi may have survived tonight, but she's only delaying the inevitable. Our family has ruled from the shadows for too long to be toppled by a single rogue." She cast a cold glance at Mariko. "Next time, don't leave her alive."

Mariko lifted her head slightly, her expression unreadable, but her voice firm. "Understood."

Kayd chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Let her run, let her think she's winning. When the time comes, we'll remind her—and anyone who stands in our way—why the Arakawa name commands fear."

With a final bow, Mariko rose gracefully and left the room, the doors closing behind her with a soft click. Inside, the Arakawas remained seated, each one lost in thought, already planning their next move. The game was far from over, and Kairi Saigeru had no idea just how deep the web around her was being spun.

Kayd's voice echoed in the room as he stood, his eyes sharp with the thrill of the challenge. "Soon, she'll learn that crossing the Arakawas is a death sentence."

Ryotaro's gaze remained steady, his presence unwavering. "We will be ready."

And Sayuri, ever the cold tactician, smiled thinly. "Let's see how far this 'Pacifist' is willing to go before she breaks."

The scene shifted to a dimly lit alley where Kairi, Rin, and Natsuki took refuge after their daring escape. The night air was thick with tension, and the sound of distant police sirens faded as they ventured further from the chaos of the Harvester of Unity's collapse.

Kairi leaned against a crumbling wall, her body still tense from the fight, blood staining her torn clothes, though her expression remained oddly calm. She glanced at Rin and Natsuki, both still catching their breath. Kairi's voice cut through the silence, steady yet tired. "Where are you two heading?"

Rin, cradling her unconscious younger sister, looked up at Kairi, her face still flushed from the intensity of the battle. She hesitated for a moment, as if still processing everything that had happened. "The train station. We need to get out of here… as far away as we can."

Kairi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Train station, huh?" Her tone was distant, almost detached, as if she was contemplating something far beyond their current predicament.

Rin nodded, her eyes filled with determination and fear. "We can't stay here, Kairi. The Harvesters are done, but there'll be others. We have to run."

Kairi pushed herself off the wall, her muscles aching but her resolve solid. She stepped closer to Rin and Natsuki, her gaze softening slightly—an unusual sight for someone like her. "Running won't save you forever. If they want you dead, they'll find you. You know that, right?"

Rin tightened her grip on Natsuki. "We don't have a choice. We can't fight them like you can, Kairi."

Kairi studied the two sisters for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts of her own younger siblings, Mio and Ren, long gone after she had killed their abusive parents. That familiar feeling of helplessness began to creep up inside her, the very feeling she had spent years trying to drown out.

She clenched her fists and muttered under her breath, "Maybe I'm not the only one who needs to stop running."

Rin caught Kairi's words and glanced at her curiously. "What do you mean?"

Kairi shook her head, the faintest hint of a bitter smile crossing her lips. "Never mind. If the train station's where you're going, then I'll make sure you get there."

Rin's eyes widened in surprise. "You'll come with us?"

Kairi's smile faded, replaced by a hardened look of determination. "No. I'll take you as far as the station. After that, you're on your own. I've got my own battles to fight."

Rin nodded, sensing the weight behind Kairi's words. There was something more driving her, something dark that ran far deeper than just the fight against the Harvesters.

The night air rushed past Kairi's face as she darted across rooftops, her agile form moving seamlessly between the gaps of the crumbling cityscape. Every leap, every twist, and every roll was executed with precision, despite the weight of Rin and Natsuki in her arms. She could hear the distant hum of the city, the train station nearing as she moved with a purpose, determined to get them to safety.

Rooftop after rooftop, Kairi barely slowed, her mind briefly flashing back to memories of Mio and Ren, her younger siblings, their faces blurring with that of Natsuki. The thought twisted something in her gut, but she pressed on, leaping from one building to another in a graceful arc before landing with barely a sound. The station was in sight now, just a few more blocks.

As she landed on the final rooftop, Kairi glanced down at the train station below. It was quiet, peaceful even, a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind. She jumped down with a final flourish, rolling to absorb the impact before quickly setting Rin and Natsuki on their feet.

Rin blinked, still stunned by Kairi's sheer skill, while Natsuki clung tightly to her sister, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear. Kairi straightened up, dusting herself off before casting a sharp glance toward the station's entrance.

"This is where we part ways," Kairi said bluntly, her voice as cold as the night breeze. "Get on the next train and don't look back."

Rin hesitated, her hand still resting protectively on Natsuki's shoulder. Her heart pounded, conflicted by the idea of leaving Kairi behind after everything they had been through. "Kairi…"

But before Rin could finish her thought, something inside her snapped. Without warning, she reached out, grabbing Kairi by the collar of her jacket and pulling her in close. Their lips collided in a passionate, desperate kiss, Rin's emotions pouring into the moment, the kiss burning with intensity.

Kairi, caught completely off-guard, tensed up at first, her mind racing as she processed what was happening. But for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to relax into it, her chaotic and guarded mind momentarily quieted by the raw emotion of the kiss.

When Rin finally pulled back, she locked eyes with Kairi, her breath heavy but determined. "I'm not just going to forget you. I'll help you whenever you need it, okay? You don't have to go through this alone."

She reached into her pocket and handed Kairi a small piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on it. "If you ever need to talk… call me."

Kairi stared at the paper, the weight of the moment sinking in. She had lived most of her life pushing people away, but something about Rin's sincerity hit different. Her fingers closed around the paper, and for the briefest second, her hardened expression softened.

Before she could say anything, Natsuki rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Kairi in a tight hug. The contact stirred something deep inside Kairi, a flood of memories of Mio and Ren washing over her like a tidal wave. She stood there, frozen, her arms hovering awkwardly before she slowly returned the hug, her usual coldness cracking just enough to let this moment in.

"You remind me of someone…" Kairi whispered softly, her voice barely audible.

Natsuki looked up at her, confused but smiling. "Thank you for saving us."

Kairi pulled away gently, her eyes shifting between the two sisters, her guard slowly rising back up. "Don't waste this chance. Get out of here, both of you."

Rin nodded, knowing this was goodbye, at least for now. She grabbed Natsuki's hand and led her toward the station, casting one final glance over her shoulder. Kairi stood there, watching them go, her mind a tangled mess of emotions she hadn't felt in years.

As the train began to pull into the station, Kairi turned away, her face hardening once more. The chaos wasn't over—not by a long shot. She had more battles to fight, more blood to spill.

But for the first time in a long time, she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to do it alone.

As Kairi dashed away from the train station, her heart raced—not just from the adrenaline of the night but from the fleeting connection she had just made. The city buzzed around her, shadows flickering beneath the streetlights as she moved deeper into the dark alleys, determined to shake off the memories and focus on the battles ahead.

Meanwhile, in the underbelly of Kurokawa, a new gang lurked in the shadows, their presence felt but rarely seen. The Pacifist Destroyers, as they called themselves, were a ragtag group of outcasts and criminals united by their disdain for the Pacifist. In a dimly lit warehouse, the atmosphere was thick with tension and smoke as they lounged in the flickering light.

"¿Qué vamos a hacer con esa perra?" muttered Tomas "El Lobo," a tall man with tattoos snaking up his arms, his eyes sharp and menacing. (What are we going to do with that bitch?)

A fellow gang member, Rika, with a streak of vibrant red hair, nodded, her expression fierce. She communicated with her hands, signing furiously in ASL. "We take her down before she becomes a real problem. We can't let her keep ruining our plans."

The tension in the room was palpable as Mikado, the gang's leader, leaned back against a crate, seemingly unimpressed. He tilted his head in annoyance. "Esa chica es un problema menor; no vale mi tiempo." (That girl is a minor problem; she's not worth my time.)

Just then, the doors of the warehouse slammed open, and Kayd Arakawa strode in, his presence demanding and authoritative. Beside him, his maid, Mariko Sarmiento, walked in with a cold demeanor, her eyes scanning the room with a hint of disdain. They both seemed like dark angels in the smoky air.

"¿Quiénes son estos payasos?" Kayd asked, his voice dripping with condescension. (Who are these clowns?)

"¿Qué quieres, Arakawa?" Mikado replied, trying to maintain his composure despite the growing discomfort in the air. (What do you want, Arakawa?)

Kayd smirked, pulling a large duffel bag filled with cash from Mariko's hands and dropping it at their feet with a heavy thud. "I'm here to deal with a certain Pacifist. You've been making a name for yourselves, but it seems you need a little guidance." He let the weight of the bag settle in, the rustling of bills echoing like a taunt in the silence.

"¿Qué pasa si nos negamos?" one of the gang members, Yasuo, whispered, glancing nervously at the money. (What if we refuse?)

Kayd stepped forward, his smile fading, replaced by a chilling glare. "You really think you can refuse me? Let me show you what happens to those who defy my orders." With a quick jab, he gut-checked Mikado, sending him reeling back against the crates, air escaping his lungs.

Fear flashed in the eyes of the Pacifist Destroyers as they watched their leader falter. Mariko, with her ever-watchful gaze, remained stoic, but her presence was enough to keep everyone in check. She stepped forward, her voice low and dangerous. "Si no colaboran, ustedes serán los próximos." (If you don't cooperate, you'll be next.)

Mikado struggled to regain his breath, his bravado deflated. "Está bien, está bien. Haremos lo que digas." (Alright, alright. We'll do what you say.) He exchanged glances with his gang members, who nodded reluctantly, understanding the gravity of their situation.

Kayd's smile returned, victorious. "Good. Now let's make sure the Pacifist feels the weight of her actions." He leaned back slightly, eyes glinting with malice. "And just remember, this isn't charity. You do this for me, and we might just let you keep some of that money."

The tension in the room hung thick as Kayd and Mariko shared a look, both knowing they were about to unleash chaos in Kurokawa. With the Pacifist Destroyers reluctantly agreeing to Kayd's conditions, the stage was set for a violent showdown, a storm brewing that would soon engulf the city and bring the Pacifist to her knees.

{Episode End}