Chapter 30: The Plan Begins

The safehouse wasn't much — cracked walls, flickering bulbs, and a musty smell that made Ryuuji complain every five minutes — but it was safe, for now. The group had gathered around a scratched-up table, a map of the city spread across it, covered in Mira's scribbles, Tora's notes, and Sai's careful markings.

Hotaru leaned forward, tapping her finger on a shaded block near the east docks. "This is where Kurogane's next shipment comes in. Weapons, drugs, and probably new mercenaries. If we cut it off, we cripple their supply chain."

Tora's voice came from the speaker again, snacking audibly between words. "I hacked into their internal schedules — they tightened security after the last incident. This isn't gonna be a sneak-in-and-out job. We'll have to fight."

"Perfect." Mira cracked her neck, the glint in her eyes almost too excited. "I've been dying to punch someone who actually deserves it."

Sai stood with his arms crossed, watching everyone with that same calculating look. "We can't afford another reckless stunt. This team is good, but we're not invincible. We need a clean entry and a guaranteed exit. No improvising halfway through."

"Relax, grandpa." Ryuuji slung an arm over Sai's shoulder, earning a glare in return. "We've pulled off worse, remember?"

Hotaru's smile was sharp. "Not this time. We're not just doing damage — we're sending a message."

She grabbed a marker, drawing a bold red X across the shipment point. "They think we're running. Hiding. They have no idea we're about to drag them into hell."

Kuro, who had been licking his paw under the table, meowed in approval. Sai sighed. "I can't believe our lives are in the hands of a war council led by a cat."

"And a ramen addict," Tora added.

"And a flirt," Mira chimed in.

"And a hot-headed boss," Ryuuji grinned, pointing at Hotaru.

Hotaru slammed the marker down, glaring at them all. "Shut up and focus."

The room fell into a mix of laughter and serious planning. Each member had a role:

Tora would handle surveillance and digital sabotage, cutting off Kurogane's communication.

Mira would act as a frontline brawler, drawing attention and smashing through defenses.

Ryuuji would use his informant network to spread fake intel, luring away backup forces.

Sai would lead the tactical side, calculating routes and contingencies.

Hotaru would lead the infiltration team — herself, Mira, and Kuro — straight into the shipment point.

"If things go south," Sai said quietly, "we retreat. No heroics."

Hotaru's expression darkened. "We've already lost too much. I'm not planning to lose anyone else."

The air shifted, heavy with both fear and resolve. They had all suffered, all bled for this fight. But this was different. This wasn't just survival anymore — this was revenge. This was justice. This was personal.

"Then let's get to work," Hotaru said.

The room buzzed to life, plans being finalized, weapons checked, gear prepared. The storm was coming, and for once, they weren't running from it.

They were the storm.

---

End of Chapter 30