Chapter Three: *Into the Darkness*

Taro didn't sleep much that night. His mind kept racing—Kenji's broken voice, the memory of the pain in his eyes, the promise he made to help him. It was all too much to process in one night, but it was also the beginning of something far greater than anything Taro had ever imagined.

When the morning sun finally broke through his apartment window, Taro pushed himself out of bed. The promise he made to Kenji, the sense of justice that burned deep within him, was all he could think about. He had no time to waste. Every moment counted now.

Taro knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy. This wasn't just about fighting for one man's family—it was about taking on a corrupt system. A system where the powerful, the gangsters, and even the police worked hand-in-hand to crush the powerless. Taro had only a law degree and determination on his side. But that was enough. It had to be enough.

He spent the next few days gathering as much information as he could about the gangsters and their connections to the local authorities. It wasn't easy; the fear of retribution kept many quiet. But he wasn't afraid to ask questions. He visited the local bars, spoke to people who had been affected by the gang's activities. Whispers of their power were everywhere, but no one dared to speak out openly.

Taro learned that the gang was led by a man named *Tetsuo Kuroda*, a ruthless figure who controlled not only the streets but also had his hands in the local police force. The deeper Taro dug, the more dangerous the task seemed. But his resolve never wavered. He was in this now.

One afternoon, Taro decided to meet with *Hiroshi Sato*, a former colleague of Kenji's. Hiroshi had been close to Kenji during the time of the incident and was one of the few people who knew the true extent of the gang's control. If anyone could provide a lead, it would be him.

They met in a quiet park on the outskirts of the city, far from the prying eyes of anyone who might be watching.

"Hiroshi," Taro began, taking a seat next to him. "I need to know everything. About the gang, about Kuroda. I'm going to help Kenji, and I need your help."

Hiroshi looked around nervously before speaking. "I've heard the rumors, Taro. But you need to understand… this is not something you can just walk away from. Kuroda's people are everywhere. If you go after him, you're going after a system. And that system… it doesn't fall easily."

"I don't care," Taro said, his voice steady but firm. "I promised Kenji I would help him. And I'm going to do whatever it takes."

Hiroshi hesitated, then leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "I used to work with Kuroda's men. I've seen things… terrible things. I didn't have the courage to do anything about it, but I can help you now. I'll give you what I know, but you need to be careful. There are people watching, and they won't hesitate to hurt anyone who stands in their way."

Taro nodded, his mind already processing the information. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Hiroshi told him about several key players in the gang's operation, as well as the shady connections Kuroda had with the local police. Taro left the meeting with a fire burning in his chest. He had the pieces to the puzzle, and now he just needed to put them together.

The days turned into weeks, and Taro's search for justice became an obsession. He spent every waking hour investigating, meeting informants, and piecing together a plan. But he knew he couldn't do this alone. He needed more than just information—he needed allies.

It was then that he realized he had someone who could help, someone who understood the law better than he did: *Aya*, his younger sister. Though she had no formal legal training, Aya had always been quick-witted and resourceful. She'd helped him during his time at university, proof-reading papers and offering advice when he was stuck. Her mind was sharp, and now, more than ever, he needed her on his side.

One evening, after a long day of research, Taro sat down beside Aya at their small kitchen table. She was quietly reading when he spoke up.

"Aya, I need your help," Taro said, his voice full of determination.

Aya looked up at him, her brow furrowing. "What's going on, Taro?"

"I've been investigating the gang that hurt Kenji's daughters," he explained, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "And I think we can take them down. But I need someone who can help me organize everything—someone who can keep track of the evidence and help me build a case."

Aya stared at him for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Then she nodded. "I'm in. But you have to promise me one thing."

"What's that?"

"You have to be careful, Taro. This is dangerous. Don't go too far without thinking. We need a plan."

But i think If you want to beat them, you need to join them first. You can't take them down from the outside u have to take them down from the inside.

Taro's eyes narrowed as he stared at that she said *Join them*? The idea felt like a slap to his face.

"Aya I'm not joining them. I'll find another way."

Taro You can't do it alone. We're not in the countryside anymore. This is the city, and it works differently here. You have to be smart. You have to use what you've got to move forward. If you want to make a real difference, you'll have to go undercover. If you become one of them, you'll learn their secrets, their weaknesses. You can't do that from the outside."*

Taro let out a heavy sigh.She was right in some ways, but he hated the thought of it. *Become one of them?* It felt like a betrayal to everything he stood for.

"Taro, listen to me .I'm not asking you to become a gangster. I'm asking you to get close enough to take them down. You're smart. You know what to do. But you won't get close unless you infiltrate their world. And to do that, you need to earn their trust. You'll be doing what's right in the end, trust me. But you need to play the part until then."

Taro was silent for a long moment. He didn't want to admit it, but Aya's words rang true. She was right; if he didn't take action now, he might never get another chance. If he wanted to bring the gang to justice, he had to go deeper than just talking to victims. He had to become one of them.

"Fine" Taro finally said, his voice soft but resolute. "*But don't think this means I'm giving up on justice.* This is just the first step. "Once I'm in, I'll make them pay for everything they've done."

Aya let out a relieved breath. "Good. I know you'll find a way to make this right. Just be careful, Taro.

"I don't want to lose you, too."

*He couldn't afford to lose himself. Not now.* But the cost of taking this path—of joining the gang—was something he wasn't sure he could come back from.