The Art of Verbal Jutsu

Late at night, a black car pulled up in front of Ryo's house. The engine cut off, and three intimidating Yakuza men stepped out. Their suits were crisp, their sunglasses reflected the dim streetlights, and their aura screamed violence.

Ryo, half-asleep and in his pajamas, opened the door only to be greeted by the sight of three menacing figures looming over him.

Yakuza Guy 1 (gruff voice): "Takahashi. We need to see Ayane-sama."

Ryo (yawning): "Ugh, it's late, can't we do this tomorrow?"

Yakuza Guy 2: "No. It's now."

Ryo (sighs): "Fine, fine… but before that, let me ask you something."

The Yakuza blinked.

Yakuza Guy 3: "What…?"

Ryo leaned against the doorframe, rubbing his chin like he was about to say something profound.

Ryo (seriously): "Do you guys ever… question your jobs?"

The three hardened gangsters stared at him.

Yakuza Guy 1: "...What?"

Ryo: "I mean, think about it. You work for a powerful boss. He tells you to check on Ayane. But does he ever check on you?"

Ryo: "When was the last time someone asked if you were safe?"

The air grew heavy. One of the men shifted uncomfortably.

Yakuza Guy 2 (hesitating): "Well… I mean…"

Ryo (nodding): "Exactly. You guys risk your lives daily. But do you have health insurance?"

One of them subtly reached for his wallet.

Yakuza Guy 3 (muttering): "Do we have insurance…?"

Ryo: "And what about retirement? When you get old, will the Yakuza pay for your nursing home fees? Will the boss visit you when you're in a wheelchair?"

One of the men visibly gulped. Ayane, watching from the stairs, was gripping the railing, barely containing her laughter.

Yakuza Guy 1 (sweating): "Wait… does the boss even know my name?"

Yakuza Guy 2 (shocked): "He… he calls us all 'Oi'..."

Yakuza Guy 3 (whispering): "...My name is Kenji."

Ryo saw an opportunity and pushed further.

Ryo: "Maybe… just maybe… you guys are the ones who need protection."

The Yakuza guys stared into the void.

One of them sat down on the porch, head in hands.

Yakuza Guy 1 (shaking): "All these years… all these fights… what was it for?"

Yakuza Guy 2: "I just wanted to open a ramen shop…"

Yakuza Guy 3: "I never even finished high school…"

Ryo clapped a hand on their shoulders, like a wise old master.

Ryo: "Go home, gentlemen. Find your dreams. Chase happiness."

One of them removed his sunglasses, tears forming.

Yakuza Guy 1: "I… I need to make a call."

And just like that, the Yakuza left, completely forgetting to check on Ayane.

As soon as the car disappeared, Ayane fell to the floor, laughing so hard she couldn't breathe.

Ayane (gasping): "YOU—YOU JUST TALKED THE YAKUZA INTO AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS!"

Ryo (grinning, stretching): "They came to check on you, but they left wondering if they were safe."

Ayane (wiping tears): "I take back everything. You are dangerous."

Ryo (smirking): "Remember that next time you try to mess with me."

Ayane's laughter stopped instantly. Her eyes narrowed.

Ayane (smiling dangerously): "Oh? Feeling confident now, Cousin Ryo?"

Ryo sensed death.

Ryo (panicking): "N-now let's not do anything rash—"

Before he could finish, Ayane flipped him onto the floor and locked him in a painful armlock.

Ryo (groaning): "Ow, OW! OKAY! OKAY! I TAKE IT BACK!"

Ayane (grinning): "That's better~"

And just like that, balance was restored.