Chapter 15: A Deal Among Ghosts

Location: Shinjuku District, Tokyo, 19:42

The wailing of sirens echoed throughout the frosty night as the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) surrounded the old factory. Detective Kazuki Yamamoto, a seasoned investigator with years of experience in organized crime cases, led the operation. The area was tense, the air heavy with anticipation and the faint scent of blood.

As Kazuki entered the factory, a scene of chaos greeted him. The bodies of guards littered the floor, their weapons discarded. One of the officers approached him, saluting smartly.

"Detective Yamamoto, Officer Takumi Arai reporting for duty, sir," the young officer said, his voice steady despite the grisly scene.

Kazuki nodded, placing a firm hand on Takumi's shoulder. "Arai, good to see you. So what's the situation?"

Takumi quickly briefed him. "Most of the members involved in the operation have been apprehended, sir. However…" he hesitated.

"However?" Kazuki prodded.

"Their leader managed to escape," Takumi, admitted reluctantly.

Kazuki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So much for tying this case up neatly. Alright everyone, listen up!" he barked to the officers scattered around the scene. "I want this place combed thoroughly. Look for anything that might tell us what the hell just happened here."

A chorus of "Yes, sir!" followed as the officers snapped to action. Kazuki turned back to Takumi.

"I'm leaving the rest to you, Arai. Keep me posted if you find anything okay."

"R-right, sir," Takumi stammered.

Kazuki stepped outside, pulling out a cigarette. The cold air bit at his face as he lit up, inhaling deeply. His thoughts raced. 'Who could have done this?' The precision, the ruthlessness—it wasn't the work of amateurs.

"Sir!" Arai's voice rang out, startling Kazuki mid-drag. He coughed, nearly dropping his cigarette.

"Damn it, Arai! You trying to kill me?"

"Apologies, sir, but we've received word about a car accident nearby," Arai said urgently.

Kazuki raised an eyebrow, flicking the cigarette to the ground and stamping it out. "You don't say."

And without another word, he jumped into his car and started the engine.

"S-sir! Where are you going?" Arai called after him.

"Don't worry, Arai. I just thought I'd go on a field trip. There's something I need to verify," Kazuki replied, speeding off.

As he drove through the dimly lit streets, he muttered to himself, "There's more to this than meets the eye. I just know it."

Elsewhere in Tokyo - Location: A Coffee Shop in Akihabara

Inside a quiet café, a man dressed in a black suit and glasses sat at a corner table, calmly sipping coffee and reading a book.

This man was Doppo Kurose, a high-ranking executive of The Ashen Veil, of the notorious mafia organization.

The bell above the door jingled as a new customer entered building. The man scanned the room and spotted Doppo, striding confidently towards him. He slid into the seat across from Doppo with a sly grin.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Doppo Kurose," the newcomer said. "Thou I never thought I'd find you hiding out in a place like this. After all, you're one of The Order's Eclipsed Five."

A waiter then approached, interrupting their conversation. "Hello, gentlemen. Can I get your orders?"

Doppo barely looking up. "Another coffee for me, please."

The newcomer waved dismissively. "Iced tea."

The waiter nodded his and left, but Doppo turned to the man with a sharp glare. "If I remember correctly your name was Kaito Ren, do me a favour and stop announcing my identity in public, will you?"

Kaito chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Relax Old Man. No one here would dare wonna mess with you."

Doppo closed his book with a sigh. "Why are you here, Ren?"

"I'm just checking in. You know, seeing how things are going," Kaito replied, his tone light but his eyes sharp.

"If you must know, things are proceeding just as planned," Doppo said curtly. "So if that's all, feel free to leave."

Kaito smirked. "Come on now, there's no need for the cold shoulder. After all we're all on the same team here."

Doppo's eyes narrowed. "Thou true we are on the same team, our goals and methods don't align with one another."

Kaito leaned forward, his grin widening. "Fair enough. But like I said before, I was told to make sure everything's was on track. You know how it is—the mission always comes first."

"Please, spare me the lecture," Doppo said, waving him off. "Things are fine. Now just go."

As Kaito stood to leave, he paused. "By the way, did you hear about the car accident in the Shinjuku Distract? Apparently, the damn thing went up in flames. And guess who the unlucky basterd driving it was?"

Doppo raised an eyebrow. "Should I care?"

"The driver was the leader of that little operation selling illegal weapons throughout the market," Kaito said.

Doppo chuckled. "What a shame. I believe I didn't catch his name, though. Did you?"

Kaito shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me. After all, the dead are the least of my concerns. It's the living that I'm more interested in."

"Ah, to be so simple-minded. How I envy you." Doppo said, shaking his head.

Kaito clicked his tongue. "Whatever, old man. Just make sure not to screw this up, or you know who won't be very happy."

Doppo waved him off. "Right."

As Kaito made his way for the exit, the waiter hesitantly approached him. "S-sir, what about your order?"

"Drink it yourself," Kaito said over his shoulder, exiting the building and disappearing into the bustling street.

The waiter turned back to Doppo, looking flustered. "W-what should I do sir?"

Doppo smiled. "Don't worry. I'll pay for it. Now, about that refill?"

The waiter nodded quickly. "Right away, sir!"

As Doppo resumed reading his book, a faint smile crossed his lips. As the game was progressing nicely.

End of the 15th Chapter.