WHISPERS IN THE DARK

The moment Ash stood from the table, the weight of unseen eyes settled on him like a tangible force. The Keiretsu heirs had taken notice. Some observed with curiosity, others with cold, calculated indifference, but a few—like Yui Nakamura—watched with something far more dangerous: interest.

Kaede was at his side in an instant, her sharp eyes scanning the room. "That got their attention. Now what?"

Before Ash could answer, a server slipped through the crowd like a shadow, his movements almost imperceptible. With practiced subtlety, he placed a folded card into Ash's hand before disappearing into the crowd, unnoticed by most. Ash's fingers brushed the smooth paper, the ink bold and deliberate in its clarity. He unfolded it, scanning the message scrawled in a precise, unhurried hand:

Private lounge. Now.

No name. No insignia. But Ash didn't need any. He already knew who it was.

Daigo Sumeragi.

A ripple of anticipation coiled deep in his gut, but his face remained impassive. He folded the card carefully, slipping it into his jacket pocket.

Yui stepped into his path just as he moved to leave. Her eyes, dark and knowing, locked onto him. "Impressive performance," she said, her voice low but edged with a quiet challenge. Her gaze flicked to the Go board behind him, where the remnants of their game still lay. "But games here? They're never just for sport. You've sent a message tonight. The real question is—are you prepared for the response?"

Ash met her gaze without flinching, his voice even. "Guess I'll find out."

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of Yui's lips, her expression a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Then enjoy the next round. I'll be watching."

Kaede let out a quiet breath as they moved away. "That woman is either going to get us killed or save our asses."

"Maybe both," Ash muttered under his breath.

They navigated through the opulent corridors of the high-rise, the air thick with luxury. The warm glow of recessed lighting cast elongated shadows on the polished marble floors. The private lounge was at the end of the hall, its entrance guarded by two men in dark, tailored suits—silent sentinels with eyes that assessed Ash and Kaede in a single glance. No words passed between them. No questions were asked. The men simply stepped aside, already knowing who was expected.

Inside, the atmosphere was suffocating in its luxury. The scent of aged whiskey mixed with the earthy richness of sandalwood, a heady combination that clung to the air. The hum of the city below barely made it through the soundproof glass, leaving the room eerily quiet except for the low murmur of a jazz track barely audible in the background.

Daigo Sumeragi sat alone, the only movement the slow swirl of amber liquid in his glass. The minimalist design of the room spoke volumes—everything perfectly placed to exude power without excess. Every inch of the space seemed to breathe authority.

Without looking up, Daigo gestured toward the chair opposite him. "Sit."

Ash did so, settling into the chair with a controlled ease. Kaede, ever watchful, remained standing behind him, her posture alert and poised.

The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken expectations. Finally, Daigo broke the stillness, his voice smooth, controlled, like velvet wrapping around steel. "You just embarrassed Renji Arisaka in front of the Keiretsu. That's not something that happens often."

Ash's gaze never wavered. "He underestimated me."

A soft chuckle escaped Daigo, the sound rich with dark amusement. He swirled his drink, eyes never leaving Ash. "They all will—until you prove otherwise." His smile was slow, calculating. "The real question is, what do you want, Shirogiri? You didn't come here just to play games."

Ash leaned forward slightly, his voice sharp, the intensity matching Daigo's. "I want to know what game I've really been invited to."

Daigo's smile widened, approval flickering in his eyes. "Good answer." He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the rim of his glass as he studied Ash, sizing him up. "But let's be clear about something before we talk—your move tonight? It wasn't just bold. It was a declaration. And declarations..." He let the word hang in the air like a promise. "Declarations demand consequences."

Kaede's body stiffened behind him, her presence an unspoken warning, but Ash didn't flinch. He met Daigo's eyes, unwavering. "I didn't come here to play small."

The silence stretched between them, thick with anticipation. Daigo studied Ash for a long moment, then nodded, his approval almost imperceptible. "Then let's talk."

The real negotiations were about to begin.