#sgcf

December 10, 1995

Minoru Suzuki, IV stood under the black umbrella, no expression on his face as he stared at the closed copper casket that held the body of his father, Minoru Suzuki, III, kumichō of the Suzuki Crime Family of Japan. Well, former kumichō Minoru thought wryly.  With his father’s passing that title had now become his.  Rain fell around the mourners, puddles of water filling the dips and crevices of the expansive grass lawn of the cemetery.  Minoru could feel the eyeballs on him, already plotting to usurp the family while it was weak.  His lip twitched as he imagined the surprise they would be in for.  The family was going to be more powerful and prosperous than ever under his reign.  Minoru Suzuki the III had been complacent.  Minoru Suzuki, IV knew no such word. He was ambitious and ruthless.   Minoru knew his father’s kobun had already held meetings in the five days since his father’s assassination plotting to wrest power from Minoru or to put him under their control.  That would never happen, he would bathe in their blood before they owned him.  Little did they know Minoru was already prepared for this day.  He had his pieces in play with a group loyal to him and no other. Those kobun were going to be dead and gone before they knew what hit them.   This was going to his family.  He had no place for those who were not loyal to him.  

They thought him too young and green to run the family.   Their rivals thought the family would crumble with the death of the kumichō.   They didn’t realize Minoru had been trained for this day since he would could walk.  It mattered naught that he was only 17 years old.  He had been operating in the shadows since he was barely wet behind the ears.  Carried out more missions and had killed more people than most of those baka had.  They sat around letting others do their dirty work while they got fat and rich. Complacent.  Minoru sneered, there was that fucking word again. He hated it. Complacency had no place in their world.  You were complacent you ended up in a casket.  Just ask his father. 

The casket lowered in the ground, rumbles of thunder sounding as if an ominous beacon.   Minoru saw it as a different kind of omen.  The omen of a new beginning and the ending of an old chapter.   Minoru had a different vision for his family. No longer would positions be passed to someone based solely on blood.  His family would be family by choice, not blood.  It would be a difficult and time-consuming task, but in the end, Minoru knew it would only increase their reach.  Through the years he had seen too many betrayals by so-called family.  There was no loyalty and that made him sick.  

Minoru stepped forward with his mother, Asako, clasping his forearm, tossing a black rose onto the roof of the casket followed by a handful of dirt.   His mother sobbed, clutching her rose to her chest as she whispered words of love to the body below.  His sister, Chie, stepped forward with her Nanī following the actions of her mother and throwing her flower onto the casket. Chie was young, only 12 years old.  She didn’t understand exactly what had happened.  All she knew was that the father she rarely saw was dead.  Tears streamed down her young face as she was led away, followed by Minoru and his mother.  Passing by his best friend Yoshinobu Kanemaru on the way out Minoru met his eyes and give an imperceptible nod.  Yoshinobu remained stoic giving no indication of the signal, but Minoru knew he had received it.  The two had been friends since they were toddlers.   They had grown up next door to each other and had recognized kindred spirits.  If the Suzuki family had their way someone like Yoshinobu would have no place in their ranks, except for maybe as a lowly foot soldier.  He would never rise because he wasn’t blood.  

Pressing a kiss to her cheek Minoru handed his other off into her town car along with his sister and her companion.  He would see them later at the wake.  For now he had a meeting to attend.   Perhaps it was disrespectful to his father to conduct business immediately following his funeral, but time was of the essence.  He had to be the one to strike first and strike definitively.  

Climbing behind the wheel of his 1994 Mercedes-Benz 240D Minoru drove through the outskirts of Tokyo to the little restaurant he had been having meetings with his men for the past year.  After three attempts on his father’s life Minoru had realized it was only a matter of time before his old man met his untimely demise.  So he had begun planning and setting things in motion for his eventual takeover.  Parking his car around the back, Minoru walked through the rear door and into the back room they congregated at.  Food had already been set out along with a bottle of Takeda Katafune Daiginjo Sake with one cup.  

Minoru took his seat at the head of the table, leaning back in his chair and thinking of the changes that were about to come into his life.   It was sooner than anticipated, but Minoru was a firm believer in destiny.  His time had come and he was ready to embrace it. With his hand selected men, nothing was going to stop his family.   Hearing vehicles pull up outside the restaurant Minoru sat forward, pulling the ceremonial knife he had brought for the occasion from his interior jacket pocket and laying it on the table next to the Sake cup.  

Yoshinobu Kanemaru was the first to enter, nodding his head in greeting to Minoru the sixteen-year-old took his seat at Minoru’s right side.   The two remained silent, the solemnity of the occasion echoing through the room.  This was a massive undertaking they were spearheading and honestly it was a bit nerve-wracking.   They would be fools not to feel apprehensive, and that was not a word that could be used to describe any of these men.  

Taichi Ishikari presented in the doorway next, his ever-present sneer on his face as he joined the men he considered two of his closest friends.  The fifteen-year-old assumed his seat to Minoru’s left, grabbing some tempura and biting into it.   Taichi was at home here.  His father owned the restaurant and had forced Taichi to work here since he was 5. Day in, day out Taichi had to spend every free hour slaving away as either a waiter or dishwasher for his father. At night he had to stay behind and clean for hours, so the business would be ready to open in the morning.   His father allowed them to use this room, but Taichi paid dearly for the honor.  Revenge on behalf of his good friend was one of the first items on Minoru’s orders of business.   He, Yoshi and Taichi had grown extremely close over the past few years and Minoru abhorred the way Taichi was treated by his father.   Taichi’s father had no idea what occurred during these meetings, but he provided food and liquor for the boys and extracted the cost through Taichi later.  Despite Minoru’s best efforts, Taichi refused to let them move locations.  No one would ever think to look here for the boys, it was safe. He would suffer for his friends.  

Takahasi Iizuka barreled through the door, running late as always.  He never could manage to arrive anywhere on time.  Slouching down in the seat the 19-year-old greeted his friends, eyes darting nervously around the room.   Iizuka had mixed feeling about the death of Minoru Suzuki, III.   The man had taken him in when he had run away from an abusive situation, so Iizuka felt a certain kinship with him for that, but he had been thrown into the family business as a henchman, given no choice but the fight or the family.   If he had the choice, he would have done it freely, but Iizuka wasn’t given an option and for that he held a grudge.  Minoru on the other hand had his complete loyalty.  From the start Minoru had treated him as family and lobbied against his own father on his behalf.  Minoru backed Iizuka up and never asked for anything in return.  In addition to his duties with the family Iizuka had been training since he was 14 with the younger man in preparation for this day.  

“Thank you all for coming here today.”  Minoru spoke, bringing the meeting to order.  “I recognize this is earlier than we anticipated, but I have no doubts that we are ready.  Each of us will take the oath binding us to each other and the Suzuki Guns family.   We will take what is rightfully ours and destroy those who stand in our way.  Our way will lead us to success and prosperity.” He looked each of his friends, soon to be brothers in the eyes before grabbing the Sake and glass and filling it.  

Rising to his feet Minoru shucked his jacket and undid his cufflinks, rolling the white long sleeve up past his elbow and grabbing the ceremonial knife.  

“I, Minoru Suzuki, IV, pledge my life and my honor to this family.   Henceforth known as the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as kumicho. Bond before blood.”   Minoru spoke solemnly and dragged the knife down his arm, letting his blood drip into the cup of Sake.   Wrapping a bandage around his arm Minoru turned to Yoshinobu.

“Yoshinobu Kanemaru, I hereby name you saiko komon of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve as my counsel and my confidant.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

Yoshi rose to his feet and accepted the knife from Minoru after rolling up his own sleeves.

“I, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as saiko komon.  Bond before blood.”  Yoshi pledged, slicing open his arm and dripping his own blood into the cup.   Resuming his seat Yoshi quietly bandaged his arm, watching as Minoru continued the ceremony.

“Taichi Ishikari, I hereby name you so-honbucho of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve in my stead in my absence.  Where I am not able or available to issue directive, so shall you.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru asked.

Taichi nodded pulling up his sleeve.  Taking the knife from Minoru he stood with it pressed to his skin, right at the start of a scar put there by his father.  

“I, Taichi Ishikari, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as so-honbucho.  Bond before blood.”  Taichi said grinning as he split open the scar dragging the knife along it.  If he was going to have a scar, it was going to be one that brings him pride.  

“Takahasi Iizuka, I hereby name you wakagashira of the Suzuki Gunz crime Family.  You will serve as head of our kobun.  You will be responsible for the safety and security of our family.   Do you accept this designation?”  Minoru asked.

Without hesitation Iizuka rose and responded.

“I, Takahasi Iizuka, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as wakagashira.  Bond before blood.”  The knife sliced open his arm and they all watched as the last member’s blood fell into the cup.

Lifting the cup and swirling it Minoru looked at each of the three men.  “I couldn’t ask for better men for this undertaking.  Our age is not a deterrent, but an asset.  We will change this family for the better. Make it stronger.  Make it richer.   Make it respected.  We will own Japan.” Minoru pronounced bringing the goblet to his mouth and swallowing a mouthful of the sake mixed with each of their blood.  

The goblet was passed around to each of the men, each taking a deep swallow before the cup was placed back on the table.  

Minoru reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a long black jewelry box and placing it on the table.  The other three crowded around as he opened it, revealing four rings with a symbol reading Suzuki Gunz inlaid in black and white diamonds.  

“Yoshi, Taichi, Iizuka, welcome to my family.” Minoru said handing each of them a ring before sliding his own on his finger.   “And welcome to the new era of Suzuki Gunz.” 

Japanese translations:  

Baka  - idiot or morons

Kobun – underlings

Kumichō – Boss

Nanī -nanny

so-honbucho – underboss, second in command

saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

CHAPTER 15

March 4, 2003

Bushi slid into the driver’s seat of his white Ferrari 360 Modena and fired it up before reaching for his laptop.  Punching into his network on the dark web Bushi pulled up the information he had gathered on Minoru’s mother, Asako Suzuki.  Finding her credit card information he entered into a tracking website.  As he waited for the results Bushi drummed his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel.  He didn’t know why this chit thought she could run.  Minoru owned this city.  Did she really think she could escape his reach?  Bushi was counting on Chie being stupid enough to use her mother’s credit cards in her grand escape. Given that his mother was complacent in the escape Bushi was rather confident she would help her daughter in any way she could.  If they were smart they would have used paper money. He wasn’t counting on that.  Not given their actions thus far.

A ping alerted him to the end of his search.  Pulling the laptop close he perused the results, making notes of where Chie had been in the past few days and marking down the hotel she was staying in.  The most recent charge was from about thirty minutes ago for room service.  Bushi would bet his last dollar that was where Chie was holed up.  If he could get there quickly, he had an easy in. 

Shifting into drive Bushi sped away from the house, tearing through the streets towards Chie’s hotel. Once he arrived he pulled into a parking space near the rear of the hotel.  Thanks to the card charge Bushi had Chie’s room number and quickly snuck inside the hotel and ducked into the first men’s room he ran across.  Pulling off his mask Bushi tucked it into his pocket then pulled his comb out of his suit jacket inner pocket.  Slicking back his hair and making sure every strand stayed in place he then exited the bathroom and headed towards the elevators.

Avoiding the view of the stationary camera in the elevator Bushi slunk along the wall pressing a device to the control panel that would override the floor security which would allow him to get to the penthouse suite where Chie was staying.   When the elevator signaled his arrival Bushi grabbed his little box from the control panel and stepped out into the plush lobby area.  

Leaning against the wall Bushi glanced at his watch, wondering if he had missed the room service attendant or if he was early.  Deciding to wait ten more minutes before finding another way into the suite Bushi pushed off the wall and removed his jacket and button down shirt throwing them on the table next him and leaving him in his grey suit pants and a white tank top before resuming his position against the wall.   He could hear loud pulsing music from the hotel room seeping through the walls and grinned.  That would only serve to further his purpose.  

Hearing the elevator rising up the shaft Bushi moved to the door of the hotel room turning to glance at the elevator over his shoulder.

The attendant bowed respectfully to Bushi asking if he’d like the cart set up for him. 

Bushi grinned and shook his head.

“My wife’s not decent at the moment.”  Bushi said.  “I’ll take it in.”  With another bow the attendant re-entered the elevator.  As soon as the doors were closed Bushi knocked.  “Room service.”  He called. 

The door opened and Bushi pushed in to see Chie’s back as she walked towards what he assumed was the bedroom. 

“Just put it by the table and go.”  Chie ordered before disappearing. 

Instead Bushi left the cart right where it was closing the door behind him and locking the chain.   Pulling his tank top over his head Bushi made his way after Chie clutching the shirt in one hand.  Pausing to the side of the doorway Bushi caught site of Chie removing her robe revealing a silky babydoll nightgown that barely grazed the bottom of her ass.  Adjusting his hardening groin with one hand Bushi ducked back as Chie exited the bedroom. 

As soon as she was in front of him Bushi sprang, looping his tank top over her neck and yanking it hard to bring her back against his chest.  His cock grew stiffer with her struggles, her ass rubbing against him as she kicked at him while her fingers clawed at the shirt around her neck.  After a moment her movements grew disoriented, her hands falling to her sides and her kicks becoming jerkier. 

Loosening the shirt to allow Chie to get some air Bushi dragged her back into the bedroom and tossed her carelessly onto the bed.  Chie scrambled to the headboard, clutching her throat and sucking in air as she stared frightfully at the half naked man who had accosted her.

“You shouldn’t have ran.”  Bushi said tossing the tank top over his shoulder then unfastening his pants and dropping them to the ground.  By the time she thought to scream it was too late, Bushi was on top of her, wrapping that shirt around her neck and pulling it tight again, choking her scream off as a gasp.   “Where did you think you were going to go?  You have an obligation to your family.  You have embarrassed your brother and future husband with this little stunt.” 

Chie shook her head frantically in denial, eyes bulging as she struggled to take in any little air.  

Disregarding her protests Bushi nudged apart her legs keeping one hand firmly on his shirt as he ripped off Chie’s panties.  Panic flew through Chie and she lashed out at the man on top of her, fingernails raking down the side of his face and punching at his chest. 

Bushi winced as her nails left a stinging path down his cheek, grabbing her hands and pinning them over her head in one of his before backhanding her twice across the face.  Throwing aside his shirt Bushi wrapped his hand around her throat and squeeze enjoying the feel of her throat contracting under his fist.  Nudging her legs apart he lined himself up with her and shoved in, reveling in the scream that tried to tear its way from her throat. 

“Not even a virgin.  Fucking yariman.”  Bushi huffed. 

When he was done Bushi rolled off Chie’s crying form, casually redressing before moving to her luggage and pulling out a dress for her to way. 

“Hurry up.  You have a wedding to get to.”  Bushi said sharply.  “Unless you’d rather go for round two?”  He chuckled as Chie got dressed in record time, keeping a safe distance from him as he watched her get ready.  She didn’t bother with makeup.  Maybe her brother would see what his asshole associate had done to her he would kill him.  She was certain he would when he found out he had raped her.  Hugging herself Chie followed the blonde man out of the suite huddling by the elevator as he put on his button down shirt and jacket. 

Turning her back to the camera Bushi held Chie against his chest, his hand resting on the back of her hair as the elevator descended.  Retracing his earlier steps Bushi led Chie to his car and secured her in the passenger seat. 

The ride was silent, Chie plastering herself to the passenger door to get as far away from this psychopath she was stuck with as possible while Bushi texted Evil he was on the way back and requesting he come grab Bushi’s wayward bride and take her inside while Bushi made a quick run back home.  Pulling in front of the house Evil was waiting, dark sunglasses on as usual as he leaned against the column on the front porch. 

The car was barely stopped before Evil was pulling the door open, yanking Chie out and slinging her over his shoulder and marching to the front door as Bushi took off again.

Evil entered the living area where everyone was gathered and unceremoniously dumped Chie on the floor with a loud thump before joining Sanada on the couch. 

Minoru rose from his seat and circled around his sister chronicling the bruising on her face, her bloody split lip, the ligature marks around her neck, his face never changing expression as he squatted down below her. 

“Why would you think running was a good idea Chie?”  Minoru asked his voice deceptively soft as he reached out to grab a handful of her hair, twisting her neck back to look up at him.  “You’ve brought shame to our family with this little stunt.” 

“Your little goon raped me Minoru!”  Chie yelled tears filling her eyes.  “You just going to let him get away with that?  I’m your fucking sister!” 

“I’m going to consider it the price he gets to reap for hunting you down.  And quite expeditiously I might add.”  Minoru said rising to his feet and pulling Chie up along with him.  “Now go clean yourself up.  I don’t want to hear another word from you besides I do.”  Minoru pushed her away from him with a sneer.  “Lance, go make sure she doesn’t attempt to run again.”   Lance stood and followed Chie down the hallway while the rest of the men conversed, feeling each other out as they waited for this final union of their families. 

“Bushi’s on his way back.”  Naito said several moments later as he received a text from the masked man.  “Let’s get this show on the road.”

By the time everyone had made it back to the study where the officiant was waiting Bushi had made his appearance, dressed in a new suit given his previous one had become a wrinkled mess and a black and gold mask.  

Minoru stood next to Chie serving as a silent warning that she better behave as Bushi stood across from her with a cold smile and colder eyes.  Having only seen him unmasked Chie had no inclination this was the same man from the hotel, but he terrified her nonetheless.  

Rings were placed and vows were spoken and Chie was handed off to Bushi who led her to the yellow Porsche he had arrived in. 

“Stay.”  He commanded closing her into the car and walking up to speak with Minoru.

“I must say I’m a bit disappointed I don’t have a virginal bride to deflower.”  Bushi commented as he shook Minoru’s hand.

“I think that’s your fault for taking it before the wedding.” Minoru said archly.

“Oh she wasn’t a virgin when I took her.”  Bushi said.  “Far from it.  But I’m still willing to accept her.  Used goods and all.”  He chuckled and slapped Minoru on the shoulder before walking around his car and sliding in. 

“Don’t touch me.”  Chie growled when Bushi’s hand left the shifter to rest on her thigh during a straight stretch of road.  “I’ve had enough touching today.”  She said bitterly, voice shaking with unshed tears.

“You’re my wife.  I’ll touch you whenever I want.”  Bushi snapped giving her thigh a harsh squeeze before returning his attention to the road. 

Twenty minutes later they arrived at Bushi’s home on the outskirts of Tokyo, driving into his underground garage and parking next to the white Ferrari he had driven earlier.  Chie froze as she climbed out of the car, panic rising in her throat as she eyed the vehicle.  She had thought he worked for Minoru, but perhaps he worked for Bushi.  Bile rose in her throat as thought of being trapped in a home with two men who seemed to have no qualms about taking what they want from her. 

“When will my stuff be brought over?”  Chie asked as Bushi grabbed her by the arm and began pulling her up the stairs towards his bedroom. 

“It’s not.  You had the opportunity to come peacefully with all your belongings.  You chose option B.”  Bushi smirked at her, his slick black lips sending chills through her.  “Maybe you can come up with some way to earn a few things.  Though I’m not going to complain if you’re naked all the time.” 

Bushi pushed her ahead of him into the bedroom with sharply issued command to strip while Bushi undressed himself and slid his mask off.  He sighed in annoyance when he turned around and she still stood fully dressed staring down at the bed. 

“Do I really have to remind you how nasty things get when you don’t behave?”  He asked coming up behind her and placing a hand around her throat pulling her against his body as he tightened the fingers minutely.   Chie gasped ripping away from him and falling onto the bed in her haste to escape.

“It’s you!”  She yelled accusingly, seeing the face from her earlier nightmare looming over the end of the bed.  “That was you in the hotel room?” 

“You’re just figuring that out?”  Bushi said rolling his eyes. “Good thing you’re pretty cause you’re not too bright.”  His smile dropped as he looked at her still clothed form. “Get undressed now.  If I have to take them off you really will be walking around naked.”  

Shoulders slumping Chie grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it over her head followed by her undergarments. 

March 4, 2003

The past three days had been a whirlwind. Hours upon hours upon hours spent in Minoru’s study with Los Ingobernables, hashing out the details of the gun trade as well as the implications of the marriages between the families.  As Minoru had assured his family the Ingobernables had no interest in stepping into any kind of role with the Guns.  They preferred to stay in the shadows and handling their arms smuggling operation which stretched across most of the Eastern Hemisphere.  It kept them rather busy and they had no desire to expand into other territories.  However, they were willing to lend their services should they be required.  

There was haggling and arguing back and forth over pricing as well as the amount of arms Suzuki Gun would receive.  Naito was also insistent that the Guns be trained to his satisfaction before receiving their weapons, pointing to Evil as their weapons specialist to handle the training.  

“is this really necessary?” Davey asked in annoyance.  “How hard is it?  You point and shoot.”  

Evil fixed him with an icy glare.  

“We’re not going to let you run around like idiots and bring attention to yourselves.  It’s not quite as easy as you think it is.  I will teach you and you will learn.  Or I’ll kill you all.”  Evil said evenly.

Once again shouts erupted from the Guns as they threatened Evil as the man stared back nonplussed.

“Calm down.” Naito said holding his hand up. “Nobody is going to kill anybody. We’re family now.  Right Evil?”

Evil grunted with a slight nod, leaning back in his seat with a wide yawn.  

“Speaking of family.”  Desperado spoke up.  “Since we are now can I ask Bushi something?”  He couldn’t help but be fascinated by the other masked man.  LIJ were secretive to an extreme and Suzuki Gun was on the wrong side of the information track.  LIJ seemed to know everything about them while the Guns were grasping at any thread they could pick up.  

Bushi nodded with a smirk on his black painted lips locking Desperado in his gaze as he waited for the question he already knew was coming.  

“Why do you wear the mask?”  Desperado asked gesturing towards Bushi’s intricately decorated mask.  The third such different one he’d worn in the three days they had known each other. “Or masks I guess I should say.”  

“So, I can do what I do unnoticed.  No one knows who I am or what I look like.  In the streets with no mask I’m just another nobody.”  Bushi said with a shrug.  

“Since we’re family and all do we get be graced with your beauty?”  Lance taunted making Bushi roll his eyes and reach for the laces on the back of his mask, loosening them and pulling off the mask revealing his face to the Guns as a show of trust.  

“Damn,” said Lance with a disappointed chuckle. “I was hoping you’d be ugly.”  

“Fuck you.” Bushi said succinctly to Lance, running his fingers through his dyed blonde hair in an attempt to brush back the flyaway locks. “Turnabouts fair play Desperado, brother, why do you wear your mask?”

“Oooh is there something the Ingos don’t know?” Zack said with a grin casting a worried glance at Despy.  

“It’s fine Zack.” Desperado said reaching for the laces on his own mask.  

“This is why I wear the mask.” He told Bushi as he removed the vinyl material revealing his face to LIJ.  He held his chin high, pride refusing to let him cower beneath their stares as they took in the deep scarring over his face.  

“Still want me to marry your sister pretty boy?” He asked Sanada with a sneer, the only one who didn’t change his expression one iota as he took in the mess that had been left of Desperado’s face.  

“I really don’t give a fuck.”  Sanada said speaking his first words in the presence of the Guns. “Once you put a ring on her finger the bitch is yours.”   That brought a smile to Desperado’s face surprised at the easy acceptance.  Sliding the mask back on his tightened the laces as Bushi re-secured his own mask.

“Speaking of, look who’s here,” Naito said with a grin as Sanada’s sister Kyo appeared in the doorway on the arm of her escort. “Kyo, come meet your husband to be.”  

Naito grabbed her by the elbow and shooed off the escort bringing the beautiful young girl to Desperado’s side.

“Desperado this is Sanada’s sister Kyo. Kyo, meet Desperado.” Naito introduced the two, watching Kyo carefully to make sure she was going to walk the line as she bowed her head in greeting to Desperado and spoke niceties in her soft voice.  He needn’t have worried, Kyo would never dare disrespect her brother in his wishes. She had known for a long time that she would not be granted a marriage of love but would rather be used as a pawn.  

“We’ve produced ours Minoru, now where is Bushi’s bride?”  Naito said leaving Kyo’s side as Desperado sat and pulled her down into his lap hands tight on her hips.  Minoru frowned looking at his watch.  11:30. They should have been here by now.  His fists clenched as he reached for his cellphone, dialing his mother’s house.

“Where the fuck is Chie?” he shouted as soon as it was answered.  “She is supposed to be here.”  His face turned red with rage as he listened to the voice on the other end. “Gone?  What do you mean she’s gone?  Where the fuck is she?”  Minoru ran his fingers through his hair as he listened to babbled excuses. “Why am I just now hearing about this?” He yelled shutting the man up.  “You tell my mother I will deal with her later.”  

“You lost your sister?”  Hiromu asked with a giggle, unable to contain his laughter. “Your wife ran away on you Bushi.” Hiromu slapped his knee as he found this whole situation hilarious.  “The runaway bride.”  

Minoru swallowed his anger and turned to face the Ingos, who, except for Hiromu, looked rather displeased with him.

“We upheld our end of the bargain Suzuki.” Naito said angrily.  “What kind of shit are you trying to pull?”  Tension filled the room as the men on both sides rose squaring off in the center of the room.  

“Calm down everyone.” Minoru said waving off his men. “This isn’t anything on our end. My mother,” He said distastefully. “Failed to tell me my sister ran off after I visited her and informed her of her upcoming marriage.  It’s an egregious oversight on my part and I take full blame.”  As angry as he was, Minoru knew the fault fell on him.  He had made a deal and was failing to fulfill his end of the bargain.  “I’ll send my men out and we will find her.”

“No.”  Bushi spoke up.  “I’ll find her. After all, she is my bride.”  Bushi stared challengingly at Minoru until he nodded in concession. “Good.  Now let’s get Desperado hitched and then I’ll go search for the lovely Chie.”  

“Let me guess.  You already know what she looks like.”  Taichi asked resignation tinging his tone as Naito smiled and nodded. Of course they did.  He really didn’t expect anything less at this point.

Calling in the officiant the new couple stood in front of him and recited their vows, Kyo’s voice trembling as she promised herself to a man she had just met.  She cast unsure eyes at her brother as the officiant sought those two binding words from her, shrinking back as she met his hard-expectant eyes.  

“I do.” She whispered sealing her fate as they were declared man and wife when Desperado slid the massive diamond ring on her finger.  Her eyes squeezed shut as Desperado pulled her to his body, burying his tongue in her unresponsive mouth, his grip growing tighter as he sensed her hesitation.  

“I think it’s time for me and my wife to get to know each other.”  Desperado said as he broke the kiss. “Come find me when it’s time for Bushi’s wedding.” With those words he pulled her from the room towards the stairs leading to his room on the second floor.  

“Don’t let him go anywhere,” Bushi said pointing at the officiant. “I plan on getting married today.”  

The two groups watched Bushi stride purposefully out of the study utter confidence in every step he took.  Watching him leave there was no doubt in the room that Bushi would bring Chie back home. 

“This is not the best start to our allegiance.” Hiromu said.  “If this is how you run your family how can we have confidence in your ability to run an organization?”  

“Hiromu stop being a dick.”  Naito said with a roll of his eyes. “We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t well aware of how well they run an organization.  Stop causing trouble, we have enough going on today.” Hiromu jutted out his lower lip crossing his arms over his chest as he pouted.  

“We should warn you Suzuki-san,” Naito said. “Just so you can be prepared, your sister is probably not going to be brought back in the best of conditions by Bushi.”  

“I thought Evil was the one I should be concerned with?” Minoru said looking at the perpetually angry big man.  “Though at the moment I’m wishing I had selected him as I would happily turn my errant sister over to him.  Whatever that might mean.”  

“I’ve got to ask.” Davey said.  “Why the warnings for Evil?”  Evil found himself the center of attention as all the present Guns turned to him.  

“Evil has certain, proclivities.”  Naito said vaguely, leaving it to Evil to decide if he wished to elaborate.  

“I have a dungeon.”  Evil said bluntly.  “I like to torture and hurt.  And I like to play with knives and make women bleed.”  

“Don’t forget the drinking blood part.”  Hiromu reminded him helpfully.

“For the hundredth time, I don’t drink the blood Hiro,”  Evil said in exasperation.  “I taste it. Like a fine wine.” He smirked as looks ranging from fascination to disgust filled the faces of the Guns.  

“We’re getting off track.”  Naito said before the conversation delved further away.  “I would like your assurances that no matter the condition your sister is returned here in that it won’t adversely affect our relationship.”  He stared at Minoru expectantly.  

CHAPTER 13

March 1, 2003

“Obviously our relationship is tenuous at best,” Naito admitted as he strolled casually around Minoru’s conference table.  The two groups had gone underground to Minoru’s meeting room which was located just down the hall from his office and the room where the kobun met.  “We need something to tie us together and cement us as family.” 

“What exactly are you proposing?” Kanemaru asked skeptically following the man’s movements around the room. 

“An answer as old as time.”  Naito said flashing a grin.  “Marriage.” 

Shouts erupted from the Guns filling the room with their contentious responses to his proposition.  

“Quiet.”  Minoru shouted making a hush immediately fall over the room.  “You do realize we are rather in a time crunch don’t you?  How to you propose we pull off a marriage and all it entails when we’re gearing up for a war.  We need guns yesterday.  Not months from now.” 

“Marriages Suzuki-san.  Plural.”  Naito said with a grin.  “We marry one of yours. You marry one of ours. As for the time frame, there will be no big weddings.  One officiant, two brides, two grooms.  We’ve told you Minoru, we are ghosts and we plan on staying that way.  There will be no big weddings or announcements or anything of the sort.” 

“Arranged marriages are a bit antiquated aren’t they?”  Iizuka asked.  “This seems rather, barbaric.” 

“We are barbaric men.”  Hiromu said with a lackadaisical shrug of his shoulder.  “This is kill or be killed for your family.  You wish to strengthen our bond and get your greedy little hands on our guns, then you meet our terms.” 

“Just who are you proposing gets married?”  Taichi asked Naito who looked at Sanada who gave an almost imperceptible nod to his leader.

“Sanada has a sister.  She’s young and hot and knows her place.  Of course as she is his little sister Sanada gets the ultimate approval.”  Naito said.  “As for our side same rules apply.” 

The two groups separated, the Guns moving over to their conference room to discuss Naito’s proposal. 

“I know this is a rather unexpected development,” Minoru told his men as they sat around the table.  “But I can’t deny that it is the quickest way to seal our families together.  Things will remain as they are, none of them will be joining our kobun.” He reassured them.  “I believe Naito wishes to keep his family off the radar and will stay out of our way.  Do you agree Taichi?” 

Taichi lit a cigar and took a deep drag off it blowing the smoke towards the ceiling as he contemplated his response. 

“It makes sense.”  He finally said.  “If they were just wanting our side to commit I’d be a little more concerned, but they seem to be making effort to equalize things.”  He took another drag.  “And at the end of the day they have the upper hand.  They have the guns we want and it seems there is no other way to get it then to go through the Ingobernables.” 

“Does everyone agree?” Minoru asked, looking at his men one by one and gaining their tacit approval for this undertaking.

“That’s settled then.  Now the hard part.  Whose sister is on the table?”  Taichi said leaning back in his chair and looking over the table. 

“Chie is really the only choice.”  Minoru said speaking of his sister.  “Taichi doesn’t have one, Lance and Davey have no family, Taka has no family, Desperado has no family, and Zack’s is estranged.  Would have to be either Chie or Nobu’s sister. Or Iizuka’s though she’s a bit old.”

“You sure about giving over your sister?”  Kanemaru asked.  “Might need her for later negotiations.” 

“No, MiSu’s right.” Taichi said.  “This is the strongest allegiance we need.  We need those guns.  That’s our future.” 

“Alright so we’re turning over Chie.”  Iizuka said.  “Who’s getting hitched?  And don’t you dare say you Minoru.”  He said sternly.  “They don’t get the boss.”  Minoru’s protests died on his lips as he saw the mutinous expressions on the faces of his family giving a reluctant nod of agreement.

“I’ll do it.”  Taka said.  “It’s my fault we’re in this mess.”

Various chorus of denial and exclamations of it’s not your fault rang out.

“Not happening Taka.” Minoru said firmly.  “You’re not ready for marriage just yet.”  

“Better pick someone who’s going to meet pretty boy’s standards.”  Lance said with a laugh. “I mean does nobody find it odd they’re going to be marrying the sister of a guy who hasn’t spoken a single word in the time we’ve known him?”

“Let’s not worry about that right now Lance.”  Minoru said. 

“I’ll marry her.  I mean she’s gotta be hot. Look at her brother.”  Desperado said with a smirk.  Minoru nodded in acceptance of his offer, casting his glance around the table for any other volunteers. 

“I’ll step up.  Give pretty boy some options.”  Kanemaru said with a smirk.

“You know I’ll do it for you.”  Taichi added. 

Decisions made the Guns filed back to where LIJ were waiting.  Naito leaning back in his chair, eyes closed as if catching a nap while Bushi and Hiromu sat on either side of him carrying out a hushed conversation around him.   Evil and Sanada sat silently next to each other, eyeing the Guns as they entered and took their seats. 

Naito lowered his arms, eyes opening and looking at Minoru.

“My sister Chie is our offering.”  Minoru said smirking as he made the generally unflappable Naito look surprised, which he quickly covered.

“Okay. Pick whoever you want. We’re all on the table.”  Naito said.  “Though I would suggest avoiding Evil if you care for your sister’s wellbeing in the slightest.”  Naito grinned at Evil who simply smirked in response as the rest of them shared knowing smiles. 

Minoru templed his fingers looking over the Ingobernables.  He honestly didn’t care.  His sister was little more than an accessory in his life.  Never seeing her more often than every couple of months.  He could thank his father for that.  Minoru had never formed an emotional connection with either his mother or sister.  His gaze lingered on Sanada for a moment before moving on.  The man was already giving up his sister, he would let him be.  

“Bushi.”  Minoru pronounced after several long moments of introspection.  Bushi nodded in acceptance.   “On our end they’ve decreed I’m off limits but anyone else is available to you.  Desperado, Kanemaru and Taichi have all volunteered.”

“I’m agreeable to Desperado.  Marry off both our masked men.”  Naito said.  “Sanada?  Does that suit you?”  Sanada looked up from his phone heaving a sigh of annoyance at having been interrupted. Nodding without even glancing in Desperado’s direction making Naito laugh.  “Don’t know why I bothered to ask. He doesn’t give a shit.” 

As one Los Ingobernables rose to their feet and headed towards the doorway.

“Weddings will be in three days.  12:00 here.”  Naito said as they walked out.  “Hope you don’t mind if we borrow your car to get home Taka.  No hard feelings.”  He laughed as they walked out of Minoru’s home and in to the crisp night air.

The next morning Minoru woke early, enjoying a peaceful breakfast while his family slept in the home around him.  He had a feeling this little interlude was going to be his only peace for a while.  Pushing aside his plates Minoru grabbed his jacket and headed to his car.   In the fifteen minute ride to his mother’s home, which up until a few years ago had been his home, Minoru contemplated the reactions he was going to get from both his mother and sister when he imparted the news.  His mother he was rather sure was going to accept his decision.  It was the way she was raised and she had been in an arranged marriage with his father, so she knew the way things were.  His sister was a wild card.  He didn’t know her that well, hadn’t bothered to spend much time with her.  The two were practically strangers. 

As soon as he was inside Minoru accepted the barrage of affection his mother laid on him with a grimace, letting her kiss his cheek and hug him until he disengaged and stepped away his discomfort clearly evident.

“Oh Minoru, what your father did to you I will never forgive.”  Asako lamented shaking her head sadly.

“We’re not discussing this.  I need to see Chie.” Minoru said shortly straightening his jacket. 

“Why Chie?” Asako asked, her heart sinking as she realized the implication of his words.  “No Minoru. You can’t do this.”  She said softly, casting pleading eyes at her son.

“Just get her.”  Minoru demanded heading towards the study.  

He was sipping from a tumbler of scotch when Chie made her appearance.  Minoru ran a critical gaze over her frowning at her trendy jeans with holes ripped up the legs to her crotch and a crop top that was revealing entirely too much cleavage. 

“Okaa-san said you needed to see me.”  Chie said flopping down in the chair across from Minoru without invitation making him frown. 

“You look like a stripper.” He said coldly. If she was under his care she would never be so blatantly disrespectful he thought as she rolled her eyes and flipped him off.  His mother was weak allowing her to behave and dress like this.  This marriage would only benefit her.  He had a feeling Bushi was not the type to allow his wife to run wild. 

“Are you a virgin?”  He asked making her gasp and blush.

“How dare you Minoru!  That’s none of your business.”  Chie shouted started to rise and run from the room. 

“It is my business.”  He snapped.  “Now sit down and shut up.”  Chie felt chilled as Minoru stared at her coldly, challenging her to not listen to him.  Hesitantly she sat watching her brother as he drank.  “In three days you will be married.  My driver will pick you up at 11:00 to drive you to my home where you will marry to secure a family allegiance.” 

“You have got to be fucking kidding me!”  Chie shouted forgetting her fear and pushing out of her chair.  “I don’t belong to you Minoru.  You can’t order me around. I don’t give a fuck what kind of badass mob boss you think you are.” 

Fury burned through his veins as she carried on and Minoru stalked around the desk backing Chie across the study until her back hit the wall.  His hand wrapped around her throat and he squeezed threateningly. 

“You will do as you’re told.”   Minoru hissed.  “You will be ready when my driver gets here.  You will be pretty and compliant.  Do you understand?”  Chie nodded her face turning red as Minoru kept his grip firmly on her neck.  “And you better pray that you managed to keep your legs closed and preserved what belongs to your husband.” 

Minoru released her and watched with disdain as she fell to the floor gasping, looking up at him with fear in her eyes. 

CHAPTER 12

March 1, 2003

The fog of uncertainty that had hung in the air the past few days was growing stifling.  More time in relative captivity was leading to shorter fuses, which meant more bloodshed between the family.  Girls had been brought in to sate their needs, but it only dulled the edge. These were men that liked to be out in the streets.  That thrived on violence and hiding away like cowards was not sitting well with them. At the same time, they understood that it would be stupid to make a move without all the necessary information.  

To make matters worse it had been over twenty-four hours since Taka had checked in and that made Minoru very concerned. Taka was very conscientious about reporting in, generally at least twice a day.  For him to have gone radio silent couldn’t mean anything good.  

As the hours passed with no word from Taka, the unease grew, one by one the members of Suzuki Gun gathering in Minoru’s office as they awaited word.  The fact that Taka wasn’t responding to anyone’s phone calls created an ominous atmosphere.  

Los Ingobernables de Japon Headquarters

Sliding along on his belly through the vents Taka paused for a moment peering at his hand drawn map before veering to the right and following the vent to the end.  Grabbing his monitoring equipment, he pressed it to the mental vent and put the earpiece in. If his information was correct there should be an empty storage closet directly below him which overlooked the LIJ meeting room.  And if his information held up they should be convening in a meeting in the next few minutes. Hearing nothing below Taka put his equipment away and pulled out his electric screwdriver, slowly removing the vent screws and then sliding his body down to the room.  

Catching his breath Taka wiped the sweat from his brow looking around the room until he spotted the air vent at the top of the wall. Grabbing a crate, he slid it over to the vent and stood on it peering into the room below.  Pulling out his note pad Taka began scribbling down descriptions of the four men in the room, making note of their names and putting a big star next to the one he pinned as the leader.  

Taka was so engrossed in his intel gathering he didn’t notice the shadowy figure dropping down from the vent, landing with silent grace and stalking towards him.  When the rope looped around his neck and tightened Taka panicked struggling with all his might and kicking in a futile attempt at freeing himself.  His fingers clawed at the rope as he was pulled against a muscular body his air supply quickly draining as the rope got tighter.  

“Don’t kill him Bushi!”  One of the men down below called his voice floating through the vent.  “I’d like to speak to him before we decide his fate.”  

With a disgruntled sigh Bushi loosened the rope, Taka gasping in air as he was pulled along behind the masked figure. Dragging him down the stairs Bushi lead him down to the meeting room, pressing in the code on the numeric keypad and then yanking Taka by the rope so he fell into the room in front of him.  

Taka found himself staring up at the five men who formed a half-circle in front of him, bile rising in his throat as he realized he was completely at their mercy.  He chastised himself for getting in this position, for not paying attention to his surroundings and realizing he was walking right into a trap.  He should have realized that the information came a little too easy, but he had been too eager to help his family he had gotten careless.  His family. A pang ran through him as he realized he may never see them again.  That the last thing they would remember about him was that he had failed them.  

“Taka Michinoku.”  The orange haired man said looking down at him with inquisitive eyes. Taka’s eyes widened at the use of his name, wondering just how far ahead of him these men were.  “My name is Tetsuya Naito.  These are my brothers, Hiromu Takahashi, Seiya Sanada, Bushi and Evil.”  

“I don’t give a shit who you are.”  Taka spat glaring at Bushi when he jerked on the rope again.  

“Really?  For someone who doesn’t give a shit you sure have been digging into our business lately.” Naito said with a grin.

“If you’re going to kill me, just get it over with.” Taka snapped.  

“If we were going to kill you, you’d be dead already.”  Hiromu said with a grin that sent chills through Taka and he instinctually backed away from him.  “We’re more interested in your family.  We know you’re after guns.  We know you’ve tried to circumvent us and go directly to the source.  I’m rather impressed with your investigational abilities.”

“I think a meeting between our families would benefit both parties.  So, what we’re going to do is tie you up and take you home.  How well that goes will determine whether things get messy.” Naito said.  

Back at Minoru’s Estate

Seeing movement on the monitor to the front gate Minoru sat up sharply as he recognized Taka’s black SUV.  It sat at the gate, making no move to enter rising Minoru’s suspicions.  He sharply ordered his men to gather their weapons, his hand hovering ready over the alarm that would call the guards stationed around his estate, but instinct stopped him from pressing.  The window of the vehicle rolled down and an arm reached out pressing the buzzer on the intercom.

“Taka?”  Minoru asked hesitantly receiving a laconic chuckle in return through the speaker.

“I’m sorry Taka is a little tied up at the moment. I’m afraid he can’t come to the phone.” A male voice said amusement clear in his voice.  

“If you hurt him I will gut you.” Minoru said fiercely as his crew started filtering back in.  The Guns gathered around the desk circling the speaker as they tried to catch up.  

“I don’t think you’re in any position to threaten me.”  He said sounding completely unperturbed.  “And he’s relatively unscathed considering he was snooping where he shouldn’t be. I’m assuming that was at your command Suzuki-san?”  

Minoru took a deep breath to keep himself from lashing out purely for Taka’s sake.  The utter disrespect of this insolent asshole was pissing him off. Not to mention the guilt eating away at him for putting Taka in such a dangerous position.  

“Who are you and what the fuck do you want?” Minoru asked evenly though internally he was seething.

“My name is Naito and I am the head of Los Ingobernables.”  The man replied immediately causing shocked looks to be exchanged throughout the room. Lance and Davey twitched nervously their holds tightening on their weapons.  Los Ingobernables was the last thing they expected him to say and knowing there was at least one man in that vehicle armed with guns made them all antsy.

“Now, are we going to continue this little tete a tete through the intercom or do you want to buzz me in?”  Naito chuckled low and dark.  “Or I could use this handy little clicker to just let myself in.”  

“Minoru you can’t seriously be considering letting that asshole in here?”  Davey shouted as Minoru reached for the button.

“I am Davey.  They have Taka.  As much as an asshole this Naito is, the fact is he could have rolled right up to the front door and walked on in and we would have been clueless.  He gave us time to prepare and showed professional courtesy, so I’m inclined to grant him entrance to see what he has to say.”  

“But what if its not just him?”  Desperado asked. “We have no idea how many of them are in that car.”  

“I think we have to take that risk.”  Taichi chimed in.  “They have Taka.”  He stressed. “We’ll do whatever is necessary to get him back; safely.”  

“How do we even know he’s still alive?” Iizuka said gravely, voicing the thought none of them wanted to acknowledge. Uneasy looks were exchanged at the question no one could answer.  

Swallowing back his unease, Minoru pushed the button granting entrance and they all watched the monitors as the SUV pulled up to the front door and parked.

“Fascinating isn’t it?”  A new voice asked from behind them, all eight Guns immediately turning weapons brandished as they came face to face with a man in a well-tailored suit with a colorful latex mask and black lips leaning in the doorway leading up from the underground hideaway, pointing a gun at them.  

“What the hell?”  How did you get in here?” Zack asked.  

“That’s not really your concern.”  The man said, his black lipsticked grin spreading wide.  

“Bushi’s correct, what we do isn’t your concern.”  Again, the group spun, this time towards the front door falling back towards Minoru as they saw four more men had appeared.  

Minoru’s eyes darted to Taka who was in fact well tied up with the arm of an eccentric looking man wearing the loudest suit he had ever seen.  Davey’s lack of fashion sense had nothing on this man.  Noticing Minoru’s attention, the man smiled flipping his shoulder length hair back out of his eyes, the red tips flashing as his hair moved.   Taka flinched as the man licked up his cheek with a long tongue flashing pleading eyes at Minoru to get him out of this mess. Minoru could see old familiar panic rising in Taka’s eyes.

“Naito?” Minoru questioned turning his attention to the orangish haired man who raised his hand insolently.  “Could you have your man remove himself from Taka’s side.  His… affection, is making him uncomfortable and bringing up things he’d rather not remember.  If I see Taka become uneasy blood will spill.  We may die, but so will you.”  

Naito’s eyes narrowed as he considered Minoru then looked at the subject of Minoru’s threat before slowly nodding his head.

“Hiromu let him go.  You’re freaking him out.”  Naito said and Hiromu smiled widely but immediately complied circling to the other side of the room and leaning against the wall, taking up a tactile position while resting his hand on the gun in his waistband.  

“I believe you know the others now, this is Sanada.” Naito introduced gesturing towards the man who looked more like he belonged on the cover of GQ wearing a suit that probably cost more than Minoru’s entire closet.  “And this,” Naito waved towards the man beside Sanada dressed in all black suit with dark sunglasses and rainbow-colored hair tied back in a neat ponytail.  “Is Evil.”

“Evil,” Desperado scoffed.  “is that your real name.”  

“Desperado,” Evil sneered.  “Is that your real name?  Or do you prefer Kyosuke?”  The room fell silent Minoru and Taichi exchanging worried glances as they realized these men knew much more than they should about their family.

“Let Taka go so we can speak civilly,”  Taichi said gesturing towards the Ingos’ captive.

Minoru watched as Naito looked around the room at each of his men seemingly seeking their opinion before Evil walked over to Taka. Minoru felt his heart lurch in his chest when Evil flicked out a long switchblade and brought it to Taka’s body. He let out a sigh of relief when the big man simply sliced the ropes and stepped away letting Taka rush to Minoru’s side.

“I’m sorry MiSu,” Taka said.  “I’m so sorry.”  Minoru pulled him into a hug disregarding the threat in the room to give Taka some much needed comfort.

“Taka.  It’s not your fault.  Things go wrong sometimes. I shouldn’t have sent you out there alone” Minoru murmured. “You’re safe and that’s all that matters.”  With a final squeeze Minoru pushed Taka behind him and into Iizuka’s waiting arms.  

“Are we going to sit and discuss or are we spilling blood?”  Bushi asked Naito.

“We came here to talk Bushi.” Naito reminded his friend.  “If we wanted them dead they would be already.”  

“You’re awfully confident for someone who is outnumbered and just gave up their only leverage.” Lance said.  

“We’re not hear to argue about whose dick is bigger.” Hiromu spoke up.  “You wanted to talk guns, let’s talk guns.”

“You’re willing to discuss this with us?”  Taichi asked surprised given the rather hostile interactions so far.

“We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t.”  Evil said.  “We would’ve slit your friend’s throat and dropped him on your doorstep.”

“Yes, we’re willing.”  Naito interrupted before things further descended into chaos.  “Seems both you and Chaos have a sudden interest in firearms.  Given Chaos is still spinning in circles and chasing false leads while that little shit got a hold of the source in four days intrigues us. He also got close enough to our headquarters to make us wary.  We only work with the best.  We think you are the best. There’s only one hold up.”  

“What’s that?”  Zack asked suspiciously.  

“We don’t work with anyone who isn’t family.” Naito said with a shrug.  “And none of you are family.”  

“so why are you wasting our time?”  Minoru asked sharply.  “If you have no intentions of working with us then why are you here? You knew we weren’t family before you showed up here.”  

“You are a family correct?”  Naito asked.  “Yet none of you are blood.  The five of us.”  He gestured to his group.  “Are not blood.  Yet we are family.  Is your motto not bond before blood?”  

Minoru nodded slowly before speaking.

“It’s true we are not a conventional family. But we have been family from the moment we met.  We cannot say the same for you.  You’ve already struck out at one of ours. I’m not sure that transgression can be overlooked.”

“You fired the first shot.”  Bushi said with a smirk. “So to speak.  Eight days ago you sent Taka out to obtain information on the gun source.  Trampling all over our territory.  We allowed you that.  Three nights ago you sent him directly after us.  You should consider it a sign of good faith that we didn’t kill him outright as we have so many others.”

“If you’re as good as you saw you are, how come nobody has ever fucking heard of you?” Davey spat.  

August 1, 1996

Drip.  Drip. Drip.  5,760 drips he’d been hanging in this god forsaken cellar room.  17 year old Zack Sabre, Jr. had counted every single one of them over the course of the past four days.  To take his mind off the fear at first.  Now as a distraction from the gnawing hunger and thirst that threatened to drive him insane.  There was barely any light, only that seeping through the bottom of the door.  He could hear screams through the walls, so he knew he was not alone.  His arms ached from being suspended above his body, the ropes holding him rubbing his wrists raw.   

Zack could barely remember how he had gotten here.  Fresh off the airplane that had just landed in Tokyo from England for a senior trip with his upper school classmates, Zack had snuck off from the group for a quick snack.  When he had returned not five minutes later the group and all of his luggage was gone.  Panicking Zack had run to the area he thought the bus was supposed to be to find nothing.  He had been chewing himself out for not paying more attention when a nicely dressed Japanese man had approached and offered his assistance.  That was the last thing he remembered before he woke up hanging from the ceiling.  He had yelled and screamed like the others, but soon realized it was useless.  No one came and no one cared.   So he hung and counted drips and waited to learn his fate. 

 His fate did come calling.  But it wasn’t the one he expected.   Zack had either fallen asleep or passed out, he wasn’t quite sure which when he was jolted awake by yelling.  Not from his fellow captives, but sounding like it was coming from right outside the door.  The sounds of fighting quieted down and Zack could hear muffled conversation.  He strained to hear, picking up a few words here and there.   From what he could gather a man named Minoru was rather unhappy with his captors for operating on his turf without permission or payment.   There were additional sounds of struggles and then silence reigned.  

When the door to his room was opened harsh light filtered in, making Zack squint as his eyes burned.  He could barely make out the form in the doorway, and was relatively certain his mind was playing tricks on him as he thought it was a man wearing a black and white luchador style mask.  As the man approached Zack’s fear ratcheted up and he lashed out, kicking out with his long legs and nailing the man across the face.   Unfortunately it didn’t seem to face him, the man taking a step back and looking at him with something akin to amusement lighting his cold blue eyes.

“Kick me again and I’ll break every bone in that damn foot.  I’m trying to help your dumbass.”  The man said.  “Now if I get you down from there, you gonna keep that bony ass foot to yourself?”  Zack nodded slowly hoping he wasn’t making a huge mistake in trusting this man going around in a fucking mask.   Course he supposed if you were of the criminal element, protecting your identify was probably a good idea.   The blood covered knife the man pulled out had Zack questioning his instincts, wondering if he was about to have his throat slit.  

Instead, unable to reach high enough to reach the rope the man flung his blade slicing cleanly through the rope and making Zack fall in a heap to the ground as he marveled how sharp that blade must have been to slice through the rope like butter.  

“Nice kick by the way.”  The man called as he left the room, leaving Zack lying on the ground.  He didn’t have the energy to even rise to his feet, so he laid his cheek on the cold ground and closed his eyes.  The last thing he thought before he passed out was that he had lost count of the drips.

In the main room Minoru and his crew gathered having freed the captives and killed the captors.   A couple of the captives had to be killed.  Injuries to severe to justify continued living.   He’s tired.  It’s late and Minoru just wants to go home.  He dealt with what needed to be done and he was looking forward to his soft bed and maybe some company from a lady friend.  He signaled to leave thinking about who he could call to come fuck him into a coma when Despy stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“The kid in the first room.”  Desperado said hesitantly looking in the direction of Zack’s room, his form visible on the floor.  “We can’t leave him.” 

Minoru turned to meet Despy’s eyes, peering deep into their blue depths before glancing at the still form on the ground. 

“Is he even alive?”  Minoru asked with a sigh.  He recognized that look.  Looked like he was going to wind up with another stray.   Lance walked into the room and checked the kid’s pulse giving Minoru a nod as he tapped on the kid’s cheek to wake him up. 

Startling awake Zack jerked away from the oversized man leaning over him, his heart beating wildly as the room filled with men. 

“Relax.  We’re not here to hurt you.” Minoru said his calming tones drawing Zack’s eyes to him. 

“Careful boss.  He’s got a hell of a kick.”  Desperado said leaning against the doorway and watching the kid.  He hoped Minoru saw what he did. That kid was meant to be his brother.   Despy had no doubt in his mind.  

“Is that true son?”  Minoru asked, the word flowing easily though Zack probably wasn’t more than a year or two younger than him.   “Did you kick Despy?”  Zack slowly nodded, fearing retaliation for hitting one of his men.  Minoru chuckled.  “Impressive.  I’m surprised he didn’t break your foot.”

“He threatened too.”  Zack said the words coming out raspy and he coughed around his dry throat.

“Only a threat?” Minoru said with a smile, laughter spilling from the rest of the men.  “He must like you.”  Then Minoru turned serious.  “What is your name?” 

“Zack.  Zack Sabre Jr.”  Zack replied nervously his eyes darting around the room at the rough looking group surrounding him. 

“Where are you from Zack?”  Minoru asked.

Zack explained he had travelled to Japan with a group from his high school on a senior trip and how he got separated from them at the airport and somehow had winded up here.  He blanched as Minoru told him that he had been drugged and kidnapped with the intentions of being sold into sex slavery.

“Do you wanna go home to your family in England?  I can make that happen.”   Minoru said kindly.  He was rather surprised by the immediate shake of Zack’s head.   Minoru’s eyes narrowed as he felt his protective instincts rising.  Apparently he was taking in another stray. 

Zack looked down at the ground.  He should’ve just said yes.  Then he could have left this place like the others and stayed here.   That was Zack’s secret.  He had planned to ditch the group at some point and stay here in Japan.  He would never return to his family.   Not when they refuse to accept him. 

“I wasn’t planning on returning home.”  Zack said when he looked up and saw Minoru waiting for an explanation.  “I was going to leave my group and stay here.  Try to find a job and someplace to live.”

“Why were you leaving your home?”  Iizuka asked.

Zack hesitated.  He had found allies, and he was scared they were going to leave him to die when he told them the truth. 

“My parents don’t want me anymore.  Not the way I am.  They’ve made it perfectly clear I’m not welcome in their house.”  Zack once again trained his eyes on the ground.  “See…I’m not exactly straight.”  He waited for the explosion cringing back expecting to be hit by these gangsters. If his own parents had done so, why wouldn’t these men he meant nothing to them.  The explosion never came to Zack’s surprise, but the silence still felt stifling. 

“Okay.” Minoru said after a few moments of contemplation.  “You like boys.  Nothing wrong with that.” 

“And girls.  I like girls too.” Zack said relief making him ramble.  “Boys, girls, I like them all.  I’m not picky.” 

Kanemaru chuckled his head shaking as he listened to Zack.   He didn’t care one way or another what Zack liked to fuck.  He liked this kid.  

July 7, 1997

Minoru Suzuki leaned back in his chair, looking around the rag tag group that made up his family.   It was complete.   At one point it had felt like it would never be.  But once Zack had joined the family they had all felt a completeness.   Things had been hectic the last year since Zack had come aboard.  A never ending battle to establish dominance and reclaim lost turf.   The tide had finally turned and things were calm.  It was time to make things official.  

“For the past two years we’ve built our name.  We’ve built our family.  Finally our family is complete.”  Minoru said, silence falling over the group.  “Each of us has had our own trials and tribulations to get to this point.  We all have scars.   But with the love and support of our brothers we will all heal.   We will become stronger.   Tonight is a night of ends and a night of beginnings.”

As each of the men had joined the family they had taken up residence in Minoru’s father’s estate.  Tonight was the end of that arrangement.  Minoru had a home built for himself.  Kanemaru and Taichi were moving into a condo together.   Despy, Taka and Zack were renting together.  Iizuka had a place of his own.  Lance and Davey had bought a home in downtown.  Money was flowing into the family, the men were in a position to be independent now, and it was only going to get better from here on out.   This home was going to be turned over to Minoru’s mother and sister.  They would live here in luxury.   But it would no longer be home to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  

“Tonight we welcome Taka, Zacky, Despy, Lance and Davey fully.”  Minoru said.  Placing the ceremonial goblet used two years ago to induct Taichi, Iizuka and Kanemaru on the table Minoru poured Takeda Katafune Daiginjo Sake into it.  Next the ceremonial knife was pulled from his interior pocket and held up by Minoru. 

“I am Minoru Suzuki, IV, kumicho of the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  A family bonded by choice.  Not by blood.  With my blood I pledge my allegiance to each and every one of you. Bond before blood.”   Minoru sliced the knife, splitting open his scar from the first ceremony, watching crimson liquid drip into the cup.   Taking the towel offered by Kanemaru, Minoru tied off the wound before passing the cup and knife down to Taka.  

“Taka Michinoku, I hereby name you shateigashira of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve alongside IIzuka to oversee safety and security of our family.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

Taka rose to his feet and knife in hand and pressing it to underside of his forearm.

“I, Taka Michinoku, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  I will give my life to protect this family.  I accept my position as shateigashira with honor.  Bond before blood.”  Taka pledged, slicing open his arm and dripping his own blood into the cup.   Resuming his seat Taka bandaged his arm as he passed the knife and cup on to Desperado. 

“El Desperado, I hereby name you fuko-honbucho of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve to oversee all branches of our family and the expansion of our turf.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Kyosuke Mikami, El Desperado, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  Our family will prosper under my watch and become more powerful than any other.  I accept my position as fuko-honbucho.  Bond before blood.”  El Desperado cut deeply into his arm, dripping his own blood into the cup.  

The cup and knife were passed on to Davey who held them reverently.  

“Davey Smith, I hereby name you kyodai of the northern territories of Suzuki Gunz.  You are the protector of our family.  You are my eyes and ears.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Davey Smith, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  No one will harm my family.  I accept my position as kyodai.  Bond before blood.”  Davey followed ceremony, letting his blood join that of his brothers in the cup before handing them off to Lance. 

“Lance Archer, I hereby name you kyodai of the southern territories of Suzuki Gunz.  You are the protector of our family alongside Davey.  You are my eyes and ears.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Lance Archer, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  No one will harm my family.  I accept my position as kyodai.  Bond before blood.”  Lance cut himself, watching his blood drip into the cup.

“Zack Sabre, Jr., I hereby name you shingliin of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve as the law advisor for our family.  You are our legal defense.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Zack Sabre, Jr, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  I will bring pride to our family and defend it with honor.  I accept my position as shingliin.  Bond before blood.”  Zack mixed his blood with that of his brothers.  He was nervous and excited.  Having discussed his love of the law with Minoru on many occasions his designation was no surprise.  He was already enrolled in university and working steadily towards his law degree.  Zack was determined to be the best damn attorney ever seen in order to defend his makeshift family. 

The cup was cycled back to Taichi, Kanemaru and Iizuka who each added their own blood before giving the cup to Minoru. 

“We are a formidable group.  Nothing will get in our way.”  Minoru pronounced taking a swallow before passing it to Taichi and watching as each of the men swallowed from the cup.  When it reached him again Minoru turned to the cabinet behind him and pulled out five velvet jewelry boxes.  Moving around the table he placed on in front of each of the newest members. 

“Taka, Zack, Davey, Lance and Desperado, welcome to our family.”  Minoru smiled with pride as he watched each of them place their rings on their fingers, smiling widely as they were now official.  

Japanese translations: 

Kumichō – Boss

so-honbucho – underboss, second in command

saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

wakagashira – first lieutenant

shateigashira – second lieutenant

fuko-honbucho – regional boss

kyodai – Big brother