Outside the hall - a few minutes before access
~ Misaki ~
The asphalt beneath our feet was still damp from the rain. In the distance, we could hear the rattling of a train, the faint roar of a generator vibrating somewhere. Kyoto never slept completely - but out here on the edge of the city it was quiet.
Makino stood next to me, motionless, only her eyes wandering towards the hall. Her fingers rested calmly on the handle of her knife.
Haruki's voice came through the radio again. Clear, focused, almost cold. "No movement inside. The stranger is still with Shōgo. No sign of suspicion."
I nodded. "What's the route through the side entrance?"
"Two, maybe three enemies in range. I'll guide you through. But as soon as one gets nervous, it'll be quick."
Makino pulled the sleeves of her cloak a little higher. "Do you want Shōgo or the other one?"
I looked straight ahead. "The unknown one."
A brief nod. No contradiction. There was no argument between us about priorities - just trust. I knew she could cold-cock Shōgo faster than he would react.
"Ren?" I asked quietly.
His voice came quietly. "I'm in position. Once you're inside, I'll block the exit at the back."
"Good." I glanced briefly at Makino. "No hesitation. No mercy."
She smiled barely perceptibly. "I never hesitate."
I checked my knife once more, secured it to my belt, then took one last look at the hall.
"Haruki."
"Ready," it came back immediately. "I see you. The one at the gate is smoking. When he moves aside - that's your moment."
We waited. Seconds passed like minutes.
Then: "Now."
Without a word, we started moving. Ahead of us waited the heart of this operation - and perhaps answers none of us wanted to hear.
The guy at the entrance took a step to the side and lowered his cigarette.
Haruki's voice was just a whisper in his ear: "Now."
I moved quietly but quickly. Three steps, then I grabbed him and pulled him back into the shadows. Not a sound. Just a dull thud. He wouldn't be getting up any time soon.
Then suddenly the light flickered - and went out. A brief, technical buzz. Darkness
"The power is off," came Haruki's voice. "Your turn."
Makino pushed past me on the right, I went left. There was a commotion in the hall - indistinct shouts, footsteps on metal and the clicking of weapons being unlocked. They knew something was wrong, but not yet what.
I heard a surprised sound, short and muffled - Makino had caught the first one. I drew my knife, slid past boxes and took out the next one.
Two more. I ducked, waited for the right moment - then I struck. Haruki directed us calmly over the radio. "Two above you on the left, they're coming towards you, Misaki. Makino, in front of you - and one coming from behind."
I saw Makino turn around and bring one of the men to the ground. The other threw himself at her - a mistake. A well-aimed kick, an elbow strike, and he was down too. Makino has been trained to take them out quickly.
I climbed over one of the knocked-out men and got deeper into the hall.
Then I saw him: the stranger.
I walked closer, paused briefly - pressed my finger to the radio.
"Haruki. Take the coat bearer with you or take him out?"
A brief hesitation. Then: "If you can get him, alive. I want to know who sent him."
I nodded barely noticeably - more to myself. Then I stepped out of the shadows.
His eyes met mine.
"Wait... you're not one of-" He broke off. His posture tensed. Panic hidden behind a trained mask.
I stopped, knife held loosely in my hand.
"Who are you?" he asked, trying to be calm.
I remained silent.
"Shōgo-? Who is that! Who sent them?!"
I took a step closer. "Bad time for questions."
He backed away and reached under his coat - too slowly. I was already with him. A cut across the shoulder - shallow, but clear. He cried out, staggering.
"Damn it! Listen, we can-"
I kicked him, hard in the side. He bounced against a crate, gasping for breath.
"I don't know who you are!" He shouted. "I... I'm not armed!"
"I don't think so."
He lashed out - frantically, but I dodged, tackling him to the ground. The impact was hard. His eyes flickered and then he was unconscious.
I took a deep breath, pressed the radio: "Target secured. Alive."
Then I heard footsteps - hasty, heavy. Two more men rushed towards Makino, who had just pinned Shōgo down.
"Makino, look out!"
I threw myself forward, hitting one of them in the neck from the side. He gasped and went down. The other reacted faster - drew a knife - but Makino was already back, kicked his leg away, I grabbed him and rammed him full force against a pillar.
Silence.
Just our breathing. Then we looked at each other.
"Everything under control?" Makino asked.
I nodded. "It is now."
Shōgo lay on the ground, dazed. The stranger was motionless. The hall was empty except for us.
"Status?" came Haruki's voice through the radio.
"All down," I replied calmly. "We're done."
Makino stepped up to me. "What do we do with him?" She pointed at the stranger.
I nodded. "He's coming with us."
Ren and the car were waiting outside. The night was cool, the weight of the fight still in our limbs. But the direction was clear.