Running Away | A Shin Soukoku Fanfiction

Chapter 2 - The Port's Wolves

I went back to my sister and I found her awake and preparing food for herself. When she saw me she was a bit surprised. I usually never come back this early. She hurriedly got a plate for me but I shook my head. She managed to find enough food for some ramen. It was one of my favorite dishes that she prepared but I felt no hunger at the time.

"Why Ryu? You usually jump at a chance to eat this. And why are you back so early?" she asked me as she started putting the dish she had gotten for me away. I attempted to lie about my true reasons for being here but Gin had picked up on some people-reading skills from living with me.

"Can't I just leave my work early to spend more time with my sister?" I asked. She sighed and shook her head. She sat across from me at the table and started eating.

"You know I can tell you are lying. Your work means so much to you because you want to make me happy, I know it. Why did you come back so early? Tell me the truth." she responded, her voice holding a slight commanding tone. I sighed and decided to tell her.

"Fine. I got a particularly interesting assignment today." I then began explaining the details of the day and finishing by placing the envelope I had gotten on the table. Gin's eyes sparkled with interest and she reached out and took the envelope.

"Have you opened it?" she asked me. I shook my head. Gin got up and took a small knife, one I had stolen from my victim's house a few months ago, and started opening the paper. She took out a small note and walked over to me. We were now next to each other. She started reading.

"Dear Ryunosuke Akutagawa,

"This message is being relayed to you by the boss of the Port's Wolves organization himself. He alone has written and prepared this note for you. He asks that you come by the main base of operations for a small talk. There is much to be discussed so please try to make it on time. The address of the meeting place is listed on the back. Thank you."

"- Ogai Mori"

Gin finished reading and she placed the note on the table. I took it in my own hands and read it over. Once I finished, I turned it around and sure enough, there was an address written. I sighed. Gin stayed silent for a few seconds before finally speaking up.

"So will you go, Ryu?" she asked in a hushed tone. I stayed silent for a bit but I nodded shortly after. She sighed. "I had a feeling you'd say yes..". Her tone was disappointing. I felt sorry because I knew missions as mysterious as these caused her much worry.

"Gin.. before that man left he said there would be consequences if i didn't cooperate," I said, trying to convince her that I had to go. She only rolled her eyes at me.

"You're always putting yourself in places like this, Ryu. You know that, right? I get you want to help me and make me proud but you don't need to do this.."

"I know but... I have to. It's an assassin's honest promise to carry on their work in honor, for their mentor. Mine. being as nice as he was, does indeed deserve this honor, much like the other missions I have completed to honor him with." My mentor had always taught me to be honest, even if my work was grim. He told me to uphold my deals and promises and bring honor to him and my household. Those words are forever etched into my head.

"Fine... you can go but please.. Be careful, alright? I don't need you dying on me, Ryu," Gin said, her tone still sad. I nodded and embraced her tightly. She did the same and we stayed like that for a few seconds before separating.

"Of course Gin. Of course. I'll see you when I come back, alright?"

We parted ways and I headed off. The Wolves' base wasn't too far away so I managed to make it there rather quickly. I saw armed guards at the doors and when I walked forwards, they immediately engaged, training their guns at me. I looked around and caught sight of two laser pointers pointing at my chest. Snipers too? Man these guys were prepared.