Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 80: Concerns about the systen

Everyone else stood and let Rou and Aster go to their rooms, although there was no telling what will happen. Rou and Aster made their way to the soldiers' dorm with Demitris following closely behind him. Once they were both in, Aster went to go take a bath, but Rou was loitering around as if he was waiting for a chance to talk to him.

"I've been thinking about this auction.", he stated. Aster turned around. "Uh...?", he replied, confused. "It's gonna be the first time I've seen many of the other crime families in person", he continued. "Many of them make millions, far more than this syndicate, yet we seem one of the most close knit.".

Aster was a little speechless. "Yeah, I guess.", he said. Rou continued, "We're trying to pull in some support, and my plan for it is to deliver a strong showing. This is more than just assisting in the potential fight, this is for other matters as well, improving this crime family as a business ".

Aster looked at him, and with the possibility of the crime family improving, he was more than happy to support the syndicate. "Well, I'd be happy to support this. You're doing good things for us.", he remarks. Rou continues to explain, "I'm only a small part of this ever changing plan, the syndicates, though very illegal, are ahead of their time in terms of equality in this country, and possibly the world. It's only here you see such diversity of thought. In a regular village, everyone thinks the same, and see the different as ones to be shunned. Here we just see them as friends and potential business partners.".

"You say that, but we do have to do things that endanger our lives...", a voice speaks from outside Aster's door. Aster and Rou quickly turned around and saw Demitris.
"I assume you've been listening?", Rou asked. Demitris sighed, "Yes, I have, you make it out as if organised crime is this haven of opportunity, when you're just one of the privileged people that the higher ups agree with.".

"Demitris, are you okay? What's gotten into you?", Rou asked him. Demitris responded, "I was hired to come here, and then had everything that happened before erased.", he replied, clearly. "So that's why you've been so distant over the last few weeks?", Aster enquired.

"I don't even know who to trust, and yet I'm expected to guard this mansion like my life depends on it?", Demitris begins to sob. Aster edges closer to the auburn haired boy to reassure him, "I feel the same way, but I feel it's best to let things play out. It must be difficult, suddenly remembering all your past trauma, but I'll help you through it; and you will too, right Rou?".

"Definitely, I'll be here for you if ever you need me, whether that be during the auction or after it. I can't imagine how you must feel right now...". Demitris sat back and buried his head in Rou's shoulder. "Hey, we've still got plenty of time to prepare.", the blue haired man comforts him. Demitris looked at him, still crying. "I know. Thank you, Rou.".

"I think it's time we went to bed, thanks for talking with me, Rou and Demitris.", Aster interrupted. "Thank you too.", answered Rou, quietly as to not disturb Demitris. "I think we may need to stay here a little longer while he calms down. Go have your bath, we'll be out in a moment.", he continued. "That's fine", replied Aster.

"Please stay like this, I don't want to let go.", Demitris states in a faint voice. "It'll all be okay, friends are meant to keep each other safe...", Rou glanced fondly at the male on his lap, "I assure you that tomorrow won't be as stressful as you think." The night before the auction was drawing to a close. Come morning, there would be a mad rush to finish the final preparations, because at noon that day, the auction will begin.