The Undead Path: Journeys Beyond Worlds

Chapter 4: Entwined Shadows

Toru, flanked by his vigilant guards, strode towards the parking lot with an air of quiet authority. His guards, their faces stoic masks of unwavering loyalty, maintained a watchful presence, ready to protect him at any cost. They reached the parking lot and spotted the man who had been outside their classroom earlier.

"Shiki, where's my car?" Toru inquired, his voice cold, his gaze fixed on the man.

Shiki, without a word, handed him a key. Toru stared at him, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Are you mistaken, Shiki?" he pressed, seeking clarification.

Shiki merely nodded, his silence a testament to his unwavering loyalty, reserving his words for moments when Toru's demeanor demanded a colder response.

Toru repeated his question, "Are you mistaken, Shiki?"

Breaking his silence, Shiki spoke in a deep, monotone voice, "No, young master. That's the key provided by your older brother's men."

Toru sighed, acknowledging his brother's disregard for his preferences. He accepted the key from Shiki respectfully and pressed a button, eliciting a beep and a blink of light. His car, a sleek black Lotus Evora GT, responded. Before entering, he turned to Shiki and his men.

"I'll be leaving now, Shiki. We'll travel in convoy, and I'll be positioned in the middle," he informed them of his plan.

"Yes, young master," they replied in unison, bowing respectfully.

As they arrived at their destination, a monumental structure rose before them, a testament to the Yamamoto family's power and influence. The Yamamoto Enterprises building soared skyward, a symbol of corporate dominance. Its reflective glass exterior, capturing the essence of modernity, reflected the city's vibrant energy.

Toru and his entourage parked their sleek vehicles in the designated spaces of the spacious parking lot. The cars, aligned in perfect harmony, mirrored the precision and order associated with the renowned Yamamoto Enterprises.

The entrance beckoned with sophistication, a sleek glass façade etched with the company's emblem. As Toru stepped out of his car, he marveled at the architectural prowess that defined the building's exterior. The building's aesthetic balance seamlessly blended contemporary design with a touch of corporate allure.

Entering the lobby, Toru was greeted by the cool ambiance of polished marble floors and a reception area adorned with subtle hints of Japanese aesthetics. The receptionist, clad in professional attire, welcomed him with a polite bow, signaling an air of formality.

Guided by the attentive staff, Toru ascended to the upper floors, where his uncle's office awaited. The interior design echoed the company's commitment to both tradition and innovation. Cherry blossom motifs adorned the walls, juxtaposed against state-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated into the workspace.

Finally reaching his uncle's office, Toru found himself facing his uncle's wife, a poised woman whose elegance matched the surroundings. She extended a warm welcome, her voice a gentle contrast to the corporate hum resonating through the office.

"Toru, my dear nephew, it's been too long," she greeted him with a genuine smile.

His uncle emerged from behind his desk, a figure of authority in the expansive room. He beckoned Toru closer, a sense of purpose in his eyes.

"Toru, I have an important task for you," his uncle declared. "This envelope contains crucial documents. Deliver it to the Old Chief of the Higurashi Yakuza. It's imperative that it reaches them tomorrow."

Toru accepted the responsibility, understanding the gravity of the task at hand. With the envelope securely in his possession, he bid farewell to his uncle's wife and prepared to go home to his apartment. As Toru descended to the 1st floor, his personal bodyguard, Shiki, appeared at his side.

"Young master, how was the meeting with your uncle?" Shiki inquired.

"It went well. He instructed me to deliver something to the Higurashi Yakuza Family tomorrow," Toru responded.

"Could it be related to the upcoming selection?" Shiki asked in a monotone voice.

"It's a possibility. However, the Higurashi Yakuza Family is notorious in Kyoto, and I'm apprehensive about encountering such a formidable clan," Toru admitted.

The Higurashi Yakuza clan instilled fear in Toru, knowing that their leader had the power to kill merely with a glance at someone's wife.

"Don't worry, young master. We'll accompany you to the Yakuza tomorrow," Shiki reassured Toru.

"I'm fine meeting them alone. I just don't want to inadvertently offend such a powerful clan," Toru stated firmly.

Shiki nodded, proud of Toru as the head of his personal guard. He envisioned Toru as a future leader of the esteemed Yamamoto house.

"Toru," a female voice called from a distance.

Toru turned towards the voice and saw his uncle's wife walking towards them.

"Auntie, what's the matter?" he asked.

"Take this sigil with you when meeting the Higurashi. It will ensure your safety," she said, handing him two sigils. One bore the sleek, stylized dragon entwined with a blossoming sakura tree—the Yamamoto Clan sigil. The other featured a coiled black dragon encircling a crimson chrysanthemum—the Higurashi Yakuza Family sigil.

"Thank you, Auntie," Toru expressed his gratitude with a bow.

His auntie patted his head affectionately. "Anything for my nephew," she said before heading back to his uncle's office.

Before leaving, she turned back, "Oh, and don't forget to prepare for the upcoming event. It's happening soon."

"Yes, Auntie," Toru replied.

With his auntie heading upstairs in the elevator, Toru and Shiki returned to their respective cars. They parted ways before Toru reached his apartment.

As the sun descended on the horizon, an arrow gracefully soared, finding its mark dead center in the bulls-eye. Kyoko, adorned in a Japanese archery uniform, bore the evidence of her exertion with beads of sweat glistening on her back—a testament to her triumphant accomplishment. The setting sun bathed her in a warm glow, accentuating the radiance of her beautiful skin.

"Exceptional accuracy. You hit the target admirably," praised her teacher, eliciting a smile from Kyoko as she composed herself.

"Let's proceed with another round," the teacher commanded.

Kyoko, fueled by determination, released yet another arrow that found its mark with unparalleled precision, reinforcing her teacher's belief in her potential as a future archery virtuoso. Her dual achievement, hitting the bulls-eye twice in succession, sparked a genuine smile of accomplishment.

The teacher acknowledged Kyoko's success, presenting her with a certificate from the athletic association of her school. Brimming with delight, Kyoko exited the halls of the training place, the walls echoing with the echoes of her achievements and the promise of a future marked by excellence in archery. As she entered the locker room to change, her phone rang unexpectedly. Without delay, she answered it while in the midst of changing her clothes.

With glee in her voice, she exclaimed, "Hey, love, I finally managed to get the form from the athletic association at school."

The voice on the other end answers in monotone. "That's good, Kyoko. Have you gained his trust?"

She rolled her eyes and replied, "I don't know. His cold demeanor makes it challenging to engage in conversation."

"Good. Now, execute the plan," the voice instructed.

Without hesitation, she responded, "Yes, my love. I will. I love you."

The call ended abruptly, leaving her without a reply. "How can I unravel you, Toru Yamamoto?" she whispered with a sinister smile gracing her face.

A/N: Hello, readers! I'm Crazy_Yamato, and I hope you enjoy my story. This is my first time posting here, and I want to thank you all for your support and for reading my book. I'll be posting daily chapters for the next 4 days, followed by weekly updates for the rest of the story.