Brothas

In the Shadows

[City: Salem, Illinois, Time: 8:15 A.M.]

[Location: Kebo's Penthouse Apartment]

My perspective shifted towards Kasuga's former subordinate, Jo Sawashiro, in the parking garage:

Once I wrapped up my chores, including taking out the trash, I began my walk back to the lobby from the garage.

The moment I stepped out of the parking garage, an eerie sensation washed over me, as though someone were tailing me.

Then, emerging from the shadows, Jo Sawashiro—once a subordinate of Kasuga—stepped into my path.

He insisted he had lost his former loyalties and was no longer aligned with Kasuga. Yet, he ominously disclosed that he was there to exact revenge on him.

To provoke me, he snatched my phone, crushed it beneath his shoe, and threatened to take my life if I didn't reveal Kasuga's whereabouts.

I found myself ensnared in the parking garage again, held captive in this relentless morning with Sawashiro blocking my escape.

Fear paralyzed me as I felt the cold steel of his katana pressed against my throat, inching closer.

My heart raced, fear engulfing me as I realized the danger I was in.

Though fear gripped me, I still summoned the courage to stand my ground and defend myself.

With the katana threateningly at my throat, Sawashiro jeered, 'Come on, kid. Time's ticking.' He wasn't joking, and his threats were all too real.

He continued to berate me, the intent to kill evident in his tone: 'Start talking. Where is he if you want to live?'

I laughed defiantly, refusing to cower. 'Is this the game we're playing? You think I'll tell you where Kasuga is while you're trying to kill me?'

I clicked my tongue dismissively. 'You've completely lost it.'

Sawashiro growled and pressed the blade harder against my skin. 'Shut the hell up! Tell me where Ichi is, or you're a dead man!'

Despite the fear constricting me, I responded fiercely, 'I'm not telling you a damn thing, you bastard!' I wouldn't betray Kasuga, no matter the cost.

He hissed, pressing the katana even closer. 'Don't toy with me, you motherfucker!' His raw malice was palpable, fueled by his desire to eliminate me.

He continued to torment me, his intent to kill evident: 'You think you can outsmart me? Reveal Ichiban's location, or you're finished.'

Frozen by fear and uncertainty, I felt trapped in his threatening grip, unsure of how to break free.

I came to a stark realization: I had two choices—fight or submit. I chose to stand firm and fight back, refusing to back down.

I shake my head, gathering every ounce of courage, I snarled at Sawashiro, "Get the fuck out of my apartment."

Sawashiro's blade pressed deeper into my flesh as he hissed, "This isn't how it works. Tell me where he is, or you'll be dead."

I stood firm, ready to fight, while Sawashiro's katana hovered in my throat threateningly.

"Get the fuck out of my apartment, I'm not fucking playing!" I instructed Sawashiro to leave my apartment before things escalated any further, making it clear that staying on my good side is non-negotiable.

A cold shiver ran down my spine as I stood alone, searching for a way to defend myself.

But Sawashiro was determined to finish me off, his katana trembling with anticipation, "I warned you; this ends today."