An Heir for the Dragon

Chapter 1: Ten Minutes of Memory

The sun was well into the morning sky of Japan when people started to flood the streets to start their day. A tall man with dyed, messily slicked back black hair with a touch of it spiked up in the front and wearing an outdated suit of dark grey walked along calmly to blend in with the crowd. Sunglasses hid his piercing gaze, and he sighed inwardly. He rubbed a hand over his long, clean-shaven face and he mused on what to do. Finding a bench to watch the rest of the sunrise over the city river, he crossed his arms over his chest and lost himself in a form of deep thought.

What can I do now? Doctors said to lay low. No strenuous activity. The cancer isn't progressing, but it's not getting better. Twice I almost lost my life to this shit. Can I even afford a third time? I was even told to quit smoking! At least the occasional drink is fine... "Hmm?" he blinked and took out his vibrating phone. On seeing who it was, he gave a small smile and answered it. "Kasuga?"

"Kiryu-san! How are you today?" the robust, cheery voice asked.

"Been better. At least I'm holding up. I gave everyone a bit of a scare, eh?" Kiryu said with a light chuckle. "I'm surprised they released me when I was able to walk around again."

"A scare?! That's putting it lightly! We were thinking about setting you up with a personal guard! Even a live-in nurse."

"Don't go that far. I can handle myself just fine when I'm not under stress. And I need to figure out a new place to stay in. I don't want to live in your place all the time. You're back now. You need your place back."

"I know, I know."

"Where is everyone?"

"Well, Sa-chan is working. Chi-chan is also doing her family gig, but she promised to try and meet up with us later to get away from it. Adachi-san was planning on going to the Survive Bar later for drinks. I think he was trying to do some business consulting now that things were cleared up. Oh! Nanba-san also wanted to check on you, too. He could be the live-in nurse if the place you get is large enough and allows it."

"I figured as much. Maybe I should pay him..."

"Just buy him a drink now and then."

"That works, too."

"So, did you want to meet up? I've got nothing happening right now."

"Maybe in twenty minutes? You're not far from me, but too far to walk to each other. This will give us time to meet up properly where I'm at. Sound good?" Kiryu asked. It was agreed on, and he cut the call off. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then he paused and got the uncanny feeling that he was being watched. That same tickle on the back of my neck. It's there. I'm not imagining it. Someone's staring at me with intention...

He stood up and looked around casually. Gone now. Something doesn't feel right. I'll head to the Survive Bar and text Kasuga. He pulled out his phone and was quick to do just that. Then he grimaced. I can't do anything stupid. If I'm being followed, I need to go to a location where others will be expecting me. I'll stick to the idea of going to the Survive Bar. It's in a rather public place.

He took two steps and blinked at his phone vibrating again. Answering it, he said, "I just texted you."

"I know. I'm coming over in a cab car right now to get you. What's your location?" Kasuga asked with concern.

"I'm too far away from you. I was heading to our next location. I'm not saying what the place is out loud. I'll be there in five minutes. I'll meet you there," Kiryu said carefully. "I don't know how close my watcher is."

"So, saying loudly that you know someone is looking for you. That the gig is up. I get it. I'll let the others know. And Seonhee! I'll let her know, too!" Kasuga said and hung up to do just that.