POV (Point of View)

Chapter 109: Inner Turmoil

Purgatorio, Nasser Suheil, and Bonten—these three powerful organizations are now gathered inside an abandoned building in the dark alleys of Tokyo. This is one of the most discreet hideouts of the Japanese group, hidden from the watchful masses. They are to confer in this place about their incoming raid on the fourth and last Zodiac quadrant, responsible for the downfall of the multiple warehouses, headquarters, and businesses of Bonten; the oil revenues of Nasser Suehil, and the defeat of Purgatorio's heir. These three gangs were gathered by one person, a leader whom the people in the underworld once underestimated, a woman who have been pronounced dead but came back to life—Selena Schreiber.

"We only have one agenda today. And that is revenge on Zodiac." A deep commanding voice of the meeting's host starts.

Sarina Samidori, Manjiro Sano, Amir Azmi, and Conrad Herrman are seated around a circular table. Behind each of them are their trusted and closest aids. Except for Bonten whose key members are all present. Outside are their guards, making sure this meeting remains hidden and formal.

"I know that we had a rough start. But I hope that everybody cooperates. After all, we have one common enemy." Sarina says and glances around. "Or rather, two common enemies. Can you three promise loyalty to this circle? This mission will not take place if we are not on the same page." The three bosses smirked at the same time and glanced at one another.

"I have sworn my loyalty to you from the very start, Lady Selena. You can expect Nasser Suheil's hundred percent." Started Amir Azmi. Since Gisela is here to translate the conversation for the Arab, language barrier is nothing.

"You have established my loyalty and respect the moment I met you, young Dame." Followed by Conrad. "I am loyal to Purgatorio. I will die for Purgatorio."

A pair of green orbs turned to the man seated across her, waiting.

"Bonten is willing to offer our help if you put our past mistake behind us, Miss Sarina."

"It's water under the bridge, Mikey-kun."

The Bonten king smirked. "Then, Bonten and Purgatorio's alliance is restored."

Sarina tried to hide her anxiety. She is faced with three influential kings in the underground society. Make a mistake and she might become a subject to be ridiculed. She wants to make the impression of the respectable, witty, and virtuoso Aurelia Schreiber; not the ignorant, stupid, and pathetic Sarina Samidori. Thus, as much as she wanted to require Bonten to elaborate on their accusation on Purgatorio way back, she couldn't. She needs Bonten now of all important times. She is willing to do anything to achieve her goal.

"Our first target is Zodiac. I asked Kokonoi-kun to find the possible whereabouts of their last quadrant. Please show them." She turned to the silver-haired who didn't hesitate to come forward holding his laptop as usual.

"I found Zodiac at the north of Tohoku. According to our informants, their nest is located at the foot of one of the most hidden mountains. A few witnesses said they spotted transporters of goods passing through past midnight." With a few clicks, Koko showed a map to the listeners. "However, infiltration will be difficult because according to my men, the base is heavily guarded. And I could also detect mysterious devices planted a few feet deep in the snow."

The rest thought quietly for a second before uttering altogether. "Bombs."

"That's right." Confirmed the tech expert. As Sarina said, she asked Rindou to contact Kokonoi on their way from their steamy adventure in the woods. As expected of the expert, he works fast.

"We're going to need to be careful. Gemini and the others should be aware about what happened to their comrades. They ought to be careful and take precautionary measures." The sole woman said with crossed arms.