Suribachi's vagabond (english vers)

Chapter 2.3 : The threads of destiny

The mafia subordinates surrounded Toru and Haru, who seemed quite worried about the situation. Toru, on the other hand, continued to ask her questions calmly... In reality, she had no intention of letting him be killed, but capturing him for the port mafia was the best course of action if he was truly under threat from this new organization.

"Here's my first question. How did you really find out that a new organization was operating in the neighborhood? I want to know everything you know about them."

Haru briefly looked around, trying to find a way out, but he was surrounded. He sighed before confessing.

"This organization is called Dusk..."

Toru raised an eyebrow.
"Dusk?"

Haru nodded, his expression still worried.
"Yes... Actually, last week, I received a strange call from my brother. He seemed panicked and asked me to come as soon as possible, which I did. In fact, he vaguely mentioned you to a nurse at the hospital... The problem is that apparently this hospital is strongly linked to Dusk, especially because this organization is involved in organ trafficking. I don't really know what they want with you... when I arrived, my brother was held captive by armed guys, and they told me they would release him and treat him if I helped them capture you. The only thing I know is that they referred to you as a "promising candidate" after the results you showed in an experiment, and that the results in question were "beyond their expectations"..."

Toru listened attentively, but she couldn't figure out what experiment he was referring to.
"An experiment?"

"Yes... I'm not sure what they were talking about. What I do know is that they need your power, one way or another."

Toru crossed her arms and looked away as she pondered what he had just said. How could her power be useful to them? This question lingered in her mind, but it was evident that she wouldn't get an immediate answer. She looked back at him before asking her second question.
"I see... Tell me... Do you happen to know who exactly is leading Dusk?"

"Yes... He was the one who welcomed me at the hospital. He told me his name is Kenzaburo."
Haru then lowered his gaze.
"Sorry, but that's all I know..."

Toru looked at him carefully. He was telling the truth; he didn't know more. However, he didn't seem so reluctant to hand Toru over... not because he wouldn't feel guilty for doing so, but because he seemed convinced that somehow, if he had handed Toru over, she would have found a way to escape.

Toru sighed, exasperated by Haru's naivety...
"That's enough... that'll do."

At least now she knew that the organization had ties to the clinic on the outskirts of Suribachi. But there was a catch... she had planned to make Haru her prisoner, but if he disappeared, it could raise suspicions among the organization's members, who might simply flee at the slightest hint of trouble.

"I assume you're obligated to report to them regularly on the progress of your work, right?"

Haru nodded.
"Yes... or else they'll go after my brother, that's what they told me."

Toru continued to think for a moment before looking at Haru.
"I might have an idea... but you better follow the entire plan. To the letter."

_______________________________

Yokohama Concession, Outskirts of Suribachi, 5 hours later, in the evening.

Toru and a few subordinates, accompanied by Haru, were scouting near the clinic, around a building adjacent to it. They remained discreet as Haru guided them to Dusk's secret base.

"So, this is where they operate?"
Toru asked in a low voice.

Haru nodded before answering.
"Yes... they stay close to the hospital to keep an eye on organ trafficking..."