Dark Knight

Vengeance

The next morning, Rin Nanase opened his eyes and found himself lying in a dark alleyway, waking up next to a wall. He slowly sat up, pressing his back against the wall and rested his elbows on his knees, clenching his fists. He thought back to his recent fight, recalling the words that Yuusuke had said, calling him weak. However, he remembered the emblem he saw on all of them, just like the one he first saw on Yuusuke the first night Yuusuke massacred the whole family. Later that day, he would walk into his own mansion home after he booked a ride for himself through a taxi service. Walking through the front doors of his home, he was greeted by his butler named Sebastian.

"Good morning, Master Nanase. You look like you've had a rough night," said Sebastian.

"Just make me some breakfast. The usual sunny-side-up eggs with toast and coffee," Rin replied as he made his way past him and towards the large computer room.

"Right away, sir," Sebastian walked towards the kitchen to prepare breakfast for him. Meanwhile, Rin clapped his hands twice, prompting the projections across the room to light up a blue color, emitting a 3D infographic hologram across the room.

"Good morning, sir," the male AI called RETRO (Reinvented Eternal Time Retro Online), something he created on his own to assist him across his home and personal devices.

"Pull up the drawing board," said Rin as the light blue holographic drawing board was projected in front of him. He used his finger to draw a sphere.

"Reverse search that and look for any organizations with that symbol," Rin commanded Retro, prompting the AI to search across the Internet for that symbol that could be linked to an organization. After a few seconds, a few images with limited descriptions showed up, revealing an organization called "Yubiwa," a mafia group that originated in Japan. They had existed for several centuries, enacting activities in the shadows, but little was known about them.

"Look up Yuusuke Nanase and find any connection between the two," Rin commanded. This pulled up online sources for Yuusuke Nanase, revealing no connection between the two. The only information shown was that he was a wanted criminal for eradicating the Nanase family except for his younger brother, Rin Nanase. He disappeared without a trace after the night of the Nanase massacre.

"Your breakfast is served, Master Nanase," Sebastian said as he walked into the room and set the plate of sunny-side-up eggs and a mug of warm coffee on the desk. "Quite an interesting research you're doing."

"Yeah..." Rin said, walking over to the desk where his breakfast was.

"Why the sudden interest in the mafia?" Sebastian asked.

"Because I suspect that Yuusuke is part of it and I want to find him through them," Rin replied. He took a sip of coffee before beginning to eat his food.

Sebastian glanced at the holographic screens, silent for a moment before speaking. "How can you be so sure?"

"The emblem," Rin answered. "Yuusuke had one on his clothing. I remembered that night when the massacre happened. Last night I encountered him again, and this time his men were there too, carrying the same symbol. They were all after me."

Sebastian returned his gaze to Rin, now understanding why Rin looked so bruised when he walked in. "And you think they'll just hand him over to you like that once you find them?"

Rin released a sigh and sat down on a chair, leaning his back against it. "I've got to  try something. I can't just let him go like that... after everything..."

"You're putting yourself in the criminal underworld," Sebastian said. "This is a dangerous path."

"I know, but based on what happened last night, it seems like I'm his next target now. I'm going to do everything in my power to avenge my family," Rin said. "I'll be departing for Japan begin rt my search there."

"Even if you were to find your brother and eliminate him, the mafia would place a bounty on your head. Furthermore, from the information available here, there is limited data about the said organization," Sebastian reminded Rin, finding his plan too risky. "We don't know their motives or activities, and the lack of information puts you at a disadvantage."

"I'm aware of that. If they obstruct me, I'll eliminate them all," Rin said. "Again, I must attempt something. I can't allow him to roam freely after everything he's done."

"Then I suggest you conduct further research before your departure. You know they're based in Japan, but do you know their location?" Sebastian asked.

"I don't currently, but I have my methods of finding what I seek," Rin said confidently.

"And what about your position as CEO of Nanase Corporations? How long will you be absent?"

"I'm uncertain of the duration, but cancel the conference meeting. Kevin can temporarily assume the role of Chief Executive Officer until my return. Until then, my journey must remain confidential."

"Very well," Sebastian responded. "And how will you explain your absence to everyone?"

"Make up any story." Rin didn't know what kind of excuse he would make, but he trusted his butler to make up a reason for why he stepped down and disappeared. He stood up, taking the last bite of his food, and then took sips from his mug of coffee. "Make it seem as if I suddenly disappeared without a word."

"You're serious, Master Nanase?" Sebastian questioned in disbelief.

"If only you wished I was kidding, Sebastian." Rin began to walk past him, continuing to drink his coffee before speaking again. "I'll depart in a couple of days."

Sebastian had to follow along with his wishes despite finding this a terrible idea. He had been serving Rin since he was an orphan, wanting to be there for him since he lacked a family. Regardless of Rin's decision-making, he supported Rin, trusting that he knew what he was doing despite the idea seeming unsafe. For the next couple of days, Rin Nanase would be doing further research on the Yubiwa before his departure.