Dark Knight

Yubiwa

A few days after encountering a group belonging to the Yubiwa, Rin had to prepare for his departure, and while he was preparing, he had to research Mongolia. According to Arban, he had to locate him in Khüiten Peak, which is a mountain region in Mongolia. With the help of RETRO, which he had installed on his personal devices such as his smartphone, he was able to locate what seemed to be a hideout in that mountain region. After doing further research, he had already made progress in planning his departure from Japan by flight. Several hours later, he reached Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Upon his arrival, Rin had to stay in the city for a while  to buy the equipment he needed before he could get to Khüiten Peak. This was going to take some time as there were limited flights going to Ölgii in Western Mongolia. He took the alternate route by flying to Khovd and then hiring a jeep for a four-hour drive to Ölgii. This would get him to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Once he arrived, it was time for him to venture off on his own in the cold weather. The region where his destination was located was quite close to the Chinese and Russian borders, but it would take him some time to reach his destination, having to walk and climb Khüiten Peak, or more specifically, the Altai Mountains that are close to the Chinese and Russian borders.

After nearly a full day of traveling, Rin had finally reached his destination, tired and exhausted as he located the large structure of the hideout. The large doors surrounded by pillars were guarded by two men, each dressed in traditional ional clothing with the Yubiwa symbol on them, indicating that Rin was at the right place. After he had climbed up the stairs, he collapsed onto his hands and knees, breathing heavily in exhaustion before lifting his head up to look at the two individuals staring down at him.

"I'm... here to see... Arban..." Rin spoke tiredly, prompting the two figures to open the large doors. Rin slowly pushed himself up to a standing position and slowly walked ahead, entering the building. Inside, many torches attached to the walls were lit, providing light and warmth to their surroundings. Despite his exhaustion, he remained on guard, but soon he noticed an individual walking down the grand staircase ahead. In fact, the man looked familiar—it was the same man who had invited him to find this hideout.

"Rin Nanase," the man called out to him as he approached. "I'm glad you could make it here."

"I'm... here to see Arban," Rin said.

"You're looking at him right now," Arban stated, revealing to Rin that the man he sought was right before his eyes. Rin fell silent, unsure of what to say. His fatigue from his long travels in Mongolia was the primary reason for his silence.

"Shocked?" Arban questioned.

"No..." Rin spoke quietly. "Just exhausted..."

"That's not a good excuse," Arban replied. "The Yubiwa never tires."

Rin was silent for a few more seconds, looking up at Arban. "Where's Yuusuke?"

"The man you seek is no longer here," Arban replied.

"—What?" Rin questioned, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Yusuke betrayed us. He acted selfishly for his own personal gain."

"I don't understand..." Rin said, confusion lacing his tone. "You told me to come here, and now you're telling me this?"

"The reason I invited you is that believe, t as his younger orphaned brother, you have every right to avenge yourself by taking his life. That is why I've allowed you to embark on this path, but under one condition."

"A condition? What condition?" Rin inquired.

"Join the Yubiwa. Allow me to guide you, lend you my power and strength, and you will achieve your vengeance against your brother," Arban laid out the terms.

"And if I refuse?" Rin said, his voice firm.

"Then we will take matters into our own hands to bring justice against Yusuke, and you will waste your life away for nothing. The choice is yours."

Rin fell silent, momentarily averting his gaze from Arban. He had to think quickly. Ever since losing his family, all Rin had ever wanted was vengeance—to be the only one to take down Yusuke for his actions. He wouldn't be satisfied if someone else did it, so his options were limited. He had another question, and he turned his gaze back to Arban. "What is the Yubiwa?"

Arban smirked slightly at Rin's question before answering, "The Yubiwa is an organization that dates back centuries. We take matters into our own hands, dismantling corrupt systems from the shadows all over the world to preserve peace and balance so that everyone can thrive in the light," he explained succinctly.

"...And you want to recruit me?" Rin asked.

"I see potential in you," Arban said. "You seem like a suitable replacement for Yusuke. You can do much better than he has ever done, especially right after you have gotten vengeance against your older brother."

Rin would again turn his gaze away from Arban slightly, again thinking about this offer. Based on his encounters with the Yubiwa so far, they did seem incredibly powerful, and Rin had already struggled fighting against Arban recently. If he were to join the Yubiwa, his chances of finding Yuusuke would be higher. Not to mention, being trained under their organization, he could learn a lot from it and also improve his fighting style. After making his decision, Rin would glance up at Arban. "Alright, I'll accept your offer, as long as the terms are met."

Arban was expecting Rin to join the Yubiwa and knew he would take this offer, considering that Rin would find a way to get stronger and take down Yuusuke. "Very well then. From this day forth, I will be your mentor. Welcome to the Yubiwa, Rin Nanase."