Dark Knight

Yubiwa

A few days after his encounter with the mysterious group known as the Yubiwa, Rin began preparing for his departure. His destination: Mongolia.

According to the man, he was to locate him near Khüiten Peak, deep within the mountain ranges bordering China and Russia. Using RETRO, a specialized software installed on his personal devices, Rin managed to pinpoint what appeared to be a large structure hidden in that region-possibly the Yubiwa's hideout.

After finalizing his research and travel plans, Rin booked a flight out of Japan. Several hours later, he landed in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.

For the first few days, he remained in the city to purchase the gear he would need for his journey-cold-weather clothing, climbing equipment, and survival supplies. Flights to Ölgii, located in western Mongolia, were scarce, forcing him to improvise. Instead, he took a connecting flight to Khovd, then hired a jeep for a long, four-hour drive through the desolate landscape toward Ölgii. From there, he continued into the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, where Khüiten Peak towered in the distance, blanketed in snow and silence.

The final stretch had to be done on foot. For nearly a full day, Rin hiked through the freezing winds, scaling the jagged terrain of the Altai Mountains. By the time he finally reached his destination, his body was battered by exhaustion and cold.

Before him stood a vast stone structure built into the mountainside. Massive pillars flanked the entrance, and two guards-each wearing traditional Mongolian garments marked with the Yubiwa insignia-stood silently at the doors.

Rin forced himself up the final steps, his legs trembling beneath him. He collapsed onto his hands and knees, gasping for air before raising his head toward the guards.

"I'm... here to see... Arban..." he managed to say through labored breaths.

The guards exchanged a glance, then silently pushed open the towering doors. Rin steadied himself, pushing his tired body upright, and stepped inside.

The interior was illuminated by torchlight, their flickering flames casting shadows along the ancient stone walls. The warmth was a welcome change from the freezing wind outside, yet Rin remained cautious, his senses alert.

From the far end of the grand hall, a man descended the staircase. His presence was commanding, his movements deliberate. Rin immediately recognized him-the same man who had once extended the invitation that brought him here.

"Rin Nanase," the man called out, his voice calm yet powerful. "I'm glad you could make it."

Rin steadied his breath. "I'm... here to see Arban."

"You're looking at him right now," the man replied, his lips curling into a faint smile.

Rin blinked, taken aback. "You're... Arban?"

"The one and only," Arban confirmed, stopping a few steps away from him.

Rin said nothing for a moment. The weight of his journey pressed down on him like the mountain itself.

"Shocked?" Arban asked.

"No," Rin murmured. "Just exhausted..."

Arban's expression hardened. "That's not a good excuse. The Yubiwa never tires."

Rin looked up at him, his jaw tightening. "Where's Yuusuke?"

Arban's gaze darkened. "The man you seek is no longer here."

"What?" Rin's voice sharpened, disbelief evident.

"Yuusuke betrayed us," Arban said coldly. "He acted for his own selfish gain."

"I don't understand..." Rin said, shaking his head. "You told me to come here-now you're saying he's gone?"

Arban took a slow step forward. "The reason I invited you here is because, as his younger brother, you have the right to avenge your family. You alone can end what he began. But-" his tone grew heavier-"you must first meet one condition."

Rin frowned. "What condition?"

"Join the Yubiwa," Arban declared. "Allow me to guide you. Train under me. Accept my strength, and I will give you the means to find Yuusuke-and the power to kill him."

Rin's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"

"Then we will deal with Yuusuke ourselves," Arban replied bluntly. "And your life, your pain, will have been for nothing. The choice is yours."

Silence hung between them. Rin's mind raced. Since the night his family was murdered, he had lived for one purpose: vengeance. He couldn't let anyone else take that from him.

Finally, he raised his head, meeting Arban's eyes. "What exactly is the Yubiwa?"

A small smirk tugged at Arban's lips. "The Yubiwa is an organization that has existed for centuries. We move in the shadows-dismantling corrupt systems, balancing the scales of the world, ensuring peace where the light of justice fails to reach."

Rin listened silently.

"And you want me to be a part of that?" he asked.

"I see potential in you," Arban replied. "You could surpass your brother. Become the weapon he failed to be. Fulfill your vengeance-and your purpose."

Rin lowered his gaze, thinking deeply. The Yubiwa were powerful. His encounter with them had already proven that. Joining them would give him the training, resources, and reach to find Yuusuke again.

After a long pause, Rin looked back at Arban.

"...Alright," he said. "I'll accept your offer-so long as the terms are met."

Arban smiled knowingly. "I knew you would. From this day forward, I am your mentor."

He extended his hand.

"Welcome to the Yubiwa, Rin Nanase."