Japan; Okayama; International Hotel; 4-5-2026
The next morning, I woke with the remnants of the whisper still echoing in my mind. The Dragon's Tear loomed large in my thoughts, its presence a constant reminder of the weight of my mission. I needed to act swiftly; every moment I spent in the Nishimura's orbit increased my risk of exposure.
After a quick breakfast, I flipped through my notes on the Nishimura family, searching for any connections to the legends surrounding the Dragon's Tear. The more I read, the more I realized how deeply intertwined their history was with the artifact. It wasn't merely an heirloom; it was a symbol of power, a focal point for the family's influence over others in the underworld.
As I contemplated my next move, I considered the tapestry again. Perhaps there was a ritual tied to the Tear, a way to prove my worthiness to uncover its secrets. If I could find out more about the customs of the Nishimura clan, I might be able to align myself with their beliefs and gain their trust.
I decided to pay another visit to the Kurosawa Gallery, where I had made initial inquiries about the Nishimura collection. The curator, an elderly man with a wealth of knowledge, might have insights into the family's traditions and the significance of the artifacts they possessed.
Upon arriving at the gallery, I was greeted warmly by the curator. "Dr. Lee, it's good to see you again. Have you found what you were looking for?"
"Not yet," I replied, forcing a smile. "I was hoping you could shed some light on the Nishimura family's connection to the Dragon's Tear. I've come across some fascinating legends, but I need more context."
The curator's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "The Dragon's Tear is a topic not often discussed. It is said to be cursed, a burden rather than a blessing. Many who sought its power met tragic ends."
"Tragic ends?" I echoed, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
"Those who possess the Tear often find themselves embroiled in conflicts that consume them. The legends warn that the Tear reveals the true nature of one's heart. If it finds selfishness or greed, it can lead to destruction."
I felt a chill run down my spine. This only added to the stakes of my mission. If I was to uncover the secrets of the Nishimura family, I had to tread carefully. But I also needed to get closer to Riki, who seemed to hold a part of the key to both the family and the Tear's secrets.
With this new knowledge in mind, I thanked the curator and left the gallery, my mind racing with possibilities. I needed to find a way to engage with Riki more directly, perhaps even confront him about the legends surrounding the Tear.
The next few days passed in a blur of strategizing and planning. Every interaction any member of the Nishimura family i felt like a high-stakes game of chess—each word carefully chosen, each glance measured. Despite the growing tension, there was an undeniable pull between us. His sharp eyes often lingered on me, as though he could sense the secrets I carried. Yet, I couldn't let that distract me. The Tear, and the truths surrounding it, had to remain my focus.
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𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 |니키˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚
Action온화하지만 잔인하다: Jiyoung Lee is undercover, working for the Korean FBI with one mission: to bring down the notorious Nishimura family. Her target? Riki Nishimura, the heir to the family's criminal empire. As she gets closer to him, Riki begins to suspect...