I'd let the world burn for you... || Tokyo Revengers

The Shiba siblings

It was a bright, sunny day, even if the winter was right around the corner, and the warmth of the afternoon sun bathed the city streets in a golden glow. Kaiya and Akira strolled along the sidewalk, their footsteps in sync as they chatted about Akira's latest painting project. She needed new supplies for her work, and Kaiya had offered to keep her company.

Kaiya, ever composed, wore a black jacket, a chic white shirt tucked into a sleek black skirt, her poised and elegant demeanor turning heads as they passed by. Her outfit gave off a cool sophistication, her long black hair swaying gently in the breeze. Akira, in contrast, was dressed in a vibrant pink skirt and a crisp white blouse, and on top of those a pink floral jacket, her lively appearance a reflection of her spirited personality. Her energy was infectious, and her excitement about the art project bubbled through her conversation.

As they walked, Kaiya's eyes flickered to their surroundings, her posture growing more tense with each step. The streets seemed normal enough—bustling with people and the hum of daily life—but there was an undercurrent of tension that only she could sense. They were entering Black Dragon territory, a gang she was all too familiar with. Her instincts sharpened, her guard raised. She knew it wasn't safe, and she kept scanning the alleyways and corners, alert for any signs of trouble.

Akira, oblivious to the tension, continued talking about her project, unaware of the way her cousin's attention had shifted.

Kaiya nodded along, but her mind was elsewhere. I should've chosen a different route, she thought, cursing the fact that this was the quickest way to the art store. If they encountered any of the Black Dragons, things could get messy fast. She didn't want to draw attention to herself, especially with Akira by her side. Her heart pounded softly in her chest, but her outward demeanor remained calm and collected.

They passed by a narrow alleyway, and Kaiya's eyes darted to the shadows, her breath hitching slightly. So far, so good—no sign of trouble. But just in case, she began subtly steering Akira toward a different street. If they could slip away unnoticed, they'd be fine.

Kaiya had learned about the current captain of the Black Dragons from Mitsuya, his voice filled with quiet concern when he mentioned Taiju Shiba's name. Taiju, a towering figure both in stature and reputation, had earned his place through ruthless violence. Mitsuya's vice-captain, Hakkai, was far quieter, but the weight of his burden was no less heavy. Mitsuya had explained how Taiju lorded over his younger siblings with iron fists, regularly subjecting Hakkai and their sister, Yuzuha, to unspeakable violence. The stories were enough to make Kaiya's stomach turn, but she had known better than to show her distress.

Despite everything, Kaiya had exchanged pleasantries with Yuzuha on several occasions. The young woman had a certain strength in her eyes, tempered by a sadness that Kaiya could recognize all too well. Though Kaiya never confronted Yuzuha about the abuse she knew she suffered, the bond between them grew quietly. It was a bond built on understanding and shared, unspoken pain. Hakkai, on the other hand, was different. Whenever Kaiya came near, his face flushed and his body stiffened with awkwardness. He seemed incapable of holding eye contact, freezing whenever she spoke to him. His nervousness around girls saddened her; he had clearly endured more than most could imagine. It was tragic how Taiju's cruelty had broken both siblings' spirits—it reminded her too much of her own father and of Kensho, the same darkness lurking in the shadows of her past.

Now, standing close to their home, she felt her heart tighten. This was dangerous ground, Black Dragons territory. She had hoped to slip through unnoticed, but the ever-present tension weighed heavy in the air, warning her that things might not go as smoothly as she hoped. She could only pray her skills in diplomacy would be enough if conflict arose.