Kodoku

Chapter 19

The women from Tenjiku moved through the wide halls of Yaga's headquarters with a mix of tension and relief. It was a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind, but the air was still thick with uncertainty. Shoko and Utahime worked diligently to keep things organized, directing the women to their assigned rooms and ensuring everyone was settled. Their voices were calm, their movements efficient as they navigated the delicate task of making this place feel like a safe haven, even if only temporarily.

Rin oversaw the entire operation, her sharp eyes constantly scanning the room, tracking every detail, every movement. She wore her usual calm, dignified expression, but beneath it, there was a weariness that was impossible to hide. The dark circles under her eyes betrayed the many sleepless nights she had endured, plagued by the endless questions and accusations from the police. They had been relentless, hounding her about Tenjiku’s supposed involvement in the gang war, a war that had spiraled far beyond anyone’s control.

Tenjiku’s backers had begun pulling out, distancing themselves from the chaos, leaving Rin with dwindling resources and limited options. The once-powerful network she had relied on was crumbling, and with every passing day, the pressure mounted. She knew that choosing to move her people into Yaga’s headquarters was a bold, dangerous decision—a blatant declaration of where her loyalties lay. And while she trusted Yaga, the fear of repercussions lingered in the back of her mind.

As she walked through the halls, checking in with the women, offering reassurances and calm words of encouragement, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were all walking on a razor’s edge. The women of Tenjiku knew too many secrets, held too much knowledge about the inner workings of the other factions. Their move to Yaga’s HQ was not just a strategic choice; it was a gamble that could easily turn them into targets.

Yaga watched the women settling in with a quiet satisfaction. His expression was calm, but there was a deep, lingering guilt in his eyes. He couldn’t help but feel responsible for the police targeting Tenjiku, knowing that his own position and influence had played a part in drawing the authorities' attention to them. He was determined to make amends, to provide a safe space for these women, especially for Rin, who had so courageously brought them here despite the risks.

As Rin approached him, her posture composed but her fatigue evident, Yaga offered her a gentle, reassuring smile. “I’m glad to see everyone is getting settled,” he said, his tone warm and sincere, “You’ve done a great job keeping them together.”

Rin nodded, her eyes softening a little as she met his gaze. “Thank you, Yaga-san," she said with a gentle smile, "It hasn’t been easy, but they’re strong. They’ll manage.”

Yaga’s smile grew slightly, a hint of pride in his eyes. “As long as I’m here, you and your girls will be safe," he assured her, "You have my word on that.”

Rin’s breath hitched slightly at his words, and she quickly averted her gaze, grateful but also struggling with the vulnerability that his kindness brought out in her. “I appreciate that more than you know,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and exhaustion, “We’ve had enough of the chaos. They deserve a chance to breathe, to feel safe, even if just for a little while.”

Yaga’s expression turned serious, a deep understanding in his eyes as he watched her. “And they will. I’ll make sure of it," he promised.

Rin nodded again, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Thank you,” she repeated, her voice firmer this time as she offered him a small, grateful smile.

As she turned to continue assisting her girls, the weight of her responsibility pressed down on her shoulders, but there was also a small flicker of hope. Despite the fear, despite the uncertainty, she knew that Yaga’s offer of safety was genuine. And for now, that would have to be enough.