Operation: Zodiac

Chapter 2

Aries POV:

Every bruise, every scar, every lesson I carried from my father's dojo had led me to this moment. The quiet intensity of Tokyo nights wrapped around me as I waited for the signal. The air felt electric—thick with potential danger, yet oddly familiar. It was the same kind of tension I thrived on during my training, the type of test that didn't just challenge my body but my mind.

This mission wasn't just another assignment. It was personal.

My earpiece crackled, breaking the silence.

"Aries," came the voice of my handler. "You're up. Surveillance shows the package is on the move. Target is heading east through Shibuya, likely toward the exchange point."

I exhaled, focusing on the rhythmic beat of my heart. Stealth operations were never easy in Tokyo's bustling streets, but I had the advantage of knowing every corner of this city—the shortcuts, the blind spots, the hiding places.

"Understood," I replied, pulling the hood of my jacket up and melting into the crowd.

The target was a courier, a small-time player delivering a coded flash drive rumored to contain a list of covert operatives stationed in East Asia. If that list fell into the wrong hands, it could compromise countless lives—including mine.

The chase began with patience.

I spotted the courier easily enough—his nervous energy betrayed him. He clutched a satchel tightly, his eyes darting around like he expected trouble at any moment. Smart. Trouble was already here.

I followed at a safe distance, weaving through the crowd like a shadow. Tokyo was alive tonight: neon signs flickered above us, casting multicolored reflections on the wet pavement, and the air buzzed with conversation and laughter.

But I heard none of it. I focused on the courier, my mind cataloging every move he made. He ducked into a side street, and I followed.

"Target heading into the alley near Aoyama," I murmured into the comm.

"Copy that," came the reply. "Be advised, intel suggests backup may be nearby. Proceed with caution."

"Understood."

The alley was a narrow corridor flanked by towering buildings, perfect for an ambush. My instincts screamed at me to stay alert. I adjusted my stance, ready for anything.

The courier stopped, glancing around nervously before pulling out his phone. He tapped furiously, likely sending a confirmation message to whoever was waiting at the exchange point.

This was my chance.

I moved swiftly, silently, closing the distance between us in seconds. One hand clamped over his mouth while the other disarmed him of a small knife he had barely managed to pull from his pocket.

"Don't scream," I hissed in Japanese. "I'm not here to hurt you."

His wide eyes said he didn't believe me, but he nodded frantically.

"Where's the flash drive?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

He didn't answer, but his gaze flicked toward the satchel. I grabbed it, pulling it open to reveal the device nestled among papers and a worn wallet.

"Thank you," I said, stepping back.

That's when I heard the sound I'd been expecting: the click of a gun's safety being disengaged.

I spun, dropping low just as a bullet whizzed past where my head had been a second ago. The courier took off running, but he was no longer my concern.

Two men stepped into the alley, their silhouettes sharp against the neon glow of the city beyond. Both were armed, and both looked like they meant business.