[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 32

"Koko-kun, Inupee-kun, are you two working too fast?"

Takemichi, after meeting Mikey, officially introduces himself to the Black Dragon gang as the 11th-generation leader. He wears his usual clothes, but Kokonoi and Inupee bring him a brand-new white Black Dragon uniform. They bring him to their base, which is Shinichirou's old shop.

"Boss, you should have a bit of dignity. You can't just look like this."

Kokonoi points at Takemichi's outfit: long khaki pants, a T-shirt, and a baseball jacket. He shakes his head in disapproval. Takemichi tries on the uniform. He's used to wearing Touman's uniform, so putting on the Black Dragon's feels strange. But he admits it's really cool.

"It suits you, Hanagaki," says Inupee with a smile when Takemichi steps out in the uniform. He looks the part of a leader right away.

Takemichi scratches his head and smiles awkwardly. "Thanks, you two. It fits perfectly."

"Of course. I have great taste," Kokonoi replies with a smug shrug.

"But is this really okay? Letting us operate under Touman, keeping the name and uniform, while Touman doesn't interfere with Black Dragon's activities?"

Takemichi had told them about this before, but today they confirm it again. Kokonoi and Inupee still find it hard to believe that Takemichi managed to convince Mikey to agree to such terms. Even after seeing how Mikey listens to Takemichi on Christmas, they didn't expect him to allow this. Just how much influence does Takemichi have?

"After New Year, Mikey will announce this to everyone. I'll let you know right after. Until then, get along with Touman, okay? By the way, how's Black Dragon doing?"

"How to put it," Kokonoi starts, "it's not in chaos, but it's not stable either. The old boss was strong and ruled with violence, so there was at least 70% respect and 30% fear. Not to put you down, Boss, but there are members who don't fear you and are opposing you."

"Haha, you don't need to tell me. I already know. But we still have 100 members, right?"

"That depends on how you handle things today, Boss. Leave the rest to me and Inupee. We'll straighten them out," Kokonoi assures him.

When Takemichi arrives at the meeting spot, all 100 Black Dragon members are lined up neatly and orderly. Taiju has clearly trained them well, like a disciplined army. Even if they feel uneasy or dissatisfied, they don't show it much.

Takemichi steps forward, with Kokonoi and Inupee following behind him. If this were before, he would have been terrified by such a sight. But this time, he is determined to fully grasp the power of the Black Dragons in his hands.

He takes a deep breath and steadies himself. Kokonoi and Inupee, walking behind him, suddenly sense a shift in the atmosphere around him. His shoulders seem heavy with responsibility, yet his steps are firm. And there's an indescribable aura of distance and strength about him.

"Hello, everyone. I guess we've seen each other before, haven't we? But let me introduce myself again. I'm Hanagaki Takemichi, a member of Touman's First Division, and now I'm your new leader."

The Black Dragons stay silent. Takemichi can sense many doubtful and defiant gazes, but no one dares to speak up because of Kokonoi and Inupee standing behind him.

"I know you're dissatisfied with me and think I don't deserve this position. Honestly, if we're talking about fighting skills, I bet any one of you could probably beat me. I don't have Kokonoi's financial smarts, nor do I have Shiba Taiju's commanding strength. You're probably wondering if giving Black Dragon to me will weaken the gang, aren't you?"