[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 43

Right now, Takemichi has two things to do. First, speed up the process of getting Mucho back to Izana's side, paving the way for Sanzu to act as a mole. Second, he needs to get a read on Izana's current mindset. He knows too well that one meeting alone only serves to stir up chaos in Izana's mind. That grudge against Mikey has been carved deep into him for years - so deep, so bitter, that just showing up won't suddenly make Izana want to let it go. His desire to burn Mikey to ashes doesn't just vanish because Takemichi appears. He needs to know how far that hatred still goes - and he needs a bigger push. And Takemichi already knows who can "help" him do that.

"Hanagaki, the hell are you doing here?"

Delinquents always have their hideouts. And now, Takemichi knows well enough where they are. This place - wasn't it where he got beaten unconscious and thrown out with Inupi like trash? Painful memory, that one. Literally.

Mucho approaches him. Sanzu trails behind. Their eyes meet for a brief second, a silent exchange of understanding.

"Long time no see, Mucho. I've been waiting for you."

Takemichi says with a calm smile. Of course he knows why Mucho's here right now - and who made it happen. All thanks to Sanzu. Mucho scans the area. No one's with Takemichi. No weapons. But that attitude - way too relaxed. He used to think Takemichi was just some weak idiot who couldn't fight, no clue why Mikey even liked him. But after Bloody Halloween... after that Christmas showdown... something's off. There's more to this kid than meets the eye. Is he hiding strength? A scheme? Mucho can't read a damn thing from those bright eyes or that clueless grin.

But if Takemichi came here alone... then he's basically handing himself over. Because today, the plan is to kidnap him. That's what Izana asked for.

"There are about thirty Black Dragon guys surrounding this place," Takemichi says flatly, as if reading Mucho's thoughts. "All armed. If you try anything funny, they'll strike before you even know where they're coming from."

Mucho flinches, then narrows his eyes in suspicion.

Takemichi steps closer. "Tell Izana-kun... to meet me this afternoon. At X Bridge."

Mucho tries to stay calm, but his face betrays a flicker of shock. How does he know about Izana? Why does he want to meet him? Just how much does he already know?

"You... how the hell - "

"Come on, Mucho. You think I got this far by luck? I've got a power that lets me know everything."

Takemichi half-jokes, his smile sly and sharp. It's not the Takemichi Mucho remembers. That tone, that look - it throws him off just enough to forget his next move. Takemichi doesn't give him time to recover.

"You want Kokonoi... or maybe even me? Then tell Izana to come alone. Got it, Mucho?"

With that, Takemichi turns and walks away. And just like that, guys from the Black Dragons - dressed in plain clothes, steel rods and wooden sticks in hand - emerge one by one from alleys and behind walls. They fall in step behind Takemichi, silent, ready.

"That guy, he... why would he...?"

Sanzu feigns confusion, his voice laced with questions.

"Mucho-san, what's going on? Who's Izana? What is that guy even talking about? Is he trying to betray Toman or something?"

Sanzu stays calm, playing his part perfectly as the clueless outsider.

Mucho stares at him for a moment before speaking. "I don't know what that guy's up to, but in this case, the one betraying Toman... is me."