[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 48

At Tenjiku's base, a meeting between the core members is underway. Kisaki stands at the front, laying out his plan.

"Tomorrow's the perfect day to move. I've found out Black Dragon has to deploy their whole force to Ginza for some business. Kokonoi and Inui are tagging along. Takemichi won't be involved, so it'll just be him and Touman left in Shibuya. It's the perfect chance. If we capture Takemichi, Kokonoi and Inui will fall in line automatically. We won't have to worry about Black Dragon's hundred men anymore. After that, we aim for Touman's captains. I'll hand you their schedules. Be careful though, those guys aren't pushovers. Stay clear of Draken. None of you can handle him."

"We know exactly how strong Touman is," Ran says with a dry laugh.
Kisaki flashes a cold smile back.

"Just a reminder, since Kakucho and Mochi haven't fought them directly yet," he says.

The fake friendliness between them stinks up the room. They look like good allies, but deep down, both find the other seriously annoying.

"Takemichi knows quite a bit about us. Are you sure this plan's gonna work?" Izana speaks up, his voice cool and sharp.

"I've looked into him thoroughly. There's nothing unusual," Kisaki answers confidently. "I'm surprised he found out about us this early, even noticed Mucho following you... but still, no signs of him pulling anything suspicious."

He pauses, thoughtful, but he trusts his own investigation. Takemichi doesn't seem to be plotting anything.

"Even if he knows some stuff about us, it's not a big deal. Our numbers are way stronger. That's why we need to strike fast and not give them any time to prepare. And to make Takemichi listen, we'll grab a few of his friends - his buddies from Mizo Middle School. They're weaklings, so taking them won't be a big problem. Mucho, you're on that."

"Aww, our little darling is really something. If I ever meet him, I have to give him a scolding."

After the meeting ends, Ran stretches lazily as he walks, muttering to his brother. Only during the meeting does he realize - his already crowded list of rivals just gained a new member: their oh-so-respected boss.

"This is giving me a headache... Whatever, we'll just bring him back first and sort it out later," Rindou shrugs, helpless.

He can't do much about it. It's not like it's his fault the person both he and his brother are crushing on turns out to be so damn charming. Flowers bloom at his feet, people fall for him left and right - and now even someone as brutal as Izana is paying attention? Yeah, that's completely unexpected. But really, Takemichi never ceases to surprise him. That's just who he is.

Just then, Kisaki and Hanma walk past them. Hanma catches Ran's eye and immediately flashes a mocking grin.

"Careful, Ran. When Takemichi sees you again, he might show you that 'I hate you' face. Don't get too excited."

Ran gives a faint smile, but his eyes are sharp and cold.

"Takemichi's kind. He wouldn't hate me over something like that," he replies quietly.

Rindou steps up beside him, gaze hard on Hanma, ready to throw hands if Hanma stirs up trouble.

Kisaki scowls, clearly annoyed. "Enough, Hanma. Quit it."

Hanma throws his hands up in fake surrender, but he still smirks at Ran before strolling after Kisaki.

"What a jackass," Rindou mutters under his breath, glaring after Hanma. Ran just shakes his head, but a dark, violent gleam sparks deep in his eyes.

Takemichi stays with Inupee and Kokonoi at their base. Outside, the rain pours down in heavy sheets, bringing with it a damp, biting cold.

"Boss, tomorrow..."