[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 64

There is not a single lie spoken, yet Takemichi feels deceived. That feeling comes entirely from the man standing in front of him now - Kimura Kenji.

The first time Takemichi meets him is when Taiju has already helped him build up half of his forces. That day marks Takemichi's official debut before his newly formed army, announcing who the true leader is and which gang they now belong to.

At the time, Takemichi thought it was nothing more than an ordinary meeting. Taiju introduces the man to him, saying that this is someone he values greatly. The man introduces himself in an overly serious manner - first bowing deeply in a gesture of great respect, then extending a handshake that makes Takemichi feel slightly awkward. He is far too used to natural behavior, or the rough and crude manners common among delinquents.

This man carries an air completely different from the others. That is the only thing Takemichi's mind registers back then.

But now, looking back on it, he realizes it is not just the air that is different.

That day, countless suspicious gazes are directed at him. Only this man looks at him with something else in his eyes. Even now, Takemichi still cannot understand what that look truly means.

There is also what Taiju tells him - that the man claims to have met Takemichi before, and that he joins Black Dragon out of admiration for him. This information throws Takemichi into deep confusion.

There are many things about him that catch Takemichi off guard. First, he comes from a wealthy family living in an upscale residential area in the heart of Shibuya. Second, despite his refined, scholarly good looks and dignified appearance, he is a genuine playboy. At only seventeen, he is already a VIP at major nightlife venues in the city. His social circle consists of sons and daughters of powerful conglomerates across Tokyo. He once says that when he talks about "running wild across Tokyo," what he really means is indulging in his own endless parties.

He is certainly not a spy from any delinquent gang. Quite the opposite - he belongs to the upper class. His family's social standing is far higher than even the Shiba family's. His life has never once had anything to do with the word delinquent.

This does not reassure Takemichi. Instead, it makes him feel even more unsettled.

And he hates the mask the man always wears - the kind that makes him impossible to read, impossible to understand, impossible to know what he truly wants. His movements are elegant, his attitude unfailingly respectful, his smile always resting on his lips. He looks so proper, so upright, that no one would ever suspect he could harbor the intent to kill someone.

"Hanagaki-sama."

"Stop using that honorific. It gives me the creeps - especially when you're older than me. Use something more appropriate."

The moment he hears the address, Takemichi cuts him off. He truly cannot stand that overly ceremonious way of speaking. The man visibly deflates, his expression turning so dejected it almost looks pitiful. At that moment, Inui suddenly feels like punching someone.

"Hanagaki-kun or Hanagaki-san is fine."

Seeing that, Takemichi does not bother to scold him further. He forces himself to suppress his discomfort and focuses on understanding the situation. There is clearly something hidden behind this man's decision to join Black Dragon.

"Hanagaki-san, I'm sorry for not telling you about my background. It's just that joining Black Dragon is my own wish, and things like where I come from don't feel important to me. Now that I've explained everything, and everyone has already looked into my past, I can prove that I'm not a spy for anyone."