High & Low ~The story of SWORD~

Act 3: A yak in the Dark

Later that evening, Cobra, Yamato, Tettsu, Dan, Chiharu, and Kasumi arrived at Bar ODAKE, a place owned by Mama Odake, who was considered a mentor to the youth around the Sannoh district. The group ordered some vodka, while Kasumi helped Chiharu tend to his wounds. Tettsu, ever the social media enthusiast, snapped a picture of Dan's mouth to post on Instagram. Dan, in his usual dramatic fashion, complained about his teeth possibly falling out. Meanwhile, Yamato, who was munching on nuts, teased Cobra, saying, "In the end, you fought too, didn't you?" With a smug look, Cobra leaned on the counter, his arms crossed, and replied, "I just wanted to protect the Hoodlum Squad." Yamato chuckled and shot back, "That's just an excuse."

The bar owner, overhearing their banter, smiled and said, "Isn't that a good thing? Seems like Murayama knows how 'connections' work. There's a reward for consistently protecting what you believe in." Yamato, never one to miss a chance to boast, stood up and proclaimed, "Then it's all thanks to me." The others nodded in agreement before playfully telling him to sit back down.

Chiharu, who had been quiet up until now, stood up and walked over to the group. With a serious expression, he announced that he was ready to leave the Hoodlum Squad. He explained that his actions had caused too much trouble for them. The group asked him what the purpose of today was, but Chiharu only agreed to stay when Cobra, with a calm but firm gaze, told him, "Do as you want." As if on cue, the bar owner brought over a bottle of tequila and poured drinks for everyone. Dan, ever the instigator, teased Chiharu about being underage and unable to drink. Yamato and Tettsu joined in on the teasing, while Chiharu and Cobra both raised their glasses.

However, there was one person they hadn't considered—Kasumi. She had been sitting quietly at a table across the room, watching as the others enjoyed themselves. Not wanting to interfere, she had kept her distance, but she soon realized it was time for her to leave. Her attention was drawn to the bar owner, who placed a drink next to Cobra. Kasumi didn't walk over immediately; after all, the last time someone had left a drink next to Cobra, the outcome hadn't been pleasant. Still, she reasoned that a drink with these Yankees might be better than facing the Iemura Group, whom she hoped never to see again. She stood up, adjusted her high heels, and made her way to the counter.

Cobra noticed the drink next to him, glanced around, and before his tired mind could figure out who it was for, Kasumi had already reached the bar and sat down beside him. The boys looked over, confused by her sudden appearance. Kasumi reached for her drink, but Cobra swiftly pulled it away, saying, "First things first!" He fixed her with a serious gaze, and the others stopped what they were doing, now paying full attention to Cobra and Kasumi.

"Tak! (Geez)," Kasumi muttered, trying to reach for her glass.

"Are you even old enough to drink?" Cobra asked, clearly unimpressed.

Kasumi wasn't about to answer him. Why should she? After all, he had been rude to her before, and she hadn't forgotten it. Instead of responding, she simply grabbed Cobra's drink and downed it in one go. The boys exchanged glances, surprised by her boldness. After all, she was acting so nonchalantly around Cobra, who was hardly the easiest person to get along with.

Before the situation could escalate, the bar owner intervened, saying, "Come on, stop it. Just enjoy the drinks. You'll find the answers tomorrow."

Cobra stared at Kasumi for a moment before handing her back her glass, thinking to himself that he could deal with her later—or perhaps never see her again. The group went back to their drinks, chatting about the fight that had taken place earlier. Kasumi, having only one more drink, wasn't one to let her guard down around these Yankees.

After a brief pause, Cobra spoke up with an odd tone in his voice, "You guys don't have enough respect for Inoki, do you?"

The others shifted uncomfortably, and the bar owner moved to the side, leaving the situation in their hands.