The gathering took place at the secluded tea house within the principal estate grounds. To the average visitor, it appeared as a quaint establishment serving the finest green tea. However, to the members of the extended family, it held profound significance. This sacred venue served as the traditional meeting place for the lords and ladies of the various clans, their annual meeting occurring just before the first locusts began their seasonal chorus.
Heavy humidity hinted at the recent downpour of several days prior. Ladies, resplendent in their clan’s traditional yukatas, created gentle currents of air with their crafted fans. The heat was oppressive, but the gentlemen, stiff in their suits, stubbornly refused to show they were bothered.
Within the dimly lit room of the teahouse, the leading figures of the Yakuza clans occupied their customary positions. The Lord Patriarch, leader of all, sat in solitude on a small, elevated altar. Behind him, the wall bore the family scroll, a beautiful document in calligraphy script that contained the core tenet of their extensive family’s existence: “Family or Nothing”.
A mixture of casual conversation and cigarette smoke permeated the poorly lit space. Lord Patriarch outlawed candles long after a tragic fire damaged the property. The existing artificial lighting emitted a perpetual, unsettling flicker, indicative of its state of disrepair. Yet, the family disregarded such insignificant details. In fact, echoing their historical Yakuza counterparts, the pervasive dimness offered a sense of comfort and security.
Amidst this gathering of influential individuals, the Matriarch of the Sun Clan remained aloof from the surrounding whispers and gossip. She maintained a regal posture, her fan creating a soft breeze against her face. Kyoko Murasaki avoided boasting and drawing unnecessary attention to herself at such events. Society considered silent observation more appropriate for ladies while the men conversed. As a matriarch, this expectation intensified. Female leaders were a rare exception, and Kyoko took immense pride in having achieved her elevated status.
It was helpful to listen rather than speak. How else would Kyoko learn that the lady of the Sky Clan was suffering from an illness related to her pregnancy? How else would she hear the hushed rumors of the Snake Patriarch’s questionable decision to allow a prisoner to escape? These moments required attentive ears, for valuable information often lay hidden beneath the surface of casual banter.
“I heard there was unusual activity at the Moon Clan compound a few days ago.” Someone spoke.
This whisper halted the rhythmic movement of Kyoko’s fan.
“Apparently, this meeting was called for that reason.” Another added.
Kyoko, ever trained to conceal her true emotions, struggled to suppress her growing curiosity and mild confusion. The Moon compound, situated near the hot springs surrounding Mount Fuji, had remained abandoned since the tragic incident many years prior. She had to fight to keep a smirk from playing across her painted lips. Oh dear...was this not the anniversary of that unfortunate event? Kyoko remembered it. She had even planned a private commemoration before being summoned to this tedious gathering. Who cared about a destroyed clan anyway?
A sharp tapping sound, produced by glass striking wood, silenced the room. All eyes turned toward Lord Patriarch, who addressed the assembly. He was an aging man, well past his prime. Many speculated about his eventual successor, yet no heir had been declared. Announcing it now would be ideal, yet such news was not the reason for their gathering.
“I have called you all here for a matter of utmost importance.” Though his voice was frail, it still commanded the room’s attention. “As you may already be aware, the Moon Clan’s assets have been transferred. I am no longer in control of them. An heir has been found.”
This was unexpected news. A Moon Clan heir? How was such a thing possible? They were all dead, weren’t they?
“I present to you all, the Moon Clan Patriarch, son of Hiroshi Yuy... Hiro Yuy.”
Sliding doors revealed a young man clad in a formal blue suit befitting his position, bowing in a show of deep respect. As he straightened, his gaze swept across the room, his hard blue eyes meeting those of the others. Those eyes were recognizable, the deep Persian blue hue of the Moon Clan twins, more commonly known as the Gemini.
“Enter, young man, and share sake with your elders.” Lord Patriarch instructed.
The room fell silent as the young man entered and, according to tradition, offered a bow to each lord older than him. Lord Patriarch initiated the sake ceremony, pouring the young man’s first cup; they then drank together. Lord Patriarch’s acknowledgment left the others no option; they had to comply. To each clan lord, Hiro Yuy offered a sake pour, and each lady poured for him in return. The last glass was Kyoko’s offering. The young man sat before her, radiating a quiet strength and patience.
“Why do you hesitate to share sake with the Moon Patriarch, Sun Matriarch?” Lord Patriarch, along with everyone else in the room, was regarding her. Kyoko studied the young man with a critical eye before he spoke.
“The Sun has always held animosity toward the Moon.” The young man stated. “It is not surprising that Lady Sun would be hesitant to share sake with the new Lord Moon.”
Kyoko raised a delicate eyebrow. “Well said, young lord.” She offered a polite smile, masking her inner contempt. “There have always been tensions between our clans. A new era of cooperation may now begin. Of course, one would never defy Lord Patriarch, but I must confess my curiosity. How did you survive such a tragic event?”
“It is quite a story, my lady.” Hiro Yuy replied. “I am sure you know a significant portion of it already. After all, you were the one who demanded a formal celebration on the night of my father’s birthday. At least, that is what I was told by my father’s loyal subordinates who survived.”
Kyoko frowned.
“Please forgive my boldness.” Hiro bowed. “I stated what I believe to be the truth.”
Kyoko nodded, her constructed smile remaining in place. “It is in the past, dear boy. Let us not dwell on it.” She poured sake for the young man, and they both drank.
The meeting concluded as abruptly as it had begun, with each lord and lady departing for their respective compounds, eager to share the news. Kyoko entered her waiting car and, as the door closed, retrieved her phone.
“Yes, ma’am.” The voice on the other end was quick to respond, knowing she disliked delays.
“Gather all available information on Hiro Yuy. I want to know how that little bastard survived.” Ending the call, she leaned back against the leather seat, her mind ablaze with rage.
“Aniko.” She addressed the woman in the driver’s seat. “Remind me to have a word with Yamada upon our return home. He has much to explain.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The woman acknowledged.
“And prepare torture room number 5. Yamada always had a particular fondness for that room.” Kyoko examined her manicured red nails. “His years of lies will end with a singular death.”
“What method will you use, ma’am?”
Kyoko folded her arms within the voluminous sleeves of her red kimono.
“Decapitation.”
Upon her car entering the Sun Clan compound, Kyoko received immediate updates on her earlier order. Her steps radiating an almost palpable fury, she marched to torture room number 5, located deep within the chief residence’s subterranean levels. A satisfied smile stretched across her lips as she beheld Yamada’s predicament.
“Would you care to explain why you lied to me?” She regarded the older man with cold detachment.
“My lady, I don’t understand.” He rasped through cracked lips.
A sharp, brutal slap silenced him. Yamada’s jaw hung at an unnatural angle, broken from the force of the blow.
“One of those Yuys is ALIVE! Do you care to explain that?” Her voice was now a furious shout.
“I... I...” He stammered. “I swear! They were all killed! I witnessed it with my own eyes!”
Kyoko gave another dismissive glance at her nails.
“Not only have you lied, but you have also damaged one of my nails.” She turned her back on him. “You’ll never see the moon rise again. No one will.”
She exited the room as the swift motion of a blade cut Yamada’s scream short. She would not risk staining her beautiful clothing with the blood of a traitor. Retiring to her private chambers, Kyoko poured herself a generous glass of wine, her mind already racing with possibilities.