Renjiro stood still for a moment, letting Sera’s words sink in.

You were being watched tonight. Not just by us.

That was unexpected. He had already accounted for the KEB’s surveillance, but another unknown presence? That changed things.

His smirk faded slightly as he slipped his hands into his pockets. “Any idea who it was?”

Sera’s eyes narrowed. “No. But whoever they are, they’re good. We had multiple eyes on you, yet they slipped past all of our detection methods. That shouldn’t be possible.”

Renjiro chuckled. “Sounds like someone interesting.”

Sera didn’t share his amusement. “It’s not a joke. This means someone powerful is tracking you, and they’re skilled enough to avoid KEB sensors.”

He met her gaze evenly. “Then I guess I should meet them sooner rather than later.”

Sera exhaled sharply, rubbing her temple. “You’re impossible.”

He grinned. “I try.”

She shook her head, then straightened. “We’ll increase patrols in the area. If you notice anything unusual, report it to me.”

Renjiro raised an eyebrow. “That almost sounds like you care.”

Sera scoffed. “I care about keeping civilians safe. If someone is after you, it’s only a matter of time before others get caught in the crossfire.”

“Fair enough.”

Sera gave him one last look before stepping back into the shadows. Within seconds, she was gone.

Renjiro sighed, glancing at the city skyline. Whoever had been watching him, they were skilled enough to elude both him and the KEB. That meant they were either an expert in concealment or someone—something—far more dangerous.

He needed answers. And he had a good idea of where to start.

A Shadow in the Mist: Part 2

The city above was structured, orderly. But beneath it, in the winding backstreets and hidden alleys, an entirely different world thrived. The Underground Network—a loose organization of mercenaries, informants, and illicit Koi users. If someone powerful was tracking him, the Underground would know.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Renjiro moved through the darkened streets, his footsteps silent against the pavement. He passed through twisting alleyways, slipping past the eyes of those who thought themselves unnoticed. He knew exactly where he was going.

A nondescript door, hidden behind an unmarked alleyway. He rapped his knuckles against the surface twice, paused, then knocked once more.

A slot in the door slid open, revealing a pair of sharp, watchful eyes. “Password.”

Renjiro smirked. “I don’t need one.”

The eyes blinked, then narrowed. “Takatsuki…”

The door unlocked, and he stepped inside.

The Underground was exactly as he remembered—dimly lit, crowded with figures who thrived in the city’s shadows. Tables lined the space, some occupied by gamblers, others by mercenaries striking deals. The air smelled of smoke, ink, and metal.

He didn’t need to ask for directions. His target was already waiting.

At the farthest table, a man in a deep red cloak sat, his silver hair catching the dim light. His presence was unassuming, but his Koi—dense, controlled, deadly—was unmistakable.

Renjiro pulled out a chair across from him. “It’s been a while, Kaito.”

Kaito didn’t look up from his drink. “I was wondering when you’d crawl back.”

Renjiro grinned. “I need information.”

Kaito finally met his gaze. “And what makes you think I’ll give it?”

“Because it benefits you too.”

Kaito exhaled, leaning back. “Alright. What are you looking for?”

Renjiro’s smile faded. “Someone’s been watching me. Someone skilled enough to avoid even KEB detection.”

That got Kaito’s attention. He set his drink down. “That narrows the list. A handful of people—maybe fewer.”

“Give me names.”

Kaito studied him before speaking. “There’s only one person I know who could match that description.” He leaned forward, voice lowering. “The Ghost.”

Renjiro’s eyes flickered. “That’s a dramatic name.”

Kaito didn’t smile. “Because it fits. No one knows what they look like. No one hears them coming. They’ve erased high-profile targets without leaving a trace. Even the KEB can’t find them.”

Renjiro’s fingers tapped lightly against the table. Interesting.

“Why would they be watching me?”

Kaito shook his head. “No clue. But if they are… then you’ve got a problem.”

Renjiro smirked. “Good. I was starting to get bored.”

Kaito sighed. “You’re an idiot.”

“That’s what everyone keeps telling me.”

Kaito finished his drink and stood. “If you’re serious about this, you’ll need bait.”

Renjiro raised a brow. “And what do you suggest?”

A slow smile spread across Kaito’s face. “Make enough noise. If they’re watching, they’ll show themselves.”

Renjiro chuckled. “Sounds like fun.”

He pushed himself up from his seat, already thinking of the best way to draw The Ghost out.

If this mysterious watcher wanted him, then Renjiro would make sure they got a good look.