Shiori was intrigued and asked him to explain.
Akiba started to tell them about the practical, everlasting, and accessible source of honor and respect that their ancestors had discovered, “In ancient times, it was hard to gain honor and respect the normal way. Especially in Shima, when you’re not a samurai and you’re at the bottom tier of the society. No matter how heroic your feats were, you would still be regarded as less than a samurai. So, our ancestors discovered a more practical, more everlasting, and more accessible source of honor and respect.”
Shingo was curious and asked, “That is?”
Akiba showed them a banknote and said, “Money. The richer you are, the more honor and respect you’ll get, regardless of anything. And the fastest way to get rich is by breaking the law.”
Ryonoken interjected, warning about the dangers of using money as a means to gain honor and respect, “However, money is a double-edged sword. It can bring honor and respect, but it can bring dishonor and disgrace as well.”
Akiba replied, “That depends on how you gain and use it and how skillful you are with it. Know what you’re doing, and honor will come.”
The team listened carefully, considering his words. But they knew that they had a mission to complete, and they couldn’t let Akiba and his associates stand in their way. They drew their weapons, ready to fight for what they believed in.
Shingo could feel the tension in the air as he stood facing Akiba and Shiori, two of the most powerful members of the Yakuza. They had just accused him and his comrades, Gale and Mariko, of being infiltrators and traitors. Shingo tried to explain that their only intention was to help Hayato Mori release his girlfriend, Reika, who was being held hostage in the tower. But Shiori was having none of it.
“You speak high and mighty, but in practice, you’re no more than a criminal!” she rebuked.
Shingo didn’t know how to respond to that. He had always considered himself a loyal member of the Yakuza, but now he found himself standing against his brethren.
“Besides, all that we’ve been doing is to help Hayato Mori to release his girlfriend, Reika Diose being held hostage in the tower,” Shingo said, hoping to make them understand.
“You think you’re helping Hayato by opposing me?” Akiba replied. “Think again. You can ask him now.”
Shingo and Gale looked at each other in disbelief as Hayato Mori suddenly appeared from nowhere and positioned himself between Akiba and the infiltrators. He was protecting the Godfather.
“G-Godbrother?! H-how come?” Gale stuttered.
“So, the reason behind your mysterious absence is that you’re helping the Godfather out here?” Shingo asked, trying to make sense of everything.
“What a fool I’ve been, believing that you were recuperating in your club! You traitorous liar!” Mariko added, feeling betrayed.
“The true traitors are you, Shingo, and Gale!” Hayato snapped back. “You two are weak when dealing with women! You let them get into your heads and you violated the true philosophy of the Yakuza!”
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“And what’s that!?” Chiyo, one of Shingo’s friends, asked.
“Anything to gain everything, and anything to keep from losing everything. Ring a bell?” Hayato explained. “In this case, it means I’m willing to do anything in order not to lose Reika above everything, even if it means fighting my fellow Yakuza brothers and comrades.”
“Did Akiba promise to return Reika to you only after all is done?” Gale asked, trying to get a better understanding of the situation.
“Yes, but he also threatened to kill her if I refuse to help him and join the opposition instead. So, truthfully, I have no choice but to side with the Godfather,” Hayato replied, revealing the grim reality of the situation.
“Now that’s enough!” Akiba interjected. “Shingo and Gale, as you intended to help the Yakuza, I’ll give you one last offer. Join me and fight the infiltrators, or die.”
Shingo knew he had to make a decision. “If it means I must choose between the Yakuza and my sister, my girlfriend, and my comrades, I choose the latter,” he said firmly.
“I don’t have ties stronger than loyalty to the Yakuza like Shingo. But I stand by the Light side, so my answer is no,” Gale added, showing his unwavering loyalty to his beliefs.
“Huh! All the talk about philosophy and principles for nothing! Traitors and infiltrators, prepare to get annihilated!” Akiba declared.
Hayato Mori, Crystal Skulls, soldiers, and sentinels started attacking. Gale was excited to fight alongside Hayato Mori, someone he once looked up to as a Godbrother. Shingo split everyone into groups, with one group of four handling Akiba and Mori, while the rest fought the troopers.
Bullets flew through the air, piercing the tense atmosphere as Shingo’s team clashed with Akiba Maeda and the formidable Crystal Skull Squad. The testing ground had become a chaotic battleground, tanks, and helicopters providing scattered cover amidst the relentless exchange of gunfire.
Akiba, a force to be reckoned with, unleashed a torrent of firepower. He brandished his guns with deadly precision, raining bullets upon Shingo’s team. The deafening roar of gunfire reverberated through the air, punctuated by the explosive blasts of bazookas and grenades. Each shot felt like a thunderclap, a reminder of the imminent danger that surrounded them.
Nishi, the team’s skilled sniper, aimed with steady hands. Her keen eyes scanned the battlefield, searching for the perfect opportunity. With a sharp inhale and a steady exhale, she squeezed the trigger. A single shot ripped through the air, finding its mark with chilling accuracy. Akiba staggered back, a surprised expression briefly crossing his face before he retreated to the safety of the building behind him.
The team seized the opportunity, ready to pursue their enemy. However, their advance was abruptly halted as the Crystal Skull Squad unleashed a hail of bullets in retaliation. The air was thick with the symphony of flying lead, the metallic clatter blending with the team’s determined grunts and shouts.