Inside the country of Edoland within its bustling capital city [Tousen] the western most district was particularly lively, The district [Miyoushou] was known across all of Edo as the home base of the dreaded Toumeikan, The 2nd largest criminal organization in the world. Every three months on the full moon the eight division heads which each control a business model that makes up Toumeikan gather.
Tonight June 12th the Full moon loomed behind the infamous [Rouousho] restaurant where six of the eight division heads were planned to meet.
In the streets below the lower ranking Yakuza members danced and screamed starting brawls and breaking windows causing a general disturbance. But it was their district so who would dare tell them to calm down? The cops? Please, they know their place in this district. Or at least that’s the general consensus of the Yakuza and citizens of Miyoushou.
On the Rououshos 45th floor behind two large golden doors was a room known as the Imperial Dining Haul. Inside the Dining Haul were four men, The largest was Iwainu Chiba. His skin was dark brown and his face stone cold with two soulless black pits for eyes. He stood a menacing 7’2 with rippling muscles and a wild black mane of hair. He was the captain of the Jyuhan operations, [Poaching].
To Iwainus left was the shortest man in the room, Though he was particularly large for his size being grossly obese. Besides his overall figure one would find themselves most towards his large hook like nose he had which bent downwards off his face like a bird's beak. His hair was short and spiky with clear balding spots which he tried to hide without success. This man was Kuroyama Hyogo, He was the captain of the Kioku operations, [Prostitution] and other [Sexwork].
To Kuroyamas left which was the head of the table sat Akatora Taishi, the Captain of Toen or [Gambling]. Akatora, while not quite as tall at Iwainu was a big man himself. His jet black hair was slicked back tightly and nicely blended in with his short stubble which gave a real rough but clean look. His muscular frame was decorated with a red button up shirt that had large yellow flowers across it and below that he wore long black pants and leather shoes.
The final man was to the left of Akatora and across from Kuroyama, This was Yamikawa Asago, Captain of the Kakusei operation [Assassinations]. It’s said for the right price he could have even have the prime minister's death reported on the next morning’s news. He was of average height and very thin with prominent jaw bones and slant eyes covered by thick square glasses. His hair was messily swept down the middle and to each side giving the look of a ruffled business man.
“We’re just waiting for Domushi and Aotori right?” Akatora asked, reaching out to grab a bottle of Vodka and refill his glass.
“They should be here within the next few minutes, Aotori said he had to pick up Domushi after dealing with an issue at the border.” Yamikawa answered.
“Another border incident? That’s the third one this semester! Ever since those damn Vipers came in they’ve done nothing but make more trouble for us.” Akatora sighed. “Well should we start without them and just let them fill in the blanks or wait?”
“Talk when they here.” Iwainu grunted.
Yamikawa winced at Iwainus crude dialect and poor grammar.
“You’re in a rush Akatora, Are you afraid of being embarrassed in front of everyone for your poor profits?” Kuroyama sneered.
“I’m doing perfectly fine this semester, In fact I’ve made double what I did last time after every idiot who got laid off decided to spend their savings on trying to hit it big at the casino.” Akatora boasted with a confident smile that made Kuroyama frown. “What about you Yamikawa?”
“I can't say things have been spectacular, The Orochi Kingdom has put a restriction on everyone rank 3 or above. We have got nothing but requests for local low ranking politicians and Public lawyers. Those kinds of hits.”
“Did you try to repeal it?” Akatora asked.
“Only an Idiot would try to repeal such a large request, They’ve basically got a gun pointed at the back of our heads so we can do nothing but blindly obey until things settle.” Kuroyama cut in.
“The larger population has no idea of the Orochi Kingdoms invasion, so a few missing Rank 3 and above politicians wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. It’s just the same as it’s been for the past hundred years. Politicians paying people to kill other Politicians. I’d argue it’s even more out of the ordinary for no Politician to have a breakdown and jump out of their office window or suffer a fatal heart attack in their sleep.”
“I believe that’s their goal in fact. When they choose to reveal themselves to the public and other governments officially they can claim their influence in Edolands politics has lowered the internal corruption and Yakuzas influence on parliament.” Yamikawa said, shaking his head in defeat.
“Looks like we’ve interrupted a pretty good conversation here.” A voice said as the large golden doors swung open.
In the doorway were the two expected men Domushi and Aotori, Domushi was above average height but not nearly as tall as Iwainu or Akatora. He had shaggy blonde hair and messy stubble as if he’d not shaved in a few days. He was wearing a white Shirt, baggy jeans and open toed sandals.
Aotori was of similar height to Domushi but had dark blue hair split down the middle and large square glasses. Unlike his contemporary he was dressed like you’d imagine a Yakuza boss with a custom fit dark blue suit and dress shoes. Aotori took his seat at the opposite end of Akatora and Domushi between Aotori and Yamikawa facing Iwainu.
“So what’d you call us here for again?” Domushi asked with a yawn and raised his hand for a server to pour him some alcohol.
“I just told you in the car, We're here to discuss the potential invasion of the Venator Society.” Aotori sighed.
“Ooooh, Right I remember now!” Domushi said as if a light bulb went off in his head. “yeah I don't buy that shit for a minute so who cares.”
The whole table looked at Domushi in a mix of emotions, mainly confusion and anger at his ego and attitude.
“Well I was hoping we could push it until after the finances but I guess now is as good a time as any. Yamikawa said, reaching into his briefcase on the floor and pulling out a folder full of papers.
Akatora turned to Domushi with a large vein popping out of his forehead. “Oi, Domushi, what makes you think it’s not a real threat?”
“I just dont think it’d be worth it to them, I mean come on and think about it. Now that Saharis is in shambles because of Azhar's destruction the next greatest political power is the Orochi Kingdom, They have the biggest monopoly on natural resources besides the Nitrus dust in Saharis Red Mountains. But now that no one can mine out the Nitrus dust the Orochi Kingdoms massive oil deposits are the next best thing."
“Even so the Orochi Kingdom violated the agreement of 2252, Don't you think that’s enough for the Venator Society to make a move?” Akatora argued.
“I don't think there's much benefit in going up against the Orochi Kingdom right, not over a country as small and globally insignificant as Edoland. Sure we're allies with Afurthenthos and the Venator Society but the Orochi Kingdoms invasion isn't even something most of the global population is aware of so they don't have their reputation to uphold. Then if the Orochi Kingdom comes out to the public anytime soon they can waive ignorance and call it a day.” Domushi replied.
“Only make look more bad.” Iwainu grunted.
“I agree with the dog, if they waive ignorance it’d look like they’d look like complete fools. People would ask what else is going on in the world they’re unaware of and it’d quickly spiral into a whole fiasco.” Kuroyama said, picking his teeth with his long fingernails.
“What about the Sosaki corporation? They’re one of the world's leading technological and medicinal industries. Losing them would be a big blow to the whole world.” Akatora asked.
“They’re betting on the Orochi Kingdom not halting the Sosaki corporations work. At worst they might get some more taxes but honestly the Venator Society is almost on par with Sosakis available products.” Aotori said.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“The Venator Society relies too much on Magic to join the world's big dogs. Instead of worrying about Medicine they have that Viper Cao-Li create healing enchantments. You can’t explain away a miracle pill forever.” Akatora argued.
“Cao-Li only treats those with serious illness, he won't be dealing with common flus or viruses. When the next plague happens he might come down off that tower and do something.” Kuroyama snorted.
“The Issue isn't Edoland or any corporation but rather a physical thing we have.” Yamikawa cut in while placing a stack of papers on the table.
“?”
“What the hell would we have that makes a world war seem like a good idea?” Kuroyama asked.
“Well, In 2311 the Venator Society was founded and that same year the Government of the also newly founded Saharis claimed to have unearthed the legendary [Spear Of Longinus] while it was beginning its Nitrus mining operations in the Red Mountains.”
“Isn't it widely believed that the Spear was simply a ploy to get more attention and money from developed nations?” Aotori asked.
“Well whether it's real or not doesn't matter right now. The important thing is that the Venator Society bought the “spear” for what would be close to a trillion dollars worth of machinery when adjusted to inflation. With that equipment Saharis could start up their mining operations and begin to extract the Nitrus dust from the Red Mountains and become the world's number one super power.”
“So the Venator Society believed it was the real spear? Even if they did, what does that have to do with Edoland if they’re the ones who have it?” Kuroyama interrupted.
“I was getting to that, The spear itself was never researched properly with only some vague archaeological notes about its appearance being akin to a large splinter from a massive tree and its age being unknown but ancient. ”
“So we don't know if it’s the real spear then? Is it supposed to be a state trophy like how Edoland has the Bell Of Susano?” Domushi asked.
“I’d make sense why they didn't do any proper research on it then. They can claim it’s real and have nobody able to say it's not. A pretty big power statement.” Aotori hummed with a nod.
“That’s what most people would think.” Yamikawa said, pulling out another page from the pile. “But there's a few issues with that theory. First is that the trade agreement was reported to be that Saharis offered 2.6% Nitrous dust per ton excavated would be given to the Venator Society in exchange for a small loan of an undisclosed amount to begin their mining process and the spear was written off as a symbolic offering or token of friendship between the two newly founded world powers. But the issue is that the Venator Society during that time period was just a simple mercenary band unlike the modern government funded organization it is today so they would have no way of paying such a large amount of money.”
“So Afurenthos themselves backed the deal?” Akatora asked.
“That’s what I imagine, For some reason Afurenthos was so desperate to get the “spear” they would offer up such a massive amount of money out of pocket and then have a reason to hide it by having the money go through the Venator Society to “clean” it.”
“What else you no understand?” Iwainu asked.
“Well the Venator Society then gave the spear to Edoland for storage sometime within the last century. But why? If it's so valuable why would they not just lock it in the bottom vault of the Venator Tower and assume it's safe? Even if it was truly just a symbolic offering that’d be extremely rude and could lead to a conflict. But Saharis public government documents compiling a list of military drills has a note of a drill involving Edoland, Afurenthos and Saharis sixty four years ago.
“Why do you think it was not just a drill?” Aotori asked.
“Because one of the items listed listen on board the ship is #OPCP431, If you look that number up in the recent information leak from the Venator Society you get the inventory number for [Spear Of Longinus].
“!”
The entire table shook from a spike of everyone's aura.
“The Legendary [Spear Of Longinus] is right here in our home land.” Kuroyama said with a wide malicious smile. The Things I could do if I got my hands on it… He thought while itching the many folds of fat under his chin.
“If that’s the case then do you think the Orochi Kingdom invaded Edoland for the spear?” Akatora asked.
“That’s just a possibility I’m putting on the table, not something I have much belief in myself.” Yamikawa said, organizing the stack of papers in front of him.
“So then we're here to talk about whether or not we should prepare to fend off an Invasion of the Venator Society?” Domuashi asked, trying to process the load of information in his head. “And you think it’s because they want to get back the Spear Of Longinus?”
“Again I’m saying that’s a possible motive, not the concrete one.” Yamikawa said, putting hands in the air.
“I just dont think they’d want to get the spear back if they never even researched the damn thing.” Domushi muttered.
“I agree, It’s implausible in my opinion that the Venator Society would invade Edoland and risk a world war over this spear. El-Saber must know that if they attempt to invade Edoland and fail the "”Edoland Government”" can say that the Orochi Kingdom was responsible for rebelling the crazed Venator Society and make them appear as the heroes of the story and demonize the Venator Society ruining Afurenthose public reputation. Then in a few decades a merger between the Orochi Kingdom and Edoland won't seem so implausible.” Aotori said.
“I don’t think El-Saber is worried about whether or not they can win once they enter the country.” Akatora said. “He’s betting everything on Jinen.”
The whole table turned to look at Akatora as they thought of the strongest man alive.
“The Divine Sage of the Venator Society huh?” Kuroyama said nervously, “I hate to admit it but even I’m not too sure about fighting that guy.”
“You won't have to worry about that Kuroyama.” Domushi said, “I’ll be the one to deal with him if he shows up.”
“Out of everyone here Domushi does have the best chance of defeating Jinen.” Aotori agreed.
“Well that’s of course if the man enters the country, Is the Venator Society going to invade Edoland?” Yamikawa asked. “We'll do a vote on how we will act upon this information. Is that agreeable?”
Everyone at the table nodded.
“Well then, Do we think the Venator Society will invade Edoland?” Yamikawa asked.
“Likely.” Voted Akatora.
“Unlikely.” Voted Kuroyama.
“Nope.” Voted Domushi.
“No think” Iwainu Voted.
“I’m unsure but I think it’d be best to assume the worst case scenario and be prepared.” Said Aotori.
“I agree with Aotori, We should be prepared but not stop our business for the chance it does happen.” Yamikawa said finishing the vote.
“Well then we should appoint roles.” Aotori suggested.
“Good Idea.” Yamikawa nodded, “I’ll focus mainly on intelligence gathering then.”
“I’ve got the borders.” Domushi called out.
“I’ll have my girls inform me of any suspicious foreigners.” Kuroyama added.
“I’ll have currency trades monitored.” Akatora said.
“Watch for bad.” Iwainu said.
“And I’ll talk to the politicians.” Aotori finished.
“Well then shall we discuss our finances?” Kuroyama asked, smiling at Akatora.
# # #
“I thought our plan was to vote no.” Domushi said annoyed as he and Aotori walked down the Rououshos stair case.
“I had a change of heart in the moment.” Aotori said, shrugging.
“What’s the real reason?” Domushi pestered.
“Well, I think Akatora was too focused on me and you. He’s too smart for his own good.”
“I thought he was buying it.”
“No, he knew something was going on. Something that he didn’t know about and was trying to read into. If I voted no he would have assuredly found out.”
“Well I guess the final solution doesn’t change a lot at least.”
“Yes it does not.” Aotori laughed as the pair exited the building. “But we’re not the only ones who have something up their sleeve. I'm sure the others do as well. Now it’s just a game of endurance and seeing who will be the last to break their poker face.”
“Isn't that what it’s always been though? That’s how this business has survived hundreds of years. But what are you hoping to gain from all this anyways. You know my reason but I don't know yours and you’ve got a lot to lose from this.”
“Akatora controls gambling, Kuroyama sex work, Yamikawa the dirty work and Iwainu the black market but even combined together they could not put a penny to my drug trade.”
“But I thought Akatora makes the most money? He’s won every time we compare our profits.”
“On the surface level, yes, But that’s only when counting pure currency. When it comes to connections and influence the entire country is in the palm of my hand.”
“So you want to try and use those connections to protect yourself after the Liberation?”
“Well, And you.” Aotori said with a smile.
“Oh jeez!” Domushi laughed with a blush, “Well Can’t say I’ll give you a kiss or anything in return.”
“Dont worry about it, Just make sure you’ve got my back when I call you.”
“I think I can do that.” Domushi said as the pair stopped at a crosswalk and exchanged a hand shake. “See you on the other side.”
“You too.” Aotori agreed and the pair parted ways.
Aotori casually strolled through the ruined streets. People were passed out on the floor probably from drugs, fighting or alcohol. Hell, maybe even a mixture of the three. As he walked some bowed and said their graces which he smiled and waved to without paying much mind. As he reached the end of the district where his escort was parked he entered the vehicle with a sigh. The man inside the vehicle poured a massive glob of hand sanitizer onto the hand Aotori shook Domushis hand with and Aotori quickly scrubbed it raw.
“How’d it go?” The man asked with a muffled voice, his mouth was covered by what looked like a glass breathing apparatus which showed his open mouth that seemed to have been ripped open and never healed. His eyes were sunken in and he had a small pair of glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. This man was Jingou Fuyusai.
“I think everything went as good as it possibly could have. I have Domushi on my side, which is the most important thing, Akatoras suspicious of me like always but he’ll be easy enough to deal with once things begin.” Aotori said as the car came to life and began to drive down Tousens light up streets.
“Are you sure Domushi is able to handle Jinen?” Jingou asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I don't understand what people see in that man, he’s just a trophy El-Saber can wiggle around in people's faces to scare them off. Domushi will be more than enough to take care of him.”
“If you say so boss.” Jingou wheezed.