The night stretched long and quiet, the city normally buzzed with people was silent due to the commotion caused by the Yamazaki Family. Ha-Joon and Somi walked side by side through the empty streets, admiring the rare moment of peace. For a moment, neither of them spoke as they walked.
Ha-Joon, his hands tucked into his pockets, moved with his usual measured steps, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Somi, walking just half a step behind, stole occasional glances at him, as if trying to read his thoughts.
"You really plan to go through with this?" she finally asked, breaking the silence.
Ha-Joon didn't slow his pace. "Yes."
Somi sighed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jacket: "You're leaving for South Korea, and you want me to stay behind to monitor Shintaro's movements?"
He nodded: "I need someone who can get close without drawing suspicion. Shintaro already sees you as part of his Family. He won't question you the way, he would someone like me."
They passed by a quiet café, its dimly lit interior barely visible through the glass windows. Without a word, Ha-Joon turned and stepped inside, Somi following without hesitation.
Ha-Joon ordered the two cup of coffee to freshen up for a moment.
Taking a seat by the window, Somi swirled the coffee in her cup absentmindedly, her sharp eyes still focused on Ha-Joon: "You really think Shintaro is gonna make a move on you and him?"
Ha-Joon's fingers tapped lightly against the porcelain of his cup: "It's only a matter of time. Shintaro will hunt down Gun, because Gun is threat to his throne and will also target me for betraying him. He has reason to act. If he does, I want to know about it before the others do."
"And Previously, I had injured almost all the guard to delay time for me and Gun."
Somi exhaled slowly, tapping her nails against the table: "And what if I get caught?"
"You won't."
She scoffed: "That's easy for you to say. You're not the one walking into the lion's den."
Ha-Joon held her hand, and met her gaze directly: "If something happens, I'll handle it."
Somi was stunned, and blushed slightly by the act of Ha-Joon. All her life, she had been tool to the family, and hadn't been treated sincerely except of Ha-Joon father who treated her like small sister. Dismissing unwanted thought, Somi studied him carefully, searching for any hint of doubt.
(A/N: Hehe.. Looks like She is captivated by Ha-Joon.)
"Fine," she said at last, retreating her hand from Ha-Joon's: "But you owe me."
A small smirk tugged at Ha-Joon's lips and spoke: "I'll keep that in mind."
Somi rolled her eyes and leaned forward slightly: "What's your plan for South Korea?"
Ha-Joon's expression darkened slightly, his mind already calculating the next steps: "I'm going to challenge the regional kings. One by one."
He had planned to use all the kings as stepstone for his growth of strength. And if possible, recruit them in his plan in future.
She was stunned for a moment, spoke softly: "Are you serious. I heard they are the strongest of the new generation."
Ha-Joon narrowed his eyes, smiled wide and spoke confidently: "Doesn't matter. I'm stronger anyway."
Somi chuckled and murmured: "Such arrogance. You never change, do you?"
Ha-Joon didn't respond, as there was nothing to say. He believed in his strength and talent. He didn't even consider to be defeated by the regional kings, even if they were stronger than him.
For a fleeting moment, his reverse eyes flickered light purple color without him noticing.
Somi sighed, running a hand through her hair: "I'll do what you asked. I'll keep an eye on Shintaro and report back when there's something worth knowing. Just… don't get yourself killed over in Korea."
Ha-Joon finished his tea, setting the cup down: "I don't intend to."
Ha-Joon could understand her concern, as the first generation was full of violence without much romance. Due to greed and power, Pre gen 0 recruited high schooler in their power struggle, which formed Kings and circles thus, starting Gen 1. They would kill anyone without hesitation for the territories. And "Kings" and "Circles" would always be in a constant struggle fighting over territory until the strongest member of this generation took over certain region.
Due to this, Gen 1 would be known as the most brutal generation in the future.
For a moment, neither spoke. They each lost on their own thought, as they took the sip for the cup. Finally, Somi stood up, stretching slightly. "Then I guess this is it."
Ha-Joon nodded, standing as well. "For now."
She hesitated, then, in a rare moment of sincerity, said, "Be careful, Ha-Joon."
Ha-Joon nodded and motioned Somi to leave. As she turned and walked away, he followed behind, ensuring her safety.
The walk to the Yamazaki family estate was slow, deliberate. As they neared the Yamazaki estate, Somi straightened her posture, her demeanor shifting. By the time they reached the towering gates of the estate, she had fully slipped into the role of the wife within the Yamazaki family.
Somi turned to Ha-Joon one last time, and gestured him: "I'll be fine."
Ha-Joon studied her for a moment before giving a curt nod: "Contact me when you have something."
Without another word, Somi stepped forward, passing through the gates and disappearing into the grand estate. Ha-Joon lingered for a few seconds, watching the entrance before turning on his heel and walking away.
.....
The following night, Ha-Joon arrived at the docks, his expression unreadable as he approached a modest but sturdy boat, waiting at the edge of the fray. A man stood by the boat, cigarette dangling between his lips.
"This... your ride?" he asked, exhaling a stream of smoke into the night.
Ha-Joon nodded, stepping inside the boat without hesitation. The boat rocked gently under his weight. He moved to the bow, staring at the dark horizon ahead, South Korea lay beyond those waves, waiting for him.
Reaching into his pocket, Ha-Joon pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips before lighting it with a flick of his lighter. And took a slow drag, letting the smoke curl around him before exhaling.
His gaze lingered on the receding shoreline of Japan, the city lights twinkling in the distance brightly under the night sky.
He murmured:
Farewell Japan.
.....
(So, Yamazaki arc is finished and I have been thinking, which king should I start from. If ya'll got any suggestion, feel free to comment, Personally I think, I should start from Cheonliang. What do ya'll think.)