“Who’s ready for the finale?” I ask the crowd as I slowly approach the beaten man in front of me.
As the crowd cheers, he raises his sword one final time. He doesn’t realize that he left himself open to my attack.
He groans out as my blade easily slips into his side, hitting the spot between his ribs, sliding into his heart.
“I’ll see you in hell,” I hiss as I twist the blade before pulling it out.
We all watch him fall, gasping. It only takes seconds for him to bleed out, slumping over.
Pressing my foot to his prone body, I swipe the blade across his neck before turning to the room.
“Would anyone else like to challenge me?” I roar.
I know I look like a lunatic. To be honest, I feel like one. My emotions are all over the place. I will take on this entire room if I have to.
When no one steps up, my father’s second finally does.
“You have won the challenge. You will assume leadership. Would you like me to stay on as your advisor?”
My first thought is to tell him hell to the fuck no, but I need to know what my father has been up to.
“For now. We will reevaluate later.”
He nods, turning to the room. “Pledge your allegiance to your new leader, Haruaki Takahasi.”
One by one, the men cross their arms over their chest, their hand above their hearts in a fist as they take a knee, bowing their heads.
I glance over, watching Cleo move to kneel, but I shake my head. She looks unsure as Kenji kneels.
I hold my hand out to her instead.
She makes her way to me on shaky legs, collapsing into my side when she finally reaches me.
“Cliona will be my wife. She will be your queen and you will treat her as such. She will rule by my side, not behind me. Think of her as an extension to me. Does anyone have any objections?”
“No, sir,” the voices echo.
“Good. My father made a lot of decisions for selfish reasons. He led with an iron fist, demanding respect. I will not lead like he did. This is your opportunity. I want you to think long and hard about what you want. If you want to continue on as a Yakuza member, then you will come to my official ceremony to show your dedication. If you do not, this is your one chance to break away without consequence. If you choose that option, keep your mouth shut about Yakuza business and stay away otherwise I will eliminate you. If you are not a threat, you may live free. I believe in loyalty. You show me you are loyal and will do what you need to for this family, then I will show you the same. I am your leader, but a team is only as strong as its weakest link. We will be strong. We prosper in this new reign.”
“Haruaki!” everyone cheers.
“I have a meeting with the Irish now. We will meet back at the casino banquet tomorrow night to celebrate.”
Everyone moves then, many of them leaving the warehouse in groups, whispering about what happened.
I turn to father’s second. “Take care of the body and let the leaders back home know of the change in leadership.”
He bows his head, walking over to my father’s dead body.
Then I lean down, pressing a kiss to Cleo’s head.
“You’re bleeding,” she whispers.
I look down at her. “I know, but it was necessary.”
“Are we safe now?”
“We will never be completely safe, but we are as safe as we can be. We need to head out. Killian should land anytime now.”
