August 2nd, 2025
At Tachibana - Kawasaki Headquarters - 11:34 PM
The late-night skyline of Tokyo cast its neon glow over the imposing edifice of the Tachibana-Kawasaki Headquarters. Inside the penthouse floor, all was quiet except for the soft hum of computers, the clicking of designer heels on polished floors, and the occasional sip of top-shelf espresso.
Ruth Tachibana-Kawasaki stood before a digital screen filled with blueprints and financial data, her sharp eyes scanning every detail. The room smelled faintly of roses and ozone from the rain tapping lightly against the windows.
It had been a long day. Their latest project, a revolutionary AI-powered logistics system, had finally reached a milestone.
The conference room was filled earlier with their elite clients - CEOs, politicians, celebrities. All were impressed. Some even stood up to clap. Ruth had listened to their praises with the usual poise and detachment, though inwardly she allowed herself a sliver of satisfaction.
"Kawasaki-sama, you truly are a visionary."
"You've done the impossible again, Ruth-san."
One particular client, Mr. Takeda - a silver-haired mogul known more for his flirtatious nature than his business acumen - had leaned in during the post-meeting toast.
"Ruth, how about we take this celebration to the sea? I've arranged a small yacht gathering this weekend. Champagne, caviar, moonlight - it's the least we can do for the genius behind this project."
Ruth gave him a courteous smile, the kind that said both 'thank you' and 'this conversation is over.'
"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Takeda. Truly. But I have prior engagements. Perhaps another time."
Undeterred, Takeda tried once more, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I insist. A private toast just for us? You deserve a night off."
"No, thank you." Her voice was soft but final. The temperature in the room dropped slightly.
Minutes later, the clients began to trickle out, one by one. The silence that followed their departure was oddly comforting. Ruth exhaled through her nose, rubbing her temples.
She was alone now.
Or so she thought.
A presence shifted subtly in the corner of the room. From the veil of shadows, a figure emerged - tall, silent, cloaked in black. A former ninja. One of her informants. His arrival didn't startle her. She sensed him the moment he stepped in. Years of caution and discipline had trained her well.
"You've taken your time," she said, not looking up.
"My apologies, Kawasaki-sama. I wanted to confirm the details."
She turned slowly, her dark crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Ian. Where is he?"
The ninja stepped forward. His tone was steady, respectful. "He was in a fight tonight. A brutal one."
Ruth's hand froze mid-air as she reached for her tablet. Her heart thumped - sharp and sudden. She turned around completely now, facing him, a slight hitch in her breath.
"With who?" Her voice betrayed a faint tremble, quickly swallowed by the cold calm she wore like armor.
"A group of delinquents. The one they call Daigo. He and your man have history. It appears that history caught up."
"Daigo?" Ruth's eyes narrowed. She knew him.
Ruth's eyes flickered. "Did he lose to him?"
The ninja allowed himself a ghost of a smirk. "Quite the opposite. Your man overwhelmed them. He beat them soundly. One is in critical condition. The rest - humiliated. It was as if... he snapped."
Ruth's lips curled into something between a smirk and a sigh of relief. Her heart settled.
"He showed his teeth at last," she murmured
The ninja's gaze remained lowered, his voice still calm. "He was apprehended by the police. Multiple witnesses. Video footage. It's likely they'll keep him in a holding cell."
Ruth's face softened. Her eyes blinked once, slowly. Then her smile returned. Elegant. Dangerous.
"Let him stay there."
The ninja raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
She walked back to her desk, the click of her heels echoing softly in the room.
"He needs to learn, doesn't he? Actions have consequences - even if they're justified. He left the villa again, without a word. That deserves punishment. A few days in a cell might teach him to stay."
The ninja bowed. "As you wish. Should I continue monitoring?"
"No need. I'll handle the rest. You've done well. My bodyguard will see to your payment."
The former ninja bowed.
With that, the ninja vanished into the shadows, as if he had never been there at all.
Ruth stood in silence, her fingers grazing the edge of her desk. She reached for the wine glass she'd been saving. Pouring herself a generous amount of deep red Cabernet, she took a long sip. The rich flavor bloomed across her tongue.
Then, a cigarette.
The flame from the match flickered as she lit it. The first inhale sent a spiral of warmth through her nerves.
She walked to the tall window and looked out into the glowing night of Tokyo. Her reflection merged with the city's lights - a queen surveying her kingdom.
The wine, the cigarette, the darkness - all wrapped around her like velvet.
She tapped the ashes of her cigarette into a crystal tray, then exhaled slowly, letting the smoke dance.
She was tired. Tired from work, but not from Ian.
Ruth turned from the window and walked slowly to her personal lounge, setting the wine glass down and reclining.
For the first time in weeks, she let her eyes close.
In a few days, she would act, and she would catch him again. But tonight, she would rest.
Let Ian reflect in a cell.