The situation was spiraling so quickly that Eichi could barely keep up. He'd gone from a normal, uneventful life to being thrown into a world that seemed entirely foreign to him—one where stab wounds during "playtime" were just part of the daily routine, and his little brother was apparently running a schoolyard mafia.
Sakimura, still driving with utmost reverence, didn't seem to notice his young master's growing distress. Instead, he continued with his report, speaking as though everything was completely normal.
"Your little brother, Mugen," Sakimura said, "has also been showing leadership potential. He's managed to rally many of the school's toughest kids into his group. The future of the Arata Clan is certainly secure with his efforts."
Eichi rubbed his forehead, struggling to comprehend it all. "So... Mugen is running a gang, and I'm supposed to be proud of that?" he asked, disbelief lacing his voice.
Sakimura's face brightened, nodding vigorously. "Ah, indeed, Young Master! It's wonderful to see that he's already taking such initiative at such a young age! His leadership potential is undeniable. This shows great promise for the Arata Clan."
Eichi stared at him blankly. "Wait, no... I didn't mean it like that. I'm... I'm not sure if I should be proud of him, or... terrified. Is this really what we do now? Just run gangs?"
Sakimura paused, his expression suddenly thoughtful. "Ah, I see. You are worried that Mugen is not doing enough yet. You're concerned he hasn't built up a strong enough gang?" He glanced back at Eichi with a serious nod. "It is true, he has rallied only many, but not all of them. He should aim to recruit every tough kid to solidify his leadership."
Eichi blinked in confusion. "No, no... that's not what I meant!" His voice cracked slightly as panic set in. "I'm just saying, this feels... wrong. Is this really what the Arata Clan stands for? Does it really have to be like this?"
Sakimura smiled proudly. "Ah, Young Master, you are so astute! This is exactly what we need to secure our position. Mugen is showing excellent assertiveness. He must work harder and ensure his gang is feared and respected. Once that is done, our influence will grow!"
Work harder? Was Sakimura really interpreting his words like that? "So you want him to... make his gang even more powerful? More violent?"
Sakimura's eyes widened with excitement. "Yes, precisely! If he's to carry the weight of the Arata Clan, he must show more strength! More power! Strength is what the world respects. If Mugen does not strengthen his position, we might fall behind other clans. His actions must show that the Arata Clan will not be underestimated."
Eichi recoiled, rubbing his temples. This wasn't making sense at all. He had no idea his little brother was apparently in charge of a mini-mafia, let alone that it needed to be stronger. What had he gotten himself into? He took a deep breath. "Wait, wait, you misunderstood me. I'm not... I'm not saying he should make the gang stronger. I just don't know what to think about it all."
Sakimura nodded solemnly. "I understand, Young Master. You wish for Mugen to be even more ruthless in his dealings. A gang that isn't feared is no gang at all."
Eichi just stared at him, struggling to catch up with how everything had gotten twisted. "Wait, no! I just wanted to know if I should be proud of him! I didn't think he was running a gang, and now I'm thinking he might need to be... more ruthless?" His voice cracked as the absurdity sank in.
But Sakimura, ever calm and composed, was completely unfazed. "Indeed, Young Master. If Mugen strengthens his gang—asserts his dominance—he will be a formidable leader. That will bring great honor to the Arata Clan."
Eichi sighed heavily, feeling completely out of his depth. "What am I even saying? I didn't mean to ask for this level of... whatever this is. I'm just trying to figure out if I should be proud or scared."
Sakimura smiled warmly, his tone full of reverence. "You should be both, Young Master. The world respects both pride and fear equally. As for Mugen, we shall see how much he grows. With your guidance, he will become an even greater asset to the Arata Clan."
Eichi looked out the window, his mind reeling with everything that had just happened. The whole conversation had been a mess of confusion, yet somehow, Sakimura was acting as if everything had gone perfectly according to plan.
As the car approached the mansion, now fully illuminated and imposing, Eichi's heart skipped a beat. This felt far more real now that he was about to enter.
"Young Master," Sakimura said almost reverently, "We've arrived at your family's estate."
Eichi's mouth went dry. This was it. The moment he'd been dreading. This was where the real questions would begin. What if they realize I'm not who they think I am?
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't back out now.
The car stopped in front of the mansion. Sakimura opened the door, bowing respectfully. "Young Master, your arrival has been eagerly awaited."
Eichi hesitated for a moment, then nodded, stepping out of the car. He glanced around, processing the surreal reality of standing in front of this mansion, surrounded by people who expected him to be someone he wasn't. His stomach churned, but he straightened up, trying to look like he belonged.
Suddenly, he remembered something. A yakuza leader should walk with a katana, right? He straightened, turning toward Sakimura. "Get me a katana," he ordered.
Sakimura stopped in his tracks, his expression cautious, voice careful. "Young Master, are you sure? Bringing a katana here could provoke the elders or the other division leaders. It might be seen as a direct challenge."
Eichi paused, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. He didn't fully understand the weight of his words, but in his mind, this was the kind of boldness he needed to project—just like in those manga and anime where the main character commands respect simply by their presence.
"I told you, get me a katana," he repeated firmly. I have to look the part. If I act like a boss, they'll treat me like one.
Sakimura's expression shifted slightly, eyes narrowing with understanding, but he didn't challenge his Young Master's command. "As you wish, Young Master," he replied, his tone betraying a hint of concern.
Just as Eichi reached the mansion entrance, a guard—a tall man with a scar running down his cheek—stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Young Master, welcome. Your presence is most anticipated."
Eichi froze, unsure how to react. His mind scrambled for something to say, but only one thought came to him. I can't just walk past him. I need to do something, make my presence felt, or they'll think I'm a fool.
Without hesitation, Eichi turned his gaze to the man. "Hey, you. What's your name?" he asked bluntly.
The man seemed startled but quickly recovered, stiffening his posture as if given a command. "Kazuna Teita, Young Master," he replied respectfully.
Eichi nodded once, confidently. "Good, I've memorized your name. Good work, Kazuna Teita. I want you by my side moving forward."
Kazuna's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't hesitate. "Of course, Young Master. It would be an honor," he said, stepping behind Eichi.
Eichi moved further into the mansion, feeling the weight of the situation pressing around him. I've just made him follow me, and I don't even know why he's doing it! What is going on?
He could already imagine Mugen waiting excitedly inside the mansion, oblivious to the chaos his older brother was stepping into.