HA1 12.2 - Miscalculation

  Under the twilight sun, inside the Green SUV, Shizuka and Takeo happily enjoyed pumpkin seeds. It was an effective snack to ward off sleepiness, kept the brain active, but did not make the stomach too full. As per Hide's advice, pumpkin seeds were your best friend when you carried out an observation.

  After putting a piece of pumpkin seed in her mouth Shizuka asked, "Twig, does Hide know that in junior high Tenma and his gang beat you up because you rejected Sayaka's confession and made her cry?"

  "Nope."

  "You didn't tell him?"

  "Nope."

  "Why?"

  "Hide show signs he has no interest in Sayaka anymore, but we can’t see how deep someone's heart is."

  "Are you worry Hide will blame you for Sayaka's rejection?"

  "Yeah." Takeo took a deep breath before continuing, "Many students saw Hide cried after Sayaka rejected him. However, we know for sure Hide possess a very strong heart and mind.

  So, his feelings for Sayaka must be very deep if he cried after she rejected him."

  “…”

  "And," As the hair in his nape stood straight Takeo continued, "Hide is a cold-blooded killer. Who knows what he will do if he blames me for Sayaka's rejection."

  "Make sense," Shizuka replied as she glanced at Takeo and let out a silent sigh. 'If only this idiot has the same feelings for me.'

  "Is there something wrong with my face?" Takeo asked as he grasped a flash of bitterness in Shizuka's gaze.

  "Nope,” Shizuka casually said. “I’m just wondering why there is a thick-skulled idiot in front of me."

  "The heck." After pressing his lips Takeo asked, "What about you and Kuroki?"

  "For the first two years he was a good training partner. After that, he is only a good sandbag, nothing more nothing less." Shizuka then lightly snorted before adding, "But overall he's a cockroach, so don't ever ask me about him again."

  "Okay." Takeo was silent for a moment before he hesitantly asked, "Can you teach me karate? Even if it's just a little, I want to get stronger."

  "I can," Shizuka casually replied but in her heart she screamed happily. "But, what can you give me in return?"

  "I'll bring you a nice lunch and you can copy my homework."

  "Okay." Shizuka cheerfully closed the deal.

  At the same time, people in black suits came out from villa's main building. They walked towards the parking lot and a moment later dozens of vehicles left the villa, leaving behind a Mercie Z-class and a dozen SUVs.

  Without delay Takeo pressed PTT button. "Orange to Apple, do you copy?"

  [Solid copy, go ahead]

  "Multiple vehicles approaching your position, but no joy. Repeat, multiple vehicles approaching your position, but no joy."

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  [Received and Understood, multiple vehicles but no joy.]

  "What do we do now?"

  [Give me a moment. I'll contact you in a few minutes.]

  "Understood, Orange over and out."

  ---

  Hide downed a mouthful of isotonic drink before sinking into contemplation. If he missed this opportunity, no one would know when Toruma's Elder would come out of his hideout again. So, he had to consider the option to attack the villa.

  However, he was alone and in his previous life he had no experience attacking the villa. Moreover, the villa was located in a remotely open area, not a city filled with lights. So, under the darkness, Takeo couldn't help him to maintain situational awareness as he made the approach. In this kind of situation, spontaneous raid without proper planning was very dangerous.

  'Well, let's gather the Intel first before deciding further,' Hide muttered as he pressed PTT button. "Apple to Orange, do you read me?"

  [Yeah… Sorry, I mean loud and clear.]

  "Orange, please tag and count the number of people seen in the villa."

  [Roger.]

  "I also need the villa's layout, inside and outside."

  [Roger, for the outer layout I can make it based on direct observation. As for the inside layout, I have to find the developer and sneak in into their database. But there's no guarantee I'll get the file.]

  "No problem, get what you can, have Pear take your place watching the villa, and stay alert to the situation around you."

  [Roger. Are you returning to RV?]

  "If by 20:30 target show no sign of leaving, I'll return to RV."

  [Received and understood, Orange over and out.]

  While letting out a sigh Hide leaned his back on the tree trunk. 'Well, no backup, no support, no deep preparation.'

  ---

  Under the gentle dusk sun, Elder Moruyama sat cross-legged on the terrace, enjoying dozens of purple orchids in full bloom. Then, Chief Koji came over and sat next to him.

  "Elder, it seems our guests will visit us only at night."

  "I'm sure it's not a problem for you."

  "My men know this villa and the area around it well. The QRF team can also arrive in a few minutes."

  "Good, but I hope you are not overconfident."

  Chief Koji firmly replied, "I’m not. From the way they killed Group Leader Maeda the Fox, we know they are pros, but we are pros too."

  A smile instantly bloomed on Elder Moruyama's lips. "Then, I entrust my life to you."

  "It's an ultimate honor for this servant."

  After bowing deeply Chief Koji then withdrew. At the same time, Leader Torumada came with a young man and a woman. After a small but respectful bow, the three sat next to Elder Moruyama.

  "You are still here."

  "After hearing Chief Koji's plan, how can we go home?"

  "Why?" Elder Moruyama casually asked.

  "Elder, this villa doesn’t have CCTV or hidden rooms for emergencies, while you have only Chief Koji and his men to ensure your safety. This plan is too risky."

  "Well, I leave my hideout to become a bait, not to avoid danger."

  "I understand, but at least let Group Leader Naoki stay here with her men."

  "No, Koji and his men are more than enough."

  "But Elder, we--"

  Elder Moruyama swiftly raised his hand and Leader Torumada instantly fell silent.

  To Elder Moruyama, he would only entrust his life to Chief Koji, whom he raised like his own son. As for the other member of Torumada Mafia, he didn't believe them in the slightest. Instead, he always worried that one of them would kill him and took his place.

  Of course, Elder Torumada would not show his heart openly. He casually said, "Torumada, with Sakura Project in sight, we must eliminate present threat as quickly as possible, and let me do it personally.

  Meanwhile, you fully put your mind on Sakura Project. This project will bring prosperity to us for the next five years. Don’t screw it."

  Leader Torumada firmly replied, "Understood."

  ---

  Empty warehouse, 2 km from the intersection between Highway 11 and the road to Villa Tigera, six Black SUV neatly parked and not far from it 24 people in black suits casually sat while talking or playing cards.

  On the waists of every man in black suits had a Glox 17 and three extra magazines, while on their shoulder hung an M4CQB + EoTech 553 or MP5-PDW + ACSS Micro Red Dot, along with 8-10 extra magazines in their chest. These firearms were decent piece, but they did not have markings that show their origin. They were untraceable guns commonly used in Nikko’s underworld.

  In one corner, Sawamura was playing cards with some of his men when Leader Torumada walked in with a young man. With steady steps, the two approached Sawamura.

  In an icy tone Sawamura greeted them, "You have no authority over Elder's Personal Bodyguard. Get lost."

  "I don't come to interfere." Leader Torumada pointed at his third son as he continued, "I just want Takeshi and his bodyguards to take part when Elder needs help."

  "Why would I let someone take some share in my credit?"

  "Chief Koji doesn't mind as long as you don't mind either." Leader Torumada handed him a thick envelope before adding, "Besides, Takeshi doesn't have to be on the main stage. As far as he participates, that's enough."

  "Just him and his bodyguards, using his own car."

  "Deal."

  A smile instantly bloomed on Leader Torumada's lips.

  *****