Villa Tigera, inside a meeting room with luxurious tatami mats, Elder Moruyama calmly looked at Leader Torumada and the group leaders sitting before him. At the age of 72, he still held the position of the family's elder firmly and clearly looked healthy and strong.

It was quite a remarkable achievement, considering that his generation from other families had already left this world. Life as an elder of a mafia family was not easy. There was always a brutal competition in order to achieve a better position in the family. It could be said that a mafia family only united when they had to fight an enemy from outside, and Toruma Mafia was no exception.

'We have some new group leaders,' muttered Elder Moruyama as he turned to Leader Torumada, "Let's begin the meeting."

“Elder, before we begin, can I suggest something?”

"Go ahead."

"The current situation is not solid enough to get Elder coming out from the hidden house, so I beg that Elder is willing to once again consider your present in this meeting."

Elder Moruyama gave a small snort before asking, "You want me to leave after I arrive?"

Leader Torumada steadfastly replied, "Yes, for Elder's sake, considering right now we don't know what, who, or how strong our opponent is."

Elder Moruyama calmly said, "When his or her courier is killed, a group leader will go down to the streets to raise morale. So, when a group leader is killed, it's my obligation to come out from the hidden house, or other families will laugh at me as a coward."

“Elder, it is possible that the previous two attacks were aimed at luring you to come out from the hidden house.”

A smile grew on Elder Moruyama's lips. "In that case, we will give them a warm welcome. That's our way, the Toruma way."

"But El--"

Leader Torumada wanted to give another argument, but Elder Moruyama raised his hand to stop him. "Don't waste any more time, let's start the meeting."

"Understood." Leader Torumada sighed silently before started his explanation, "Tora Security had traded info with investigators from Nichiko Metro, and found that the projectile which killed Group Leader Maeda The Fox was identical to the projectile that killed the Aizen Family courier some time ago."

"Let me guess," Elder Moruyama said sourly, "both are projectiles commonly used by counter-terrorist units, specially designed to be fired from short barrels, and are highly lethal in CQB."

"Yes," answered Leader Torumada firmly. "The projectiles are also used by illegal high-class shooting clubs, and their circulation outside the military is monopolized by Kiyotto Cafe."

"Have you sent anyone to Kiyotto Cafe?"

"Elder, I don't think we should disturb Kiyotto Cafe unless there's no other way."

"Yeah, other families will throw a grand banquet if we get into a conflict with Keizawa The Lunatic." After being silent for a moment, Elder Moruyama then asked, "Are there any clues that lead to other families?"

"No, the investigation into the IDs collected during the sweeps yielded nothing. But if there are parties or families who help the Group Leader Maeda's killer hide to avoid the sweep, sooner or later we will find out."

“Do the Aizen Family still accuse us of ambushing their courier?”

"Yes, they also alleged that the death of Group Leader Maeda The Fox was an inside job."

"I see. Continue the investigation, stay alert for attacks from the Aizen Family, and make sure the Sakura Project can start at the end of this year."

"Understood."

"Well, It's been a long time since I've enjoyed the beauty of the purple orchid in the rear garden. So, let my old mind relax for a while while you guys continue your regular meeting."

"""Yes, Elder."""

In unison, Leader Torumada and the group leaders bowed deeply and only straightened their bodies when Elder Moruyama had left the room.

---

Rest area, hillside 1 km above the intersection between Highway 11 and the road to Villa Tigera, inside a green SUV.

Hide downed a mouthful of isotonic drink, then asked, "Takeo, what's your job?"

"Observing the villa via Google Earth online, when Toruma Mafia's Elder leaves the villa, I will inform you of the vehicle he used, the number of escort vehicles, and the estimated number of bodyguards."

"Shizuka, explain your task."

"Keep an eye on the situation around the RV using a tablet and Google Earth online, so Takeo can work without the slightest distraction."

"Good." Hide calmly continued, "And remember, if I ask you to leave the RV, leave immediately and don't tell me where you go unless I ask. If after three hours you heard nothing from me, assume I was killed and continue your life as if our hunting never happened."

Gulp!!

Takeo and Shizuka swallowed hard at the same time, while Hide opened the green SUV door.

"Hide, are you sure you're going to do it alone?" asked Shizuka.

"Yup, but you don't need to worry. I will cancel it if the situation is too dangerous."

Shizuka hesitantly said, "I carry my bow and arrows, and I never miss a target at a distance of 60 meters. Maybe I can help you?"

"Not this time, we never practiced together, while an ambush needs precise coordination and deep mutual understanding."

Without wasting time, Hide got out of the green SUV, then followed a small trail to the road at the base of the hill.

---

Three AEK-74SU and three Sieg P365 extra magazines on the chest, a fighting knife on the left shoulder strap, a silenced Sieg P365 on the right armpit, and a radio on the right shoulder strap, all covered by a jacket.

A waist-bag contained a mini uzie and three extra magazines on the right waist, next to a water canteen filled with isotonic drinks, and various pouches around the waist.

On the right shoulder hung a 30-liter backpack containing a silenced AEK-74SU, while on his head there was a balaclava wore to the forehead.

Even so, at first glance Hide looked no different from an outdoor junkie who had just spent the night in the open. Without careful examination and body search, no one would have thought that Hide had various weapons attached to his body.

Within minutes, Hide arrived under an old fir tree. Its trunk was as big as four men's arms linked one another, proudly stood 60 meters tall, on the side of the road 1.7 km from the intersection with Highway 11.

By using the small gaps and plots on its bark, Hide scaled the fir tree step by step. Once he reached the first brach, everything became easier. He then stopped at a branch the size of an adult's thigh, seven meters above the ground.

After clearing a few twigs and making sure he had a good field of view without sacrificing his cover, Hide unbuttoned his jacket, took out the silenced AEK-74SU, and placed it in front of his chest.

Then, while putting a gum in his mouth, he pressed the PTT button. "Apple to Orange, do you copy?"

[This is Orange, I read you, loud and clear.]

"Orange, give me the update."

[We have a still water, over.]

"Received and understood, Apple over and out."

As he leaned his back, Hide muttered, 'Now, the waiting begins.'

*****