Under the twilight sun, inside the green SUV, Shizuka and Takeo happily enjoyed pumpkin seeds. An effective snack to ward off sleepiness, kept the brain active, but did not make the stomach full. As per Hide's advice, melon seeds were your best friend when you were in a reconnaissance task.

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

"Nope."

"You didn't tell him?"

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Hide does show signs he isn't interested in Sayaka anymore, but who could guess how deep someone's heart is."

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

"Yeah." Takeo took a deep breath before continuing, "Look, many students saw Hide cry after Sayaka rejected him, but we know for sure that Hide is insanely strong heart and mind. So, his feelings for Sayaka must be very deep if he cried when he was rejected."

"And the thing that worries me the most is," Takeo's hair stood straight as he continued, "Hide is a cold-blooded killer. Who knows what he will do if he blames me for Sayaka's rejection."

"Make sense," replied Shizuka as she glanced at Takeo and sighed silently, 'If only this idiot had the same deep feelings for me.'

"Is there something wrong?" Somehow, Takeo was able to grasp a flash of bitterness in Shizuka's gaze.

"Nope, just wondering why there is a thick-skulled idiot in front of me."

"The heck." After pursing his lips, Takeo then asked. "How about you and Kuroki?"

"For the first two years he was a good training partner. After that, he was only a good sandbag, nothing more nothing less." Shizuka then gave a small snort before continuing, "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 strengthen my body."

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

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

"Deal." Shizuka cheerfully closed the agreement.

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

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

[Loud and clear, go ahead]

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

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

"What we do now?"

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

"Understood, Orange over and out."

—

'The fuck.'

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

However, he was alone and in his previous life he had no experience attacking the villa. Moreover, the targeted villa was located in a remotely open area, not a city filled with lights. So, in the dark, Takeo couldn't guide him to the villa using Google Earth online.

'Well, let's gather the Intel first before deciding further,' muttered Hide as he pressed the 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 victor."

[Roger.]

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

[Roger, for the outer layout I can make it based on the view from Google Earth. As for the inside layout, I have to find the developer and get 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 victor, and stay alert to the situation around you."

[Roger. Are you planning on returning to the RV?]

"If by 2030 hours there is no sign of the target leaving the victor, I'll be back to RV."

[Received and understood, Orange over and out.]

While sighing deeply Hide leaned his back. 'Well, no backup, no support.'

—

Under gentle dusk sunlight, Elder Moruyama peacefully sat cross-legged on the terrace, enjoying the dozens of purple orchids in full bloom.

Then, Chief Koji came over and sat down beside him.

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

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

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

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

Chief Koji firmly replied, "Of course 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 lowly servant."

After bowing deeply, Chief Koji then withdrew. At the same time, Leader Torumada came with a young man and a woman. After saluting, the three then sat down beside Elder Moruyama.

"You are still here."

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

"Why?" asked Elder Moruyama casually.

"Elder, this villa is not equipped with CCTV or hidden rooms for emergencies, while you are only guarded by Chief Koji and his men. This plan is too risky."

"Well, I came out of the hidden house to serve as 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--"

Swiftly, Elder Moruyama 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 Torumada Mafia members, he didn't believe them in the slightest. Instead, he was 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 the Sakura Project in sight, we must eliminate any present threat as quickly as possible, and let me do it personally.

Meanwhile, you have to focus on Sakura Project which will bring prosperity to the Toruma Family for the next five years."

Leader Torumada firmly replied, "Understood."

—

Empty warehouse, 2 km from the junction between Highway 11 and road to the Villa Tigera, 6 units of black SUV neatly parked and not far from it 24 people in black suits sitting relaxed while talking or playing cards.

On the waists of every man in black suits tucked a Glock 19 and three extra magazines, while on their chests hung an M4CQB + Eotech 551 or MP5-PDW + Aimpoint-XR, along with 6-8 extra magazines. All of these weapons were military-grade but did not have any markings that show their origin. In short, all of them were untraceable guns commonly used in Black Ops.

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 his guests, "You have no authority over the Elder's Personal Bodyguard, so get lost?"

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

"Why would I let someone else take my credit?"

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

"Just him and a bodyguard, using his own car."

"No problem."

In an instant, a smile bloomed on Leader Torumada's lips.

*****