#Suzuki gunz crime family

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 1

This is the story of the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  It is a mafia au fic.  Feedback and comments are very much appreciated.  Please!

Featuring:  Minoru Suzuki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi, Iizuka

Warnings:  Death, funeral, deliberate cutting, blood

December 10, 1995

Minoru Suzuki, IV stood under the black umbrella, no expression on his face as he stared at the closed copper casket that held the body of his father, Minoru Suzuki, III, kumichō of the Suzuki Crime Family of Japan. Well, former kumichō Minoru thought wryly.  With his father’s passing that title had now become his.  Rain fell around the mourners, puddles of water filling the dips and crevices of the expansive grass lawn of the cemetery.  Minoru could feel the eyeballs on him, already plotting to usurp the family while it was weak.  His lip twitched as he imagined the surprise they would be in for.  The family was going to be more powerful and prosperous than ever under his reign.  Minoru Suzuki the III had been complacent.  Minoru Suzuki, IV knew no such word. He was ambitious and ruthless.   Minoru knew his father’s kobun had already held meetings in the five days since his father’s assassination plotting to wrest power from Minoru or to put him under their control.  That would never happen, he would bathe in their blood before they owned him.  Little did they know Minoru was already prepared for this day.  He had his pieces in play with a group loyal to him and no other. Those kobun were going to be dead and gone before they knew what hit them.   This was going to his family.  He had no place for those who were not loyal to him.  

They thought him too young and green to run the family.   Their rivals thought the family would crumble with the death of the kumichō.   They didn’t realize Minoru had been trained for this day since he would could walk.  It mattered naught that he was only 17 years old.  He had been operating in the shadows since he was barely wet behind the ears.  Carried out more missions and had killed more people than most of those baka had.  They sat around letting others do their dirty work while they got fat and rich. Complacent.  Minoru sneered, there was that fucking word again. He hated it. Complacency had no place in their world.  You were complacent you ended up in a casket.  Just ask his father. 

The casket lowered in the ground, rumbles of thunder sounding as if an ominous beacon.   Minoru saw it as a different kind of omen.  The omen of a new beginning and the ending of an old chapter.   Minoru had a different vision for his family. No longer would positions be passed to someone based solely on blood.  His family would be family by choice, not blood.  It would be a difficult and time-consuming task, but in the end, Minoru knew it would only increase their reach.  Through the years he had seen too many betrayals by so-called family.  There was no loyalty and that made him sick.  

Minoru stepped forward with his mother, Asako, clasping his forearm, tossing a black rose onto the roof of the casket followed by a handful of dirt.   His mother sobbed, clutching her rose to her chest as she whispered words of love to the body below.  His sister, Chie, stepped forward with her Nanī following the actions of her mother and throwing her flower onto the casket. Chie was young, only 12 years old.  She didn’t understand exactly what had happened.  All she knew was that the father she rarely saw was dead.  Tears streamed down her young face as she was led away, followed by Minoru and his mother.  Passing by his best friend Yoshinobu Kanemaru on the way out Minoru met his eyes and give an imperceptible nod.  Yoshinobu remained stoic giving no indication of the signal, but Minoru knew he had received it.  The two had been friends since they were toddlers.   They had grown up next door to each other and had recognized kindred spirits.  If the Suzuki family had their way someone like Yoshinobu would have no place in their ranks, except for maybe as a lowly foot soldier.  He would never rise because he wasn’t blood.  

Pressing a kiss to her cheek Minoru handed his other off into her town car along with his sister and her companion.  He would see them later at the wake.  For now he had a meeting to attend.   Perhaps it was disrespectful to his father to conduct business immediately following his funeral, but time was of the essence.  He had to be the one to strike first and strike definitively.  

Climbing behind the wheel of his 1994 Mercedes-Benz 240D Minoru drove through the outskirts of Tokyo to the little restaurant he had been having meetings with his men for the past year.  After three attempts on his father’s life Minoru had realized it was only a matter of time before his old man met his untimely demise.  So he had begun planning and setting things in motion for his eventual takeover.  Parking his car around the back, Minoru walked through the rear door and into the back room they congregated at.  Food had already been set out along with a bottle of Takeda Katafune Daiginjo Sake with one cup.  

Minoru took his seat at the head of the table, leaning back in his chair and thinking of the changes that were about to come into his life.   It was sooner than anticipated, but Minoru was a firm believer in destiny.  His time had come and he was ready to embrace it. With his hand selected men, nothing was going to stop his family.   Hearing vehicles pull up outside the restaurant Minoru sat forward, pulling the ceremonial knife he had brought for the occasion from his interior jacket pocket and laying it on the table next to the Sake cup.  

Yoshinobu Kanemaru was the first to enter, nodding his head in greeting to Minoru the sixteen-year-old took his seat at Minoru’s right side.   The two remained silent, the solemnity of the occasion echoing through the room.  This was a massive undertaking they were spearheading and honestly it was a bit nerve-wracking.   They would be fools not to feel apprehensive, and that was not a word that could be used to describe any of these men.  

Taichi Ishikari presented in the doorway next, his ever-present sneer on his face as he joined the men he considered two of his closest friends.  The fifteen-year-old assumed his seat to Minoru’s left, grabbing some tempura and biting into it.   Taichi was at home here.  His father owned the restaurant and had forced Taichi to work here since he was 5. Day in, day out Taichi had to spend every free hour slaving away as either a waiter or dishwasher for his father. At night he had to stay behind and clean for hours, so the business would be ready to open in the morning.   His father allowed them to use this room, but Taichi paid dearly for the honor.  Revenge on behalf of his good friend was one of the first items on Minoru’s orders of business.   He, Yoshi and Taichi had grown extremely close over the past few years and Minoru abhorred the way Taichi was treated by his father.   Taichi’s father had no idea what occurred during these meetings, but he provided food and liquor for the boys and extracted the cost through Taichi later.  Despite Minoru’s best efforts, Taichi refused to let them move locations.  No one would ever think to look here for the boys, it was safe. He would suffer for his friends.  

Takahasi Iizuka barreled through the door, running late as always.  He never could manage to arrive anywhere on time.  Slouching down in the seat the 19-year-old greeted his friends, eyes darting nervously around the room.   Iizuka had mixed feeling about the death of Minoru Suzuki, III.   The man had taken him in when he had run away from an abusive situation, so Iizuka felt a certain kinship with him for that, but he had been thrown into the family business as a henchman, given no choice but the fight or the family.   If he had the choice, he would have done it freely, but Iizuka wasn’t given an option and for that he held a grudge.  Minoru on the other hand had his complete loyalty.  From the start Minoru had treated him as family and lobbied against his own father on his behalf.  Minoru backed Iizuka up and never asked for anything in return.  In addition to his duties with the family Iizuka had been training since he was 14 with the younger man in preparation for this day.  

“Thank you all for coming here today.”  Minoru spoke, bringing the meeting to order.  “I recognize this is earlier than we anticipated, but I have no doubts that we are ready. ��Each of us will take the oath binding us to each other and the Suzuki Guns family.   We will take what is rightfully ours and destroy those who stand in our way.  Our way will lead us to success and prosperity.” He looked each of his friends, soon to be brothers in the eyes before grabbing the Sake and glass and filling it.  

Rising to his feet Minoru shucked his jacket and undid his cufflinks, rolling the white long sleeve up past his elbow and grabbing the ceremonial knife.  

“I, Minoru Suzuki, IV, pledge my life and my honor to this family.   Henceforth known as the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as kumicho. Bond before blood.”   Minoru spoke solemnly and dragged the knife down his arm, letting his blood drip into the cup of Sake.   Wrapping a bandage around his arm Minoru turned to Yoshinobu.

“Yoshinobu Kanemaru, I hereby name you saiko komon of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve as my counsel and my confidant.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

Yoshi rose to his feet and accepted the knife from Minoru after rolling up his own sleeves.

“I, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as saiko komon.  Bond before blood.”  Yoshi pledged, slicing open his arm and dripping his own blood into the cup.   Resuming his seat Yoshi quietly bandaged his arm, watching as Minoru continued the ceremony.

“Taichi Ishikari, I hereby name you so-honbucho of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve in my stead in my absence.  Where I am not able or available to issue directive, so shall you.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru asked.

Taichi nodded pulling up his sleeve.  Taking the knife from Minoru he stood with it pressed to his skin, right at the start of a scar put there by his father.  

“I, Taichi Ishikari, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as so-honbucho.  Bond before blood.”  Taichi said grinning as he split open the scar dragging the knife along it.  If he was going to have a scar, it was going to be one that brings him pride.  

“Takahasi Iizuka, I hereby name you wakagashira of the Suzuki Gunz crime Family.  You will serve as head of our kobun.  You will be responsible for the safety and security of our family.   Do you accept this designation?”  Minoru asked.

Without hesitation Iizuka rose and responded.

“I, Takahasi Iizuka, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  My loyalty is to this family and no other.  My men will come before all others.  I accept my position as wakagashira.  Bond before blood.”  The knife sliced open his arm and they all watched as the last member’s blood fell into the cup.

Lifting the cup and swirling it Minoru looked at each of the three men.  “I couldn’t ask for better men for this undertaking.  Our age is not a deterrent, but an asset.  We will change this family for the better. Make it stronger.  Make it richer.   Make it respected.  We will own Japan.” Minoru pronounced bringing the goblet to his mouth and swallowing a mouthful of the sake mixed with each of their blood.  

The goblet was passed around to each of the men, each taking a deep swallow before the cup was placed back on the table.  

Minoru reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a long black jewelry box and placing it on the table.  The other three crowded around as he opened it, revealing four rings with a symbol reading Suzuki Gunz inlaid in black and white diamonds.  

“Yoshi, Taichi, Iizuka, welcome to my family.” Minoru said handing each of them a ring before sliding his own on his finger.   “And welcome to the new era of Suzuki Gunz.” 

Japanese translations:  

Baka  - idiot or morons

Kobun – underlings

Kumichō – Boss

Nanī -nanny

so-honbucho – underboss, second in command

saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

wakagashira – first lieutenant

[ghostofviper]

I’m always soo excited every time you update suzuki gunz crime family, the latest chapter was soo good! This is has to be one of my favorite aus☺️

Awww I’m squealing. This made my night. I work so hard on it so I’m so happy everyone is enjoying it 🤗

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 15

Word Count: 2253

Warnings:  Language, domestic violence, nonconsensual sex, choking, very trigger heavy chapter, read with caution

CHAPTER 15

March 4, 2003

Bushi slid into the driver’s seat of his white Ferrari 360 Modena and fired it up before reaching for his laptop.  Punching into his network on the dark web Bushi pulled up the information he had gathered on Minoru’s mother, Asako Suzuki.  Finding her credit card information he entered into a tracking website.  As he waited for the results Bushi drummed his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel.  He didn’t know why this chit thought she could run.  Minoru owned this city.  Did she really think she could escape his reach?  Bushi was counting on Chie being stupid enough to use her mother’s credit cards in her grand escape. Given that his mother was complacent in the escape Bushi was rather confident she would help her daughter in any way she could.  If they were smart they would have used paper money. He wasn’t counting on that.  Not given their actions thus far.

A ping alerted him to the end of his search.  Pulling the laptop close he perused the results, making notes of where Chie had been in the past few days and marking down the hotel she was staying in.  The most recent charge was from about thirty minutes ago for room service.  Bushi would bet his last dollar that was where Chie was holed up.  If he could get there quickly, he had an easy in. 

Shifting into drive Bushi sped away from the house, tearing through the streets towards Chie’s hotel. Once he arrived he pulled into a parking space near the rear of the hotel.  Thanks to the card charge Bushi had Chie’s room number and quickly snuck inside the hotel and ducked into the first men’s room he ran across.  Pulling off his mask Bushi tucked it into his pocket then pulled his comb out of his suit jacket inner pocket.  Slicking back his hair and making sure every strand stayed in place he then exited the bathroom and headed towards the elevators.

Avoiding the view of the stationary camera in the elevator Bushi slunk along the wall pressing a device to the control panel that would override the floor security which would allow him to get to the penthouse suite where Chie was staying.   When the elevator signaled his arrival Bushi grabbed his little box from the control panel and stepped out into the plush lobby area.  

Leaning against the wall Bushi glanced at his watch, wondering if he had missed the room service attendant or if he was early.  Deciding to wait ten more minutes before finding another way into the suite Bushi pushed off the wall and removed his jacket and button down shirt throwing them on the table next him and leaving him in his grey suit pants and a white tank top before resuming his position against the wall.   He could hear loud pulsing music from the hotel room seeping through the walls and grinned.  That would only serve to further his purpose.  

Hearing the elevator rising up the shaft Bushi moved to the door of the hotel room turning to glance at the elevator over his shoulder.

The attendant bowed respectfully to Bushi asking if he’d like the cart set up for him. 

Bushi grinned and shook his head.

“My wife’s not decent at the moment.”  Bushi said.  “I’ll take it in.”  With another bow the attendant re-entered the elevator.  As soon as the doors were closed Bushi knocked.  “Room service.”  He called. 

The door opened and Bushi pushed in to see Chie’s back as she walked towards what he assumed was the bedroom. 

“Just put it by the table and go.”  Chie ordered before disappearing. 

Instead Bushi left the cart right where it was closing the door behind him and locking the chain.   Pulling his tank top over his head Bushi made his way after Chie clutching the shirt in one hand.  Pausing to the side of the doorway Bushi caught site of Chie removing her robe revealing a silky babydoll nightgown that barely grazed the bottom of her ass.  Adjusting his hardening groin with one hand Bushi ducked back as Chie exited the bedroom. 

As soon as she was in front of him Bushi sprang, looping his tank top over her neck and yanking it hard to bring her back against his chest.  His cock grew stiffer with her struggles, her ass rubbing against him as she kicked at him while her fingers clawed at the shirt around her neck.  After a moment her movements grew disoriented, her hands falling to her sides and her kicks becoming jerkier. 

Loosening the shirt to allow Chie to get some air Bushi dragged her back into the bedroom and tossed her carelessly onto the bed.  Chie scrambled to the headboard, clutching her throat and sucking in air as she stared frightfully at the half naked man who had accosted her.

“You shouldn’t have ran.”  Bushi said tossing the tank top over his shoulder then unfastening his pants and dropping them to the ground.  By the time she thought to scream it was too late, Bushi was on top of her, wrapping that shirt around her neck and pulling it tight again, choking her scream off as a gasp.   “Where did you think you were going to go?  You have an obligation to your family.  You have embarrassed your brother and future husband with this little stunt.” 

Chie shook her head frantically in denial, eyes bulging as she struggled to take in any little air.  

Disregarding her protests Bushi nudged apart her legs keeping one hand firmly on his shirt as he ripped off Chie’s panties.  Panic flew through Chie and she lashed out at the man on top of her, fingernails raking down the side of his face and punching at his chest. 

Bushi winced as her nails left a stinging path down his cheek, grabbing her hands and pinning them over her head in one of his before backhanding her twice across the face.  Throwing aside his shirt Bushi wrapped his hand around her throat and squeeze enjoying the feel of her throat contracting under his fist.  Nudging her legs apart he lined himself up with her and shoved in, reveling in the scream that tried to tear its way from her throat. 

“Not even a virgin.  Fucking yariman.”  Bushi huffed. 

When he was done Bushi rolled off Chie’s crying form, casually redressing before moving to her luggage and pulling out a dress for her to way. 

“Hurry up.  You have a wedding to get to.”  Bushi said sharply.  “Unless you’d rather go for round two?”  He chuckled as Chie got dressed in record time, keeping a safe distance from him as he watched her get ready.  She didn’t bother with makeup.  Maybe her brother would see what his asshole associate had done to her he would kill him.  She was certain he would when he found out he had raped her.  Hugging herself Chie followed the blonde man out of the suite huddling by the elevator as he put on his button down shirt and jacket. 

Turning her back to the camera Bushi held Chie against his chest, his hand resting on the back of her hair as the elevator descended.  Retracing his earlier steps Bushi led Chie to his car and secured her in the passenger seat. 

The ride was silent, Chie plastering herself to the passenger door to get as far away from this psychopath she was stuck with as possible while Bushi texted Evil he was on the way back and requesting he come grab Bushi’s wayward bride and take her inside while Bushi made a quick run back home.  Pulling in front of the house Evil was waiting, dark sunglasses on as usual as he leaned against the column on the front porch. 

The car was barely stopped before Evil was pulling the door open, yanking Chie out and slinging her over his shoulder and marching to the front door as Bushi took off again.

Evil entered the living area where everyone was gathered and unceremoniously dumped Chie on the floor with a loud thump before joining Sanada on the couch. 

Minoru rose from his seat and circled around his sister chronicling the bruising on her face, her bloody split lip, the ligature marks around her neck, his face never changing expression as he squatted down below her. 

“Why would you think running was a good idea Chie?”  Minoru asked his voice deceptively soft as he reached out to grab a handful of her hair, twisting her neck back to look up at him.  “You’ve brought shame to our family with this little stunt.” 

“Your little goon raped me Minoru!”  Chie yelled tears filling her eyes.  “You just going to let him get away with that?  I’m your fucking sister!” 

“I’m going to consider it the price he gets to reap for hunting you down.  And quite expeditiously I might add.”  Minoru said rising to his feet and pulling Chie up along with him.  “Now go clean yourself up.  I don’t want to hear another word from you besides I do.”  Minoru pushed her away from him with a sneer.  “Lance, go make sure she doesn’t attempt to run again.”   Lance stood and followed Chie down the hallway while the rest of the men conversed, feeling each other out as they waited for this final union of their families. 

“Bushi’s on his way back.”  Naito said several moments later as he received a text from the masked man.  “Let’s get this show on the road.”

By the time everyone had made it back to the study where the officiant was waiting Bushi had made his appearance, dressed in a new suit given his previous one had become a wrinkled mess and a black and gold mask.  

Minoru stood next to Chie serving as a silent warning that she better behave as Bushi stood across from her with a cold smile and colder eyes.  Having only seen him unmasked Chie had no inclination this was the same man from the hotel, but he terrified her nonetheless.  

Rings were placed and vows were spoken and Chie was handed off to Bushi who led her to the yellow Porsche he had arrived in. 

“Stay.”  He commanded closing her into the car and walking up to speak with Minoru.

“I must say I’m a bit disappointed I don’t have a virginal bride to deflower.”  Bushi commented as he shook Minoru’s hand.

“I think that’s your fault for taking it before the wedding.” Minoru said archly.

“Oh she wasn’t a virgin when I took her.”  Bushi said.  “Far from it.  But I’m still willing to accept her.  Used goods and all.”  He chuckled and slapped Minoru on the shoulder before walking around his car and sliding in. 

“Don’t touch me.”  Chie growled when Bushi’s hand left the shifter to rest on her thigh during a straight stretch of road.  “I’ve had enough touching today.”  She said bitterly, voice shaking with unshed tears.

“You’re my wife.  I’ll touch you whenever I want.”  Bushi snapped giving her thigh a harsh squeeze before returning his attention to the road. 

Twenty minutes later they arrived at Bushi’s home on the outskirts of Tokyo, driving into his underground garage and parking next to the white Ferrari he had driven earlier.  Chie froze as she climbed out of the car, panic rising in her throat as she eyed the vehicle.  She had thought he worked for Minoru, but perhaps he worked for Bushi.  Bile rose in her throat as thought of being trapped in a home with two men who seemed to have no qualms about taking what they want from her. 

“When will my stuff be brought over?”  Chie asked as Bushi grabbed her by the arm and began pulling her up the stairs towards his bedroom. 

“It’s not.  You had the opportunity to come peacefully with all your belongings.  You chose option B.”  Bushi smirked at her, his slick black lips sending chills through her.  “Maybe you can come up with some way to earn a few things.  Though I’m not going to complain if you’re naked all the time.” 

Bushi pushed her ahead of him into the bedroom with sharply issued command to strip while Bushi undressed himself and slid his mask off.  He sighed in annoyance when he turned around and she still stood fully dressed staring down at the bed. 

“Do I really have to remind you how nasty things get when you don’t behave?”  He asked coming up behind her and placing a hand around her throat pulling her against his body as he tightened the fingers minutely.   Chie gasped ripping away from him and falling onto the bed in her haste to escape.

“It’s you!”  She yelled accusingly, seeing the face from her earlier nightmare looming over the end of the bed.  “That was you in the hotel room?” 

“You’re just figuring that out?”  Bushi said rolling his eyes. “Good thing you’re pretty cause you’re not too bright.”  His smile dropped as he looked at her still clothed form. “Get undressed now.  If I have to take them off you really will be walking around naked.”  

Shoulders slumping Chie grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it over her head followed by her undergarments. 

“Get on all fours.”  Bushi said climbing onto the bed.  Chie obeyed burying her head in the pillow to muffle her cries as her new husband took her from behind without care sweat dripping onto her back from his brow as he rutted behind her.

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 14

Word Count: 1738

Warnings:  Language

March 4, 2003

The past three days had been a whirlwind. Hours upon hours upon hours spent in Minoru’s study with Los Ingobernables, hashing out the details of the gun trade as well as the implications of the marriages between the families.  As Minoru had assured his family the Ingobernables had no interest in stepping into any kind of role with the Guns.  They preferred to stay in the shadows and handling their arms smuggling operation which stretched across most of the Eastern Hemisphere.  It kept them rather busy and they had no desire to expand into other territories.  However, they were willing to lend their services should they be required.  

There was haggling and arguing back and forth over pricing as well as the amount of arms Suzuki Gun would receive.  Naito was also insistent that the Guns be trained to his satisfaction before receiving their weapons, pointing to Evil as their weapons specialist to handle the training.  

“is this really necessary?” Davey asked in annoyance.  “How hard is it?  You point and shoot.”  

Evil fixed him with an icy glare.  

“We’re not going to let you run around like idiots and bring attention to yourselves.  It’s not quite as easy as you think it is.  I will teach you and you will learn.  Or I’ll kill you all.”  Evil said evenly.

Once again shouts erupted from the Guns as they threatened Evil as the man stared back nonplussed.

“Calm down.” Naito said holding his hand up. “Nobody is going to kill anybody. We’re family now.  Right Evil?”

Evil grunted with a slight nod, leaning back in his seat with a wide yawn.  

“Speaking of family.”  Desperado spoke up.  “Since we are now can I ask Bushi something?”  He couldn’t help but be fascinated by the other masked man.  LIJ were secretive to an extreme and Suzuki Gun was on the wrong side of the information track.  LIJ seemed to know everything about them while the Guns were grasping at any thread they could pick up.  

Bushi nodded with a smirk on his black painted lips locking Desperado in his gaze as he waited for the question he already knew was coming.  

“Why do you wear the mask?”  Desperado asked gesturing towards Bushi’s intricately decorated mask.  The third such different one he’d worn in the three days they had known each other. “Or masks I guess I should say.”  

“So, I can do what I do unnoticed.  No one knows who I am or what I look like.  In the streets with no mask I’m just another nobody.”  Bushi said with a shrug.  

“Since we’re family and all do we get be graced with your beauty?”  Lance taunted making Bushi roll his eyes and reach for the laces on the back of his mask, loosening them and pulling off the mask revealing his face to the Guns as a show of trust.  

“Damn,” said Lance with a disappointed chuckle. “I was hoping you’d be ugly.”  

“Fuck you.” Bushi said succinctly to Lance, running his fingers through his dyed blonde hair in an attempt to brush back the flyaway locks. “Turnabouts fair play Desperado, brother, why do you wear your mask?”

“Oooh is there something the Ingos don’t know?” Zack said with a grin casting a worried glance at Despy.  

“It’s fine Zack.” Desperado said reaching for the laces on his own mask.  

“This is why I wear the mask.” He told Bushi as he removed the vinyl material revealing his face to LIJ.  He held his chin high, pride refusing to let him cower beneath their stares as they took in the deep scarring over his face.  

“Still want me to marry your sister pretty boy?” He asked Sanada with a sneer, the only one who didn’t change his expression one iota as he took in the mess that had been left of Desperado’s face.  

“I really don’t give a fuck.”  Sanada said speaking his first words in the presence of the Guns. “Once you put a ring on her finger the bitch is yours.”   That brought a smile to Desperado’s face surprised at the easy acceptance.  Sliding the mask back on his tightened the laces as Bushi re-secured his own mask.

“Speaking of, look who’s here,” Naito said with a grin as Sanada’s sister Kyo appeared in the doorway on the arm of her escort. “Kyo, come meet your husband to be.”  

Naito grabbed her by the elbow and shooed off the escort bringing the beautiful young girl to Desperado’s side.

“Desperado this is Sanada’s sister Kyo. Kyo, meet Desperado.” Naito introduced the two, watching Kyo carefully to make sure she was going to walk the line as she bowed her head in greeting to Desperado and spoke niceties in her soft voice.  He needn’t have worried, Kyo would never dare disrespect her brother in his wishes. She had known for a long time that she would not be granted a marriage of love but would rather be used as a pawn.  

“We’ve produced ours Minoru, now where is Bushi’s bride?”  Naito said leaving Kyo’s side as Desperado sat and pulled her down into his lap hands tight on her hips.  Minoru frowned looking at his watch.  11:30. They should have been here by now.  His fists clenched as he reached for his cellphone, dialing his mother’s house.

“Where the fuck is Chie?” he shouted as soon as it was answered.  “She is supposed to be here.”  His face turned red with rage as he listened to the voice on the other end. “Gone?  What do you mean she’s gone?  Where the fuck is she?”  Minoru ran his fingers through his hair as he listened to babbled excuses. “Why am I just now hearing about this?” He yelled shutting the man up.  “You tell my mother I will deal with her later.”  

“You lost your sister?”  Hiromu asked with a giggle, unable to contain his laughter. “Your wife ran away on you Bushi.” Hiromu slapped his knee as he found this whole situation hilarious.  “The runaway bride.”  

Minoru swallowed his anger and turned to face the Ingos, who, except for Hiromu, looked rather displeased with him.

“We upheld our end of the bargain Suzuki.” Naito said angrily.  “What kind of shit are you trying to pull?”  Tension filled the room as the men on both sides rose squaring off in the center of the room.  

“Calm down everyone.” Minoru said waving off his men. “This isn’t anything on our end. My mother,” He said distastefully. “Failed to tell me my sister ran off after I visited her and informed her of her upcoming marriage.  It’s an egregious oversight on my part and I take full blame.”  As angry as he was, Minoru knew the fault fell on him.  He had made a deal and was failing to fulfill his end of the bargain.  “I’ll send my men out and we will find her.”

“No.”  Bushi spoke up.  “I’ll find her. After all, she is my bride.”  Bushi stared challengingly at Minoru until he nodded in concession. “Good.  Now let’s get Desperado hitched and then I’ll go search for the lovely Chie.”  

“Let me guess.  You already know what she looks like.”  Taichi asked resignation tinging his tone as Naito smiled and nodded. Of course they did.  He really didn’t expect anything less at this point.

Calling in the officiant the new couple stood in front of him and recited their vows, Kyo’s voice trembling as she promised herself to a man she had just met.  She cast unsure eyes at her brother as the officiant sought those two binding words from her, shrinking back as she met his hard-expectant eyes.  

“I do.” She whispered sealing her fate as they were declared man and wife when Desperado slid the massive diamond ring on her finger.  Her eyes squeezed shut as Desperado pulled her to his body, burying his tongue in her unresponsive mouth, his grip growing tighter as he sensed her hesitation.  

“I think it’s time for me and my wife to get to know each other.”  Desperado said as he broke the kiss. “Come find me when it’s time for Bushi’s wedding.” With those words he pulled her from the room towards the stairs leading to his room on the second floor.  

“Don’t let him go anywhere,” Bushi said pointing at the officiant. “I plan on getting married today.”  

The two groups watched Bushi stride purposefully out of the study utter confidence in every step he took.  Watching him leave there was no doubt in the room that Bushi would bring Chie back home. 

“This is not the best start to our allegiance.” Hiromu said.  “If this is how you run your family how can we have confidence in your ability to run an organization?”  

“Hiromu stop being a dick.”  Naito said with a roll of his eyes. “We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t well aware of how well they run an organization.  Stop causing trouble, we have enough going on today.” Hiromu jutted out his lower lip crossing his arms over his chest as he pouted.  

“We should warn you Suzuki-san,” Naito said. “Just so you can be prepared, your sister is probably not going to be brought back in the best of conditions by Bushi.”  

“I thought Evil was the one I should be concerned with?” Minoru said looking at the perpetually angry big man.  “Though at the moment I’m wishing I had selected him as I would happily turn my errant sister over to him.  Whatever that might mean.”  

“I’ve got to ask.” Davey said.  “Why the warnings for Evil?”  Evil found himself the center of attention as all the present Guns turned to him.  

“Evil has certain, proclivities.”  Naito said vaguely, leaving it to Evil to decide if he wished to elaborate.  

“I have a dungeon.”  Evil said bluntly.  “I like to torture and hurt.  And I like to play with knives and make women bleed.”  

“Don’t forget the drinking blood part.”  Hiromu reminded him helpfully.

“For the hundredth time, I don’t drink the blood Hiro,”  Evil said in exasperation.  “I taste it. Like a fine wine.” He smirked as looks ranging from fascination to disgust filled the faces of the Guns.  

“We’re getting off track.”  Naito said before the conversation delved further away.  “I would like your assurances that no matter the condition your sister is returned here in that it won’t adversely affect our relationship.”  He stared at Minoru expectantly.  

“Even though its not official yet, she belongs to Bushi.”  Minoru decreed. “I will not interfere in how he chooses to punish his bride.” 

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 13

Word Count: 1868

Warnings:  Language, light violence

CHAPTER 13

March 1, 2003

“Obviously our relationship is tenuous at best,” Naito admitted as he strolled casually around Minoru’s conference table.  The two groups had gone underground to Minoru’s meeting room which was located just down the hall from his office and the room where the kobun met.  “We need something to tie us together and cement us as family.” 

“What exactly are you proposing?” Kanemaru asked skeptically following the man’s movements around the room. 

“An answer as old as time.”  Naito said flashing a grin.  “Marriage.” 

Shouts erupted from the Guns filling the room with their contentious responses to his proposition.  

“Quiet.”  Minoru shouted making a hush immediately fall over the room.  “You do realize we are rather in a time crunch don’t you?  How to you propose we pull off a marriage and all it entails when we’re gearing up for a war.  We need guns yesterday.  Not months from now.” 

“Marriages Suzuki-san.  Plural.”  Naito said with a grin.  “We marry one of yours. You marry one of ours. As for the time frame, there will be no big weddings.  One officiant, two brides, two grooms.  We’ve told you Minoru, we are ghosts and we plan on staying that way.  There will be no big weddings or announcements or anything of the sort.” 

“Arranged marriages are a bit antiquated aren’t they?”  Iizuka asked.  “This seems rather, barbaric.” 

“We are barbaric men.”  Hiromu said with a lackadaisical shrug of his shoulder.  “This is kill or be killed for your family.  You wish to strengthen our bond and get your greedy little hands on our guns, then you meet our terms.” 

“Just who are you proposing gets married?”  Taichi asked Naito who looked at Sanada who gave an almost imperceptible nod to his leader.

“Sanada has a sister.  She’s young and hot and knows her place.  Of course as she is his little sister Sanada gets the ultimate approval.”  Naito said.  “As for our side same rules apply.” 

The two groups separated, the Guns moving over to their conference room to discuss Naito’s proposal. 

“I know this is a rather unexpected development,” Minoru told his men as they sat around the table.  “But I can’t deny that it is the quickest way to seal our families together.  Things will remain as they are, none of them will be joining our kobun.” He reassured them.  “I believe Naito wishes to keep his family off the radar and will stay out of our way.  Do you agree Taichi?” 

Taichi lit a cigar and took a deep drag off it blowing the smoke towards the ceiling as he contemplated his response. 

“It makes sense.”  He finally said.  “If they were just wanting our side to commit I’d be a little more concerned, but they seem to be making effort to equalize things.”  He took another drag.  “And at the end of the day they have the upper hand.  They have the guns we want and it seems there is no other way to get it then to go through the Ingobernables.” 

“Does everyone agree?” Minoru asked, looking at his men one by one and gaining their tacit approval for this undertaking.

“That’s settled then.  Now the hard part.  Whose sister is on the table?”  Taichi said leaning back in his chair and looking over the table. 

“Chie is really the only choice.”  Minoru said speaking of his sister.  “Taichi doesn’t have one, Lance and Davey have no family, Taka has no family, Desperado has no family, and Zack’s is estranged.  Would have to be either Chie or Nobu’s sister. Or Iizuka’s though she’s a bit old.”

“You sure about giving over your sister?”  Kanemaru asked.  “Might need her for later negotiations.” 

“No, MiSu’s right.” Taichi said.  “This is the strongest allegiance we need.  We need those guns.  That’s our future.” 

“Alright so we’re turning over Chie.”  Iizuka said.  “Who’s getting hitched?  And don’t you dare say you Minoru.”  He said sternly.  “They don’t get the boss.”  Minoru’s protests died on his lips as he saw the mutinous expressions on the faces of his family giving a reluctant nod of agreement.

“I’ll do it.”  Taka said.  “It’s my fault we’re in this mess.”

Various chorus of denial and exclamations of it’s not your fault rang out.

“Not happening Taka.” Minoru said firmly.  “You’re not ready for marriage just yet.”  

“Better pick someone who’s going to meet pretty boy’s standards.”  Lance said with a laugh. “I mean does nobody find it odd they’re going to be marrying the sister of a guy who hasn’t spoken a single word in the time we’ve known him?”

“Let’s not worry about that right now Lance.”  Minoru said. 

“I’ll marry her.  I mean she’s gotta be hot. Look at her brother.”  Desperado said with a smirk.  Minoru nodded in acceptance of his offer, casting his glance around the table for any other volunteers. 

“I’ll step up.  Give pretty boy some options.”  Kanemaru said with a smirk.

“You know I’ll do it for you.”  Taichi added. 

Decisions made the Guns filed back to where LIJ were waiting.  Naito leaning back in his chair, eyes closed as if catching a nap while Bushi and Hiromu sat on either side of him carrying out a hushed conversation around him.   Evil and Sanada sat silently next to each other, eyeing the Guns as they entered and took their seats. 

Naito lowered his arms, eyes opening and looking at Minoru.

“My sister Chie is our offering.”  Minoru said smirking as he made the generally unflappable Naito look surprised, which he quickly covered.

“Okay. Pick whoever you want. We’re all on the table.”  Naito said.  “Though I would suggest avoiding Evil if you care for your sister’s wellbeing in the slightest.”  Naito grinned at Evil who simply smirked in response as the rest of them shared knowing smiles. 

Minoru templed his fingers looking over the Ingobernables.  He honestly didn’t care.  His sister was little more than an accessory in his life.  Never seeing her more often than every couple of months.  He could thank his father for that.  Minoru had never formed an emotional connection with either his mother or sister.  His gaze lingered on Sanada for a moment before moving on.  The man was already giving up his sister, he would let him be.  

“Bushi.”  Minoru pronounced after several long moments of introspection.  Bushi nodded in acceptance.   “On our end they’ve decreed I’m off limits but anyone else is available to you.  Desperado, Kanemaru and Taichi have all volunteered.”

“I’m agreeable to Desperado.  Marry off both our masked men.”  Naito said.  “Sanada?  Does that suit you?”  Sanada looked up from his phone heaving a sigh of annoyance at having been interrupted. Nodding without even glancing in Desperado’s direction making Naito laugh.  “Don’t know why I bothered to ask. He doesn’t give a shit.” 

As one Los Ingobernables rose to their feet and headed towards the doorway.

“Weddings will be in three days.  12:00 here.”  Naito said as they walked out.  “Hope you don’t mind if we borrow your car to get home Taka.  No hard feelings.”  He laughed as they walked out of Minoru’s home and in to the crisp night air.

The next morning Minoru woke early, enjoying a peaceful breakfast while his family slept in the home around him.  He had a feeling this little interlude was going to be his only peace for a while.  Pushing aside his plates Minoru grabbed his jacket and headed to his car.   In the fifteen minute ride to his mother’s home, which up until a few years ago had been his home, Minoru contemplated the reactions he was going to get from both his mother and sister when he imparted the news.  His mother he was rather sure was going to accept his decision.  It was the way she was raised and she had been in an arranged marriage with his father, so she knew the way things were.  His sister was a wild card.  He didn’t know her that well, hadn’t bothered to spend much time with her.  The two were practically strangers. 

As soon as he was inside Minoru accepted the barrage of affection his mother laid on him with a grimace, letting her kiss his cheek and hug him until he disengaged and stepped away his discomfort clearly evident.

“Oh Minoru, what your father did to you I will never forgive.”  Asako lamented shaking her head sadly.

“We’re not discussing this.  I need to see Chie.” Minoru said shortly straightening his jacket. 

“Why Chie?” Asako asked, her heart sinking as she realized the implication of his words.  “No Minoru. You can’t do this.”  She said softly, casting pleading eyes at her son.

“Just get her.”  Minoru demanded heading towards the study.  

He was sipping from a tumbler of scotch when Chie made her appearance.  Minoru ran a critical gaze over her frowning at her trendy jeans with holes ripped up the legs to her crotch and a crop top that was revealing entirely too much cleavage. 

“Okaa-san said you needed to see me.”  Chie said flopping down in the chair across from Minoru without invitation making him frown. 

“You look like a stripper.” He said coldly. If she was under his care she would never be so blatantly disrespectful he thought as she rolled her eyes and flipped him off.  His mother was weak allowing her to behave and dress like this.  This marriage would only benefit her.  He had a feeling Bushi was not the type to allow his wife to run wild. 

“Are you a virgin?”  He asked making her gasp and blush.

“How dare you Minoru!  That’s none of your business.”  Chie shouted started to rise and run from the room. 

“It is my business.”  He snapped.  “Now sit down and shut up.”  Chie felt chilled as Minoru stared at her coldly, challenging her to not listen to him.  Hesitantly she sat watching her brother as he drank.  “In three days you will be married.  My driver will pick you up at 11:00 to drive you to my home where you will marry to secure a family allegiance.” 

“You have got to be fucking kidding me!”  Chie shouted forgetting her fear and pushing out of her chair.  “I don’t belong to you Minoru.  You can’t order me around. I don’t give a fuck what kind of badass mob boss you think you are.” 

Fury burned through his veins as she carried on and Minoru stalked around the desk backing Chie across the study until her back hit the wall.  His hand wrapped around her throat and he squeezed threateningly. 

“You will do as you’re told.”   Minoru hissed.  “You will be ready when my driver gets here.  You will be pretty and compliant.  Do you understand?”  Chie nodded her face turning red as Minoru kept his grip firmly on her neck.  “And you better pray that you managed to keep your legs closed and preserved what belongs to your husband.” 

Minoru released her and watched with disdain as she fell to the floor gasping, looking up at him with fear in her eyes. 

“I’ll see you Tuesday.”  He said walking out without a further glance. 

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 12

Word Count: 2463

Warnings:  Language, violence, kidnapping

CHAPTER 12

March 1, 2003

The fog of uncertainty that had hung in the air the past few days was growing stifling.  More time in relative captivity was leading to shorter fuses, which meant more bloodshed between the family.  Girls had been brought in to sate their needs, but it only dulled the edge. These were men that liked to be out in the streets.  That thrived on violence and hiding away like cowards was not sitting well with them. At the same time, they understood that it would be stupid to make a move without all the necessary information.  

To make matters worse it had been over twenty-four hours since Taka had checked in and that made Minoru very concerned. Taka was very conscientious about reporting in, generally at least twice a day.  For him to have gone radio silent couldn’t mean anything good.  

As the hours passed with no word from Taka, the unease grew, one by one the members of Suzuki Gun gathering in Minoru’s office as they awaited word.  The fact that Taka wasn’t responding to anyone’s phone calls created an ominous atmosphere.  

Los Ingobernables de Japon Headquarters

Sliding along on his belly through the vents Taka paused for a moment peering at his hand drawn map before veering to the right and following the vent to the end.  Grabbing his monitoring equipment, he pressed it to the mental vent and put the earpiece in. If his information was correct there should be an empty storage closet directly below him which overlooked the LIJ meeting room.  And if his information held up they should be convening in a meeting in the next few minutes. Hearing nothing below Taka put his equipment away and pulled out his electric screwdriver, slowly removing the vent screws and then sliding his body down to the room.  

Catching his breath Taka wiped the sweat from his brow looking around the room until he spotted the air vent at the top of the wall. Grabbing a crate, he slid it over to the vent and stood on it peering into the room below.  Pulling out his note pad Taka began scribbling down descriptions of the four men in the room, making note of their names and putting a big star next to the one he pinned as the leader.  

Taka was so engrossed in his intel gathering he didn’t notice the shadowy figure dropping down from the vent, landing with silent grace and stalking towards him.  When the rope looped around his neck and tightened Taka panicked struggling with all his might and kicking in a futile attempt at freeing himself.  His fingers clawed at the rope as he was pulled against a muscular body his air supply quickly draining as the rope got tighter.  

“Don’t kill him Bushi!”  One of the men down below called his voice floating through the vent.  “I’d like to speak to him before we decide his fate.”  

With a disgruntled sigh Bushi loosened the rope, Taka gasping in air as he was pulled along behind the masked figure. Dragging him down the stairs Bushi lead him down to the meeting room, pressing in the code on the numeric keypad and then yanking Taka by the rope so he fell into the room in front of him.  

Taka found himself staring up at the five men who formed a half-circle in front of him, bile rising in his throat as he realized he was completely at their mercy.  He chastised himself for getting in this position, for not paying attention to his surroundings and realizing he was walking right into a trap.  He should have realized that the information came a little too easy, but he had been too eager to help his family he had gotten careless.  His family. A pang ran through him as he realized he may never see them again.  That the last thing they would remember about him was that he had failed them.  

“Taka Michinoku.”  The orange haired man said looking down at him with inquisitive eyes. Taka’s eyes widened at the use of his name, wondering just how far ahead of him these men were.  “My name is Tetsuya Naito.  These are my brothers, Hiromu Takahashi, Seiya Sanada, Bushi and Evil.”  

“I don’t give a shit who you are.”  Taka spat glaring at Bushi when he jerked on the rope again.  

“Really?  For someone who doesn’t give a shit you sure have been digging into our business lately.” Naito said with a grin.

“If you’re going to kill me, just get it over with.” Taka snapped.  

“If we were going to kill you, you’d be dead already.”  Hiromu said with a grin that sent chills through Taka and he instinctually backed away from him.  “We’re more interested in your family.  We know you’re after guns.  We know you’ve tried to circumvent us and go directly to the source.  I’m rather impressed with your investigational abilities.”

“I think a meeting between our families would benefit both parties.  So, what we’re going to do is tie you up and take you home.  How well that goes will determine whether things get messy.” Naito said.  

Back at Minoru’s Estate

Seeing movement on the monitor to the front gate Minoru sat up sharply as he recognized Taka’s black SUV.  It sat at the gate, making no move to enter rising Minoru’s suspicions.  He sharply ordered his men to gather their weapons, his hand hovering ready over the alarm that would call the guards stationed around his estate, but instinct stopped him from pressing.  The window of the vehicle rolled down and an arm reached out pressing the buzzer on the intercom.

“Taka?”  Minoru asked hesitantly receiving a laconic chuckle in return through the speaker.

“I’m sorry Taka is a little tied up at the moment. I’m afraid he can’t come to the phone.” A male voice said amusement clear in his voice.  

“If you hurt him I will gut you.” Minoru said fiercely as his crew started filtering back in.  The Guns gathered around the desk circling the speaker as they tried to catch up.  

“I don’t think you’re in any position to threaten me.”  He said sounding completely unperturbed.  “And he’s relatively unscathed considering he was snooping where he shouldn’t be. I’m assuming that was at your command Suzuki-san?”  

Minoru took a deep breath to keep himself from lashing out purely for Taka’s sake.  The utter disrespect of this insolent asshole was pissing him off. Not to mention the guilt eating away at him for putting Taka in such a dangerous position.  

“Who are you and what the fuck do you want?” Minoru asked evenly though internally he was seething.

“My name is Naito and I am the head of Los Ingobernables.”  The man replied immediately causing shocked looks to be exchanged throughout the room. Lance and Davey twitched nervously their holds tightening on their weapons.  Los Ingobernables was the last thing they expected him to say and knowing there was at least one man in that vehicle armed with guns made them all antsy.

“Now, are we going to continue this little tete a tete through the intercom or do you want to buzz me in?”  Naito chuckled low and dark.  “Or I could use this handy little clicker to just let myself in.”  

“Minoru you can’t seriously be considering letting that asshole in here?”  Davey shouted as Minoru reached for the button.

“I am Davey.  They have Taka.  As much as an asshole this Naito is, the fact is he could have rolled right up to the front door and walked on in and we would have been clueless.  He gave us time to prepare and showed professional courtesy, so I’m inclined to grant him entrance to see what he has to say.”  

“But what if its not just him?”  Desperado asked. “We have no idea how many of them are in that car.”  

“I think we have to take that risk.”  Taichi chimed in.  “They have Taka.”  He stressed. “We’ll do whatever is necessary to get him back; safely.”  

“How do we even know he’s still alive?” Iizuka said gravely, voicing the thought none of them wanted to acknowledge. Uneasy looks were exchanged at the question no one could answer.  

Swallowing back his unease, Minoru pushed the button granting entrance and they all watched the monitors as the SUV pulled up to the front door and parked.

“Fascinating isn’t it?”  A new voice asked from behind them, all eight Guns immediately turning weapons brandished as they came face to face with a man in a well-tailored suit with a colorful latex mask and black lips leaning in the doorway leading up from the underground hideaway, pointing a gun at them.  

“What the hell?”  How did you get in here?” Zack asked.  

“That’s not really your concern.”  The man said, his black lipsticked grin spreading wide.  

“Bushi’s correct, what we do isn’t your concern.”  Again, the group spun, this time towards the front door falling back towards Minoru as they saw four more men had appeared.  

Minoru’s eyes darted to Taka who was in fact well tied up with the arm of an eccentric looking man wearing the loudest suit he had ever seen.  Davey’s lack of fashion sense had nothing on this man.  Noticing Minoru’s attention, the man smiled flipping his shoulder length hair back out of his eyes, the red tips flashing as his hair moved.   Taka flinched as the man licked up his cheek with a long tongue flashing pleading eyes at Minoru to get him out of this mess. Minoru could see old familiar panic rising in Taka’s eyes.

“Naito?” Minoru questioned turning his attention to the orangish haired man who raised his hand insolently.  “Could you have your man remove himself from Taka’s side.  His… affection, is making him uncomfortable and bringing up things he’d rather not remember.  If I see Taka become uneasy blood will spill.  We may die, but so will you.”  

Naito’s eyes narrowed as he considered Minoru then looked at the subject of Minoru’s threat before slowly nodding his head.

“Hiromu let him go.  You’re freaking him out.”  Naito said and Hiromu smiled widely but immediately complied circling to the other side of the room and leaning against the wall, taking up a tactile position while resting his hand on the gun in his waistband.  

“I believe you know the others now, this is Sanada.” Naito introduced gesturing towards the man who looked more like he belonged on the cover of GQ wearing a suit that probably cost more than Minoru’s entire closet.  “And this,” Naito waved towards the man beside Sanada dressed in all black suit with dark sunglasses and rainbow-colored hair tied back in a neat ponytail.  “Is Evil.”

“Evil,” Desperado scoffed.  “is that your real name.”  

“Desperado,” Evil sneered.  “Is that your real name?  Or do you prefer Kyosuke?”  The room fell silent Minoru and Taichi exchanging worried glances as they realized these men knew much more than they should about their family.

“Let Taka go so we can speak civilly,”  Taichi said gesturing towards the Ingos’ captive.

Minoru watched as Naito looked around the room at each of his men seemingly seeking their opinion before Evil walked over to Taka. Minoru felt his heart lurch in his chest when Evil flicked out a long switchblade and brought it to Taka’s body. He let out a sigh of relief when the big man simply sliced the ropes and stepped away letting Taka rush to Minoru’s side.

“I’m sorry MiSu,” Taka said.  “I’m so sorry.”  Minoru pulled him into a hug disregarding the threat in the room to give Taka some much needed comfort.

“Taka.  It’s not your fault.  Things go wrong sometimes. I shouldn’t have sent you out there alone” Minoru murmured. “You’re safe and that’s all that matters.”  With a final squeeze Minoru pushed Taka behind him and into Iizuka’s waiting arms.  

“Are we going to sit and discuss or are we spilling blood?”  Bushi asked Naito.

“We came here to talk Bushi.” Naito reminded his friend.  “If we wanted them dead they would be already.”  

“You’re awfully confident for someone who is outnumbered and just gave up their only leverage.” Lance said.  

“We’re not hear to argue about whose dick is bigger.” Hiromu spoke up.  “You wanted to talk guns, let’s talk guns.”

“You’re willing to discuss this with us?”  Taichi asked surprised given the rather hostile interactions so far.

“We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t.”  Evil said.  “We would’ve slit your friend’s throat and dropped him on your doorstep.”

“Yes, we’re willing.”  Naito interrupted before things further descended into chaos.  “Seems both you and Chaos have a sudden interest in firearms.  Given Chaos is still spinning in circles and chasing false leads while that little shit got a hold of the source in four days intrigues us. He also got close enough to our headquarters to make us wary.  We only work with the best.  We think you are the best. There’s only one hold up.”  

“What’s that?”  Zack asked suspiciously.  

“We don’t work with anyone who isn’t family.” Naito said with a shrug.  “And none of you are family.”  

“so why are you wasting our time?”  Minoru asked sharply.  “If you have no intentions of working with us then why are you here? You knew we weren’t family before you showed up here.”  

“You are a family correct?”  Naito asked.  “Yet none of you are blood.  The five of us.”  He gestured to his group.  “Are not blood.  Yet we are family.  Is your motto not bond before blood?”  

Minoru nodded slowly before speaking.

“It’s true we are not a conventional family. But we have been family from the moment we met.  We cannot say the same for you.  You’ve already struck out at one of ours. I’m not sure that transgression can be overlooked.”

“You fired the first shot.”  Bushi said with a smirk. “So to speak.  Eight days ago you sent Taka out to obtain information on the gun source.  Trampling all over our territory.  We allowed you that.  Three nights ago you sent him directly after us.  You should consider it a sign of good faith that we didn’t kill him outright as we have so many others.”

“If you’re as good as you saw you are, how come nobody has ever fucking heard of you?” Davey spat.  

“Because we’re ghosts.” Hiromu said.  “And we intend to keep it that way.”  

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 6

Warnings: Mentions of violence, this is a Mafia AU fic so there is violence and language and mentions of sex.

August 1, 1996

Drip.  Drip. Drip.  5,760 drips he’d been hanging in this god forsaken cellar room.  17 year old Zack Sabre, Jr. had counted every single one of them over the course of the past four days.  To take his mind off the fear at first.  Now as a distraction from the gnawing hunger and thirst that threatened to drive him insane.  There was barely any light, only that seeping through the bottom of the door.  He could hear screams through the walls, so he knew he was not alone.  His arms ached from being suspended above his body, the ropes holding him rubbing his wrists raw.   

Zack could barely remember how he had gotten here.  Fresh off the airplane that had just landed in Tokyo from England for a senior trip with his upper school classmates, Zack had snuck off from the group for a quick snack.  When he had returned not five minutes later the group and all of his luggage was gone.  Panicking Zack had run to the area he thought the bus was supposed to be to find nothing.  He had been chewing himself out for not paying more attention when a nicely dressed Japanese man had approached and offered his assistance.  That was the last thing he remembered before he woke up hanging from the ceiling.  He had yelled and screamed like the others, but soon realized it was useless.  No one came and no one cared.   So he hung and counted drips and waited to learn his fate. 

 His fate did come calling.  But it wasn’t the one he expected.   Zack had either fallen asleep or passed out, he wasn’t quite sure which when he was jolted awake by yelling.  Not from his fellow captives, but sounding like it was coming from right outside the door.  The sounds of fighting quieted down and Zack could hear muffled conversation.  He strained to hear, picking up a few words here and there.   From what he could gather a man named Minoru was rather unhappy with his captors for operating on his turf without permission or payment.   There were additional sounds of struggles and then silence reigned.  

When the door to his room was opened harsh light filtered in, making Zack squint as his eyes burned.  He could barely make out the form in the doorway, and was relatively certain his mind was playing tricks on him as he thought it was a man wearing a black and white luchador style mask.  As the man approached Zack’s fear ratcheted up and he lashed out, kicking out with his long legs and nailing the man across the face.   Unfortunately it didn’t seem to face him, the man taking a step back and looking at him with something akin to amusement lighting his cold blue eyes.

“Kick me again and I’ll break every bone in that damn foot.  I’m trying to help your dumbass.”  The man said.  “Now if I get you down from there, you gonna keep that bony ass foot to yourself?”  Zack nodded slowly hoping he wasn’t making a huge mistake in trusting this man going around in a fucking mask.   Course he supposed if you were of the criminal element, protecting your identify was probably a good idea.   The blood covered knife the man pulled out had Zack questioning his instincts, wondering if he was about to have his throat slit.  

Instead, unable to reach high enough to reach the rope the man flung his blade slicing cleanly through the rope and making Zack fall in a heap to the ground as he marveled how sharp that blade must have been to slice through the rope like butter.  

���Nice kick by the way.”  The man called as he left the room, leaving Zack lying on the ground.  He didn’t have the energy to even rise to his feet, so he laid his cheek on the cold ground and closed his eyes.  The last thing he thought before he passed out was that he had lost count of the drips.

In the main room Minoru and his crew gathered having freed the captives and killed the captors.   A couple of the captives had to be killed.  Injuries to severe to justify continued living.   He’s tired.  It’s late and Minoru just wants to go home.  He dealt with what needed to be done and he was looking forward to his soft bed and maybe some company from a lady friend.  He signaled to leave thinking about who he could call to come fuck him into a coma when Despy stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“The kid in the first room.”  Desperado said hesitantly looking in the direction of Zack’s room, his form visible on the floor.  “We can’t leave him.” 

Minoru turned to meet Despy’s eyes, peering deep into their blue depths before glancing at the still form on the ground. 

“Is he even alive?”  Minoru asked with a sigh.  He recognized that look.  Looked like he was going to wind up with another stray.   Lance walked into the room and checked the kid’s pulse giving Minoru a nod as he tapped on the kid’s cheek to wake him up. 

Startling awake Zack jerked away from the oversized man leaning over him, his heart beating wildly as the room filled with men. 

“Relax.  We’re not here to hurt you.” Minoru said his calming tones drawing Zack’s eyes to him. 

“Careful boss.  He’s got a hell of a kick.”  Desperado said leaning against the doorway and watching the kid.  He hoped Minoru saw what he did. That kid was meant to be his brother.   Despy had no doubt in his mind.  

“Is that true son?”  Minoru asked, the word flowing easily though Zack probably wasn’t more than a year or two younger than him.   “Did you kick Despy?”  Zack slowly nodded, fearing retaliation for hitting one of his men.  Minoru chuckled.  “Impressive.  I’m surprised he didn’t break your foot.”

“He threatened too.”  Zack said the words coming out raspy and he coughed around his dry throat.

“Only a threat?” Minoru said with a smile, laughter spilling from the rest of the men.  “He must like you.”  Then Minoru turned serious.  “What is your name?” 

“Zack.  Zack Sabre Jr.”  Zack replied nervously his eyes darting around the room at the rough looking group surrounding him. 

“Where are you from Zack?”  Minoru asked.

Zack explained he had travelled to Japan with a group from his high school on a senior trip and how he got separated from them at the airport and somehow had winded up here.  He blanched as Minoru told him that he had been drugged and kidnapped with the intentions of being sold into sex slavery.

“Do you wanna go home to your family in England?  I can make that happen.”   Minoru said kindly.  He was rather surprised by the immediate shake of Zack’s head.   Minoru’s eyes narrowed as he felt his protective instincts rising.  Apparently he was taking in another stray. 

Zack looked down at the ground.  He should’ve just said yes.  Then he could have left this place like the others and stayed here.   That was Zack’s secret.  He had planned to ditch the group at some point and stay here in Japan.  He would never return to his family.   Not when they refuse to accept him. 

“I wasn’t planning on returning home.”  Zack said when he looked up and saw Minoru waiting for an explanation.  “I was going to leave my group and stay here.  Try to find a job and someplace to live.”

“Why were you leaving your home?”  Iizuka asked.

Zack hesitated.  He had found allies, and he was scared they were going to leave him to die when he told them the truth. 

“My parents don’t want me anymore.  Not the way I am.  They’ve made it perfectly clear I’m not welcome in their house.”  Zack once again trained his eyes on the ground.  “See…I’m not exactly straight.”  He waited for the explosion cringing back expecting to be hit by these gangsters. If his own parents had done so, why wouldn’t these men he meant nothing to them.  The explosion never came to Zack’s surprise, but the silence still felt stifling. 

“Okay.” Minoru said after a few moments of contemplation.  “You like boys.  Nothing wrong with that.” 

“And girls.  I like girls too.” Zack said relief making him ramble.  “Boys, girls, I like them all.  I’m not picky.” 

Kanemaru chuckled his head shaking as he listened to Zack.   He didn’t care one way or another what Zack liked to fuck.  He liked this kid.  

“So I guess you’re coming home with us.” Minoru said rising from the crouch he had adopted and reaching out a hand for Zack to grasp. 

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 7

Warnings:  mentions of cutting and blood

July 7, 1997

Minoru Suzuki leaned back in his chair, looking around the rag tag group that made up his family.   It was complete.   At one point it had felt like it would never be.  But once Zack had joined the family they had all felt a completeness.   Things had been hectic the last year since Zack had come aboard.  A never ending battle to establish dominance and reclaim lost turf.   The tide had finally turned and things were calm.  It was time to make things official.  

“For the past two years we’ve built our name.  We’ve built our family.  Finally our family is complete.”  Minoru said, silence falling over the group.  “Each of us has had our own trials and tribulations to get to this point.  We all have scars.   But with the love and support of our brothers we will all heal.   We will become stronger.   Tonight is a night of ends and a night of beginnings.”

As each of the men had joined the family they had taken up residence in Minoru���s father’s estate.  Tonight was the end of that arrangement.  Minoru had a home built for himself.  Kanemaru and Taichi were moving into a condo together.   Despy, Taka and Zack were renting together.  Iizuka had a place of his own.  Lance and Davey had bought a home in downtown.  Money was flowing into the family, the men were in a position to be independent now, and it was only going to get better from here on out.   This home was going to be turned over to Minoru’s mother and sister.  They would live here in luxury.   But it would no longer be home to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  

“Tonight we welcome Taka, Zacky, Despy, Lance and Davey fully.”  Minoru said.  Placing the ceremonial goblet used two years ago to induct Taichi, Iizuka and Kanemaru on the table Minoru poured Takeda Katafune Daiginjo Sake into it.  Next the ceremonial knife was pulled from his interior pocket and held up by Minoru. 

“I am Minoru Suzuki, IV, kumicho of the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  A family bonded by choice.  Not by blood.  With my blood I pledge my allegiance to each and every one of you. Bond before blood.”   Minoru sliced the knife, splitting open his scar from the first ceremony, watching crimson liquid drip into the cup.   Taking the towel offered by Kanemaru, Minoru tied off the wound before passing the cup and knife down to Taka.  

“Taka Michinoku, I hereby name you shateigashira of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve alongside IIzuka to oversee safety and security of our family.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

Taka rose to his feet and knife in hand and pressing it to underside of his forearm.

“I, Taka Michinoku, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  I will give my life to protect this family.  I accept my position as shateigashira with honor.  Bond before blood.”  Taka pledged, slicing open his arm and dripping his own blood into the cup.   Resuming his seat Taka bandaged his arm as he passed the knife and cup on to Desperado. 

“El Desperado, I hereby name you fuko-honbucho of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve to oversee all branches of our family and the expansion of our turf.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Kyosuke Mikami, El Desperado, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  Our family will prosper under my watch and become more powerful than any other.  I accept my position as fuko-honbucho.  Bond before blood.”  El Desperado cut deeply into his arm, dripping his own blood into the cup.  

The cup and knife were passed on to Davey who held them reverently.  

“Davey Smith, I hereby name you kyodai of the northern territories of Suzuki Gunz.  You are the protector of our family.  You are my eyes and ears.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Davey Smith, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  No one will harm my family.  I accept my position as kyodai.  Bond before blood.”  Davey followed ceremony, letting his blood join that of his brothers in the cup before handing them off to Lance. 

“Lance Archer, I hereby name you kyodai of the southern territories of Suzuki Gunz.  You are the protector of our family alongside Davey.  You are my eyes and ears.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Lance Archer, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  No one will harm my family.  I accept my position as kyodai.  Bond before blood.”  Lance cut himself, watching his blood drip into the cup.

“Zack Sabre, Jr., I hereby name you shingliin of the Suzuki Gunz.  You will serve as the law advisor for our family.  You are our legal defense.   Do you accept this designation?” Minoru said.

“I, Zack Sabre, Jr, pledge my life and my honor to the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  I will bring pride to our family and defend it with honor.  I accept my position as shingliin.  Bond before blood.”  Zack mixed his blood with that of his brothers.  He was nervous and excited.  Having discussed his love of the law with Minoru on many occasions his designation was no surprise.  He was already enrolled in university and working steadily towards his law degree.  Zack was determined to be the best damn attorney ever seen in order to defend his makeshift family. 

The cup was cycled back to Taichi, Kanemaru and Iizuka who each added their own blood before giving the cup to Minoru. 

“We are a formidable group.  Nothing will get in our way.”  Minoru pronounced taking a swallow before passing it to Taichi and watching as each of the men swallowed from the cup.  When it reached him again Minoru turned to the cabinet behind him and pulled out five velvet jewelry boxes.  Moving around the table he placed on in front of each of the newest members. 

“Taka, Zack, Davey, Lance and Desperado, welcome to our family.”  Minoru smiled with pride as he watched each of them place their rings on their fingers, smiling widely as they were now official.  

Japanese translations: 

Kumichō – Boss

so-honbucho – underboss, second in command

saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

wakagashira – first lieutenant

shateigashira – second lieutenant

fuko-honbucho – regional boss

kyodai – Big brother

shingliin – Law Advisor

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 5

warnings: explicit language, criminal activity

July 7, 1997

Thinking about Desperado’s past reminded Minoru of another important happening.  Leaning over to Taichi he caught his friend’s attention.  

“Have we controlled the leak at the warehouse?”  Minoru asked as they awaited the arrival of the rest of their family.   Taichi took a long moment before answering, a trait that Minoru was well familiar with.  Taichi rarely spoke off the cuff, without having thought through his response.  Especially when it came to business.   Yes he was an asshole and yes he had a temper, but Minoru would never have cause to doubt anything the man said. 

“I don’t know that I would go so far as to say it’s controlled.” Taichi hedged.  “I was thinking of sending the twins in.”   The twins were neither twins, nor related in any way.  Nor did they look the least bit alike.  But it was a nickname Kanemaru had dubbed on the twosome and it had stuck.  “If there’s anything to find out, they will.  We’ve got the main guy, but I’ve got a gut feeling there’s more there.”  

“Speak of the Devils and they shall appear,” Iizuka chuckled as the door burst open and their two larger than life brothers appeared.  Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith.  Two American boys who had somehow became an integral part of a Japanese crime family.   Minoru tried not to let his distaste for Davey’s fashion choice show, though he was sure the older man knew.  If it wasn’t loud and obnoxious the 22-year-old wanted nothing to do with it.  In contrast his partner in crime Lance Archer gravitated towards jeans and t-shirts.  Neither styles were Minoru’s cup of tea, but he wasn’t going to force his views on anyone.   With Lance clocking in at 6’8’ and Davey at 6’5” the two men towered over the rest of the group.  Fiercely protective and with an appetite for violence the men served as enforcers for Minoru.   Without a doubt they were his master interrogators. After tonight they would have titles, but both had made it abundantly clear to Minoru that they would prefer to remain hands on in their duties.  

Lighting a cigar Minoru sat back in his seat, tossing his feet up on the table as Lance and Davey made themselves comfortable, grabbing a couple beers each and taking a seat.   Watching the two Minoru thought how apt the “twins” nickname was for them.   The almost moved in concert, completely in tune with one another.  They preferred to work together and tended to gravitate to each other in gatherings. It was how they had come to Kanemaru’s attention.  

Flashback December 12, 1995

One of Kanemaru’s many talents was being invisible.  If he didn’t want to be noticed, he wasn’t.  Point blank.   Keeping to the outskirts of the party Kanemaru kept his eyes focused and ears open.  No one even noticed the boy slinking around the edges, lingering to hear bits of conversation not meant for Minoru Suzuki’s ears.  But Kanemaru’s ears were Minoru’s and hear he did.   Talk was flowing much more freely now that Minoru had made his exit.  He heard whispers of Minoru being all alone.  Easy pickings.  A simple target.   Plots to usurp the boy and take his family over.   Kanemaru’s face remained carefully blank as he passed around the crowd, though inside he wanted to gut the fuckers.  It pissed him off listening to these assholes dismissing his friend like that.   Reaching for his ever present flask Kanemaru through back a shot of whisky the familiar burn in his throat bringing him clarity.   Continuing his scouting Kanemaru stopped short and backed into the wall as he came upon two huge American boys.  Though they looked a bit undernourished for their size.  But it was neither their size nor their nationality that caught Kanemaru’s attention.  It was their conversation.

“Fucking Minoru man,” The taller of the two said with a shake of his head, his long brown hair falling over his shoulders.   “They’re all fools if they’re betting against that asshole.” 

“Shit yeah.”  The blonde concurred.  “I have no doubt that Minoru is going to do everything fucking thing he said.  Wonder where that’s going to leave us?” 

“Can’t be wore than it has been Davey. Besides I don’t think Minoru is anything like his old man.”  The tall one said.  “Fuck old man Suzuki.  Asshole.”  

“Amen brother.” Davey concurred.  

Kanemaru watched the exchange with interest, his instincts telling him these were two men they could use on their side.  With some apparent bitterness towards Minoru’s father, Kanemaru wanted to find out the source of it.  A festering anger against the elder Suzuki could cause animosity towards MiSu, but that wasn’t the sense he got from these two.  Kanemaru found himself curious where they came from and how they had ended up in the family. 

Sliding along the wall he left the conversation behind, meeting up with Taichi by the entrance to the kitchen.  His eyes narrowed as he saw Minoru in the pantry, meeting his friends eyes across the busy kitchen and receiving a minute shake of the head. Minoru would fill them in when necessary. Message received Kanemaru nodded and turned his attention back to Taichi.

“See those two big fuckers?”  Kanemaru asked pointing them out and receiving a nod from Taichi.   “You know them?”  Taichi was a little more familiar with the family than Kanemaru, given his father’s restaurant catered to the family and people tend to run their mouth around faceless waiters. 

“Lance Archer and Davey Smith,” Taichi responded after a moment of thinking through what he knew about the men.  “Both 22. Senior brought them over from one of his trips stateside.  Nobody really knows the full story of what went down. Badass boys with a taste for blood and big chip on their shoulders.  Senior plays on their strengths.  Which is hurting people.  If I’m remembering correctly they share a place down by the docks. Pretty sure he barely paid them.  Said the owed him for bringing them here.”  Taichi smirked at Kanemaru.  “That hasn’t exactly created goodwill towards the Suzuki name.” 

“Yeah, that’s the impression I got from them.  But they seem to like MiSu.  I don’t know why, but it bears checking out.”   Kanemaru said.  “I just got a feeling.” 

Taichi took a renewed interest in the two men at Kanemaru’s proclamation.  He trusted Kanemaru.  If he had a feeling they belonged, they probably did. 

“Maybe we need to make a visit.”  Taichi said with Kanemaru nodding in agreement. 

June 23, 1996

Unfortunately that visit ended up being postponed for several months.  First with Taka’s introduction to the family subsequent revenge, and then El Desperado being brought into the fold.  His vengeance was still owed, but Kanemaru believed bringing Lance and Davey in would be beneficial to that undertaking.  With Despy’s agreement of course. 

Climbing out of the passenger’s seat of Iizuka’s SUV, Minoru’s lip curled up in distaste as he looked at the conditions members of his father’s supposed family were living in.  This was a slum.  There was no other word for it and Minoru was disgusted that his father would let them live like this.  Looking at the tiny stand alone unit they lived in Minoru couldn’t fathom how one person could live there.  Let alone two.  Certainly not two men of their size. 

“Are we all even going to be able to fit in there?”  Taichi asked, his lip curling as he watched rats scurry around. 

“Why didn’t you tell me they were living this horridly?”  Minoru snapped at Kanemaru turning the force of his glare on his friend.  Minoru felt guilt seeping through him.  If these men were the family Kanemaru and Taichi believed they could be, he put other family members above them and that didn’t sit well with him.  Taka and Despy were no more important than any other member.  Yes their situations may have been more urgent, but he still felt wrong for letting Lance and Davey suffer in the meantime.  He could have done something.

“I didn’t know MiSu.”  Kanemaru said. “We’ve been a little busy lately.”

He didn’t take MiSu’s wrath personally. He understood the pressure MiSu was under.  Kanemaru himself was feeling regret for not knowing their situation.  Even if they couldn’t have taken them in until now they could have at least siphoned some extra money into their pockets.  Made their lives a bit more comfortable. 

Desperado and Taka stood silently with wide eyes taking in the interaction between the four longtime friends.  They were never made to feel like outsiders, had been welcomed into the tight knit group immediately, but they were still new to this family and were a bit unsure as to what they were supposed to do.  So they stood behind their newfound family and walked with them towards the little shack that served as the home of Lance Archer and Davey Smith.  

When Davey answered the knock on their door, the last thing he expected was to find the Kumichō and his Kobun standing there.  He nervously reached towards the lead pipe kept by the door, Lance catching the movement and reaching for his own blade resting on the end table next to the couch.  If they were here to eliminate them they were going to have a fight on their hands.

“We’re not here to harm you.” Minoru said holding his hands up peaceably.  “We just wish to talk.”  Something about Minoru’s calm voice and earnest eyes told Davey he could believe him, glancing over his shoulder at Lance for confirmation before he released his weapon and stepped back to allow them entrance.   

With the eight men in the tiny space they were practically on top of each other, Minoru standing by the door and looking around their surroundings with ill hidden disdain.

“It’s not much, but it’s what our pathetic pay allows.”  Davey said defensively.

“You’re right.’ Minoru said surprising him.  “You’re pay is pathetic.  It’s a situation that is going to be rectified.  Not only for you two, but for the rest of the outlying members of the Family.”  He leaned back against the door, taking his time in evaluating the two men.  He could imagine the uproar that was going to be heard when he named to non-Japanese men to his cabinet.  Probably would be more of an outcry about that than the two minors.   Minoru didn’t give a fuck about tradition.  He cared about what was right for his family, and adding these two the immediate family was the right decision.  He agreed with Kanemaru and Taichi.  These two belonged.  

“I’ve been remiss in rectifying the financial situations in this family and for that I apologize.”  Minoru gave them a slight bow, shocking them at his show of respect.   “I have plenty of excuses, but none of them are justified.”  Kanemaru’s snorted in disagreement earning a sharp look from Minoru.

“Oh come off it Minoru.  You’re a 17 year old running a fucking crime empire.  You’ve been a bit busy trying not to get murdered, usurped and rescuing strays.  You can be forgiven if you haven’t been able to right every wrong your father has committed in six months.���   Kanemaru said.  He wasn’t going to let his brother stand there and self-flagellate himself.

“He’s right.”  Lance spoke for the first time.  “You can’t fix everything in one night.   Your father was very successful. But he got that successful stepping on the little people.  You seem like an alright dude Minoru and we appreciate your willingness to try and fix things.”  Davey nodded in agreement with his friend’s comments.  

“What we don’t understand is why you’re here.  With your kobun.  And whoever the boy and masked freak is.”  Lance said.

“This masked freak will cut out your fucking tongue and watch you choke to death on your own blood.”  Desperado spat rising to his feet as his temper flared.  Minoru didn’t say a word, watching the interaction between the two men he hoped would be family.  No he didn’t like the insult to Desperado, but it was Desperado’s battle and Minoru was pleased to see he wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the behemoth who had insulted him. 

Lance startled everyone by laughing loudly.  Fuck he hadn’t expected the little guy to have the balls to front to him.  

“I like him.”  Lance declared.

“Lance, Davey.  You know my kobun Kanemaru, Iizuka, and Taichi.  The freak” he emphasized the word letting Lance know he was displeased with his phrasing.  “With the mask is Desperado.  The kid next to him is Taka Michinoku.  Both are future members of my kobun and will be afforded the respect they deserve.”  Davey and Lance exchanged a glance and nodded, warning well received.   “I understand the two of you have been greatly wronged by my father; however, I am not aware of how you came to be part of the family.  Would you be so kind as to fill us in?” 

“Senior found us in Texas.”  Davey said.  “Lance and I met when we were seven.  He was brought to the home I was being fostered in after Daddy killed momma and himself.   I’d been in homes since I was born to a crack whore of a mother.  Nobody wanted to keep me.  Scared I was tainted by her blood.”  He spat bitterly.   “When Lance showed up, I knew right then. That was my brother.  He was my family.”  Lance’s head bobbed in agreement.  The two had nobody but themselves and they liked it that way.  Except for right now he was feeling that sense of family with this ragtag bunch in his home and that was confusing to say the least.    

“Davey had only been there about a month when I came along.”  Lance spoke up.  “We stuck around for about a month before we got the fuck out of there.  That family didn’t give a shit, all they wanted was our checks.  So we figured living on the streets wasn’t going to be any worse.  We could starve and wear raggedy ass clothes on our own.   But we were a couple of scrawny ass kids trying to be hard so we got the shit kicked out of us.   Lost count of how many broken bones I’ve had.   Didn’t get no doctors, we had to deal with that shit ourselves.”  He held up his right arm which had an awkward bend to the elbow.  “This never did heal right.”  

“Eventually we decided we had to learn how to fight.   So we would steal books from the library on fighting and we taught ourselves.   Took a few years, but eventually we handled ourselves better than any fucker out on those streets.”  Davey said.  “We lived by stealing.  We had to steal our food and our money.  Break into houses to get a shower.   We learned through error.   We figured out how to get around alarms and dogs and guns.   Eventually we grew.  People figured out real quick not to fuck with us.”

Kanemaru listened intently to their story, but paid close attention to their interactions.  It almost seemed to him that they were an extension of each other.  One didn’t operate cohesively without the other.  The way they seamlessly told their story spoke to him.  He had seen it before over the course of his 16 years, but only with twins.  That was how they became forevermore dubbed the twins in his mind.  

“Eventually we started doing odd for less than savory individuals out of Austin.  We weren’t ever concerned with operating on the right side of the law.” Lance laughed.   “We were just out for ourselves.   We made enough money to get rent a room from a place that didn’t ask questions about their 16 year old tenants and things were just fine.   Everything was golden until Senior showed up.”   Lance’s eyes turned cold and hard.  “I still don’t know what the fuck he was doing in Elgin Texas of all fucking places.   Little fucking hole in the middle of nowhere.  But someone opened their mouths about us to Senior and he took an interest.   Had us dragged out of our beds in the middle of the night and thrown on his damn plane.   His men beat the shit out of us until we couldn’t stand.”  His fist clenched as he remembered that day.  “Locked is in a fucking cage and fed us scraps like dogs.   None of them spoke English so we never knew what the fuck was happening til we got here to Japan.  Then Senior’s saiko komon filled us in.  Said we belonged to the family now.  We belonged to Senior.”

“Fucking ridiculous.”  Davey spat.  “Stupid thing is we would have come along and worked for them if they just asked.  Had nothing keeping us in the US.  Instead they forced us into service.  Beat us until we complied.   We were in a foreign country, with a language we didn’t speak.  We couldn’t get out.  He kept us on his nice little leash until the day he died.”

Minoru’s head hung as he absorbed their story.  He really hated his fucking father sometimes.  How many other stories were there out there like theirs?  Forced into serving the family’s needs.  That was a good way to get yourself killed.  How was that to build loyalty?  Bonds were made stronger by freedom of will.

Looking at his kobun Minoru knew his thoughts were plain as day on his face and one by one they nodded in agreement with his decision. 

“I can only apologize for the wrongs my father has done to you.”  Minoru said quietly.  “That is not how I intend to run this family and it makes me sick to think how many others have stories similar to yours.  This is not what I came here to offer, but after hearing your story I feel I must.”   He looked each of the men in the eyes, letting them see his true sympathies.   “You were brought into this family without choice.   You were brought to this country against your will.   You have been wronged and I will do everything in my power to make it right.   You are free to leave the family if you so desire.   I will make reparations to make you financially secure.  Should you wish to return to your country, I will make it happen.”

Davey couldn’t hide his surprise at the offer.  Sure Minoru said things were going to be different, but he hadn’t expected an offer of freedom.  Looking at Lance he saw the same surprise reflected on his face.

“What were you here to offer before you heard our story?”  Lance asked. 

“Family.”  Minoru said simply, the rest of them nodding their head as one in agreement with his statement. 

That feeling Lance had earlier returned in full force as he stared in shock at his Kumichō.   He certainly couldn’t mean that.  There was no way he was extending an offering to joining his kobun.  Lance looked around the room from Taichi, and Iizuka to Kanemaru and Desperado, to Taka who looked to not even be in his teens yet.   Hard men, all of them, before they were even men.   Yet they all had a peace in their eyes.   Family.  Something Lance longed for so badly.  Something he only had with Davey.   Turning to Davey, he saw the same fierce longing that he was sure was in his own eyes.   For so long both of them had been seeking acceptance, having given up on finding it.  Only to have it offered by the son of the man they hated.  

“We’re already part of your family.   What do you mean by that?”  Davey asked not daring to believe. 

“Kanemaru saw it first the night of my coronation.   Taichi concurred.   As did Iizuka.  Being here tonight and speaking to you solidifies it for me.  Desperado and Taka, while not yet official members, get as much say as any of us and they are in agreement.   We feel you would be an integral part of our family.   What we’re offering is to be a part of our” He made a sweeping motion to his brothers.  “Family.  Not the Suzuki Gun Crime Family.  Though you would of course be a part of that as a part of my kobun. But our family.”  

Davey and Lance excused themselves, stepping outside and discussion the offer for several moments before returning. 

“Alright.  We’re in.”  They said. 

Japanese Translations:

Kobun – underlings/cabinet

Kumichō – Boss

saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 4

Warnings:  Violence, language, torture 

 July 7, 1997

Shaking off the unsavory thoughts of Taka’s upbringing Minoru thought instead of how far the boy had come in those two years.  Giving him free reign to extract his revenge on his family had created an unshakeable bond with the boy.  With the participation of Kanemaru, Taichi, Iizuka and Minoru a bond had been cemented between them and Taka fit right in with the boys.  He was fondly referred to as their little brother, and they would be lying if they said they didn’t have a protective streak when it came to Taka. But woe be the fool who underestimated the kid.  He had a vicious acumen that made Minoru proud.  Many were fooled by his almost adorable demeanor and calm countenance.   Those who crossed him didn’t live to tell the tale as they got introduced to an entirely different side of Taka.  

The door once again open and the attention of the group focused on the newest arrival Kyosuke Mikami. Kyosuke had adopted the moniker El Desperado, never appearing in public without a mask, keeping his identity a mystery all except for his adopted brothers.  Affectionately referred to as Despy by those closest to him the 19-year-old radiated aggression and dominance.   He had only been with the family for a little over a year, but he had been family from day one.  

Flashback February 3, 1996

Minoru strolled through the warehouse doors as if he owned the place.  Of course by the time he and his boys were done in here, he would.   Kanemaru was to his right, long metal pipe in hand whistling cheerfully as he flashed a smile at the nervous men standing around the warehouse. Iizuka hung back by the warehouse doors, baseball bat in hand as he made sure nobody left before the boss gave the say so.   Several members of Minoru’s various crews were outside dealing with the perimeter. On Minoru’s left was Taichi no visible weapon clear as his hands were tucked into his pockets, but his very essence begged someone to try him.   Screams echoing from a back room caught Minoru’s attention.  Not because of the screams, those were encountered on the daily in his line of work.  No, it was the type of screams.  These were not of terror or pain, these were screams of rage.  Turning to Taka who was guarding his back Minoru nodded in the direction of the screams, watching as Taka headed towards the sounds to gather some information for his boss.  

Taka pushed open the door to the room that housed the screams, quickly taking in the scene.  Strapped down to the table was a teenage boy, body bloodied as a man stood above him, carving his face with a knife.  

“Step away.” Taka said knife at the ready.  

“Go away boy.”  One of men mocked as they saw the young boy ordering them around. “This doesn’t concern you.”  

“it concerns my boss which means it concerns me.”  Taka said with a small smile.  “So unless Minoru comes in here and gives the okay for you to continuing cutting this poor fucker up, you’re going to back the fuck up or I’m going to fuck you up.”   The men warily glanced at each other, Taka’s utter confidence throwing them off.   He spoke as if it was a foregone conclusion that he would destroy them. Coupled with his mention of Minoru Suzuki it gave them pause.  He may not be a big name in the crime world yet, but Minoru had a quickly spreading reputation as a sadistic man who always came out on top, no matter the odds against him.  

Putting down their weapons the men filed out of the room, leaving Taka with the profusely bleeding man.  

“Let me up, I’m gonna go kill those fuckers,” the boy spat struggling against the binds holding him down.  “I’m gonna cut their fucking guts out.”  Taka smiled.   He liked this kid.  He had spirit.  Here he was all beaten and bloodied.  Cut up like a pig and all he wanted to do was get at those who had hurt him.  

Sticking his head out the door, Taka saw Minoru and company had the situation firmly in hand, some men kneeling at their feet, while bodies lay scattered around the floor.  

“I’m gonna let this kid up, kay Boss?”  Taka called getting Minoru’s attention.  “And save those two.”  He pointed at the two men kneeling with the others.  Looking at the kid he considered his little brother Minoru recognized the look on his face very well.  He imagined it was akin to his own when he had discovered Taka.  With an agreeing nod Minoru turned his attention to the blood covered men Taka had pointed out.  

Moving back into the room Taka cut the ropes binding the boy to the table, staring worriedly at him as he rose to his feet unsteadily, blood continuing in a steady stream down his face.  

“C’mon kid, let’s go meet the boss.”   Taka said gesturing for him to exit ahead of him.  The kid wasn’t going to accept help, that much was certain, so Taka didn’t offer a helping hand, instead following behind him, ready to catch him if he passed out.  Which Taka was shocked he hadn’t yet.  

Minoru looked up from his questioning of the men, frowning as he saw the kid Taka was leading towards him.   Both sides of his face were cut to ribbons, blood pouring from the wounds.  There were also gashes running down his chest, that weren’t bleeding quite a profusely. Long dyed blonde hair hung over his shoulders, the ends coated in his own blood.   Those were all attention worthy, but it was the eyes that had Minoru’s focus.  Ice blue and burning with rage and seeking vengeance.  

“He wants to gut them,” Taka told Minoru as they reached his side sounding almost proud.  

“Your name boy?” Minoru asked.

“Kyosuke Mikami” He said glaring at the men kneeling at Minoru’s feet, his fingers clenching as he imagined slicing them open as they had him.  But he wasn’t going to stop at superficial wounds, oh no, he was going to rip apart their insides.   He looked at the fierce men surrounding them.  If they let him.  He wasn’t stupid.  He knew he was hopelessly outmanned by them.  What he was surprised to see what that not one of their faces held pity for him.   Instead he saw understanding. Along with something he didn’t want to put a name to: kinship.  Kyosuke held his head up proudly, refusing to show weakness in front of them even though he was close to passing out.  

“How did you end up here Kyosuke?”  Minoru asked.

“They took me from my family.”  Kyosuke nodded at the men who had been torturing them.  “thought they could get a ransom for me.” He huffed a disillusioned laugh.  “When my family told them to keep me, that I was worthless they got angry.  Thought they could torture me into giving up information.  I don’t care what they do to me.  How much my family betrayed me.  I will not betray them.  Not until I look them in the fucking eyes before I slit their goddamn throats.”  

“Seems fair.” Minoru said getting nods of agreement from Kanemaru and Taichi.  “And what of these men.”  

“I want to turn their insides outside,” Kyosuke said fiercely, just before collapsing at Minoru’s feet.

Taka knelt down, checking Kyosuke’s pulse before casting his infamous sad eyes up at Minoru.

“Put those away Taka.” Minoru said rolling his own eyes.  “He’s already coming with us.”  

“Take these two back to our grounds.”  Minoru directed Kanemaru.   “We’ll get Kyosuke his justice.”  Looking at the rest of the men who had tried to betray his family Minoru sneered. “Taichi, Iizuka, kill the rest of them.”

With those words Minoru helped Taka carry the newest member of their family to the waiting SUV.   They would get him home and get him medical attention.  Once he was strong enough Minoru would grant him the same opportunity for vengeance that he had granted Taka.   He only hoped the boy felt the same kinship towards him and his family, that they already felt towards him.  

Two days later when Kyosuke came to, he woke in a panic surrounding by unfamiliar furnishings.  Seeing a knife on the bedside table Kyosuke blindly grabbed it and jumped from the bed swinging it defensively as he waited for an attack.  

“You won’t need that here,” A calming, somewhat familiar voice spoke making Kyosuke spin around holding the knife out.  “At least not against me.  You may wish to use it on the men waiting for you in the basement.”  He chuckled, the sound making a chill run down Kyosuke’s spine. He focused on the man, memories of him coming to his mind as he remembered him and his friends rescuing him. Slowly lowering the knife Kyosuke moved back against the wall, keeping it in his hand just in case.  

“Who are you?” Kyosuke asked.  

“My name is Minoru Suzuki.  I am the Kumichō of the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family.  This is my home.  Myself and my brothers made the decision to bring you here for recuperation. And revenge if you so wish.”  Minoru said.

“Why would you want to help me?” Kyosuke asked suspiciously.  People didn’t do things out of the goodness of their hearts.  At least not where he was from.  

“Instincts.”  Minoru said simply.  “My family is not one borne of blood.  It is made of a bond that transcends bloodlines.  We are family because we choose to be. Our instincts brought us together. Myself, Kanemaru, Iizuka and Taichi. Then little Taka came along and we opened our family to him.  And now we wish to do the same for you.”

“You don’t know me,” Kyosuke sneered.  “You’re just going to open your house to some strange kid whose own family doesn’t want him?  Aren’t you worried about what’s wrong with me that they don’t love me? That they would just hand me over without a complaint.”  

“I understand trust is difficult and will take time to form.  I just hope you will look past your anger and see what the five of us have seen.”  Minoru said peering at the angry boy.   He didn’t blame the kid for being suspicious. Going by the little he knew, Minoru could tell he was unused to kindness.  “I will tell of you none of us come from ideal situations.  All I was to my father was an heir to carry on the greatness of his name.   Taichi’s father beat him mercilessly and forced him into servitude.  Iizuka was abandoned by his family and left on the streets.  Taken in by my father who forced him to service.  Kanemaru was raised by parents who never wanted a child and made sure he knew it.   Taka survived unspeakable abuse by those called his blood.  Blood means nothing to us.”  Minoru spat trying to swallow back the rage that always formed when he thought about the injustices his brothers had experienced.  “I will let them reveal their full stories to you should you elect to stay.  Understand you are under no obligation.  I will not force choices onto anyone I bring under my protection.  If you wish to exact your vengeance and move on, that is your choice.  We will assist you in any way you wish.”  

Kyosuke sunk down onto the end of the mattress, his mind whirling as he tried to comprehend this complete stranger offering him something his own family never extended.  Acceptance.   His face dropped to his hands making him feel the bandages reminding him of his wounds.  Woodenly rising to his feet, he approached the mirror on the wall staring at his reflection.  Swallowing back the bile threatening to rise he ripped at the bandages throwing them on the floor as he stared at his reflection.  Three rows of stitches on the left side with four down the right.   Three diagonal rows stretching from his pecs to his ribs.  

“The cuts didn’t do any permanent nerve damage as far as the doctor can tell, but they are going to leave rather significant scarring.”  Minoru said softly.  

“Great.”  Kyosuke muttered sarcastically.  “Guess now I’m really a freak.”

“Never.”  Minoru said emphatically. “You are not a freak.  You are a survivor.  A warrior.   You should have no shame in who you are.”   Minoru watched the play of emotions; anger, sadness, desperation, resilience.  After several moments of silence Minoru spoke “Kyosuke?”

“No.  Don’t call me that.”  Kyosuke spat with an emphatic shake of his head.  “I don’t want to ever be called that again.”

“Fair enough.”  Minoru said.  “What would you like to be called?”

Kyosuke stared back at the mirror, flames of anger burning deep inside.  A desperate desire raging.  

“El Desperado.”

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 3

Warnings:  Mentions of child abuse, child sexual abuse, do not read if sensitive to those topics; violence. Not graphic

July 7, 1997

It had taken two years.  Two years since Minoru Suzuki had taken over and rebranded the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family for his Kobun to be complete.   In those two years there had been attempts at usurping him from power, attempts from both within and outside his family.  Those attempts had failed in spectacularly bloody fashion.   Minoru had a flair for the dramatic and when he wanted to send a message he went big.  While they were still small and making their way up the hierarchy of crime families, the Gunz were no longer a laughingstock as they had been when word spread that a 17 year old was heading the family.  The naysayers had quickly and violently learned that this was no boy to be trifled with.   Minoru Suzuki made his mark.  His messages were delivered very loudly, very publicly and very dirtily.   Now whispers of fear accompanied the name Suzuki Gunz.  

Tonight was not a night of violence.  Tonight was a night of ceremony.   Tucked away in their secret meeting room in the bowels of Minoru’s family estate a very important induction was occurring.  Several inductions actually.  This would be the last of these ceremonies.  Tonight was also a night of finalities.  The final touches being added to Minoru’s trusted circle and the final night operations would be based out of this home. 

Kanemaru sat to his right, index finger tapping rhythmically against the marble table top as he idly listened to the conversation going on between Taichi and Iizuka.  Taichi sat to Minoru’s left with Iizua on his other side.   There had been a small disturbance with one of their pickups last night and the two were discussing an appropriate course of action.   Iizuka was serving as the voice of reason while Taichi was of the mind to paint the streets with the interloper’s blood.  

“It’s rather difficult for someone to spread a message if they’re dead Taichi,” Iizuka pointed out earning a shrug from Taichi.

“Let him live. Cut out his tongue,” Minoru spoke abruptly.  “He can write the fucking message.”  Kanemaru choked back his laugh, meeting Minoru’s amused eyes with his own.  The quadrant’s attention suddenly shifted to the door, the four men sitting up straight and settling into business mode as 14 year old Taka Michinoku entered the chambers. 

Minoru gave him a minute nod in greeting as Taka took the seat at Kanemaru’s right.  He carried himself well, which Minoru respected.  Barely any hint of his nerves shone through.   Minoru was sure many were going to think him crazy for bringing a child into his kobun.  He didn’t give a damn what they thought.  His men were in agreement with the move and that was the only approval that mattered to him.  Minoru had known from the moment he first saw Taka that he was destined to be his family.  Leaning back in his chair Minoru thought back to the night Taka Michinoku had come into their lives.

Flashback - December 13, 1995

As the coronation of the Suzuki Gunz Crime Family carried on in his family’s mansion, Minoru Suzuki disappeared into the night.  He had said what needed to be said.  There was no further need for his presence.  His kobun would remain at the party, circling and learning.  Tongues would be looser without the Boss in attendance. 

When he wanted to think Minoru walked.  It wasn’t uncommon for him to be found along the backroads surrounding the family estate wandering.  It was when he did his best planning.  When he felt the most clear-headed.   He was on an endorphin high, feeling energetic despite the fact he hadn’t slept the past two days.  Between overthrowing his father’s kobun and preparations for the coronation tonight sleep had been an afterthought.   This walk would calm his thoughts enough for him to find slumber.  Minoru’s steps slowed as he sensed a shift in the air.   Narrowing his eyes he scoured the surrounding landscape with his gaze, looking for the disturbance that had caught his attention.  Minoru wasn’t stupid.  He knew people wanted to kill him.   He would never let it be said that he was killed because he had not been aware of his surroundings.  

A small movement in the corner of his eye had Minoru stepping towards it, his hand already unsheathing his blade as he saw the corner of a tennis shoe peeking out from behind a large bush.  Assessing the situation Minoru stepped off the road and once again surveyed his surroundings noting nothing out of the ordinary apart from the bush.   Slowly circling around with his knife at the ready Minoru struck as he came up behind the intruder.  Knife immediately at the throat, Minoru pulled the small body against him with a hissed warning.  A frown formed on his face as Minoru realized he held no more than a child.  A tenacious child at that Minoru thought with a smirk which quickly turned to a wince as a sharp elbow landed in his ribs.   With a grunt Minoru pushed the kid away with a sharp rap upside the back of his head.  The kid barely made it two steps before he fell to the ground making Minoru frown.  He certainly hadn’t hit him hard enough to hurt him. 

Taking a hesitant step forward Minoru reached out to the boy rolling him onto his back making the kid scramble back looking up at him with defiant eyes.  Minoru’s protective instincts rose as he looked him over, sharp eyes noting new and faded bruises covering his face.  Fresh blood trickled from his lip and Minoru could only imagine the damage hidden by the ratty clothes the boy was wearing.  He was definitely malnourished, Minoru could tell that much upon quick perusal.  A familiar feeling fell over Minoru as he stared down at the kid.  It was the same sense of family he got from Kanemaru, Iizuka and Taichi.   Kneeling down so to present a less frightening figure Minoru made a big show of sheathing his knife and keeping his hands in plain view of the wary eyes that watched his every move.  Rage filled Minoru as he saw the pain the boy tried to hide as he pushed into a sitting position.  Someone had hurt this boy and they were going to pay.   

“What is your name kid?”  Minoru asked. 

“Taka.”  The kid responded sullenly. 

“My name is Minoru.  Where is your family Taka?”  Minoru inquired his fists clenching as terror entered the boy’s eyes and his head began shaking.

“Please don’t make me go back!”  Taka shouted uselessly trying to gather the strength to get to his feet and run.  “I’m sorry I bothered you. Please just let me go.  Don’t make me go back.”  

“I won’t make you go back.  Ever.”  Minoru vowed fiercely.  “You are safe with me.  Do you understand?”

Taka stared warily back at this stranger who had shown him more empathy in five minutes than he had ever experienced in his life.   He so desperately wanted to believe.  Hope wasn’t something he had experienced in his life. 

“I swear to you Taka.  On my life.  I will not let them take you back.”  Minoru said calmly rising to his feet.  “My home is just up the street.  Would you like to come with me?  You can get something to eat and clean up.” 

“Do I have to stay?” Taka asked trying to inject confidence in his tone.  To let this man know he wasn’t a pushover.  

“No Taka.  You will never have to do anything you don’t wish to.  If you want to stay, there is a place for you.   If you don’t.  You can go on your way.”  Minoru assured him.  

Taka stared back into Minoru’s face, scrutinizing everything he saw there as he thought through his decision.  His stomach was crying out for him to accept, willing to walk into danger in the hopes of getting food.  With a sign Taka nodded.   It wasn’t like anything worse than what he had been through was going to happen.  Besides, his instincts were usually spot on and they told Taka that he could trust this man with his life. 

At Taka’s nod Minoru carefully helped Taka to his feet taking stock of every wince the boy made and vowing to inflict ten times the pain on whoever had done this.  Letting Taka lean heavily on him the two some walked in silence down the backroads and through the basement entrance into the Minoru’s house.   It was a slow process, having to stop on multiple occasions for Taka to recover, every waylay increasing Minoru’s ire and desire for revenge.  Something about this boy, though only a few years younger than himself, had struck a chord in Minoru.  An almost fatherly protective instinct.  

Once in the house Minoru took him directly to quarters down the hall from his own and urged Taka to rest while Minoru found a suitable meal for him.   Heading to the kitchen Minoru ignored the staff bustling about in ongoing preparations for the party guests and went into the pantry.  Looking over the offerings Minoru got a selection of breads and crackers before moving to the fridge and grabbing sliced deli meats and some fruit.  When his knock received no response Minoru slowly pushed into the room, gently setting the tray on the end of the bed as he saw Taka had stripped off his clothes and burrowed under the blankets and fallen asleep. 

Hating to wake him, but knowing he needed sustenance Minoru softly shook Taka’s shoulders cursing himself when Taka screamed and jumped from the bed, rushing to the corner of the room and huddling his arms wrapping around his knees as he softly whimpered no repeatedly.   Tampering down the rage that wanted to consume Minoru breathed deeply to calm himself before slowly approaching Taka murmuring soft words as he knelt just out of arm’s reach hoping to give Taka the space he needed.  Slowly the whimpers died down and the tense hold on his knees relaxed, Taka raising his eyes and taking in his surroundings before he locked eyes with Minoru.   A sense of safety he hadn’t experienced before filled him making him release his legs and push to his feet.  It was only when fire rose to Minoru’s eyes as he examined his body that Taka remembered that he was unclothed. 

“Who did this to you?”  Minoru growled as he surveyed the extensive damage to Taka’s body.  Obvious cigarette burns peppered his flesh, old and new scars littering even the most sensitive of areas.  Minoru methodically categorized each and every bruise and mark on Taka’s skin making mental note to exact punishment for each one.   With gentle hands that belied the anger on his face Minoru turned Taka around to see his back, tears that would never fall sheening his eyes as he saw finger shaped bruises on Taka’s hips and dried blood between his buttocks.   “Tell me Taka.  Who did this?  I will make them pay.” 

Taka shook his head shame coursing through him knowing Minoru knew what had happened to him.  He refused to speak and Minoru wasn’t going to force him.  The poor kid had enough choices taken from him.  Minoru was not about to pile on to that. 

Stepping into the ensuite bathroom Minoru pulled down a thick plush robe that was hanging on the back of the door, ready for the next guest to stay and moved back to the bedroom wrapping it around Taka’s shoulders.  It was way too big on his small frame, practically swallowing him and dragging along the floor as he padded behind Minoru.  Scared it was going to be taken from him Taka slowly reached towards the crackers, eyes on Minoru in case he lashed out.  Grabbing a handful Taka backed away and greedily shoved several in his mouth almost choking as he tried to swallow.

“It’s yours Taka.” Minoru assured him gesturing towards the food.  “I’m not going to take it.”  Rising to his feet Minoru moved to the bedroom door deciding it was probably best to let Taka get acclimated on his own.   “Take your time and eat.  There are towels in the bathroom cabinet so you can clean up.  I’m going to look in my closet and see if there is anything you can fit.  I’ll leave what I find outside your door.”  He met Taka’s worried expression with a small smile.  “There’s a lock on the door.  You can use it.  Nobody will be coming in here without your permission.  I’m just down the hall if you need anything.  The phone on the nightstand has a line directly to my room.” 

Taka stood silently long after Minoru left, waiting for everything to come crashing down around him.  This was too good to be true.  Nobody did anything nice for him.  Not without extracting payment.   But his instincts were telling him that Minoru was family.  Real family. Not the assholes he called blood.   Moving back to the bed Taka winced as he sat, every movement reminding him of things he would rather forget.  Pushing aside those dark memories Taka slowly ate everything Minoru had brought savoring each bite like it may be his last.  He almost sagged in relief when he stepped into the hot shower.  He couldn’t remember ever having a warm shower.  Usually he was dunked in a cold shower when the felt he got too dirty.  Looking down he frowned watching the dirt mixed with blood swirling down the drain.  

Minoru managed to find him so clothes which Taka found outside the door, hurriedly grabbing them and locking the door again.  Yes he believed Minoru wasn’t going to hurt him to an extent, but he didn’t know who else was in this house.   Certainly Minoru couldn’t live here alone.  He only looked a few years older than Taka himself. 

Sliding on a pair of sweats Taka crawled back under the mountain of blankets he had created and circled in on himself as he fell into a fitful sleep. 

It was two weeks before Taka finally opened up to Minoru, finding solace in the older man’s calming presence.  For two weeks Minoru talked to Taka, not receiving much interaction, but keeping up a steady conversation as Taka listened with avid interest.  Minoru didn’t hold anything back, letting Taka know exactly the kind of man he was developing a kinship with.  He wasn’t going to lie.  Taka deserved to make an educated decision when the time came and he wouldn’t be able to with half-truths.   Minoru discussed Taka with his kobun.  They would meet him at the appropriate time and let Minoru know their opinion.  While Minoru believed he was going to be an integral part of his family, he would never make such a call without their approval. 

“Michinoku,” Taka said softly at the breakfast table with Minoru.  Looking up he saw Minoru’s questioning glance.  “My family name is Michinoku.  Riku is my father.  My mother died when I was a baby.   My brothers are Reo and Touma.  My father and my brothers are the ones who…”  Taka paused taking in a steadying breath.  “They are the ones who touched me and hurt me.”   He looked down at his plate, shuffling the nori around his plate as he waited for some type of reaction.  

“Himari!”  Minoru called to the housekeeper sharply.  “Call Kanemaru and tell him I need to see him.  Immediately.”  He ordered once she appeared.   Nothing more was said, Taka slowly eating his food as Minoru sipped his coffee and read his morning reports.  

“MiSu,” Taka startled at the amused voice behind him, shifting his body to keep an eye on the newcomer.   “You rang?” Taka watched with wide eyes as the two men hugged a rare genuine smile lighting up Minoru’s face as he greeted his friend. 

“Kanemaru, this is Taka Michinoku,” Minoru said gesturing to Taka who jumped to his feet bowed his head respectfully in greeting.  “None of that Taka.  Not here.  Not with us.”  Minoru stopped him, motioning for him to sit.  “Taka, this is one of my closest friends Yoshinobu Kanemaru.   He is my saiko komon.  He prefers to be called Kanemaru.” 

Kanemaru stared at Taka after acknowledging the introduction and Taka sat deathly still feeling like this inspection was vital to his future.   Finally Kanemaru broke his stare before nodding in approval to Minoru. 

“I see it.”  Kanemaru said, pulling out a chair and grabbing a piece of flatbread from Minoru’s plate.  

“I thought so.” Minoru nodded happy his friend seemed to see what he did.   “Now Taka has been slighted.  Greatly.  I wish you to bring me Riku, Reo and Touma Michnoku.” 

“You got it.”  Kanemaru agreed easily.  “When are Taichi and Iizuka going to meet him?” He nodded towards Taka. 

“Later today I will introduce them.”  Minoru said rising to his feet as Kanemaru pushed away from the table. 

“Looks like I have some hunting to do.” Kanemaru said with a smirk.  “Later Misu.  Later Taka.”  

Taka stared after Kanemaru with something akin to awe.  He just seemed so self-confident and assured.  Taka wished he had an iota of that confidence.  

“Why are you getting my father and brothers?”  Taka asked.  Minoru was pleased he didn’t seem scared or to think that Minoru was going to turn him over to them.  Even a week ago Minoru was relatively sure the response would have been panic.  

“To get you revenge Taka.  For every mark. For every time they touched you in ways they had no right to.”  Minoru said fixing Taka with his cold stare.  “We’re going to kill them.  But before that, we’re going to make them pay.”  

Japanese Translations:

Kobun – underlings/cabinet

Kumichō – Boss

Saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 2

Warnings:  Death, blood, murder

December 11, 1995

On a Friday night most seventeen-year-old boys are found out looking for trouble.   Doing a bit of drinking, maybe looking for some female company.  Minoru Suzuki was not like most 17-year-old boys.   Most 17-year olds had not just inherited an estate valued in the millions or an organized crime family.   No, Minoru Suzuki had never been normal, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.   Instead of being out on the town living it up, he was standing in a dark alley waiting for his trusted friends. His brothers by choice if you will.  

Inside the old bar a meeting was being conducted. A meeting meaning to usurp Minoru Suzuki from his rightful place as head of the Suzuki Crime Family.  What those inside didn’t realize was that Minoru had already begun taking over the family. Or rather reinvent the family.  His chain of command was in place and they were ready to act.  There was just the pesky little matter of the men inside plotting against him.  

They were severely underestimating their former boss’s son.   For the past five years Minoru and his group of friends had been training.  Spending every free hour they possibly could learning different fighting styles, becoming proficient in weapons use, learning the ins and outs of the family and its various dealings.   Minoru had barely slept as he worked with Taichi overnight when he was free from his father.  They had acted as a for hire mercenary group for three years.   All of this without the family having a clue.  

The only weapon they weren’t proficient in were guns.  Due to the strict Japanese gun control laws, they were nearly impossible to get.  The crime families were about the only ones with firearms, and even those were limited.   Instead of worrying about the lack of guns, Minoru had adapted, and he and his brothers had learned other ways.  

Yoshi, Taichi and Iizuka appeared silently behind Minoru.  Without spoken words they each pulled out their weapons of choice.  Minoru preferred his blades, carrying two Shanghai Warrior 9inch knives.  Yoshi liked to have a little space to maneuver so he brought kama. Taichi liking to get up close and personal was using two kubotas. Iizuka wasn’t much for hand to hand, so he brought along an escrima stick.  He could do damage with the stick without needing a ton of skill. There was no need for discussion, they had already made their plan and would execute to perfection.  They knew no other way.  This wasn’t their first walk in the park.  For years the four had worked together without knowledge of the family, making a name for themselves with their ruthless acumen.   Nobody knew who they were yet, but after tonight there would be no doubt.

Pushing through the door, the boys rushed into the room, each taking up a stance on one side of the table, their weapons trained on the men who had made up the upper hierarchy of Suzuki Crime Family.  

“Well this is a bit rude,” Minoru said with a smirk as he stood behind the head of the table.  “Conducting clandestine meetings before my father is even cold in the ground.  And without your Kumichō no less.”  

“You are not my Kumichō,” His father’s so-honbucho Goro Harada spat, looking behind him to glare at the impudent young man.  “There has been no vote of trust.”   Those were the last words he spoke as Minoru stepped forward grabbing him by the hair and exposing his neck before slicing his blade across the man’s throat.  Goro’s body slumped forward when Minoru released his hair, his head landing on the table with a loud thump as red liquid pooled on the wooden surface.

“I never did like him.” Minoru said with a dark laugh, causally wiping the blood off his blade on the back of Goro’s jacket while the men around the table stared in shock.  “As for the rest of you, it’s really nothing personal but your services are no longer required.”  

“Now Minoru,” Eiji Oho, the saiko komon spoke up.  “You cannot just take over like this.  You have no experience, you need guidance.  Counsel.   You are too young to be head of the Suzuki Crime Family.  Without people they trust in place, your family will revolt.”  

“It’s a good thing I’m not looking to run the Suzuki Crime Family.”  Minoru said with a shrug of one shoulder.   “It’s now time for the Suzuki Gunz to rule, and; as I said your services are no longer required.”  Iizuka stepped up behind Eiji and pulled his stick against his throat, slowly choking the life out of him.   As the rest of the men around the table started to panic the Suzuki Gunz struck, Minoru burying his knife into the back of one as Yoshi brought his kama down across the side of the faces of two of them with one strike.   Taichi drove his kubotas into the back of the neck of the man in front of him, relishing the blood splatter as it sprayed over his hands.  Seeing one of them trying to run Taichi raced after him, tackling him just before he hit the door and landing brutal punches to his body with the kubotas until he was nothing more than a bloody mass.  

Rising to his feet Taichi turned to look over the room, meeting Minoru’s eyes and smiling widely at the carnage.  

“Well MiSu, looks like your coup is well underway.” Taichi said, kicking the body at his feet as he moved to stand with his brothers, the four of the them looking over the fallen.

“That it is Taichi, that it is.”  Minoru said with a smile turning his head to look at Yoshi.  “Yoshi, send out a missive.  I want to meet with the entire family tomorrow night.”  Yoshi nodded, and the four men began gathering their weapons as well as those of the former Kobun.  Before they left Minoru paused dragging his fingers through a pool of blood and writing out Suzuki Gunz Crime Family and their newly adopted symbol in the middle of the table.   He wanted his message received loud and clear by his family, rival families and the authorities.  

December 12, 1995

Minoru Suzuki sat alone at the end of the great hall, staring out over the room that held his so called family.  His brothers were not at his side.   They were scattered throughout the room, listening and watching, learning where loyalties lie.   No one knew how close the four men were.  Tongues would be loose in front of them.  As far as anyone was aware, Minoru was alone and that was exactly the perception he wanted for the moment.  

Tonight was a night of intelligence.  To hear the gossip. To see who fell where on the line of allegiance.  Minoru had his core, but he knew he needed more men he could trust with his life to be his inner circle.  To be what Minoru envisioned for this family, four would not suffice.  

Waving off the waitress wanting to fill his cup Minoru abruptly rose to his feet, immediately drawing the attention of everyone in the room.  Conversations ceased and silence filled the hall as every member of the Suzuki Family looked to their new Kumichō.  Not even a legal adult yet and Minoru still had a commanding presence. One that demanded respect as his cold eyes seemed to stare into the soul of every person in the room.   Some shifted uncomfortably, feeling as if they were being laid bare by his gaze.  

“By now I’m sure all of you have heard about the unfortunate demise of my father’s Kobun. I’m sure you’ve also heard of the symbol written in their blood.  A symbol that looked like this.”  Shocked gasps filled the room as Minoru shook out a black flag with a symbol reading Suzuki Gunz holding it up for view before laying it out on the table before him.  “Let them serve as an example of what happens to those that are not loyal to me or my family.   What happens to those that try to take what is rightfully mine.  Yesterday they died.  With them died the Suzuki Crime Family.  Today a new family is borne.  A new era begins.  The era of the Suzuki Gunz.  

Japanese Translations:

Kobun – underlings

Kumichō – Boss

so-honbucho – underboss, second in command

saiko komon – senior advisor – like consigliere in American mafia

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 17

Warnings:  kidnapping, explicit language, criminal activity

CHAPTER 17

One Year Later

May 19, 2004

Cigar in hand Minoru sat alone in his office, his attention focused on the TV against the wall listening to the nightly news report.  For the past three weeks it had been mostly the same, nearly nonstop coverage of the ongoing gang war between Chaos and Bullet Club.  Bodies were discovered on the daily, raucous fights breaking out in the streets, creating near riot like conditions.   As Naito had predicted the two factions were doing an excellent job of destroying each other, and Suzuki Gun was picking up the pieces with little effort on their part.  With the turf war between Chaos and Bullet Club in full swing, the police were too occupied to pay much mind to Suzuki Gun allowing them to cement their foothold even stronger within the cities. 

Things were finally settling down within the family, the kobun of Suzuki Gun returning to their own homes and falling back into their regular routines. Desperado was the proud father of a healthy baby boy named Hayuto who was almost four months old, while Bushi had recently announced that he and Chie were expecting a baby girl in the fall. 

True to their word, the Ingobernables had faded into the background wanting no part of the daily runnings of the Suzuki Gun family, content to run their business dealings from the shadows.  Their interactions were limited to family dinners and occasional transactions.   All in all things were progressing quite nicely as far as Minoru was concerned.  

Taking a deep puff from his cigar, Minoru blew a plume of smoke towards the ceiling allowing a small smile to grace his lips.  Soon it would be time to strike, eliminate two rivals at the same time and secure their places as the top crime family in Japan.  With their shipments of guns having been delivered and training completed Minoru was confident they were ready. 

A picture of Kazuchika Okada on the screen captured Minoru’s full attention and he reached for the remote, turning up the volume to catch the story that only served to decrease the minimal respect he had for the man.  Okada had fled the country at the start of the war, rumors swirling he had absconded to Sweden or the Netherlends and was still missing.  When he had fled, Okada abandoned his sister, leaving her vulnerable.  Every account Minoru had heard about Okada told how close he was to his sister.  How protective he was and how well guarded she was every second of the day.  With disgust Minoru turned off the TV.  If he were so close to his sister or even his mother, he would never leave them unprotected.  How could Okada flee, leaving behind the one person he seemed to care the most about?  It would prove to be a costly mistake for Okada.  Minoru had no intentions of letting such a valuable asset remain untouched. 

Stubbing out his cigar Minoru leaned back in his chair, his mind working over the possible ways to use this information to his advantage.   Despite the family being in shambles, their forces decimated and the empire crumbling, the Okada name still carried a lot of weight. 

The phone on his desk jangled loudly, pulling Minoru’s attention from his introspections. 

“Yes?”  Minoru answered.

“I’ve got it.”  Taka’s excited voice burst through the phone.  “I finally found what we were looking for.”  

“That’s my boy!”  Minoru exclaimed in a rare burst of genuine emotion, a grin lifting his lips as he slammed his fist on his desk.   “Tomorrow?” 

“Tomorrow.”  Taka confirmed before hanging up.  For the past year Taka had been using every avenue at his disposal to locate Okada’s sister for Minoru, and he finally had her location. 

Glancing at the clock, Minoru rushed from the office realizing he was running behind for his date.  Entering his bedroom he threw off the track suit he had been wearing and jumped into the shower for a quick wash down.   It had been a long time since he had taken the time to have an actual date, more often than not he slaked his lust with strippers from the club, but as he had so frankly told Taka, you don’t love strippers, you fuck them.   Despite his cold demeanor and rather skewed view of love and relationships Minoru would admit to loneliness at times. Especially since the boys had gone back to their homes, leaving him alone in this big empty house with only the servants to keep him company.  Minoru was a pragmatic man, he knew he wasn’t going to marry for love.  In his line of work marriage was used for benefit not love.  That didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the company of some lovely ladies on the side.

Dressing in a crisp gray suit with a slate blue tie, Minoru checked his reflection one last time before heading down to the waiting town car that would take him to pick up his companion for the evening, Umeko.  He had run into Umeko by chance exiting a business dinner as she was leaving with her family.   A quick introduction and in minutes he had secured a date.  

A new excitement filled Minoru as he slid into the car.  Sinking into the seats his mind raced through the possibilities of the future, and he couldn’t wait until the family dinner tomorrow night.  Once every few months the Ingos and the Guns got together for a family dinner, an attempt at continuing to strengthen their bonds.  Aside from that interaction, the families were pretty much separate from each other.   As Minoru had assured his family from the start of this partnership the Ingos had no interest in being involved in the Guns business.  If the need arose either family would be at the other’s side in a heartbeat, but that was the extent of their affiliation.   Finally, after months of feeling useless, like the Guns were falling short in providing benefit to the Ingos, he had something to bring to the table. The problem was he wasn’t quite sure the reception their little discovery would receive. 

As the car pulled up in front of Umeko’s town home Minoru pushed thoughts of business out of his head.  He was going to enjoy tonight and take what tomorrow brought as it came.

Greeting her with a kiss on the cheek Minoru lead Umeko to the car with a soft hand on her waist, settling her in before sliding onto the supple leather seat beside his date.   As they drove through the city streets Minoru kept up a steady stream of conversation, asking questions about Umeko’s family and interests, skillfully keeping the conversation focused on her and away from him.  

Minoru was going to enjoy this evening out.  If Taka’s information brought to fruition what Minoru had planned, it would be a long time before he would be able to have a night out without looking over his shoulder.  At least until Kazuchika Okada was dealt with once and for all. 

The following evening, nothing could dampen Minoru’s spirits.  His date with Umeko had gone swimmingly, and they had plans to see each other later in the week; Chie seemed to have accepted her place at Bushi’s side and was glowing from within with the tiny bump protruding from her waist as everyone showered the couple with congratulations.  El Desperado and Kyo were watching baby Hayuto with wide grins as Hiromu lay on the baby blanket with him and tried to show the little one how to crawl.  An indulgent smile was on Minoru’s face as he glanced around the room at the family he had chosen. Yes the Ingos may not have been a part of his plans, but nevertheless he was glad they had come together. 

At the end of the table Taka was practically bouncing in his seat, eager to impart with his surprise.  Minoru would have to take care not to make the younger man wait too long.  He may not survive through dinner having to keep such a secret. 

Slowly everyone made their way to their seats, digging into the delicious food served by Minoru’s staff and enjoying the flowing alcohol with boisterous conversations abounding.   It was only when after dessert when the women and children exited the room that business was opened, everyone moving to the main table for their discussions. 

Though he knew Taka was dying to spill, Minoru simply shook his head in denial and silent order for the other man to wait.  Instead he gave the floor to Naito, curious as to what his counterpart had to say.  Though if the Ingos beat them to the punch again Minoru wasn’t promising that blood wouldn’t be spilled.  Bastards seemed to be one step ahead of him all the time. 

“In the past we’ve discussed potentially furthering our families’ relationships with additional marriages between our members.”  Naito opened hiding his signature smirk as he noted the nervous looks on the Guns’ faces.  As much as his nature made him want to drag this out, he was in a generous mood so he was going to get to the point quickly.   “However, given the current status, and our bonds being strengthened through other familial ties, the Ingobernables no longer feel that is necessary.  What say you Guns?”

Minoru pursed his lips, glancing around at his kobun to gauge their reaction before responding.   He had every intention of agreeing, as this move from the Ingobernables fit perfectly with his future plans; however, he wouldn’t concur without his kobun’s agreement. 

“I believe we are in concurrence.  Our familial bonds are strong between our families.”   Minoru agreed raising his glass in a half salute in Naito’s direction before taking a long sip of the sweet liquid.  “And I believe this serves as a nice segue for Taka who has some pertinent information to share.”

With a grin Taka bounded to his feet, nearly upsetting the glasses around him when he bumped the table in his haste.

“Sorry, sorry.”  He mumbled at Iizuka and Lance as they steadied their cups.

“So you all know that I’ve been trying to keep tabs on Okada’s whereabouts for the past year.”  Taka began with nods around the table encouraging him.  “Then we found out Minako Okada was still in Tokyo.  At first we thought the rumors of Okada’s affection for her were misplaced given he all but abandoned her.  But over the past several months it has become clear that just because he left her, did not mean he left her unprotected.  Minako was hidden away with only his most trusted advisors.  Hidden in plain sight if you will.  No one has seen or heard from Minako since the day Okada left Japan.  There was speculation that she had in fact travelled with him, but after much research, with the assistance of Bushi.”  Taka nodded respectfully at the masked man in appreciation of his guidance.  Bushi smirked and dipped his chin in acknowledgement.   The two scavengers had developed quite a close relationship over the past year, growing from their passions for information gathering.  Bushi had taken Taka under his wing and shown him some of his tricks of the trade.  

“Finally we got a lead and were able to start tracking down likely hiding spots of Minako and I’m pleased to say we finally located her.” 

Despite their best efforts to look unimpressed Minoru noted the surprised reactions of the Ingobernables around the table as Taka imparted this news.  Both families had been actively searching for Minako and to have finally bested the Ingobernables at something put a genuine smile on Minoru’s face. 

“Where the hell is she then?”  Shingo Takagi spoke up, his loud voice booming through the silent room.  

With a grin Taka hurried from the room, disappearing as the attention of everyone in the room focused on the side door he had darted through.  Though it was only seconds later it felt like an entirety as they waited anxiously, scared to believe, but hinging on hope for what they thought was going to happen.   Even Minoru was on the edge of his seat.  He knew Taka had found her, but he had never expected this. 

A beaming Taka reappeared, his hand gripping tightly on the biceps of a beautiful young woman who was trembling with tears streaking down her full cheeks.  

“May I present Minako Okada.”  

As one Minoru and Naito rose and approached Taka, carefully examining his captive as if she was animal in a zoo.  It was immediately apparent she was Okada’s sister, the family resemblance too strong to ignore.  

“Very well done Taka.” Naito said acknowledging Taka’s accomplishment with a slight bow of respect. 

Eventually the men returned to their seats, excited conversations erupting around the table as they discussed what this meant for the ongoing faction wars and the best way to use this information.   Only Naito remained silent, mulling over Minoru’s earlier words as they were sticking in his head, telling him he was missing something.

“Minoru.”  Naito spoke abruptly, the conversations in the room coming to a halt as he spoke up.  “Forgive me if I’m being obtuse, but I fail to see how Minako’s appearance was a segue from our familial relations?”

Naito trailed off, leaving the question open ended as he stared at Minoru who simply bared his teeth in a predator’s smile.

“Simply dear Naito.  I intend to marry the girl.”   

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 16

Warnings:  criminal activity, explicit language

April 29, 2003

Minoru sat staring at the empty conference table, a long forgotten tumbler of scotch near his right hand that tapped impatiently on the wooden surface.   Minoru was a man that thrived on plans and contingency plans to those plans.  He didn’t like when things didn’t follow their expected path.  Not only had things veered off course, but they had taken twists and turns he hadn’t even considered.  That was what had Minoru in such a foul mood. He prided himself on seeing what no one else did, and the last few months had proven him fallible. 

Since Los Ingobernables had come into their lives Minoru was learning some valuable lessons.  Lessons that tasted like bitter crow at the moment, but he knew they were going to help him become a stronger leader at the end of it all.   He just had to push back at the sting to his pride look at things from an outsider’s perspective. 

The bonds of trust were still tenuous at best between the Guns and Ingos, but they were slowly forming.   The two groups worked rather well together when they weren’t trying to kill each other.   The fact that there hadn’t been any major bloodshed was being counted as a victory in Minoru’s book.  Especially considering more than half of his kobun had wanted to murder Evil over the course of their weapons training.   Minoru was positive the feeling was mutual. 

Taka was very good at what he did, but when it came to Bushi and his intelligence gathering skill the Guns always seemed a step behind, a fact the Ingos delighted in.   It rankled thinking you were the best only to discover you weren’t.   Rather than letting his shortcomings bring him down he was honing his skills, shadowing Bushi on the daily and trying to soak in every bit of knowledge the masked man had.   Minoru had been concerned as Bushi hadn’t seemed willing to share the secrets of his trade, but over the past week or so he had begrudgingly started sharing tidbits with Taka.  

Aside from Evil’s training and Taka’s shadowing of Bushi, Minoru hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the other Ingobernables brethren.   In fact, until a few hours ago he hadn’t heard so much as a peep.   The phone call from Naito had been the precursor for the council meeting Minoru had called.  The reason he was sitting in this empty conference room stewing at being one step behind yet again.   He shouldn’t be receiving news second hand.  How did the Ingos always manage to get one foot up on them?

It was a solemn group who filed into the room one by one, their moods a direct reflection of their boss’s.  They didn’t know what had him in a snarl, but his tone had made it clear he wasn’t to be trifled with. 

“Does anyone care to fill me in on why Tetsuya Naito has to call me to impart information?” Minoru growled flashing a murderous glance around the table, watching as eyes lowered from his and bodies shifted uncomfortably before pinning his glare on Taka.  

Taka shriveled beneath Minoru’s censure, sinking back in his chair and swallowing hard.  

“Tell me Taka, what is Naito coming to tell me?” Minoru asked coldly. 

“I…I don’t know sir.”  Taka said softly lowering his head in shame.  

“Anybody?” Minoru asked turning his sharp eyes on the rest of his kobun.  “Does anybody in this fucking room know anything?”   Rising to his feet and slamming his palms down on the table with a resounding smack as nobody spoke up. 

“Tranquillo Minoru,” Naito’s voice from the doorway had them all spinning towards the sound finding the Los Ingobernables leader leaning insolently against the frame.

“How the fuck do you always get in my goddamn house?”  Minoru shouted throwing his hands up in exasperation. 

“And I will not tranquillo” He spat as he sat back in his seat.  “Not when I’m always in the fucking dark.”

Naito sniffed and cast a disparaging look at the assembled men, making his way to the end of the table and taking a seat, throwing his feet up on the polished surface.

“Yes.  Once again it seems it falls to us to fill you in.”  Naito said with a frown.  “Your lack of….diligence for want of a better word, is troubling my comrades.”  He stared dispassionately at Minoru.  “They’re beginning to question our alliance.   Wondering what you bring to the table?” 

Minoru stayed quiet though he wanted to defend his men.  At this moment he couldn’t.  What had they provided to benefit the Ingos? 

“Evil seems to think we’re doing all the work and you’re getting all the benefit.”  Naito continued.  “He makes a valid point.  And now our families are oh so conveniently bound together.” 

Lance shot to his feet with a growl, sneering at Naito.

“You morons are the ones that insisted on the fucking marriages!” 

“Lance sit down and shut up!  This isn’t the time.” Minoru barked staring down the larger man until he slid back into his seat. 

Naito smirked and nodded in concession to Lance with a slight bow of his head.  

“We came to you because you showed promise.”  Naito said looking around the room.  “I still think you have promise.  My boys are a little more impatient than I am, but they’ll come around.  We are family after all.”  His tooth filled grin earned a snarl from Davey. 

“In case you haven’t noticed we’re in the middle of a fucking war!”  Davey exploded.  “Can you quit wasting time with your bullshit?” 

As Naito stared impassively back at him Davey’s fist clenched, itching to bury themselves in his smug face.  Seeing things quickly escalating Minoru stepped in. 

“Davey’s correct.  Time is of the essence.  We don’t have time for your little games.” Minoru said through gritted teeth.  “Now, did you come here to flagellate us for our shortcomings or do you actually have something to say?” 

Stretching languidly just to irk Minoru’s already frayed temper, Naito slowly lowered his feet to the ground in a big show before getting serious.  

“Chaos imploded two days ago.”  He began ignoring the outbursts the announcement brought.   “Civil war within.  Several high ranking members broke rank and joined up with Bullet Club.  Including Okada’s right hand man Gedo.  Which means you have been given the gift of time.” 

Naito watched their reactions, ranging from utter disbelief to spat curses, Taichi and Kanemaru immediately huddling together and whispering fervently. 

“How do you figure we have more time?”  Zack spoke up.  “The time to strike is now.  While they’re distracted by their own drama we take them down.” 

Naito stared blandly at him before closing his eyes and rubbing his temples and giving an annoyed sigh. 

“Nooo.”  He said drawing out the vowels.  “What you do is sit back, let them fuck each other up and then pick up the pieces.  There’s no sense wasting firepower on them when they can do it themselves.” 

Loud rumblings filled the room, voices throwing their opinions around, talking over each other and quickly escalating to a cacophony of noise.

‘I said what I needed to say.  I have places to be.”  Naito said rising from his seat and heading towards the door.  He paused at the doorway looking back over the room.  “You’re time is running short on providing some benefit to the Ingobernables.  I suggest you start making yourselves useful or we may have to rethink this business arrangement. Things can always happen to sever familial ties.”  

Silence descended as Naito made his proclamation and left, tension in the air as they tried to process both his news and ultimatum. 

“He’s not wrong.”  Desperado said after a few minutes of quiet.  “We’ve done fuck all to benefit the Ingos.  Besides pay them for some guns.”  He shrugged.  “Since Iizuka got shot we’ve been holed up like a bunch of pussies and running around with our tails between our legs.   We’re not living up to what we are.  What we can be.” 

“I don’t blame them one bit for being aggravated with us.”   Kanemaru seconded.  “We let this setback throw us off and have let Los Ingos dictate everything since they showed up.  We need to stop being pushovers and bring something to the damn table.” 

Uncomfortable silence filled the room, everyone looking around not wanting to acknowledge the truth in Despy and Kanemaru’s words, but unable to deny them.  

“I agree with Naito.”  Taichi finally said garnering everyone’s attention.  “We let Bullet Club and Chaos destroy each other and then we come in and clean up the scraps.” 

Minoru sat back listening to the various arguments being thrown about the room, both in favor of Taichi’s recommendation and against, siphoning through the logistics as he considered every angle.  Holding a hand up he brought silence to the room, commanding their attention. 

“For now we’re going to wait.” Minoru declared.  “We’re going to watch and wait.”

Protests immediately sprang from those in contention, Lance’s voice the loudest as he bitched about sitting back and doing nothing.  

“We’re not doing nothing.”  Minoru said sharply.  “We’re going to learn, we’re going to figure out every nuance of this war and we’re going to strike when the time is right.  Naito has a point.  There is no sense in risking our lives and wasting our reserves when they can do it themselves.  When they’re at their weakest we will take them both out and take over their territories. Maybe Taka can redeem himself and get some actual intel for a change.” 

“In the meantime, we need to pull our heads out of our asses and start showing what Suzuki Gun is all about.” 

May 17, 2003

The sleek red Ferrari Spider glided to a stop in front of a dilapidated building, the occupants peering out the front windshield doubtfully. 

“You sure this is the right place?”  Minoru asked skeptically from the passenger’s seat.   Sliding his sunglasses back up into his hair Minoru looked over at the driver’s seat where Kanemaru was leaning over the steering wheel peering at what was supposed to be the headquarters for Los Ingobernables.  

With a frown Kanemaru pulled out his phone, double checking the address Hiromu had texted.  Given this was their first visit to LIJ territory he was concerned they had the wrong place.  This certainly didn’t look like the home front of a very successful arms group. 

“That’s the address they gave us.” Kanemaru confirmed. 

Slowly the two men exited the low slung vehicle, Kanemaru making his way to Minoru’s side as they hesitated until the door was pushed open.

“You boys going to stand out here all day or you coming in?”  Bushi asked holding the door open expectantly. 

Walking into the building Minoru looked at the run down cheap furniture littering the small office space making no effort to hide his distaste at the dirty surroundings. 

“I really don’t think anyone is going to want to break in here,” Kanemaru said jokingly as Bushi latched five different deadbolts across the door they had just walked through. 

“You never know.”  Bushi said with a shrug.  “Course leaving that fancy car out there I don’t think they’ll bother with our humble abode.”  

“Shit!”  Kanemaru moaned looking at his brand new car through the window.  “Nobody better touch my fucking car.”  

 “Follow me.”  Bushi said ignoring Kanemaru’s whining.  Both Minoru and Kanemaru looked around in confusion as they didn’t see anywhere to follow him to.  That was until Bushi pushed a hidden button that made the shelving unit on the wall slide out of out of the way revealing a hidden door.  Pulling out a key he opened the door and motioned for Minoru and Kanemaru to proceed him.

Kanemaru had to swallow back his feelings of claustrophobia as they ended up in a room no larger than an elevator and Bushi closed the door behind them.   Through the walls they could hear the shelves slide back into place before Bushi pressed a code into the keypad on the opening another sliding door.  

Kanemaru gladly hurried out of the small space finding a long dark hallway with no end in sight. 

“Is all this really necessary?”  Minoru asked as Bushi lead them down the hall, motion sensitive lights flickering on every so often to illuminate their path.  “It seems a bit paranoid.” 

Bushi stopped, turning around to look at the two men. 

“We have the one thing that everyone wants.  We are the only ones with access to that thing. I’d say it’s very necessary.”  Bushi responded seriously.

Minoru conceded with a nod and they resumed walking.   He supposed he could see their point.  Guns were so heavily outlawed it was nearly impossible to get them in Japan.  At this point, LIJ were the only source for distribution.   Minoru could only imagine how many people wanted to get their hands on what the Ingos had.  And what they were willing to do to get them. 

They walked for at least ten minutes, taking so many twists and turns and going through so many doorways that Minoru knew there wasn’t a chance he would be able to make it through here on his own.   He supposed that was LIJ’s intention as well.  Despite the budding relationship between the two factions, trust was still hard to come by.   For the past several weeks the families had been working closely together.   The Guns arms shipment had been smuggled in and Evil had worked closely with each member until they were proficient to his standards with each weapon, but the Ingos were still wary on this new alliance and some of them weren’t shy in letting the Guns know their feelings.  

Expecting yet another door leading down yet another hallway Minoru and Kanemaru were surprised when Bushi led them up a staircase that opened into an opulent sitting room littered with leather couches and marble flooring that was more in line with their expectations for the LIJ headquarters.  

Bushi asked leading them over to the full sized bar along the back while where a pretty Japanese girl was leaning against the counter. 

“Get them some drinks,” Bushi told the girl, swatting her on the behind and making her yelp as she scurried around the bar.   

“That’s Masae.  She’s Hiromu’s…friend.”  Bushi explained vaguely waving his hand towards the girl who was quickly filling the requested drinks for Minoru and Kanemaru.  

“I thought Hiromu liked men?”  Minoru asked thinking back to their encounters with the strange man.   He had gotten the distinct impression Hiromu had a thing for Taka. 

“Hiromu likes everything.”  Bushi said with a laugh.  “He doesn’t discriminate.” 

“So you put Hiromu’s girl to work?”  Kanemaru asked looking over at Masae with interest. 

“Bitch needs to earn her keep somehow,” Bushi responded with a lift of one shoulder. 

“Fuck you Bushi.”  Masae snapped pushing the two drinks across the counter and glaring at Bushi. 

“Don’t worry sweetheart. I’ll get my turn.”  Bushi smirked.  “Hiromu’s gonna get bored like he always does and then you’re fair game.”  

Leading them through another doorway Bushi gave them a mini tour pointing out the offices and introducing them to various employees of the family.   They stumbled across Hiromu and Naito in the game room, in the middle of a rousing street race on one of the systems. 

“Your woman is getting a bit comfortable Hiromu,” Bushi said as he poked his head through the door as he was leading Kanemaru and Minoru down towards their meeting room.  

“I’m almost done with her.”  Hiromu replied absently not taking his focus off the TV.  “Be patient Bushi-san.” 

“We’ll be there in two minutes.”  Naito promised. 

Their journey continued, Bushi seemingly following pulsing music coming from the end of the hallway.  Knocking loudly on the door Bushi yelled for Evil and Sanada before continuing on his way, leading Minoru and Kanemaru towards LIJ’s meeting room.

Minoru pulled up short causing Kanemaru to bump into his back when Bushi pushed open the door and they found it already occupied.   A stern looking man with a goatee and shoulder length black hair with the sides shaved stared back at them appraisingly.

“Minoru, Kanemaru…meet Shingo.”  Bushi said without elaboration.

“Who the fuck is Shingo?”   Kanemaru asked, his hand trailing nervously to his waistband, finger itching for his trigger.  This was a surprise and he did not like surprises. 

“Shingo is our brother and if you pull on him you will both die.”  Bushi warned.

“You didn’t tell us there was another member of your family.”  Minoru said lowly through clenched teeth warily keeping his eye on the man who hadn’t moved a muscle since they walked in. 

“There’s a lot we don’t tell you.” Bushi said flatly pushing past them into the room, taking the seat next to Shingo.  “Shingo has been in the States taking care of some business for us.  He’s home now, so get used to him.”  

Minoru and Kanemaru shuffled in, taking seats at the opposite side of the table.  Inwardly Minoru was seething at the blatant disrespect to Ingobernables were showing him and his family.  Shingo grinned at them as they sat, eyeing them challengingly making them groan as the rest of the Ingobernables filtered in.  

“Another fucking Naito,” Minoru groused.  “Just fucking great.” 

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 11

Word Count: 1164

Warnings:  Drug use, language, brief description of oral sex. 

This is kind of a little filler chapter otherwise it was going to be massive. 

CHAPTER 11

February 27, 2003

Silence reigned throughout the conference room, nobody having an answer to Davey’s question.  One by one they all looked expectantly at Taka who had an ear in everything.  Surely the name would have come up while he was investigating the gun source. 

“Not a peep.”  Taka said with a shake of his head. “I’ve never heard of them.” 

Minoru pursed his lips, leaning back in his leather chair as he steepled his fingers and considered his options as he steely eyes moved over each of the men around the table.  This was the second time he was floundering in the dark in the past week and he didn’t like it. 

“Despy, I want you to go out and find anything you can on this Ingobernables.”  Minoru said after a prolonged silence his heavy gaze resting on the masked man. 

“What?!”  Taka shouted rising to his feet and slamming his hands down on the table.  “That’s bullshit Minoru!”

“Taka!  Sit down now.”  Minoru snapped.  “I can’t let you go out again so soon.  You need to recover and we need this information now.” 

“No.  This is bullshit.”  Taka repeated.  “I’m fine.  And we all know I’m the only one who has a chance of finding out what we need and quickly.”  He looked over at Despy with an apologetic shrug.  “No offense Desp.”  Despy smirked and shrugged.  It was true, Taka was their bread and butter when it came to gathering Intel.  

“What do you think Taichi?”  Minoru asked.  He knew he was thinking with his heart more than his head in this instance.  Taka had always had a special place in his heart.  If his counselor agreed then Minoru would concede. 

Taichi looked at Taka, running a critical eye over him making note of his gaunt features and the fire burning in his eyes.  Sure he looked a little worse for wear for but Taichi was pretty sure the kid could handle it.

“I say let him do it.  We all know he’s going to find what we need faster than anyone else.”  Taichi said holding his hand up to stop Taka’s triumphant grin. “But you better take care of yourself while you’re out there.  Come back looking like you did this time and I’m gonna ground you for a very long time.”  He warned. 

Spitting out promises Taka hurried from the conference room before Minoru could change his mind. 

“I don’t like this.”  Zack spoke up for the first time since they had convened.  “I don’t like going in blind, I don’t like not knowing what we’re dealing with and I don’t like sending Taka out into the unknown.” 

“None of us like it Zacky,” Desperado said.  “But the only way we’re going to get any information is for someone to go out to find it.  Nobody is better than Taka at digging.” 

Zack conceded with a sigh, arms crossing over his lanky frame as the others began filtering out of the room.   Only after the room was empty did Zack rise, slowly heading towards the end of the hallway where the stairs were hidden to walk up to his third floor room.  Zack was a worrier by nature and he couldn’t shake the unsettled feeling in his stomach as he trudged up the stairs. 

Flopping down on the bed Zack stared at the ceiling for several moments, trying to come up with any way he could help in this situation.  They didn’t need his legal mind at the moment.  He was quite handy at torturing information out of people, but there was no one to torture just now.  So he was kind of stuck, in another wait and see pattern as they all waited for Taka to return. 

Rolling on his side Zack reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled a perfectly rolled joint and lighter out.  Leaning back against his pillows Zack sparked the spliff and took a deep inhale.  He felt his stomach settle as the smoke filled his lungs, sending out a plume through pursed lips.  Zack followed the smoke to his ceiling, watching in disperse as the weed began workings its magic on his nerves.  

A knock on his door broke his reverie, calling out a come in Zack took another deep drag seeing Desperado enter his room through hooded eyes.

The other man didn’t say a word, plopping down on the bed next to Zack and smirking as he handed him the joint.   Despy inhaled deeply, holding the smoke in his lungs before expelling it from his mouth.

“You alright?” Desperado asked knowing Zack was a worrier. 

“I hate shit being up in the air.”  Zack huffed.  “I don’t like uncertainty.”   He took the offered joint from Despy and took a few drags before passing it back.   The two men sat side by side working their way through the first joint and then another, Desperado letting Zack talk through the worries on his mind until finally Zack looked less wilded out. 

“Alright. I’m out.  I need to try to get some sleep.” Despy said starting to rise. 

“Want me to blow you?” Zack asked putting the end of the joint out in his ashtray. 

“Sure.” Despy said with a shrug laying back on the pillows.  His eyes closed as Zack pulled his cock free from his track paints, stroking it to hardness.  It wasn’t something that happened often, but every once in a while Zack would make an offer and Despy wouldn’t refuse. The first time he had, emphatically.  He wasn’t adverse to a guy sucking him off, but Zack was his friend, his family and knowing he would never return the favor it made Desperado uncomfortable to accept.  It was only after a lot of reassurances from Zacky that Desperado had given in.  Zack liked to play around on both sides of the fence and every once in a while he liked to do so with Despy.  

Desperado’s hand went to the back of Zack’s head, gently urging him to take him further in his mouth as he felt his impending release, groaning as Zack swallowed around him as his sperm shot into Zack’s throat.

“Thanks man.”  Despy said as he rose from the bed tucking himself back in his pants.  “See you tomorrow.” 

“Later.”  Zack said. 

Instead of an empty hallway as expected Despy was greeted by Taichi leaning against the opposite wall. 

“What’s up man?” Desperado said.  “You didn’t have to hang out here.  You could’ve knocked.”

“Nah, didn’t want to interrupt your little…thing.”  Taichi said with a grin as Desperado flushed beneath his mask.  “I know I hate it when I get interrupted trying to get my nut.” 

“Whatever.  Fuck off asshole.”  Desperado grinned.  “You looking for me or Zacky?” 

“Zack.”  Taichi replied pushing off the wall to knock on the door.  “Goodnight Desp.” 

“Night Tai.”  Desperado said before heading down the hall towards his own room at the other end. 

[ghostofviperwrites]

Suzuki Gunz Crime Family - Chapter 10

Word Count: 2046

Warnings:  Mentions of violence, language

February 23, 2003

Despite Taichi’s attempts, Minoru didn’t stay in his room for long, unable to sleep while his friend lay wounded.  He was exhausted but sleep could wait.  He needed to be at Iizuka’s side.   When he pushed open the door to Iizuka’s room a small smile lifted his lips as he saw Kanemaru slouched against the wall, eyelids drooping but intensely focused on the still figure in the bed.  

“Join the fucking party.”  Taichi snapped glaring at Minoru as he took up residence next to Kanemaru.  “You assholes don’t listen for shit.” 

“I’ll sleep when he wakes up and I see he’s fine for myself.”  Kanemaru grumbled.  “I don’t give a shit what the doc says.  I need to see he’s okay.” 

Silence descended over the room hanging like a heavy cloud over the four original members of the Suzuki Guns.  Minoru leaned his head back against the wall his attention focused on the rise and fall of Iizuka’s chest trying to keep his emotions at bay.  He needed to be strong for the rest of the family.  This was the first major injury to anyone of the kobun and he knew it was effecting them all.  He would bet his last dollar if he made a tour of the guest rooms he would find restless bodies.  Taka was texting him every ten minutes asking if Iizuka had woken yet. 

Worried about his youngest family member, not wanting him in the streets if he was distracted, Minoru had told him to come home only to be sharply rebuffed.  Taka was insistent he was going to find the information needed and fast so this problem could be nipped in the bud. 

Cold hard glass pressed into his forearm causing Minoru to look down seeing Kanemaru’s whisky being offered to him.  With a grateful smile Minoru grabbed the bottle and took a long swig, the fire burning down his throat bringing a welcome respite from the thoughts swirling through his mind.  Taking another long pull before absentmindedly handing the bottle back to Kanemaru, Minoru rose to a standing position, leaning against the wall acutely aware that Taichi was monitoring his every move.

“You don’t have to baby me Tai.”  Minoru groused.  “I don’t need to be watched over.” 

“Somebody has to,” Taichi scoffed.  “You idiots certainly aren’t going to take care of yourselves.” 

Minoru glared at him ready launch into one of their patented arguments that meant nothing more than a release of stress when things got rough.  Instead a soft groan from the bed captured all their attention. 

“I get fucking shot and you morons are still arguing like little girls.”  Iizuka’s raspy voice chastised them, Kanemaru pushing to his feet and rushing to the bedside as Minoru and Taichi gathered on the other side. 

“How you feeling?” Taichi asked running his worried gaze over Iizuka’s pale form.

“Like I got fucking shot.”  Iizuka replied groaning again as he shifted and pain raced through his body.   Kanemaru grabbed the bottle of pain medication the doctor had left and got the dose together for Iizuka handing them to Iizuka and offering his booze to wash it down.

“Jesus Nobu, he can’t have whisky.” Minoru said pushing the bottle back from Iizuka’s eagerly grabbing hands.  Instead he got a bottle of water, Minoru ignoring Iizuka’s insistence that whisky would actually make him feel better.  

Taichi set about changing Iizuka’s bandages and cleaning the wound, ignoring Iizuka’s complaints as he was bandaged.  It was a little known fact outside the family, but Taichi was actually in the finishing stages of getting his doctorate having discovered a passion for medicine and was excelling at his studies.  He was a natural and as soon as he felt comfortable he would be replacing Dr. Yamato for the family’s medical needs.  Something no one would expect from a snot nosed kid with attitude for days. 

“How’s it looking Tai?” Minoru asked as Taichi finished covering Iizuka’s wound.

“So far so good.” He said with a shrug.  “I don’t see anything too troublesome.  I’ll keep an eye out for infection and he needs to take it easy for a few days, but other than that I think he’s out of dangerous waters.” 

They could practically feel the tension draining from the room at Taichi proclamation.  It held more weight to them coming from Taichi than an outsider like Dr. Yamato. 

“Nobu, do you mind letting everyone know Iizuka has woken up and seems to be doing well.  I don’t want anyone else coming by tonight, he needs his sleep.  Taichi and I will watch over him.”  Minoru asked. 

“No problem.”  Kanemaru said leaning over to say goodbye to Iizuka, his hand squeezing the older man’s shoulder before he made his exit.  “Get some sleep big guy.” 

February 26, 2003

The past few days had been quite, the kobun keeping to Minoru’s home as they talked strategy and made plans for the war Chaos seemed intent on launching.  The only one out and in the streets was Taka who nobody had seen since the night Iizuka had gotten shot.  Minoru would have been worried if not for Taka checking in regularly with either him or Kanemaru. 

Taka assured them that he was close to obtaining the name of a source for guns and Minoru hoped it was true.  His boys were getting antsy being cooped up, particularly Lance and Davey who did not handle being off the streets well.  Unfortunately waiting on Taka meant no action and flaring tempers as boredom turned to needling turned to fighting, which lead to them taking a few rounds against each other in the boxing ring down in Minoru’s gym. 

They had just come upstairs from one of those bouts, laughing and joking as they gathered around for lunch, Zack sporting a bloody nose courtesy of Lance and the latter a fat lip.  Iizuka was on the road to recovery and anxious for revenge, but Minoru was having to put a leash on that as Taichi said he would need a few months of recovery before he was 100%.  Iizuka wasn’t taking the news well that he was on the shelf for at least a couple of weeks before Minoru would let him take on some light duties that didn’t involve anything physical. 

“Baka Taka!” Lance yelled being the first to see Taka slinking into the room from down stairs.  “You look like shit little bro!”

“Fuck you Lance.”  Taka sneered flopping down in a chair and greedily reaching for food.  Minoru frowned as he took in Taka’s appearance.  Lance wasn’t wrong, he looked like shit.  The 22 year old looked drawn and tired with heavy bags under his eyes, patchy hair on his unshaven face, wearing the same clothes he had left in four days ago and looking like he had lost a few pounds.  It brought up bad memories for Minoru, reminding him of the day he had first stumbled across Taka.

“Taka.”  Minoru said his voice taking on the stern fatherly tone he rarely used. 

“Yes boss?” Taka looked up guiltily knowing what was coming.

“When’s the last time you slept?  Or ate? Or bathed?” Minoru threw rapid fire questions making the young man squirm. 

“Well, I’m eating right now,” Taka said trying to evade the questions. 

“Taka,” There was no mistaking the warning in Minoru’s voice this time and Taka’s shoulders slumped as he met Minoru’s disappointed gaze. 

“The night Iizuka got shot.”  Taka admitted.  “I’m sorry.  I just wanted to find everything I could as quickly as possible.  A few days without food or sleep isn’t going to kill me.  A gunshot could kill any one of us.” 

Minoru sighed heavily his frustration evident with the stubborn young man. 

“I know you want to help Taka.  We appreciate that.  Every one of us.”  Minoru said pointedly.  “But you’ve got to take care of yourself.  Do you know what it would do to this family if you were killed out there?” 

“I’m sorry.”  Taka repeated lowering his head.  “I just wanted to help.” 

“You’re forgiven.  I want you to eat, clean yourself up and sleep.”  Minoru directed. 

“You don’t want to know what I learned?” Taka asked crestfallen his sad eyes in full effect as he directed them towards Minoru. 

“After you take care of yourself.”  Minoru said firmly.  “We can wait a few more hours.”

The meal continued in relative quiet, whispered conversations around the table as they all tried to respect Minoru’s wishes while being anxious to hear what Taka had learned. 

It wasn’t until several hours later that the group reconvened this time in the underground office.  Taka was the last to stumble in the room, a little bleary eyed, but looking much better in clean clothes and freshly shaved face.   He still looked too gaunt for Minoru’s liking and he made note to have his chef make extra food for Taka until he filled back out. 

“Alright Taka, you’ve the floor. Fill us in.” Minoru said the room falling quiet as Taka became the center of attention.

“First and most importantly, Chaos does not have guns.”  Taka told them.  “I was able to listen in on one of the family meetings and confirm this information through other channels.  However, they are trying to find the source but they are coming up empty and getting frustrated.”

“But you have information on the source?”  Taichi asked.

“Of course I do.”  Taka said offended Taichi was doubting him.  “I wouldn’t have returned if I didn’t.” 

Taichi held his hands up apologetically and leaned back in his chair gesturing for Taka to continue.

“They’re coming in from the US.  The source is very cautious and very good at what they do. I’ve got a phone number, but my understanding is they don’t deal with just anybody.  That’s why Japan isn’t overflowing with guns, because they don’t want to bring too much attention to themselves.  They don’t sell to the highest bidder and they don’t just deal with anyone.”  Taka pulled out the scrap of paper where he had written the number and passed it along to Minoru.  “That number is not traceable.  It shoots you all over the world and back again before touching base.  I wasn’t able to crack it.”  Taka looked disappointed in himself hating even a small failure like this. 

“It’s at least 8am in the states, depending where this person is.”  Zack said looking at the clock.  “Is that too early to call.” 

“I don’t think so.  We’re going to call anyways.”  Minoru decided.  Desperado slid the conference phone towards Minoru who dialed the number on the paper slip putting the phone on speaker.  The ring was loud in the silence, ringing several times with no response.  It was only as Minoru was reaching to disconnect the call that it was answered. 

“What?”  An irritated feminine voice floated out the speaker making the Guns look around at each other with wide eyes.  Even Taka had no inkling that number would lead to a woman.

“It’s my understanding you’re an arms dealer?”  Minoru said cautiously after a moment.

“I’m a lot of things.  Who is this and how did you get this number?”  She responded. 

“My name is Minoru Suzuki.  And as for how we got your number, well, we have our ways.”  Minoru said. 

“Suzuki?  You in Japan?”  She asked recognizing the name.

“Yes.”  Minoru confirmed.

“I only deal with one group in Japan.  You want guns you’ve got to go through them.”  She said. 

“I’ll pay you very well for your services.  I’m sure it takes a cut out of your pocket to use a middle man.”  Minoru told her. 

“I don’t give a shit about your money.  You want guns?   You go through Los Ingobernables.”  With that she disconnected the phone leaving them with a blaring busy signal as they looked at one another.

“Who the fuck are Los Ingobernables?”  Davey asked incredulously.