Chapter 3: Chapter 2 - Denial
A week had passed since the tragic incident, and Seon-mi now sat in an empty house that was once alive with laughter and joy.
Her daily visits to the police station yielded the same response:
"We can't disclose any information at this time."
Her patience was beginning to wear thin, she knew that instant results were not going to be something she could rely on the police for.
Alone in the silent house, she sat with a drink in hand, contemplating the daunting question of what she should do next.
A realization dawned upon her—she could seek help from Mr. Yamashita, her father's partner and best friend. If anyone held the key to providing answers, it would be him. Knowing his residence wasn't far, she swiftly decided to pay him a visit in the hopes of getting any answers.
Seon-Mi walked through her neighborhood, clad in black tracksuit pants, a black hoodie, and black sneakers—an outward expression of her internal mood.
Drawing closer to Mr. Yamashita's house, she couldn't ignore the increase in luxury cars parked along the street. While her neighborhood wasn't lacking in wealth in any sense, the presence of these high-end vehicles was far from a regular sight.
As Seon-Mi continued down the street, passing the row of luxury cars, she turned a corner to encounter a huge wooden fence on her left that ran straight down the street. It shielded the property from prying eyes, and behind it resided the Takenaka family household, one of the five prominent Yakuza clans with a firm grip on Kanda.
As she continued down the street, just about to pass the halfway point, the front gate slid open. A group of men in black suits emerged, led by an old man in the middle.
Despite his age, he exuded an aura that warned against any challenge. Short and composed, he wore a Montsuki Haori Hakama, setting him apart from the rest. Seon-Mi recognized him instantly—Daichi Takenaka, the head of the formidable Takenaka family.
"That's Daichi Takenaka," she thought to herself.
Her father had told her about local Yakuza activities, Seon-mi was well aware of the significance of the person she was looking at.
Just as She thought about turning around, another figure emerged from the gate—Mr. Yamashita. On instinct Seon-mi quickly ducked behind the nearest car, her mind racing with questions.
"Why's Mr. Yamashita coming out of the Takenaka residence?"
She peeked cautiously over the car's rear, witnessing a sight that left her questioning everything.
Mr. Yamashita bowed to Mr. Takenaka, shaking his hand in a display of familiarity.
"What is going on?" Seon-Mi wondered.
One of the suited men opened a car door for Mr. Takenaka and he entered. The remaining men followed suit, entering their respective cars, with Mr. Yamashita getting into his own vehicle. Confused by the unexpected scene unfolding before her, Seon-Mi was left wondering why on Earth a police detective was leaving a Yakuza family home.
She was determined to uncover the truth so she decided to follow on foot. The narrow streets limited the speed of the cars, providing Seon-Mi with the opportunity to trail closely behind without being detected.
After following the cars for a few minutes, the one carrying Mr. Takenaka turned left at an intersection, with four others following behind.
Mr. Yamashita, along with another car, made a right turn. Seon-mi discreetly followed them to a bar—an open establishment built into a wall, it had no front windows or doors, and was well known to be a Yakuza bar. The men, including Mr. Yamashita, gathered at a table, one of the men waved and the bartender came from behind the bar to accommodate them.
Seon-mi positioned herself beside some tall plants just outside the bar. Minutes ticked by as she observed the unfolding scene.
As Seon-Mi grappled with the ethical dilemma of her actions, she thought about leaving, but just as she was about to, a mention of her father's name halted her in her tracks. Pressing her back against the wall, she strained closer to the bar to hear better.
"What kind of fool really thinks he can infiltrate the Takenaka clan?" one of the men scoffed.
"He was an idiot to begin with. Did he really think we wouldn't find out?" another chimed in.
"Shut up Yamada. You had no idea he was an undercover cop," a third man interjected, causing the rest to burst out laughing.
"He could've really damaged us if it wasn't for you Yamashita. Nice work. I know the boss is very grateful to you," acknowledged the man sitting next to Mr. Yamashita.
"Really? He seemed angry," replied Mr. Yamashita.
"Haha, trust me, that was him in a good mood. You did good. Drink," the man insisted as he raised a shot glass.
The others followed suit.
"To the Takenaka family," he said.
"To the Takenaka family," echoed the group as they downed their shots, slamming the glasses back onto the table.
"Barkeep, another round!" they cheered and laughed as they continued their conversation
Seon-Mi stood frozen, a chill washing over her as a cold sweat broke out. Disbelief gripped her.
"No way. No way. No way. I refuse to believe it. There's no way Mr. Yamashita snitched on Dad to the Yakuza. They're best friends. I've known him since I was a kid. He wouldn't do something like that."
Her mind raced with possible explanations, but the same unsettling answer persisted.
"I'll ask him myself. He has to give me some answers. I'll wait for them to finish up and go their separate ways, then I'll confront Mr. Yamashita."
In an act of denial, Seon-Mi clung to the determination to prove Mr. Yamashita had no part in her father's death. So she waited.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone