Kami-Jutsu: The Yakuza's Son is Aware-Chapter 6: Death (死)

***

It was quite hectic.

But I managed to lock in my training with the people I trusted most.

Even got introduced to Father’s top enforcers—former hitters, ex-bodyguards, sharpshooters—who agreed to teach me how to handle firearms. Shotguns, revolvers, semi-autos—if it had a trigger, they’ll made sure I could use it without flinching.

"You have a wonderful family, Ken," Ferry said quietly. There was a strange, distant light in his red eyes.

"Do you miss yours?" I asked.

"Nah. I don’t even remember what they look like," he shrugged.

He tilted his head. "Well, while we wait for you to get stronger, we could—if you’re ready—take down one fort tonight."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"There are twenty-four mammoths ruling Japan’s underworld," Ferry explained, leaning against the windowsill. "Seven of them operate inside Tokyo—one of which is the Kurosawas. But the rest? They’re the backbone. The real bastards behind the Spiders and most of the filth rotting the country."

I nodded, the picture becoming clearer.

"So... you’re saying we’ll need to cut down those mammoths. To uproot the vines of evil."

"Evil cannot truly be stopped—you should know that," Ferry said. "But these mammoths are going too far. As if they’re preparing for something colossal."

"I see... And you’re saying we can take one down tonight?"

"Certainly. Among the Seven Mammoths, one has ties to your family."

"The Kusakabe clan."

"Exactly. So we’ll leave them be—not that we could take them down in our current state. Not with their unusual tight connection with the triads." Ferry walked on two legs toward the window and leaned against it, arms sprawled wide.

"But one of them is weak enough for us to intercept," he added.

"What makes this one different from the others?" I asked.

"A lot of mafia and underground merchants have at least one godman on their payroll—a Kamijutsu user. And by now, you know what a godman can do."

I remembered last week’s massacre. Still felt like a fever dream.

"But one of the Mammoths—the Sabertooth Mafia—has a weaker godman than the rest," Ferry said as he perched himself on the window ledge. "I’ve seen you fight. You’re a genius. The Sabertooth’s godman isn’t as strong. With enough resistance, you’ll break him in two."

"So I don’t have to worry about the others? The gunmen, the guards?"

"My fur’s as sturdy as titanium, darling," Ferry chuckled, and his pelt began to fluctuate again, dark to white like a flickering flame. "Leave the shielding to me, Master. You focus on blending the mortals like fruit milkshake."

What...did Hulin Kenvernd used to do for work again?

He shows no hesitation for people being killed and massacred...

But...

I think... I can trust him.

"Let’s do it."

I had already washed my cloak in secret. It was ready to be soaked in blood again.

I pulled it out from the drawer...

That’s when I noticed something I hadn’t before.

The kanji for "death" (死) was etched boldly on the back of the outfit.

"Onii-sama, it’s time for breakfast."

Najima barged in without knocking. I quickly sat on the cloak, and somehow Ferry was already on the ground, docile like a well-trained pet, his fur fully white again.

"Okay, I’ll be down soon," I said calmly. "And please knock before you enter."

"Eh? But I always come in without knocking. Onii-sama, were you... perhaps touching yourself?"

"Get out. Please."

***

Roppongi.

A ten-story highrise, owned by the Sabertooth Mafia. It posed as a public hotel but served as a base for underground dealings and high-stakes meetings.

Eighty percent of the people here were sinners.

I stood atop a neighboring building, wind sweeping through my hair, watching the foot traffic below.

"Are you ready, Ken?" Ferry asked. He’d grown—fifteen feet long now—and still shifting between black and white. His teeth were something out of nightmares.

"Let’s go. We don’t stop till the penthouse."

My second massacre was just one leap away.

I jumped.

Gravity pulled me down fast, but just before impact, I extended my palm and compressed the Kami particles beneath me.

It cushioned my landing—somewhat—but the pavement shattered like a meteor had dropped.

Dust and debris clouded the air. Screams broke out.

Click. Ka-chick. Ka-chick. Click.

Guns cocked in unison, the sound like a round of applause.

"Identify yourself immediately!" someone barked.

I answered, "I am Shinigami Ō."

Then Ferry lunged, fangs bared, tearing into the first line of men like they were paper.