My Young Husband, The Assasin-Chapter 73: The Men Who Came for Saki

A luxury building near downtown Tokyo reported a fire, and several media outlets carried this. An hour went by before the arrival of fire trucks on the scene, and there were seven fire trucks in total sent to put out the fire by that time. Since the fire happened in a congested location that was in close proximity to many other buildings, authorities were anxious that it would spread further if it went unchecked. It took over three hours to extinguish the fire, and there were numerous casualties, such as Hiroshi Okada, who was the owner of the building and was found dead.

Local police arrived at the scene to assess the situation, and they quickly suspected foul play. Their suspicions were confirmed when an autopsy on Hiroshi's body revealed a deep sword wound. It was highly likely that the elderly man had been stabbed to death before his body was left in the building to be burned in an attempt to erase evidence. Luckily, the police managed to figure out what had really happened to Hiroshi Okada.

But given Hiroshi Okada's degree of infamy as a high-profile crook and a power player in the underworld, the incident wasn't a total shock. He worked in a cut-throat business, and competition in the world of crime was intense. A rival, or an enemy, had killed Hiroshi and his posse on purpose — an idea that wasn't so farfetched.

Eventually, the police decided to drop the case, publicly stating that Hiroshi Okada perished in the blaze without disclosing the actual evidence. It wasn't that they didn't care about justice. But Hiroshi had remained virtually invincible as if shielded by invisible forces in the shadows. His death was a relief to many since it spared the police the hassle of attempting to apprehend an escaped convict.

The fire, the loss of Hiroshi's business, and his death became a topic of conversation, especially in the criminal underworld. Although Hiroshi Okada wasn't as influential as Kaito Ishikawa or Renji Ishikawa, the leaders of the Hayabusa group, he had built a solid reputation as the most reliable firearms supplier. Despite the illegal nature of his business, many criminal organizations depended on him.

However, many also felt relieved and even pleased by Hiroshi's downfall. He was widely known for being cunning, ruthless, and highly manipulative, always using others for his own gain. Many had suffered because of him—including Renji Ishikawa, who had lost his parents and relatives in a massacre orchestrated by Hiroshi, using Sora Ishikawa as his pawn. Renji was the sole survivor of that tragedy.

Hiroshi had done many things wrong in his life, so it was not just justified but, actually, the best that could have been done. Whichever his reason was, his actions had caused so much harm to so many people. His death was particularly significant to Renji and Tetsuya—whose, by coincidence, was the long-lost grandson Hiroshi had sought all these years.

Behind the downfall of Hiroshi's business, Ryoji's resentment toward the Ishikawa family grew more intense. Renji had killed the only person Ryoji considered family. No matter what, Hiroshi was the one who had raised and cared for Ryoji like his own child. However, Ryoji was unaware that Hiroshi had done so with ulterior motives, as Hiroshi saw Ryoji as an extremely valuable human resource in the future. And Hiroshi had been right. Uncharacteristically, Ryoji had become quite adept at manipulating. Kaito Ishikawa, for instance, trusted Ryoji's words more than he trusted his son's, Haruto's.

Sipping on the cup of ocha Ryoji made, Kaito muttered, "I didn't expect Renji would make such a reckless move."

A few minutes earlier, one of Kaito's subordinates had delivered the news—not just of Hiroshi's death but also of the fact that his killers were his grandsons. While Kaito was surprised, he was also pleased. After all, one of his business rivals had been eliminated, saving him the trouble of dealing with it himself.

Ryoji clenched his fists tightly, suppressing the rage within him. Yet, with his usual skill, he masked his emotions behind a calm, expressionless face as if nothing was wrong.

"You should take action, Master Kaito," Ryoji suggested.

He had begun his plan to provoke Kaito.

"What do you mean?" "You said Kaito and Ryoji?" Kaito said, squinting at the older man.

Ryoji said with a calm expression, as if he had spoken a predetermined sentence, "The young master Renji or the young master Tetsuya may come here to attack."

Kaito gave a dry snort and downed another sip of his tea. "Are they looking for death? Besides, why would they come here?" he sneered arrogantly, believing that his grandsons were weak compared to him. He had long forgotten that Renji was once his right-hand man.

"Have you forgotten that not long ago, you attempted to kidnap Young Master Renji's wife and child?" Ryoji said, subtly reminding Kaito of his failed plan.

A slow Sigh spoke to Kaito, and the light in his face dimmed in irritation. "But that didn't go on because Renji escaped with them," he said, frustration lining his voice.

Ryoji gave a faint smile. "That's true. But what if Renji dared to kill Hiroshi Okada? What would make you think that he wouldn't seek revenge against you—the guy that he hates more than anyone else?" he said, alluding to Kaito and Renji's longstanding hatred for each other.

"Yakushi Ryoji, mind what you say!" Ryoji touched a nerve, and Kato raged. Ryoji murmured, triumphant. His plan was succeeding—Kaito was coming undone.

"I apologize if I have offended you," Ryoji feigned remorse but never felt it . Hearing Ryoji's genuine-sounding apology, Kaito's anger ebbed slowly.

"I said that because I care," Ryoji continued, feigning concern in front of Kaito.

His words had caught Kaito's attention as expected. The old man was a pushover, which was nothing like Haruto or his two grandsons, who were much more difficult to budge. That steadfastness made them difficult to dupe.

"I understand your concerns, but I am not as weak as Hiroshi," Kaito said arrogantly.

Ryoji's smile flickered as he listened to Kaito's overconfidence. The man had already forgotten the person who had built his reputation and dirtied his hands with blood—Renji. In reality, Renji was far more capable than Kaito.

"But there's no harm in taking action before Young Master Renji strikes first," Ryoji suggested smoothly.

"What do you mean by that?" Kaito gazed at Ryoji with a meaningful look as the latter smiled at him.

"I already have a plan."

"What plan?" Kaito asked, curiosity piqued.

Ryoji gave a fleeting smile before revealing his plan to Kaito. Whatever scheme Ryoji had in mind this time, the situation would escalate far beyond the previous conflicts. This could very well mark the end of both Ryoji and Kaito's organization, as they were about to awaken a sleeping lion.

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As usual, Asahi Café was bustling with female customers. Even though Renji and Tetsuya hadn't been seen for the past week, the enthusiasm of visitors remained undiminished. The café's appeal went beyond the two Ishikawa men—most of the staff were also handsome and charming. Ever since the café's cosplay event, many customers have started paying closer attention to the employees.

However, no one should even dream of flirting with Issei, let alone trying to get close to him—because Saki was always there to protect and guard her future husband from other girls.

If Saki wasn't even afraid to stand up to Tetsuya Ishikawa, there was no way she'd let some high school girls in uniforms get in her way. Anyone who dared to approach or attempt to take her soulmate from her would have to face her wrath. To Saki, Issei was everything, and she would protect him with all her strength.

"What's wrong with you, spoiled girl?" Arashi asked while wiping plates alongside Saki. In truth, this task was supposed to be Kana's, but Arashi had secretly switched duties with her so that he could be with Saki.

All day, Saki had looked listless and unenthusiastic—not because of a fight with Issei, but because she was preoccupied with thoughts of Aira and her missing baby. It was as if they had vanished without a trace. Saki couldn't even reach Aira, which worried her even more.

"Arashi, where do you think Aira and her baby are?" Saki asked, glancing up at him with worry as she set down the plate she had been drying.

"I don't know," Arashi said, shrugging.

"I think this is strange, don't you?" Saki said, curiosity and concern trailing her voice.

"A little. But Aira and her child are with Master Renji, so don't fret. I'm sure he will protect them," Arashi said, trying to calm her down.

"Still, I can't shake the sense that I'm anxious," Saki sighed, her face darkening with realization. "At least, Aira should have reached out to me and told me how she's doing." All at once, and without saying a thing, Arashi reached toward her, tousling Saki's hair and smiling warmly.

Saki pouted in annoyance.

"Don't get my hair dirty, Arashi!" she complained, objecting to his habit of always reaching for her hair.

Arashi chuckled, finding her irritation amusing. Watching Saki sulk was oddly entertaining after a long day of serving customers—especially with the increasing number of female visitors trying to talk to him lately, something that had never happened before.

But just as the two were engrossed in their conversation while tidying up the kitchen, an unexpected event unfolded at the front of the café.

A group of burly men in neat suits suddenly barged into the café. Ryuji, who had been arranging tables and chairs at the entrance, had already told them that the café was closed and no longer accepting customers. However, they ignored his words and forced their way in.

They hadn't come for coffee or cake. They were looking for one person—Fujimoto Saki, an employee of Asahi Café.

At first, Rika, who was in charge of the café, approached them politely and tried to speak with them calmly.

One of the men in the group stated that they were looking for Fujimoto Saki, immediately sending a wave of unease through Rika. She could tell right away that they weren't decent people. But the bigger question in her mind was—why were they looking for Saki?

Had Saki somehow offended a Yakuza group? Or did her family owe money to a loan shark? But judging from what Rika knew about Saki's background, that seemed unlikely. Her parents owned a fairly large flower shop on the outskirts of town, so financial struggles were not an issue.

"Hand over Fujimoto Saki to us!" one of the men shouted arrogantly as if giving an order like a high-ranking boss. Hearing this, Ryuji's anger flared.

"Saki is not some object you can just take!" he snapped back just as loudly, showing no fear.

"Get out of here before we lose our patience!" Fujin added fiercely, backing up Ryuji without hesitation.

Fujin had been helping Rika at the cashier's counter when he witnessed the entire scene unfold in the café.

With no hesitation, Ryuji moved forward, employing his own body as a shield to cover Saki and the others. He was certain—these men were criminals, not regular people.

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As Ryuji had anticipated, one of them suddenly pulled out a gun and held it directly on him, using it as a threat and a display of superiority.

"Shut up if you want to live, kid," the man warned his tone as grave as death.

Ryuji clenched his fists as he struggled to keep his rising anger in check. But despite his bluster, fear started creeping into his heart as the gun barrel was pressed hard against him. A single bullet would be enough to kill him.

There were too many things still that he had to do—one of which was to date Keiko. He was not ready to die just yet.

Ryuji and Keiko stayed in tonight, though they had planned to go out for dinner. Keiko had even come to Asahi Café to pick him up, not knowing she'd find herself walking into such a dangerous situation.

Keiko watched it all from a safe distance, lurking in the shadows. She prayed the men wouldn't see her. Fortunately, she'd entered the café from the rear, intending to surprise Ryuji. But ultimately, she was the one who was left utterly blindsided by what she walked into.

"Aren't those Kaito Ishikawa's men?" Keiko thought, recognizing them instantly.

She knew that emblem—the folding fan insignia on the back of their suits was unmistakable.

Panic surged through her. "I have to do something. I have to save Ryuji-kun."

Her heart racing, she saw her boyfriend standing there with a gun against his head. - One of the men fired a warning shot into the air, and Rika and the rest of the staff screamed in fear. Arushi and Saki, who were in the kitchen, came out to see what was going on.

Saki's eyes widened in horror at what she saw. The café teemed with men in suits, one of them brandishing a gun.

"Arashi...," Saki quietly gasped as she shivered, instinctively clutching the back of his shirt.

"Stay calm. Don't be afraid. I'm here," Arashi whispered back, trying to reassure her.

Arashi already knew what kind of work the Ishikawa brothers were involved in—Keiko had accidentally spilled the truth to both him and Ryuji after being pressured into revealing everything following the attack on Aira.

"Please tell us Fujimoto Saki's whereabouts!" the man shouted again, his voice powerful.

"She already went home," Ryuji responded boldly.

"Don't lie to me, kid!"

"Why would I lie to you?" Ryuji shot back.

"She's your friend. Naturally, you'd want to protect her." Even with a gun trained on him, Ryuji dared to smirk.

"There is nothing more valuable than my life."

His words were calculated—he wasn't lying, but he wasn't going to give them an answer, either.

In his mind, Ryuji was procrastinating. Saki stayed in the kitchen, and there was a back door.

If she felt threatened, she could slip out unnoticed and escape.

But then—

"So you've made up your mind to die." The man trained his gun directly at Ryuji's head.

...