Bonten's innocence

Chapter 55 - troubled waters ahead

It's been months and everyone had settled back into their normal lives, Bonten has been taking care of a rival gang led by South one of Mikey's rivals from way back, he was determined to take over everything Bonten owned, and he definitely didn't shy away from relentlessly attacking the executives.

All of them had assured Ino that they would be fine, but she felt something was wrong, it didn't help when they occasionally came back injured or covered in blood, but something else was still off and it seemed Ino was the first person to notice it.

She was on her way to Sanzu's room because he was the closest person to this person to this 'problem', "Sanzu" Ino called out when she knocked on his door, "Princess, I've been waiting patiently for your visit" he said excitedly as he threw the door open, he quickly embraced her and led her into his room, "so what do I owe this pleasant surprise?" he asked with all smiles, "well I actually want to discuss something with you" Ino said seriously, Sanzu's interest was now piqued "oh what is it?" He asked.

Ino sighed as she thought about the problem "It's about Mikey" she started, "what about him?" Sanzu questioned leaning back on his chair, "he's been so cold and distant these days, like... Lifeless, I don't like it, he hasn't even been taking care of himself properly, I haven't seen him eat a proper meal in days and I don't even know if he's sleeping" she said in concern, "he's been like that for years though, it seems as time passes he gets more and more colder" Sanzu said reminiscing of their old days, "yes I know, I'm use to him giving me short answers and being busy all the time... But it's like he's actively trying to avoid me, and I don't understand why" she complained.

Sanzu thought for a while, "I'm sure that's not the case, maybe he's going through something only he can handle at the moment" he said, "shouldn't we help him then?" Ino questioned worriedly, Sanzu sighed "I think we should let him handle it alone, but if it helps I can talk to him and maybe keep an eye on him" he suggested, "yes thank you that would be great, at least I'd be less worried" Ino said slightly relieved, "it's no problem" Sanzu smiled.

Ino stood up "anyway I gotta get started on lunch" she said turning around to walk out, Sanzu however had something else in mind, he held Ino's hand and pulled her back, she fell on his lap, "lunch can wait, why don't you pay attention to me?" he smirked, "Sanzu wai-" she was cut off by Sanzu kissing her lips, she was shocked but she didn't pull away, instead she kissed back, when they parted Ino pouted "that was a dirty trick" she whined, "then call me dirty Dan" Sanzu said playfully to which she rolled her eyes.

On the other side of Tokyo South was sitted in his lounge drinking his traditional sake while hosting a great number of ladies with his friend Taiju, they had met in Germany some few years back and instantly clicked, "so you're going up against Bonten? That's an interesting development" Taiju chuckled when he heard the news, "well to get to the top you have to beat the one at the top first" South nodded as he finished his drink.

One of the girls on cue wasted no time in filling up his glass again, "thanks doll" he winked at the lady who blushed immediately, "so how are you going to pull them down?" Taiju questioned, "well everything revolves around the information you have and I happen to have gotten in touch with a very reliable source" he smirked, "and who might that be?" Taiju curiosly asked.

The door flew open before South could answer and a familiar looking male walked in, he was unusually tall with glasses, and both of his hands had tattoos that read 'sin' and 'punishment' he smiled wickedly and threw an envelope at South, "so, Hanma shuji huh?" Taiju said unimpressed, "oh if it isn't the one with the sibling issues" Hanma rolled his eyes and instantly lit a cigarette, it was obvious that both were anything but glad to see each other.

South ignored the two and opened the envelope, "what and who is this?" He questioned going through the multiple pictures of a certain blonde, "oh, that my friend is Bonten's little weakness" Hanma chuckled, "this girl is their weakness?... Well she's quite the pretty sight, but what does she have to do with anything?" Taiju questioned, "your right she's is a pretty sight, pretty enough to captivate all the executives including Mikey himself" Hanma proudly explained.