It wasn't said outright, but everyone knew what this implied. The Hokori family's backer was the CEO of Suzuki Corporation, the mogul worth billions of US dollars.
No one spoke up for a while, but there were a few people who looked eager.
Daichi gripped his fists tightly, hoping and praying in his heart that they would receive the green light. He wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing such a figure was still alive in this world.
Ken too yearned for the man's downfall. But the problem was, Tetsuhiro was unstable. Even if they stripped him of his status, he was a crazy man, who knew what lengths he would go through afterwards.
"Even if that's the case, we don't know where he is."
Chris shook his head, "I know where his estate is, we can start there."
Though not implicitly stated, the gangsters were clever and devious enough to understand his train of thought. As long as the guy's family was there, they could get him to appear at some point.
However, they all turned to the boss Minoru, as if humbly waiting for his decision. He looked thoughtful, though his expression was still stern.
After a few moments, he nodded. "It will be best if we can drive them out as soon as possible. We need to recoup our losses sooner rather than later."
At these words, Chris breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't sure what he would have done if the boss hadn't agreed to his suggestion.
Chris stated the address he'd researched, which turned out to be around a 30 minute drive away.
"From what I've seen, there aren't any security guards at the place, only a few maids that live on site." Chris said, waiting for a response.
Ken on the other hand was shocked. He hadn't known that his father had been doing his own research into Tetsuhiro while not working. He didn't know whether to be worried or impressed with this.
"Mmm. This will be an easier operation than the last one." Minoru stated, feeling a little more confident after finding out some more details.
"I won't force anyone to go that doesn't want to go." He said, scanning the room, his eyes landing on Tomoya who was sitting next to his son.
However, it seemed that he underestimated the hatred his men had for such a figure.
One by one, all of his Lieutenants stood up. Tsukasa, Shin, Naoki and Tomoya each looked at him with fierce determination to put an end to everything.
"I'll go as well." Chris said, his expression stern.
"I'm out." Tetsu said, his eyes lingering on his daughter. As much as he wanted to get revenge, he believed that he'd already done enough.
A small smile crept onto Tsukasa's face in response. He knew that his friend had already crossed his bottom line, there was a reason why he didn't join the Tokuzo family back then.
"Mmm, then it's settled." Minoru stated, getting up from his chair.
"Tetsu and I will stay here and keep an eye on the kids. If things look dicey, pull back for now." He ordered.
"Yes Boss!"
The Lieutenants answered at once, bowing their heads.
Chris was about to leave the room when Ken stopped him, grabbing his arm.
"Dad what are you doing?" Ken asked, his face showing signs of worry.
"You'll understand someday when you have your own kids, Kenny." He said solemnly, patting his son's hand. His gaze drifted to Ai beside him, giving her a warm smile.
He then looked at Daichi who was also wearing a worried expression.
"I'll be back soon boys."
With that, he walked out of the room, not turning back.
The group then got into the van and hit the road. Since it was around 3 in the morning by this point, the roads were practically empty, making for a quick drive.
In almost 30 minutes, the group arrived on the street of the estate. They saw a grand looking house complete with a large gate and long driveway which led to the modern and dream-like building.
None of the men in the van were exactly wealthy, but they were comfortable. Only now after looking at the grand estate did they finally feel how poor they really were in comparison.
"Put your masks on, even if there's no security there will likely be cameras everywhere." Shin said in a low voice.
"I don't have a mask." Chris stated, watching the others put theirs on.
"That's because you're not coming with us." Naoki said simply, like it had already been decided.
Chris felt his anger rise, but he quickly quashed it. Even if he let it show, it wouldn't change his current situation.
"Alright, I'll stay on the lookout." He stated, gripping his fist tightly.
"Mmm. Let's go." Tsukasa spoke up, exiting the van.
Chris was forced to remain in the van, watching as the four figures moved towards the house in darkness. He let out a sigh, feeling helpless.
He had wanted to contribute something, anything at this point. Ever since Tetsuhiro had been messing with him and his family, he'd been forced to take a passive position.
When he lost his job all he could do was suffer. When Daichi's mother was killed, all he could do was comfort his son.
Even when Ken was captured, he was forced to let another man step forward and rescue him. Just when he thought he'd have the chance to strike back, he was made to stay behind once again.
Chris grit his teeth, feeling a sense of helplessness overcome him.
'Can I really do nothing?' He thought.
As he stirred in his own feeling of self-loathing, over 20 minutes had already passed. Seeing as how there had been no movements, he began to get a little worried.
He peaked out the window, only to see a figure scaling the fence, as if he was fleeing.
Chris's eyes narrowed, feeling his heart beat wildly in his chest.
After a moment's hesitation, he jumped into the driver seat and started the van, his eyes trained onto the fleeing figure as he ran towards the road.
In the next moment he began to drive, putting the lights on.
The figure seemed to hear the van and turned around, his face full of relief.
"H—Help! Please pull over!" He yelled, his face full of panic as he tried to wave down the car.
Yet instead of slowing down, the van's engine roared as it approached, causing his eyes to bulge in fright.
THUD
A sickening thud rang out as the van trampled him, throwing him onto the road in a pitiful state. Immense pain racked his body as he struggled to get fresh air into his lungs.
Just as his consciousness was beginning to fade, a face appeared in front of him.
"Y—You…"
Chris stood over the body of the man who had caused him and his family tremendous hardship and couldn't help but feel a cold sense of satisfaction wash over him. Seeing the guy struggling to gasp for air might have made him uncomfortable before, but not now.
"You brought this on yourself." Chris said, taking one last look at him before walking away.
Tetsuhiro continued to fight back the cold that was threatening to consume him, his mind desperately struggling.
'No… I can't die. Not yet.' He thought, staring up at the night sky.
He saw a shooting star flash across his vision, followed by a sense of calm. As he breathed out his last breath, his saw the face of his elder brother staring back at him.
"Tatsu…" Tetsuhiro muttered before drifting away to the afterlife.