Grand Leader

Kyoto.

Under the moonlight, the suburban mountains beneath the black night were outlined in hazy silhouettes. A black Hummer sped along the winding mountain road, weaving between dim streetlights as it headed for the mountain's peak.

After an unknown amount of time, a pitch-black iron gate appeared before the bright headlights. Several figures in black stood before it, letting the beams fall upon them as they stood firm as boulders, utterly motionless.

The Hummer obediently came to a stop before the iron gate. The leading figure in black walked over to the vehicle and spoke flatly:

"Identification."

The rear window of the Hummer rolled down. Asakura Ken looked the man in the eyes and presented his nameplate.

"Wakagashira Assistant of the Black Killer Group, leader of Osaka's Yamamoto Group, Asakura Ken."

"What are you here for?"

"To see the Grand Leader. There is a matter that requires his decision."

The man carefully compared Asakura Ken's appearance with the nameplate, then nodded. He returned it, stepped back two paces, and bowed deeply.

"Please."

Under the Nightfall, the pitch-black iron gate slowly opened. The figures blocking the entrance moved aside, clearing a path. The Hummer accelerated and swiftly drove toward the luxurious estate atop the mountain.

Several minutes later, the vehicle stopped at the estate's main entrance. The driver got out and opened the door for Asakura Ken. With a solemn expression, Asakura Ken adjusted his clothes, then entered the estate with the driver and an assistant.

The Grand Leader of the Black Killer Group whom he was about to meet was the group's third Grand Leader since its founding—and a legendary figure in Japan's underworld.

A year ago, the underworld in Kansai had still been a loose collection of scattered forces. Though there were many powerful gangs, they had all been