The sedan stopped in front of a black skyscraper.
The surrounding buildings were pale gray, with soft lines and an air of detachment. Only this structure stood apart—a silent black giant wrapped in iron-dark glass curtain walls, cold, stark, and defiantly rising beneath the skyline.
"I thought we'd at least see two rows of men in black and sunglasses welcoming us," Caesar said as he stepped out of the car and looked up at the towering black rampart, his tone lightly teasing. "Have you Japanese yakuza abandoned that fine tradition?"
"If we were welcoming honored guests at the family Shrine, we would still maintain the traditional ceremony." A gentle, mellow voice sounded from ahead. "But in the city center, we must restrain ourselves somewhat, lest we disturb the neighboring residents too much. We ask for your understanding, honored guests."
Caesar lowered his gaze from the sky and looked ahead. An elderly man with snow-white hair stood there, with five people behind him. Minamoto Chisaki, whom they had met yesterday, was among them, still wearing that cold and indifferent expression, though he had changed into a sharply tailored black suit.
Amon came around the other side of the sedan to stand beside Caesar, his movements somewhat casual.
The instant he stopped, the elderly man and the five people behind him all bowed in perfect unison, the angle standard and respectful. "Welcome, specialists from headquarters, to the Eight Clans of the Serpent."
At that moment, Crow, who had served as their driver, stepped forward and stood sideways between the two groups, beginning the introductions one by one.
"This is the head of the Tachibana Clan, Mr. Tachibana Masamune, and the current Patriarch of the Eight Clans of the Serpent."
The old man at the front inclined his head slightly. Dressed in plain