Chapter Text
“Mankai”
The sign had seen better days. Tarnished and crumbling the old metal letters had warped with age and a lack of care. How long ago was it that she had last seen these letters... 10 years? Probably more...
Her memory of the place was old enough that it had become hazy with time. She had just moments now; watching the actors perform; sipping hot cocoa in the dorm living room; the warmth of the hand of the boy as he excitedly dragged her to play hide and seek.
It had been strange to receive the letter from her late father. Even though it was months after his death, it felt as though he was still going to be waiting for her when she opened those theatre doors. As though he was going to be standing on the stage waiting to whisk her into a little play to make her smile and make her forget about her awful acting. She never was going to follow in his footsteps as a great actor. Good thing that wasn’t what he really was.
He had never been a director, not really at least. She gripped the letter tightly as she remembered. He had been a criminal. Worst of the worst. The head of a criminal syndicate that at its peak had dominated Veludo Way. And here she was, about to step through those doors and take over his legacy.
She pushed open the heavy doors and stepped into the foyer, almost sneezing with the heavy layer of dust the door kicked up. She blinked, adjusting to the dim light. How long had it even been since the windows were cleaned? Was there even enough of the syndicate left to take over?
As she finally gained enough sight in the gloom, she caught sight of a suited man standing opposite the door. With that long coat, square glasses and arms crossed tightly over his chest he cut an imposing figure. But there was something about him that seemed familiar, perhaps in his face or the way he cut his hair, that reminded her of the boy who had excitedly dragged her round the theatre all those years ago. She knew this wasn’t him though, his glare was too angry, too worn down.
“You’re Late” He snapped.
~~
“Izumi. IZUMI”
She snapped out of her reverie, shaking her head clear and turned towards the voice. Sakyo sat at the end of the table, arms crossed as always, staring grumpily at her.
“If you could not space out during important meetings that would be appreciated Miss Tachibana”
“Sorry, just caught in my own head” She laughed awkwardly.
Sakyo sighed, rubbing his temples.
It had been two years since she had reformed the group and it was doing better than she could have hoped. At last, they had enough money that even Sakyo had stopped grumbling at some of their more “frivolous” purchases. They had grown too! From the small number of devoted individuals who had been there at the start to a company large enough to hold its own even when things got rough. Not bad for a novice criminal she thought.
They could even plan larger robberies now with the new additions of Chikage and Guy, which is what they were supposed to be doing now. She didn’t mind the planning, it reminded her of the old heist movies her dad used to play for her as a kid. This robbery was only meant to be a standard one however, a simple in and out job. Just some expensive goods from a rarely used house on the outskirts of town.
She allowed herself to tune out again as she let her eyes drift across the team involved. For such a simple job they had tried to pick the younger members, ones who could use a little more experience. Tenma and Azami sat next to each other bickering quietly as usual with Muku trying to play mediator. Taichi sat attentively, trying to soak up every detail even though his eyes were drifting closed every now and then. And lastly, the more experienced Hisoka slumped across the table, dozing softly with Homare at his side already reaching for the marshmallows. It was an odd bunch but so too was the rest of the company. At least they were all beginning to feel like a family.
~~
It was supposed to be a simple job.
They had returned looking as though they had only narrowly escaped, covered in cuts and bruises, Tenma still holding his bloody pocket knife.
“What happened” Izumi fussed over them, assessing the damage.
“Godza” Hisoka held out a slightly bloody calling card, “Found us mid-way though”
“I swear I didn’t know! I swear!” Taichi seemed on the verge of tears.
“Woah slow down, it’s ok, they must have moved in there only recently.” Izumi tried to comfort Taichi.
Footsteps echoed down the hall, fast, as though they were running. Sakyo rushed into the room, striding over to Azami and taking the damage into account. He cupped Azami’s face, turning it to see the depth and severity of the cuts and scratches that cross crossed the boy’s face.
“Are you hurt?” He said, worry in his voice.
“Fuck you Old Man, I’m fine.” Azami spat back.
“Listen here you brat...” Sakyo warned.
A failed job but at least no harm was done Izumi thought, slumping slightly in her chair. Being able to watch them all as relaxed as this even after a narrow escape was worth it. With each day the kids seemed to get along a little better and Sakyo began to smile a little more. She caught him smiling now. He thought no one was looking at him as he watched the young members chat excitedly about the scars they might get from this. Her breath caught a little.
She always felt warm when he smiled. He did it so rarely that she knew it only happened when he was happiest. And when he did she couldn’t help but smile with him. Under the dour expression he really was quite handsome.
And then the knock came.
Sakyo’s expression soured in an instant and he turned to look at her, nervous worry in his eyes. All eyes turned in the direction of the dorm’s front door.
The knock came again, clearer and louder this time.
Izumi took a deep breath, standing from her chair and smoothing the small wrinkles in her shirt. She began to walk towards the door but hesitated. At this hour who could it even be. Likely no one with good intentions and after the return of the others she knew that it could only be one person. She felt someone grab her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. Sakuya’s warm smile told her everything would be ok. She nodded slightly and pulled away, opening the door.
It was exactly who she was expecting and didn’t want to see. He stood sneering in the doorway, casually toying with a strand of hair between his fingers. Reni Kamikizaka.
“Ah Miss Tachibana, I’m so sorry for the late intrusion. I know some need more beauty sleep than others.”
“Reni.” She said curtly, “How can I help you?”
“Well you see, I was out for a walk and I heard that some of your Dogs had been sniffing around my properties.” He said nonchalantly
“Oh, did you now?” She felt her blood begin to boil.
“I did. So, I gave them a stern reminder of the repercussions of their actions... On your behalf of course. I know women aren’t as fond of teaching their dogs manners.”
His face curled into a sick smile as he watched the anger rise to colour her face pink.
“Now now, don’t let that temper boil over Miss Tachibana. I’m here to offer a solution to sort the issue your... boys have caused.”
“Oh how kind of you Mr Kamikizaka, you’re thinking of our needs here” She sneered, the thin veneer of her patience waning.
“Someone has to my dear,” He shrugged, “After all we don’t want Yukio’s hard work going to waste do we?”
“Well, what is it then. I know you enjoy your theatrics but some of us have real work to be doing.”
His expression dropped, he let go of the strand and crossed his arms, attempting to puff out his chest.
“Fine. I, Reni Kamikizaka, leader of the God Troupe, challenge you all to a fight. You will meet us on main street tomorrow evening. I am a benevolent and sporting gentleman so I will allow your band of outcasts to get the first few hits in. Do you agree to this? Not that you have much of a choice” He smiled smugly.
“We- “
“What about an act off?”
Izumi turned around to see Sakuya standing with his hands balled into fists at his side. He strode forward to her side. Reni cocked an eyebrow.
“Oh? You let your subordinates talk over you now? You truly have allowed this company to go to ruins”
“Sakuya, What’s your idea?”
She turned away from Reni, ignoring the way he tried to protest to focus all of her attention onto the usually enthusiastic lad.
“Well God Troupe is also a theatre group, right? And Mankai used to be one. It seems a better idea to me, less of a public fight where civilians could get hurt!”
“Oh really, like you ca-“Reni scoffed.
“I think... It’s a good idea.” Izumi said.
“Of course you would. Pitiful woman.” He shook his head condescendingly.
“Unless that is... if you’re a coward Reni? You do enjoy talking your own company up. Afraid that it won’t live up to the shit you talk?” Izumi smiled, watching the man squirm.
“I... Fine. Take the slow and painful death. God Troupe will challenge you to an Act off instead. All the better to see your miserable group embarrass themselves on stage. As is the way I will set the theme of the play and the location, I’ll be merciful and set it on neutral ground. Now let’s see...”
He stopped for a minute, pantomiming thinking whilst he smiled.
“Oh, I know. The loser must disband their gang and leave. Permanently.”
Beside her, Sakuya turned to grab her arm.
“Izumi I’m sorry, I take it back we can fight.”
“I accept your terms,” Izumi said resolutely.
Reni laughed and stuck his hand out.
“It’s a deal Miss Tachibana.”
She took his hand and shook, trying to crush his hand. Instead, he pulled her towards him and trapped her, leaning down to whisper into her ear.
“I look forward to you losing Izumi”
He released her and stepped back, turning to leave without further comment. Behind him, Izumi slammed the door. She couldn’t help but wonder... Had she just made a huge mistake?