The atmosphere in the Syndicate's Osaka headquarters was thick with tension. The missions had been set, and there was no room for error. In a matter of hours, two high-profile targets would be dead—one in Tokyo, the other in Osaka.
Ren and Kaede stood in the Syndicate's private hangar, the sleek black jet idling behind them, ready for departure. The metallic scent of fuel mixed with the cold night air, but neither seemed concerned about their impending flight.
Takeshi stood before them, his arms crossed. "Your flight leaves in ten minutes. Once you land, you'll have approximately 2 hours to prepare before the operation begins."
Kaede glanced at her watch. "We'll have enough time."
Takeshi nodded and handed her a tablet. "Your cover is airtight. Nakamura Medical already has a Dr. Arata Fujimoto listed in their system. You'll be using his credentials. As for Ren, you'll be admitted as Renji Sakamoto, a neurological patient requiring urgent assessment."
Ren took the ID card without a word.
"Security will run a check at the front desk," Takeshi continued. "Our people inside have already ensured the database reflects your names. Once you're in, you won't be questioned. However, the lower levels are still restricted. You'll need to bypass biometric access or get someone to bring you in."
Kaede scanned the information, nodding slightly. "Dr. Fujimoto had scheduled several patient reviews tonight. If I intercept his rounds, I can access restricted areas without raising suspicion."
Takeshi smirked. "Good. That should give you a window of opportunity. Just remember, you only get one shot. If something goes wrong, extraction will be difficult."
Kaede turned to Ren, who remained silent. "You ready?"
Ren's cold gaze met hers. "Always."
Takeshi stepped aside. "Then get moving."
Without another word, Kaede and Ren turned toward the jet. The door shut behind them, and within minutes, the aircraft taxied onto the runway, cutting through the night as it ascended toward Tokyo.
Back in the city, Akihiro and Mai were in their suite, reviewing the final details of their cover. Unlike Ren and Kaede, their mission required a more delicate approach.
Mai leaned against the vanity, adjusting the sparkling bracelet on her wrist. "So, darling, I hear we've made it onto the guest list."
Akihiro sighed, leaning back on the couch. "Yeah. Takeshi had our names inserted a week ago. Hideo Tanaka's staff runs background checks, so they fabricated an entire history for us beforehand."
Mai smirked. "And what's our charming backstory?"
"Tanaka believes we're a wealthy couple interested in funding his political campaign. He won't question us."
Mai turned, tilting her head. "So we're just another set of rich investors?"
Akihiro shrugged. "Basically."
Mai laughed, stepping closer. "You, a businessman? I can't even picture it. You're far too rough around the edges."
Akihiro shot her a dry look. "And you're far too annoying."
Mai gave him a slow, teasing smile. "Careful, darling. We wouldn't want our marriage to fall apart before the party even starts."
Akihiro groaned, rubbing his temples. "Fuck me."
Mai only chuckled. "Oh, lighten up, Aki. It'll be fun." She adjusted his tie, her fingers lingering slightly. "And besides, you do look rather handsome when you clean up."
Akihiro muttered something under his breath but let her finish.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Takeshi entered, looking unimpressed as always. "Enough flirting. Your car is waiting. The party starts in an hour."
Mai clapped her hands. "Showtime."
Akihiro sighed, standing up. "Let's just get this over with."
With that, they grabbed their things and headed out.
Tonight, their targets wouldn't see them coming.