In a long hall of traditional Japanese make, a tatami flooring stretched out, along its central span was a long carpet of regal red, interspaced along each side of the walkway were several pillows, arranged from white to black, with the two most rows being white along the sides, and black in the following rows. A mark of seniority that leads to a throne at it’s head. Not too much space was here, but it suited the purpose as paper partitioned walls separated them from all the rest.
Sitting on that throne was Mikazuki Takanashi, the Empress as she was given to being called, the undisputed head of the United Yakuza Syndicate. Looking out upon her captains, this time it was a bit different, only a few were seated and the rest were bowed at her feet, till she gave them permission to stand, getting up from her chair the woman paces around them all, up and down the line, before she stops, staring pointedly from the center. “So, an arms shipment lost, a station break for two of you, loss of income, being humiliated and knocked into a sewer. Trifling matters all in all no? But still they must be corrected. Even if it's taking a finger..”
With that she turns away. “So who wishes to speak up first? Anyone with news? What of you Mauve, your little science project, I sense you need something else to finish it and I do feel like leading by example.. Plus I have a plan for all of you, a plan that we all must carry out.”
Upon those words the mentioned party exited the shadows behind the Empresses throne as what was expected to be the well known Mauve Stinger revealed a woman that looked nothing like the one feared in hero, anvil, or the underworld of society. Instead of a bright blue jelly figure stood a dark purple figure, instead of a hyper excited personality now was a dark seriously toned woman, where multiple tentacles threatened to cause chaos now only stood to wing like protrusions shaped like massive hands. Whatever had happened all those years in between her disappearance had changed the villainess drastically physically, and mentally.
“I am quite close in fact. The chosen are ready to stir from their slumber, and all I need now is one final chemical catalyst to grant you their loyalty. It's a rather rare one practically in small supply, but all together in one simple spot,” Mauve spoke as her hand extended further, and further until reaching the Empress with a small paper. On it would be the location, and name of the chemical necessary for the long secret project between her, and the Empress.
“Yes. For now we shall finish these plans and hold off on a full on retaliation, we for now shall make good upon our losses.”
“You two.” Firstly pointing at Yuzuki and Fumika she nods her head then motions toward the direction of Tokyo propper. “We need more resources, or rather I wish to send a message. Pick a depository or two and knock over an armored car, take some of the boys with you. This should be easy for two Captains.”
“Saki.” She says pointing out the hatted girl. “There is something of a mutual ally I want you to meet with, you’ll be giving him a suitcase. Just a normal trade, he’ll have one for you in exchange.” With her red eyes narrowing she fixes her gaze upon the girl. “If someone else comes for it, destroy it at once, one or both. And to be perfectly clear if you are captured again this time, don’t bother coming back..”
“Kazou you will take Rin, your little operation has been thrashed.. So I want you to gain a little attention from our friends in ANVIL, I care not how or where. I’m sure I need not repeat myself twice?”
With that she looks and points at Kentaro behind her. “And you and I my friend shall be getting these Chemicals, it's been far too long since I had to go out into the field.”
Looking back over them all she waited to see if they had more to say.
For her part, Aki remained silent. She wasn’t a “traditional” member like some of the others, though while more unorthodox she knew better than to make excuses or argue. Those damn heroes just had to bust everything up. It was only some guns and explosives!
Rin glanced over to the chastised with a thoughtful expression. The woman knew Aki was a bit lackadaisical, but she was strong. Not to mention her failure wasn’t alone. Between ANVIL and the heroes it seemed the Yakuza was being focused. As the Empress gave orders to dispatch, Rin perked up, gaining a bit of a grin on her face.
“How far’s my leash?” She asked, perhaps a bit eager. There might be one or two of interest between ANVIL and HA after all. The question was how far she was allowed to take it.
Jun’ichi was solemn throughout the meeting. His face was neutral for the most part, though serious and stern. When the Empress finished speaking he bowed slightly before speaking.
“And what of me, Ma’am?”
“Your time will come soon. But as with all things in passing.” Mikazuki says calmly, knowing he was wanting to go full on out, but now was not the time.
“As to your leash, do not get captured and let them know who they ran into.”
“Some fuel to arm the soldiers, and some chaos to grease the gears of war. We will make you proud Empress,” the more intimidating man with the scar across his face responded bowing after being given his task by the Empress. Clearly old school Yakuza was the man coming off extremely dangerous, but showing completely unquestionable loyalty to the Empress. Yuzuki Dojima the head of the Dojima clan family who just like the Empress had been locked up for many years until that fateful jailbreak caused by Nina, and Mauve.
“Well then.. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have work to do.” The Empress says, humming to herself as she makes way for the rear of the building, all of the more junior members bow as she walks away, standing up as the screen slid close behind her, a woman in a semi suit attire closing it behind her. The two hatters look at Fumika who cracked her knuckles. “Huh, Let’s head out old man Dojima, they aren’t going to break themselves.”
~~~
In an unknown underground facility from the pre-civil war years, Nina sat, leaning against a military plastic shipping container, with a table to her front she gazed around at her comrades, brought in after the latest incidents at the prodding of the Yakuza and her shadowy employers, more than a few Enforcers had to be brought in for this, as had the “hire on” they had picked up from Nina’s previous work in the country.
Gazing around a few new faces were here, plus one that was know to Adelaide, the girl known as Alice.
“So, we are taking orders from the Yakuza now?”
“No. These orders are from The Organization, for now they would rather the fires keep burning.”
“Even so, six of us is unusual.” Says another woman, she seemed Chinese judging by her appearance and dress. “More so with Number One and Number Two. What is your position in all of this Nina?”
“As you can guess Tsao, I am in operation command.. Yet.”
“Yes, We need to wait for the others to arrive.” Alice adds in.
“Yes, the Tracker, the Wendigo and the so called child. Once all the pieces are here we’ll begin our operation.”
“Still..” Tsao adds in before stopping.
“We need only do our job, just as we always have.” Nina adds in, the conversation ending.