Fate through the viewfinder - Arc 1 - CH 11 Mr. Kim
Disclaimer: The original VF story and Characters belong to Yamane Ayano Sensei.
WARNING: This is a fanfic for the boys love manga Finder no Hyouteki (Finder Series) which includes lemon and romance between men. So if its not your thing. Please don't read.
Main Pairing: Takaba Akihito & Asami Ryuuichi
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Thank You and Enjoy!
Asami sat opposite Mr. Kim at a fancy Japanese restaurant located on the 40th floor in Shibuya Hikarie skyscraper, their table was set in a private room with floor to ceiling windows that overlooked Tokyo. The clear sky gave a breathtaking view of the city's skyline and of Mt. Fuji in the background.
"I am impressed, the view is...outstanding to say the least."
"The food will make the view even better, the chef is truly a master of the Japanese cuisine."
"I am sure, your taste has greatly impressed me so far Mr. Asami. Is that... ? It's, beautiful."
"Yes it is, it can be seen during clear days like today. We will be going hiking there after tomorrow, this Wednesday."
"I greatly look forward to it."
"Known as the pinnacle of Japan, Mt. Fuji is a sight to behold from far and near."
"Indeed. Do you travel much Mr. Asami, you must visit Europe sometime. I will meet up with you in any of our countries and give you a tour of my own."
"I don't travel nearly as much as I would like to, I will be sure to take you up on your offer."
A young waitress dressed in a traditional kimono entered the room with an expensive wine and two wine glasses.
"A complementary gift from the chef for Asami-sama and his guest, Kim-sama."
She placed them down quietly and proceeded to pour their drink. "May I take your order?"
"Prepare us today's chef special, I will leave it to the chef."
"Very well, I will return with your orders shortly."
"Mr. Asami, what do you know about the European underground alliance, EuA?"
"I know that there are five leaders who control Europe, two being yourself and Mr. Moriyama. Unfortunately, I know little of the other three."
"Not surprising, the other three are rather... shadows of the alliance more than anything else. It is rare for even us to meet with them in person. They work in the shadow while we work as the face of the alliance. Mr. Asami, the alliance is strong, it has created an unbroken balance in Europe for decades. However, in recent years, things began to shift. That is why I am here. There has been an upscale of human traffickers mixing in with our routes. We also suspect secret routes being employed for larger transactions."
"Secrete routes, how was that managed under the watchful eyes of the alliance."
"That is the worry. Under normal circumstances, it is normal for routes to be taken over for a short time or new ones created without our knowledge. However, they never last longer than a few months at most. There is nothing easier than re-securing a route or finding those not under our control. We have eyes everywhere. Yet, its been years, false route information was found last month, after a deeper investigation we found out that much of the information gathered in the last year was falsified. It is almost impossible to retrieve the true route information. The secret routes were hidden within this information gap."
"Do you suspect one of the leaders?"
Mr. Kim was surprised, he had heard of the man Asami Ryuuichi, ruler of Japan's underworld. Ruthless, powerful and intelligent. Still, the rumors fell short, the man sitting opposite him was comfortably leaned back in his seat, the glass of wine was held with the tip of his fingers, twirling it. His expression was calm as if we were talking about the weather, not about an approaching storm that could shake the entire underworld. But, what really got to him was the man's eyes. Gold. The sun was reflecting in his eyes, they shone a bright gold that held power and prestige, but he could also see excitement and interest in the events to come. He was a man to rule.
"We do, but finding the traitor is no easy task, it needs to be done in utmost secrecy and undoubted proof needs to be found as not to shaken the EuA. Moriyama and I have heard much of your exploits including your impressive connections, the way you conduct your business and of your great dislike for human trafficking. We felt that an alliance with you could be made. However without knowing who was watching, proposing an alliance directly with you would have caused much unneeded attention. That was why we accepted Takayama's proposal for an alliance through new trade routes."
"Since he has been after the contract with you for years, it would not bring any other news other than I gained access to trade routes into Europe."
"Correct. Mr. Asami, we would like to formally request Japan underworld's aid in finding and dissolving the secret routes and those behind it.
A knock on the door interrupted their discussion, the waiter entered with their lunch, two sets of assorted Japanese cuisine was placed in front of each of them.
"This looks amazing."
"The chef presents you with Washoku, including today's fresh catch from the sea, in hope for you to have a true taste of Japanese cuisine during your stay. Please enjoy your lunch, Asami-sama, Kim-sama"
"Thank you give our regards to the chef."
She bowed in respect and left the room, leaving the two gentlemen alone.
They ate their food in a peaceful silence. Appreciating the chef's choice and skills.
"This is...amazing."
"The finest of Japanese cuisine indeed."
"Do you often come here to eat? "
"On occasion, the food here continues to impress me every time as it changes with the seasons."
"Impressive."
Once done, and the food cleared, Asami raised his glass of wine, a gesture of acceptance to the proposal.
"To our alliance. we will join in the hunt, it is of mutual benefit as it has also reached our shores."
"Thank you , that is great news. I look forward to working together."
"Likewise."
They drank their wine and past the evening with light discussions.
"I met a little blue angel today"
"Today? when?"
"At the gallery, shortly after you left."
"A little blue angel, they must have been quite a sight to have been given that name."
"Yes, she had deep blue eyes and long blond hair, when I saw her, it was like she had wings behind her. I ruined her ice cream, and yet she was unlike any child I have met. I wish my children could have met her."
"Your children? You have kids ? I believe you were never married."
"Ah, my mistake, you are correct, they are not mine biologically, I own an orphanage."
"An orphanage? That is impressive, I can see why you would dislike human traffickers."
"Yes well, it may have been because of them that I started the orphanage, giving a place to the children where they could be protected from those who want nothing more than to use them by selling them to their death. It has been a few years now since I started the orphanage. I had hoped to give a new chance for those who had lost hope. It amazes me every time I visit, the children, they learn so quickly and they find enjoyment in just about everything. I didn't even know that was possible. They shine bright with strength and continuously face forward. That is why I believe that even in our field, no... especially in our field, within this darkness we need to protect them, guide them and let them choose their own life. I cannot, will not, accept those who threaten them, cut their path short, not when they are so young, so innocent."
"You continue to surprise me Mr. Kim. I did not take you as a children's man. Nor a passionate man. But looking at you speak of them, I can see that I was mistaken, it suits you well, I hope your tour includes a visit to your orphanage. Once again, I look forward to working with you."
It had been a long time since Asami sat with a business partner and enjoyed their company such as he did with Mr. Kim. He had a feeling this alliance would not be a short one.
Takaba stared at the copy of the photographs he took of Takayama. The photos he had sent to the publisher. Except for this one. The last image was the one he didn't send, the one proof of Takayama's trafficking. The one of Aozora. At the time he knew he needed to send it, to put him behind bars for good. But when he saw her sitting on the floor that night, he couldn't do it. It would have ruined her.
Now, he was glad he didn't, he wanted to protect her from it all, protect the only identity she had left. But. the original films were now with Asami. Asami, are you really involved? Asami was the one who had pulled the photographs. But Takaba didn't know how involved he was with Takayama.
Why did I leave the films in the bag? I should have put them away. I...I need to get them back. Somehow.
"Takayama-sama, Wang-sama is on the line."
Takayama: "Wang-sama, I have been waiting for your call. I hope your vacation went well."
Wang: "It did, I have mixed feelings about the report I was given this morning. You've disappointed me by losing my girl. However I will let it pass considering you obtained the power we need to infiltrate Japan."
Takayama: "Hai Wang-sama, Our first large trade will be taking place on Friday, in two days, after Kim-san returns to Europe. We can't have him suspect anything. As for the girl, we will find her, I am using all possible resources."
Wang: "Hahaha, that's great Takayama, that fool Asami has dug his own grave. I can't wait to see the look on his face when Sion and his control over Japan becomes mine. As for the girl, no worries, I always prepare a backup plan."
Takayama: "A backup plan?"
Wang: "There is an easy way to find her, she carries a pendent that she believes is from her parents, a momentum. HAH, however in reality it is a tracking device I give to all my children when they are young. I will send you the tracking system."
Wang: "And Takayama, what of the rat?"
Takayama: "The rat...has not been found."
Wang: "Remember Takayama, Mr. Black does not take incompetence well. Get my girl back, finish Friday's transaction successfully. And find that rat. Otherwise you will feel the consequences of losing one measly RAT.
Takayama: "Hai... Wang-sama."
Asami enters the warehouse just past midnight, he walked towards the rat, taking his time to put on and adjust his black gloves, his eyes bore down on the man as he tested the feel of them. He stopped a few feet from his already bloody body.
My men followed my directions well.
The rat saw his pair of shoes, with great difficulty he moved his head to look up to Asami with begging eyes. He had no fighting left in him.
"Has he talked?"
"No."
So you want to take it to your grave do you.
"Do you want to be freed rat?"
The man nodded his head as vigorously as he could manage.
"And you don't want to talk for your freedom?"
He shakes his head, he wouldn't talk.
"Then, you leave me no choice." He grabbed The rats bloody hair and pulled his head back, bearing his neck. He took the knife his men held out for him, placing it gently on his neck just under his chin. "I will let you go free" He spoke in a low smooth voice. "Don't worry, you won't be aware of what happens after you leave. Not about the way your daughter will be drugged and used as an old man's slave before she is thrown away. Nor about the way your wife will become nothing more than a rag that will end up with bloody holes in it. Ah, not to mention the way your son will beg and beg for freedom only to pay for yours."
He dragged the knife gently across his neck, leaving nothing more than a slight scratch of what it could have been before removing the knife and handing it back to his men. His job was done.
The rats eyes widened, he knew the words held the promise of what was to come after his death. His family would pay gravely for his silence.
"W...Wang."
"Wang?"
"I was sent by the Wang Family in china"
"Why?"
"To find out.. more about you. I had to report about your locations and..."
"and?"
"To add evidence. Of human trafficking."
"So. Wang is involved in human trafficking probably the one who is working with Takayama." The rat recognized the name, that made Asami smirk. " And he wanted to frame it on me. for what? to destroy Sion? Take over japan?"
"They...wanted to take over Sion's power over Japan."
"Hah, what fools. You've done well rat, your family will be safe from us. I bid you adieu."
And with that, Asami pulled out his gun from its holster and shot. One clean bullet went through his skull making the rat's death nearly painless.
"Phone. Connect it to and Moriyama."
Mr. Kim: "Hello"
Asami:"what do you know about the Wang group?"
Mr. Kim: "...not much I'm afraid, I heard they have been gaining ground in china over the last two years or so."
Moriyama:"Asami-san, it has been a while since we last spoke. The Wang family have been overshadowed by the Triad group which is currently led by Feilong."
Asami:"It has certainly been a while Moriyama-san, do you know how they gained power over the last few years. Feilong has an iron stronghold over the Chinese underground."
Moriyama:"Unfortunately no, it may be best to ask him directly, I heard you have a connection with him, but why bring up the Wang Family?"
Asami:"Yes I do. We got the name from a rat that tried to infiltrate Sion. Sent by Wang himself. It seems like he may have a connection with Takayama and the human trafficking business entering Japan."
Mr. Kim: "To think even china is involved in the secrete routes. It makes sense. The Wang family grew too quickly for it to be anything else while under the Triad rule. It may be worth seeking the Triad's help.
Asami:"I will try to get in touch with Feilong. He may already be investigating it on his own."
Moriyama: "I will continue investigating the routes here in Europe. I feel like we are missing something."
Asami passes the phone to Kirishima and headed out to get some fresh air. He was not looking forward to the call he would need to make.
"Contact Yoh, tell him to research the Wang Family, I want to know if Feilong has investigated them yet. And I want to know how Feilong's mood is, I need to talk to him."
I do have a connection with Feilong, an ill fated one at least. Its been years since then, but he holds grudges like no one else, even misdirected ones...
Kirishima ordered the men to clean up the mess while he headed back to car where Asami was waiting. Taking out his phone to text an old friend.
Kei: What do you guys know about the Wang Family?
Yoh: A hindrance that gained too much power as of are suspecting help from another group, but haven't found out who yet.
Kei: Did you know they are involved in human trafficking.
Yoh: ...no...but it makes sense. He adopts many children, even has orphanages. We figured it was because he liked kids, and was probably a pedophile. But if he is using that as a means of collecting children for human trafficking then... that, would let him rise in power very quickly.
Kei: He is working with a man named Takayama to infiltrate Japan. He sent a rat to Sion who has now been disposed of. That is how we found out.
Yoh: What should I do?
Kirishima always had respect for this man, his loyalty to Asami-sama was undoubted even as he worked with someone he respected and didn't want to leave for years. Even through text messages, he knew when he was needed by Asami and was always ready to act.
Kei: He needs to talk to Feilong. What's his current mood?
Yoh: Its not too bad, not compared to the past. But he has another headache he is dealing with at the moment.
Kei: Oh. Who is it this time?
Yoh: Arbatov Group, they are searching for the Casino Deed, Feilong already caught two rats of our own. Also dead. They think Feilong has it but in reality he hasn't found it yet. His adopted father hid it well.
Kei: And you think Asami can obtain it? How?
Yoh: From my own investigation, the deed is located in a bank in Switzerland, however that's as far as I got. We don't have the connection to find out more. Ironically, the Russians, specifically the Arbatov do. They could easily obtain the needed codes. I can get the key needed to open the safe from here. Asami will need to get the code from Mikhail Arbatov.
Kei: Do you think this will fix their relationship? You could become a traitor and lose your life."
Yoh: I've thought about it for a long time Kei. Its necessary, for Feilong-sama. The deed and their relationship. Its time he let go of the past.
Kei: Understood, I'll inform the boss. Take care of yourself Yoh.
Yoh: Likewise, old friend.
Mikhail: "Asami! What do I own the honor of your call?"
Asami: "A deal. I need the Switzerland codes, name your price."
Mikhail: "Ho. business as always I see. You're no fun to talk to Asami-ya."
Asami: "..."
Mikhail: "Cold too, your silence is never a good thing. Fine, for you, the cost is the same as last time, 2 million. But. I will be expecting a warm welcome when I visit Japan next time. You never spend anytime with me. A game of poker wouldn't hurt either.
Asami:"Fine, but if you try to cosplay my men again, I will throw you back in your jet and send you on your way."
Mikhail:"I got it I got it, I already apologized for that. I didn't expect you to hate it that much. Yuri will send you the codes in the next two hours. Pleasure doing business with you."
Asami: "The money is being transferred. Let me know when you plan on visiting, you know I hate surprises."
Mikhail:"Of course, Asami...ya-. Bye for now."
Asami:"..."
Feilong: "Asami, what do I owe the pleasure?"
Asami: "You sound like you're in a good mood."
Feilong: "An old friend is calling, wouldn't that put anyone in a good mood?"
Asami: "Last I remember, you blamed me and wanted me dead."
Feilong: "... And I still do, my gun wound still aches. But that doesn't mean you're not an old friend. I would be...sad, if you were to disappear one day. Remember Asami, I will be the one to take your life, no one else."
Asami: "I'm honored, and congratulations on climbing back up and re-building the Triad Liu."
Feilong: "ah, how I wish I could have done it on my own, it seems like you got exactly what you wanted Ryuuichi. And that makes me hate you more. I lost everything while you got everything. Enough with the pleasantry, what do you need?"
Asami: "What do you know about the Wang Family?"
Feilong: "..."
Asmai: "Feilong?"
Feilong: "Nothing good. They used to be a part of the Triad in the old generation, however did not reunite when I rebuilt it. Now, they have become my biggest headache. Stealing shipments, hijacking trade routes. Wang himself even has sick hobbies I rather not think about."
Asami: "They sent a rat to Sion, looks like he is working with my subordinate to abuse some of my own trade routes, for human trafficking."
Feilong: "...so that's why he collects all those children, he is more sick than I expected, makes me want to puke. Not that I would...So you need my help in dealing with them to protect your routes?"
Asami: "No, I need you to investigate them more. Two of the EuA leaders have also begun investigating secret European trafficking routes that have become prominent as of late. It seems there is a connection leading from Europe, china and Japan.
Feilong: "I don't like the sound of that. An invisible enemy is always the toughest. An underground attack of this caliber is dangerous for us all, I wouldn't mind teaming up but, its not reason enough. What's in it for me?
Asami: "Of course I wouldn't ask this of you with nothing on the table. I recently obtained something you greatly desire. It should prove to be enough incentive."
Feilong: "Ho. What could it be for you to sound so... annoyingly confident."
Asami: "Your adopted father's Casino Deed."
Feilong: "How!, Oh never mind, you probably have more than one rat as part of the Triad. Keeping tabs on me as usual. Just wait till i get my hands on them."
Asami: "I do it out of concern, you can even think of them as bodyguards."
Feilong: "Funny. I will leave it aside for now, but I won't forget about it."
Asami: "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Feilong: "I will come to Japan to pick it up, after I destroy the Wang family and obtain the information, I will not tolerate human traffickers on my turf."
Asami: : We will do our own investigation until then, the rot of the underground needs to be cleaned up, and it is our responsibility as leaders. Let the hunt begin.
The next day was slow and stress fully peaceful. Asami and Mr. Kim visited the Tokyo museum, contemplating possibilities that would best be reviewed. Kirishima and Suoh took the reins on the investigation of Takayama and other possible leads of a human trafficking syndicate In Japan. Feilong meanwhile investigated the Wang family, brutally torturing their rats whom they had been keeping tabs on. In Europe, Moriyama started a full fledged secret investigation into the other leaders, suspecting one of their involvement in the secrete routes.
"Asami-sama, we received a report regarding Takayama's next trade. It will be in two days. This Friday at 7:00 pm at the east harbor. It was originally supposed to be a normal trade, however the report indicates new groups involved in human trafficking. Looks like they don't want Mr. Kim to be in town, they were waiting for him to leave before having it. His flight is scheduled for that morning."
"Well done, looks like we can finalize our plans."
Wednesday morning, Asami took Mr. Kim hiking up Mt. Fuji for a change of scenery.
"Asami, let's take a break! We have been walking for two hours!"
"You need to exercise more Mr. Kim, you are out of shape."
"I never knew the Japanese were so active, you continue to surprise me."
"Hahaha, we're almost at a break spot."
Mr. Kim pushes for the last bit till the break spot. Heading to the closest bench he could find and collapsed, heaving as he took big breaths to regain himself. After a few minutes, he takes a look at his surroundings, they were at a view point on the mountain, it was early in the morning, the air was fresh and cool. He was old couples hiking up the mountain, they looked far more fit then he was. The natural environment astonished him. The trees, the flowers, the birds and even the sky had a sparkle of life, one that reminded him of a child's smile. It made him happy and relaxed. He saw a young boy run up to the edge of the mountain, pointing to the view and looking back at his grandmother. Getting up from the bench, he walked towards the edge to see the view the boy was so excited by. It was amazing, all of Tokyo could be seen, the sun position behind Tokyo tower created an image that was mystical and simply breathtaking.
This view is better than the one from the restaurant, absolutely beautiful. This is one gift I may never be able to repay.
He looks around for Asami, and his breath was taken away. How a man could be so beautiful he did not know. Mr. Kim had no interest in men, however he acknowledged that the man standing in front of him was breathtaking, possibly even more than the view of Tokyo. He stood by the far edge of the mountain looking towards Tokyo. His back straight, his stance pristine and filled with confidence. This was the man who ruled Japan's underworld. He extruded that truth with his every stance, movement and action. He faced the view with an aloof expression, making him look out of this world. The rustling wind and the birds flying above him created an image that made him which he was a photographer so that he could capture it in his viewfinder.
In a moment, the image was broken with a single drop of rain that hit his eyelid and made him blink. Within seconds, the droplets turned to rain.
"Mr. Kim, I believe its best to cut our hike short, the rain will become a shower soon, we should head back. Kirishima will meet us half way with umbrellas."
"Yes, that would be wise, let's go"
"We rescheduled your flight to be over the weekend, done in a way Takayama cannot find out. That way you will be able to join us and surprise him with your attendance to the party."
"That would be great, I look forward to see his expression of dismay."
They headed straight back to the hotel, agreeing to meet tomorrow afternoon to head to the trade location. Their plan was set and D-day approaching.
After dropping off Mr. Kim at the hotel, Asami leaned back in the leather seating of the limousine, he was exhausted. He wanted nothing more than to return home and take a much needed sleep. He couldn't remember the last time he was out so much within one week.
"Asami-sama, we have arrived, would you like me to drop you off in the basement parking lot or the front?"
"The front, Suoh I will be taking the rest of the night off, meet up with Kirishima to go through any final details before the trade tomorrow and both of you return home to get a good nights rest."
"Hai, Asami-sama."
Asami exited the limousine, opening the umbrella to defer the pouring rain. He walked towards the main entrance of his building and paused, lifting his umbrella to find a young man standing by the entrance, soaked by the rain.
Akihito Takaba
His boy wore an expression Asami knew he would never forget. The boy noticed him, looked up and their eyes locked to one another. It felt like time had stopped in those few silent moments. Then the boy's words broke the silence in a way that was reflected on Asami's heart, feeling a pain he never knew existed as he watched his boy break down.
"I tried to forget, to ignore it, to reject it. But, I need to know... Are you involved? Don't lie to me! Asami!
Chapter List:
Arc 1:
CHAPTER 01
CHAPTER 02
CHAPTER 03
CHAPTER 04
CHAPTER 05
CHAPTER 06
CHAPTER 07
CHAPTER 08
CHAPTER 09
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17