Chapter 4: The Web Tightens

Isaku’s hands trembled as she stared at the document in front of her. The name Haruto Kuroda felt like a puzzle piece that had been thrust into the investigation, disrupting the fragile picture she had been constructing. Her father’s dealings, his meetings, his connections—everything was now being questioned. Who was this man, and why had her father met with him shortly before his death?

Ryuji’s sharp gaze fell on the name, his brow furrowing in thought. “I’ve heard of Kuroda, but it’s not a name that comes up often in public records. He’s a low-profile businessman, but there have been whispers. They say he’s connected to some... questionable dealings.”

Isaku’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean by questionable?”

“I mean,” Ryuji continued, his voice dropping to a more serious tone, “some say he’s involved in money laundering, maybe even underground connections with criminal organizations. But there’s nothing concrete to prove it.”

A chill ran down Isaku’s spine. The very idea that her father, a respected businessman, could have been involved with someone like Kuroda sent a wave of disbelief through her. Was her father tangled in something darker than she could have ever imagined?

“We need to find him,” Isaku said, her voice firm. “If he had any connection to my father’s death, we need to know the truth.”

Ryuji nodded, his eyes narrowing. “We’ll track him down. I’ve got some contacts who might be able to help. But you need to be careful, Isaku. This man sounds dangerous. You’re getting closer to something big, and I don’t want you to get caught up in it.”

“I’m not scared,” she replied, her resolve hardening. “I’ll face whatever it takes. For my father.”

The next few days were a blur of phone calls, emails, and late-night research. Ryuji managed to dig up a few leads that pointed to Kuroda’s possible whereabouts, but the trail was cold. Kuroda was elusive, vanishing whenever anyone tried to pin him down. He was a master at covering his tracks.

But then, one evening, a breakthrough came. Ryuji received a tip from an anonymous source: Kuroda had been seen at a nightclub downtown, a place known for being a hotspot for underground dealings. The club was luxurious but dangerous, a haven for people who wanted to disappear from the radar. It wasn’t the kind of place Isaku would usually frequent, but now it was her only lead.

She looked at Ryuji, determination in her eyes. “We’re going there.”

Ryuji hesitated for a moment, clearly concerned, but then nodded. “Alright. I’ll go with you. But we stick to the plan—no recklessness.”

The club was more opulent than Isaku had expected. Neon lights flashed in vibrant colors, and the sound of thumping bass echoed in the air. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the sharp tang of alcohol. She could feel the eyes of strangers on her, but she kept her head held high, walking with purpose as they made their way to the VIP section, where Kuroda was allegedly spotted.

As they entered, a chill settled over Isaku. It was a world she didn’t belong to, a world of secrets, lies, and power games. She glanced at Ryuji, who was scanning the room, his usual calm demeanor now shadowed by a hint of wariness. Something about this place didn’t sit right with him either.

“Stay close,” he murmured.

They approached the bar, where the bartender, a tall man with dark eyes, greeted them with a subtle nod. “What can I get you?”

“We’re looking for someone,” Isaku said, her voice steady. “Haruto Kuroda.”

The bartender hesitated, his gaze flicking nervously around the room before he leaned in closer. “He’s here, but he’s not someone you want to cross paths with. You’re in over your heads.”

Isaku ignored the warning. She had already crossed that line the moment she started this investigation.

“Where is he?” she asked again, her tone demanding.

The bartender paused, then, with a resigned sigh, pointed to a dark corner of the club, where a man in a sharp suit sat alone at a table, his back to them. Isaku’s pulse quickened as she spotted him: Haruto Kuroda.

Ryuji placed a hand on her arm, stopping her. “This is it. Be careful. We don’t know what he’s capable of.”

Isaku nodded, steeling herself for what was to come. She walked towards Kuroda, every step heavy with the weight of the truth she was about to uncover. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her face neutral, refusing to show any sign of fear.

As she reached the table, Kuroda finally turned to face her. He was a man in his late thirties, with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes. He didn’t seem surprised to see her, which only made Isaku more suspicious.

“Miss Takahashi,” Kuroda said smoothly, his voice low but tinged with amusement. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Isaku clenched her fists, her voice steady but laced with anger. “You’re the one who met with my father before he died. What did you do to him?”

Kuroda chuckled darkly. “You think I’m responsible for your father’s death? How quaint. But I didn’t kill him, Miss Takahashi. He was far too valuable to be disposed of so easily.”

Isaku’s breath caught in her throat. “Then who did? What happened?”

Kuroda leaned back in his chair, folding his arms with a smug smile. “The truth, Miss Takahashi, is that your father got involved in something he couldn’t handle. He tried to play in a bigger league than he could manage, and that cost him. But you’re on the wrong path, chasing shadows.”

Ryuji stepped forward, his gaze sharp. “If you think you can intimidate us, Kuroda, you’re wrong. We’ll find the truth, no matter where it leads.”

Kuroda’s expression darkened slightly, but then he gave a slight nod. “If you insist on digging deeper, be prepared for what you’ll find. The world your father was involved in is much darker than you think.”

Isaku’s heart sank, but her determination only grew stronger. There was more to this than just her father’s death—there was a whole web of lies and betrayal, and she wasn’t going to stop until she uncovered every last secret.

To be continued...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***