Gangsters' Island

PROLOGUE

“Your time is up,” Hiromu said calmly while holding his katana. 

“You’re sure about that?” mocked Waron while trying to stand on his feet, blood dripping from his multiple wounds. The crew of Shatei moved away from him. It was one versus plenty. Too many for Waron to subdue. Hiromu nodded to his Shatei. They bowed to him before leaving the warehouse.

“Look around you…do you not see death surrounding you?”

“Kuso Kurae! Hiromu, finish him now!” Hiroto yelled at his brother.

“You’re scared I’m going to kill you,” laughed Waron, still trying to stand up.

Hiroto in a rage swung his leg at Waron’s face who fell with a heavy impact. Hiroto kept punching at Waron, blood splattering away.

“Didn’t think to wait?” Ernesto queried as he walked in with a limp.

“I’m done,” retorted Hiroto without looking at Ernesto. He gave one last kick to Waron’s ribs and backed away. Hiromu nodded his head in agreement. It was not Ernesto that Hiromu and Hiroto were mindful of. They knew someone else was yet to arrive,  the one they were truly waiting for.

Ernesto limped over and stood in front of Waron. Ernesto took out his flick knife and jabbed it hard into Waron’s hamstring, twisting the knife as he took it out.

“Are you having fun now, puta?” Ernesto jabbed his knife into Waron’s hamstring again. Each time he jabbed the knife into Waron’s hamstring, he twisted the knife before removing it.

Pain began to blur Waron’s vision. He could barely think but he knew he had to come up with a plan; plan that keeps him alive.

It was at this moment all of them heard footsteps. The footsteps were accompanied by the sound of a walking stick. Ernesto removed his knife from Waron’s thigh and moved a few steps away.

He entered the dimly lit warehouse with the walking stick and looked at Ernesto, Hiromu and Hiroto with a cold stare. All three men acknowledged him with their heads slightly without looking directly into his eyes. He looked at Waron as he walked closer to the group.

“Stand up…” He instructed Waron.

Waron struggled to stand. He asked, “Don Ferro…you’re sure we can’t talk this over?” He searched the warehouse for exit points. He knew his chances were slim, but he was as good as being dead if he did not even try.

Ferro took out the garrotte from his coat pocket.

Waron looked at the four men staring at him.

 PART I - KIYOSHI

CHAPTER 1

Hiromu and Hiroto were born to Kiyoshi and Akemi. Akemi was the daughter of Akihiro, the Oyabun of the Aki family. Kiyoshi joined the Aki family as a young Wakashu when he was thirteen. He was identified at a young age for servitude to the Aki family from the orphanage that was owned by the Aki family. Kiyoshi was abandoned in front of the orphanage at the age of three. The anger Kiyoshi felt toward his parents fueled a deep hatred that made him a violent child. His behaviour aligned perfectly with the Aki family's tradition of grooming orphans to rise through the ranks, from Wakashu to Shatei, and eventually, Kyodai. These groups never got promoted further as the roles above Kyodai were reserved for blood relations.

Over the years, Kiyoshi ran many errands for the family. He was a well-liked person among his Kumi. Even Shatei from rival families will keep away from Kiyoshi as he had a reputation as a fierce fighter. Kiyoshi never backed away from a fight and was always victorious, fuelled by his constant anger and hatred that he channelled toward his opponents. When Kiyoshi was fifteen, he was promoted to Shatei. The Aki family did well during this period on the streets. Kiyoshi’s kumi brought the most revenue for the family from the multiple rackets and shops entrusted under Kiyoshi’s Kyodai. Kiyoshi was cold and ruthless in collecting money from shop owners and was quick to deliver punishment. Shop owners who failed to pay protection money on time saw their fees double without warning. Their children were taken, boys sent to orphanages, girls forced into rackets or brothels. The Aki family grew in both strength and numbers, their ruthless business tactics drawing envy and resentment from rival clans.

Kiyoshi’s reputation was further strengthened during an incident which nearly cost him his life. Oyabun Akihiro was to meet with a rival Oyabun over turf control. The meeting was arranged by a middleman who had dealings with both families. Kiyoshi’s kumi were chosen to follow Oyabun Akihiro for the meeting. When they arrived, Kiyoshi’s Kyodai realised that the vendors operating in the streets were not present and all the shops were abandoned. Sensing something amiss, the Kyodai informed Oyabun Akihiro to remain in his car. Just as suspected, men from the rival family appeared from the abandoned shops in numbers. They charged violently with the intention to kill Oyabun Akihiro. During the encounter, the Kyodai and most from the kumi were killed. Though Kiyoshi was badly wounded, he fought relentlessly and managed to take Oyabun Akihiro to safety. It was officially declared as a turf war between the two rival families.

During the months when Kiyoshi was recovering, the Aki family lost many battles and businesses to the rival family. Established members of the Aki family were killed or left the gang. Another attempt was made on Oyabun Akihiro which failed. The other rival families who were not involved in the turf war at first, started to attack the Aki family, knowing the end was near.

The momentum in the turf war shifted the moment Kiyoshi recovered. He was promoted to Kyodai and handed control of his own kumi. Kiyoshi directly joined the battles and won back businesses and turfs. The Aki family began gaining momentum in the war. Kiyoshi knew that the only way to end the war was to make a statement of intent.