A Journey Full of Intrigue

Chapter4FinalDecision

"I'm not in the mood for arguing, James," Anthony said, running his hand through his hair. "And stop lecturing me like you know it all. You're a hitman, one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region, even before you turned twenty. How many people have you killed with that gun of yours over the past fifty years, huh?"

James didn't deny it. "I'm not going to argue about it. It's true. I've killed many people. But at least I'm a different kind of hitman. I have principles."

James raised his hands, trying to pose. He was indeed eccentric, as evidenced by his outfit that morning – shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops, with his noticeable belly. He looked more like an old man running a convenience store than a notorious hitman and expert marksman.

"Good grief!" Anthony lightly tapped his forehead. Never mind, he thought, reaching for a light pastry on the plate.

Five minutes passed in comfortable silence as they enjoyed their breakfast. The sound of jeepney horns grew louder, with people getting in and out, and the street became increasingly crowded. Shoppers began to emerge from all directions.

"I don't know who else to turn to besides you, James," Anthony said with a gentle sigh, leaving only the wrappers of the pastries on the plate. "You're one of the few people Alexander respects."

"It's not that," James replied. "You could ask the Inagawa-Kai for help. Eiji would be more than happy..."

"Are you crazy?" Anthony cut him off, shaking his head. "Once Eiji or Ayumi hears about the engagement, they'll drag me to Moscow themselves. Ayumi would be thrilled to prepare the suit, the dowry, and even hire a special team to groom me. You know how much she's always wanted to see me get married."

James chuckled. Eiji Inagawa was the head of the Underworld mafia in Japan, and their families had been close for a long time.

Anthony looked at the old man beside him. "At least help me because we're... well, like family, James."

James shook his head. "We were never friends, Anthony. You're my student. That's a teacher-student relationship. Only a disobedient student would force their teacher."

Anthony fell silent. Why was this so infuriating?

"Or at least help me explain to Alexander that this should happen naturally. Give me more time so Natalia and I can get to know each other better. The engagement plans could be postponed for a few months. I'll make sure to spend more time with Natalia, talk to her, be with her. Can't this go as smoothly as it does for other people?"

James smiled. "Now that's more like it, Anthony. Finally, you're making sense. Not just showing up out of nowhere, demanding everything be canceled. She's a beautiful and smart girl, and she likes you. Alexander doesn't mean any harm by this engagement."

Anthony let out a soft sigh.

"Alright, I'll accompany you to the engagement party. Maybe I can talk to Alexander and convince him to postpone it. But there's a condition," James said, standing up.

"What condition?"

"One of my students will come with me," James replied, opening the terrace door and shouting loudly, "Bata! Get to the terrace now!"

The shophouse where James lived was connected to a large hall in the back, which he had converted into a shooting range. Despite being located in a crowded and run-down area, it was one of the most elite shooting ranges in the Asia-Pacific region, producing top-notch marksmen.

James had two types of training programs: official ones for civilians and some military and police personnel, and unofficial ones for his street kids – orphans, scavengers, and pickpockets – whom he took in and trained.

The sound of footsteps echoed as someone climbed the stairs.

A moment later, a young man appeared on the terrace. He was tall, probably as tall as Anthony, with a strong build and wavy hair. He looked more like a Korean pop star than a hitman, except he wasn't wearing makeup or lipstick. He was casually dressed in shorts and a tank top, looking like a laid-back young man. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"That's the Sumatran Tiger. Bow, Bata," James introduced.

The young man bowed deeply without saying a word.

Anthony smiled slightly and nodded.

"He'll be coming with us, Anthony. Prepare your things. Five minutes," James said.

Bata nodded and quickly turned around, descending the stairs.

"How can you bring a kid like him, James?" Anthony asked, half confused and half hesitant. "This trip could be dangerous. We don't know how the Organizatsya will react. Alexander might get offended and lash out."

"That's exactly why I'm bringing him," James said nonchalantly, starting down the stairs. "The kid is special. He's got a huge talent for shooting."

"He's barely eighteen..."

"Age doesn't matter. He'll be useful. He's coming, and that's my decision."

Anthony muttered under his breath. Didn't James remember what happened to Rusdi, the young boy Anthony had recruited? Rusdi was only seventeen, but he was killed by a sniper before he even set foot in the capital. Anthony still remembered the pain of losing him. Now, James was bringing another young boy, Bata.

"Hey, Anthony, are we going or not?" James called out from the stairs, wearing his signature travel hat.

Bata appeared with two suitcases, already packed and ready to go. James often traveled on short notice.

"Don't make me change my mind. You deal with Alexander yourself!"

Anthony swallowed hard and followed James down the stairs, passing through the building to the door, and then alongside James to the sedan parked among the jeepneys and market-goers. Bata trailed behind them.

"By the way, Anthony, I apologize for what I said earlier about you not being my friend," James said, turning to Anthony as they reached the car.

Anthony turned back.

"You're right, I'm not your friend, James. You're my family. Yeah, that's it – family that can be really annoying," James said with a small laugh, opening the car door.

Anthony couldn't help but chuckle as he opened the other door.

The sleek black sedan sped off among the colorful umbrellas, heading towards the airport.

***

Two hours later.

The private jet piloted by Vincent soared above the South China Sea, with nothing but blue sky as far as the eye could see. The weather was perfect for the journey.

"Is he mute or something?" Anthony asked, nodding towards the back seat.

"Of course, he can talk. He just prefers silence," James replied.

Since leaving Tondo, arriving at the airport, and boarding the jet, James's student had remained silent. His hands and feet moved quickly as he handled the luggage, Anthony's suit, and clothes.

The young man quickly adapted, his body movements and calm demeanor suggesting he was used to the luxury of the private jet. He efficiently prepared two glasses of fresh drinks for Anthony and James.

The kid was clearly special; James wasn't bragging. After finishing his tasks, he returned to his seat at the back of the plane, engrossed in disassembling a pistol. One of the suitcases contained guns and tools.

The private jet continued to fly smoothly, with the sound of the engines humming in the background.