Morning light hit the ocean below the cliffside balcony. Ichiro took a slow sip of his green tea, his face perfectly calm, almost warm.The Tokyo liaison stopped exactly three paces behind him. "I just got back from the South District, Boss. I bring Dominic Moretti's official reply."Ichiro didn't turn around. "Talk.""The bastard says he stays."Ichiro set his ceramic cup down with a soft, polite click. "Moretti is a very proud man," Ichiro said, a mild, hospitable smile touching his lips. "We should respect his dignity. Go purchase twenty black caskets, print the names of his top captains on the lids, and deliver them to his front lawn before dusk."The liaison froze, a drop of cold sweat hitting his collar. "Every single captain, Boss?""Every single one," Ichiro murmured, his voice gentle, almost affectionate. "And if Dominic refuses to clear his calendar for the funerals, cut the throat of the port supervisor we just bought. Let the city watch how quickly my investments expire. D
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