[Kobe, Japan — 0800 | Ikuta Shrine]
Aota Ito knelt in quiet meditation, the candlelight flickering against his golden silk robes. His thick white hair was cut short, half-covered by a white headband marked with a red sun.
"Why are you leaving so early, Little Bee?"
The woman paused mid-bow, turning to face him. "There's been some trouble with our Exodus assets, Ojii-san."
"It can wait." He gestured to the mat beside him. "Come sit with me."
Bianca Ito obeyed. Her serene features were calm, her pale beauty still and deep as the shrine's reflecting pools. "Of course, Ojii-san."
She sat beside the old man, eyes lowered, savoring the silence that settled easily between them. When he lifted a hand, she glanced up.
"Take this, Little Bee."
Bianca accepted the small folded paper. "An omikuji?"
Aota nodded, smiling faintly. "It's good news."
She unfolded it and read aloud, her lips curving into a rare smile. " 'Look deeply at your enemy and find common ground.' " Bianca arched an eyebrow. "Did that oba-san from the market give you this? She's sweet on you."
"Of course she is. Your grandfather is quite handsome."
Laughter rippled through the peaceful shrine.
"And very humble," Bianca teased. Her tone softened, the smile fading. "I don't want to lose you, Ojii-san." Her voice wavered—just enough to betray the depth of their bond.
"I'm not done living yet," Aota replied, his voice steady as oak. "Now—tell me about this person, Little Bee."
Bianca nodded, regaining her composure. "We really aren't enemies. Our Iron Mount guild went after his rookie guild."
Aota waved a dismissive hand. "Stop there. I have no virtual presence—never needed one when I ran things. But I do understand picking a fight. Was it your idea?"
She shook her head. "No, it was the Exodus Gaming Commission. A new guild formed in GnG—one that's achieved incredible success and popularity."
"Oh?" His eyes glinted. "Why?"
Bianca considered. "It comes down to their vice leader."
"You've met talented people before," Aota reminded.
"Not like this one, Ojii-san. He's like you—brilliant, instinctive, surrounded by loyal people who amplify his genius."
Aota's wrinkled face cracked into a grin. "Handsome, too?"
Bianca hesitated, then smiled. "Normally I'd say that's subjective, but in this case… it isn't."
"So, he is like me," Aota chuckled.
"Anyway…" Bianca exhaled softly. "We were given a ripe target and jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, we were completely defeated." She wrinkled her nose. "I should have known better."
"What is this person's name? I'll call him up."
"It's QJ," Bianca said, standing. "And I don't think you can just call him up."
Aota shrugged. "That's how we used to do things."
Bianca laughed again. "I really have to go, Ojii-san. Some fool just started a civil war in Martial Law."
Interest flickered in his eyes. "Ah, that's the one I enjoy watching. Did my younger self have a hand in it?"
Bianca paused, eyes narrowing. "An impossible target killed in a fortified compound with dozens of guards. His guild is talented, but they couldn't have done it."
"Obviously they did." Aota pushed himself to his feet, bones creaking, muscles stiff but alive. "There is no such thing as coincidence. You poked someone, and they responded. Sometimes these things are simple."
**
QJ stretched and frowned at the low buzz from his desk HUD. Wrapping the blanket around his shoulders, he shuffled over, rubbed his face briskly, and answered.
Ringo's smiling face filled the screen. "I woke you."
QJ nodded, yawning. "Stayed up late starting a civil war in Martial Law."
Ringo snorted. "Me too. I barely slept. That was insane! I didn't know Jangles was such a monster—your dad broke that NPC's arm—and Hashtag went blade-to-blade with a Master and—"
"Breathe," QJ grinned. "They carried us a bit, but it was great experience. And you killed General Morakawto."
Ringo blinked, then nodded slowly. "Two things. First—what do I do with the Dohonza Sword? And second—did you level up when you logged in?"
"Dunno. Haven't logged in yet." QJ scratched his head. "As for the sword, let's make it a guild trophy."
Ringo tilted her head. "You mean display it in the hall?"
QJ shook his head. "Nope. At QJ's Gunshop in Exodus. After I turn it into a Swordgun."
Ringo laughed. "That's going to ruffle a lot of feathers."
"Good," QJ snorted. "Easier to pluck them that way."
"Consider me convinced," she said. "I'll send it over to your shop. And I'll move roll call to noon—give you some time to sleep."
"You're the best." QJ gave her a lazy thumbs-up and ended the call—only for the HUD to buzz again. "So persistent…"
He accepted without checking the caller ID. "Didn't we just—" He blinked. "You're not Ringo."
"Indeed not." The voice was smooth and measured. An elderly Asian man smiled from the holo, teeth bright under white mustache and brows. "Little Bee was right…"
"I'm QJ," he said automatically. "And who's Little Bee?"
He didn't need an answer to know the old man was someone important.
"My granddaughter," the man replied. "My name is Aota. I know you're busy, so I won't waste your time."
"How did you get my number?" QJ asked, genuinely curious—it was unlisted, protected, and monitored.
"Someone important owed me a favor," Aota said mildly. "We settled the debt this way."
QJ chuckled. "You cashed in a favor just to call me? Now I'm curious."
"I wish to join One Problem."
QJ froze. "You want to join my GnG guild?"
Aota nodded, his smile widening until it nearly split his face. "Correct."
"Well…" QJ hesitated. "Have you attended the Exodus Academy?"
"No."
"Any gaming experience?"
"I play shogi," Aota replied evenly.
"I've heard of it—never played," QJ admitted.
"Would you like to learn?" Aota's white brows lifted. "I'll take it easy on you."
**
"Disrespectful…" Aota frowned at the board. "Beating an old man at his own game."
His tone was light, but QJ could tell he wasn't truly angry—more amused than anything.
"Tell me who you are, Aota." QJ had spent two hours learning Shogi and, in the process, quite a bit about the man across from him.
Aota inclined his head. "I'm Aota Ito, former CEO and chairman of Ito Industries."
QJ tapped a captured piece against the board thoughtfully. "I don't keep up with international corporations. I do recall Ingles Electronics—sponsors of the Yucatán guild. Someone named Ito sits on their board. Bianca Ito, who also happens to be their secret guild leader."
Aota's mouth curved faintly. "Little Bee. Ingles is just one of forty-three companies under the Ito umbrella. Most are based in Asia, though we've branched into the U.K. and Eastern Europe."
"Bianca Ito is your granddaughter, then?"
"My favorite one," Aota admitted.
QJ drummed his fingers against the table. "Why not join Martial Law? Your Little Bee's got an account there, though I haven't figured out which one yet."
"They won't let me." Aota leaned forward conspiratorially. "What's the term Americans use? I've been 'put out to pasture.'"
QJ smirked. "That's the one—though I'd prefer 'put out to stud.'"
Aota's laugh was rich and genuine. "Yes, that one's better. But at my age, pacing is everything."
QJ laughed too, shaking his head. "Ever fired a gun or ridden a horse?"
"No."
"Any martial or combat skills?"
Aota shrugged lightly. "I'm decent with a sword. And if I weren't ninety, I know enough jujitsu to drop anyone who isn't an expert."
"When you say 'sword,' do you mean katana?"
"I can use a katana," Aota said. "But I prefer the tachi—a little longer, more graceful curve." He straightened his posture. "You see, QJ… I have nothing."
"The former CEO of a mega-corporation has nothing?" QJ raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like an interesting story. Explain, and maybe we'll reach an understanding."
Aota's gaze hardened. "I sold my shares when they forced me out of the empire I built. When I reinvested in another venture, members of my own family sabotaged me. They humiliated me publicly, then 'retired' me with a generous stipend and a small estate. Most would be satisfied with what I have left."
"But not you."
"Correct, QJ. Not me."
QJ studied the board, then met the old man's eyes. "What about transference? Dozens of the wealthy have done it—living on as LAIs."
"That's heavily regulated in Japan," Aota said. "Requires approval from a government board—one filled with my family's allies."
"Your own kin would block you from transferring consciousness?" QJ asked quietly. "And your Little Bee—how does she fit into all this?"
Aota sighed, the breath thin but controlled. "Her father and uncle wield the real power. Bianca's been working to gain enough influence to challenge them."
"Come to the States or the U.K.," QJ offered. "The process is far less restricted there."
"I'm not allowed to leave," Aota said. "For my own good. Traveling at my age, they say, could be 'fatal.'"
QJ whistled under his breath. "You've been outmaneuvered."
"I have," Aota admitted.
"But you're not done fighting."
"I don't even know how to stop."
QJ's grin returned—sharp and full of mischief. "Outstanding. Let me talk to my family. Unlike the Ito clan, there aren't any hidden vipers. No offense."
Aota chuckled. "None taken. The sky is blue, even if I wish it weren't."
"Is your communication monitored?"
"No one cares what this old man does."
"Perfect." QJ nodded. "Expect a packet from me in a few hours. We'll get you back in the game."
After talking with his parents, Anna and his grandparents, QJ formed a plan. Nothing that would move oceans or scale mountains, but the introduction of an additional asset that could prove productive under the right circumstances. After a lengthy conference, QJ put the plans in motion and logged into GnG.
[Welcome to Guns and Gore, the Phoenix Server.]
Location: OPC
Time: 1145 hours
Server Population: 309,777 Your current level is 68.
[Exodus System Message] You have been compensated one level for your efforts in a [Red Player] raid.