The Hitman and Ramen Girl.

Ryo sat alone in the dimly lit room, his fingers pressed together as he stared at the small slip of paper in front of him. A name was written on it in sharp, precise handwriting.

Kazuki.

The message had been short, direct.

"Eliminate him."—Riley

Ryo's grip on the paper tightened slightly. He had been expecting something like this, but now that the order had finally come, a strange feeling settled in his chest. Kazuki had made himself an enemy, but it wasn't just because of their personal feud. He had crossed a line.

He killed Eren.

A name Ryo hadn't heard in years, but one he hadn't forgotten.

Eren had been one of the few people Ryo respected during his early years in the organization. They weren't exactly close, but they had trained together, survived brutal lessons together, and understood the weight of the life they had chosen.

And Kazuki had ended him.

Ryo's expression remained unreadable, but Anzaki, who was lounging nearby, noticed the slight shift in his posture.

"You're thinking too much," Anzaki said, watching him closely. "You've taken out plenty of people before. What makes this different?"

Ryo didn't respond immediately. He reached for a cigarette but didn't light it. "Eren."

Anzaki raised an eyebrow. "Eren? What about him?"

"Kazuki killed him."

Anzaki's smirk faded. "Wait, *what*?"

Ryo finally looked up, his dark eyes cold. "Riley sent the order because of that."

Anzaki let out a slow whistle. "Damn. Didn't think Kazuki would go that far."

Ryo remained silent. He had always sensed Kazuki's hatred, the way he looked at him with barely hidden resentment. But now, the truth was clearer than ever.

It wasn't just rivalry. It was personal.

Kazuki hated him because of Riley.

Because Riley had always praised Ryo. Because Riley had made him Top 1.

And Kazuki had always been just a step behind.

Anzaki leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "So? What are you gonna do?"

Ryo exhaled slowly, setting the cigarette down.

"I'm going to finish this."