The Hitman and Ramen Girl.

The night was cold, the air thick with the scent of rain as Ryo walked down the deserted alley. His footsteps were steady, silent, his eyes sharp as they scanned the shadows ahead. He knew Kazuki was near.

This wasn't just another mission. This was personal.

Kazuki had been reckless, killing Eren, drawing too much attention, and worse—he had crossed Riley. And no one crossed Riley and lived to tell the tale.

A soft metallic click echoed through the air.

Ryo stopped.

A figure emerged from the darkness, leaning against the brick wall with a smirk.

"I knew you'd come," Kazuki said, his voice smooth but edged with amusement. He rolled his shoulders, as if preparing for a fight he had been waiting for. His coat shifted slightly, revealing the gleam of a concealed weapon.

Ryo didn't reply.

Kazuki chuckled. "Let me guess. Riley finally decided I was too much trouble?"

Still, Ryo remained silent. He had no interest in entertaining Kazuki's last words.

Kazuki sighed, feigning disappointment. "Tch. You've always been like this. Silent, emotionless, always the favorite." His smirk darkened. "You know, I hated you from the very start."

Ryo tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

"I trained just as hard," Kazuki continued, his fingers twitching toward his gun. "I fought, I killed, I did everything Riley wanted—but you? You didn't even have to try. He chose you. And I was nothing."

Ryo finally spoke, his voice cold. "That's why you killed Eren?"

Kazuki's smirk twitched. "He was in the way."

A flicker of something flashed in Ryo's eyes. Not anger—something colder.

Kazuki barely had time to move.

Bang.

A bullet sliced through the air, grazing Kazuki's shoulder. He hissed in pain, diving for cover behind a stack of crates, but Ryo was already moving.

Fast.

Kazuki barely managed to pull out his gun before Ryo was in front of him. A brutal kick to his wrist sent the weapon clattering to the ground.

"Shit—"

Kazuki reached for a knife, but Ryo caught his arm, twisting it with precise force. A sickening crack echoed in the alley.

Kazuki screamed, his knees buckling.

Ryo didn't let him fall. Instead, he grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against the wall. Kazuki's breath came in short, ragged gasps, his eyes wild with panic.

"This—this isn't fair," he spat, blood trickling from his lips. "You always win."

Ryo's grip tightened. His expression remained impassive.

Kazuki had lost the moment Ryo stepped into this alley.

Without hesitation, Ryo pulled the trigger.

Bang.

Kazuki's body went limp. His eyes, once filled with hate, now held only emptiness.

Ryo let go, watching as Kazuki's lifeless form slid to the ground.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then, Ryo turned and walked away, his footsteps fading into the night.

Another mission completed.

Another name crossed off the list.