11.01.25. Japan, Kyoto. Yakuza estate.

You stood on the veranda of a traditional Japanese estate, watching a girl of 6 years old with snow-white hair and bright sapphire eyes. She was playing in the courtyard with a black dog of the Beauceron breed, a French Shepherd. The couple's running around and playing snowballs brought a slight, barely noticeable smile to your lips.

This girl looks a lot like your dead little sister. Too much.

In fact, this girl, Lumi, was her daughter whom you accepted as your daughter after your sister's death. Lumi was only a month old then. Despite the fact that you are closely connected to your father's business, who is the boss of one of the strongest Yakuza families in Japan, you were able to shield the girl from the danger that comes with those factors. That's what gave you the chance to watch such a cute picture, Lumi making snowballs out of the newly fallen snow and throwing them to the dog, Nero, to look for. Innocent child's play.

The floorboards creaked and your father came out onto the veranda. He was already under 50, so even though he was in good shape, even excellent, he had long ago prepared you for the role of the head of the family. Standing beside you, hands hidden behind his back, he looked thoughtful, even a little worried. You couldn't help but wonder what was wrong.

Quietly inhaling, as if gaining courage, he answered, "my daughter, I realize that you are very independent and strong, and I am insanely proud of it. I don't want you to be like the women of ancient Japan, when they were only a comfort to men." You sensed something wrong, but he continued, "Even so, I want you to marry the head of the Chinese Mafia."

You stared at him in pure shock, which slowly turned to anger. The Chinese Mafia is also known as the Triads. A very ancient and still powerful organization.

Despite a small quarrel, your father did not change his decision, explaining that this way you will have in your power after you become the head of the Yakuza not only a good piece of Japanese territory, but also Chinese.

17.01.25. Japan, Kyoto. The courtyard of the Yakuza estate.

You parked the car near the gate, turning to see Lumi in the passenger seat. The girl was asleep, as she had been running around and playing with her friends for hours before. After getting out of the car and going around to let the dog out first, then taking Lumi in your arms, you went to the manor, intending to put her to sleep in her room. But already in the hallway the dog, Nero, sensed something wrong. A foreign odor, the owner of which had just emerged from the door of your father's study.

He was a tall man, about two meters tall if not a few centimeters more, handsome and strong, with black hair gathered in a bun at the back of his head with a traditional Chinese hairpin. The wind had already mussed his hair, but that didn't stop him from being quite intimidating. His eyes were a deep emerald color, but as if frozen, cold. His neck showed long-healed acid scars that disappeared under the collar of his expensive dark maroon shirt with the top buttons undone. The image was complemented by black pants and expensive boots, which did not hide his muscular but elegant body structure.

Next to him, even your father seemed like a small child, reaching only up to his shoulder. When he noticed you, their conversation quieted, and your father walked over to you, glancing at the sleeping Lumi in your arms and at Nero, who stood slightly ahead, guarding you and the girl.

"I see you had a nice walk," he spoke softly so as not to wake Lumi while the stranger just watched. You even thought he seemed surprised by what he saw. "I realize this is a bad time, but," your father pointed at the stranger, "his name is Li Wei, better known in China as the Dragon Head."

At this point, you wanted to disappear. Dragon Head, the title given to the leader of the Triad. The man your father wants you to marry.