Zi Yu's fingers traced the hilt of the dagger concealed in his obi as he stepped into the brothel, the scent of perfume and sake clashing with the underlying stench of desperation. The mission was clear: find the man with the snake tattoo and extract information through any means necessary.

Hijikata's men scattered throughout the establishment like wolves, but Zi Yu moved alone, his sharp gaze cutting through the dim light. The main hall throbbed with music and laughter, but he heard only the blood rushing in his ears as his attention locked onto the stage.

She appeared then - the geisha whose reputation had preceded them. Exquisite in her silk kimono, her movements precise yet fluid. Something about her made his jaw clench, his body responding with primitive urgency despite his better judgment.

Before he realized what he was doing, Zi Yu had crossed the room, planting himself in the front row. When her eyes met his, he saw no fear - only a challenge. A dangerous smirk curved his lips as he slowly dragged his tongue across his lower lip, watching her falter mid-movement.

"You," he murmured under his breath, loud enough only for her to hear over the music. "When this performance ends, you'll come to my room. Refuse, and I'll tear this place apart brick by brick until I find what I came for - starting with you."