Tokyo, Japan

April 2, 2028, 11:27

The bus rumbled through the bustling streets of Tokyo, weaving through traffic and gliding past a kaleidoscope of neon signs, colorful billboards, shops, and streams of pedestrians. Despite the midday sun, the city maintained its vibrant energy, buzzing with life and movement. Pina sat at the front with Bozes, her eyes wide as they took in the urban landscape. The sheer scale and dynamism of the city were overwhelming—so different from the quiet grandeur of her palace back home.

"This place..." Pina whispered, pressing a hand against the glass. "It's incredible."

A few seats back, Lelei sat beside Itami, her face turned toward the window. She stared, unblinking, as Tokyo unfolded outside—gleaming skyscrapers, bustling intersections, and intricate pedestrian crossings. "It's hard to believe all of this exists," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the engine's hum.

Itami chuckled softly, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Tokyo has its own rhythm. If you listen long enough, you'll feel it." There was a trace of pride in his tone—pride in his home city's messy, noisy beauty.

Lelei remained silent, her gaze glued to the scenes beyond the glass, as though she feared missing even a moment of it.

At the rear of the bus, Adam and Kuribayashi sat huddled together, their conversation low and serious. Kuribayashi's usual boisterous demeanor was absent; her face was set, lips pressed in thought as she listened to Adam.

Itami caught their exchange from the corner of his eye, curiosity piqued. I knew Kuribayashi liked him, but I didn't think they were already this tight.

Adam whispered something, leaning closer, and Kuribayashi gave a sharp nod in response. Itami arched a brow. What are they talking about? he wondered, fighting the urge to eavesdrop. Whatever it was, it seemed to carry weight.

The bus swung around a corner, and suddenly, the glowing silhouette of Tokyo Tower rose in the distance, its red and white frame gleaming in the bright daylight.

Bozes pressed closer to the window, her breath fogging the glass. "Look, Your Majesty! What is that?"

Pina leaned in, eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful."

Rory, who had been lounging in her seat, shot forward with childlike excitement. "Is that a shrine?" she asked, her red eyes alight as she pointed toward the towering structure.

Itami smirked at the question, shaking his head. "Not quite. That's Tokyo Tower. It's a communications and observation tower—kind of like a monument."

Rory furrowed her brow, puzzled. "So... it doesn't have a sacred purpose?"

"Nope. It doesn't," Itami explained. "People can go up to the observation decks to see the whole city. It's especially stunning at night when it's all lit up."

Rory leaned back, crossing her arms, though her curious gaze lingered on the tower. "Hmph. For something that's not a shrine, it's still impressive."

Before anyone could respond, Tomita leaned forward from his seat. "What's the plan for the rest of the day? Do we have an itinerary?"

Itami sighed, realizing they needed to get organized. "First things first—we need food. Everyone looks half-starved, and we can't head into the conference running on fumes."

He turned toward the driver. "Can you take us somewhere cheap and nearby?"

The driver nodded and deftly navigated the bus down a side street, the bright lights and chaotic intersections gradually giving way to quieter roads. Inside, the passengers' conversations shifted to food, their stomachs grumbling audibly.

A few moments later, the bus pulled up in front of a modest ramen shop nestled between two larger buildings. Its wooden facade glowed warmly under the midday sun, with red lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. The aroma of broth and grilled pork drifted from the entrance, instantly making everyone's mouths water.

Itami glanced outside, noting a few curious passersby stealing glances at the bus, undoubtedly intrigued by the odd mix of people inside.

The doors hissed open, and Rory was the first to leap off the bus, her excitement bubbling over. "Finally! Japanese food!" she cried, practically bouncing in place as she gazed up at the lanterns.

Lelei followed at a more measured pace, her tone calm but tinged with interest. "We already had some back at Alnus..."

"Yeah," Rory shot back, dismissing the thought with a wave, "but that was camp food. This is different—it's made by a real chef!" She grinned, clearly anticipating something extraordinary.

Tomita leaned toward Itami, a sly grin creeping across his face. "Should we tell her this is just a cheap ramen joint?"

Itami shot him a warning look, his voice low and urgent. "No way. Let her enjoy the moment. We don't need to kill her enthusiasm."

As Pina and Bozes stepped off the bus, their attention was immediately drawn to the cozy ramen shop. The wooden facade and soft glow of red lanterns reminded them of the intimate taverns back in their homeland, where villagers would gather to share meals and stories. That familiar atmosphere stirred a bittersweet sense of longing—nostalgic but comforting.

Noticing the subtle melancholy in their expressions, Itami gave them a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's head inside," he urged, motioning toward the warm, inviting entrance. "I promise you'll love it. Who knows? It might even remind you of home—just in a good way."

Bozes's guarded expression softened as she glanced at Pina, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It does feel familiar," she admitted, her voice lighter than before.

Pina nodded, the hint of excitement returning to her eyes. "Alright," she said, straightening her shoulders. "Let's see what this place has to offer."

Stepping through the door, they were immediately greeted by the rich aroma of simmering broth, blending with the savory scent of grilled pork. The interior was modest yet cozy—wooden countertops lined the narrow space, with an open kitchen where the chef worked with practiced precision. The walls were adorned with calligraphy scrolls, photos of satisfied patrons, and little knickknacks that gave the place a lived-in charm.

Itami spoke to the receptionist, "Table for nine, please."

The receptionist nodded. "Right this way. Table eleven."

They followed the receptionist to a larger table near the back. Pina and Bozes settled first, exchanging smiles as they took in the lively atmosphere. The bubbling broth and the rhythmic chop of a knife from the kitchen added to the warmth that seemed to permeate the small shop. Itami joined them, feeling a quiet contentment as he watched his companions start to unwind.

"This place has a charm of its own," Pina remarked thoughtfully, glancing around the room. "It reminds me of the little taverns we'd stop at during long journeys."

Bozes nodded, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "There's something so comforting about places like this."

Itami smiled as he took a seat a few feet from them. "How about we order a bunch of things to share? That way, everyone gets to try something new."

The group studied the menu, some struggling with the unfamiliar kanji. Pina hesitated, her brow furrowing. "These all look delicious... but I can't figure out what's written here."

Bozes leaned in, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe we should just point to whatever looks good?"

Lelei tapped the picture of a steaming bowl of ramen topped with green onions and slices of pork. "This one seems interesting."

Rory bounced in her seat as she pointed to another image. "Look! This one has an egg in it!"

Tuka, her gaze focused on a different section of the menu, added, "What about these grilled skewers? They look appetizing."

Itami relayed their choices to the waiter, who jotted down the order with a friendly nod. "Great choices! I'll have those ready for you shortly."

As they waited, the group began to relax. Meanwhile, Adam and Kuribayashi, seated together at the end of the table, continued their quiet discussion. Their hushed tones piqued Itami's curiosity.

"Hey," he called over, grinning. "What are you two scheming back there?"

Adam looked up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Nothing too devious, I promise. I've got a meeting later, and I needed a plus-one. The Seargent here agreed to tag along."

Feigning offense, Itami gasped. "What? You didn't think to bring me? Your best buddy?"

Adam's smirk widened. "Sorry, Itami. You've got one fatal flaw."

"Oh yeah? And what's that?" Itami asked, raising a brow.

Adam leaned in mock-seriously. "You can't keep your mouth shut. I need someone reliable, and Kuribayashi's the better fit."

Grinning, Itami shot back, "If you needed someone reliable, why not bring Tomita?"

Adam shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Too obvious. This meeting needs a delicate touch. If Kuribayashi and I show up together... well, it might look like a date."

Kuribayashi, who had been quietly sipping her tea, froze mid-drink. Her cheeks flushed a bright red. "What?! That's not what you told me when you asked!" She turned to Adam, eyes wide with disbelief.

Adam leaned back in his seat, smirking as he picked up his chopsticks. "What? I thought you'd be cool with it. Got a problem with people thinking we're on a date?"

Kuribayashi's blush deepened. "That's not the point! You made it sound like it was all business!"

Adam shrugged nonchalantly, scooping up a piece of pork from his ramen. "Do you hate the idea?"

Kuribayashi faltered, crossing her arms and looking away, clearly flustered. "...I don't exactly hate it," she muttered under her breath, barely audible.

Itami snickered, struggling to contain his amusement. "Wow, Kuribayashi, I've never seen you this flustered. Adam, you've got some serious skills dodging bullets."

Kuribayashi shot both men a warning glare, though the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth suggested she was fighting a smile.

Adam leaned toward Itami, his tone low and teasing. "See? Told you. Reliable."

The playful banter was interrupted as the waiter arrived, balancing steaming bowls of ramen and skewers. "Here you go," the waiter said warmly, setting the dishes down with care. "Enjoy your meal." He bowed slightly before retreating to the kitchen.

"Finally!" Itami said, eagerly lifting his bowl to take in the aroma. "This smells amazing."

Itami took a slurp of his noodles, savoring the flavor. But his curiosity lingered. He set his chopsticks down and leaned toward Adam, his tone more serious. "Alright, jokes aside. Who are you meeting?"

Adam's smirk faded, replaced by a more somber expression. He hesitated before answering, keeping his voice low. "It's my sister."

The lighthearted atmosphere evaporated instantly. Caldwell, who had been quietly working through his skewer, stiffened. His posture straightened, and his expression hardened. "Your sister?" he repeated sharply, his tone edged with caution.

Lelei, Rory, and Tuka exchanged curious glances but remained focused on their food, sensing the shift in mood. Meanwhile, Pina and Bozes continued their own conversation, oblivious to the tension building.

Itami furrowed his brow, glancing between Adam and Caldwell. "What's the big deal? It's just your sister, right?"

Adam leaned closer, his voice dropping further so only Itami, Caldwell, and Yanagida could hear. "Well, she's with the Agency. And... let's just say that's rarely a good sign."

Caldwell let out a dry chuckle. "That's an understatement. Whenever she shows up, something bad usually happens."

Yanagida, who had been quietly observing, stiffened. His expression darkened as he set down his skewer. "CIA? Why now?"

Adam pulled out his phone and tapped a few times, careful not to disrupt the others. He turned the screen toward the group, revealing a message:

"Hey, your favorite sister here. I have info regarding the people you're escorting. Let's meet. Mizutanibashi Park, 11:45. Dad's orders. P.S. You should bring a +1."

Itami snorted, stifling a laugh. "Wow, didn't think the CIA would text like that."

Yanagida exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple as if a headache had just blossomed. "'People you're escorting'... She's talking about the princess, isn't she?"

Adam nodded, swirling his noodles in the broth. "That's what I assumed. That's why I agreed to meet her."

Tomita, seated nearby but quietly observing, leaned in. "Did she bribe someone to get this intel?"

Adam shook his head. "Not her style. She doesn't need to."

Caldwell sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "'Dad's orders'... Oh, for fuck's sake."

Itami paused mid-slurp, raising an eyebrow. "Dad, you mean Adams? What's wrong with him?"

Caldwell shifted uncomfortably, his annoyance evident. "Guy's an Old-school operator. Back in the day, he was with MAC-V SOG in Vietnam. After the war, he went CIA. Now? He's the biggest shot caller in the Special Activities Center."

He shot Adam a pointed look. "Met him once. Brash as hell, foul-mouthed, and doesn't care who he offends. Has a way of making you feel like a rookie, no matter how many deployments you've been through."

Adam smirked faintly but didn't deny it. "Sounds like Dad, alright."

Yanagida leaned in, his tone cautious. "If this is about the princess, any idea what she wants to discuss?"

Adam exhaled deeply, raising his cup of tea for a long, thoughtful sip. "Considering Dad and Sis both have an unhealthy obsession with the Russians... fifty percent chance it's about them."

Itami raised an eyebrow as he slurped the last of his ramen. "And the other fifty?"

Adam placed his cup down and leaned back slightly. "Beijing. She's been on that train lately."

Yanagida frowned, his fingers idly drumming against the counter. "Think it's a real threat?"

Adam toyed with his chopsticks, his expression contemplative. "Her track record's solid. If she says it's something to watch, it usually is."

A quick glance at his watch broke the moment. "11:35. We should get going, Kuribayashi."

Kuribayashi downed the rest of her tea and stood. "Got it."

Itami leaned back with a teasing grin. "While you two are off doing your secret squirrel stuff, the rest of us are heading to a clothing shop. The girls need more formal attire before the conference."

Adam shook his head, chuckling as he and Kuribayashi approached the door. "Have fun then, because I sure as hell won't enjoy this."





Ginza Sakura Street, Tokyo

April 2, 2028.

The vibrant hum of Ginza Sakura Street enveloped Adam and Kuribayashi as they navigated through the bustling crowd. Neon signs flashed against the bright daylight, street vendors called out their wares, and the aroma of sizzling food mingled with the faint scent of blooming cherry blossoms. It was a quintessential Tokyo scene, but Kuribayashi's rigid stance didn't reflect the city's lively atmosphere.

Adam walked casually, hands tucked into his jacket pockets, his gait unhurried. In contrast, Kuribayashi's eyes darted from person to person, scanning for potential threats.

"Why are you so tense?" Adam asked, throwing her a sidelong glance.

Kuribayashi's expression was flat as she replied, "Your sister is CIA. And a former SOF operator. You don't exactly meet people like that every day."

Adam chuckled, his voice light. "I thought you said you wanted to meet her."

Kuribayashi shot him a skeptical look. "I never said that."

He grinned, clearly amused by her unease. As they passed under a line of cherry blossom trees, their petals swaying in the breeze, Adam suddenly held out his hand between them.

Kuribayashi froze, her eyes wide. "W-What are you doing?"

Adam's grin widened, mischievous but warm. "It might help you relax. Plus, we'll blend in better—just a couple out for a stroll."

Her face turned crimson, and for a moment, she could only stare at his extended hand. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Nope." Adam's voice was breezy, but his gaze was steady.

Kuribayashi's heart raced, and her mind scrambled for an excuse, but none came. With a reluctant sigh, she reached out and clasped his hand, her grip firmer than expected.

"Fine," she muttered, glaring at the ground to avoid his gaze. "But only because I want to look normal."

Adam's grin turned smug. "See? Not so bad."

She gave a half-hearted shrug, mumbling under her breath, "It's... not the worst thing."

They continued down the street, hand in hand, falling into a steady rhythm. The city buzz faded into the background as they entered a quieter area of the park. Cherry blossoms lined the path, their soft pink petals drifting lazily to the ground like nature's confetti.

Kuribayashi finally glanced around, her stiff posture easing. "It's... nice here," she admitted, her tone quieter, almost surprised by the peacefulness.

"Yeah," Adam agreed, his voice soft, almost contemplative. "Tokyo isn't all skyscrapers and neon signs."

They continued walking in companionable silence, the crunch of gravel beneath their feet blending with the gentle rustling of the cherry blossoms swaying overhead. The peaceful atmosphere was a stark contrast to Kuribayashi's heightened awareness. Her hand, still firmly held in Adam's, felt impossibly warm, a small yet constant reminder of her unease.

"Do you..." she hesitated, her voice sharper than she intended, "hold hands with all your teammates?"

Adam let out a laugh, light and easy, the sound bouncing off the quiet surroundings. "Only the ones who look like they're ready to bolt any second."

Kuribayashi rolled her eyes, but a faint smile betrayed her. "Tch. Idiot."

As they approached a small arched bridge spanning a serene koi pond, the tranquility deepened. The water below reflected the afternoon sun, shimmering in hues of gold and jade, with the occasional ripple as colorful koi glided lazily beneath the surface.

Just as they stepped onto the bridge, Adam's phone buzzed in his pocket. He let go of Kuribayashi's hand to retrieve it, glancing at the screen.

"It's her," Adam muttered, glancing at Kuribayashi.

She nodded, her arms crossing defensively as she shifted her weight.

Adam swiped to answer the call, lifting the phone to his ear. "Hey. We're here, Sis."

A snicker came through the line, her voice sharp yet playful. "Yeah, I can see that. Gotta say, bro, you've got quite the pretty face with you today."

Adam frowned, his eyes darting around the area as his tone sharpened. "Where the hell are you?"

"Behind you," came the smug reply.

Both Adam and Kuribayashi turned around. A few steps away, leaning casually against the bridge railing, stood Adam's sister. She was noticeably shorter than him, with sharp green eyes and sleek black hair tied back in a ponytail. Dressed in a navy blue shirt, jeans, and sneakers, she looked unassuming except for the sharpness in her gaze. In one hand, she held a cup of boba tea, casually sipping through the straw.

"Seriously, big brother," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "How did you not notice me? Did you go blind, or were you too distracted by your date?"

Adam groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Maya, could you not?"

Maya smirked, unbothered by his exasperation. She took another sip of her tea before stepping forward, her sharp eyes briefly flicking to Kuribayashi.

"So, this is the plus-one you brought along?" she asked, her tone light but appraising. "You've got good taste. She seems like the type who could keep you in line."

Kuribayashi stiffened, her face heating up. "I'm not—I mean, we're not—!"

Adam shot his sister a glare. "Maya. Enough."

She raised her hand, clearly enjoying herself. "Alright, alright. Relax, big brother." Her expression turned slightly more serious, though the teasing glint never fully left her eyes. "Let's get down to business then. Walk with me."

Without waiting for a response, Maya turned and tossed her half-empty boba tea into a nearby trashcan. Adam sighed, gesturing for Kuribayashi to follow as Maya started walking across the bridge.

As they walked, Maya's demeanor sharpened, her tone more focused. "Russians are in town," she said, cutting straight to the point.

Adam raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with dry humor. "Yeah? That's hardly breaking news. Wherever you go, the Russians aren't far behind."

Maya smirked, glancing sideways at him. "You make it sound like they're stalking me."

Adam shrugged. "Aren't they?"

Her smirk widened, but her reply came cool and measured. "Not me this time. They're interested in your guests."

Adam narrowed his eyes. "You mean the princess?"

Maya nodded, her tone sharp. "Who else would I be talking about?"

Kuribayashi blinked, then shot a glance at Adam. "How did you find out she was here, anyway?"

Maya's lips curled into a sly grin. "I have my ways."

Adam's gaze sharpened. "Do you have proof they're here?"

Without missing a beat, Maya pulled her phone from her pocket and showed them a picture—six military-aged men entering the Russian embassy, their faces clearly visible. "This good enough?"

Adam's brows furrowed as he inspected the image. "SVR?"

Maya's smirk remained, but her tone turned more serious. "Zaslon, more specifically."

Kuribayashi frowned. "Zaslon?"

Maya's expression darkened slightly. "Bodyguards. At least, that's what they claim to be. Though in truth, they're pretty rude."

Adam shot her a sidelong glance. "That's what you call people who nearly killed you? Rude?"

Maya's grin didn't waver. "Oh, that was years ago, brother. Plus, it was my fault I nearly got killed in the first place."

Kuribayashi's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Maya shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, you know, I just happened to meet with some people the Russians weren't too... friendly within Syria. When Zaslon raided their place, I was there. Almost got caught in the crossfire. My asset wasn't so lucky though."

Adam's expression darkened. "Why are they here, then?"

Maya's tone shifted, becoming more pragmatic. "Access, brother. Since the gate 'luckily' opened up in a US-friendly country—and not so friendly to the Russians—they figured if they could nab some of the natives, they could blackmail Japan into giving them access."

Adam scoffed. "That sounds... dumb."

Maya raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "I didn't say it was smart."

Adam's brow furrowed. "Anything else?"

Maya's lips curled into a wry grin. "Well, Beijing's in town as well. Looks like I got some new fans."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "They working with the Russians?"

Maya shook her head. "No clue, still figuring that out."

They continued walking when Adam's attention shifted as he spotted two men in sunglasses, keeping their distance but clearly watching them. His gaze flicked to Maya. "Are they yours?"

Maya's smirk widened. "Yep. Dad thought I needed some 'guards.' Honestly, I don't know what he was thinking I can take care of myself."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Maybe he doesn't want you to do something stupid."

Maya's expression shifted, her usual playfulness replaced by a rare hint of seriousness. She lifted her shirt just enough to reveal a jagged scar etched into her stomach, the faded pink tissue stark against her skin.

"Dad might just be worried," she said quietly. "Ever since... well... this."

Kuribayashi's eyes widened as she took in the sight. Her throat tightened, but she managed to speak. "What happened?"

Maya's lips tightened, her voice steady but carrying an edge. "I got caught by China's finest in Hong Kong. They were... meticulous. A lot more than the Russians, I'll give them that." She lowered her shirt, her expression hardening. "To be fair, it was my fault. I screwed up."

Kuribayashi said nothing, her gaze dropping briefly to the ground as she processed Maya's words.

Adam shifted uncomfortably, his jaw tightening as he fought back the urge to scold her. She was his sister, but she wasn't someone he could protect from her own choices. "I don't want to see that happen again," he said, his voice low.

Maya met his gaze, a flicker of something unreadable in her sharp eyes. "Neither do I," she admitted, her tone softening briefly before sharpening again. "But it's the game, big brother. If you're not willing to get your hands dirty, then you're not playing to win."

Adam's face darkened, understanding settling over him like a heavy weight. "So that's where you disappeared."

Maya glanced at him, a faint, almost teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Were you worried?"

Adam didn't hesitate, his frustration seeping through. "Why wouldn't I be? You're my sister, Maya. You disappear for months without a word, and then Dad doesn't even tell me what happened?"

Maya's expression remained neutral, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes. She took a deep breath and shrugged. "Dad didn't need to tell you, Adam. It wasn't your problem."

Adam's brow furrowed in disbelief. "You're kidding, right? Of course, it's my problem. I should've known. We're family."

Maya's gaze softened slightly, but her tone was still firm. "You didn't need to know. What's done is done. I got out, and that's what matters." She met his eyes, unflinching. "You have enough to worry about without me piling it on."

Adam's jaw clenched as frustration and concern fought for control. "So you just... kept it from me? Like it was no big deal?"

Maya gave a small, almost imperceptible sigh. "There was no need to burden you with it. You were already dealing with your own shit. Besides, I'm fine now."

Adam's face softened momentarily, the weight of her words sinking in. He had never fully understood the toll his absence had taken on Maya, just as she hadn't fully grasped the risks he faced. The distance between them had always been there, but it felt a little smaller in this brief exchange.

"I guess we both have our reasons to worry," Adam muttered, his frustration dissipating, if only slightly.

Maya's smirk returned, though this time, it carried a sincerity that softened her usual edge. "Yeah, we do." She shook her head, exhaling as if to brush off the heavier moment. "Anyway, that's enough of the sappy shit."

Adam chuckled softly. "So... Are you going to handle it?"

Maya's grin shifted into a wry smile. "I'll give it a shot, but this isn't the Middle East. I can't just do whatever I want here—it's Japan, after all. And my new supervisor's been breathing down my neck, so my hands are tied." She shrugged, her tone laced with frustration. "At least we've looped in Japanese Public Security. You've met one of them right?"

Adam frowned. "I did, Komakado, right? The guy couldn't stop giving me a TED Talk about my Japanese counterpart."

Maya's grin turned sly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "By 'counterpart,' you mean Lieutenant Yoji Itami right? I've read about him. Pretty cute."

Adam groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't—"

Kuribayashi's scowl cut through his protest. "Why would you like that sorry excuse of a man?"

Maya tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Hey, everyone's got their type. Besides, it's impressive how he manages to stumble his way through Special Forces."

Kuribayashi bristled. "Talent? He's a lazy otaku who'd rather read manga than lead."

Adam raised a hand, cutting them off. "Focus. Back to the Russians."

Maya rolled her eyes, her tone shifting back to business. "Fine. Anyway, yeah, my new supervisor's Laswell, a pain in the ass."

Adam's eyebrows lifted. "Laswell? She's solid. Competent as hell. She was great when she was attached to us in Afghanistan."

Maya snorted. "Too competent. She's Dad's second-in-command at the Special Activities Center now. After Hong Kong, he put her on babysitting duty."

Kuribayashi blinked. "Just how much pull does your dad have?"

Maya smirked. "Way too much. And trust me, he's not thrilled with the Chinese poking around either."

Adam crossed his arms. "Have you figured out how to deal with them yet?"

Maya hesitated, her smirk faltering for a brief second. "Not yet. They're harder to pin down. Russians are blunt, but Beijing? They move quietly, and they're damn good at it. I'm still trying to piece together what they're up to."

Adam's concern deepened. "That's not exactly reassuring."

Maya shrugged. "Welcome to my world. Anyway, I'm thinking of paying the Russians a visit."

Adam shot her a sharp look. "Alone?"

Maya shook her head, motioning toward the two men in sunglasses nearby. "Nope. Those two are coming. Technically bodyguards, but they're mine. One's a Ranger; the other's a SEAL. Surprisingly, the SEAL hasn't written a memoir yet."

Adam gave a short laugh. "Good luck with that." He glanced at his phone as it buzzed. "Itami's calling. We've gotta go—conference starts soon."

Maya grinned. "Good luck with that." As Adam turned, she called out, "Oh, and if you meet one of the Chinese guys, leave one alive for me, will you?"

Adam rolled his eyes but smirked. "I'll keep it in mind."

As Adam and Kuribayashi walked off, Maya's phone buzzed again. She answered it without hesitation.

"Maya here."

Laswell's voice came through, clipped and direct. "Did you tell him?"

Maya leaned against the railing, her smirk returning. "I did. He bought it."

There was a pause before Laswell spoke again. "Still planning to confront the Russians?"

Maya's grin widened, her tone mock-innocent. "What, are you going to stop me?"

"You know I don't babysit, Woods," Laswell replied coolly. "But if this goes sideways, I will clean it up my way. You won't like it."

Maya chuckled, her confidence unwavering. "Noted."

Laswell didn't bother with a goodbye, and the call cut out. Maya turned to Alex and Sawyer. The Ranger stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable, while the SEAL leaned casually against the railing.

Alex was the first to break the silence. "You heard her. Don't screw this up."

Sawyer smirked, adjusting his cap. "And if you do, we'll just say we told you not to."

Maya rolled her eyes. "Real supportive, guys." She pulled up her map, her expression shifting to focused determination. "Okay, let's see... There it is. Looks like we're heading to Minato."

Sawyer glanced over her shoulder. "The great Maya Woods doesn't know Tokyo by heart? Shocking."

She shot him a sharp look, but her grin betrayed her amusement. "Keep talking, Sawyer. I'll make you carry the gear."

Alex snorted, already moving. "You two done? Let's roll."

Maya's eyes gleamed as she folded her phone away and stepped forward. "You guys worry too much. This'll be fun."