It wasn't supposed to happen.
On the night of October 11th, several hundred people were celebrating a birthday in the Ginkaku-ba. Cards were exchanged, food was eaten and drinks were drunk. Most of the guests were older men and women having a good time. It wasn't the sort of party that would make headlines, but it was a birthday party none the less. A party to celebrate a shift in power. The yakuza had their hold upon the city threatened by a younger generation of clones of the clan's leaders. The ceremony for the transferring of power was held every two years. It was a tradition that was as old as the city itself. It was as old as the clan itself.
And then it happened. A man named Akashi Katsuyuki entered and made his way towards the center of the room, smiling at the Great Dinner that was being held. He exchanged greetings with those at the dinner and sat down. It didn't take long for the conversation to shift from pleasantries to business. There was no doubt that the man that had entered was one of the most influential, if not the most influential member of the clan. He had been on the verge of becoming the leader of a clan that kept a tight hold upon the city.
He would soon be the leader of a family that knew it's time to claim power was all but over.
"Our family is changing, Tanaka. It is being challenged by the youth of this city. Our time as the head of this city is coming to an end. It is not now, but it will soon be. The only reason I am here now is so that I may enjoy the last of your family's power." He looked at the birthday girl and smiled. It was smile that was polite, but held no sentiment.
Tanaka simply nodded and leaned back in his seat. He was an old man, his dirty white hair reflected his age. He cleared his throat and then spoke. "We have gone through this before, Akashi-san. We have gone through this same routine for the past two years. Each year, you say our time has come to an end, and we have won once more. I grow tired of this game. Perhaps you would like to choose an opponent more worthy of your time?"
Akashi smiled at the words and took a sip of his drink. It was obvious he had no intention of stopping.
"Our time will come, Tanaka. We will take your place as the head of the city and your family will have the simple task of following our lead. A descendant of yours will take my place as the head of my family. It is time and I am prepared." He took another sip of his drink and looked around the room. "You are not prepared. This year on this day, you will surrender this city to us."
Tanaka was insulted. The only reason Tanaka was putting up with this was so that his family would not lose face. The man across from him had no honor to begin with, and this celebration was the last thing that the clan would be doing before their power was taken away for good. He wanted to make them suffer as much as possible. He let out a sigh. "If that is what the past two years have taught me, then that is what I shall have to take as my lesson."
Akashi smiled once more and leaned back. He was obviously satisfied by the conversation. "You have much to learn. I expected more from a leader far more experienced than myself. We will speak again, Tanaka. You will see why it is far beyond time for our families to change."
With that said he rose and left.
Tanaka didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. There was something about him. The man's eyes were cold, and he let out the air of a monster hiding just beneath the surface. He didn't like him, but the only thing he could do right now was let his suspicions fall aside. He would worry about it tomorrow. Tonight, he would celebrate with his family and with the people that had come with the man. He would enjoy tonight.
