The pale morning sun crept over the Lowlands, its light spilling over the cracked rooftops and narrow alleys. Smoke still lingered in the distance — the last remnants of the Snake's scorched warehouse. Yet the streets below stirred with a restless energy. Whispers of the Silent Dragon spread like wildfire, carried from the gambling dens to the rice markets.
But rumors alone could not build a clan.
Dikun Silver understood this.
Standing at the center of the dimly lit storehouse, he observed the gathered men. They numbered thirty now — a mix of laborers, smugglers, and those who had grown weary of the Snake's grip. Some still bore the bruises of past confrontations, while others clutched weapons with uncertain hands.
It wasn't an army. Not yet. But it was a beginning.
"Today, we take the next step," Dikun declared, his voice low but firm. "The Snake still believes we are nothing but shadows. That belief is our advantage."
The men listened, their gazes locked onto their leader. The air in the room was heavy with expectation.
"Fear has spread through his ranks," Dikun continued. "But fear alone will not topple him. We must strike with purpose. Every move we make must weaken his foundation."
Jiro stepped forward, his broad shoulders squared. "And what's our first target?"
"The Snake's coin," Dikun replied. "He bleeds the people dry through his gambling dens. Those dens fund his bribes, his enforcers, and his control. We'll make him bleed from his pockets."
Kenji, leaning against a crate, frowned slightly. "Won't that draw his attention too quickly?"
Dikun's eyes gleamed. "That's the point."
---
The Plan
The Snake operated three gambling dens within the Lowlands — all tightly guarded. But not even the Snake could keep an eye on everything.
"We'll start with the smallest," Dikun explained, tracing his finger over the rough map laid before them. "The Red Lantern Den. It's run by one of his lesser captains. Most of the guards are there to intimidate, not fight."
"And the goal?" Jiro asked.
Dikun's expression darkened. "We're not destroying it. We're taking it."
He let the weight of the words settle. This wasn't simply about disruption. It was about control. By capturing the den, they would sever one of the Snake's lifelines and send a message — the Silent Dragon did not strike without intent.
"Takeshi," Dikun continued, "you'll lead the assault. Take ten men, but no unnecessary bloodshed. Anyone who surrenders lives."
The former ronin gave a firm nod. He understood the importance of restraint.
"Kenji," Dikun turned, "you'll oversee the perimeter. If the Snake sends reinforcements, I want them slowed. Smoke, confusion — whatever it takes."
Kenji grinned. "Consider it done."
"And Jiro," Dikun's gaze lingered on his most loyal friend, "you stay with me. We'll ensure the den's operations are in our hands by the end of the night."
The plan was set. There was no hesitation. Only resolve.
---
The Red Lantern Den
The Red Lantern Den stood along the edge of the river, its paper lanterns glowing dimly against the evening mist. Laughter and the clatter of dice spilled from within, mingling with the bitter scent of spilled sake. Guards loitered near the entrance — men clad in dark robes marked with the Snake's emblem. They carried blades, but their eyes were dulled by boredom.
They never saw the shadows approach.
From the alley, Takeshi moved with silent precision, his men trailing close behind. The ronin's hand rested on the hilt of his katana, though he did not yet draw it.
A single guard turned, his face twisting in confusion. "What are you—"
Takeshi struck without mercy. The guard crumpled, a swift blow to the neck silencing him before the alarm could be raised. The others followed. Quick. Efficient. By the time the den's doors creaked open, the Snake's enforcers were no more.
Inside, the air was thick with smoke and sweat. Tables cluttered with coins lined the room, gamblers laughing and cursing with every roll of the dice. Silk-draped women moved among the patrons, their painted smiles masking weary eyes.
At the far end, the Snake's captain lounged, a rotund man with golden rings glinting on his fingers. Ishida, they called him — a man known for his cruelty.
But tonight, his laughter died.
The doors burst open. Takeshi entered, his katana gleaming beneath the lantern's glow. The gamblers scattered, chairs clattering to the floor. Ishida stumbled to his feet, his face paling.
"Who—"
"You know who," Takeshi growled. "The Silent Dragon sends his regards."
The name struck like a blade. Fear flashed in Ishida's eyes.
"Drop your weapons," Takeshi commanded. "This den belongs to the Dragon now."
No one resisted. Not when the gleam of steel promised death.
---
The Silent Dragon's Mark
By the time Dikun arrived, the den had fallen silent. The gamblers had fled, the guards lay subdued, and the Snake's banners were stripped from the walls. Only Ishida remained, bound and trembling.
Dikun approached slowly, his gaze like tempered steel. "The Snake took from these people. He twisted their debts into chains. That ends now."
Ishida spat, though the fear remained. "The Snake will gut you."
Dikun didn't flinch. "Let him try."
With a simple motion, Jiro stepped forward, driving a dagger into the wooden support beam. The force of the blow cracked the polished surface. Carved into the wood was the mark of the Silent Dragon — a coiling serpent devoured by a dragon's fangs.
A warning.
"Tell the Snake," Dikun said coldly. "The Lowlands are no longer his."
---
A Shadow Stirs
News of the Red Lantern's fall spread like wildfire. By morning, the streets buzzed with rumors. The Silent Dragon had struck once more — not with reckless destruction, but with calculated purpose.
Dikun Silver had claimed his first piece of the Snake's empire.
But in the depths of Edo's underbelly, a shadow stirred. The Snake's rage had not yet fully awakened. And when it did, the Silent Dragon would be ready.
The war had only just begun.
---
To be continued...
Author's Note:
Hello everyone, I'm sorry to say that I won't be able to update all my novels once a day anymore. With my final exams approaching, I need to focus on studying. On top of that, I have to complete my thesis and other case studies. However, I will continue updating one novel that I have already written. Thank you for your understanding and support!