Chapter 2060
Nanako had just returned to Tokyo from Kyoto. She had accompanied her father there for a few days' rest and relaxation, but numerous family matters shortened their stay to three days.
When Charlie Wade called, she was surprised. It was 11:30 PM in Kyoto, an hour behind Tokyo. Excited and surprised, she asked, "Charlie Wade, why are you calling so late?"
His voice was raspy. "Nanako, are you in Tokyo?"
"Yes," she replied. "Father and I just returned this afternoon. You sound anxious. Is something wrong?"
"A friend disappeared in Tokyo," Charlie Wade explained. "Her last voice message suggested an accident, but I can't reach her. Could you arrange an investigation into her whereabouts tonight?"
"Of course, Charlie Wade!" Nanako responded. "Give me the details. The Ito family's influence in Tokyo is unparalleled. If she's missing here, we'll find her."
Charlie Wade provided Jasmine's personal information, her hotel, and departure time, instructing, "Nanako, trace her through CCTV footage. Identify the car she entered and its destination."
"Right away, Charlie Wade!" Nanako assured him. "I'll arrange it immediately!"
The Matsumoto and Takahashi families' weakened influence had significantly boosted the Ito family's power in Tokyo. Many groups formerly aligned with them now actively sought the Ito family's favor, expanding Nanako's network considerably, including violent clans previously controlled by the Takahashi family. These underground organizations, like Don Albertt's associates, though not all powerful, were resourceful and highly mobile—like sewer rats with an excellent sense of smell.
They sprang into action immediately. Since Jasmine's last known location was a downtown hotel with excellent surveillance, the Ito family's network quickly identified the commercial vehicle she had entered. Tracking its movements via the surveillance system, and fueled by the Ito family's substantial reward (hundreds of millions of yen), they pursued every lead relentlessly, each group vying to locate Jasmine first.
Meanwhile, in a valley in West Domo County, a western Tokyo suburb, Jasmine carefully navigated the dense forest. The hundreds-meter-deep valley, with its thick vegetation and towering mountains, blocked all cell phone signals.
Her only thought was escape. As soon as she regained signal, she would contact Charlie Wade. Trudging through the undergrowth, she reflected, "This was an attempted murder. If they know I'm alive, I'll never leave Japan." Subconsciously, she knew, "Only Charlie Wade can save me now."