As the first group to arrive and not surrender, the Yamaguchi-gumi found themselves in an extremely ufortable situation. Their primary concern now wasn’t escape, but proving their innocence, as the inability to defend themselves was particrly frustrating.


    The Inagawa-kai was simrly disheartened. They felt trapped, like captors who had unexpectedly be captives themselves.


    No one knew who was blocking the retreat outside, but the enemy clearly had the upper hand. The enemy had cars forming an encirclement and well-positioned fortifications, making them seem unbeatable.


    In contrast, the only avable cover was the dozen corpses strewn near the door.


    However, using the corpses as cover wouldn’t help them break through, as the enemy would attack the moment they exposed themselves.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    The encirclement was wide, and several cars were positioned outside the exit. If they ran out quickly, they might use these vehicles for cover. But the 20 to 30 meters between the exit and the cars werepletely exposed to enemy fire. It seemed unlikely that more than a few could make it, and even if they did, they would still be trapped within the encirclement.<fn238f> ?????? ???? find?novel</fn238f>


    With no clear escape, they had no choice but to remain hidden for now.


    In these circumstances, teaming up with the Yamaguchi-gumi seemed like a reasonable option. Yet the Inagawa-kai worried that the Yamaguchi-gumi had already secured the hidden money. Helping them break out would feel like aiding their escape indirectly.


    For the Inagawa-kai, cooperating to escape was eptable, but ensuring someone else’s sess was out of the question.


    Meanwhile, the eleven assassins outside the Bluestone Alliance were also in a tough spot. The Sumiyoshi-kai’s encirclement was wide enough for the assassins to hide behind and under several cars. Though still undetected, they couldn’t move without risking exposure. Acting rashly would turn them into immediate targets.


    The Sumiyoshi-kai’s small leader, aware of his tactical advantage, aimed to solidify his position. He instructed his men, “Get a few high-powered off-road vehicles. I’ll create a gap in the encirclement, and you drive in to push the other cars aside. We need to clear them out. If they try to use those vehicles for cover when they escape, it could cause problems for us.”


    Several subordinates quickly chose three high-powered off-road vehicles and prepared to drive into the encirclement to clear the way.


    This forced the eleven assassins of the Bluestone Alliance into a desperate situation. They were hiding among scattered vehicles, knowing that if the enemy cleared them away, they would be exposed. Retreating or breaking through was unrealistic under these circumstances. Even as top-tier assassins, their chances of survival were slim.


    One of the assassins urgently whispered to the captain through the inte, “Captain, they’re about to clear the vehicles at the door. We’ll be exposed soon. What should we do?”


    The captain, hearing the message and sensing the tension of the nearby Inagawa-kai members, cursed silently. “Are you stupid? How can I call you back now? If I do, I’ll be exposed!”


    As the captain dyed his response and the enemy vehicle drew nearer, the assassin, seizing the cover of the engine noise, raised his voice in desperation. “Captain! Say something!”


    Startled by the loud voice, the captain quickly shut off hismunicator. But the Inagawa-kai members nearby had already heard it. One of them whispered, “Who the hell is still making calls right now?”


    The captain stayed silent. It was dark enough that his identity was hidden. As long as he didn’t speak again, no one could pinpoint him.


    Several Inagawa-kai members heard the call, but in the darkness, no one could identify who had made it.


    Suddenly, someone muttered, “Brother! I think there’s a spy here. I heard someone say ‘captain’ on themunicator, but I missed the rest!”


    “Spy?!” The Inagawa-kai captain immediately tensed.


    Trapped between danger ahead and threats behind, he couldn’t see clearly in the darkness. The possibility of an enemy infiltrator worried him.


    Thinking fast, he ordered, “Everyone, get down and turn on your phones. Look around for any unfamiliar faces!”


    “Damn it!” The Bluestone Alliance captain seethed silently. “If they really do this, I’m done. I may be well-trained, but I can’t fight off a whole group by myself. If they rush me, I won’t stand a chance…”