“What do our mysterious employers gain by escalating mob violence?” Daniel asked. Ever since he was roped into this mystery two weeks ago, Daniel had been digging for any information on his superiors.

Nobutoshi smiled. “Ours is not to reason why …”

“Ours is but to do or die,” Daniel completed the paraphrase. “I could do without the dying part.”

Nobutoshi gestured behind Daniel, and the door opened on queue. “You will have help.”

Daniel turned and was surprised to see Nate and Eponine in the doorway. Daniel had never seen the beautiful red head in street clothes before; she still looked stunning.

“The three of you must retrieve the katana,” Nobutoshi said, cutting through the haze that had covered Daniel’s brain. He walked around the desk and handed a slip of paper to Nate. “That is the address where the delivery is occurring. Intercept the sword by any means necessary.”

Daniel noticed a tiny surveillance camera in the corner of the room as Nobutoshi wished them all good luck.