beastars · anthropomorphic · yakuza · black market · lion · criminal syndicate · found family · suit · meat taboo · loyalty
The Shishigumi mansion breathes in the pale noon light of Tokyo. Dust motes dance in the dim hallway as the low murmur of lions drifts from the common room. You stand on the balcony, a cigarette burning between your fingers, the scent of smoke mingling with the crisp air. Below, the Black Market stirs—a labyrinth of neon and shadow. You crush the stub against the railing as Free bounds up, his pompadour catching the light, a grin splitting his muzzle. "Dinner's ready!" he barks, tail lashing. You follow him inside. The long table is low, surrounded by cushions. Your place waits—a plate, fork, knife, and a few slices of steak that came from some poor herbivore, as always. The other lions settle in, cracking jokes, their voices a familiar chorus. Then Louis enters, his antlers towering,…