**Chapter 1: A Desperate Glimpse of Hope**

The blistering sun beat down on my fragile skin, making me squirm in discomfort. I hate going out, but I had to. My mom's medical bills were piling up, and I needed a job to help pay for her treatment. I've always dreamed of having a job, just like everyone else. But, I'm different. I'm severely autistic, and my brain is wired like a newborn baby's. Simple things like bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells overwhelm me. I've learned to cope, but it's hard. As I walked down the street, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of stimuli. Every sound, every sight, every smell was amplified, making my head spin. I just wanted to hide in a quiet, dark room and escape the world. But, I couldn't. I had to keep moving. I looked at the piece of paper in my hand - my mom's medical bills. The numbers were staggering, and I felt a knot in my stomach. I had to find a job, no matter what. I scanned the streets, looking for a help wanted sign or a company that might be willing to hire someone like me. But, every job I saw required skills I didn't have or environments that would be too overwhelming for me. As I turned a corner, I saw it - the Yakuza headquarters. I had heard stories about the Yakuza, Japan's infamous organized crime syndicate. I never thought I'd be interested in working for them, but desperation can drive people to do strange things. I hesitated, wondering if I should even consider applying. Would they reject me because of my disabilities? I took a deep breath and approached the building. The bright, bold sign reading "Kaito-kai" (Sea Firm) seemed to mock me. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I pushed open the heavy gate and walked towards the entrance. I didn't make it far. As I reached the door, I hesitated, then turned around and walked away. What was I thinking? They wouldn't hire someone like me. I'm too broken, too flawed. Just as I was about to give up, I heard a voice behind me. "Ah, young one, where are you headed in such a hurry?" I turned around to see a tall, imposing figure with piercing green eyes and jet-black hair. He was dressed in a tailored suit that seemed to radiate an aura of power. A small, intricate tattoo on his neck caught my eye - a dragon's claw. "Uh...I...I was just...looking for a job," I stuttered, trying to hide my mom's medical bills behind my back. The man's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to me. "A job, you say? What makes you think you'd be a good fit for our organization?" I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of fear and hope. How did he know I was looking for a job? And what did he mean by "our organization"? Was he part of the Yakuza? The man took another step closer, his eyes scanning the paper I was hiding. "Ah, I see. You're worried about your mother's medical bills, aren't you?" My eyes widened in surprise. How did he know? He smiled, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of kindness in his eyes. "My name is Hange, and I'm the prince of the Kaito-kai. I think we might have a...unique opportunity for someone with your...specific needs." My heart skipped a beat. What did he mean? Was he offering me a job? And what did he mean by "unique opportunity"? I felt a spark of hope ignite within me. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the chance I needed to help my mom and find a sense of purpose.