**Chapter 4: The Shadows Deepen**

The lights flickered again, and this time they didn't come back on. The room was plunged into darkness, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning and the quiet murmur of the other diners, who seemed to be waiting with bated breath for something to happen. Hange's hand tightened around mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gentle but firm grasp. "Don't worry," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "This is just the beginning." Suddenly, the darkness was illuminated by a faint, flickering glow. Candles, I realized, had been lit around the room, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The flames danced and trembled, casting an otherworldly light on the faces of the diners. The waiter appeared out of the darkness, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "The main event is about to begin," he announced, his voice low and mysterious. Hange stood up, pulling me to my feet. "It's time to go," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. I felt a thrill of fear mixed with anticipation as he led me out of the dining room and into a narrow, dimly lit corridor. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and I could hear the distant sound of drums beating in a slow, hypnotic rhythm. As we walked, the corridor seemed to stretch on forever, the shadows deepening and darkening around us. I stumbled, and Hange caught me, his arm wrapping around my waist. "Careful," he whispered, his breath hot against my neck. "The path is treacherous." I looked up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. What was he leading me into? And what lay ahead? The corridor finally opened up into a large, cavernous space. The ceiling disappeared into darkness, and the walls were lined with rows of torii gates, their bright vermilion color glowing like embers in the flickering light. Hange's arm tightened around my waist as he pulled me into the center of the room. "Welcome to the heart of the Oyabun's domain," he whispered, his voice full of reverence. I looked around, my senses reeling. The room was filled with people, all dressed in formal, traditional clothing. They seemed to be waiting for something, their faces expressionless. And then, I saw him. The Oyabun, Hange's father, sat on a throne-like chair at the far end of the room, his eyes fixed intently on us. He was a tall, imposing figure, his face stern and unyielding. Hange's arm dropped from my waist, and he bowed low, his body folding in a precise, formal gesture. I followed suit, my heart pounding in my chest. The Oyabun's voice boomed through the room, his words echoing off the walls. "Rise, Hange," he said. "And bring your...guest." Hange stood up, his eyes locking onto mine. "Come," he said, offering me his hand. I took it, my heart racing with anticipation. What lay ahead? And what did the Oyabun have in store for me?