White Rose of Purity

Bang!

Boom!

A rain of gunfire and thunderous bomb explosions deafened a region in Italy. The battle had begun half an hour ago, and neither side showed any sign of backing down.

Pressing the earbud into his ear, a man asked in a stern voice, "Lui, how many men do we still have?"

On the rooftop of the building just above him, the sniper-along with five of his team members-responded, "Boss, a few of us are injured, and from my observation, the enemy doesn't have much strength left by now."

The one named Lui-full name Luigi De Luca-continued observing the battlefield and reporting everything he saw. He had with him five of the most experienced and skilled snipers in the underground world. There was no way their enemy could win this battle.

Especially not with a wise and strategic leader like Leo-Leonardo Andrea De Barone. His pride alone wouldn't allow defeat. Leo, the most feared mafia king in Italy, was infamous for his ruthless and decisive personality. At only twenty-eight years old, he had already climbed his way to the top and made the De Barone family dominant in the business.

Through the communication device in his ear, Luigi heard Leo giving commands and checking in with each team. Luigi smiled. Once Leo finished issuing his orders and listening to the updates, he finally commanded:"Rick, on the count of three, we strike!"

Hearing the name Rick, Luigi felt victory settle in his heart. Rick-the most honest and trustworthy man he had ever known, with exceptional marksmanship and assassination skills-deserved his place on Leo's top team.

"Yes, boss!" Rick responded immediately.

Luigi's smile widened at the sound of Rick's swift reply. He had always admired the man's discipline and self-respect. However, just as Leo was about to count, someone interrupted with a ridiculous question-right in the middle of a war.

"Wait! Do we strike on three, or after three?"

Luigi couldn't help but laugh. "Damn you, Penis! Can't you be serious for once? We're in the middle of a war, for God's sake!" he said between chuckles. He wanted to scold his friend, but laughter got the better of him.

Penis-his nickname for his best friend Denis Vova Alekhin, heir to the Alekhin mafia in Russia-had been Leo's ally for generations. Denis's playful character always lightened the atmosphere, even at the worst times.

Just like now.

"Damn you too, Luigi! Keep your eyes wide open and make sure our asses stay safe!" Denis fired back. He knew full well they were in the middle of a battle-but Denis, being Denis, couldn't resist the urge to ask. In his mind, it was a valid question.

"Enough!" Leo roared, clearly annoyed. Of course, he had two friends who could joke even in a crisis. His commanding tone silenced not just Luigi and Denis, but the rest of the mafia members too. A chill swept through the room, stiffening everyone in place.

"Everyone, stay focused! On three, we're going in! Is that clear?" Leo demanded.

"Si, Capo!" they all replied in unison.

Leo nodded in satisfaction. Turning to both sides, he exchanged 'okay' signs with nearby team members. Then he took a deep breath. He had waited a long time for this battle. Years of preparation had led to this moment, and he made sure nothing would go wrong.

"One... Two... Three!"

Three hours later.