Pearl, Issue 3, Choosing Sides

Pearl Tanaka goes from having a late-night snake with her Friend Kimmy, to meeting a boy named Rick. from the meeting, she spoils an assassination attempt towards Rick for his Clan affiliation. Pearl is a very talented tattoo artist for the members of the Yakuza. Mr. Miike makes it clear that she is no longer just a tattoo artist but an assassin. She was handed a list of names, one being Rick Araki. Although torn about her new job, she goes to the club where Rick “performs” tattoos at a club, as she pulls the gun out, a mysterious elaborate tattoo begins to spread all over Pearl’s skin.

Ms. Endo and Ryu (twins) have a conversation about what happened at the Carts. As Ryu explains the situation and confirms hi is taken care of. Ms. Endo is not as easy going as her sibling, demanding her name from Ryu. As the conversation progresses Ryu offers his sister a pill, which she takes without hesitation. Ryu continues to inform her that the person who got in the way owns the Dragon Lily Tattoo shop, The guy who runs it, is actually an Albino lady (Pearl). The Endo’s realize that Big Miike owns the tattoo shop. Ryu calls Shiba with information about the target.

As Rick is at the club, seeing who wants their next tattoo, Pearl has the gun in hand. Out of nowhere comes her best friend Kimmy, asking what the hell is happening? As the bright lights blare, the music booms. Kimmy beings to put the story together, Pearl with a gun, Rick from the food carts. As Kimmy is putting everything together, Pearl begs her to go home.

Shiba comes through the crowd; Shiba appears in front of Rick. The Endo Twins called Shiba earlier not confirming the target until now. As Shiba pulls a weapon on Rick, Pearl pulls her gun on Shiba shooting him in the hand that held the weapon. After the gun goes off it seems like minutes go by as everyone stares at everyone seeing what just happen.

Mr. Miike and Kai talk about what happened. Pearl appears to have betrayed Mr. Miike. Kai confronts Mr. Miike stating that he will clean this up. Mr. Miike believes that he may have been too hard on his Porcelain hit girl at her mother’s funeral.

At the funeral; Kimmy and Pearl stand over Pearl’s Mother’s body. Kimmy attempts to comfort her by offering drugs, while also stating that she cannot believe how much money the Yakuza gave her. As they walk out of the funeral, Pearl and Mr. Miike lock eyes. The tattoo shop was left to Pearl but informs her it belongs to him. He offers to buy the shop giving her enough money to travel or go to college. Pearl smiles and states that she is keeping it. Kai comes from behind Mr. Miike, telling Pearl she doesn’t want the hassle to take the money so when her dad gets out of jail (if he gets out of jail) it will be enough money to start over. Pearl hands him back the money the Yakuza gave her. Mr. Miike accepts.

Back at the club, the stare off continues. Pearl points the gun to Shiba's head, telling him she did not kill him on purpose. Shiba informs her this will destroy her life. Rick turns to Pearl asking if she is hungry. Pearl tells him Mr. Miike sent her to take care of him, that they need to leave. As she puts her gun away, her tattoos resend. Pearl realizes there is no going back, that Rick Better be worth it. Kimmy looks confused and asks why him.