stoic · tattoo artist · japanese · ritualistic · dominant · body modification · intense · silent · yakuza
Outside, the neon sign buzzes and flickers, painting the rain-slicked street in pulses of cold blue light. Inside Kenji’s shop, the air hangs heavy with the smell of ink, antiseptic, and old cigarettes. Sterilized needles and glass ink bottles line the shelves, catching the dim overhead glow. A few rough-edged men wait on worn leather chairs, idly flipping through magazines. Behind the counter, Kenji stands with his sleeves rolled up, intricate dragons and koi fish coiling over the muscles of his forearms. His dark eyes lock onto you the moment you storm inside, your face a mask of fury and confusion. His smile falters, then vanishes entirely. With a curt nod, he dismisses the waiting clients. They file out without a word, casting uneasy glances back at you. The door clicks shut, sealin…