Chapter 300: Japan Branch

Chapter 300: Japan Branch

Tokyo, Japan.

As night fell, the bustling city was shrouded by thick, dark clouds. The sky seemed to tear open, unleashing a downpour of heavy raindrops that drowned out the city's clamor with a deafening rain.

Younger Brother rushed back, drenched from head to toe. He had just been on a mission with Crow and Narak to execute a rogue "Ghost." Upon receiving the message, he hurried back ahead of the others.

Assistant Yachi Sakura, dressed in a pink kimono, waited at the entrance. When she saw him return, she immediately approached him.

Younger Brother tried to conceal his exhaustion, his face tense. "How is Hanae now?"

Sakura replied with a hint of concern, "She's calmed down. The medical team performed a filtration, and she should be fine for the next month. You should go see her; she just woke up, and she needs someone to keep her company."

Younger Brother nodded slightly. He quickly changed his clothes in the room and paused at the door, taking a deep breath to compose himself before entering Hanae's bedroom.

The room was a beautifully designed Japanese-style house, adorned with ancient paintings on the walls and filled with the scent of white sandalwood incense. Aside from the medical equipment, the room was empty, lacking the typical atmosphere of a young girl's bedroom. There was only one window that looked out, sealed shut with 20-centimeter-thick bulletproof glass. Between the three layers of glass, a gel was sandwiched, making it impossible to shatter even with a barrage of machine-gun fire.

These precautions were in place to prevent Hanae's potential rampages. Her bloodline was too powerful, and her Incantation abilities were terrifying. Only by creating multiple barriers could the caregivers feel a semblance of safety.

As Younger Brother entered, Hanae lay on the hospital bed, her delicate and graceful figure wrapped in a white gown. Her pale face appeared fragile, like a flower about to wither.

Hearing the sound of someone entering, Hanae turned her head.

"Hanae, your brother is here to see you."

Hanae blinked, and a hint of joy appeared on her usually expressionless face. She propped herself up and stretched out her arms towards Younger Brother, resembling a fledgling bird begging for food from its parents.

Younger Brother's heart softened at the sight. It was rare for Hanae to act coquettish; in the past, he would only get one or two such moments when he played games with her. Lately, there had been none at all.

Younger Brother was pleased with his sister's growth. Hanae was no longer young, but she had been overly oblivious to the differences between men and women, and no amount of teaching seemed to help. Fortunately, not long ago, she finally learned to be cautious around men, keeping her distance from both him and her foster father, Old Dad. She even insisted on privacy when bathing.

He obliged and hugged his sister, but as he released her, he saw Hanae eagerly pick up her sketchbook and start writing.

"Brother, I want a Switch."

Younger Brother's face darkened. Indeed, Hanae was growing up quickly, and she knew to be well-behaved before making requests. However, the thought of who might have taught her this made him want to draw his sword and slay the person.

"You've just recovered. You should rest and not play games."

The joy on Hanae's face vanished, and she continued writing.

"I have an appointment online, and I must keep my word."

What a commitment to keeping one's word! Younger Brother's teeth clenched in frustration, and a fire burned within him.

Hanae's "Judgment" could easily take another's life with a mere word, and despite her frail appearance, her strength sometimes surpassed even his, the Emperor.

Without a similar physical constitution, if Hanae's state was off and she lost control, even a slight bump could lead to fatal consequences. She would never have a normal romantic experience.

Moreover, Hanae was a strategic weapon within the family, the "Moon Reader's Soul" of the Snake Branch. Her body, corrupted by Dragon Blood, required constant monitoring, confining her to her room.

As the future head of the family, Younger Brother should not allow Hanae to engage in online interactions, eliminating any possibility of romantic feelings. The weapon needed to be "stable."

However, as her brother, if there were suitable peers with comparable physical qualities and the means to stand up to the family, and if Hanae genuinely liked them, he would be willing to put aside personal feelings and encourage their interaction. Such actions would undoubtedly face opposition from others.

But to his surprise, his sister had fallen in love, and the person met all the requirements—except that he was a jerk! Younger Brother's heart twisted in agony, akin to an elderly father seeing his sweet and obedient daughter suddenly bring home a hot-headed, tattooed, and arrogant young man, declaring, "Dad, this is my boyfriend. I will marry no other."

Adding insult to injury, the young man had power and influence, with girlfriends galore, and the elderly father could not afford to offend him.

"Listen, you need to rest. Once you're better, your brother will get you one."

Hanae stubbornly held up her sign, unwilling to back down, and a stalemate ensued.

A moment later, Younger Brother reluctantly handed over the game console. Hanae had just received treatment, and any further excitement would not be good for her health. He had no choice but to yield.

"Big brother will check your chat records after you finish talking."

If he found out the other party had said anything indecent or sent inappropriate pictures to lure his sister, he would end their relationship, even if it meant being hated.

Hanae nodded, her eyes sparkling as she fiddled with the game console.

Younger Brother stood silently beside her, feeling a mix of relief and helplessness as he watched the light in Hanae's eyes. If only that person could truly cherish Hanae...

His phone vibrated.

He quietly stepped out and looked at the screen. It was a call from Old Dad.

"What's up, Old Dad?"

"A distinguished guest is about to arrive, Younger Brother. Prepare the highest level of reception."

The voice on the other end was low and grave, carrying a sense of impending storm.

Younger Brother was taken aback, a bad feeling settling in his chest.

"The highest level, who's coming, Headmaster Anthe?"

"It's not him."

Old Dad's voice had an unusual hesitation, "It's the head of the Lu family. He says he wants to visit the Japanese branch. Go get ready to pick him up."

Younger Brother hung up with a cold expression and walked into the room.

Hanae put down her Switch, her face flushed with excitement as she held up a sign.

"Big brother, Lu says he's coming to see me."

Younger Brother sneered, "What a fine 'visit.'"

Was this a visit? Clearly, he was after Hanae's body.

How despicable!

...

The all-white "For the Sake of You" took off in the dead of night, hidden in the clouds.

Its destination was Japan, with an estimated arrival time of one hour.

Chu Zihan looked out the window at the clouds. The Golden Eye didn't grant night vision, but the moon was unusually bright tonight, allowing him to see the sparse night scene below.

T

"Even though it was impressive the last time I rode it, I still want it."

Caesar, sitting by the window on the right side of the plane, was fascinated. "Lu Ke, name your price and sell me this plane. The Gulfstreams at school aren't even fit to tie its laces."

The Gulfstream modified by the Cassel Academy Equipment Department, nicknamed "Sleipnir," was the eight-legged horse of Odin from Norse mythology. Whenever it soared through the sky, it burned like a meteor.

"Money means nothing to me, and you can't afford it anyway."

Lu Ke lay back in his seat, unusually calm and gentle, his face slightly pale and his spirits somewhat weary. He spoke softly.

"The Gattuso family's wealth can buy almost anything. Even if your plane were made of gold, we could still afford it with a bit of a financial hit."

Though he disliked his cold-blooded family, Caesar had confidence in its financial power.

Lu Ke closed his eyes and spoke in a flat tone, "The Gattuso family's small-time operations are nothing. If I were willing to engage in a trade war, I could wipe them out in three days. Using illegal means would be even faster. Besides, 'For the Sake of You' is made of materials more precious than gold."

Caesar: "..."

For the first time in his life, he heard the Gattuso family described as "small-time operations."

Caesar, who had grown up at the top of the financial food chain, felt a complex mix of emotions, like someone had suddenly taken a position he usually didn't care about. Although he didn't really mind, it was a bit subtly... annoying.

Chu Zihan turned his gaze from the window, "What's our mission in Japan?"

Tonight, he had been suddenly called out by Lu Ke to fly to Japan on "For the Sake of You." Caesar was already on board when they boarded, and he had no idea about the specific itinerary, but Lu Ke had a task file from the headmaster.

Lu Ke yawned listlessly, "The main purpose of this trip is to pick up my little girlfriend and get her a health check-up."

Chu Zihan pondered the phrase "health check-up" for a moment, then remained silent, struggling to control his urge to look at Lu Ke with a predatory gaze.

"This doesn't seem to have much to do with us. In fact, it might be better if we weren't there. Two extra people around would make it more difficult for that scumbag to communicate with his so-called little girlfriend, wouldn't we?"

Lu Ke chuckled, "You look so proper, but how can you think I’m always thinking about women? I’ve long since moved on from that. I’m a pure romanticist now..."

The last group conflict had been quelled out, and NoMa had already deletedAfter the incident, aside from Nonno's suspicion that she was deceived by a dog man and her threat to bite him, and Elizabeth's arrival, expressing her desire to squeeze him, the situation was almost resolved. However, the aftermath couldn't be calmed in a short time.

The frequency of his lovers seeking him out had noticeably increased. Many of his female friends booked appointments with him for the next day, resulting in him being constantly drained, although he wasn't overwhelmed. Still, the constant feasts of exotic delicacies and seafood eventually became a little tiresome.

With the Bronze City matter settled, he had just learned that Haniel's health was deteriorating and needed his healing. So, he promptly decided on a trip to Japan, asking the principal to find a suitable mission as a cover.

After making the decision, Lu Ke paused for a moment before adding, "Well, it's a pure love party for now."

Chu Zihan's face twitched uncontrollably. To prevent himself from showing a look of disdain, he lowered his head, pretending not to hear, and cleared his mind, a remedy for abandoning his decency.

Lu Ke slowly turned over, "My little girlfriend isn't ordinary. She's an important figure in the Japanese branch, so the meeting will be serious. You two can be my sidekicks."

"As for the follow-up, I'll rely on you two to buy tickets, book hotels, plan the route, and reserve venues in advance. After all, it's embarrassing to do everything personally."

Chu Zihan was clearly skeptical, "Is that all?"

"There's another task, but you won't be able to complete it."

Obviously, this was the real mission.

Chu Zihan pursed his lips, "What task?"

Lu Ke nonchalantly replied, "Eliminate the Demon Hordes, showcase the power of our headquarters, and make the Japanese branch behave and listen."

Chu Zihan was slightly puzzled, "Demon Hordes?" He had read the files, and if he remembered correctly, the Japanese branch should be the most well-behaved and honest of the Academy's external institutions.

As if reading his mind, Lu Ke explained, "Mingfei may look like an ordinary person, but he's an S-Class, above both you and Caesar."

The implication was to look beyond the surface.

Caesar, who had prepared in advance, handed Chu Zihan a document, "The Japanese branch is a semi-independent organization. They're more like a yakuza group than an external institution of the Academy. They existed even before the establishment of the school."

Chu Zihan took the document and quickly skimmed through it. It recorded the situation of half-breeds in Japan at the beginning of the century. They engaged in illegal activities, controlling any profitable illegal business, be it prostitution, opium, or arms dealing. The yakuza had deep roots, and the Secret Party couldn't infiltrate.

In the end, both sides signed an agreement. The Secret Party wouldn't establish a branch in Japan, and the half-breeds in Japan would support the Academy. They send students to the Academy every year, and upon their return, they form the Japanese branch.

"Doesn't the school care about this?" Chu Zihan asked in surprise, feeling a shock similar to when he first saw Caesar dancing in a Polar Bear costume and posting it on the Guardian Forum.

Caesar, who had also prepared, smiled slightly.

"The school doesn't interfere with illegal transactions. The illegal dealings are controlled by the families that make up the Japanese branch. They are the oldest yakuza families, collectively known as the 'Eight Great Families of Snake-Fork', and the Demon Hordes are their biggest threat. They are a group of 'Ghosts' with excessive dragon blood, half-deathstalkers who haven't fully fallen."

Hearing 'deathstalkers', Chu Zihan instinctively tightened his grip on the Murasame, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

Caesar continued, "The school probably expects us three strong dragons to suppress the eight local tyrants. Quite a challenging task, I like it."

"Wrong, it's one strong dragon and two eels." Lu Ke yawned, waving dismissively.

"If you can't handle the Demon Hordes, they've survived the pursuit of the Eight Great Families for so long, even with an insider covering for them. They're a formidable force. I'll take care of this matter in my free time. You two just be my lackeys."

"Don't you trust Chu Zihan, or me? I'll complete this task beautifully."

"That's my line."

The two 'eels' seemed unconvinced by his assertion. Caesar's face showed disbelief, and even the expressionless Chu Zihan responded.

"I also want to fully immerse myself in our dates, without worrying about such matters."

Lu Ke nodded nonchalantly, "Don't disappoint me with the task of eliminating the Demon Hordes."

Caesar: "..."

Chu Zihan: "..."

Were they being played?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end