Chapter 301: Why Are You So Skilled?

Chapter 301: Why Are You So Skilled?

The "For the Sake of You" aircraft landed smoothly.

The runway was short, but as it descended, it came to a steady stop with little effort, giving Younger Brother the impression that this airliner was merely putting on a show. When it noticed someone waiting to receive them, it reluctantly came to a halt on the runway.

The rain had not yet stopped, and amidst the heavy downpour stood a multitude of people, their black umbrellas forming a dark cloud. Men in black suits, with white-sheathed short swords at their waists, marched in perfect unison, forming two long lines. Their expressions were solemn, as if they were on a pilgrimage.

At the forefront were nine people holding paper umbrellas. Leading the group were Younger Brother, his three subordinates—the fighter Narak, the strategist Crow, and the assistant Yachi Sakura. They were the main welcoming party, while the remaining five were the heads of the Serpent Clan, dressed in formal kimonos. The men wore black-patterned haori jackets, and the women wore black tomesode with white socks and wooden geta sandals, their gazes fixed ahead, walking with utmost dignity.

The weather was not ideal for such formal attire, but Old Dad insisted that everyone be treated with the highest level of hospitality. Thus, the inappropriate became appropriate.

As the aircraft door opened, three umbrellas were raised, and three sets of footsteps approached as expected. Younger Brother glanced at the three men with outstanding appearances, who, through his subjective filter of ill intentions, transformed into demons and monsters.

There was a well-built Italian hulk, a slender, emotionless white-faced man, and another man who was... well, let's just assume he's a jerk who preys on girls! Their conversation drifted over on the wind.

First, the hulk's straightforward and powerful voice spoke, "Speaking of which, why didn't you bring Lu Mingfei on this mission? Isn't he like a son to you? Doesn't he want to come to Japan?"

The jerk's deep and magnetic voice followed, "No, he dreams of visiting Akihabara, experiencing the moe maid cafes, and buying original game discs and figurines. When he left, he was crying and clinging to my leg, almost pulling my pants down."

"Then why didn't you bring him? Are you planning to replace him with a new lackey?"

"Precisely because I care for him that I chose to bring you two instead. This way, there will be three fewer quality men at the school, giving him a better chance to focus on capturing Zero."

The quiet white-faced man spoke up, "Setting aside emergencies, based on Lu Mingfei's usual performance, every male student at Cassel Academy is his rival. Your help is minimal."

The jerk tried to end the conversation, "No more of that. The truth is like a sharp blade; such words will only hurt Mingfei."

The hulk let out a sarcastic laugh, "You're really treating him like a son, huh? What's so great about that guy? He's only decent at gaming."

The white-faced man interjected, "Lu Mingfei hasn't received professional training, so his poor performance is understandable. Plus, he's very... kind."

The hulk seemed at a loss for words, "He sounds like a country boy whose only strength is being forced to praise him."

The jerk continued nonchalantly, "Mingfei's sarcasm skills are also quite impressive... Anyway, the welcoming party is here, and it's quite a spectacle."

As Younger Brother approached the three disembarking passengers, flanked by two rows of solemnly dressed men in black, he maintained a stoic expression. When the jerk extended his hand towards him with a smile that could make even a man like him feel dazed for a moment, Younger Brother knew he was dealing with a top-notch jerk.

Younger Brother spoke in perfect Mandarin, his pronunciation so precise that even the white-faced man showed surprise. As he spoke, the three people behind Younger Brother, the five heads of the Serpent Clan, and everyone else welcoming them bowed simultaneously, their movements perfectly synchronized as if they had rehearsed this a thousand times. Each person's bow was executed with impeccable precision.

The white-faced man remained silent, his expression unreadable, while the Italian hulk seemed accustomed to being served by everyone. He smiled and raised his hand in greeting.

"There's no need for formality. Although we're from the headquarters, and our statuses differ greatly, I, Caesar Gattuso, am willing to treat everyone equally."

His words were fluid and natural, exuding charisma, fitting the occasion. Unfortunately, the welcoming party consisted of high-ranking members of the underworld, not his student council followers.

These underworld leaders were not like the low-level thugs who indulged in alcohol, women, and slogans, only capable of bullying the weak. Each of them was serious, rational, well-trained, and aware of the identity of the person they were welcoming.

T

His Japanese was flawless, even better than Younger Brother's Mandarin. At his command, everyone stood up in perfect unison, like a well-trained army.

Caesar heaved a slight sigh, feeling particularly displeased in this remote island country. "Why are they so obedient to your words?"

The scumbag's smile remained unchanged, "The Lu family has been occupying the Japanese market in recent years. The Serpent Clan has been developing rapidly, suppressing the Demon Hordes, and I have contributed to that. Now, I hold a significant three-thirds of the Serpent Clan's businesses, and there's also a mysterious force that acquired another portion."

Three-thirds didn't sound like much, but in the context of the Serpent Clan, which dominated almost the entire Japanese underworld, it was a substantial and destabilizing force.

Younger Brother straightened his back, his face expressionless as he praised, "Your Japanese is excellent."

"I have many good brothers who speak Japanese. After interacting with them frequently, I picked it up."

The scumbag waved his hand dismissively, and as soon as he opened his mouth, he ignited Younger Brother's emotions.

"Your Chinese is also very good, big brother-in-law."

Big! Brother-in-law!

Who the hell is your big brother-in-law! Younger Brother's lips trembled, his facial muscles twitched for a moment, and he clenched his teeth to stop himself from cursing.

"Just call me Lu Ke; there's no need to be so formal. We're all family. You might not believe it, but I feel like I was born with the destiny to be the rightful heir of the Genji."

The bloodline of the Curse Sorcerer Lu Ke was indeed inherited from the "Genji," and after sharing it, he naturally became a genuine descendant of the Genji, and the most authentic one at that. Even Younger Brother couldn't claim to be as authentic as him, after all, the Turtle and the Cowherd were both from the Uesugi family.

Younger Brother forced a slight smile, "Your address is too honorable for me. Please call me Younger Brother."

"That sounds too distant. I heard you're 'Amaterasu,' a man as brilliant as the sun, a god in Japanese mythology..."

"Then I'll call you Yuan Shen!"

Younger Brother: "..."

Pretending not to hear, Younger Brother proceeded to the next item on the agenda, "Let me introduce the people who came to pick you up."

Behind him, five clan leaders from the Serpent Clan stepped forward, waiting for the introduction from the leader of the Genji clan.

"No need, no need. I know them all."

Lu Ke interrupted Younger Brother, looking around as if seeing a long list of casualties.

He shook his head slightly, patting the shoulders of the two people beside him, "Let me introduce them. This is Caesar Gattuso, the heir of the Italian Gattuso family, and this is Chu Zihan, an outstanding Super A-Class student from Cassel Academy. Both are pillars of the academy, so please get to know each other well."

"Greetings, everyone."

Younger Brother bowed politely to each of them. Although, in his eyes, they were all immature children, he maintained his manners, and his politeness compelled Caesar and Chu Zihan to return the gesture.

After straightening up, the two exchanged a glance, both seeing the same disdain in each other's eyes. The Japanese liked to bow too much, and this behavior was something they couldn't adapt to.

Lu Ke approached the group behind Younger Brother, pointing out each person one by one as if they were old friends he hadn't met in a long time, appearing completely at ease.

He took out a finely crafted string of beads from his pocket, a red cord with a smooth jade pendant that glowed faintly even in the darkness of the night.

"I've brought gifts for all the clan leaders. Please don't refuse."

"You're too kind."

The clan leaders spoke in unison, their sharp eyes immediately recognizing the high-quality alchemy equipment and hurriedly expressing their gratitude.

"Oh, this must be the leader of the Inuyama clan, Inuyama Ge, right? I heard that your 'Instant' was showcased by a young man named Lin. What do you think about the fact that a 512-fold 'Instant' is slower than a 50-fold 'Time Zero'?"

Inuyama Ge seemed a bit overwhelmed, "This... how can we compare the speed of half-breeds? 512 is greater than 50 doesn't mean I can be faster than Hilbert."

"I understand, I understand. The inequality is the key."

Lu Ke shifted his gaze to the next target, "And you must be the leader of the Fuma clan, Fuma Kotaro. Nice to meet you. You're different from what I imagined. In FGO, you're a handsome young assassin."

The leader of the Fuma clan managed a slight smile, "Haha, when I was young, I was indeed a handsome boy. But time is merciless, and now I'm just an old man."

Lu Ke sighed at the wrinkles on his face and hung a pendant around his neck as well.

"It's a pity. Time is indeed a cruel reaper. Principal Hilbert is still so charming at the age of 130. I believe I'll be just as radiant at over 200 years old, but you, not even at 100, already look like this."

The Wind Mage Master: "..."

You little punk!

"Ms. Yachi Sakura, it's an honor to finally meet the Chicken Dinner King of the finals."

Lu Ke effortlessly took the beautiful young widow's hand and gave it a light kiss. His dreamy handsome appearance and the soft sensation of his lips caused Yachi Sakura's face to blush slightly. Wind Mage Kotaro's forehead grew heavy.

Lu Ke's fingers gently glided across the widow's palm, seemingly with a suggestive teasing intent. "Oh, by the way, if you were to..."

"The Sakura family has a lot on their plate!"

Wind Mage Kotaro calmly refused, causing Yachi Sakura to pause, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.

Seeing their secret interaction, Lu Ke smiled and released her hand. He wasn't particularly interested in Yachi Sakura; one of the selection criteria for the inn was that she had never been in a relationship and was still a virgin.

The next family head was Ryuma Senjiro, a middle-aged man with little vitality, whose face clearly displayed the words, "My boss is harsh, I have no hope of a promotion, my wife is cheating on me, my daughter is in a relationship, why don't I just die?"

"Ryuma family head, I can't help but feel that your surname sounds like you'd be great at playing tennis."

"Are you referring to Ryoma Echizen? Unfortunately, I don't have much athletic ability. Even if my bloodline is decent, I'm still like this."

Ryuma Senjiro unexpectedly caught the hint, causing Lu Ke to take a second glance at the middle-aged man who was radiating negative energy and didn't seem like a family head at all.

"Well, when I'm slacking off, I like to watch anime."

Ryuma Senjiro explained, slightly embarrassed.

"So you're an otaku!"

Lu Ke was a bit surprised. "Let me ask, do you think the Four Emperors are more powerful or the Admirals?"

"The Four Emperors are a bit stronger, they're all scattered in the New World. But the Marine Headquarters has so many Admirals working together, and they haven't taken down a single Four Emperor in decades. It's clear who's stronger and who's weaker."

Lu Ke thoughtfully hung the necklace around his neck, "You have insight. Later, I'll post your comments on the strength thread in the sea bar. I really like you, Ryoma family head!"

"It's Ryuma..."

"They're all the same, they're all the same,"

His gaze shifted to the last family head present, Miyamato Shigeo.

Miyamoto Shigeo felt that he had figured out this young man of noble status, and confidently took the initiative to speak.

"Do you think I'm suitable for practicing kendo?"

"No," Lu Ke shook his head, his expression serious. "I feel that you might enjoy operating an excavator and bathing in magma."

Miyamoto Musashi: "..."

This young man doesn't follow the usual script!

Lu Ke smiled and hung the necklace around his neck, "But I also think you're a very brave person, braver than Miyamoto Musashi. That old thief intentionally dragged out the fight to affect Kojiro's mindset, and it's said that he even poisoned his own sword."

"That's just a rumor, its authenticity needs further verification. Miyamoto Musashi's 'Two Days of One-ness' is a wide and powerful technique, and in theory, only a direct and fierce warrior can unleash its full power."

Miyamoto Shigeo replied in a deep voice, "I've also studied kendo, and I hope to exchange a few moves with Lu-kun when there's time."

The Japanese branch, a place of survival of the fittest. They only respect the strong. In the former headquarters, they only acknowledged one strong person, and that was Hilbert Jean Anthe.

After learning that Lu Ke had flipped the entire Cassel Academy on his own during the opening ceremony, they added a second name to their list, but without a real test, they couldn't accurately judge.

Of course, strength isn't solely determined by power. Just looking at Lu Ke's financial might, he was undoubtedly a strong contender, and every move he made could stir the hearts of the Serpent Clan.

Apart from Younger Brother, who believed Lu Ke's arrival was for Hanako, all the family heads of the Serpent Clan, starting with Old Dad, thought that Lu Ke's presence was meant to intimidate!

The situation in the Japanese branch was simple. They had never had a typical superior-subordinate relationship with Cassel Academy; instead, it was more like a partnership. In recent years, as the Serpent Clan's power grew stronger, they naturally became unwilling to accept any control.

They had too many secrets. If it weren't for the fact that the Demon Hordes hadn't been completely eradicated yet, they would have cut ties long ago.

If these three visitors were strong enough, the Japanese branch would continue their friendship. If they weren't strong enough, they wouldn't harm these young people, but the decision to sever ties with the headquarters was already set in stone.

"Absolutely, absolutely."

Younger Brother, who had just finished talking with Caesar Chu Zihan, approached Lu Ke, surprised by his familiarity with the Serpent Clan family heads.

"You're quite familiar with the Serpent Clan?"

"Not at all. Didn't I just not see the family heads of the Tachibana and Uesugi clans?"

Lu Ke sighed, "Younger Brother, do I even have the qualifications to meet the Uesugi family head?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end