"A promissory note for twenty million Mora."
Lucas's fingers held the promissory note, waving it in front of Yae Usagi's eyes as he chuckled, "I'll take this deal."
Yae Usagi's gaze followed the note as it swayed left and right. Just as she reached out to grab it, Lucas suddenly pulled his hand back, leaving her grasping at air.
"What?" Yae Usagi frowned slightly. "Having second thoughts?"
"A mere twenty million Mora means nothing to me," Lucas sneered. "But I should at least know if this 'transaction' is worth it, no?"
"Inspect the goods before paying, huh?" Yae Usagi gave a faint smile. "Of course, no problem. I have... very professional ethics."
Originally, her plan had been to pull a honey trap, using photos to blackmail Lucas.
But she hadn't expected him to be so extravagantly generous. In that case, why not milk him dry first? After all, no one in their right mind would turn down easy money.
"Professional ethics?" Lucas smirked. "Such as?"
"You'll see."
Yae Usagi stood up, took a few steps back, and opened the wardrobe behind her. Inside, neatly arranged, were several outfits—what shocked Lucas even more was that they all looked eerily familiar.
"This one belongs to the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan, this one is from the Tenryou Commission's General Kujou..." Yae Usagi pointed at each outfit, explaining their origins. "And this one—the most impressive—belongs to the Raiden Shogun herself."
Damn. She'd practically collected the entire wardrobe of every notable woman in Inazuma.
"Well?" Yae Usagi said smugly. "Whatever you like, I've got it. Not just the outfits, either. I can mimic their personalities and speech patterns too—guaranteed lifelike, just like the real thing."
At that moment, Lucas suddenly recalled a certain infamous quote from that gangster movie—Now this, this is what I call professionalism!
"No way," Lucas said, genuinely intrigued now. "Then put on that Kamisato Ayaka outfit and give me a little performance."
As the saying goes, money makes the mare go. Yae Usagi didn't hesitate in the slightest. Right in front of Lucas, she began changing clothes as if her body were nothing more than a commodity on display, completely indifferent to his gaze.
Soon, Yae Usagi was dressed as Kamisato Ayaka. The coquettish smirk on her face vanished, replaced by an elegant, refined demeanor as she gave a slight bow. "I am Kamisato Ayaka. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, young master."
Damn. That was... scarily accurate.
While her looks and aura couldn't hold a candle to the real Ayaka, if there were ever a Kamisato Ayaka Impersonation Contest, she'd easily make top three.
Maybe this money wouldn't be completely wasted after all.
"Miss Kamisato..." Lucas stepped forward, tilting her chin up with a finger as he smiled. "Would you mind... kneeling for me?"
"Of course. Tonight... I shall be very obedient." With a graceful sweep of her sleeve, Yae Usagi knelt in perfect seiza and began her work.
Lucas let out a long, satisfied sigh.
Well, this was a twenty-million-Mora service. It'd be a shame not to enjoy it to the fullest.
Interestingly, while Yae Usagi's movements were somewhat inexperienced, she wasn't the least bit flustered—unlike the other women Lucas had been with in real life.
It was more like... a soldier who'd drilled countless times in training, finally experiencing real combat for the first time.
The most obvious tell was that every action she took seemed to follow some sort of script, making it all feel a bit rigid.
***
Thirty minutes later.
"Cough... cough!"
Yae Usagi hacked violently, tears streaming from her eyes from the choking.
"First time?" Lucas asked offhandedly.
Still coughing, Yae Usagi gave a small nod.
"Strange..." Lucas mused. "For a first-timer, you're pretty skilled."
"Talent, I suppose," Yae Usagi said evasively, clearly hiding something. "Seems like I did alright, so..."
"You mean this?" Lucas waved the promissory note with a cold laugh. "I said I'd pay if I was satisfied."
"You're... not satisfied?" Yae Usagi muttered. "But I did everything exactly like the tutorial..."
"Tutorial?" Lucas pressed immediately.
"N-Nothing!" Yae Usagi shook her head hurriedly, putting on a pitiful act. "If you're going to cheat me, just say so. You clearly... finished, yet you still claim dissatisfaction."
"Let me ask you this—if I went to a restaurant and the owner said, 'Pay twenty million Mora, and you can eat your fill,' but I didn't get full, should I still pay?" Lucas grinned.
"So you're saying... you're still hungry?" Yae Usagi raised an eyebrow, smirking. "But you already... finished. How can you lie to me with a straight face?"
"I'm not lying." Lucas tensed his muscles slightly, and the extinguished flames roared back to life. "See? Convinced now?"
Impossible...
This defied all logic. Yet the evidence was right before her eyes—she had no choice but to believe it.
Of course, she had no way of knowing that Lucas, through his recent training, had mastered the art of Yang-Energy Partitioning—a technique that allowed him to "split" his essence, enabling multiple rounds through frequent, smaller releases.
"I told you—money means nothing to me." Lucas folded the twenty-million-Mora note and placed it atop the flat of his blade. "If you can make my sword yield, this note is yours."
Tempted by the Mora, Yae Usagi steeled herself for another challenge. No matter how gifted this man was, he couldn't possibly defy human limits. If she just kept at it, he'd have to give in eventually.
After all, it's the ox that dies from plowing, never the field.
But an hour later, Yae Usagi finally realized how naive that thought had been.
"Guh—hurk!"
Amidst retching and the sound of gargling, Yae Usagi staggered out of the bathroom.
She'd lost count of how much she'd ingested.
"How about it?"
Lucas sat sprawled in his seat, grinning as he asked, "Still want to keep going?"
Yae Usagi's gaze drifted downward—only to find his weapon still standing tall and menacing, like the nose of a Tengu mask. A shiver of fear ran through her.
If they kept this up, all the alcohol she drank earlier would probably turn into white porridge before dawn.
"N-No more…" Yae Usagi shook her head. Though the sight of that twenty-million-Mora note still made her heart ache, her jaw was already sore beyond belief. She sighed in defeat. "Looks like... I won't be earning this money after all."
"Not necessarily." Lucas smirked. "Didn't you say you could unlock other places? Just to be clear—it's not that I can't afford it. It's that you don't have the skill."
Right… I still have other options.
Even if she hadn't made Lucas surrender yet, her earlier efforts weren't entirely wasted. If she just tried a few more times, he'd have to give in eventually.
A spark of determination reignited in Yae Usagi's eyes. She straightened her back and declared, "How about here? Also twenty million Mora."
Better to earn less than to earn nothing at all.
She fetched some lubricant, had Lucas lie down on the lounge bed, and got back to work.
Just like before, though she clearly lacked experience, her movements were precise—enough to keep Lucas thoroughly engaged.
As she worked, Lucas struck up a conversation. "I'm curious… why do you need so much money?"
Yae Usagi answered reflexively, as if reciting a script: "Ever since I was little, my father was an alcoholic, and my mother was always sickly. I also have a—"
"—a younger brother in school, so the family's struggling financially." Lucas finished her sentence flatly. "You really expect me to believe that?"
This sob story was so cliché he could hear eight different versions of it just by going for a foot massage.
Besides, the way Yae Usagi delivered it was way too rehearsed—clearly a tactic to milk sympathy from her fans.
"Come on… hah… just tell the truth." Lucas had to pause mid-sentence as Yae Usagi's technique forced a sharp breath out of him. "Liking money isn't… ungh… a crime. I like money too."
Admittedly, Yae Usagi did have some skill. Though she couldn't compare to Yae Miko in size, what she had was just right—fitting Lucas like a glove.
"Fine, I do love money." Yae Usagi paused before continuing, "When I was a teenager, my own father tried to take advantage of me. I ran away to Inazuma for work, but my boss also harassed me. I tried seeking legal help, but even the lawyer had ulterior motives…"
Damn, you've got the same cursed luck as those tragic heroines. Next thing you know, you'll be selling sob stories online for donations.
"That's why I want to earn more…" Maybe it was the lingering alcohol from earlier, or maybe she sensed that Lucas wasn't like her usual brainless simps—but for once, she spoke honestly. "So no man can ever look down on me again."
"But…" Lucas said coolly, "you're still getting this money from men, aren't you?"
"They throw it at me willingly. I can't even stop them." Yae Usagi smirked. "Unless… you aren't here willingly? Or do you think I'm not worth the price?"
"Worth isn't for you or me to decide." Lucas raised an eyebrow and glanced downward. "It decides. If you can make it spill its guts, then it's worth it."
"No problem."
Yae Usagi smirked inwardly. The lubricant she'd used earlier was laced with a special enhancer—something that could heighten sensitivity to insane levels. Even the toughest man would crumble under its effects.
And so, another hour passed.
The lubricant had long since dried up. Yae Usagi's skin burned with friction, as if sparks were about to fly. Yet, the man before her remained unyielding.
"Yawn…"
Lucas stretched lazily, his tone bored. "Miss Usagi, looks like you're about to miss out on another twenty million Mora."
"J-Just a little longer!" Yae Usagi pleaded. "Let me try again!"
"Don't force yourself. You're clearly in pain." Lucas patted her head dismissively. "Seeing you on the verge of tears just kills the mood."
He wasn't wrong. Yae Usagi was way past her limit. If this kept up, she might as well be grinding two slabs of dead meat together.
"Y-You can… unlock the next one." She bit her lip, steeling herself. "If it's there… I know you'll be satisfied."
Finally, the main course?
Lucas smirked inwardly. The first two unlocks were just appetizers. Now, it was time for the real feast.
"Like I said, money means nothing to me." He nodded. "Tell you what—if you can really satisfy me, I'll give you sixty million Mora for all three."
"Sixty million Mora?!"
Yae Usagi's eyes lit up. "I-I can do it!"
"Then lie down." Lucas grinned. "I prefer frontal assaults."
"N-Not the front!" To his surprise, Yae Usagi shook her head. "B-But the back… is fine."
Huh?
That was unexpected. Most people found the front far more tolerable than the back. Why was she insisting on the opposite?
As if reading his thoughts, Yae Usagi bit her lip and whispered, "I… I want to save my first time for my future husband."
Wait, she's still a virgin?!
What kind of saintly slut paradox was this?!
"Suit yourself." Lucas didn't argue, though his smirk turned icy. "But you do know the back is way harder, right?"
"I know." Yae Usagi nodded firmly. "But I'm willing."
Not an ounce of pity remained in Lucas's heart—only disdain.
This woman really would do anything for money.
---
Another hour passed.
Yae Usagi had thought she could endure it, but now, she only wanted to go back in time and strangle her overconfident past self.
The pain was unbearable.
Lucas showed no mercy whatsoever, charging forward relentlessly from beginning to end.
Several times during the process, Yae Usagi even lost consciousness. Had Lucas not held back to avoid fatal consequences, she might have already suffered internal injuries and hemorrhaged to death by now. After all, while she wasn't a good person, Lucas always believed in fair rewards and punishments - there was no need to take her life.
Besides, this was just business.
"That's enough," Lucas stood up, looking down at the still-prone Yae Usagi. "Seems this money wasn't meant for you after all."
She probably wouldn't be able to sleep on her back for quite some time.
"W-wait!"
Seeing Lucas about to leave, Yae Usagi quickly called out: "C-can't you... give me one more chance?"
"I've already given you plenty of chances," Lucas shook his head. "Besides, there's nowhere left on you to... unlock."
"N-no... there's one more place," Yae Usagi murmured. "The final place."
"Oh?" Lucas teased. "Didn't you say you were saving that for your future husband?"
Yae Usagi took a deep breath: "Mora... is my husband!"
This woman was beyond saving.
The real Lucas still retained some kindness in his heart. Had Yae Usagi shown even the slightest redeemable quality, he might have gone easier on her, giving her a chance to turn over a new leaf.
But now, that clearly wasn't necessary.
["First Glass of Red Wine"effect activated]
[Reward obtained: Natural Feminine Bone Structure]
[Effect: You possess a special charm. Charisma increased by 30%]
Lucas's system didn't list charisma as a standard attribute - it was probably a hidden stat. It seemed this reward came from being influenced by Yae Usagi.
"Ah... it's over."
Lucas let out a long sigh of relief. The recent battles had pushed him to his limits.
After all, including the initial 20 million Mora for this late-night "snack," plus unlocking four different "areas" at 20 million each, the total came to a staggering 100 million Mora.
He might just be the biggest sucker in history.
"The promissory note is here." Lucas tossed the notes before Yae Usagi like falling snowflakes.
She was now dressed in the Raiden Shogun's outfit. Each time, Lucas had made her change into a new costume, until they'd finally reached this one.
"Hmph... hehe..."
Despite appearing completely drained, Yae Usagi suddenly let out a cold laugh: "Your net worth must be much higher than this, no?"
Even her threatening tone carried a hint of the Raiden Shogun's arrogance - she was clearly deeply immersed in her role.
"Of course," Lucas chuckled. "You didn't think I'd spend my entire fortune just for one night with you, did you?"
"I knew it," Yae Usagi snapped her fingers lightly. "Come in."
As she spoke, the door swung open, and the female security guard from outside entered expressionlessly, holding a camera.
Lucas pretended to be confused: "What's the meaning of this?"
"She's my subordinate. I had her secretly photograph everything we just did," Yae Usagi's face revealed a triumphant smile. "I can use these photos as evidence, with her as witness, to prove you forced me into all this."
"So this was your plan all along," Lucas clicked his tongue. "How very unprofessional."
"How can you say that?" Yae Usagi snorted coldly. "Didn't I serve you thoroughly enough? I even... wagered my most precious possession."
"You know, for a girl, what's most precious isn't that... membrane, but the purity of her heart," Lucas sighed softly. "But to you, its only value is helping you trick some poor man into marriage later."
"Stop lecturing me! You're no saint either!" Yae Usagi retorted angrily. "Give me another 500 million Mora, and I'll destroy these photos. Otherwise... prepare for a lawsuit! You'll not only go to jail but be utterly disgraced!"
Yae Usagi knew perfectly well - for people of status, reputation was more valuable than money.
"If you're so sure of my status, why dare blackmail me like this?" Lucas asked calmly. "Is there someone backing you? Do they know you're extorting this money from me?"
Yae Usagi frowned nervously: "None of your business. Just pay up."
"500 million Mora is nothing," Lucas smiled faintly. "But are you sure these photos can convict me?"
"Don't underestimate my subordinate," Yae Usagi beckoned to the security guard. "Keep the negatives. Show him the developed photos!"
The guard nodded, handing a stack of photos to Lucas. Yae Usagi didn't notice the quick glance they exchanged.
The more Lucas looked through the photos, the broader his smile became - and the more unsettled Yae Usagi grew.
"W-what are you laughing at?" Yae Usagi asked nervously.
"These are quite well taken," Lucas slapped the photos against Yae Usagi's forehead. "Have a look yourself."
Yae Usagi hurriedly examined the photos, her expression growing increasingly grim as she did so.
For some reason, while the photos clearly showed Yae Usagi's appearance, Lucas's image was extremely blurred - not a single shot captured his face.
Moreover, Yae Usagi's expressions in the photos looked completely willing, without any hint of coercion.
"H-how... how is this possible?" Realization dawned on Yae Usagi as she pointed angrily at the guard. "What is the meaning of this?!"
That's right—this female security guard was still under the control of the Hannya Mask.
While Yae Usagi was off vomiting in the bathroom earlier, Lucas had already quietly issued her new instructions, telling her to take photos exactly according to his plan.
"Sorry," Lucas wrapped an arm around the Hannya Mask's neck and grinned. "She's mine."
The woman's body trembled slightly, then nodded firmly.
"You betrayed me?! That's the same as betraying the Inakawa-gumi!" Yae Usagi exploded with rage, no longer bothering to hide anything. "You know what the consequences of that are, don't you?!"
So it really was connected to the Inakawa-gumi…
This so-called "Inakawa-gumi" must be one of the three largest underground organizations in Inazuma—something Heizou had mentioned before.
But the Hannya Mask clearly had no fear of them. Back when she was active in Inazuma, the Inakawa-gumi hadn't even been a blip on the radar.
"And you!" Yae Usagi turned her fury toward Lucas. "I can still accuse you! Accuse you of trading money for sex with me!"
"Oh, that's simple." Lucas snapped his fingers, and a sudden burst of flame engulfed the pile of money vouchers, reducing them to ash in seconds. He smiled. "If I didn't pay, then there's no transaction."
"My money! My money!"
Yae Usagi lunged forward, trying to grab what remained, only to find her hands filled with nothing but a fine layer of ash.
These vouchers functioned like checks—just certificates to be exchanged at the bank. Destroying them didn't cause any real loss to Lucas's finances.
And just like that, the "transaction" vanished into thin air.
Watching one hundred million Mora go up in smoke, with compromising photos already taken, her body aching and emotions fraying, Yae Usagi suddenly felt the world spinning—and promptly fainted.
"Goodnight, my little idol," Lucas waved a hand with a smile. "When you wake up tomorrow, I've got a big surprise waiting for you."
...
Inazuma City, the back residence of Yae Publishing House.
The store was spacious, with the front acting as a commercial space while the back served as living quarters. Whenever Yae Miko came down from the mountain and it was too late to return to the Grand Narukami Shrine, she'd stay here—it was practically her personal little palace.
"Not bad at all!" Yae Miko looked at the stack of "evidence" photos on the table, a pleased smile curling on her lips. "With these, that imposter's career is officially over."
"So…" Lucas asked cautiously, "does that mean I've completed the first task you gave me?"
"It's pretty much a done deal," Yae Miko winked playfully. "But just to be safe, let's observe for a day or two before going back to the shrine."
Lucas did want to meet the Raiden Shogun as soon as possible—but he wasn't in any real hurry. Besides, he was curious to see how this situation would play out.
"I'm good with whatever. Yawn…" Lucas stretched and let out a big yawn. "What time is it now?"
"I'm not sure exactly, but…" Yae Miko's lips curved mischievously. "Looks like dawn's not far off."
Indeed, the sky outside was already tinged with pale light. It made sense—after all the action earlier and the time it took to return, it really was nearly sunrise.
"What, tired already?" Yae Miko teased. "I can tell just by looking at those photos—you definitely burned a lot of energy tonight… huh?"
Before she could finish her sentence, Lucas swayed and leaned his head onto her shoulder. His warm, steady breathing brushed softly against her collarbone—he was already fast asleep.
A subtle, unreadable smile crossed Yae Miko's face as she whispered, "Honestly… I'm kind of jealous of that imposter. If I were the lead actress in those photos… wouldn't that be nice…"
She gently pulled Lucas into her arms and laid him on the bed. Then, in a swirl of soft light, she transformed into a pink-furred fox, curled up her tail, and nestled herself on his chest. Not long after, she too drifted into sleep.
...
But just as this long night approached its end—while some rested in warmth, others braced for the storm to come.
Out in the waters near Ritou, a medium-sized vessel moved silently across the waves.
It was a smuggling ship. Ever since Inazuma enacted the "Vision Hunt Decree" and closed its borders, trade with other nations had been severely restricted. As a result, smugglers saw an opportunity to profit by transporting illicit goods.
At this moment, an uninvited guest had appeared on the ship's deck. Her body was soaked through, silver-white hair clinging to her face in wet strands with bits of seaweed tangled in it.
A few burly men in tight-fitting outfits surrounded her. One of them, seemingly the captain, looked tense as he turned to a nearby sailor and asked, "Where'd she come from?"
There were no other ships nearby, and this person had appeared as if out of thin air—unsettling, to say the least.
"I-I don't know either…" the sailor stammered. "I think she just… jumped up from the sea? You don't think she's a ghost or something, do you?"
"Don't talk nonsense!" the captain barked, though his teeth were faintly chattering. He raised his voice toward the woman. "You—who are you? Are you with the Tenryou Commission's patrol squad?"
"Tenryou Commission? Sounds like you really are from Inazuma," the woman finally spoke, her voice cold and emotionless.
With a flick of her head, she swept her long hair aside. The seawater clinging to her instantly evaporated into a fine icy mist and vanished.
Before them stood a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with an air of intense cold.
The crew collectively exhaled in relief—at least she wasn't a vengeful sea spirit. The captain, catching sight of her face, gave a leering grin with a mouth full of yellow teeth. "Well now, look at you… you must be from Liyue, right?"
"That's right. My name is Shenhe," the silver-haired woman said, her expression as blank as ever. "I swam all the way here from Liyue."
The mysterious young woman who had emerged from the sea—was none other than Shenhe, here in Inazuma to find Lucas!
Everyone blinked in stunned silence, and then burst out laughing.
The captain clutched his belly, howling with mirth. "You think we're that dumb?! You're clearly just another Liyue immigrant trying to sneak into Inazuma!"
It was true that Liyue and Inazuma, while neighboring nations, were separated by thousands of miles. Swimming all the way from Liyue to Inazuma? That sounded impossible—especially for a woman who looked as delicate and elegant as this one.
Shenhe had no interest in arguing. She simply said coolly, "I'm going to Inazuma City. Since you're headed there, take me with you."
The group of men exchanged confused glances again before bursting into shrill, mocking laughter.
"Hey, little lady…" The captain rubbed his hands together, grinning maliciously. "Do you even know who we are?"
A flicker of impatience passed across Shenhe's face. Her voice turned ice-cold. "I don't know who you are. But if you keep talking nonsense, I'll make sure you end up dead."
"Oho! Feisty—I like it!" The captain snorted. "Let me spell it out for you. We're with the Inakawa-gumi—the biggest yakuza organization in all of Inazuma. We've got eyes and hands everywhere!"
In truth, the Inakawa-gumi wasn't actually the most powerful of the three major underground clans. The captain was clearly puffing himself up.
"Perfect," Shenhe replied expressionlessly. "I'm looking for someone in Inazuma. You can help me find him."
"You really have no idea what kind of situation you're in, huh?" the captain growled, enraged. "Listen up! We're gonna sell you off. But before we do that, every brother on this ship is gonna have a turn—"
CRACK!
Before he could finish, he felt a blinding pain in his nose. In the next instant, his whole body was launched into the air, crashing violently into the mast behind him.
The one who struck, of course, was Shenhe. But she moved so fast that no one even saw her attack.
That captain had been the strongest among them—and he was taken down in a single blow. The rest of the crew looked on in shock.
Still, they were no strangers to bloodshed. Hardened by years in the underworld, they rallied quickly. One of them drew his blade and shouted, "All together! She's just one woman—she can't take us all!"
His cry sparked immediate action. A dozen members of the Inakawa-gumi surged toward her as one.
But Shenhe only smiled faintly.
"Courting death."
Three minutes later…
The deck was littered with bodies, groaning and writhing in pain.
"What a waste of time…" Shenhe glanced at them with mild disdain. "Anyone else still feeling rebellious?"
The moment they heard her voice, everyone frantically shook their heads like rattles.
"No, ma'am! We surrender! We give up!"
"Good." Shenhe flexed her knuckles. "Line up. Each of you gets one punch from me."
One of the sailors looked stunned. "B-but… we already surrendered! Shouldn't prisoners be treated more… leniently?"
"You're not wrong," Shenhe replied coldly. "But I don't care about being reasonable."
...
Two days later, early morning—Yae Publishing House.
Lucas and Yae Miko were enjoying breakfast in one of the rooms when they suddenly heard a cheerful voice and the sound of quick footsteps outside the door.
"Lady Guuji! Big Bro Lucas! You've gotta see this!"
It was Heizou. The red-haired young man knocked once and then pushed the door open, slapping a newspaper down on the table with a grin. "That fake 'Guuji idol'? She's totally done for."
Lucas and Yae Miko leaned over to look. The front page headline screamed:
"Famous Idol 'Yae Usagi' Scandal Exposed! Leaked Intimate Photos with Wealthy Boyfriend Spark Mass Fan Exodus!"
The accompanying images were clearly the ones of Lucas and Yae Usagi from before. Even though parts had been pixelated, the photos were still shockingly explicit.
Especially Yae Usagi's face—crystal clear. There was no way these could have been faked.
Naturally, these were the very photos Yae Miko had leaked using her own methods. In just a few days, the scandal had spread like wildfire. Even people who weren't fans of Yae Usagi had likely heard about it by now.
Of course, the photos had been pre-edited—otherwise, the Tenryou Commission would've confiscated them for indecency.
"And it's not just this paper," Heizou added. "Lots of other magazines and outlets are covering the story too. That woman? Forget being an idol—she probably won't even dare show her face in Inazuma City again."
"What a tragedy," Yae Miko said with mock sympathy, shaking her head. "Just a poor little girl caught in unfortunate circumstances…"
Lucas didn't even bother hiding his exasperation. This whole thing had been orchestrated by Yae Miko herself, right down to the final blow. That flawless smile of hers hid an absolutely ruthless streak.
Sure enough—pink on the outside, pitch black within.
"So," Lucas stroked his chin thoughtfully, "does that mean the mission's complete?"
"Technically, yes," Heizou replied. "But I still think you should be cautious." His tone turned serious. "Yae Usagi was the Inakawa-gumi's cash cow. Now that you've cut off their income stream, they're not gonna let this go."
"Don't worry," Lucas said with a smile. "With Lady Guuji backing me, I doubt they'd dare lay a finger on me. Isn't that right?"
Of course, that was just a humblebrag. With his strength, a mere yakuza gang wasn't even worth considering.
Yae Miko only smiled at his words, but for some reason, Lucas thought he glimpsed a flash of sly fox-like cunning in her expression.
"Well, now that it's all settled, I guess we should head back," Yae Miko said after a pause. "Although… I do have a few errands to run. Meet me at Ichimiyu in Hanamizaka at seven tonight. We'll return together."
Heizou frowned slightly, as if something had just occurred to him. "Ichimiyu… isn't that the place that—"
He didn't finish his sentence. Yae Miko abruptly cut in, her tone gentle but unmistakably firm.
"Little detective, thank you for all your help. The Narukami Shrine won't forget this favor. But don't you have Tenryou Commission work to do?"
That was clearly a polite dismissal. Heizou took the hint and shut his mouth, nodding. "Understood. Then I'll take my leave. Until next time."
Lucas could also tell that Yae Miko was keeping something from him—but he knew asking her directly wouldn't get him anywhere. Since she meant him no harm, there was no need to press her.
So he simply nodded and said, "Alright—but before that… I've got one more question."
Yae Miko raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Go ahead and speak."
"If I eat at Ichimiya..." Lucas said with a serious expression, "can I get reimbursed by you?"
Yae Miko was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "Of course, no problem. When you eat there... no one will ever ask you to pay."
...
That night, at seven o'clock, Ichimiya.
This was an izakaya with a strong Inazuman flair. Inside a private room, Lucas was devouring a large spread of dishes.
Though he was already quite wealthy, free food always tasted the best.
But at some point, the sound of orderly, light footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, and the sliding shoji screen faintly revealed multiple silhouettes.
"Guests?" Lucas continued eating leisurely, his tone casual. "Why not come in and join me? Eating alone is a bit dull."
As soon as he finished speaking, the shoji door slid open, revealing over a dozen men in black suits crowding the narrow hallway outside.
"So many of you," Lucas shook his head. "There might not be enough food. You Inazumans are so stingy—such small portions on each plate."
As he reached his chopsticks toward a piece of tempura, a dagger suddenly stabbed down with a thunk, pinning the tempura to the table.
The one who threw the dagger was a bald man with a fierce expression. He said coldly, "You're the one who leaked that woman's photos, aren't you?"
Lucas chewed unhurriedly, his words slightly muffled. "Which woman?"
A vein bulged on the bald man's shiny head. He pulled a few photos from his pocket and slammed them onto the table in front of Lucas. "Stop playing dumb!"
Needless to say, the photos were Yae Usagi's private pictures. Lucas took a sip of sake and smiled. "Ah, this woman. I know her. She's... quite refreshing."
"So you admit it," the bald man snorted. "In that case, come with us."
Given Lucas's strength, dealing with these lackeys would have been effortless. But he had no intention of fighting.
If he wasn't mistaken, these men were likely from the Inazuma Gang. And the reason they knew his whereabouts... was probably thanks to Yae Miko's tip-off.
Sure enough, that woman had set him up. She probably wanted him to infiltrate the Inazuma Gang, hence this arrangement.
Honestly, if she'd just asked him directly, he might not have refused.
"Of course, no problem," Lucas nodded. "But can I finish my meal first? The Inazuma Gang wouldn't be so rude, would they?"
One of the lackeys snapped, "Think you're in a position to bargain? Move it!"
But the bald man, seemingly the leader, smirked coldly. "He's got a point. We're a proper organization—we have standards. Besides... this might be his last meal. Let him enjoy it."
How long could one person take to eat all this? he thought. Might as well wait a bit.
But to his surprise, Lucas's stomach seemed bottomless. Plate after plate disappeared into his mouth, yet he showed no signs of slowing down.
Inazuma often held eating contests, but even the reigning champions would seem like light eaters compared to him.
This was thanks to Lucas's "Gluttonous Bloodline"—his digestion was unnaturally efficient, converting food into energy stored temporarily in his body.
While he ate happily, the gang members suffered. They hadn't eaten dinner yet, planning to feast after finishing the job. Instead, they had to watch someone else indulge.
Worse, Lucas ate too delightfully. Before long, the sound of swallowing saliva and growling stomachs filled the room.
This was a unique form of torture.
Finally, after nearly an hour, Lucas set down his chopsticks. Just as the men thought he was done, he waved a hand and said, "Bring me some dessert."
"Enough!" The bald man finally lost his patience. "Quit stalling. Come with us now, or we'll make you."
Make me?
Lucas mused that it was lucky this guy had held back. Otherwise, no one here would still be standing.
"Alright, alright, I'm about full," Lucas clapped his hands and stood, grinning. "Lead the way."
The bald man snorted. "Follow us."
"Wait," Lucas asked curiously, "in the stories, shouldn't you blindfold me?"
"Blindfolds are to hide the location," the bald man said flatly. "Even if you don't die today, you'll at least lose your eyes. No point in the hassle."
"Ah, how terrifying."
Lucas's tone was as flat as a rookie voice actor's line reading—completely devoid of emotion.
The bald man sneered inwardly. Enjoy your arrogance while it lasts. Once we reach headquarters, you'll be begging for mercy.
...
The Inazuma Gang's hideout was more "conspicuous" than Lucas expected.
"I thought underground groups would pick somewhere... hidden," Lucas remarked.
"Times have changed. No more hiding or pointless bloodshed," the bald man said cryptically before knocking on the door.
His earlier arrogance was gone—now he stood with bowed head, the picture of deference.
Lucas, however, swaggered inside. The spacious room held four middle-aged men with an air of authority, each flanked by sharp-looking subordinates—likely the gang's mid-level executives.
One of them wore brown sunglasses. Beside him stood a short-haired woman, face bare of makeup, but Lucas recognized her instantly: Yae Usagi.
The moment she saw him, she pointed and cried, "Papa! That's him!"
The man finally gave Lucas a once-over and said coolly, "I'm Watanabe Masaru, the wakagashira of one of the Inazuma Inakawa-gumi branches. You're a foreigner, so it's fine if you don't understand. But surely you realize how much damage your actions have caused us, right?"
"Interesting," Lucas chuckled. "So Inazuma's underground scene has sunk to the point of relying on women prancing around onstage to swindle money now?"
That jab clearly hit a sore spot. The other mid-level officers all looked displeased.
Lucas wasn't wrong. These gangsters had built their empires through sheer force and fists. But with Inazuma's shifting political climate, they had no choice but to find profit in the gray zones.
Watanabe, however, remained unfazed. "What's wrong with making money off women? Whether it's the courtesans of Yoshiwara or the idols we've trained, they're all tools for profit."
Yoshiwara was Inazuma's infamous pleasure district—half-legit, half-shadowed. On the surface, it was filled with taverns and massage parlors, but behind closed doors, it trafficked in far more than that. All three major underground factions had their hands in it, but none more than the Inakawa-gumi, who controlled over 80% of the district.
"She's no different," Watanabe sneered, glancing at the girl beside him—Yae Usagi. "Just a toy."
Yae Usagi's face paled. She mumbled, "Papa, I…"
"Shut up!" Watanabe suddenly lashed out, grabbing her by the hair and slamming her to the ground. "You're useless now as an idol. Starting tomorrow, you're going to work in Yoshiwara."
Yae Usagi lay on the floor, her face pressed against the cold ground, sobbing. She'd always believed she could manipulate men with her charm. But only now did she realize—she was the one being used all along.
"Tsk tsk." Lucas watched her without a trace of sympathy. He smiled and said, "And here I thought you dragged me here to avenge her."
"We don't care about her. But touching her means you've slapped the face of the Inakawa-gumi," Watanabe said, raising five fingers. "So first, you'll pay four hundred million Mora to compensate us—"
"Wait a sec," Lucas raised a brow. "Four hundred million Mora? Why are you holding up five fingers?"
"Because there's one more thing…" Watanabe lowered four fingers, leaving just the pinky extended. His voice turned icy. "You'll leave us a finger."
"How about this instead," Lucas stepped closer, raising his hand and spreading all five fingers. "Let me give you this."
"Oh?" Watanabe sneered. "Trying to buy back your finger with one hundred million Mora?"
"No, no," Lucas said casually.
Then his hand came down with a crack like a thunderclap. He slapped Watanabe clean across the face.
A sharp smack, and the sheer force of the blow sent him flying. A clatter of teeth hit the floor.
The room froze. Even the guards behind Watanabe stood stunned for a moment before rushing forward to prop him up. He spat blood and roared, "Kill him! Cut this bastard down!"
At once, steel flashed as over a hundred men drew their katanas, encircling Lucas in a dense ring, ready to hack him to pieces.
"Yae Miko… so this was your plan all along?" Lucas chuckled to himself. "Too lazy to get your own hands dirty, so you lured me here to do the cleanup?"
Though he wasn't the type to hold grudges over something so minor, Lucas definitely planned to settle the score with Yae Miko later.
Vmmm—
The blade at his waist trembled violently. The Blade Maiden was getting excited. She could sense the impending carnage.
After all, she was a cursed blade that thrived on blood.
"Yes, yes, I know," Lucas sighed indulgently, drawing her in a fluid motion. At the same time, a phantom mask of a Hannya demon took form over his face. "You two have been holding back for a long time, haven't you? Let's go wild."
"Are we allowed to kill?" the Hannya mask asked again.
"These people are all criminals," Lucas replied offhandedly. "So go ahead."
"Gladly!" the Blade Maiden and the Hannya mask answered in unison.
Truthfully, Lucas could have wiped the floor with these thugs on his own. But he summoned the Blade Maiden and the Hannya mask to let them vent some of the resentment they'd accumulated after centuries of being sealed.
What followed was hardly a battle—it was a massacre.
With the Hannya mask on his face, Lucas looked like a demon from the depths of hell. Like a meat grinder come to life, he tore through the Inakawa-gumi like a whirlwind of death.
His white robes stood out starkly amid the sea of black suits, like a streak of pure white light ripping through the shadows, blooming into blood-red petals wherever he passed.
Organs flew. Intestines spilled. The once-spotless chamber was reduced to a grotesque blur of flesh and gore. Yet not a single drop of blood stained Lucas's clothes. In the room painted with red and black, he almost seemed to glow.
Watanabe and the other officers huddled among the panicked crowd, eyes wide with disbelief.
They'd thought Lucas was just some rich boy from Liyue. A scare or two, and they'd milk him for all he was worth. They never imagined he'd be this terrifying.
Shing!
Lucas wiped the blood from the Blade Maiden using the coat of a corpse, and her blade gleamed snow-white once again.
Step by step, he approached Watanabe.
"W-Wait!" Watanabe finally screamed.
"Oh?" Lucas said flatly. "Begging for mercy now? Isn't it a bit late?"
"I… I still have a powerful subordinate!" Watanabe growled. "You wouldn't dare fight her!"
Lucas, still riding the high of combat, grinned. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Good... very good!" Watanabe Masaru muttered to one of his lackeys, his voice low and hurried. "Go—go summon the Lady Immortal. Tell her... we've agreed to her terms!"
The lackey nodded frantically and stumbled out the door in a panic.
Lucas couldn't help but chuckle.
Summon the Lady Immortal? Why not just call in the Buddha himself while you're at it?
Besides, in all his time in Inazuma, he'd heard plenty of rumors about yokai—but not once had he heard of an immortal residing here.
"Don't think you can stall for time like this," Lucas said, a hint of impatience in his tone. "I'll give you ten minutes. If your so-called helper doesn't show up by then, I'll personally tear through your entire Inakawa-gumi."
"You… you're strong, I'll admit that," Watanabe said, seemingly confident in the reinforcements he'd called. A cold sneer crept across his face. "But the one I've invited is an immortal from Liyue. A mere mortal like you can't possibly be her match."
"You sure you haven't just been scammed by some snake-oil priest?" Lucas laughed. "I know quite a few of Liyue's Adepti myself, and even the least of them wouldn't stoop to becoming hired muscle for a gang in Inazuma."
Still, he was genuinely curious now. Just who was this so-called "immortal from Liyue" that Watanabe was bragging about?
A few minutes later, the doors burst open again. The lackey who had gone to fetch the help sprinted back in, breathless. "She's here! Lady Immortal has arrived!"
Lucas turned toward the door. He didn't see anyone yet, but the approaching footsteps echoed clearly in his ears—crisp and steady. Oddly familiar, too.
And when the figure stepped into view, Lucas nearly blurted out in shock.
Long silver hair. Strikingly cold and beautiful features.
It was… none other than his sister-in-law and... wife, Shenhe!
No wonder they mistook her for an immortal. Among humans, her aura really was otherworldly.
But what the hell was she doing in Inazuma? And why was she playing errand girl for a local gang?
It was all so absurd that Lucas couldn't even begin to piece it together.
Of course, since he still wore the Hannya mask over his face and hadn't spoken a word, Shenhe didn't recognize him. She merely scanned the room with cool detachment and said calmly, "So. Are you willing to help me find that person now?"
"Yes, of course! Lady Shenhe!" Watanabe quickly pointed at Lucas. "As long as you defeat him, we'll scour all of Inazuma to help you find your beloved!"
"Shut—shut your mouth!" Shenhe's expression flushed slightly. "Who told you I was looking for a beloved?"
Lucas still didn't know why Shenhe had ended up here, but from their exchange, he could make a pretty good guess—she must've come to Inazuma in search of him. As for how she got tangled up with the Inakawa-gumi…
Well, knowing Shenhe's complete lack of common sense and tendency to act on instinct, literally anything was possible.
"Who I'm looking for doesn't matter!" Watanabe said anxiously. "Just get rid of this guy and we'll give you whatever you want!"
His faith in Shenhe's abilities wasn't misplaced. Just two days ago, this woman from Liyue had singlehandedly taken down one of their smuggling ships, then brazenly showed up at their front door.
Watanabe had initially planned to punish her severely—but instead, she wiped the floor with all of Inakawa-gumi's top fighters. Forced to change tactics, he had coaxed and cajoled her, offering "compensation" just to keep her around, hoping to use her overwhelming strength for his own ends.
Most people would've smelled something fishy, but Shenhe was unusually straightforward. As soon as they promised to help her search, she actually stayed.
Watanabe had been waiting for a good excuse to unleash her. And now, that moment had come.
Shenhe glanced at Lucas again. Suddenly, something seemed to dawn on her. Her gaze sharpened, and she said coldly, "You. Take off your mask."
"You heard her!" Watanabe smirked smugly, clearly thinking victory was already in hand. "Lady Immortal doesn't strike nameless ghosts!"
"Sigh… fine."
Lucas let out a breath and, in the next instant, the terrifying Hannya mask dissolved into particles of light and vanished—revealing his true face.
The moment she saw it, Shenhe's pupils dilated. Without realizing it, she stepped forward, crossing the distance between them.
"What's the matter? Frozen in place from sheer terror?" Watanabe was staring intently at them, imagining the next moment when the immortal would pierce this man through the chest with a single blow.
But instead, Shenhe didn't say a word—she simply lunged forward and hugged him tightly.
Everyone still alive in the room was utterly stunned.
Wait… was this some kind of special Liyue technique?
"You bastard…" Shenhe murmured into his chest, voice low and shaky. "You didn't write home for so long. Do you have any idea… how worried my senior sister was?"
"Only Ganyu was worried?" Lucas teased. "What about you?"
Shenhe didn't respond—but then Lucas suddenly winced in pain.
She had bitten him.
Hard.
So hard that for the first time today, after mowing down dozens of gangsters without shedding a drop of blood, his body was marked—with a neat row of bite marks, clear as day.
"Why did you bite me?" Lucas asked, half laughing, half exasperated.
"To leave a mark," Shenhe said coldly. "So if you die out there, they'll know it's you when they find the body."
The words sounded a little morbid, but Lucas understood—this was just her way of showing concern.
"Uh…" Watanabe stammered. "Lady Immortal, is this…?"
"I don't need your help finding anyone anymore," Shenhe said flatly. "I've already found him."
Watanabe stood there in a daze, slowly processing what had just happened.
His whole plan had been to pit one plague against another—use Shenhe, the walking calamity, to get rid of Lucas, another ticking time bomb.
But who would've thought these two disasters… were from the same family?!
"Th-Then… congratulations, I guess." Watanabe immediately tried to change tack, offering a sycophantic smile. "It's all… it's all just been a big misunderstanding! Please, great ones, forgive our offenses—let us off the hook this once!"
Lucas smiled faintly. "A-He, what do you think?"
"My master once taught me a saying," Shenhe replied coldly. "If you don't pull the weeds out by the roots, they'll grow back with the spring breeze."
"Watanabe," Lucas said lightly, "do you know what that means?"
Watanabe Masaru's face was ashen. In the end, he let out a long sigh, knelt before Lucas, and drew a short wakizashi from his waist with trembling hands.
"If death is inevitable, then at least… let me die with some dignity. Liyue man, please act as my kaishakunin."
"Seppuku, huh? Gotta say, that's kind of admirable." Lucas raised the Blade Maiden and smiled. "Don't worry—I'll give you… all of you, a swift and clean death."
Seppuku didn't really need much explanation. As the name implied, it involved slicing open one's belly with a short blade. Because the pain was intense and death didn't come quickly, a friend or trusted companion would stand by to finish the job with a swift decapitation—the kaishakunin.
Of course, being a kaishakunin wasn't exactly easy. First, you had to be strong enough to cleanly sever the head in one strike. Second, you had to be precise—ideally, you'd leave a sliver of skin at the neck so the head wouldn't go rolling.
If your technique was off, well… the person doing seppuku would suffer horrifically. Rumor had it that some writer named Mishima once attempted this, but his kaishakunin botched the job and needed several swings, leaving the man in unbearable agony.
"Go ahead," Lucas said calmly.
"Father… I will repay your kindness in my next life!" Watanabe Masaru declared, raising the wakizashi and preparing to drive it into his belly. "AHHH—!"
But just then, an elderly voice interrupted him. "Wait."
The blade halted mid-thrust, but still managed to slice a shallow wound into his abdomen.
Lucas and Shenhe turned toward the voice—and saw an old man with white hair and beard standing in the room, though neither of them had noticed when he'd entered.
He looked at least eighty years old, face deeply wrinkled. Though his figure was thin, he stood tall, radiating a quiet pressure. Still, with IV tubes and catheters dangling from him, he looked like a man at death's door.
"Forgive the intrusion," the old man wheezed. "I am Hanayama Genichirou… cough cough… the twelfth Oyabun of the Iwakawa-gumi."
Whoa now—hold up. That name's way too on-the-nose!
"F-Father!" Watanabe Sho's eyes filled with panic as he saw the old man. "It's… it's my failure! Please allow me to die for my mistakes!"
"Instead of always thinking about dying to atone," Genichirou said quietly, looking at Lucas, "why not live to repay the debt? That man might not be a good person… but he is certainly a loyal hound."
"You're their boss?" Shenhe narrowed her eyes. "I don't kill the elderly. You and him—kill yourselves."
"Heh… look at me. How much longer do you think I have anyway?" Genichirou chuckled weakly. "You, guest from Liyue—those two shikigami you used earlier… if I'm not mistaken, they were Muramasa and the Hannya Mask, correct?"
Lucas's heart gave a slight jolt. Very few people should even know those names. He asked cautiously, "How do you know that?"
Genichirou slowly raised his head, as if recalling something from long ago. "Have you ever heard the tale… of the Chivalrous Wanderer?"
"W-Wait a minute!" Lucas suddenly had a realization and waved his hands. "Don't! Please! I've heard way too many of those already!"
But Genichirou ignored him completely and continued on: "Three hundred years ago, the first Oyabun of the Iwakawa-gumi was just a boy. His entire family was slaughtered by bandits, and he too should've died that night… but a wandering swordsman who had stopped by to rest saved him."
As he spoke, Genichirou pulled back his robes, revealing a broad, wiry back tattooed with a striking figure: a ronin wearing a Hannya mask, wielding Muramasa in one hand and an Aodandon lantern in the other, with a scroll slung over his back.
"To honor that swordsman, the first Oyabun decreed that every Oyabun after him must bear this tattoo," Genichirou continued. "And not just that—if we ever encountered a descendant of that swordsman, the entire Iwakawa-gumi would be offered up to them, to repay our eternal debt."
Good grief. Did the cast from Baki the Grappler just wander over here to guest star?
Lucas was full of doubts. As far as he knew, Kamuno Harunosuke had died five hundred years ago due to a shift in the timeline—there was no way he could've shown up three hundred years ago, much less with all four of his shikigami still intact.
The only plausible explanation… was that someone had impersonated Harunosuke.
And among those who knew Harunosuke's identity, appearance, and shikigami—and could pull off such an impersonation—only one name came to mind.
Yae Miko.
And just like that, everything finally clicked.
All the convoluted loops and setups… it wasn't about some pop idol, or taking down the Iwakawa-gumi through proxy.
No—Yae Miko's real plan… was to hand the entire Iwakawa-gumi over to him!
Who else could possibly pull off a scheme like that?
"So… what's the old man rambling about?" Shenhe asked, frowning.
"He's saying…" Lucas rubbed his forehead in resignation. "He wants me to take over the Iwakawa-gumi."
"Well, isn't that a good thing?" Shenhe replied matter-of-factly. "With that many subordinates, it'll be much easier for you to operate in Inazuma."
Having lived in seclusion for most of her life, Shenhe lacked basic common sense—and her notions of good and evil were far from conventional. As far as she was concerned, if something could be used to her benefit, even a criminal syndicate was fair game.
"Of course…" Genichirou coughed twice more. "If you'd rather not, that's also fine—"
"He'll take it!"
Before Lucas could say anything, Shenhe shoved his shoulder and declared, "From now on, this guy is your new boss, isn't he?"
"A-Hé…" Lucas groaned. "Could you maybe stop making decisions for me?"
"If you regret it later, you can just disband them," Shenhe said, clearly amused. "But if you don't take over, they'll just keep doing bad things, right?"
To be fair, she had a point.
The Iwakawa-gumi's influence ran deep in Inazuma. Even if Lucas wiped out all the top brass here and now, the group wouldn't just vanish—on the contrary, they might even retaliate with more ferocity, creating an even bigger mess.
"Sigh, alright, alright…"
Lucas finally gave a resigned nod. "If that's the case, I guess I'll accept—just this once."
Kneeling beside him, Watanabe Masaru was torn between frustration and relief. Frustrated because the position of boss—coveted by countless Inazuma underworld leaders—had been so easily handed over to this guy, who even acted like he was being dragged into it. But at the same time, he felt a flicker of hope. If this man really was going to lead the Inakawa Group, maybe—just maybe—he'd be spared.
"Excellent. Then perhaps… she can awaken again."
With trembling hands, Genichirou pulled out an exquisitely crafted rectangular box and handed it to Lucas. "This is one of the shikigami your ancestor left behind. For generations, she's watched over the Inakawa Group. Please—accept her."
It seemed Genichirou was fully convinced that Lucas was the descendant of that long-lost savior. After all, no ordinary human could live over three hundred years. But shikigami were different. Their lifespans far exceeded those of humans, and their bonds to their masters often passed on to the next of kin.
Another shikigami?
Lucas took the wooden box and opened the lid. Inside was a neatly rolled-up scroll, pristine and unblemished despite the centuries that had passed.
He reached for it, but the moment his fingers touched the scroll, it quivered—then suddenly sprang from the box on its own. It unfurled in midair with a waft of ink fragrance, and only then did Lucas see what lay within.
Painted inside was a black-haired girl, graceful and elegant. Her robes looked like they were woven directly from the scroll itself, adorned with lifelike images of yokai that seemed to float with every motion—almost as if she were walking through a painting.
Her eyes were closed at first, but they slowly opened as she caught sight of Lucas. A brilliant smile lit up her face, and she reached toward him, calling out: "Master! You've come to bring me home—oof!"
To everyone's surprise, she didn't actually emerge from the scroll. Instead, it was like she slammed straight into an invisible wall, her delicate face squishing adorably against the invisible barrier.
"Ow… that hurt…" she muttered, peeling her face off the barrier between scroll and reality. She rubbed her cheek with a pout. "Wh-Why can't I come out?"
"Let me try."
Lucas seemed to recall something. He reached toward the scroll—and unlike the girl, his hand slipped through like it was dipping into water.
He gently cupped her face in his hand. The girl leaned into the touch, eyes shimmering with emotion. "Master… Hyakki-hime has missed you so much…"
This was the Hyakki Yagyō Scroll, one of the four tsukumogami shikigami.
Unlike the others, the Hundred Demons Parade Scroll didn't possess any combat prowess. Instead, it could summon and control yokai sealed within it. Rumor had it that if all 108 yokai were collected, the scroll's true power would awaken.
Of course, that kind of "Pokédex collection" was no small feat. Even five hundred years ago, Harunosuke didn't have the time or energy to complete it. In essence, this scroll was like his personal Poké Ball—used to capture yokai.
Hyakki-hime was the consciousness that had formed from the scroll. She was the master of all yokai sealed within.
Lucas grasped her hands and slowly pulled her out of the painting. As she neared the boundary, Hyakki-hime hesitated. But the warmth of his palm gave her courage—and she pushed forward.
At last, Hyakki-hime emerged from the scroll. After centuries of confinement, she finally felt the real world again.
"Master!"
Without hesitation, she threw herself into Lucas's arms. But just as she tried to snuggle closer, she suddenly froze.
It turned out only her upper half had emerged from the scroll. Her lower half… was still stuck inside.
"I-I can't get out…" Hyakki-hime wriggled and squirmed, trying all kinds of positions, but no matter what she did, one half of her body would remain trapped.
If her top half came out, the bottom half stayed in. If her left side emerged, the right would be stuck. No matter what—she couldn't come out whole.
"Looks like your power hasn't fully recovered yet," Lucas said, chuckling helplessly. "You're still bound to your physical form."
"It's fine. Just being able to touch Master again…" Unlike her two oddball shikigami siblings, Hyakki-hime was sweet and gentle. "That's more than enough for me."
"Father!"
The tender reunion was abruptly cut short by frantic shouting. Genichirou had collapsed at some point, lying motionless on the floor while Watanabe and the other officers knelt by his side, panic written all over their faces.
"Move."
Lucas stepped forward, placing a hand on the old man's wrist. After checking his pulse and body condition, his brow furrowed.
"For someone this frail to last this long… that alone is incredible."
"Father… he was clinging to life, relying on nothing but medicine and willpower—just to find our savior's descendant," Watanabe said, eyes rimmed with red. "Now that his wish is fulfilled… he can rest."
Suddenly, as if struck by inspiration, he spun around and dropped to his knees in front of Lucas.
"Thirteenth Boss! From now on, the Inakawa Group is in your hands!"
"Hmph." Shenhe let out a cold snort. "Opportunistic little snake."
"And Big Sis too!" Watanabe shouted quickly. "We'll follow you both—one hundred percent!"
That "Big Sis" line actually made Shenhe blush slightly.
"…He's not entirely useless, I suppose," she muttered.
The other officers quickly caught on and followed suit, kneeling in front of Lucas and Shenhe in unison. "Greetings, Boss and Big Sis!"
For a brief moment, Lucas wondered if the next thing out of their mouths was going to be: You're our daddy now, and we're your kids.
"Alright, alright," Lucas sighed. "You can all get up now."
"We... we don't dare!" Watanabe Masaru was sweating profusely. "After all, we were so disrespectful to you earlier, Boss. Please... please forgive us!"
The other underbosses nodded quickly, their faces full of fear.
"Relax. A group as big as the Iwakawa-gumi, there's no way I could manage it alone," Lucas said with a nod. "As long as you all behave from now on, I'll let today's events slide."
Only then did the gang leaders shakily climb to their feet.
The reason they were being so obedient wasn't just because of the late Oyabun's dying wishes. More importantly, the man and woman standing before them were clearly a pair of deadly powerhouses—offending them would be suicide. If Lucas had been weak, they might've already taken him out and started fighting over the boss's seat themselves.
These gangsters admired strength above all. And Lucas wasn't just powerful—he'd been handpicked by the twelfth Oyabun to be his successor.
If the Iwakawa-gumi was led by these two, maybe—just maybe—they could crush the other two major yakuza groups in Inazuma and reign supreme in the underworld.
Of course, Lucas saw right through their little ambitions. These underbosses weren't good people by any stretch, but if he wanted to keep the Iwakawa-gumi under control, he'd need their help.
To achieve great things, you couldn't afford to fuss over every little detail. A true leader had to be bold enough to turn enemies into allies.
Just then, Watanabe Masaru suddenly noticed something. He rushed forward, and a shrill female scream rang out. He had grabbed Yae Usagi by the arm and slammed her to the floor.
"Boss, what do you want to do with this woman?" he said coldly.
Yae Usagi never imagined things would spiral this far out of control.
She had planned to use the Iwakawa-gumi to teach this infuriating man a lesson. But now? Not only had he not been punished, he'd somehow ended up becoming the Oyabun of the entire gang!
"I… I was wrong!" Yae Usagi looked utterly defeated, trembling as she pleaded, "Just don't kill me! I'll do whatever you want!"
"Boss, don't waste words on her," Watanabe said eagerly, trying to win favor. "Why not toss her into one of the brothels in Yoshiwara? Let her work off your losses the old-fashioned way."
This guy really knew how to play the game.
"Not a bad idea," Lucas said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he stared at Yae Usagi. "A washed-up idol forced into the red-light district... that's definitely the kind of headline that'd draw a crowd."
"Boss, you really get it!" Watanabe praised him enthusiastically. "She might even become the number one girl in no time—just keep her booked up with clients..."
"Oh, right, there's one more thing," Lucas suddenly changed the subject. "From now on, shut down all those brothels in Yoshiwara."
Watanabe blinked. "Boss, if we're not running those places... how are we supposed to make money?"
"Trust me, I've got connections," Lucas said with a mysterious air. "The only reason those places haven't been cracked down on yet is because the shogunate's too busy finishing the Statue of Omnipresence and dealing with the resistance. Once that's over, they're going to come down hard on all the gray-market stuff. Listen to me—change lanes while you still can."
Knowing the plot, Lucas was well aware that the chaos in Inazuma wouldn't last much longer. If these yakuza wanted to survive, their only chance was to go legit—just like real-world crime syndicates had done.
Watanabe didn't doubt him, but still looked confused. "But if we're not running brothels... what are we supposed to do? Those women don't know how to do anything except flirt with men."
"That's easy," Lucas said, clapping him on the shoulder with a grin. "Turn them into maids. Maid cafés, maid tabletop gaming lounges—train them to play Genius Invokation TCG. I promise you, you'll get more customers looking to duel than... well, the other thing."
"This is... an entirely new path!" Watanabe looked like his worldview had just shattered. "Boss, please keep going!"
"And you're doing idol work too, right? Keep it up—that's the future!" Lucas continued with enthusiasm. "But this time, forget solo idols. Just take the top hostesses and the most popular girls, put them in a group. I've even got the name ready: Ebisu Shine Muscats!"
"Boss, you're a genius! You've opened my eyes!" Watanabe turned to the other underbosses and said sternly, "You heard him. Do exactly as the Boss says—get his orders passed down immediately!"
"Yes, sir!" the underbosses responded, bowing in perfect 90-degree sync before quickly filing out.
"Phew..." Lucas finally let out a long breath. "That's one crisis dealt with."
"Is it, though?" Shenhe, who had been silent this whole time, finally spoke, her expression dark. "You'd better explain everything that's happened since you arrived in Inazuma."
...
Ichimokuyashiro.
After wrapping up the Iwakawa-gumi situation, Lucas gave Shenhe a rough recap of everything that had happened since he arrived in Inazuma.
Of course, he left out a few... "unnecessary" details.
"So let me get this straight..." Shenhe said thoughtfully, summarizing, "You have to complete three tasks for Lady Yae before you're allowed to meet the Raiden Shogun and ask her to smash that bracelet on your arm?"
"Pretty much," Lucas nodded. "That woman is seriously not to be messed with."
"Which one?" Shenhe asked, confused. "Lady Yae or the Raiden Shogun?"
"Both," Lucas said bluntly. "If there's anyone you don't want to cross in Inazuma, it's those two."
Mess with Yae Miko, and she'd find all sorts of bizarre and petty ways to take revenge.
Mess with the Raiden Shogun, and she'd just straight-up slice you in half.
"Hmph. What's the big deal?" Shenhe huffed. Her proud nature meant she bowed to no one besides Cloud Retainer and Ganyu. "Why go to all that trouble? The Raiden Shogun's holed up in Tenshukaku, isn't she? With our strength, we could probably storm the place without breaking a sweat."
"Absolutely not!" Lucas said firmly. "Now that you're here in Inazuma, I need to lay down some ground rules..."
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Author's Note: Weekly attendance ✋ and have a nice day ahead!
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