Nogi Hideki was stunned. Such a golden opportunity?
"You're serious?" His demeanor shifted, voice turning deferential.
Su Ze eyed Nogi, suddenly understanding why Katahara Metsudo spared Hayami Katsumasa.
In medieval Europe, court jesters mocked kings and nobles for amusement, yet the elite found it entertaining, not offensive.
He smiled. "Absolutely. I want you as the Kengan's financial deputy. After dissolving Nogi Group, it can merge under the Kengan's banner, and you'll manage it."
A large organization needed business talent, or it'd bleed money.
Metsudo's people were mostly gone, leaving gaps. Without swift replacements, trouble would brew.
"I'll serve you loyally!" Nogi stepped back, performing a deep bow, nearly tearing up.
So much for challenging me, Su Ze thought, shaking his head. Such groveling.
He said, "Scouting new fighters is your task too. Use Yamashita Ichiro's talent well… Also, I'm borrowing Akiyama Kaede. I need an assistant."
"Me?" Kaede pointed at herself, bewildered.
"That's Kaede's call," Nogi said, principled, though certain she'd agree.
It was a meteoric rise.
Su Ze cut to the chase. "I'll triple your salary."
"Done! Looking forward to working with you!" Kaede snapped to, beaming, her golden eyes sparkling behind glasses.
A dream boss for any worker.
"Kurapika, call in Souryuin and the Tenma sisters," Su Ze waved.
Nogi and Ichiro tactfully left, leaving Kaede.
Kurapika went to fetch the others.
"Stand behind me," Su Ze told Kaede.
She obeyed, standing to his left, her secretary attire fitting perfectly.
Su Ze nodded, pleased.
Two secretaries, one on each side—symmetry achieved.
Big bosses had robust secretary teams, from two to a dozen.
Being a hands-off leader was every tycoon's game.
Kurapika led in Souryuin Shion and the Tenma trio—Iori Ichika, Mitani Hana, Tenma Kibou—with Sakura Hibiki and Honma Kina trailing.
Sakura shrank behind Shion, still stinging from Su Ze's fists in the melee, now wary of him.
Kina, vibrant, stared at Su Ze with starry eyes, smiling sweetly.
"Souryuin Shion, I hear Honma Kina and Sakura Hibiki are from Ouzakura Academy—quite the talent pool," Su Ze said bluntly. "I want to form a women's division in the Kengan. I'd like you to lead it. Interested?"
The Souryuin family was a powerhouse—Souryuin Jumi owned listed companies at sixteen, their focus on education.
Shion was perfect for the role—professionally aligned, no question.
Shion's gaze hadn't left Su Ze since entering. "Is this a formal offer? I don't need money, though."
Su Ze's brow furrowed. "Meaning?"
Shion's eyes gleamed, fixated on his pecs. "Let me touch your pecs and take three private gym sessions with me!"
"…"
Su Ze, speechless, shrugged. "Go ahead."
Shion strode forward in her black stockings, staring at his pecs, swallowing hard. Her trembling hand grabbed them.
In that moment, her soul ascended!
She and her sister were hardcore muscle enthusiasts.
"So firm… so resilient… a work of art!" Shion panted, practically pressing her face to his chest, in full fangirl mode.
Su Ze, unable to take it, pushed her back. "Let's discuss the women's division rules."
"You'll lead it. Beyond fighting other groups, we'll have internal matches."
"Team One is the first tier, Team Two the second, with descending benefits."
"Rankings reset every three months."
As the Kengan grew, more fighters would join, making internal competitions inevitable. Best to set rules now.
To the Tenma trio, he said, "You'll lead Team One, with Honma Kina as the sole member. Recruit at least two more within a month, or you lose leadership."
The trio jolted.
They'd thought leaning on Su Ze meant an easy ride.
Internal competition? Too intense!
"We understand. Profit splits…" Iori Ichika rubbed her fingers.
"Discuss that with Shion," Su Ze said, sparing his brainpower.
Shion was trustworthy.
"We'll take our leave," Shion said, bowing out.
Watching them go, Su Ze tapped the desk. "Kurapika, bring in Onitake's people."
"Yes."
Soon, Kurapika returned with Onitake's duo.
Nitoku was Wokou Yujaku—no surprise. But Misaki Kin…
Su Ze's eyes narrowed, scanning her.
[Name: Vermouth]
[Traits: Beauty, Thousand-Faced Witch, Spy, Assassin, Mystic, Actress]
[Thoughts: Long time no see, Brandy…]
[Description: Black Organization's ace. Oscar-level acting, master of disguise and voice modulation, quick-witted, crack shot. Recently tasked with infiltrating Su Ze's circle to uncover his secrets and acquire as many "candies" as possible.]
Vermouth! Her, of all people!
In the organization, Su Ze's relationship with Vermouth was neither good nor bad. Both preferred solo work.
Heh, interesting. Mission failed, yet she lingers, targeting me.
Karasuma Renya, that greedy old fossil.
Tokugawa, the Wu Clan, Vermouth…
His faction was as tangled as a fake winery.
Vermouth met his gaze, smiling calmly. "My apologies for not congratulating you sooner, President Su."
She bowed slightly.
Facing the new Kengan president, she was poised, impossible to link to the winery.
-------------------------------
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