However…
"I'm sorry, but I still refuse," Yami said, his tone firm.
Yami wasn't an ordinary person; he stood in a league of his own. The offer, which seemed so enticing, held no real appeal for him. The full backing of the Shinomiya Consortium and the prospect of taking on two young women as disciples—these incentives were simply too low-level.
Still, Yami wasn't entirely dismissive of the proposal. He had his own ideas.
Gan'an's behavior left him appalled, especially the way he treated Kaguya Shinomiya and Ai Hayasaka. It reminded him of someone else—Tokiomi Tohsaka. The resemblance was unsettling.
If that were the case, what difference would a different approach make?
Yami's eyes lit up with intrigue. What if Kaguya and Hayasaka could gain real power? Would they continue to serve under Gan'an, leading the same miserable lives? Or would they finally take control of their own destinies?
"I won't be your protector, but there's another way," Yami said, his voice thoughtful. "I have a particular interest in rare ores and metals from around the world. If you can help me collect them, I'll give you a chance."
"A chance to gain extraordinary power and become truly strong!"
"Of course, I can only offer this opportunity to two people. As for who they'll be, it'll be these two young ladies."
"You can refuse if you wish. It doesn't matter to me. There are plenty of others in this world I can work with."
"This is the best I can offer, so think it over and give me your answer."
Yami's way of dealing with things was direct and pragmatic. He felt no burden offering such a vague, pie-in-the-sky opportunity. After all, he didn't need to personally train them—he could simply throw Kaguya and Hayasaka into the world of pirates.
If the two girls truly had potential, they would grow stronger. In that case, he wouldn't be a liar.
Once they had power, it would be up to them to decide whether to stay with their family and continue being pawns or to take control of their own futures.
If they chose to remain in their current lives despite having the power to change them, well, they'd have no one to blame but themselves.
Yami's thoughts returned to the present.
After hearing Yami's words, Gan'an's face lit up with excitement. The gray-haired old man's cheeks flushed bright red, as if he might collapse from a stroke at any moment.
"No need to think about it—I agree!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"I will have my people search for those rare ores and metals immediately. And please, sir, take good care of Kaguya and Hayasaka!"
Gan'an's quick agreement left no room for second thoughts or hesitation.
Yami could sense the old man's eagerness, but he only smiled. He didn't say anything further.
If the old man knew that Yami had only made this proposal to achieve his own goals and was just curious to see what would happen, would he still be so excited?
That would certainly be something to see!
"Well, it's settled then," Yami said, his tone light. "But don't forget your promise. If I don't see the results I want after some time, don't blame me for turning against you."
"Perhaps to others, the Shinomiya Consortium seems like a giant. But to me, it's not even one ten-thousandth of the giant monster I fought earlier."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
Yami's eyes narrowed, and a faint smile played across his lips.
Gan'an felt the weight of Yami's words. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead once again.
Without hesitation, the old man promised, "Rest assured, sir. I'll have my people search for those materials right away."
"I can guarantee that the situation you described will never happen!"
"Good. I'll trust you for now. Let's end the discussion here," Yami said, leaning back slightly. "In the future, unless it's urgent, don't bother me."
"Understood, sir. I'll take my leave now," Gan'an replied, hearing the unmistakable dismissal in Yami's words.
Gan'an wasn't offended; his mission had been accomplished. Instead, he was filled with joy.
The Shinomiya Consortium would finally have strong allies with extraordinary power!
"Kaguya, Hayasaka, come with me," Gan'an said, signaling to the two girls as he prepared to leave.
There was likely something important he wanted to tell them.
Yami didn't pay much attention as the group departed. He remained seated, watching them exit the room.
A short while later, Kaguya and Hayasaka returned, looking at Yami with a mixture of awe and unease.
"Relax," Yami said, noticing their tense expressions. "Come with me. I'll introduce you to some people. Just be polite—if you make them angry, don't expect me to help you. You'll be on your own."
The girls hurriedly nodded, indicating their understanding.
Even Kaguya, known as the 'Ice Sculpture Beauty' in school, didn't dare show any attitude in this situation.
---
Meanwhile, downstairs at the hotel, Gan'an and his entourage took the elevator to the lobby, where luxury cars were waiting for them outside.
However, the old man didn't immediately get into the car. Instead, he stood by, looking up at the hotel.
They had finally gained the opportunity to ascend to greatness.
Though the process had been far from ideal, the outcome was what mattered.
With Kaguya and Hayasaka under Yami's protection, the safety of the Shinomiya Consortium would be assured.
With that thought, Gan'an exhaled a long sigh of relief.
"Let's go!" he said, finally getting into the car, which quickly merged into the bustling traffic.