Red Scorpion stopped outside the warehouse.
"Vroom—! Vroom—!"
Over two hundred custom motorcycles, with their cool designs, roared to life, their engines deafening, tearing through the afternoon's tranquility.
Onizuka sat on his extremely ostentatious harley motorcycle, a cigar dangling from his mouth, a triumphant smile on his face.
Inokari, that fat oaf, was greedy but dim-witted, and his subordinates were nothing but useless trash.
Now, he had over two hundred men under his command!
In the entire Red Scorpion, besides the boss, who dared to challenge him?!
He took a deep drag from his cigar, then slowly exhaled, watching the curling smoke rise, his eyes gleaming with greed and excitement.
As long as he took down that kid named Ryuzaki Shin today, the smuggling quota promised by the boss would be his!
By then, he, Onizuka, would soar to great heights!
"Boss, will that fat oaf Inokari really bring the person over?"
A trusted subordinate sidled up, a hint of worry on his face.
Onizuka curled his lip, a look of disdain on his face.
"Him? Even if he had ten times the guts, he wouldn't dare not to come!"
Though he said that, Onizuka wasn't a pure hothead.
He looked up at the huge, dilapidated abandoned warehouse before him, his brow furrowing slightly.
He carefully observed his surroundings.
The area around the warehouse was empty; besides their two hundred-plus motorcycles, no other vehicles were visible.
On the muddy ground by the road, apart from the tire tracks they left, there were no signs of any large-scale human activity.
Onizuka mused, "Could that fat oaf Inokari really be coming alone, intending to share Ryuzaki Shin with me?"
But the next second, he shook his head.
He could fool others with that, but he wouldn't fool himself.
Everyone knew what Inokari was like.
Something was twelve times out of ten wrong.
There was definitely a trick here!
Thinking this, a glint of vigilance flashed in Onizuka's eyes.
He waved a hand behind him and said in a deep voice:
"Send twenty brothers in first to scout! The rest of you, wait outside for me!"
"Yes!"
Twenty elite Red Scorpion members immediately dismounted their motorcycles, iron rods and baseball bats in hand, and cautiously moved towards the half-open large iron gate.
Inside the warehouse, there was a deathly silence.
Tall shelves, like silent steel giants, cast grotesque shadows in the dim light, making the entire space feel unusually oppressive.
The air was filled with a nauseating smell, a mix of rust and dust.
"Drip… drip…"
From the damaged roof, whether it was rainwater or some other liquid, it slowly dripped, one drop at a time, onto the cold concrete floor, making a clear yet eerie sound.
The sound, in the silent warehouse, was particularly grating and chilling.
The twenty members of the advance party, looking at the horror movie-like scene before them, unconsciously swallowed, feeling a chill run down their spines.
They tightened their grip on their weapons and, step by step, cautiously walked deeper into the warehouse.
Soon, they saw a solitary figure in the center of the warehouse.
A figure, hog-tied with rope to a dilapidated chair, had its back to them, unmoving, like a stiff corpse.
The small leader at the front, seeing this scene, felt his heart tighten!
He gestured "caution" to his brothers behind him, and then, only then, cautiously pulled out his walkie-talkie.
"Boss… inside… there's a person tied to a chair, with their back to us, can't tell who it is."
He paused, his voice tinged with nervousness.
"But… it's too quiet in here, quiet to the point of… being unsettling."
...Outside the warehouse, Onizuka heard the report, and his brows instantly furrowed into a knot.
One person?
With their back to them?
What the hell was going on?!
His first thought was—a trap!
It was definitely a trap set by that fat oaf Inokari!
He wants to lure me in and then ambush me!
But… what if?
What if the one tied up was that kid Ryuzaki Shin?
What if that good-for-nothing Inokari really got lucky and ambushed him?
That was a smuggling quota!
Onizuka's eyes gleamed with greed and struggle.
He knew this was a great temptation, but also a fatal trap.
He had to come up with a foolproof plan!
He took a deep breath and said into the walkie-talkie in a deep voice:
"You all pull back first."
Then, he turned his head and waved his hand at the group of subordinates behind him, who were equally puzzled!
"Everyone! Follow me in!"
"But, leave fifty brothers outside to block all the exits for me!"
"If anything goes wrong inside, set it… on fire for me!"
He knew he had to go in.
But he also had a backup plan!
If it really was a trap, he would use these fifty men to cut off their retreat!
Then, he would set a fire and burn everyone inside to death!
This was Onizuka's style of doing things—
Ruthless! Vicious!
He led one hundred and fifty trusted elites, like a black tide, surging mightily into that darkness full of unknowns!
If Onizuka had ordered a thorough search of this abandoned warehouse, he might have discovered many of Ryuzaki Shin's people hiding in the shadows.
This was a single thought's difference… He didn't know that what he was stepping into was not a ledger of achievements, but… the gates of hell.
Onizuka, leading over a hundred men, stormed into the warehouse with a menacing aura.
He looked at the figure, tied up and with his back to him, and instinctively frowned.
Something's not right!
This guy is way too fat!
Ryuzaki Shin, though tall, was still quite lean.
But this one... he was practically a human-shaped pig!
Alarm bells rang in his heart, and he lunged forward, grabbing the person's shoulder and forcibly turning him around!
The moment he saw that face, Onizuka's pupils sharply contracted!
Damn it!
Isn't that Inokari, that pig?!
At this moment, Inokari's mouth was tightly gagged with a rag, his face filled with terror and despair. Seeing Onizuka, he shook his head frantically, making muffled 'woo woo woo' sounds, as if trying to warn him of something.
However, Onizuka couldn't pay attention to him at this moment.
If he still couldn't react by now, then he wasn't a pig, but a fool.
"You damn Inokari! You dared to set me up!!"
He roared, instinctively wanting to slap him.
But just then!
A lazy, mocking voice suddenly drifted down from the metal corridor on the second floor.
"Hey, Onizuka, your time is up."
"What?!"
Onizuka was greatly alarmed, and he sharply looked up!
He saw Ryuzaki Shin leaning casually against the railing on the edge of the second-floor corridor, a freshly lit cigarette in his mouth, watching him with a playful expression.
Behind him, Serizawa, Tokaji, Izaki Shun, Makise... one by one, the equally infamous cadres of Suzuran, also slowly emerged like ghosts from various shadows, looking down at them from above.
At the same time!
"Boom—!!!"
A deafening crash!
The warehouse's massive rolling iron door slammed down as if an invisible giant hand had struck it, instantly hitting the ground!
The enormous metallic impact echoed continuously in the empty warehouse, completely cutting off all of Onizuka's escape routes!
"Damn it! It's a trap!"
Onizuka's face instantly turned pale as he looked at the sudden turn of events!
Sure enough, he was surrounded!
He turned his head, looking at his subordinates, who were also terrified, and then at the dense crowd of at least a hundred True Dragon Society members upstairs and downstairs. His greed and smugness instantly transformed into endless fear and... despair.
Ryuzaki Shin slowly walked to the edge of the second-floor corridor. He didn't look at the completely panicked Onizuka below.
He merely looked down at the chaotic crowd below, like a king surveying his territory.
He calmly exhaled a smoke ring, and then, in an extremely flat tone, he said:
"Welcome to... my hunting ground."
The voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
And it clearly reached everyone's hearts.
That powerful, dominating aura made all the Red Scorpion members present instinctively swallow, feeling their breathing become difficult.
After a brief moment of terror, Onizuka's long-honed ferocity surged back!
He looked at his more than a hundred loyal subordinates, who still held a numerical advantage, and then at the 'ragtag army' upstairs, which, though imposing, mostly seemed to be just students.
He knew he hadn't lost yet!
He suddenly raised his head, his already ferocious face now filled with madness and brutality!
He pointed at Ryuzaki Shin on the second floor and, using all his strength, let out a hysterical roar:
"Brothers! Don't you dare be scared!"
"No matter how many of them there are, they're just a bunch of students who haven't seen blood!"
"Fight them! Break out!"
Onizuka's hysterical roar was like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake, instantly causing the entire warehouse to erupt!
At this point, there was no need for more talk.
Fighting was the only way!!
His over a hundred Red Scorpion members, who had already been scared out of their wits, felt like they had found their backbone upon hearing their boss's command!
The fierce light rekindled in their already dim eyes!
"Damn it! Let's fight them!"
"Break out!"
"For Red Scorpion!"
They roared and bellowed, like cornered mad dogs, brandishing their weapons and charging towards the stairwell and the seemingly weaker parts of the encirclement!
However, what awaited them was not an evenly matched melee.
But... a one-sided slaughter!
Just as they were about to rush to the stairwell!
"Move!"
Izaki Shun's cold voice, like a death sentence, echoed throughout the warehouse!
The next second!
"Poof—!"
"Poof—!"
"Poof—!"
More than a dozen large fire extinguishers, already prepared, sprayed out simultaneously from various corners of the second floor!
White dry powder, like thick smoke, instantly enveloped the entire first floor!
"Cough, cough, cough! What is this?!"
"Damn it! I can't see!"
The Red Scorpion members instantly lost their bearings. They were choked by the pungent dry powder, their eyes stinging and unable to open!
The entire warehouse plunged into chaos and panic!
However, this was only the beginning!
Just as they were scurrying around like headless flies in the smoke!
"Hehehe..."
Makise's gloating laughter came from the rafters on the top floor of the warehouse!
Immediately following!
Like rain, bags of white and red powder poured down!
Quicklime powder!
Chili powder!
"Ah—! My eyes! My eyes!"
"Help! So spicy! So spicy!"
"Water! Give me water!"
Screams of agony rose one after another!
The Red Scorpion members, whose eyes were already shut due to the dry powder, now felt as if they had fallen into hell!
Their eyes burned with agonizing pain from the quicklime powder!
Their mouths and noses streamed with tears and snot from the chili powder, making even breathing difficult!
In the chaos, they pushed and trampled each other, wailing everywhere!
And just then!
A neat and heavy sound of footsteps slowly emerged from the smoke!
Figures wearing gas masks, with only their cold eyes visible, carrying various weapons, silently surrounded them from all directions!
They looked at the 'lambs' before them, who had completely lost the ability to resist, and cruel, excited smiles appeared on their faces!
Then, at Izaki Shun's cold gesture!
They raised their weapons high and, like tigers entering a flock of sheep, bravely charged into that 'living hell' filled with screams and wails!
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The dull thud of fists colliding with flesh echoed continuously throughout the warehouse!
This was a one-sided slaughter with no suspense!
Tokaji Yuji led the charge, his burly figure like a human tank, crashing through the crowd!
He didn't even bother with weapons, simply using the simplest, most direct method to knock away the obstructive guys one by one, like bowling pins!
Serizawa Tamao also completely let loose, like an enraged beast. Every punch, every kick, was filled with the most primal, purest violence!
A careless guy swung a steel pipe, and Serizawa grabbed it with his hand!
"Clang!"
A loud crash!
Serizawa didn't even flinch!
Seizing the opponent's moment of shock, he delivered a fierce headbutt, slamming it hard into the opponent's face!
"Bang!"
The man's nose bridge collapsed from the impact, and he flew backward!
Makise Takashi was even more like a rampaging rhino. He picked up a fire extinguisher from the ground, dropped by who knows who, and swung his arms, smashing it again and again onto the bodies of the bikers!
That reckless ferocity was even more intense than Izaki Shun's!
...Onizuka stared blankly at the scene before him, which resembled purgatory.
He watched as his supposedly elite subordinates were now like lambs to the slaughter, easily taken down one by one by the opponents.
He looked at those figures wearing gas masks, like devils crawled out of hell, and for the first time, a feeling called 'fear' arose in his heart.
However, the will to survive still made him muster his last bit of courage!
He knew he couldn't wait any longer!
If he waited any longer, his men would be completely crippled!
Then their lives and deaths would no longer be their own.
He had to find a way to break out!
But his eyes were also stimulated, streaming tears, making it basically impossible to see anything clearly.
He could only vaguely hear some people attacking him.
At this moment, Onizuka, like a cornered beast, erupted with savagery.
He continuously swung a large machete with both hands, though he didn't hit anyone.
But the surrounding few meters became a vacuum, temporarily safe.
At this moment, Onizuka knew this was only temporary; once his stamina was exhausted, he would still be finished.
At this moment.
With the last bit of his vision, he barely managed to look at Ryuzaki Shin on the second floor, who hadn't moved at all, a trace of extreme venom flashing in his eyes!
He knew!
As long as he took him down, he still had a chance to turn the tables!
At least he could escape!
He no longer hesitated!
Enduring the burning pain in his eyes, he squinted, relying on his blurry vision and the beastly instinct he had honed over many years.
He suddenly charged towards the stairwell on the second floor!
The machete in his hand swung wildly in the air, creating a whistling sound!
"Get the hell out of my way!!"
The True Dragon Society members who were beating up the fallen enemies instinctively took half a step back, clearing a path for him.
Onizuka's heart filled with joy at the sight!
He knew his chance had come!
However, just as he was about to rush up to the second floor!
A ghostly figure, at some unknown point, had silently appeared before him!
Ryuzaki Shin!
Onizuka was greatly alarmed. Without thinking, he instinctively swung the machete in his hand, bringing it down fiercely towards Ryuzaki Shin's neck!
Ryuzaki Shin looked at his uncoordinated attack, a very "kind" smile on his face.
He didn't even use a weapon. Just as the machete was about to fall, he suddenly took a step forward, turned sideways, and slammed his shoulder hard into Onizuka's chest!
"Bang!"
Onizuka felt as if he had been hit head-on by a charging rhino. His sternum instantly collapsed, and he flew backward like a cannonball, crashing heavily against the wall about ten meters away!
He struggled a few times, trying to get up from the ground, but his body felt like it had fallen apart, completely unresponsive.
Ryuzaki Shin slowly walked up to him, step by step, looking down at him.
"With this much strength, you want to fight me?"
After Ryuzaki Shin finished speaking, he no longer paid attention to the useless man who had completely become a prisoner.
He just turned around and casually waved a hand at the True Dragon Society members behind him, who were looking at him with fervent admiration.
"The farce should end now."
As soon as he finished speaking!
He then, like an arrow released from a bowstring, fiercely charged back into the midst of the Red Scorpion remnants who were still stubbornly resisting!
This time, he showed no mercy!
His body, like a ghost, moved through the chaotic crowd, and every strike was inevitably accompanied by the sound of bones shattering and agonizing screams!
In less than two minutes.
The entire scene returned to dead silence.
On the ground, people lay scattered everywhere, groans rising and falling, and not a single Red Scorpion member was able to stand up anymore.
Ryuzaki Shin slowly cast his gaze towards the two "protagonists" he had ignored from beginning to end—
Inokari and Onizuka.
He had these two men, who were already scared stiff, dragged like dead dogs to the center of the warehouse.
He pulled over a relatively intact chair, sat down imperiously, and casually placed his foot on Onizuka's face.
His gaze slowly swept over everyone present.
Whether it was the Red Scorpion captives who had been beaten unconscious, or the True Dragon Society members who were looking at him with fervent admiration.
Everyone who met his gaze instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to even breathe.
Ryuzaki Shin was very satisfied with this effect.
Just then, the system's notification sound rang out in his mind again!
"Ding! Detecting that the host is making the final decision, the God-tier Choice System is activated!"
"Option One: Cut the weeds and eliminate the roots; deal with Onizuka and Inokari, as well as all Red Scorpion captives, to prevent future troubles. Reward for completion: Obtain the title [Cold-Blooded Butcher], wearing effect: Every attack you make will carry an intimidation effect, making enemies more likely to fear you."
"Option Two: Repay evil with good; let them go and tell them: 'When will vengeance ever cease, and the sea of suffering has no bounds, turn back and reach the shore.' Reward for completion: Obtain [Halo of the Holy Mother], wearing effect: You will be more easily betrayed."
"Option Three: Use the most cruel and direct method to stage a judgment of humanity in front of everyone, making them understand what fear is, and what... despair is! Reward for completion: Obtain the skill [Imperial Majesty] (Passive), your aura will exert a suppressive effect on all your enemies, and moreover, it will make people more likely to submit!"
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the three options before him, a cold curve playing on his lips.
Option One?
Cut the weeds and eliminate the roots?
Isn't that a given?
But they couldn't be killed so simply.
Improvement in combat power wasn't that urgent right now.
As for Option Two... Ryuzaki Shin almost burst out laughing.
Halo of the Holy Mother?
What a joke, he was here to conquer Tokyo, not to be a living Buddha!
So, only the last one remained.
He muttered in his heart without hesitation.
"I choose three!"
"Ding! Choice successful! Reward obtained: Skill [Imperial Majesty]!"
In an instant!
Ryuzaki Shin felt as if his entire body was enveloped by an invisible aura, full of majesty and dominance!
His eyes became deeper, and more... unapproachable!
Even his subordinates dared not look directly at Ryuzaki Shin at this moment.
He looked at Onizuka and Inokari, who were kneeling on the ground, trembling, and smiled.
Then, he took a cold, gleaming dagger from Izaki Shun's hand and casually tossed it in front of the two of them.
"You two both wanted to monopolize the credit, and you both wanted to kill each other."
"Very good, I like ambitious people like that."
"So, I'm giving you a chance."
He paused, his tone becoming incredibly cold.
"Only one of you two can live."
"The one who lives can... leave."
At these words, the whole place erupted in an uproar!
Onizuka and Inokari were stunned as if struck by lightning, instantly frozen in place!
They looked at the cold, gleaming dagger on the ground, then at each other's faces, which were equally filled with shock and fear.
In their eyes, a desire for survival and... endless venom towards each other instantly erupted!
Just then, a glimmer of hope suddenly flashed in Onizuka's eyes!
He suddenly raised his head, looked at Ryuzaki Shin, and said loudly in a tone full of lucky:
"Ryuzaki Shin! Don't get cocky!"
"I... I still have over a hundred brothers outside! They're about to..."
Before he could finish, Ryuzaki Shin curled his lips, looking at him with an expression as if he were looking at an idiot, then casually picked his ear.
"You said, outside?"
He paused, then pointed his chin towards the warehouse entrance.
"Listen, what's that sound?"
Onizuka instinctively pricked up his ears.
Immediately after, his face instantly turned deathly pale!
He heard familiar screams, full of pain and despair, coming from outside the warehouse!
"Ah—!"
"Damn it! Who are you?! How dare you ambush our Red Scorpion men?!"
"Don't... don't hit me anymore! I surrender!"
Onizuka's heart instantly sank to the bottom!
He knew that he was completely finished.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at his ashen face, smiled, and then continued in a very calm tone:
"Now, do you understand?"
"You didn't understand what I said."
"What I said was..."
He paused, then added word for word:
"Only one of you two can... leave."
Onizuka and Inokari were completely desperate.
"Onizuka, you bastard!" Inokari looked at Onizuka, his eyes filled with venom, "Do you think if you kill me, you can monopolize that credit? Dream on! The boss knew about your little schemes long ago! You're nothing but a dog in his hands!"
Upon hearing this, Onizuka burst into maniacal laughter.
"A dog? That's right! I am a dog!"
"But, this dog of mine will soon become a human!"
"And you, Inokari, you fat pig, today, you will become a pile of... rotten meat!"
He looked at Inokari, a ruthless glint in his eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll 'take good care' of your beautiful wives!"
"You're asking for death!"
Inokari was completely enraged. He roared and, like a mad wild boar, lunged at Onizuka!
Onizuka was not to be outdone, also roaring as he met the charge!
The next second!
The two of them, like two rabid dogs driven to desperation, roared and wrestled together!
They engaged in a bloody and cruel fight to the death in the most ugly and primitive way!
Fists, teeth, fingernails... every weapon they could use, they used!
Sasaki Yu watched the bloody scene before him, his stomach churning. He instinctively wanted to turn his head away.
But he still suppressed the nausea, forcing himself to stare intently.
Because he knew, Shin-nii was teaching him a lesson!
Finally, under everyone's gaze, this ugly struggle came to an end.
"Pfft!"
Inokari, using his corpulent body, held Onizuka down tightly, then picked up the dagger from the ground with his left hand and fiercely plunged it into Onizuka's heart!
And Onizuka, in his dying moments, used his last ounce of strength to bite into Inokari's neck, tearing off a large chunk of flesh!
The two of them, in such a comical yet tragic manner, perished together.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the two lifeless bodies before him, his face devoid of any expression.
Just as he was about to make his next move.
The system's notification sound rang out in his mind again!
"Ding! Information prompt!"
"Time: Tonight at 11 PM"
"Location: Warehouse No. 3, South City Port"
Ryuzaki Shin's lips curved upwards; he had almost forgotten about this. The reward from the nightclub three days ago was due tonight.
It seemed there would be more fun tonight...
Ryuzaki Shin knew there was more excitement to come tonight.
So he couldn't delay here for too long.
However, he also couldn't rush things here; after all, people had died, and arrangements still needed to be made calmly.
He looked at the two corpses in front of him, already cold, his hands in his pockets, slowly pacing.
In his deep eyes, a thoughtful glint flickered.
The entire warehouse, except for the Red Scorpion members still groaning on the ground, all the True Dragon Society members held their breath, silently watching their boss, not daring to make any sound to disturb his thoughts.
Tokaji Yuji looked at Ryuzaki Shin's contemplative expression, then at the two corpses on the ground.
He knew Ryuzaki Shin must be thinking about how to dispose of the bodies!
His eyes darted around, and a plan he considered flawless instantly formed in his mind.
He stepped forward, facing Ryuzaki Shin's back, and with a confident tone, volunteered:
"Boss, are you worried about how to deal with these two bodies?"
Ryuzaki Shin stopped, but didn't turn around, simply giving a faint "Mm," as if to say: If you have something to say, say it quickly.
Seeing this, Tokaji Yuji instantly became excited!
He cleared his throat, a shrewd smile appearing on his face, and lowered his voice, offering his suggestion:
"Boss, here's my idea."
"Right now, under the cover of night, we can secretly dump these two bodies onto Kunō Hideomi, that old fox's territory!"
"That way, not only can we completely clear ourselves, but we can also make those idiots from Red Scorpion mistakenly believe that it was the Armed Front's doing!"
"Then, they'll fight like dogs, tearing each other apart, and we can just sit back and reap the benefits!"
However, after Ryuzaki Shin heard his "brilliant idea," he slowly turned around.
There was no expression on his face, and his calm eyes, like a bottomless cold pond, made Tokaji Yuji inexplicably panic.
"Tokaji," Ryuzaki Shin slowly began, his voice not loud but carrying an undeniable authority, "Your plan sounds good."
"However, there are three fatal flaws."
Tokaji's face instantly turned ashen.
Ryuzaki Shin ignored his reaction, simply held up a finger, and analyzed in an extremely calm tone:
"First, today, we killed Inokari and Onizuka in front of dozens of Red Scorpion captives."
"What do you think they'll say when they get out? Will they say Kunō Hideomi did it? Do you think Red Scorpion's boss has tofu for brains?"
He held up a second finger and continued:
"Second, do you think Kunō Hideomi, that old fox, is a vegetarian? If you really dump the bodies on his territory, do you believe he'd be the first to call the police?"
"Then, when the police arrive, a simple investigation will lead straight back to us. We don't have much of a foundation with the Metropolitan Police Department right now, so if someone gets a handle on us, do you think we'll get off lightly?"
Finally, he held up a third finger, and summarized with a tone full of mockery:
"Third, and most importantly."
"Do you really think these two useless individuals, Inokari and Onizuka, mean anything to Red Scorpion's boss? To put it bluntly, they're just two outsourced lackeys responsible for guarding doors and collecting money. If a dog dies, you just get two more. Do you think Red Scorpion's boss would launch an all-out war against a tough opponent like the Armed Front for two dogs?"
After Ryuzaki Shin finished speaking, he no longer looked at Tokaji, who was completely petrified, his face screaming "I'm an idiot."
Just then, Izaki Shun, who had been standing silently by the side, finally couldn't help himself.
A playful curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, and he slowly twisted the knife into Tokaji:
"Tokaji, I thought you'd come up with some brilliant idea, but after all that, this is it?"
"If you're only going to come up with such terrible ideas in the future, don't show them off; it's embarrassing."
"You!"
Tokaji was so angered by his words that his face turned green. He pointed at Izaki Shun and roared, "That's still better than you not being able to fart for a long time!"
"Enough."
Ryuzaki Shin merely glanced at the two of them, and his cold gaze instantly made the two guys, who were about to argue, close their mouths in unison.
He turned his attention back to everyone present, and issued his final command in an undeniable tone.
"Get all of Onizuka's subordinates out of here!"
"Tell them to leave their motorcycles, and they can scram."
At these words, everyone was stunned.
Tokaji even subconsciously asked, "Boss... you're just letting them go?"
Ryuzaki Shin smiled.
"Otherwise?"
"A bunch of opportunists, what's the point of keeping them? To be our cheerleaders?"
"Letting them go is exactly what can help us spread the word about what happened today."
"Our True Dragon Society always needs an opportunity to make an appearance."
"Isn't it great to appear in everyone's line of sight in this way?"
He paused, then added:
"As for killing people?"
"What a joke, we are law-abiding citizens."
"Just now, it was clearly those two, due to uneven distribution of spoils, who killed each other. What does that have to do with us?"
"We are just enthusiastic passersby."
"..."
Everyone shivered instinctively as they looked at Ryuzaki Shin's face, which wore a "kind" smile.
They knew that this man not only had hard fists, but his heart... was even blacker!
Soon, under the "friendly escort" of the True Dragon Society members, those Red Scorpion members, who were already terrified, scrambled and crawled out of the warehouse that would leave them with a lifelong shadow.
Serizawa Tamao stood at the warehouse entrance, watching their pathetic retreating figures, and shouted loudly in a threatening tone:
"Listen up, all of you! What to say and what not to say about tonight's events, you all better think it through carefully when you go back!"
"If I hear any rumors I shouldn't..."
He paused, a extremely cruel smile appearing on his face.
"I promise, I'll let you know what... true despair is!"
Upon hearing this, the Red Scorpion members all shivered in fear and ran even faster... Inside the warehouse, only the True Dragon Society's own people were left.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the two corpses on the ground, which had already begun to emit a bloody smell.
He knew it was time for him to deal with the aftermath.
He called all the executives in front of him, and then, in an extremely calm tone, slowly said:
"Dispose of these two people."
"Find two iron barrels, fill them with cement, and throw them into Tokyo Bay."
"Who will do this..."
Ryuzaki Shin's voice was as calm as if he were discussing what to eat for dinner, yet it made everyone present instinctively hold their breath.
The air instantly became somewhat solidified.
Serizawa Tamao looked at the two bloody corpses, his brows unconsciously furrowing into a knot, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes.
Makise Takashi directly turned his head away, his already ugly face now filled with discomfort.
Although Izaki Shun and Tokaji Yuji did not react as strongly as them, a very complex struggle also flashed in their eyes.
They were all ruthless characters who had climbed out of a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood in Suzuran, this nest of crows.
Fighting was like a daily meal for them.
They had seen broken arms and legs before.
However... dealing with corpses, especially using the underworld's classic method of "destroying evidence" by sinking them, was too much of a shock for these delinquent teenagers who were still playing house in school.
This was not disloyalty, nor was it fear.
This was merely an invisible psychological barrier that lay between "delinquent teenagers" and "true yakuza."
However, just as everyone was still hesitating, unsure how to respond...
A voice full of determination and resolve suddenly rang out in the silent warehouse!
"Shin-nii, leave this matter to me."
Everyone was startled and instinctively looked in the direction of the voice.
It was Tamura Chuta, the small leader who, in everyone's eyes, was the weakest and usually the most inconspicuous.
At this moment, he stood calmly in front of Ryuzaki Shin.
His gaze did not waver in the slightest; there was only the purest—
Loyalty!
Ryuzaki Shin looked at him, a playful radian curving his lips.
He knew that Chuta, this kid, was quick-witted.
Chuta, of course, knew his own limitations.
In terms of combat ability, he couldn't even compare to a single hair on Serizawa.
In terms of brains, Izaki Shun and Tokaji Yuji, those two old schemers, either one of them could easily outwit him.
What was he following Ryuzaki Shin for?
He was after an opportunity to rise above others!
He was after not wanting to be a crow who could only wallow in the mud for the rest of his life!
He knew very well that in the True Dragon Society, this newly established group full of opportunities and challenges, if he wanted to climb up, he had to do things that others dared not do or were unwilling to do!
Only then could he demonstrate his value!
Only then could he truly become an indispensable confidant to his boss!
Just then, Izaki Shun also took a step forward, pushed up his glasses, and showed a gentle smile on his face.
"Boss, I'll go with Chuta."
"Two people can look out for each other and offer ideas."
Ryuzaki Shin looked at these two equally determined guys in front of him and smiled.
He knew that Izaki Shun, this old fox, was showing his loyalty to him.
He said nothing more, only reached out and heavily patted both of their shoulders.
"Good."
"Be quick and clean, don't leave any evidence."
"Yes, Boss!"
The two responded in unison, then waved their hands, leading several equally resolute subordinates to begin cleaning up the scene.
Ryuzaki Shin watched their energetic backs and nodded with satisfaction.
Then, Ryuzaki Shin led the other cadres out of the warehouse first, where the subordinates of the True Dragon Society were waiting.
When these people saw Ryuzaki Shin come out, they all fell silent, looking at their king with fervent admiration!
Ryuzaki Shin's lips curved slightly as he looked at the crowd and said loudly,
"The motorcycles outside are all our spoils of war this time. Divide them among yourselves, one per person."
"For the extra ones, send a few people to make a couple more trips and ride the rest back to school for me!"
"Oh oh oh oh oh oh—!!!"
Upon hearing this, all the delinquents present instantly erupted!
Their eyes were practically spitting fire as they looked at the cool-looking motorcycles!
They remembered that day when they saw Ryuzaki Shin's men snatch the Armed Front's motorcycles.
Then they rode them around school every day, and they couldn't help but feel envious.
Now everyone could have a motorcycle; they would be a sight to behold when they went out!
Ryuzaki Shin looked at their excited expressions, and the smile on his face gradually faded.
It was replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.
"However, I'm laying down the law first."
"From today onwards, you are all members of my True Dragon Society!"
"I don't care what your previous identities were or what grudges you had; from now on, all that shit is wiped clean for me!"
"In the future, if anyone dares to cause trouble outside and tarnish the reputation of our True Dragon Society..."
He paused, his tone becoming cold and cruel.
"I don't need to say what the consequences will be."
"Do you all understand me?!"
The subordinates, the next moment...
They raised their right fists in unison, letting out a neat, powerful roar!
"Understood!!!"
Everyone was completely subdued by his imposing presence!
Ryuzaki Shin wanted to establish a legitimate organization, not a biker gang like Red Scorpion.
And he didn't plan to live underground forever.
So the rules had to be slowly established!
Ryuzaki Shin looked at them and nodded with satisfaction.
Then, he added another sentence:
"Additionally, all brothers who participated in this operation will not only be rewarded with motorcycles."
"I told you that I want your families to be proud and honored to have sons like you!"
"So, before tonight, get me a list of all your home addresses!"
"I will, in the name of 'Shinryu Credit,' send 50,000 Japanese Yen as an 'Excellent Part-time Job Bonus' to each of your families!"
When Serizawa Tamao heard this, for the first time, a very complex ripple appeared in his usually lazy eyes.
He thought of his hardworking parents back in the countryside, and their hands, calloused from years of labor.
50,000 Japanese Yen might not even be enough for a single meal for a young master like Sasaki Yu.
But for him, it was enough to allow his parents to live comfortably for several months, free from worries about food and clothing.
He looked at Ryuzaki Shin, his lips moving as if to say "thank you," but in the end, he said nothing.
He merely silently etched this kindness into his heart.
However, when Tokaji Yuji heard this, a storm instantly surged in his heart!
He wasn't a simple-minded, brawny idiot like Serizawa!
He understood the deeper meaning behind Ryuzaki Shin's words almost instantly!
Sending money?
Was this buying loyalty?
Bullshit!
Home addresses?!
This was about gaining leverage over everyone!
This was a technique of managing subordinates through both benevolence and intimidation!
Knowing their home addresses, anyone who dared to do something unfavorable to Ryuzaki Shin would have to seriously reconsider.
Tokaji felt somewhat repulsed.
He instinctively glanced at Izaki Shun beside him.
But he found that the old fox had no expression on his face, as if he had already anticipated all of this.
Tokaji Yuji thought for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating smile, feeling a sense of relief.
Following a boss like this, who not only had hard fists but also a dark heart, was the only way to feel secure!
Just as his mind was in turmoil, Ryuzaki Shin's voice suddenly rang in his ear.
"Tokaji."
Tokaji's heart tightened, and he quickly stepped forward, respectfully responding, "Present, Boss!"
"Tonight, find a few sharp-witted brothers, not too many, two or three will do."
"Go, get me a van."
Ryuzaki Shin paused, a very wicked smile appearing on his face.
"The bill will be on me."
"Tonight... there's something big to do!"
10:30 PM, South City Port.
The air was filled with a cold scent, a mix of salty seawater, rusty steel, and cheap diesel. The sea breeze, biting and chilling, swept across their faces.
Ryuzaki Shin, Tokaji Yuji, and Serizawa Tamao stealthily approached the perimeter of Warehouse No. 3.
Not far away, an inconspicuous minivan was parked in the shadows, with several subordinates vigilantly watching their surroundings, ready to provide support at any moment.
Ryuzaki Shin crouched behind a pile of discarded containers, his gaze as calm as a bottomless, cold pool, quietly observing Warehouse No. 3 in the night.
Serizawa crouched beside him, already a bit impatient. He nudged Ryuzaki Shin with his elbow, lowering his voice, and asked in a muffled tone:
"Hey, Ryuzaki, what are we waiting for? Why don't we just charge in and get it over with?"
"What's the rush?" Ryuzaki Shin didn't even turn his head, simply uttering three words, "Just wait."
He thought to himself: This guy, he really is a simple-minded muscle-head.
This was a port, so there were definitely police around. His main goal tonight was to gather intelligence, and avoid a confrontation if possible.
Tokaji Yuji, on the other hand, was like a leopard poised to strike. He lowered his body, knelt on one knee, pulled out a small pair of binoculars from his pocket, and meticulously observed everything around the warehouse.
A moment later, he slowly lowered the binoculars, his expression becoming unusually grim.
"Boss, something's not right."
Serizawa pouted, a look of disdain on his face: "What's not right? It's just a few trashy guards, isn't it?"
Tokaji shook his head, pointing towards the main entrance of the warehouse, and said in a deep voice:
"Look at those people."
Ryuzaki Shin and Serizawa followed his gaze, their eyes instantly sharpening.
At the main entrance of the warehouse, which was brightly lit, seven or eight burly men in crisp black suits stood like javelins on either side of the doorway.
They were all tall, with slightly bulging temples, eyes as sharp as hawks, and bulging waistbands, clearly hiding weapons.
Most importantly, each of them had a miniature communication earpiece in their ear, and they were patrolling the surroundings with an extremely regular frequency, their movements clean and without any wasted effort.
These were clearly well-trained professional security personnel!
Serizawa's face, which usually carried a lazy and arrogant expression, now showed a serious look.
Ryuzaki Shin said nothing; he merely shifted his gaze from the security guards, slowly sweeping across the entire exterior of the warehouse.
The towering barbed wire fence was covered with sharp barbs, glinting with a chilling, heart-stopping light in the dim illumination.
Every fifty meters, there was a 360-degree, dead-angle-free surveillance camera, like the eyes of death, coldly observing every corner.
And at the top of the warehouse, two powerful searchlights, like invisible sharp swords.
They swept back and forth across the ground with an extremely regular speed, illuminating the entire warehouse exterior as brightly as day, leaving almost no blind spots.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the defensive layout before him, his brow furrowing. There was definitely something amiss here, with such tight security.
Just then!
"Woof! Woof woof woof!"
A low, threatening growl suddenly came from the shadows not far away!
Immediately after, a muscular Doberman Pinscher, as large as a small calf, burst out of the darkness. Its crimson eyes fixed on the direction where the three were hiding, barking incessantly!
A security guard, holding its leash, stumbled, yanked by its immense strength. He scanned his surroundings vigilantly, and at the same time, pulled a powerful flashlight from his waist!
"Damn! We've been spotted!"
Serizawa's heart jumped. He instinctively reached for the steel pipe he'd acquired from who-knows-where, ready to fight to the death!
But Ryuzaki Shin grabbed his shoulder, saying coldly in an unquestionable tone:
"Don't move!"
The three instantly dropped to the ground, their bodies pressed tightly against the cold earth, hiding behind the discarded oil drums, their breathing almost stopping.
The barking grew louder and closer.
The security guard, dragged by the excited Doberman Pinscher, slowly approached their hiding spot, step by step.
The powerful flashlight in his hand, like the gaze of death, swept back and forth in the darkness.
The beam of light grew closer and closer.
Serizawa could even clearly see the dazzling halo reflecting the fine cold sweat beading on his forehead.
His hand had already quietly gripped the cold steel pipe, and his heart was pounding uncontrollably!
Just as the security guard was about to round the oil drums and discover them!
"Zzzzz —"
His walkie-talkie suddenly crackled with a harsh static sound!
Immediately after, an impatient voice came through.
"Hey! A-section! Shift change! What are you dawdling for?!"
Upon hearing this, the security guard's face showed an extremely displeased expression. He cursed into the walkie-talkie, annoyed:
"I know, I know! Stop nagging me!"
Then, he glanced at the Doberman Pinscher, which was still barking incessantly towards the oil drums, and impatiently kicked its backside.
"Stop barking! Let's go!"
With that, he forcibly dragged the Doberman Pinscher, which was still growling unwillingly, and turned to walk back towards the main entrance of the warehouse.
It wasn't until the figures of the man and the dog completely disappeared from sight.
Only then did the three finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Serizawa felt his back was already completely soaked with cold sweat.
He turned his head, looking at Ryuzaki Shin, who still had a calm expression, and couldn't help but curse in a low voice:
"Damn, I was scared to death just now."
Ryuzaki Shin ignored his complaint. From that brief moment just now,
He understood that tonight wouldn't be so simple!
He glanced at the security guard who had already walked away, then at the surveillance camera that was still rotating regularly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
He knew he couldn't wait any longer.
They had to act fast!
Tokaji Yuji also knew they couldn't delay any further. He pinpointed a blind spot in the surveillance and pulled out a small but exceptionally sharp hydraulic cutter from his bulging pocket.
He gestured to Ryuzaki Shin and Serizawa, indicating that he was about to make his move.
Then, like a hunting leopard, he lowered his body and stealthily crept towards the towering barbed wire fence.
Just as the jaws of his cutter were about to touch the cold barbed wire!
His movement suddenly froze!
His expression instantly became extremely grave!
"Boss, wait!" He lowered his voice, speaking to Ryuzaki Shin, "This barbed wire… it's electrified!"
Serizawa's heart also jumped upon hearing this!
Damn!
They really went all out for this!
Ryuzaki Shin, however, seemed to have anticipated all this. He showed no surprise, merely saying to Tokaji, calmly:
"Continue."
Tokaji nodded. He pulled out a roll of black, seemingly ordinary electrical tape from his pocket.
He tore off a piece and carefully wrapped the jaws of the hydraulic cutter tightly.
Then, he looked up, staring intently at the searchlight slowly rotating not far away.
He knew he only had one chance.
The interval when the searchlight swept past was only a brief three seconds!
He had to complete both cutting and infiltrating within those three seconds!
Otherwise, once discovered, they would face the encirclement of dozens of armed professional security guards!
Time, at this moment, seemed to stretch endlessly.
Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on Tokaji's forehead, and his breathing became exceptionally heavy.
Finally!
The beam of the searchlight slowly swept over their heads!
Now!
A glint of determination burst forth in Tokaji's eyes!
He suddenly leaped up from the ground, and the hydraulic cutter in his hand savagely cut into the barbed wire!
"Bang —!"
A crisp, sharp metallic snap, like a violin string breaking, suddenly exploded in the quiet night, where only the wind and the sound of waves remained!
The sound wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally jarring!
Like the death knell, striking heavily on everyone's heart!
The three men's movements instantly froze!
They instinctively looked towards the patrolling security guards not far away!
The burly men, who had been chatting idly, instantly changed their expressions in unison upon hearing the sound!
They all, without prior agreement, turned their gaze towards them!
Immediately after, a series of urgent and heavy footsteps rapidly approached their direction…