The first ray of sunlight, mischievous, danced through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, landing on Uehara Asuka's stunningly curved back, illuminating her ivory-smooth skin like the finest porcelain.
Ryuzaki Shin slowly opened his eyes, his first sensation being a pins-and-needles numbness in his arm.
In his embrace, Uehara Asuka's lips even held a sweet, satisfied smile.
"The gentle embrace is a hero's tomb... The ancients truly did not deceive me."
Ryuzaki Shin mused inwardly.
Still, this feeling was truly damn good.
His hand began to wander a bit naughtily over her silky-smooth back.
"Mmm..."
Asuka let out a lazy, soft hum, opening her sleepy eyes to see Ryuzaki Shin's mischievously smiling face, and her pretty face instantly flushed crimson.
"Shin-nii... you're awake... don't tease..."
Ryuzaki Shin smiled, a slight upturn of his lips; this life was truly comfortable.
But then he immediately stretched, preparing to get up.
He couldn't continue to indulge like this; important matters awaited.
After getting dressed and a quick wash, he prepared to leave.
"Asuka, I won't be back for lunch, but I should be back tonight; I'll call you then."
"That bag of money we got back yesterday, feel free to use it, there's no problem at all. There's a suitcase by our bed with another five million inside. Buy whatever you want for yourself, don't hold back on spending."
Asuka felt incredibly happy and nodded.
However, she wasn't thinking of buying anything for herself with the money. Instead, she planned to go out today to buy groceries and fill the refrigerator so she could cook whatever Shin-nii wanted.
Then, when she had time, she would go out and buy Shin-nii some clothes... When Ryuzaki Shin returned to Karasumachi, he was slightly surprised by the sight before him.
In just one day, the area had completely transformed.
The former casino with the "Pachinko" sign had now been replaced by a brand new, grand yet simple sign, upon which four large characters were written in a flourishing script—
"Shinryu Credit"!
On the streets, the idle, foul-mouthed delinquents had all changed into cheap but clean suits, sporting crooked ties.
Though they still looked a bit comical, their spirits were entirely refreshed.
They were now properly distributing flyers and introducing their services to the citizens who had come to inquire.
One former member of the Serizawa Army was now addressing a hesitant middle-aged man, using what he considered his most professional and sincere tone, saying:
"Uncle, don't worry, our Shinryu Credit is different from those flashy hussies... ahem, from those loan shark companies out there!"
"Our interest rates are absolutely the lowest in all of Karasumachi!"
"The purpose of Shinryu Credit's establishment is to help ordinary people like you who are in urgent need of money, not to suck their blood! If you don't believe me, you can come inside and look at our contract!"
Ryuzaki Shin nodded. He had to admit, it looked somewhat legitimate, not entirely professional, but good enough.
Inside the store, the interior was even more transformed.
The smoky gambling machines had long been cleared out, the simply painted walls were clean and bright, and a dozen office desks, sourced from a second-hand market, were neatly arranged. The subordinates were enthusiastically introducing services to consulting clients.
It was a scene of thriving prosperity.
Seeing Ryuzaki Shin enter, all the subordinates instinctively started to stand up to greet him.
Ryuzaki Shin immediately frowned, shaking his head at them, signaling them to continue working, and walked directly to the innermost office... In the office, Izaki Shun and Sasaki Yu were overwhelmed by a pile of documents.
Seeing Ryuzaki Shin enter, the two looked as if they had seen a savior.
Izaki Shun pushed up his glasses, his face showing both excitement and fatigue. He handed over a document and reported:
"Boss, Xiao Yu's 'performance commission' system is incredibly effective!"
"For any loan a subordinate brings in themselves, they directly get 10% of the profit."
"The brothers are now full of enthusiasm, each one like they're on a stimulant. Some have even proactively gone to bookstores to buy finance books to read, much more diligently than their classes at Suzuran!"
Sasaki Yu also nodded in agreement. His fair, young face was equally filled with excitement and a hint of... barely concealed worry.
"But, Shin-nii, there's a big problem..."
"We... we're running out of money."
He pointed to the thick stack of loan records on the table, his voice a bit shaky:
"Because our interest rates are low and our service attitude is good, in a short time, more than twenty million of our fifty million cash flow has already been lent out!"
"If we don't find a way to replenish funds soon, at this rate, the company will have to cease operations by the day after tomorrow at the latest!"
Ryuzaki Shin showed no sign of panic after hearing the report.
He thought to himself: That fast? It seems I underestimated the extent of people's desire for capital during the bubble economy era.
But... that's good too.
He knew that he had specifically instructed Izaki Shun that every loan exceeding one million must have collateral of equal value, such as real estate, land deeds, or even company shares.
Therefore, it was impossible for this money not to be recovered.
At the same time, he had considered the issue of capital flow, only offering short-term loans, so the subsequent financial pressure wouldn't be significant.
As long as they withstood the first month, operations could normalize afterward.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at their anxious faces, not only without any anxiety but instead revealing an extremely confident smile.
The long line at the entrance earlier flashed in his mind as he slowly began to speak.
"Don't worry about the funding."
The empire's prototype has been established, but this hungry beast needs more sustenance.
And he still had a batch of smuggled goods that hadn't been moved yet. He would go see how Serizawa and Tokaji were doing right now...
More than a dozen heavily modified motorcycles roared deafeningly, like a swarm of locusts, brutally tearing through the afternoon tranquility of Karasumachi.
Leading them was a scrawny man with high cheekbones, looking like an underdeveloped monkey. He was Sawatari Kenji, the Red Scorpion's sub-boss in charge of collections in this area, nicknamed "Skinny Monkey."
He pulled out a somewhat greasy ledger from his pocket, glanced at the address and name recorded on it, and spat disdainfully.
"Inokari, that fat pig, it's time to pay his monthly protection fee again."
He thought to himself.
I heard his new pachinko parlor is doing well; he must be raking in a lot of money. I'll have to extort a good sum from him later.
"Boss, who are those guys in suits? They're really an eyesore."
A subordinate following him pointed at the True Dragon Society members distributing flyers on the street nearby, a look of disgust on his face.
Sawatari Kenji didn't even lift an eyelid; he just waved his hand dismissively.
"Who cares? Probably some clueless company here promoting something. We'll deal with them after we've collected our money."
Sawatari Kenji and his group arrogantly parked their motorcycles in front of "Shinryu Credit." The loud roar of the engines immediately attracted everyone's attention.
When he saw the brand-new sign with the four large characters "Shinryu Credit," Sawatari Kenji's brow instantly furrowed into a knot.
That's strange, isn't this Inokari's pachinko parlor?
He flipped through the ledger in his hand, confirmed the address was correct, and felt even more displeased.
This dead fat pig, changing his shop's name without even notifying us?
It seems if I don't give him a taste of his own medicine today, he won't know who sets the rules in Karasumachi!
Just then, the shop door opened.
A tall, slender young man, looking to be in his early twenties, was about to get on the extremely cool harley motorcycle parked outside.
Sawatari Kenji saw him emerge from inside and instinctively assumed he was Inokari's new subordinate.
He stepped forward and, in an extremely arrogant and condescending tone, asked:
"Hey, kid, where's Inokari? Tell him to get out here and see me! It's time to pay this month's protection fee."
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the group of hostile bosozoku in front of him, then at the several leather briefcases filled with cash tied to the back seats of their motorcycles, and his eyebrow twitched slightly.
The Red Scorpion is here to collect rent?
He sneered inwardly.
Heh, I just happened to be short on cash, and now someone's delivering it right to my doorstep.
If there were no one else around, Ryuzaki Shin would deal with these scumbags right now.
However, his business had just started, and a brawl at the entrance would inevitably affect the shop's image.
Just at this moment, the familiar voice in his mind sounded again.
"Ding! Detecting host facing a choice, God-tier Choice System activated!"
"Option One: Close the door and beat the dog! Lure them into the basement, then capture them all in one go, making them understand who the new master of Karasumachi is! Completion Reward: Obtain skill [Actor-level Acting]!"
"Option Two: Confront them head-on, beat them all down in the street, and announce the arrival of the True Dragon Society with the most direct violence. Completion Reward: Obtain skill [Street Fighter], Strength permanently increased by 10%!"
"Option Three: Turn and leave, avoid conflict, after all, less trouble is better than more. Completion Reward: Obtain [Fifty Million Yen]!"
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the three options before him, a playful smirk curving his lips.
Option Two, while satisfying, was too low-class and would harm Shinryu Credit's reputation. Pass.
Option Three? Are you kidding? They've delivered themselves to my doorstep, there's no reason not to take advantage.
So that leaves... Actor-level Acting?
Interesting.
He knew that acting wasn't just for making movies.
Murder, arson, fraud... which of these doesn't require superb acting?
This skill might be more important than combat power at times.
And who knows, maybe if he goes legitimate later, he could even star in a movie or something.
Without hesitation, he silently thought.
"I choose one!"
"Ding! Choice successful! Reward obtained: Skill [Actor-level Acting]!"
In an instant!
Ryuzaki Shin felt as if an entire collection of Oscar-winning films had been forcefully crammed into his mind!
Countless pieces of knowledge and techniques about "performance" flooded into his brain like a bursting dam!
How to control expressions through the slightest muscle changes!
How to convey emotions with different tones and speeds!
How to make the other person believe every word you say with just a look!
At this moment, he felt that he was no longer just a ruthless gangster who only knew how to fight and kill.
He could be a successful businessman, an upright police officer, or even a... cold-blooded psychopath!
The expression on Ryuzaki Shin's face underwent a drastic change at this moment!
He shed his previous cold, thuggish demeanor, replacing it with a humble, slightly fawning, obsequious smile, and bowed to Sawatari Kenji, saying:
"Oh! You must be the Big Brother here to collect the monthly dues. Big Brother Inokari was just talking about this, saying how much he missed you all downstairs!"
"Big Brother Inokari has already prepared the money and drinks downstairs, just waiting for you all to grace us with your presence! Please, come in! Please, come in!"
Sawatari Kenji was taken aback by his sudden enthusiasm.
He felt a sudden liking for this kid.
But what did this kid mean by "downstairs"?
It felt strange.
Sawatari Kenji remembered that Inokari's office was in his underground casino, so he smiled, thinking he was overthinking it.
He looked at the bowing kid before him, whose eyes were filled with "sincerity," and his last shred of doubt completely vanished.
This fat pig, is he being so cooperative today?
Good on him for being sensible.
Besides, the boss had stashed fifty million in dirty money with him. He wondered if it had been laundered yet. Might as well take it all.
He waved his hand triumphantly at the equally bewildered subordinates behind him and loudly declared:
"Brothers! Follow me in! Let's see if this pig has prepared good liquor. If not, haha, we'll use him as a punching bag!"
"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh—!!!"
A dozen core subordinates immediately started cheering. They even carried the several briefcases filled with cash inside with them.
After all, leaving them outside was always a bit unsafe.
Sawatari Kenji, with a dozen of his trusted men, swaggered into what used to be the underground casino, following Ryuzaki Shin.
However, when they saw the scene inside, their smugness and arrogance instantly froze!
The entire basement was a mess, stained with blood!
A strong, nauseating smell of blood still lingered in the air!
An extremely ominous premonition instantly surged in Sawatari Kenji's heart!
He sharply turned his head and sternly shouted at Ryuzaki Shin:
"Where's Inokari?! What's going on here?!"
Ryuzaki Shin did not answer.
He just slowly turned around.
The fawning smile on his face had vanished without a trace, replaced by coldness.
"Click—!"
The heavy iron door slammed shut behind him, then locked.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the "prey" before him, who had completely panicked, a cruel smirk curving his lips.
He slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears.
The voice was so cold, devoid of any emotion.
"Welcome to..."
"The True Dragon Society's Reception Room."
As soon as he finished speaking!
Ryuzaki Shin moved!
He didn't even utter another word of nonsense!
His body, like a ghost, instantly broke through the air, so fast that it only left an afterimage in its wake!
"Bang!"
A dull, heavy thud!
The closest Red Scorpion member, who hadn't even reacted yet, felt his chest being struck by immense force!
His sternum instantly collapsed!
He flew backward like a broken kite, knocking over several of his comrades before finally falling silent in a pool of blood!
Immediately after, Ryuzaki Shin didn't pause. Like a tiger among sheep, he brazenly charged into the crowd filled with terror and chaos!
Every swing of his fist was accompanied by the sound of bones shattering!
Every kick he delivered inevitably sent someone screaming to the ground!
A guy with a buzz cut roared and threw a punch.
Ryuzaki Shin didn't dodge, countering with a punch of his own.
"Crack!"
A loud crack!
The buzz-cut guy's arm broke directly, the broken bone piercing through the skin, looking incredibly gruesome.
"Baka!"
Two more men grabbed Ryuzaki Shin from behind, attempting to use brute force to take him down!
Ryuzaki Shin sneered, his body suddenly sinking, then he exerted force from his waist!
"Ah!"
The two men felt an irresistible force and were instantly flung away!
This was a one-sided slaughter, with no suspense!
Sawatari Kenji watched that figure, watching his supposedly elite trusted men, now like lambs to the slaughter, easily taken down one by one by the opponent.
He knew that things wouldn't end well today!
But the reason his nickname was Skinny Monkey was because Sawatari Kenji couldn't fight; his body was scrawny.
Going up now would just be suicide; it's better to figure out how to escape.
He no longer hesitated!
He turned and tried to run towards the tightly shut iron door!
However, before he could take two steps.
A figure, at some unknown point, had already appeared before him!
Ryuzaki Shin!
Sawatari Kenji looked at the man before him, covered in blood but with unusually calm eyes, and was scared out of his wits!
Without thinking, he instinctively swung his fist, aiming a fierce blow at Ryuzaki Shin's face!
However, Ryuzaki Shin merely curled his lips.
He grabbed the opponent's fist and then twisted it violently!
"Crack—!"
A crisp sound of bone breaking echoed throughout the entire basement!
"Ah—!"
Sawatari Kenji let out a bloodcurdling scream!
His entire right arm was forcibly twisted into a pretzel!
Ryuzaki Shin didn't pause for a moment. He kicked the useless man to the ground.
Then, stepping on his face, which was already contorted in agony, he slowly squatted down.
He looked at Sawatari Kenji, who was still spitting blood.
"Hey, Skinny Monkey, are you satisfied with this welcome ceremony?"
Just when he thought everything was under control, his phone suddenly rang.
He answered the call, and an urgent voice came through the receiver.
"Bro... Brother... Chuta and I got into a fight and were... were taken away by the police. I'm... calling you from the police station now. I... won't be home for dinner today..."
The call abruptly ended.
Ryuzaki Shin recognized Tokaji Yuji's voice.
He hung up the phone, his eyes becoming incredibly solemn.
Taken away by the police?
And Chuta?
Ryuzaki Shin immediately thought of the worst-case scenario: they were caught disposing of the bodies!
The Red Scorpion crisis, dealing with smuggled goods, and the armed group's affairs were already pressing.
Now, police investigations too?
If an ordinary person faced such immense pressure, they would probably already be flustered.
But Ryuzaki Shin merely showed his usual faint smile, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned.
"Interesting..."
The office door was suddenly pushed open from the inside!
"Boss!"
Izaki Shun and Sasaki Yu were inside discussing the details of the credit company's opening. They heard a commotion outside and felt like something had happened.
But the moment they pushed open the door, they were completely stunned by the scene before them, which resembled a veritable hell!
The entire underground casino was in a mess!
The air was filled with a strong, nauseating smell of blood!
People lay sprawled on the ground, one by one, bruised and swollen, with broken arms and legs, wailing everywhere!
"Shin-nii... Shin-nii, who are these people?"
Sasaki Yu looked at Ryuzaki Shin, who was slowly walking out of the pile of people, still stained with mottled blood.
He was still a little confused. Didn't Shin-nii just leave?
Ryuzaki Shin didn't answer. He just kicked the several leather briefcases full of cash in front of Sasaki Yu, his tone as calm as if he were talking about a trivial matter.
"Xiao Yu, count the money and invest it all in the company."
"This money should be enough to keep the company going for a few more days."
Then, he turned his gaze to Izaki Shun, who had been solemn the whole time, but with a hint of brilliance in his eyes.
"Izaki, these useless guys are yours."
"These people are internal members of Red Scorpion."
Ryuzaki Shin pointed to Sawatari Kenji, who had completely passed out on the ground, and his dozen equally unconscious henchmen.
"Pry open their mouths and get all the dirt on Red Scorpion out of them for me."
After finishing the matter at hand, he began to ponder Tokaji's words from the phone call just now.
Brother... brother... Chuta and I got into a fight and were... were taken away by the police. I'm... calling you from the police station now. I won't... be home for dinner today... Tokaji, this kid, is actually very meticulous and definitely not the kind of fool who would easily expose himself.
Those words just now sounded like a normal call from two delinquents who got caught fighting and were reporting it to their families.
However, Ryuzaki Shin heard another, deeper meaning in his urgent tone and deliberately chosen words!
Fighting?
This meant "something happened"!
Not coming home for dinner?
This meant "can't come back in the short term"!
Still able to make a call?
This indicated that although they had been taken away, the police had not caught them in the act of disposing of the body!
At most, they were just suspects!
Ryuzaki Shin understood instantly.
He looked at the two equally shocked guys in front of him, chose not to conceal it, and directly dropped the bombshell.
"Chuta and Tokaji were caught disposing of a body."
Boom!
These words were like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake, instantly blanking Izaki Shun and Sasaki Yu's minds!
Disposing of a body!
Dead person!
Police!
These words, without any warning, heavily struck their hearts!
Izaki Shun's face instantly became incredibly solemn!
If Tokaji and Chuta were caught and interrogated by the police, and they couldn't hold up and confessed something, not a single person present would escape!
And on Sasaki Yu's already pale face, all color had now drained, becoming ashen white!
Just then, Ryuzaki Shin's terrifyingly calm voice rang out again.
"However, the police probably don't have conclusive evidence yet."
Izaki Shun and Sasaki Yu's expressions then improved slightly.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at their reactions, understanding in his heart.
He felt that their reactions were not as bad as he had imagined.
At least they didn't lose their composure.
He didn't say any more unnecessary words, just analyzed:
"Don't be afraid, the sky won't fall."
"If the police had caught them in the act, they should be in the interrogation room now, not having the opportunity to call me."
"This means the police are only suspicious, they don't have evidence."
Ryuzaki Shin's calm and composed demeanor, and his incredibly precise analysis, were like a reassurance, calming the two guys who had been completely at a loss.
Izaki Shun forced down the panic in his heart. He looked at Ryuzaki Shin and said in a deep voice:
"Boss, what do we do now?"
Ryuzaki Shin didn't answer.
He just slowly scanned Izaki Shun's and Sasaki Yu's faces, back and forth.
He knew that now was the time to test these two.
He needed a knife, a sharp enough knife to cut through thorns for him.
He also needed a shield, a strong enough shield to block all open and hidden attacks from behind him.
He looked at Izaki Shun, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
This guy, although he panicked just now, quickly adjusted.
He then turned his gaze to Sasaki Yu, who was still trembling slightly.
This kid, though a bit timid, had no trace of retreat in his eyes, only the purest trust and reliance.
The corner of Ryuzaki Shin's mouth curved into an intriguing smile.
He knew how he should choose.
"Xiao Yu."
Ryuzaki Shin spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
"This matter is entrusted to you."
As soon as these words came out, not only Sasaki Yu, but even Izaki Shun was stunned.
He looked at Ryuzaki Shin, his eyes filled with disbelief!
Such an important matter, actually... actually entrusted to this pretty boy who only knew how to follow behind and shout "Shin-nii is awesome"?!
Sasaki Yu was even more dazed by this sudden heavy responsibility.
He pointed to his nose and stammered:
"Me... me?!"
"That's right, it's you."
Ryuzaki Shin looked at him, his deep eyes full of trust.
"Your family connections are stronger than any of ours."
"What I need now is not a reckless fighter, but someone... who can settle this matter."
He paused, walked in front of Sasaki Yu, patted his shoulder heavily, and slowly said in a voice full of power:
"Find the best lawyer, use every means possible, and get those two out for me."
"Money is not an issue."
"If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility."
Sasaki Yu looked at Ryuzaki Shin's eyes, full of trust, and listened to his words, full of responsibility.
He felt his blood, at this moment, completely ignite!
He knew that this was Shin-nii giving him a chance!
He was forcing him to grow!
He took a deep breath, then nodded heavily, and the eyes that had still held a hint of timidity now burst forth with a man's light!
"Hai!"
Izaki Shun looked at Sasaki Yu, who was almost on fire, and then at Ryuzaki Shin's calm face. A very complex struggle flashed in his heart.
But he didn't say anything more.
Because he knew that Ryuzaki Shin was right.
In terms of connections and network, he wasn't even fit to carry Sasaki Yu's shoes.
Ryuzaki Shin looked at Sasaki Yu and nodded in satisfaction.
"Xiao Yu, I trust you to handle things."
After he finished speaking, he no longer paid attention to the two of them, just turned and prepared to leave.
"Boss, where are you going?"
Izaki Shun asked subconsciously.
Ryuzaki Shin didn't look back, just waved his hand casually, leaving behind a mysterious silhouette.
"I'm going to school to take care of something."
"I'm leaving this to you."
In the office, Izaki Shun watched Sasaki Yu's departing back, then looked at the tightly bound Red Scorpion members on the ground, his eyes gradually turning cold.
He slowly pulled a sharp folding knife from his pocket.
He walked to Sawatari Kenji, who was still unconscious, and slowly squatted down.
Then, with the cold blade, he gently patted his face.
"Hey, wake up."
His voice was not loud, but it carried a chilling coldness.
"I don't have much patience."
"So, I ask, you answer."
"Otherwise, I can't guarantee that you won't... lose a few parts."
...On the other side, Sasaki Yu took a deep breath. He thought for a moment and dialed a phone number.
The call connected.
A majestic, yet gentle and caring female voice came from the receiver.
"Young master, what can I do for you?"
Sasaki Yu heard the voice and said, word by word:
"Xia Zhi, I need to talk to you about something..."
After Ryuzaki Shin left Shinryu Credit, he rode his harley back to Suzuran.
He had to first confirm the situation with that batch of "goods."
When he arrived at the gymnasium and saw the scene before him, the cigarette dangling from his mouth "plop" fell to the ground.
He even forgot to pick it up.
The container truck, which was supposed to be low-key and steady, was now spray-painted in an extremely garish... gaudy pink.
On the front of the truck, someone had used clumsy brushstrokes to draw a crooked, seemingly low-IQ dragon head.
Next to the dragon head, in equally crooked lettering, were three domineering characters—
"True Dragon." (Shinryu Go)
"..."
Ryuzaki Shin felt his temples throbbing.
He slowly turned his head and looked at Serizawa Tamao, who was standing by the truck, chest puffed out proudly, as if waiting for praise, with an expression as if he were looking at an alien.
"What the hell..."
Ryuzaki Shin struggled for a long time before squeezing out two words through gritted teeth.
Serizawa Tamao was completely oblivious to the unusual tone in his boss's voice. He slapped his muscular chest and, with an extremely proud tone, said gruffly:
"How is it, boss? Isn't it cool?!"
"I worked on this all last night with the brothers from the repair shop! This color, this dragon head, how well it fits the vibe of our True Dragon Society!"
Ryuzaki Shin looked at his face, which was practically screaming "Praise me!", then at the blindingly pink truck.
He slapped Serizawa on the back of his head.
"You goddamn..."
He originally wanted to curse, "Are you sick?", but swallowed the words back.
Forget it, there's no point talking to someone with such abnormal aesthetics.
"Boss, don't mind that the color is a bit feminine, this is the most expensive imported spray paint in the shop!"
Uncle Yuan, the limping owner of the repair shop, also came over. He looked at the pink "artwork," a flicker of barely noticeable pain in his eyes.
"This kid insisted on the best. This is all the pink I had left in the shop. It was originally for touch-ups on those little girls' scooters..."
"Uncle Yuan! How can you say that?!" Serizawa's face was full of displeasure. "This is called 'Manly Pink'! Don't you understand?!"
"..."
Ryuzaki Shin had completely given up on talking.
He waved his hand, signaling Serizawa to lead the way to check the goods first.
Serizawa immediately understood and led Ryuzaki Shin to an empty classroom on the top floor of the teaching building.
This place had been temporarily commandeered by them, becoming a warehouse for "important supplies."
"Boss, look!"
Serizawa pointed to an old-looking VCR in the corner of the classroom and a similarly vintage "big-butt" television next to it, a proud smile once again spreading across his face.
"This is a high-grade item I found in the second-hand market! It cost me a full five thousand yen!"
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the dust accumulated on the VCR and the clear scratches on the TV screen, his mouth twitching involuntarily.
He thought to himself: Five thousand yen?
Wasn't he just ripped off?
Serizawa continued grandly.
"Come on, boss, inspect the goods!"
Ryuzaki Shin's mouth twitched.
Damn it, watching a disc, and you're making it sound like inspecting drugs.
Serizawa rubbed his hands, carefully inserted a seemingly new videotape into the VCR, and then pressed the play button.
However... "Screech—"
A harsh electrical current sound rang out, black smoke billowed from the VCR, and then, it completely went silent.
"..."
Ryuzaki Shin watched this scene, completely numb.
Serizawa's face instantly turned a liver-like crimson!
He roared, rushed forward, and punched the defunct VCR twice!
"Damn it! You dare to mess with me?!"
However, just as he was about to perform a third "physical repair."
"Buzz—"
The previously defunct VCR miraculously started working again!
The TV screen also flickered twice, then slowly lit up.
"Holy shit, this actually works?!"
Serizawa, however, seemed to have anticipated all of this. He clapped the dust from his hands, a proud smile once again appearing on his face.
"See, boss, sometimes machines also need a little 'friendly' communication."
Ryuzaki Shin was too lazy to waste any more words with him. He turned his gaze to the lit TV screen.
He wanted to see what precious "artwork" this batch of goods, so highly valued by Red Scorpion, actually was.
However, the next second.
The images that appeared on the screen and the unbearable sounds made his face, which always carried a hint of coldness and dominance, crack for the first time.
"Oh, yes!"
"Come on!"
"Fxxk, me!"
The indecent images, accompanied by earth-shattering sounds, instantly filled the entire classroom!
Ryuzaki Shin was stunned.
Serizawa was also stunned.
His face, at a visible speed, quickly flushed red, then became even redder than a monkey's butt!
He felt that, at this moment, he had experienced social death.
Silence!
Dead silence!
After a full ten seconds, Ryuzaki Shin finally reacted.
Damn it, it really was a European collection!
These so-called "smuggled goods" were actually unedited European master tapes!
But even though Ryuzaki Shin had thought in this direction before, he was still a bit dizzy after confirming it.
He hadn't dealt with this kind of stuff in his previous life, and what he smuggled wasn't this.
This stuff? Was it worth going to such lengths to smuggle?
...Meanwhile, outside the classroom.
Uncle Yuan was leaning against the wall, smoking. He watched Serizawa and that kid named Ryuzaki Shin mysteriously enter the classroom, filled with doubt.
Serizawa, though a bit slow-witted, was generally upright. Why would he be associated with someone who looked so troublesome?
Worried that Serizawa was being led astray, he limped quietly to the classroom door.
Just as he was about to peek through the door crack, he heard a sound from inside... well... how to describe it?
It was the kind of sound that only adult men would understand.
A few phrases vaguely emerged.
"Yes, yes!"
Uncle Yuan was first startled, and then, a knowing smile appeared on his weathered old face.
Then, through the door crack, he also saw the screen.
Oh my, completely naked, crystal clear, no mosaic, this is true art.
Don't tell me foreign women aren't exciting~~
He thought to himself:
Heh, I thought it was something serious, turns out they're just hiding here watching a movie.
Young people these days, really... know how to have fun.
He shook his head, recalling his own youth, and how he had also gone through similar experiences, then prepared to turn and leave.
Uncle Yuan was already about to turn and leave, but the moment he turned, his footsteps suddenly halted!
No!
This accent... not from Sakura Country! It's European!
Uncle Yuan's mind went "buzz" and instantly blank!
For the first time, a look of horror appeared in his weathered eyes!
In his youth, he had also been involved in the underworld, even losing a leg for it!
He knew better than anyone what this kind of thing meant!
Uncensored!
This meant—
Smuggling!
Uncle Yuan's heart was in turmoil!
He knew this was no longer a simple case of students secretly watching a movie; behind it lay a massive, bloody, and outrageously profitable black industrial chain!
In Sakura Country, all publicly released video products must comply with Article 175 of the Penal Code—"Crime of Distributing Obscene Objects, etc." (Waisetsu-butsu Hanpu-zai).
This law, like a Sword of Damocles hanging over all practitioners, strictly prohibits the dissemination of any "excessively explicit" content.
Therefore, to circumvent legal risks, all domestically produced "art films" must be covered with that thick, extremely view-disturbing mosaic.
That thing, to put it bluntly, was an unspoken, self-deceiving game between film producers and the police.
Everyone pretended not to see, and the law also pretended not to exist.
However, desire cannot be completely suppressed.
Precisely because the domestic market was full of these "emasculated products wearing the emperor's new clothes," those uncut, original, uncensored "artworks" smuggled from Europe and America became the most sought-after hard currency in the underground world!
Uncle Yuan was very clear about the operating model of this business.
First, there must be audacious and resourceful "smugglers" who, risking being caught by customs and imprisoned, obtain original master tapes from various channels in Europe.
This first step is the most costly and the riskiest.
Once the master tapes are acquired, they are sent to "underground factories" hidden in various corners of the city.
These so-called factories might be an abandoned warehouse, or even the basement of an ordinary residence, equipped with a dozen VCRs, tirelessly duplicating day and night.
The cost of a blank videotape is only a few hundred yen.
However, once it is inscribed with these contents from foreign lands, full of primal wildness, its value instantly multiplies a hundredfold!
These duplicated videotapes could never appear in legitimate video stores.
Their distribution channels operate entirely outside the law.
Some are sold at high prices to regular customers through underground video stores controlled by the Yakuza, scattered across various districts, under the guise of "member exclusives" or "special recommendations."
Others are purchased through more secretive mail-order channels, with inconspicuous advertisements placed in certain adult magazines, allowing customers with "special needs" to buy by mailing cash.
And the largest volume is still distributed directly to powerful and wealthy "big shots" through the internal networks of various Yakuza organizations.
For them, local "art films" had long become bland; these foreign-flavored imports, with the thrill of being "forbidden goods," were their true pursuit.
Huge profits!
Only these four words remained in Uncle Yuan's mind!
A blank videotape costing a few hundred yen, after simple duplication, could be resold for twenty to thirty thousand yen!
What kind of terrifying profit is that?!
Even drug trafficking involves much greater initial investment and risk than this!
What they were selling was not videotapes at all!
What they were selling was the forbidden zone of the law, the desires of human nature, the thrill that comes from the taboo!
Precisely because of this, this lucrative business had long been firmly controlled by the true, ruthless top Yakuza organizations, such as the Yamaguchi-gumi and Inagawa-kai, these behemoths!
Outsiders, let alone trying to get a piece of the pie, would likely be torn to shreds even if they tried to get close!
Serizawa, this foolish boy, how could he... how could he get involved in something so deadly?!
Uncle Yuan's heart was filled with fear and worry!
He knew he had to take Serizawa away immediately!
If he stayed any longer, this boy would sooner or later be dumped into Tokyo Bay!
Just as his mind was racing, and he was about to rush in and pull him out regardless of the consequences.
He felt that suddenly, there was someone behind him.
A cold voice, devoid of any emotion, slowly sounded in his ear.
"I didn't expect, old man... you're into this too?"
"Do you want to... go inside and get a closer look?"
Toyaru City, afternoon.
Sunlight streamed through the French windows, lazily scattering across the marble floor of a high-end cafe. The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans.
Sasaki Yu was restless.
His always somewhat timid eyes were now fixed on the cold Blue Mountain coffee in front of him. His pale, anxious face was reflected on the surface of the cup.
Just then, the crisp sound of high heels tapping on the floor approached from a distance and stopped at his table.
Sasaki Yu suddenly looked up.
He saw a woman dressed in a well-tailored black suit skirt, wearing black-rimmed glasses, and exuding a cold, unapproachable aura. She was looking down at him with a scrutinizing gaze.
Asano Kaori.
Xia Zhi
The Sasaki Family's chief legal advisor, his elder sister Sasaki Kyoko's most trusted aide, a top elite who graduated from Harvard Law School.
"Young Master."
Asano Kaori's voice was flat, devoid of emotion.
"I've already heard that you've made some… 'new friends' at school."
She deliberately drew out the words "new friends," the sarcasm in her tone undisguised.
Sasaki Yu's face instantly flushed red.
He felt like a primary school student caught doing something wrong in front of this woman.
"Xia Zhi-jie… I…"
"Young Master, you don't need to explain."
Asano Kaori interrupted him. She pulled out the chair opposite him, sat down elegantly, and then gently pushed a document in front of Sasaki Yu.
Her voice was still as cold and businesslike as ever.
Actually, Xiao Yu's first thought was to call his elder sister.
But out of fear of his elder sister, he thought about it and called Xia Zhi instead.
He had originally wanted Xia Zhi to help find a few top lawyers to handle it.
He didn't expect Xia Zhi to be in Toyaru, not Tokyo.
However, the Sasaki Family's business was not primarily concentrated in Tokyo.
Moreover, the family had been intentionally selling off properties in Tokyo and shifting their focus for the past few years.
It seemed as though they were leaving Tokyo, but Sasaki Yu didn't know what had happened.
So, thinking about Xia Zhi being in Toyaru, it wasn't that strange.
Xiao Yu had told Xia Zhi everything over the phone.
Xia Zhi didn't say much else, simply stating:
"I'm not here to listen to your stories today. I'm here to help you assess the risks."
"Firstly, your two 'brothers' are currently detained by the police on suspicion of disposing of a body. Although they insist it was just a student brawl, the police aren't fools. This matter can be either big or small."
She paused, pushing up the gold-rimmed glasses on her nose. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes hidden behind the lenses.
"Secondly, and most importantly."
"That man named Ryuzaki Shin."
"According to the information I've gathered, this person has an unknown background, acts ruthlessly, and has turned Suzuran upside down since transferring there. He has even made enemies with delinquent organizations like Red Scorpion and Armed Front."
"Young Master, forgive my bluntness, but this kind of person is a walking time bomb!"
"He is approaching you now, using your status and resources. Do you really think his intentions are that simple?"
"I suggest you immediately, right now, cut ties with these people!"
"Otherwise, once things escalate, not only you but the entire Sasaki Family will be dragged down!"
Listening to Asano Kaori's words, Sasaki Yu felt his mind go "buzz" and completely muddle.
He knew that Xia Zhi was right.
He knew that Ryuzaki Shin was dangerous.
But… his mind couldn't help but…
…conjure Ryuzaki Shin's face, always with a hint of a wicked smile.
…conjure his tall figure, facing dozens of delinquents alone.
…conjure Ryuzaki Shin's encouragement to him, and the gentle smile he had never felt before.
He… he isn't using me!
He is my Big Brother!
He is the man I acknowledge!
An unprecedented surge of primal male dignity and fury instantly shot to his head!
He remembered Shin-nii's words: "A true man must be brave enough to make his own choices."
He slammed his hand on the table!
"Bang—!"
A loud noise drew the attention of everyone in the cafe!
Sasaki Yu suddenly stood up from his chair, his eyes now burning with fierce flames!
He glared at the stunned woman in front of him, unleashing a roar that had been suppressed for twenty years, using all his strength!
His voice was even hoarse from the excessive excitement!
"Enough! Xia Zhi!"
"I called you here to solve problems, not to point fingers at me!"
"They are my brothers! Shin-nii is my Big Brother!"
"…"
Silence!
Dead silence!
Asano Kaori was completely stunned.
She looked at the young man in front of her, whose eyes were red and whose chest was heaving. For the first time, a look of shock appeared on her usually professionally smiling face!
She felt that what she saw was no longer the docile, obedient, even somewhat cowardly young master.
But a newly awakened, wild… lion cub!
She even saw a hint… a hint of the Master's authority in his furious eyes!
Asano Kaori frowned inwardly at first.
She sighed, realizing she had overstepped.
After all, he was the Young Master, so let him be.
However, she still had to inform the Young Lady afterward.
And frankly, bailing someone out of the police station was incredibly simple for her.
Those words just now were simply because Xia Zhi, being highly educated, naturally disliked delinquents.
She slowly stood up from her chair.
Then, she bowed deeply to Xiao Yu.
"My sincerest apologies, Young Master."
"It was I who spoke out of turn."
Sasaki Yu looked at her, and the anger in his heart gradually subsided.
In its place was an unprecedented feeling of being in control of the situation!
He knew that he had grown.
He slowly sat back down in his chair, picked up the cold coffee, took a small sip, and then, mimicking Shin-nii's demeanor, asked coldly:
"I'll ask you again."
"Can you handle this matter, or not?"
"If you can't, I'll find someone else."
Asano Kaori heard this and showed no displeasure.
She pushed up her glasses, and the confident and professional smile reappeared on her face.
"Yes."
Her voice was crisp and clear, without the slightest hesitation.
"The police have no direct evidence. The so-called 'brawl' is just their preliminary judgment."
"As for confessions… Hah, that's child's play."
She paused, her tone becoming incredibly confident.
"If handled properly, they can be acquitted in at most forty-eight hours."
"This matter is not difficult."
Sasaki Yu listened, then nodded with satisfaction.
He looked at the woman in front of him, who had fully entered "battle mode," and knew that he had made the right choice.
He drained the cold coffee, then slowly stood up from his chair.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching Asano Kaori's ears.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Xia Zhi."
"Remember…"
"At all costs."
"I only look at results…"