?In the heart of Naha State, just a stone's throw away from the hotel district, lies an entertainnt district safeguarded by nurous yakuza gangs overseeing its thriving nightlife. Here, a diverse array of establishnts, including pubs, bars, hostess bars, and even soaplands, cater to the varied tastes of patrons seeking amusent and pleasure.
In a hostess bar under the protection and managent of the Kuroki Gang, a particular yakuza, the sa one who assaulted Kato in the warehouse, revels in the rrint, surrounded by several hostesses as they share drinks and laughter.
At that mont, a group of yakuza enters the venue, led by an elderly man in his mid-sixties adorned in a traditional black kimono. The yakuza accompanying him exhibit a sense of respect and serve as his protective entourage.
The elderly yakuza, along with his cohort, surveys the surroundings until he spots the individual he sought.
"Oh, Boss! Good evening. How may I help you?" greets the yakuza who had beaten up Kato, displaying evident joy at the arrival of his boss.
Being the top earner and a potential heir to the Kuroki gang, he holds a privileged position within the organization and remains unafraid of his boss, even when sensing his boss's potential displeasure. The elderly yakuza looks around and addresses the venue's manager.
"We will close early today. Evacuate the guests and compensate them properly," declares the old yakuza with a tone and gaze leaving no room for refusal.
The manager promptly bows and organizes the evacuation and compensation as instructed. Once all the hostesses and guests have left, and the "closed" sign hangs on the door, the yakuza surrounding the old man move to encircle the yakuza who had assaulted Kato.
"Tatsu, tell about the first rule of survival in our world," demands the old yakuza.
Confused, Tetsu, the yakuza nad Tatsu, inquires, "Yes?" However, before he can grasp the situation, the yakuza surrounding him restrain him, and the most nacing one delivers a powerful punch to his stomach.
Pow!
Tetsu collapses from the sofa to the ground, vomiting in whatever he ate or drinks just a mont ago. Still bewildered, he struggles to comprehend the unfolding events.
The old yakuza repeats his question, "I'll ask you again, what is our first rule of survival?"
"Check who you are going to offend and their background," Tatsu slowly responds while attempting to sit up.
"What about the second and third rules?" questions the old yakuza.
"Do not offend the mages and do not break the Syndicate Union rule," Tetsu replies. However, instead of approval, he witnesses pure rage in the old man's expression.
"Then Why the hell did you manage to f*cked up with those three at the sa ti!?"
Pow!
The old man kicks Tetsu in the face, sending him backward. Now aware that sothing must have transpired during his work, Tetsu struggles to recall any such incidents. He prides himself on being cautious, particularly around foreigners, to avoid offending any potential mages. If there were mages involved, he would promptly report the situation to the Syndicate Union, knowing the severe consequences of antagonizing them.
"What... What have I done? Old man, I don't rember doing any of that," Tetsu asks in confusion.
"Kato Yuuki… are you familiar with that na?" The old yakuza reveals a na that Tetsu is very familiar with.
This man is one of his top sources of inco, either from the unreasonable interest rate he pays each month or the prospect of this man's land under his ho, which has an absurdly high value as the only land in the Naha business district not owned by any corporation but used as a normal ho.
"Yes… I know him, but… I'm sure he's not a mage! He's just a weak ass wimp who used to be a teacher! A normal high school English teacher! He just returned to Naha state after he disappeared for a month!" Tetsu retorts toward the old man, unwilling to accept what had happened.
"That weak ass wimp you spoke of has a backer, and he's a mage. Even worse, he's the kind of mage even the Hightower is afraid to cross. That mage said he had already given his Syndicate Union mbership dal to that Kato, and that coin should be on him when you catch him. This ans you ignored the rule of the Syndicate Union to not touch the one carrying the mbership coin," the old man explains with a sigh, looking directly into his protégé's eyes.
"To tell you the truth, Tetsu, this case is even more severe than the Syndicate Union themselves can deal with. That mage is far more powerful than even the Hightower Enforcer," the old man adds with extre disappointnt and hopelessness.
"Wait… old man… you said… dal? I didn't see any dals on him when I searched his body," Tetsu explains.
The old yakuza stops, and his brain quickly thinks of a way that could preserve his gang. "Are you sure? You're not lying to , right?" the old yakuza asks.
"I bet my head on it!" Tetsu replies with certainty.
"Then, there might be a way for us to survive this if we can make them believe this happened because of just a misunderstanding. And we didn't actively disobey the rule of the Syndicate Union! We can survive this!" the old man says, his eyes regaining hope. Then he turns toward Tetsu.
"Follow . I can't guarantee your life, but if you can preserve our gang, I swear that I'll take care of your children and wife for the rest of my life!" The old yakuza declares.
"Yes, Boss! I'll do my best!" Tetsu accepts, knowing this is the only way he can redeem his mistakes.
— Grand Privilege Hotel - Executive eting Room —
Within the expansive executive eting room, nurous executive-level figures, including the hotel's shareholders, yakuza gang leaders, and, most importantly, the branch manager, convened.
Seated in the VIP guest spot, Daniel observed the diverse assembly, contemplating why these individuals had gathered. All he desired was to retrieve his people and secure appropriate compensation before proceeding with his business, contacting Heracles and Momotaro.
"The Syndicate Union sure is treating like an endangered species, aren't they?" Daniel remarked to Gluttony, who sat nearby, while Pride giggled at his comnt.
"Seriously, dude? You didn't know how your presence made all these big shots nearly soil their pants? They're not treating you like an endangered animal because no endangered animal can beat the living daylights out of a hell lord and decimate their hell realm like you did. They're treating you like a goddamn calamity!" Gluttony explained to Daniel what these people thought of him.
As Daniel waited and chatted with Gluttony and Pride, Kato entered the room, his injuries treated, and he was respectfully guided to his seat by a beautiful female staff mber of the Syndicate Union.
Startled and confused by the situation, Kato had been beaten to a pulp, and the next mont he opened his eyes, he found himself in a white infirmary with doctors and dical staff treating him as if he were their ancestor.
"Hello, Kato. Are you okay?" Daniel greeted Kato, who was visibly confused.
Seeing Daniel and the blue-haired lady, the only people he recognized among the intimidating group of old n and individuals casting pleading looks at him, Kato was about to call Daniel by his alias. However, Daniel's voice echoed in his mind, instructing him otherwise.
[Call Mr. Emberweave. Now you are my apprentice. If you want to save your child and wife and get a nice bonus, follow my instructions.]
"Mr. Emberweave, thank you for saving . I think I'm okay, but if the injury worsens and affects your magic formula you have left in my body, I won't be able to learn effectively from you anymore," Kato greeted Daniel, adhering to the revised instructions.
"That is... very disturbing," Daniel expressed with a worried tone.
anwhile, the yakuza leader and Syndicate Union executives displayed pale faces, so wearing complicated expressions as if they had just chewed on a fly. They cursed whoever dared to attack the Magitek Apprentice in their minds a hundred tis over.
This was Daniel's plan—to not only aid Kato but also to gain substantial leverage from the Syndicate Union and the Naha state yakuza. Hence, he had chosen to share an alternate truth, presenting Kato as his apprentice.
Of course, Daniel did intend to teach Kato so of his artifice skills, but that would have to wait until after this ordeal was over.
At this mont, an elderly man in a black traditional kimono entered the room, accompanied by a man with a black and blue face—a result of a beating from his comrades—and another lanky man who appeared to have suffered an even worse fate than the first.
The elderly man was none other than Tetsu, the yakuza who had assaulted Kato, and the dockworker who had provided information to Tetsu after the attack, stealing Daniel's dal as a twisted souvenir.
"Heh... that guy purposefully beat his subordinates to show that he already dealt with them on his end and is now seeking leniency from us," Pride whispered to Daniel, offering insight into the old yakuza's intentions.
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