Third person perspective from Kouga this chapter.
Two more chapter till the end of the Yakuza arc.
Noel and his ally had returned to the imperial capital one week after the incident at the Orc's Club.
After receiving that report, Albert imdiately gathered his combatants. He ordered them to chase the two of them into a residential area that was under the control of the Gambino Family.
Although it was a highly populated residential area, all of the residents had temporarily left their hos. This was because the mbers of the Gambino family had went around and notified them to do so. This way, whatever happened inside would not be leaked out easily.
On this night where the moon was covered by heavy clouds, the strong mbers of the Gambino Family had surrounded Noel and his ally after cornering them in the residential area. There was no longer an opening for even an ant to escape.
Kouga, who had also been summoned together with the Family mbers, had mixed feelings as he watched that scene. Everything would end tonight. But it was crystal clear what the outco would be. The situation was far too one-sided. What was going to happen next, was a totally unfair battle.
Albert, convinced of his absolute victory, was licking his lips in anticipation of the start of a devastating slaughter show. Exulting in his victory, he shouted in a high-pitched voice.
Hyahahahahahaha, you idiots! You would have been fine if you stayed away from the imperial capital, but to think that you would purposely co back! Don't tell that your plan after all this ti is to beg for forgiveness? It's no use! Both of you will die here! Hyahahahaha!
Noel could only shrug his shoulders at Albert, who looked like he couldn't help himself from enjoying the situation.
What a vulgar laugh. You were really brought up badly. No matter how much you dress yourself up using your father's legacy, you're exposing your low-class contents by acting this way, you know?
Even your impudent talk sounds like pleasant music in this situation. --You guys, start by breaking their arms and legs so that they can't move. Don't kill them straight away. The night is long. I'll take my ti to enjoy this
Albert snapped his fingers to signal his troops to start the battle. The combatants from the Gambino Family simultaneously launched an attack--
Or at least that was how it should have been--
......Huh? You guys, didn't you hear ? Hurry up and go!!!
Albert stomped his foot and reissued his order. However, not one of the Family mbers moved. Kouga didn't move either.
Wh, what's wrong!? Why isn't anyone listening to !? Raios! Just what is happening here!? Explain yourself!!!
Albert, who had lost his composure and turned as white as a sheet, pressed the sub-leader, Raios. Raios, who should have been a loyal underling, didn't answer and only heaved a sigh.
Why, what's going on...... What on earth is happening?
Albert was dumbfounded by this abnormal situation that was beyond his comprehension. At that mont, a joy-filled but cruel laughter rang out.
Hahahahahaha, good job acting the clown, Albert Gambino!
Wh, what!? ......No, it can't be true!? Did you set this up!?
Noel didn't answer, but had a smile like a crescent moon on his face.
Yes, it was a totally unfair fight. The one who had set up this one-sided situation, was the Talker, Noel Stollen. It was not Albert, who had many strong troops, that held the overwhelming advantage in this situation, but Noel, who had only one ally.
For things to turn out this way, just what had he done?
Kouga thought back to the sequence of events leading up to today.
It had been a week after Noel had disappeared from the imperial capital. Albert, whose pride was in tatters, was frantically trying to figure out his whereabouts.
The majority of the Family mbers were mobilized, but he would probably not be found. After all, Raios, the sub-leader, had secretly ordered the search parties to not report it even if they found Noel.
Kouga didn't know in detail what had happened inside the Orc's Club that night as he had been stationed outside. But Raios seed to be opposed to capturing Noel.
Raios was much more popular with the mbers of the Gambino Family than Albert was. Regardless of their public image, it was actually Raios' orders that took precedence. In other words, as long as Noel stayed away from the imperial capital, he would be safe.
Kouga, who was not part of the search parties and had stayed behind, did the jobs that were given by Albert every day. Today as well, he had just completed a job and was on the way back.
Kouga, you're really strong
The Family mber who had accompanied Kouga said in admiration.
That opponent was supposed to be quite strong, but I was surprised when you finished him off in an instant
Today's opponent was a man who had shut himself inside one of the buildings managed by the Gambino Family without permission. He was what was called a squatter.
While a Gladiator, a B Rank Job from the Swordsman series, was quite a strong opponent, he was no match for Kouga, who had the experience of fighting in the underground arena.
I'm feeling hungry. Big Bro(Sub-leader) said he would treat us food so let's go
Although the Don of the Gambino Family was a madman, many Family mbers, headed by the sub-leader Raios, were unexpectedly good-natured people.
To be exact, it was limited to those who had joined before Albert beca Don. The Family mbers who had joined recently were all problem children, and the incidents they caused ruined the reputation of the Gambino family.
Oh, good work, both of you
Upon entering the specified store, Raios raised his hand lightly. Many Family mbers were already eating and drinking at multiple tables. Kouga also took a seat and started eating.
Kouga, have you gotten used to your current job?
When asked by Raios, Kouga nodded ambiguously.
......Y, yes, well, little by little
I see. That's good. You're a slave, but you're talented. If you continue to accumulate achievents like this, I'll talk to the Boss about returning your covenant of servitude. You'll be free when that happens
R, really!?
It would fulfill his wildest dreams. Until now, he had dread of being free countless tis, but he had always given up on it. It might actually co true now. Kouga's heart leaped with joy.
Yes, I don't lie. I promise to definitely make you a free man. And after you're free, won't you officially exchange pledges?
That's...... In other words, to beco a mber of the Family?
Of course, I won't force you. If there is sothing else you want to do, you should aim for it. But if you beco a Family mber, I'll take care of you for the rest of your life
Kouga felt conflicted. It was definitely not a bad deal. In any case, should he regain his freedom, the only thing Kouga knew how to do was to swing his sword. Taking the future into consideration, he would like to have a guaranteed livelihood so that he wouldn't starve.
Moreover, while he hated the Don, Albert, he respected the sub-leader, Raios. He had the thought that he would like to work under this man.
As he thought that, Noel's face flashed across his mind. What was that man doing now? Was he really never coming back to the imperial capital?
Once he started that line of thought, it was all he could think about.
Are you concerned about Noel?
Kouga unconsciously straightened his back when his feelings were seen through by Raios.
N, no, that's not true......
Hmm, there's no need to hide it. It's as you said. He is a man with good eyes, even thought he's so young. In truth, you want to work under that man, right?
I......
As Kouga struggled with his response, suddenly, the table shook violently.
Big Bro! I can't take it anymore! For how long must we follow that crazy Boss!?
It was a drunk Family mber. But he was acting strangely. He was crying and his face was twisted with regret. And for so reason, he was holding a bamboo dragonfly in his hand.
This is sothing that the brat we dealt with today was keeping very preciously. She ended up in such a horrible state even though she was only a child...... That's not sothing a person with blood flowing in his veins would do...... Yet, together with his underlings, I...... I don't know what I should do......
The Family mber sniffed, and appealed to Raios in tears.
Big Bro, can't you do sothing about it!?
Calm down. I'll listen to your story later. We're troubling the other guests, so first--
How can I calm down!? I joined the Gambino family because I wanted to work under a man like the previous Don! If I knew that I would be under such a madman, I wouldn't have entered this world!!!
Didn't you hear tell you to calm down!!!
At Raios' thunderous roar, which shook the store, everyone shut up.
......Certainly, the Boss has gone too far at tis recently. But as underlings, we cannot go against our Boss just because of that. As long as we're Yakuza, that rule is absolute. It's not sothing you can change selfishly
B, but......
I understand. I'll protest to the Boss again. Could we bring today's matter to a close with this? Please, I beg you
W, we got it! So please raise your head!
The underlings could no longer grumble now that the higher ranked sub-leader had lowered his head to them. The issue was now brought to a close. But that was only on the surface. Even a newcor like Kouga could see that the other Family mbers were still feeling ill at ease.
Oh, a quarrel? Internal discord isn't good
The mont the owner of that voice was identified, everyone grew nervous.
Noel Stollen!? Why are you here!?
Noel, who should have left the imperial capital a week ago, was standing leisurely in front of Kouga. He sat down fearlessly across from Raios.
He glanced at the Family mber holding the bamboo dragonfly for an instant, but he imdiately turned and faced forward. Noel and Raios locked gazes across the table. Raios was shaken, but to protect his dignity as the sub-leader, he spoke.
Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to have left the imperial capital?
I left as promised. For only a week. I was able to have a relaxing vacation
Vacation, you said? ......Do you understand the implications of what you're doing, I wonder?
Noel showed a composed smile at Raios' display of anger.
You're the one who should calm down. I'm not here to start any trouble. I only ca here to give you the souvenirs from my vacation
Noel took out a piece of old parchnt. He spread it carefully, and then left it on the table as if to make sure that Raios could read it.
This parchnt is a souvenir? Just what are you......WHAT!?
After reading the parchnt, Raios widened his eyes in shock.
What? What does it say?
The Family mbers who had gotten curious because of Raios' reaction scrambled to gather round the table. Kouga was no exception. At the Family mbers actions, Raios beca flustered.
I, idiots! Don't look at it without permission! Go over there!
But it was already too late.
Y, you're kidding......
Are you serious......
......Have we been lied to all this ti?
Don't ss with , what the heck is this......
The Family mbers expressed their shock and disappointnt, followed by anger in one voice. Even Kouga, who wasn't officially a mber, was painfully aware of how they felt.
This parchnt--the information written on it was a bomb. And it was a massive one. Noel had co here carrying this bomb.
I hope my gift was to your liking
You dipshit, to do sothing like this, you're ready for the consequences, right?
You're missing the point, sub-leader. Before you threaten , isn't there sothing you have to do?
Noel used his jaw to point out to Raios the Family mber who looked like he had sothing he wanted to say.
Big Bro, did you know about this?
The one who spoke was the Family mber who had appealed to Raios in tears earlier.
......No, I also only just found out
I see, I believe Big Bro's words. But I can't leave this truth alone. It's much too cruel
Wait! Don't believe it so easily! Think carefully!
What's there to think about!? The Boss is supposed to be the previous Don's illegitimate child, isn't he!? Then why does his birth certificate have the na of another father written on it!?
The true identity of the bomb brought by Noel was Albert's birth certificate. In order for the country to manage the official census, Every citizen of the Empire was obligated to get a birth certificate issued at birth. Noel, through so thod, had obtained the original copy, even though it should have been under strict managent.
By rights, the rule was that for illegitimate children, the field for the father should be left blank. However, Albert's birth certificate clearly had his father's na written on it. On top of that, it wasn't the previous Don's na, but the na of a completely different man. In other words, that ant that Albert was a child born to a couple who were officially married.
It didn't look like a forgery. No, even if it was forged, what was written was probably the truth. The Family mbers all knew it in their hearts too. Kouga had only heard about the previous Don through stories, but as could be expected, he was a great man who was nothing like Albert.
It was a suspicion that everyone had already held in their hearts. And the parchnt that confird their suspicions might be better called a detonator rather than a bomb.
The previous Don was a man who led such a kind and dutiful life that he was called a chivalrous thief
Noel started to talk in a matter-of-fact tone.
But he was also a philanderer. He had lovers in many places and maintained sexual relationships with all of them. Albert's mother was also one of them. She later married another man and gave birth to Albert, but her husband's business failed and that resulted in strife within their ho. What's more, her husband began to physically abuse Albert. She then hatched a plan to ask for help from her forr lover, the previous Don
Could it be......
Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking. Albert's mother pleaded with previous Don like this: This child is yours, so please save him
D, did the previous Don believe her?
No, he probably didn't believe her. The reason for that is because the previous Don was infertile
Noel's revelation of this new fact brought a chill to the surrounding air.
That's right, the previous Don could not have children. But the previous Don, who led a kind and dutiful life, listened to Albert's mother's plea. It's also possible that he had simply wanted an heir, but I'm afraid I don't know that much. In any case, the young Albert was entrusted to soone that the previous Don trusted. Then when Albert's mother returned ho to pick up her belongings, she was forced into a double suicide by her husband and died
Wh, why do you know so much? You weren't acquainted with the previous Don, were you?
One of the Family mbers asked the obvious question.
There is this outstanding information broker in the imperial capital, you see? I requested him to find all this. Of course, in order to confirm the authenticity of the information, I visited the actual location and spoke with people who knew the involved parties. That's why, it's all true
Then, isn't it confird that the Boss has no blood relation to the previous Don......
So what?
Raios, who had been listening quietly, said in a no-nonsense manner.
Even if they aren't related by blood, they had acknowledged each other as father and son. The previous Don had designated the Boss as his heir on his deathbed. Then, nothing more is needed
It was exactly as he had said. But it was also true that the bonds of blood held an important value to people. The reason Albert had been acknowledged as Don was also because the Family mbers had believed he was the blood-related son of the previous Don.
Now that they knew that it was a lie, the Family mbers' hearts were greatly disturbed.
Even if you say that, isn't it hard to continue to swear your loyalty like before?
That's not for you to decide. Is that all you ca to say?
Raios stood up and cracked his knuckles. He was thinking of killing Noel. In an instant, Kouga ca near to putting his hand on the sword on his waist.
It's as you've said. It's not for to decide. It's for your Family mbers to decide. And I've prepared sothing to give you a helping hand in that decision
......Give us a helping hand, you said?
That was well-played. The way Noel gave out information sequentially ant that even Raios, who wanted to kill him, had no choice but to listen. Kouga realized that they were all being made to dance to Noel's skillful words.
My proposal is this--
After hearing him out, Raios withdrew his killing intent and laughed in amusent.
It's certainly a good plan. But do you think I'll cooperate with you?
Sure you will. If you want to know why--
Noel stood up and whispered into Raios' ear. At that mont, Raios' face contorted greatly with emotion. That was the mont that Raios fell.
The Gambino Family mbers would no longer obey Albert's orders. Those who idolized Raios were ignoring his orders because of their feelings of righteousness, and those who had followed Albert had agreed to the plan to ignore his orders because of their fear of Raios.
Raios, who had been keeping silent the entire ti, opened his mouth slowly.
Boss, I've got two questions for you
......Wh, what?
First, you aren't the real child of the previous Don, are you?
Huhh!? What are you talking--
Second, were you the one whogave the previous Don the poison that made it look like he died from illness?
N, non, nonsense!? Just what on earth are you talking about!?
Albert didn't answer a single question, but because of how flustered he looked, the fact that everything was true was well understood by even Kouga, who was watching from the side.
I see...... That's how it was, after all......
Raios sighed deeply and made a grim expression.
Albert, we will no longer obey you
What!? What's going on!?
You have no sense of duty or sympathy. It's impossible to continue to prop up a person like that
Don't talk rubbish!! I'm the successor nad by the previous Don!!!
Is that sothing that the culprit for his murder should say? You're truly an incorrigible man...... But you made a valid point. That's why I'll give you a chance to exhibit your manliness
Raios pointed his finger at Noel.
Have a duel with that guy. If you win, you'll be officially acknowledged as the Don of the Gambino Family
A , a duel!?
Of course, I'm not asking you, who doesn't have a combat type Job, to fight. I'll allow you to choose a substitute to duel in your place. Take your pick from anyone here. Whoever you choose will do their utmost to fight on your behalf
This was thehelping handthat Noel had proposed. He had said that he would give Albert the opportunity to exhibit his manliness by becoming his one-on-one duel opponent.
For Noel, it was simply a plan to get rid of the troops, which were a hindrance, and target only Albert. But for the mbers of the Gambino Family, it was certainly a good opportunity to asure Albert's caliber. Raios, who had been told the truth behind the previous Don's death, had no reason to refuse.
Anything and everything was truly in the palm of Noel's hand.
Who's going to do sothing like that!! I'm Albert Gambino!!! I've no need to listen to anything you say!!!
Not knowing when to give up, Albert howled desperately, but a tinge of resignation had seeped into his eyes. No matter how big of an outcry he made, nothing would change. This was sothing even a child could understand.
Cut it out and accept your fate. As a direct affiliate just like you, I find it super~ embarrassing
A disgusted voice with an odd manner of speech rang out. Looking in the direction of the voice, a man in pompous purple clothes could be seen standing with several strong underlings.
Im, impossible...... Finocchio Bargini......?
**:....:*'()*:.. ..:**
So many people comnted on that girl from Mintz village on my site so I know I wasnt the only one who liked her character. I did say we would find out indirectly what would happen well, here it is It was so easy to get caught up in how mainstream the story had been for the last few chapters, and forget what kind of story this is well, props to the author and the twist of the dagger he delivered when we found out she still took precious care of her treasure(`)
And the Yakuza arc wont be complete without Finocchio.
Im sure all the readers have realized that this author absolutely loves to mirror/reference other parts of the story, so did you notice the similarities in both tis Finocchio made an appearance? Things didnt turn out rosy the last ti, what will happen this ti?
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