Chapter Forty-Eight: Sayako’s Resolve

One by one, the representatives from each company stepped up to the slot machine to receive their numbers. They had neither the near-cheating openness of Mettang from the Source Group, nor the superhuman dynamic vision of Hakudo Kyo, so they could only wait until everyone had drawn their numbers and then select their opponents in order from highest to lowest.

When all the numbers had been assigned, some were pleased, while others were anxious. Yet what surprised Hakudo Kyo the most was that Kazuo Yamashita had drawn the third highest number. This man was definitely not simple, Hakudo Kyo affirmed to himself once more.

On the large screen in the room, the previously empty match chart gradually filled in, and the schedule for the next five days was becoming clearer. However, Hakudo Kyo, who had assumed his opponent's slot would be among the first to be chosen, found that his slot remained conspicuously empty.

Yamashita was easy enough to understand—a typical corporate worker with a kind heart. Even the small measure of kindness he possessed prevented him from exploiting Hakudo Kyo’s weakened state and pitting Oma against him. But what about the others? Since when did these ruthless businesspeople develop such a high moral standard?

The answer became clear when the elderly man, whose half-burned face was almost unrecognizable, calmly entered the name “Julius Reinhardt” above “Hakudo Kyo” on the chart.

A knowing smile appeared on the boy’s face.

“As Mettang from the Source Group said, the so-called ‘Sudden Death Tournament’ is nothing more than an extension of cutthroat business warfare.”

And with the power of the President of Tokyo Electric, there was no need for something as trivial as a numbered draw. Even if he didn’t get a good number, so what? Just make the one in front give up his slot! Assets, influence—put all your energy on the table, manipulate the rules with impunity, and let the winner take all. That’s how a true tycoon operates!

“Kengan Association, things are getting more and more interesting.” The boy’s smile widened, growing more gleeful.

~~~~~~

With his match order settled, Hakudo Kyo returned to the beach. Together with Shion Kanryuin, whose nerves were already taut with anticipation for tomorrow’s matches, he spotted Saeko and the little secretary not far away, sampling some grilled meat together.

“So, let me get this straight,” Shion Kanryuin gestured an exaggerated curve before her chest, “you live together with someone like Saeko, you both like each other, and you really haven’t done anything?”

The red-haired woman, cigarette dangling from her lips, shot him an indescribable look and teased the boy beside her.

“We haven’t, probably because of my martial arts training. But since I’ve reached a milestone with my ‘Way,’ I might just—after this tournament, that is.” Hakudo Kyo, unfazed by the older woman’s teasing, answered with perfect composure.

His candor, however, robbed Shion Kanryuin of her fun, and she pursed her lips, falling silent.

But as they were drawing close to Saeko and the secretary—Saeko already smiling and waving—something unexpected happened.

“Kyo—!”

A delicate, wind-carried voice crashed into him from the side. Hakudo Kyo froze, meeting the smiling face of Saeko, whose forehead veins were already twitching.

Clinging to him like a koala was Kalura Wu, her shapely figure clad in a blue-and-white striped bikini.

“Hey! You promised last time we met—let’s have a child together!”

The girl’s excited proclamation dropped like a bombshell.

Not just Saeko, but even Shion Kanryuin’s cigarette fell from her mouth. The little secretary’s face flushed crimson, steam practically rising from her head.

“Uh… Kyo, what does she mean by ‘promised’?” Saeko’s smile remained warm and graceful, but Hakudo Kyo, who knew her well, checked her eyes for a crimson gleam.

Oh, bright red? Then there’s no hope.

Sensing Saeko’s murderous intent, Hakudo Kyo felt a chill run through him, but before he could explain, a far more intense, pure killing aura swept in from Kalura’s direction.

His muscles tensed involuntarily; even the crimson in Saeko’s eyes was momentarily suppressed.

Only Kalura—deliberately ignored—and the two novices, Shion and the little secretary, seemed utterly oblivious.

“Kalura-chan, don’t run so fast! Grandpa can’t keep up!” came a hoarse, desiccated voice. An emaciated old man in a kimono appeared before them, trailed by several bodyguard-like figures.

They came in all shapes and styles, but each pair of eyes was the same: black sclerae with white pupils.

Truth be told, the moment Hakudo Kyo saw the old man, he doubted whether his world was truly “realistic.” How could such a withered old man, who should be at death’s door, exude a killing intent so overwhelming?

The elder, hunched and trembling, shuffled up to them.

“Well, Grandpa, this is Kyo—the one I told you about! His technique is incredible. Even when I use ‘Release,’ I can only clumsily imitate him. And his physical abilities are just outrageous! If we’re together, we’re sure to have the best warrior baby!”

Kalura, eager for praise, introduced her “husband” to her grandfather.

In the Wu Clan, which prizes eugenics above all, this was indeed something to boast about.

Her grandfather, the gaunt, vein-popping, and doting clan leader, Hui Liao Wu, now tried to suppress his swelling aura and put on a kindly elder’s face.

“Yes, yes, Grandpa understands. But didn’t you just meet a foreign friend? Go play with her! Remember, new friendships need nurturing. Bianzao, you go with Kalura.”

“But—”

“Come on, Kalura, let’s go find your new friend!”

And so, one burly man disappeared from Hui Liao Wu’s entourage, and Hakudo Kyo found himself free of the clinging beauty.

But now, the old man’s demonic killing intent, no longer restrained, crashed down upon them.

Whoosh—

The dry feet of the old man pressed a deep, perfect crater into the soft sand. With a burst of force, he seemed to teleport in front of Hakudo Kyo and grabbed him by the collar.

“Listen, boy! If you even think about making a move on Kalura, I’ll scatter your ashes to the wind—got that?!”

His black-on-white eyes bulged with veins, his murderous aura palpable.

“Um, sir, let me explain—”

“I’ve heard much of the Wu Clan’s traditions, but to witness them firsthand is a new experience, Clan Leader Wu,” Saeko interjected before Hakudo Kyo, who wore a wry smile, could utter a word.

With a step forward, she placed herself between the two men, her beautiful eyes meeting the demonic black-and-white gaze without flinching.

She spoke with the poise and assertiveness of a martial family’s daughter.

“If it’s just that young lady wanting a child, I can accept on Kyo’s behalf.”

“Saeko, what are you saying?!”

Ignoring the boy’s bewildered protests, Saeko addressed the old man, whose veins stood out more and more as his breath grew ragged.

“Adoption and surrogacy are nothing new to families devoted to the martial way. I don’t mind.”

The old man’s dry skin darkened, his fists creaking ominously.

He was releasing his power.

But Saeko, seemingly unperturbed, shed the last traces of gentleness from her voice, which now carried nothing but steely resolve and killing intent.

“But if that girl truly falls in love with Kyo and desires his love in return—then I will kill her.”