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墨書 Inktalez
The tranquil night enveloped the gilded villa, with countless breaths stirring in the darkness, as if weaving a Web of Protection that ensnared those lost in thought.
Ikeda Kenji's physique matched his unique temperament, appearing sharply defined. He was a person who could not tolerate any grit in his eyes; even in the dark, he insisted on keeping his gaze Clear and Bright.
Vera's words were compelling. Indeed, Yuta Shouroku was his arch-nemesis. If he wished to secure a more commanding position in his career, he had to eliminate Yuta Shouroku. The latter was like a stubborn stone lodged in Ikeda Kenji's path; for the great wheel to advance, it must crush this obstinate rock.
However, at its core, this was an internal matter of the Yamamoto Clan. No matter how much resentment and conflict he harbored against Yuta Shouroku, it could only be resolved within Yingguo. Even though the Yamamoto Clan had long ceased to be confined within national borders, it still flowed with the blood of Yingguo. Yet Vera's desire to intervene forced Ikeda Kenji to think cautiously and meticulously.
After a prolonged silence—long enough for Ikeda Masahiro to grow drowsy and Jufeng to have examined all the murals in the room—Ikeda Kenji finally spoke.
The longer one struggles, the firmer their decision becomes. Thus, Vera was not worried about Ikeda Kenji's contemplation; in fact, the longer it took, the better. She was simply waiting for him to speak.
Ikeda Kenji said solemnly, "I assume Vera has already investigated what kind of person I am before coming here. Although your conditions are indeed generous and I do need an ally to swiftly eliminate Yuta Shouroku, it cannot be you or Feng Shao. I do not wish to make the foolish mistake of inviting wolves into my home, nor do I want to take control of the Yamamoto Clan only to leave a legacy of treachery."
Vera seemed to have anticipated Ikeda Kenji's response long ago; she did not rush to refute him but instead shifted to another matter that appeared unrelated.
"Because you are the Underboss of the Yamamoto Clan, your relationship with the Holy Judgment Council has always been strained. Many of your capable subordinates have fallen at their hands. Now that Utada Hikaru is dead and the Holy Judgment Council is missing a Vice Captain, I imagine you covet that position quite a bit."
Upon hearing this, ripples finally appeared on Ikeda Kenji's otherwise calm face.
He looked at Vera intently, assessing whether her words held any credibility. After a moment, he slowly replied, "Securing the Vice Captain position of the Holy Judgment Council would indeed provide favorable conditions for me to eliminate Yuta Shouroku. Does Vera have a way to achieve this?"
Seeing that she had struck a chord with Ikeda Kenji, Vera couldn't help but show a hint of pride as she replied smoothly, "I know that at the beginning of next month, the Holy Judgment Council will publicly select candidates for that Vice Captain position in Europe. Fortunately, I can obtain tickets for entry. However, whether you can secure it ultimately depends on your own capabilities."
Ikeda Kenji did not immediately boast about his chances but fell into silent contemplation once more. Meanwhile, a hidden yet intense fighting spirit suddenly erupted from the young man beside him.
Jufeng and Lance were no ordinary individuals; they sensed this surging battle intent and couldn't help but linger their gazes on the young man for a moment longer.
From just that burst of fighting spirit, Jufeng could tell that this young man's combat prowess was likely on par with Utada Hikaru's; however, their martial paths were entirely different. Without comparison, he could not ascertain who would ultimately prevail.
If it were up to Jufeng's preference, he would lean more towards this righteous young man despite his strong hostility towards him.
Ikeda Kenji pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Vera, you suddenly shifted the topic to the Holy Judgment Council. I wonder if you're hinting at something. I've lived nearly thirty years without engaging in any underhanded dealings, so I ask you to be clear; otherwise, there's really no need for us to sit down together."
Vera adjusted her posture on the sofa, adopting a serious demeanor as she replied, "What Underboss says is true. My intention is to inform you that the premise of our cooperation is that we will not harm Yingguo's interests. In your territory, neither Blazing Axe nor Feng Shao will encroach upon it even a bit. We simply hope to integrate some of our strength into the Asian market. Most importantly, I have conditions for what comes next. Once you take control of the Yamamoto Clan, I hope we can work together to dominate the entire Underworld."
Vera spoke without a pause, and it took a second for everyone present to fully grasp her words. After that brief moment, all eyes turned toward the European Blue Cat, Vera, except for Ikeda Masahiro and Jufeng, who were both somewhat disengaged.
The room was filled with astonishment at Vera's declaration. Ikeda Kenji quickly regained his composure from the shock and said with a hint of trepidation, "I didn't expect Vera's ambitions to be so grand."
Jufeng's expression was more complex; after a moment, he returned to his indifferent state. Ikeda Kenji did not let Jufeng off the hook and turned to him, asking, "From Feng Shao's reaction earlier, it seems he didn't see this coming either."
Jufeng shrugged and replied, "Brother Ikeda Kenji, this is your first time dealing with Vera, right? You'll get used to it. She always enjoys surprising people; isn't that what makes such women appealing?"
This time Vera did not seem offended; perhaps out of a sense of apology, she continued, "I admit my ideas may seem far-fetched, but in terms of the global framework, our collaboration has solid prospects for success. Even though Jufeng has yet to stabilize Huaguo and Underboss hasn't secured absolute authority over the Yamamoto Clan yet. Therefore, after I invest and assist both of you, it will be your turn to repay me. I chose both of you because I believe in your capabilities; however, whether we succeed ultimately depends on your attitudes tonight."
" Jufeng," she added with a hint of melancholy in her voice, "perhaps you've always thought I was using you. At first, I wasn't sure if you had the strength worth collaborating on. Some things I couldn't say initially because you might not have accepted them. Now my plans are laid bare before you; you can agree or refuse."
Vera's tone grew slightly somber at the end, yet it could not overshadow her brilliance at that moment. A woman who had plotted from the very beginning commanded respect; at least among the two prominent men present, there was a sense of awe—because in their previous considerations, they had never included such schemes.
Unexpectedly, Jufeng responded without hesitation, "I must say your arguments are somewhat shocking. But for me personally, it doesn't matter; Huaguo and Xia are merely different names. Since you've decided to pursue Xia, I'll naturally accompany you all the way; otherwise, how could I justify our two months of shared hardships?"
This statement hinted at something unknown to Ikeda Kenji; however, he did not wish to delve into details and was merely surprised by Jufeng's reaction.
Utada Hikaru had died at Jufeng's hands, which had brought him into Ikeda Kenji's view. Yet to Ikeda Kenji, Jufeng was just a clever martial artist; he did not regard him as an intellectual rival.
However, today it seemed that both in the surveillance footage and now in person, Jufeng had exceeded Ikeda Kenji's expectations of this Underworld Feng Shao. Perhaps considering from Vera's perspective made this understandable.
A person without great talent could hardly catch the eye of the European Blue Cat.
Ikeda Kenji frowned slightly because Vera had pushed him into a difficult position where choices were hard to make. The cake before him was too tempting; when national interests were not involved, even principled individuals could harbor ambitions as vast as the sky.
After a while, he slowly said, "If Vera hasn't deceived me, perhaps this matter is indeed feasible. However, I will only fulfill our cooperation once my person successfully takes the position of Vice Captain in the Holy Judgment Council."
Seeing that Jufeng and Ikeda Kenji had both expressed their stances, Vera felt a surge of joy. The considerations for the future had always been her wish. Ever since she secured her position as the leader of Blazing Axe, she had been contemplating this matter. Knowing that she could not accomplish great things relying solely on her own strength, she turned her attention to finding allies. Fortunately, she encountered Jufeng, and after a brief period of contact, she was able to confirm his presence. As for Ikeda Kenji, he had always been on Vera's target list; what was lacking was an opportunity like tonight.
Vera's smile was rare and blossomed like a flower. She smiled and said, "I only provide the ticket; as for the final outcome, it still depends on whether the Underboss has such strength."
Ikeda Kenji turned his gaze to Jufeng and slowly said, "Since the previous Vice Captain died at Feng Shao's hands, why not let my person spar with Feng Shao? The result will be known after a try."
The young man behind Ikeda Kenji erupted with intense fighting spirit upon hearing this. Unlike before, this time there was no suppression; his intent was directed squarely at Jufeng, and the meaning was clear.
I invite you to battle; do you have the courage?
(To be continued)
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