A man who looked unhealthy and somewhat frail walked toward Old Master Fujiwara and Toru, followed by his three sons and one daughter.
This man was the current head of the Shinomiya Group, Gan'an Shinomiya. Beside him stood the next generation of the Shinomiya family: the eldest son, Oko Shinomiya, the second son, Seiryū Shinomiya, the third son, Un'yo Shinomiya, and the youngest, Kaguya Shinomiya.
When Toru was in America, he had already received information about his fiancée.
Because of this, with the CIA's intelligence network under his control, Toru had conducted a thorough investigation into this family.
Gan'an Shinomiya was nearly sixty this year. In terms of age, he was only a little more than ten years younger than Old Master Fujiwara, but in terms of seniority, he was a full generation lower.
As for the next generation led by Oko Shinomiya, after reviewing all the intelligence, Toru came to the conclusion: they were all useless.
To ordinary people, Oko Shinomiya might seem highly capable. He controlled the massive assets of the Shinomiya family and wielded great power.
However, all of this stemmed solely from being born into the right family. The so-called capabilities he possessed were the most basic ones instilled by the Shinomiya family's education.
Outside of that, he was just a mediocre man.
The other two sons weren't much better either.
As for Kaguya, her academic performance was excellent. Judging solely from her current displayed abilities, she was already considered outstanding within the Shinomiya family.
But if she eventually devolved into the foolish Kaguya from his memory, Toru could only give her a low evaluation.
"Old Master, you're well."
Gan'an stepped forward and bowed toward Old Master Fujiwara.
His three sons and one daughter also bowed and greeted him, "Greetings, Grandpa!"
Old Master Fujiwara nodded at the group, smiling kindly as he expressed concern. "Gan'an, your health doesn't look great. You should rest more."
Gan'an replied, "Thank you for your concern. I've been preparing to hand over the Shinomiya family affairs to Oko recently and plan to retire quietly in Kyoto. I've worried all my life, it's time to let go."
As soon as he finished speaking, Oko couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.
Both Toru and Old Master Fujiwara shook their heads quietly. A man in his thirties, yet still so lacking in composure. With Oko's abilities, if he could just keep the family business stable without chaos, that would already be considered an achievement.
Of course, the Shinomiya family wasn't like an ordinary wealthy household. It was impossible for the second generation to squander the entire fortune. The entire family was managed by a specialized foundation, so even if Oko was a fool, the Shinomiya Group wouldn't fall apart easily.
"Worrying too much is bad for the health. Getting more rest is good. If you're staying in Kyoto, feel free to visit me when you have time, we can play chess and drink tea together."
Although Old Master Fujiwara wasn't much older than Gan'an, his tone carried the weight of a senior.
Gan'an respectfully said, "Then I'll be troubling you in the future."
Old Master Fujiwara laughed heartily. "With the future ties between our families, there's no need for such formality."
Gan'an laughed along. Then he looked at Toru and praised, "Fujiwara-kun looks even more impressive in person than in the videos."
Although Oko's abilities were limited, his upbringing in the Shinomiya household had taught him how to speak with courtesy. Like a magnanimous older brother, he said kindly:
"Fujiwara-kun, you're attending Tokyo University, right? The Shinomiya family's business is based in Tokyo. I see you as one of my own younger brothers. If you ever need anything in Tokyo, just come to me. I'll take care of it."
Toru smiled and replied, "Then I'll have to trouble Brother Oko when the time comes."
"No trouble at all. Kaguya, what are you doing just standing there? Hurry and greet Fujiwara-kun."
Oko frowned and scolded Kaguya, who had been silently standing to the side.
Kaguya was dressed in a black and red kimono, her hands gently placed on her abdomen. At Oko's urging, she stepped forward, lowered her beautiful eyes, and greeted softly,
"Fujiwara-kun, greetings."
"Good afternoon."
Toru nodded, discreetly sizing her up.
She was indeed a rare beauty. Her black hair was as smooth as silk, and her skin was pale, delicate, and crystal clear.
She wore an elegant hair ornament, and her overall demeanor was icy and untouchable—beautiful but distant. Or perhaps more like a traditional Yamato Nadeshiko: dignified and graceful.
The two merely exchanged polite greetings without much interaction. Their elders were present, and there was no chance for deeper conversation.
Besides, today was Old Master Fujiwara's birthday banquet, not the engagement party for Toru and Kaguya. They weren't the focus today.
Oko then added, "Kaguya lives alone in Tokyo. If Fujiwara-kun has time, you should visit her more. You young people should communicate more. Us old folks won't get in your way."
Gan'an remained silent, letting his eldest son take the lead. From his demeanor, it was clear that he had genuinely started transferring the family's decision-making power to Oko.
"Shinomiya-san, I might have to trouble you more in the future."
Toru followed the mood and responded.
Oko smiled and said, "Fujiwara-kun, why are you calling her Shinomiya? That's too distant. Just call her Kaguya."
Toru was very good at going with the flow. He immediately replied, "Brother Oko, you can just call me by my name too."
The address "Brother Oko" made Oko feel much more at ease. He thought this kid, Fujiwara Toru, was really likable—he liked obedient people.
Kaguya stood beside her three brothers and father, silent like a Japanese porcelain doll. She let them decide everything for her, neither daring nor willing to defy them.
"Old Master, we won't disturb you any further. You must have many guests to greet."
Gan'an spoke up at this point. He understood that Oko wasn't skilled in this type of social setting. It was time to step back and let the host attend to others.
Before leaving, Gan'an added, "Oko and I have a lot to take care of and can't look after Kaguya. She gets along well with Chika, so we'll let her stay here tonight."
That was an excuse. No matter how busy they were, the Shinomiya family had plenty of servants to care for their daughter.
Gan'an simply wanted to leave Kaguya at the Fujiwara residence. Using Chika as a reason was the perfect pretext.
Old Master Fujiwara naturally didn't object and agreed.
After the Shinomiya family stepped away, the Master whispered to Toru, "What do you think of that girl? Her personality is a bit cold, but she's got the looks and character."
Toru nodded slightly. "If Grandpa thinks she's good, then she's good."
The Master also reminded him, "Keep an eye on the Shinomiya family. Don't take everything they say at face value. Don't let them trick you."
Toru hit the nail on the head. "From the behavior of those three sons, it's obvious they have serious internal conflicts. And that Oko isn't as smart as he pretends to be."
"If needed, Kaguya can actually be used as a breakthrough point."
Seeing Toru catch on so quickly, the Old Master looked even more pleased. He advised, "You must know when to stop. Don't fight to the death over temporary pride."
"If you win, that's great. If not, leave some room so you can meet again in the future."
Toru nodded. "I understand."
The Old Master laughed heartily, clearly delighted.
Just then, the atmosphere around them suddenly shifted. The previously lively, laughter-filled room abruptly turned quiet.
Toru and the Master turned around and saw a man in his early forties walking over, brimming with arrogance.
The moment they saw him, everyone's expression changed slightly. Mixed emotions surfaced—fear, resentment, respect, and avoidance—but no one dared show him disrespect.
Even those who despised him could only force a polite smile.
"It's Sakai Takaaki, Director of the Special Investigation Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office. I don't recall inviting him."
Old Master Fujiwara's expression also turned grim.
Upon hearing that, Toru immediately understood why everyone's expressions were so strange.
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, despite sounding like a Japanese government body, was essentially a front. Its true controller was America.
The Special Investigation Department was the specific unit under the Prosecutors Office responsible for carrying out operations.
In ordinary criminal cases, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police held the authority to investigate and arrest suspects.
But when it came to political corruption, large-scale tax evasion, and financial crimes, the police had no jurisdiction.
Only the Special Investigation Department held the power to arrest politicians.
That's why no politician dared to cross them. As long as they had evidence, even if it was only one million yen, they could arrest and convict you without hesitation.
More importantly, this department wasn't controlled by anyone in Japan. It answered directly to America, or more precisely, to the CIA.
That's why people jokingly called the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office the CIA Japan Branch. At any time, the CIA could command this department to arrest anyone in Japan, even the Prime Minister.
Of course, to save face, they usually wouldn't arrest the current Prime Minister directly. They'd wait until he resigned, then move in, just like how Korea's prosecutors operated.
These two major institutions were both branches of the CIA.
Beyond politicians, Japan's zaibatsu also feared this department.
Most countries have Anti-Monopoly Laws, and Japan was no exception. These laws were meant to regulate capitalist conglomerates.
The Special Investigation Department could use these laws as a pretext to investigate anyone. No matter how powerful your zaibatsu was, if you disobeyed, they could dismantle you overnight.
Everyone present was either a high-ranking politician or a corporate magnate. How could they not feel disgust and fear toward this department, even as they maintained the appearance of respect?
Though Sakai Takaaki was Japanese, everyone knew he had no loyalty to Japan. He was America's dog, a true traitor.
The head of the Ōoka family spoke up, his voice stern but inwardly panicked. "Sakai, today is Old Master Fujiwara's birthday banquet. You came all the way here to chase me?"
This former Prime Minister of Japan seemed to be lashing out, but his voice was weak, full of fear.
Old Master Fujiwara frowned and muttered, "That old guy is trying to shift the target onto me."
He whispered to Toru, "...When that old man from the Ōoka family was Prime Minister, his economic policies angered America, which is why he was forced to step down after barely a year."
"The Special Investigation Department has been after him ever since. With those jackals and hyenas, even if you're innocent, they'll still strip you bare."
Toru understood immediately. This was the trouble the Master had mentioned earlier. And it wasn't small.
In front of the Special Investigation Department, no one could say they were safe. In the end, to protect the family's greater interests, the Ōoka family might sacrifice its head, letting him take the fall.
The former Prime Minister was truly panicking now.
He thought they had found evidence of his crimes and were here to arrest him.
If that happened in front of all these government officials and business elites, the Ōoka family's reputation would be ruined.
Although everyone present had their own thoughts, they all respectfully greeted Sakai Takaaki.
"Director Sakai."
Even though he was only the number three in the Prosecutors Office on paper, the person backing him was different.
However, to everyone's surprise, Sakai didn't act high and mighty. He even made a sarcastic comment to the Ōoka family head.
"Of course I know today is Old Master Fujiwara's birthday banquet. I'm here to celebrate."
"Prime Minister Ōoka, there's an old saying: 'A straight body casts no crooked shadow.' If you've done nothing wrong, why fear our Special Investigation Department?"
The Ōoka family head cursed silently. Even if he was innocent, they'd still find something to charge him with.
He knew very well how despicable their methods were.
After Sakai finished speaking, he ignored the Ōoka family head.
Then, to everyone's utter shock, Sakai dashed over to Toru. He grabbed Toru's hands tightly and shook them with excitement, nearly kneeling as he said enthusiastically,
"Fujiwara-kun, you came to Japan and didn't contact me. I didn't dare come see you on my own!"
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
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