Chapter 37: The Meeting

At the same moment, in a certain izakaya in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, bright red lanterns swayed in the wind. Scattered around the building, a few men dressed in black stood in small groups; some were whispering to each other, others slapped each other’s shoulders, laughing and joking.

Inside, the large establishment—spanning several hundred square meters—had been reserved in its entirety. In the spacious main room, only two small tables had been set up. Behind each table sat a young man. One wore a sullen expression—this was Tetsu Takeda. The other had a square face, gentle and amiable in appearance, and was quietly sipping his sake.

Apart from the occasional kimono-clad beauty gliding in and out, and the soft clink of dishes against the table, neither man spoke a word, as though their attention was wholly fixed on the food before them.

“It’s been a while since we last met,” Tetsu Takeda finally broke the silence, setting down his chopsticks and speaking with casual indifference. “How has Lord Hojo’s health been lately?”

“You’re too polite, Takeda,” replied the young man opposite him—Shuichi Hojo, heir to the Hojo family, a man of equal standing. He set his sake cup down with a smile and glanced at Tetsu. “It’s been five years since your elder sister married into our family, hasn’t it?”

Tetsu’s elder sister was Shuichi Hojo’s wife. Just as in Han-Tang, marriage alliances between prominent families were common in this country. By seniority, Tetsu ought to call him brother-in-law.

However, both men were heirs to their respective houses, each of noble blood. In moments like this, familial titles and affections had no place.

Tetsu’s lips curled ever so slightly. Staring at the soy sauce on the table, his expression softened, as though recalling a distant memory. “Yes, I’ve been studying in Tokyo these past few years. Tokyo falls within Musashi, which is Hojo territory. I never made a formal introduction—my apologies.”

Shuichi Hojo didn’t take offense. He patted his thigh lightly with a chuckle. “These are modern times. There’s no need to dwell too much on old customs, don’t you think?”

“Still, it was discourteous of me,” Tetsu’s gaze flickered with a subtle light. “But this time, I must truly trouble the Hojo family.”

“Go on.” At the mention of business, Shuichi’s smile faded.

“My father, acting on behalf of another, has some matters he must attend to.” Tetsu’s expression grew darker, his brows knitting. “There’s a scion of a Han-Tang family currently active around Yokohama in Tokyo—he’s our target.” As he spoke, he looked up, his bright eyes fixed on Shuichi Hojo.

“In the coming days, some of our Takeda men will be operating in that area. I hope you’ll look after them.” He dipped his head in a slight bow.

Silence followed—a silence that was only to be expected. After all, inviting another power to operate openly on one’s own turf was difficult to accept, even between allies.

After a long pause, Shuichi Hojo arched an eyebrow and smiled. “Which Han-Tang family member is bold enough to warrant the Takeda family’s intervention? Since you’re speaking on behalf of your house, I’ll report it to my elders. But you understand, don’t you? Family matters aren’t always decided by the head alone.”

“Of course,” Tetsu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Since he hadn’t been refused outright, there was still hope. Besides, Shuichi Hojo’s reaction was only natural under the circumstances. “Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“Think nothing of it.”

They fell silent once more, drinking and eating until the meal ended; not another word was exchanged as each man departed with his retinue.

Yet as Shuichi Hojo settled into his car, watching the departing vehicle of Tetsu Takeda, a playful expression flitted across his face. “Look into the Takeda family’s recent affairs,” he ordered.

News of Xiao Kaitian’s “massacre” of Six Leaves spread rapidly. Six Leaves didn’t make a public announcement, nor did they offer any explanation, but the incident was too momentous to be kept under wraps.

When Hideo Hattori received word, he was on the phone, his face clouded with gloom.

“Yes... yes... There hasn’t been any official confirmation, but it’s almost certain,” he said, pacing irritably around his office. “The Zhao family has also reached out, but I found someone to deal with them. As for Mr. Xiao, I’d appreciate it if you could put in a good word for me.”

“As for everything else, I’ll keep following up. Perhaps someone is secretly helping Xiao Kaitian.” He dropped into his chair, the frame creaking under him. “But I am, after all, a police officer. The Six Leaves incident hasn’t alarmed the police force, so I can’t confirm anything for sure right now.”

A knock sounded at the door. Hattori covered the receiver and called out, “Just a moment.” Then, lowering his voice, he spoke into the phone: “Something’s come up—I’ll contact you again once I have confirmation. That’s all for now.”

“Come in,” he said, exhaling a long breath, a sense of frustration gnawing at him. He tossed his phone onto the desk and looked up to meet the bowing Sakura Harui, his expression shifting to a warm smile. “Harui-chan, have a seat.”

“Thank you for having me.” Sakura Harui bowed properly and sat down neatly.

“How’s the work coming along?” he asked, smiling, a note of expectation in his eyes.

“Do you mean regarding Xiao Kaitian?” Sakura Harui chose her words carefully. “I’ve been keeping a close watch. He leads a rather uneventful life, hasn’t been in contact with many people except for the Ichimai-dō group. He went to the city today—said he was visiting his sister.” The image of Xiao Kaitian, all sunshine and smiles, drifted through her mind.

“Is that so.” Hattori felt his liver ache with frustration—it was a trap of his own making. He sighed, forcing himself to remain composed. “I just received news. The bounty hunter group Six Leaves—the ones who took the hit on Xiao Kaitian—were attacked. Nearly all of them were wiped out.”

“Bounty hunters?” Sakura Harui was momentarily confused. “Aren’t they basically assassins? If someone’s taken them out, as police, shouldn’t we be celebrating?”

“They’re bounty hunters, not assassins,” Hattori rubbed his forehead. “They’re recognized by the state.” He irritably loosened his collar. “They’re not a criminal organization. Just last month, a drug lord was reportedly dealt with by Six Leaves.”

“Huh...” Sakura Harui looked bewildered, but found the explanation reasonable.

“Let’s leave that aside.” Hattori sensed the conversation drifting. “I suspect this incident is connected to Xiao Kaitian. Have you discovered anything?”

“Xiao Kaitian did this?” Sakura Harui was stunned—her first reaction was disbelief. “He seems like just an ordinary guy. Though, he is close to the Hagiwara family.”

“The Hagiwara family,” Hattori licked his lips. If the Hagiwara family was involved, the destruction of Six Leaves began to make sense.

“Stay alert. He’s a dangerous element, hidden deep.” Hattori decided to keep pressing his narrative, though he had little hope left. “Report anything to me immediately. You’re dismissed.”

After Sakura Harui left, his expression turned grim once more. He picked up his phone and dialed out again. “Takeda-kun...”