Chapter 151: My Master, Sensei Lee-Tang!

Chapter 151: My Master, Sensei Lee-Tang!

The week passed by without too much of note. The family, university, and my new business have been steadily moving forward. Victoria, Mercy, and Jenifer have been pushing hard for times with me to make sure they could conceive our children. Yes, I am in a rowboat with a hole in the bottom, so I have stopped trying to bail out the water and am now just enjoying my sinking ship.

Currently, it is Sunday morning right after breakfast. I am sitting inside my room working on my modifications for upcoming patches in readiness for Valentine's live launch this coming Friday. On Thursday at midnight, it goes live for all Harem-Chat members, and we have a Lovers Day only special in celebration of Valentine's birth into this online world.

While we work virtually with one another, a familiar voice chimes in from my fifth monitor. Lucy looks at me over our live feed, a knowing smile playing on her lips. [Rick, yesterday the Kyusho family came to Star City for a trip. I wanted you to know, because they will be requesting a meeting with you at Phoenix Tower for official matters, ufufu.]

It had only been a week, but yet it felt so long ago. I pause my typing, turning my head slightly toward her screen. "Why did they come from Crimson? Do they have beef with me, or is there more to their trip to Star City?"

[Friday night with some bodyguards, Danzo, Inu, and Hinata Kyusho landed at the international airport,] Lucy explains, leaning forward to check her own data feeds. [Yesterday morning Danzo, Steve's father, visited him in jail and informed him he was no longer a member of the Kyusho Clan. He also mentioned to his son that Cat and Hinata do or would serve you.]

Lucy displays her trademark evil grin at the thought of it. I lean back in my computer chair, letting out a low whistle. "Wait! Danzo Kyusho came all the way to Star City to slap Steven Woo in the proverbial face?!"

[He did. I saw the footage of his meeting,] Lucy giggles, her eyes flashing with pure delight at the memory. [Steven looked so adorable with his expression of losing everything for real this time. Any hope he had of a life after five years was taken. He is less than a hobo now.]

I look at Lucy's eyes, seeing her absolute satisfaction whenever my enemies suffer, and I mentally feel bad for anyone who tries to hurt me. After what I heard happened to Scott, I am completely sure it was Lucy's doing, but I don't ask her directly. Revenge is personal, and she felt she needed to do it for my sake.

I shake those dark thoughts from my head, shifting focus back to the immediate situation. "Based on your words, it seems Kyusho has come for me concerning Hinata, right?"

[Yup, I have listened to their private talks to make sure they are not plotting against you, dear,] Lucy confirms, resting her chin in her hands as she looks back at me. [And as I predicted based on their culture, they are coming to make amends with you and the Fire Birds, but mainly you and Hinata, for the Kyusho Clan's sake. This is why I told you to fight her and spare her life.]

I scratch the back of my neck, genuinely curious about her long-term strategy. "Lucy, why do you push for this? What is the real reason?"

[This is your future foothold to control parts of the Japan Empire in business,] Lucy answers smoothly, her expression turning sharp and analytical.

[The Kyusho Clan may be exiles, but they have many, many allies in that empire. The immediate reason? Hinata, like I said, is a Master level fighter, and that is nothing to sneeze at. She will be your strongest weapon at your side. She is just a living, breathing Katana on your waist that also happens to look good, fufu.]

I blink at the monitor, absorbing the implications. "So you are saying they want to tie their family to me. Why?"

[After their failed attempt to seize control of the Fire Birds using Steven, they offended many in Crimson and in Eurasia,] Lucy explains, gesturing with her hand to illustrate the political landscape. [This has put their entire clan into a corner. They cannot live well in the Japan Empire, and soon Eurasia. They cannot survive in the UK of America, and they do not wish to go to the China Empire, which is friendly with their enemies. Your duel has given them coal in winter, so they wish to tie their clan to the next leader of Fire Birds, a Tang, and a Grandmaster!]

My eyebrows raise instantly at her last word. I feel a sudden jolt of adrenaline hit my chest, and I worriedly ask, "Lucy, you said Grandmaster! Am I exposed?!"

Lucy gives me a warm, reassuring smile, her gentle voice immediately comforting my racing heart. [Calm down, Rick. Only Central and the higher nobility in the China Empire even have any knowledge of you. Inu Kyusho, however, figured it out based on what she witnessed during the fight. She is at the peak of a Master's skill, and due to that, she was still unable to see your techniques fully. She confided privately with only her husband, but not Hinata about her guess. She has no idea of the Yellow Emperor's true legends.]

I let out a slow, quiet breath, realizing that as I have gotten stronger physically, some of my operational level has surpassed the Master's peak somewhat. Thankfully, peak Masters are super rare in this day and age. I clear my throat, pressing further. "Then what are the Kyusho's long term wants with me?"

[A ride on your coattails, what else does a struggling family want?] Lucy chuckles, a playful glint returning to her eyes. [Hinata's mother wants something else entirely. She wants you to train Hinata into a Grandmaster so her daughter can go to the Japan Empire in the future and eradicate the Grandmaster that made their clan suffer. Inu was unable to break her own limit, so she hopes you, a genius almost nineteen-year-old Grandmaster, can regain their clan's honor. Simple as that.]

I shake my head in pure admiration, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Lucy, you are a true chess master, playing years in advance, right?"

Her eyes suddenly take on that dangerous, visionary look, as if she is staring straight through time. [In ten years, Rick... I will be sitting in your lap while you move the pieces on the world board, making Pangaea bend to your future. That is my ten-year promise, my love.]

I chuckle at her intense, almost drooling face, completely unable to resist teasing her a bit. "So you want to build my economic empire just so you can sit in my lap? In that case, can I give you my lap in advance as interest?"

Wow. Lucy looks like her soul just completely left her body the exact second she hears me tease her like that. Soon, a deeply flushed, incredibly creepy smile graces her face, and her voice drops to a breathless pitch. [Hmm... Rick, you know I am still a virgin, right? You really need to do something about that, and I need to buy a new computer chair now, fufu.]

I smile softly back at her, knowing deep down that I really have pushed off loving her as a woman in the truest way. My heart is completely hers, even if I am sometimes too stubborn to admit it out loud. "On Lovers Day, we will be at the Velvet Lounge... I can come and take a look at your work that night. Just make sure the fortieth floor is clean and ready for the wives to hang out in."

[Really?!] Lucy gasps, her blue eyes going wide as she grips the edge of her desk.

"Not for sex," I reply instantly.

Lucy's face freezes solid, looking exactly like I just pulled the entire rug straight out from under her feet. But just before she can look truly hurt, I let out a warm laugh and offer a reassuring smile. "Make sure it is clean, because I will come to make love to you on Thursday night."

[Ufufu! You really know how to tease me now, don't you,] Lucy beams, her cheeks turning a bright crimson. [You better keep your promise, mister.]

I nod, clicking a flashing icon on my dashboard. "Tina has a job that night, and at midnight, Valentine goes live, so I need to be there anyway. It means I need to take care of you. See you then, I have an incoming call."

Ring! Ring! Ring!

As her screen expression turns a bit lewd, I quickly cut the chat to answer my smartphone, pulling the device up to my ear. "Hello, Tina dear. I was just thinking of you."

[Hum? Well, that is good,] Tina's voice fills the earpiece, sounding crisp and professional. [I am with Leader Daniel, and he has a lunchtime meeting with the Kyusho family from Crimson. They wanted to meet you about the conflict over last weekend. Can you come?]

I lean forward, picking up a pen to note down the details. "From our side, who will be there?"

[Me, Cat, Leader Daniel, Paul Yamaha, and Luke Fu,] Tina lists off the names efficiently. [It will be at The Country Club Resort, which is the hotel Kyusho is staying at.]

"Should I bring anyone? And should I drive my SUV?" I ask, already standing up from my desk to prepare.

[Sure, drive that. I will come home with you, so the more seating the better,] Tina replies cheerfully. [Bring Jenifer, due to this being an official meeting of the Vice Leader.]

"Okay, I will dress appropriately and let everyone know I will be out. Love you and see you in a while," I say, hanging up the phone...

My Durango SRT Hellcat rumbles loudly as it nears the high-end restaurant and resort. I am dressed in a sharp black suit with a bold red tie, accompanied by Jenifer, who looks incredibly elegant in her formal lady-suit, wearing a matching red hair-tie crafted into a bow from my old scarf.

Jenifer looks over at the floorboard, her brow furrowing slightly. "Master, why bring the Katana?"

I glance down at the weapon, which is resting securely inside a protective black velvet wrapping. "We are meeting with the Kyusho family. They may want the sword back, a duel, or another factor, so it is best to have it on hand."

Jenifer nods respectfully, adjusting her lapels. "Understood."

The valet-parking staff takes care of my car the moment we stop in front of the luxurious restaurant entrance. Every member of the restaurant's Fire Birds staff moves with absolute diligence to attend to us promptly, guiding us inside.

I let out a quiet sigh as we follow them. It is funny how much I have adapted to being a noble now; not even a year ago, I completely detested this type of upper-class lifestyle.

"Vice Leader, I am so happy to see you once again, please follow me, fufu."

Chatty Cathy walks briskly at my side as she leads us down the hall, rambling endlessly about recent company affairs while Jenifer walks on my other side, her face completely stoic as she pretends not to be completely annoyed by this lewd woman's blatant advances every time I visit the venue.

The heavy sliding frosted-glass door is pulled open for me, and the moment I step across the threshold, I spot all of my key people gathered around the main table along with our two Master-level guards.

Tina, looking stunning in a long red dress, immediately comes over to my side to wrap her arms around me for a quick hug before walking me over to my designated seat. I settle into the chair, giving a warm nod to greet those sitting closest to me. "Uncle Daniel and State Manager Paul Yamaha. Great to see you today."

Uncle Feng nods back with a warm smile, looking surprisingly gentle for a notoriously bad guy. "Great work last weekend, and Bill Woo was very grateful for the books, ha-ha. Well, our own books are looking good as well. I am planning to visit the Black and White State soon, but I will send the financial books back here for you to work on if that's fine with you?"

Tina leans over to pour me a fresh glass of wine, and I take a slow sip of the vintage before replying to his offer. "Perfect, Jenifer and I can work on it on the side, and then this fiscal year will be an absolute boon for us. Also, at the very end of the month, I am going to need the private jet to fly out to Long Island for some personal business, so if you need me to handle anything for the organization while I am up there, just say the word."

Paul rubs his chin thoughtfully as a sudden realization hits him, looking across the table at me. "Actually, I was already planning on meeting with some firearms company dealers, and it just so happens to be scheduled at that exact same time and place! Mind if I tag along with you on the flight?"

My mouth twitches slightly at the sheer coincidence of his timing, and I look at him with a deadpan expression. "The company you are meeting with wouldn't happen to be Smith and Wesson, would it?"

"Wow, I was keeping that news incredibly tight to my vest to surprise you guys," Paul blinks in utter shock, throwing his hands up. "How on earth did you already know that?"

Tina watches my exasperated face and finds the entire situation hilarious, covering her mouth with her hand to muffle a giggle while I lay out the truth for him. "Kim Smith is my official fiancée, and I am traveling up there specifically to meet her parents, who happen to be the owners of Smith and Wesson, so I guess my little trip is officially turning into business and pleasure."

I spot a certain bald manager smirking knowingly off to the side where he is standing with Cat and Jenifer, so I raise my glass toward them. "Good to see you over there, Luke and Cat."

Luke grins widely, flashing his teeth as he leans against the wall. "This entire resort place is located right inside my specific territory, so of course I had to come out to see you, Boss, ha-ha."

Cat stands right next to him, rolling her blue eyes dramatically before giving me the real story behind his sudden appearance. "Rick, don't listen to a single word he says. He only came here today to follow me around. He literally told me he likes Cats. His pickup lines are absolute trash, but he is a genuinely good guy."

Seeing Luke's bald head immediately turn a bright shade of red while Cat stands there smirking at his discomfort, I point a finger between the two of them with a sharp realization. "Ah! You two... Oh, I get it now. Fu and Woo get along perfectly, right?"

This time, the teasing hits its mark and Cat blushes crimson, shifting her weight nervously. Tina gently pats my arm to draw my attention back to the table, smiling softly. "The two of them actually wanted to get your official blessing to get engaged. If they manage to get your blessing first, their two traditional families won't be able to cause any problems regarding the pairing."

Fuck me, I feel like an old daddy already and I haven't even had the kids yet. I look directly at Cat to get her perspective. "Cat, do you actually want to marry Crazy Fu? If you really do, I don't mind giving my blessing at all, but I honestly never expected Luke to be your specific type, ha-ha."

She lets out a soft sigh, a genuinely fond smile breaking through her embarrassment as she handles my teasing. "I am divorced, so in our circle, I am traditionally considered a bit shameful to marry. Especially given who I was previously married to, well, you already know the details. But Luke here might be a bit simple, but he is cute, he is a noble, and he is close friends with you, so there is really no downside to this for me or my Woo Clan."

Luke looks offended by the description, pointing a thumb at his own chest as he barks at me. "Hey Boss, why are you not asking me about how I feel about her?"

I look across the wide hall toward the facilities, a shit-eating grin spreading across my face. "There is a mirror right in the bathroom across the hall, go look in it! When guys like you and me get proposed to by incredibly attractive women, it is just plain dumb to ask for our opinions, right?"

He sulks instantly, rubbing his bald head with his palm as he mutters under his breath. "Sure, but you still could have given me some face in front of everyone, Boss."

I shake my head, letting out a chuckle. "Sigh. Luke, do you actually want to marry Cat?"

"Hell yes I do, plus I got her pregnant already!" Luke blurted out at the top of his lungs.

The entire dining room goes completely silent the exact second his bold exposure hits the air. I am left entirely speechless, my jaw practically dropping as I see Cat's expression turn murderous, her fists clenching as she gets ready to absolutely beat his ass right then and there.

Slide! Clop, clop, clop, clop.

The tense silence and Luke's impending premature death are suddenly halted as the distinctive clicking sounds of two sets of traditional wooden geta echo from the room's entranceway, causing every single person at the table to turn and look toward the door.

Three prominent nobles of Japan Empire descent step into the private dining room, led by the clan father, Danzo Kyusho, who is dressed in a sharp black western suit with a blue tie that perfectly matches my own style. Walking right next to him is his elegant wife, Inu, who is clad in a pristine white kimono and looks young enough to be the older sister to Hinata, who follows silently behind her mother wearing a striking crimson kimono adorned with black dragons.

Danzo stops near the edge of the table and offers a polite, calculated bow. "Please excuse our lateness. Our jet-lag seems to have made us tardy for the arrival. Thank you for granting this meeting, Leader of the Fire Birds."

Uncle Daniel, immediately sensing the deep martial strengths radiating from all three of the newcomers, does not neglect his own manners as a host.

He grins widely, waving a thick hand toward the three open seats at the center of the table. "We don't mind the delay at all. The young generation was just trading some colorful stories and keeping us entertained. Sit, sit."

The three of them take their seats with direct, unblinking expressions. The father immediately begins assessing exactly who was willing to show up on behalf of our family; seeing all of our top executives present in the room, his proud heart clearly feels acknowledged by the respect. Hinata only stares down at her empty plate and wine glass without saying a single word, looking exactly like a thoroughly scolded child.

Inu, however, fixes her intense gaze directly onto me. She isn't projecting the same murderous pressure she unleashed back on the rooftop, but I can tell she knows my strength is completely real.

Uncle Daniel claps his hands to signal the staff waiting in the wings. "Servers, bring in the feast now that our main guests have arrived."

I look down at the western silverware laid out on the pristine tablecloth, deciding to test the waters. "And bring us some chopsticks with the meal as well."

Danzo leans forward slightly, his eyes narrowing with deep intrigue as he addresses me across the table. "Vice Leader Tang, you seem to be very conscious of our culture, our language, and our specific fighting forms. Have you ever spent time traveling within the Japan Empire?"

I shake my head casually, taking a small sip of my wine to stay relaxed. "I have spent my entire life right here in Star City, and my very first flight was only last week. I sailed out to Long Island back in November and went on a quick road trip to Central one time when I was just a kid, so there is absolutely no way I have ever left our country."

He presses further with another question, and I can tell he is acting as a mouthpiece for his wife, because traditional Japan Empire women are not usually the heads of a clan unlike the structures in China and Eurasia. In their culture, the male of the Harem is always the main pillar, and a female can only lead if no males are present at all. This remains the absolute main cultural difference between the two massive Asian Empires.

"The specific stance you employed during the duel," Danzo inquires, his voice dropping to a serious register. "Did a hidden Master teach it to you?"

I point a finger directly across the table at Hinata, a knowing grin spreading across my lips. "Naturally, I was just copying her movements during our fight, and the rest of it was pure improvisation on my part. Where on Pangaea would I even find a hidden master around here? But I have read a lot of secret books in the past when I was younger, so maybe I just happened to see it back then?"

I know I have no logical reason to know all of their secret family martial arts and advanced swordplay, so I intentionally keep my answers vague about where I learned the techniques, but I carefully scan their body language to see if they are getting twitchy. All three of them look at me at that exact moment, suddenly aware of my intense gaze; I can see that because they are all highly trained masters, they can actually feel me analyzing their subtle body gestures.

I decide to test their reflexes, mentally imagining exactly what I would do to strike Inu's left shoulder using my cloth-covered sword. The moment the thought leaves my mind, her right hand instinctively twitches toward her left shoulder in a purely defensive gesture, which completely surprises me.

This exact same phenomenon happened with Hinata on the rooftop too.

I flash her a calm smile to ease the sudden tension. "Mrs. Kyusho, your sword skill is exceptionally high. My apologies, I was only curious."

She relaxes visibly upon hearing my words, bowing her head deeply toward me in a sign of respect. "Your eyes are incredibly sharp, Vice Leader Tang. I have only ever sensed that specific type of perception from a select few others back in the old country."

I can see she is remembering my nonchalant answer on the rooftop when I casually claimed to be a regular Master, but now, by some freak realization of nature, she is absolutely certain that I am a true Grandmaster.

Uncle Daniel lets out a hearty chuckle from the head of the table, slapping his knee. "With just a single handshake, this kid saw right through me and could tell exactly what two fighting styles I used, along with my precise skill level with firearms. Absolutely no one in the Fire Birds doubts his talents. Last week's incident was entirely expected, hell, he even shot down an entire helicopter with a standard handgun a ways back."

Just then, the heavy kitchen carts filled with hot food are slid smoothly into the room by the staff. Exquisite dishes are spread out across the table for everyone, including a separate setup for our three subordinates who are seated at a smaller table off to the side.

Leader Feng looks around at the gathered guests, raising his glass high to set the tone. "Before we get into the hard topics and official deals, let us fill our bellies and enjoy everyone's company."

I hold up the pair of fine wooden chopsticks, gently clapping them together in front of my chest just like the anime characters from my past life. "Thanks for the food!"