Chapter 152: My Vassals, The Kyusho!

Chapter 152: My Vassals, The Kyusho!

Tina makes a distinct point during the meal to show her affection. She leans into my shoulder with the tender gestures of a loving wife. She normally saves this physical closeness for when we are alone at home. But she is clearly putting on more of a performative display than usual. She is reacting to how attentively Inu is acting toward Danzo across the table.

I finish up my main dish and set my chopsticks down. I turn to face the clan patriarch. "Mr. Kyusho, I am well aware of your company, Kyusho Robotics Inc. But why exactly did you choose to build your primary facility in Crimson within the colder, mountainous regions of Eurasia?"

Danzo finishes his own plate and places his chopsticks neatly onto the rest. "Mr. Tang, the first reason is that Phoenix City happens to have a very large district entirely devoted to traditional Japan Empire culture and building styles. It perfectly suits my family's personal tastes. The second reason is that the colder, dry climate of the region is significantly better for robotics manufacturing due to fewer heating and environmental testing issues. The final reason is simply comfort. The climate feels exactly like my home nation's higher elevation mountainous regions that feature colder temperatures. We just genuinely enjoy cool summers."

I nod along to his explanation, recognizing the technical wisdom behind the choice. "Actually, I have personally bought and used many of your specialized drone products over the last couple of months. They are far more technologically advanced than even some of the top local brands in our market. I am a massive fan of your Humming-bird series model."

Danzo raises his glass, taking a slow sip of his crisp white wine. His eyes lock onto mine. "If you are actively using that specific model for your operations, then I am to assume you know your way around a computer network rather well? I see."

I offer him a highly suggestive smile, leaning back slightly to drop a subtle hint. "You should definitely sign up for that new online platform called Harem-Chat. I think you and your engineers will learn a whole lot more about my capabilities this coming Friday when the massive global updates officially go live."

His red eyes flash with a spark of sudden understanding as he processes my wording. "The new family management services currently operating under the Victoria Cosmetics company? I recently heard a rumor that it would soon break away entirely to become its own completely independent tech company under Victoria Long, your first wife."

"It will form its own distinct company at the very end of the summer once the network infrastructure has fully stabilized, yes," I confirm, gesturing slightly to add context. "But the parent entity will still fall directly under the corporate umbrella of Victoria Long Inc."

"So is it true what the current industry rumors are saying?" Danzo presses, his voice dropping to a low, intrigued murmur. "This Harem-Chat platform is allegedly launching the world's most advanced search engine?"

I give him a firm nod, confident in the software Lucy and I have built. "Yes, it is entirely true. Our market projections show that over half of the core premium accounts won't even be traditional harems, but rather standard tech users who just want direct access to the computing power of the search engine."

Tina finishes her glass of wine and sets it down with a soft click. She chimes in with a proud giggle. "I and the rest of Rick's harem have already been using the system for a while, fufu. His twin wives even have Valentine handle some of their university homework assignments for them whenever they get stuck."

Yeah, Nadia may not be anywhere near as intellectually sharp as her sister Nichole. But she was hilariously the first of my wives to figure out that Valentine could completely finish a complex writing assignment in under two minutes, sigh.

I overhear Cat whispering excitedly to her bald companion at the other end of the room. "Luke, the very second Friday gets here, you need to sign up for that Harem-Chat platform immediately because I absolutely need Valentine in my life."

I just mentally facepalm right then and there over the fact that Nadia found a way to completely exploit my and Lucy's highly advanced AI. But Lucy herself only praised Nadia for her sneaky, clever planning when she found out.

Jenifer is also sitting nearby with a small smile playing on her lips. She has also successfully used Valentine to handle some of her university courses and Fire Birds administrative work. But based on what I know, she mainly utilizes the program to run compatibility matrixes between me and her, finding our common likes and dislikes. That data was the exact reason she finally decided to suck in her stubborn pride and agree to share my bed with Mei. Though to be completely fair, Valentine is totally innocent here. It was actually Lucy pulling the strings behind the screen!

The restaurant staff moves in efficiently to clear away all of the empty dishes from the table. The moment the doors shut, Daniel Feng lets out a heavy cough to start the serious talks. His entire attitude and air shift instantly to reveal his darker side. His natural charisma becomes borderline sinister as his gold eyes look directly at the three members of the Kyusho family.

"Mr. Kyusho, you specifically asked for this meeting with my Vice Leader to discuss your family's fight to end his life for the second time," Daniel states, his voice smooth but freezing cold. "So clearly explain to me right now why my Fire Birds organization should not be deeply offended by this blatant act of disrespect?"

Danzo shifts his posture immediately, hardening his expression to make sure he does not show a single speck of weakness in front of the boss.

"Originally, our Kyusho Clan only possessed noble intentions of gaining a solid foothold with the Fire Birds. But due to my own lack of good moral upbringing with my children, absolute corruption seeped deep into my son's heart. After his ultimate fall from grace, he poisoned my daughter's mind with lies, and she foolishly sinned against your house for a criminal's petty revenge. To amend this, I have already officially removed Steven Woo from the Kyusho Family Registry as of yesterday morning to strip him of his shame."

Leader Feng seems completely unimpressed by the political move. He half-closes his gold eyes and leans forward over the table. "Well, removing him from your records is fine and dandy, but it is entirely late. So what exactly is your actual goal and resolution today? I highly hope that punishing a dead man who is already sitting behind bars is not the sole reason we gathered in this room."

Danzo, clearly ready to swallow that massive pill of shame, only presses forward with absolute resolve. "Hinata Kyusho, my foolish daughter, unilaterally chose to challenge Mr. Tang to a duel for his life solely for the sake of her own pride, based entirely on her sinner brother's malicious and false words. She made that challenge using her own life as a gambling chip. Mr. Tang graciously accepted the fight and won, but he chose not to take her life. Instead, he took her sword, the ultimate symbol of a swordsman's pride. Therefore, we, the Kyusho Clan, have come to some serious decisions to fully mend our relations with the Fire Birds, Mr. Tang, and the Feng family."

He turns his red eyes toward his daughter and his wife, and all three of them stand up from their chairs in perfect unison. The parents stand firmly in their places and slightly bow their heads. Hinata walks completely over to where Tina and I are sitting and immediately kneels down onto the hard floor, performing a flawless, traditional Dogeza with her forehead pressed flat against the ground.

Her paired swords are resting at her waist, and her current visual appearance looks like a perfect cross between a dangerous Samurai and a traditional Geisha. She reaches into her garments to pull out a stunning, jet-black-sheathed Katana, holding it straight out in front of her with open palms as if presenting the blade to a king.

Her father speaks up to clarify the gesture. "We, the Kyusho, have not served a Master for twenty-five years now after leaving our ancestral homeland. But today, we have found Mr. Tang's character and combat ability to be one we can fully align our future with. This specific Katana is one of the seven legendary swords of the Japan Empire, originally given to the most loyal retainers of the first Emperor Bloodline, and our Kyusho Clan was proudly one of them. The sword itself is entirely priceless, and it stands as our official sign of absolute submission to a new Lord as his loyal vassals."

Hinata does not move an inch on the floor, and it is entirely evident to everyone in the room that if I physically take that blade, I accept them as my followers. While I look down at the gorgeous sword, Leader Feng asks curiously from his seat, "So your family is not choosing to follow the Fire Birds organization, but Rick specifically, correct?"

"That is entirely correct," Danzo answers without a single shred of hesitation. "Our family will not be bound to the organization itself, but to its New Leader. If Rick were to be deposed tomorrow, we would follow along his personal path. This is the ancient way of Vassalage."

Leader Feng narrows his eyes, looking for the catch. "So how exactly does this arrangement benefit the Fire Birds organization directly?"

Danzo points a finger down at the kneeling woman who is clad in the crimson kimono with black dragons. "Hinata Kyusho's life was legally forfeit the exact moment she lost the duel, and in blunt terms, she is now Mr. Tang's slave. In lighter terms, she is his lifetime servant. If Mr. Tang does not want her around, he needs to end her life right now as the rules of the duel dictated. The only reason she currently remains in our family registry at all is simply to not shame Mr. Tang with a clan-less servant."

The memories of my very first life make me absolutely hate the word slave to my absolute core. But my current life on Pangaea knows that this is just the traditional way of Asian culture. Eurasia has a loose form of slavery in the form of indentured servants who can eventually leave in shame. But within the Japan and China Empires, it is a true, literal form of owning a person's life, sigh.

I reach down with a calm expression, picking up the heavy black blade and holding it firmly in front of me before looking back up at Head Danzo. "Then I shall gladly accept your earnest wish to follow in my wake. I vow right now to never mistreat the Kyusho clan, and I hope we can prosper together."

The exact second those words leave my lips, the two older people transition from a light bow into a deeply profound bow to show their official submission and respect. I then point my hand down at the still-kowtowing woman on the floor. "I did not spare Miss Kyusho's life last weekend just to have a slave, I thought that much was completely obvious from my actions. I don't personally like the old form of slavery at all, so I don't need that kind of repayment from her."

This time, it is Inu who steps forward to speak, her sharp eyes locking onto mine as she explains the cultural reality. "As a young, modern man, I fully understand your heart, Lord Tang. But you did claim her sword while saving her life, so following our strict customs, her life is entirely forfeit if she does not serve you. Call it slavery, a life-debt, or simple gratitude, but her life is completely in your hands now. Our Kyusho Clan would not say a single word if you chose to run her through her heart at this exact moment, nor would we ever revolt against you. But we know your character is not unkind, hence why we have tied our entire future to you, my young Lord."

I can see in Inu's eyes that she is serious enough to kill Hinata to save their family name's dignity, which is honestly sad to realize. Maybe this toxic pressure was a massive part of why Steven revolted against his family in the first place and turned into such an unscrupulous character. I look down at the still-kneeling woman on the floor, keeping my voice level. "And what do you want, Hinata? Don't give me a prepared speech."

She stays quiet for a long while, contemplating my words as she processes that I am demanding her genuine thoughts. Knowing better than to be evasive with me, she speaks without moving an inch. "My heart is full of shame for wanting the life of an innocent man. I put my life on the line to take yours, you offered a fair match, and I failed completely. Therefore, my life is now yours. Does a sword need to be asked what it wants? No, you just point and use me. If you are asking me to choose between dying in disgrace and serving you, then my Dogeza should give my Master the answer."

Click!

I stand up from my chair and unsheathe the new Katana. The polished metal catches the ambient light of the room, and I can immediately see that it is miles better than the standard sword I took from Hinata last weekend. I turn the grip over in my hand, looking across at the father. "What is the name of this Katana?"

"Ryuu Kuroiro, or Black Dragon!" Danzo answers proudly.

The only thing on this entire sword and scabbard that is not solid black is the blade itself, which is crafted from folded steel mixed with other secret materials. None of my active cognitive skills let me fully understand what makes this weapon so damn good, just that my advanced swordsmanship instinct tells me it is the exact equivalent of a masterpiece that only a true Grandmaster should wield. Examining the sword closer, I notice the pommel, hilt, and scabbard all feature intricately engraved depictions of coiling black Eastern Dragons.

"Jenifer."

Hearing her name, Jenifer immediately brings over the black-velvet wrapped blade from before, stepping up to place both swords onto the table in front of me before walking back to her seat to watch the events unfold. I pull out the sword I took from Hinata, placing the newly gifted Black Dragon inside the protective velvet case. Then I take Hinata's original sword and lay it directly in front of her kneeling form.

"Now take your Katana back and pair it with your Wakizashi, and make your Daishō complete," I command.

Hinata does not move a single muscle, remaining frozen in her posture. I let out a quiet sigh in my heart at her stubbornness, restating my purpose more clearly. "How can you properly serve me without your swords?"

Following my words, she finally sits up from her kowtow. She ritualistically uses both hands to take the blade and slide the Katana securely into her Obi sash, standing up to offer me a deeply respectful bow. She then walks over to where Jenifer is sitting and stands directly behind her chair, closing her eyes in silent wait.

Inu watches the interaction with a pleased smile, turning her brown eyes toward me. "Lord Tang, as a mother, may I ask for two requests?"

I look straight into her eyes with an expression that clearly warns her she better not be trying to trick me. She only smiles warmly at my caution, laying out her terms. "Just keep her alive, and train her to surpass me. I don't care if you make her sleep outside or beat her, just grant those two requests."

I stare at her, wondering if this woman is just completely heartless. What kind of mother tells someone to make her daughter sleep outside and beat her? Is she treating her child like a wild dog, or is Hinata just a total masochist? My Acting Advanced skill keeps me from forming frustrated wrinkles on my forehead, allowing me to mask my disbelief as I counter her. "Keeping her alive is obvious, right? But for training her to surpass your level, are you not asking me for the absolute impossible?"

Inu stands up and walks toward the quiet corner of our private room while the rest of the table continues to watch the show. Her subtle expression acts as a silent plea for me to join her so she can whisper something in private, so I slide out of my seat and walk over.

"My Lord, the specific style you employed on the rooftop was something only my dead father, my ancestors, and I know. No written records are made of those forms; it is passed down strictly orally. I do not wish to know how or why you possess it, only that you train her in the ways that were lost to me. My family has a massive blood-debt back in the Japan Empire, and only a Grandmaster can deal with her. So please, train my daughter, your servant."

I look down at her, keeping my face completely blank. "Only if you never speak a single word of this to anyone ever again."

She bows deeply to seal our pact, and the two of us walk back to sit down with the group. I feel completely tired from the mental gymnastics, rubbing my temples as I settle back into my chair. Tina looks at the silent crimson-clad woman standing behind Jenifer, taking charge. "Hinata Kyusho, are you officially joining the Fire Birds as a lifetime commitment to serve my Rick?"

Hinata's red eyes briefly open, her voice sounding crystal clear in the room. "If it is Master's will, it is also my sole intention, as my Kimono shows."

Tina establishes the household pecking order right in front of everyone, leaving zero room for future drama. "Jenifer next to you is Rick's Personal Maid and Fire Birds Secretary. She is your direct senior for absolutely everything, so listen to her commands, okay? Do the Kyusho have any underlying problems with those arrangements?"

Danzo remains completely devoid of emotion, waving a dismissive hand. "The Kyusho family has absolutely nothing to do with her daily arrangements. As you see fit is our official answer."

Daniel Feng, seeing that all of the official business is fully wrapped up, smiles widely and shakes Danzo's hand without his usual evil smirk, speaking warmly. "I will send word to Crimson immediately letting everyone know you are now under Rick's banner. In April, I am officially retiring, and Rick will be the new Leader with Tina acting as his Proxy. And now that I know another friend is located in Crimson, I will definitely have to visit you. I am retiring in Phoenix City after all, and I absolutely love the snow, ha-ha!"

While the two older men start a friendly drinking session to celebrate the alliance, Tina sits next to me with a bright smile, her fingers flying across her phone screen as she explains everything going on in the meeting to the Harem-Chat.

Luke Fu slides over to my side of the table, grinning like a total idiot. "Cough. Hey Boss, I wanted to personally thank you for letting Cat join the Fire Birds. I would never have been able to meet her otherwise. You have really changed my entire life, man. Who knew that mad game of Rock-Paper-Scissors would change my life so much."

I smile at this mad bastard, shaking my head as I offer my congratulations. "Well, just try your best not to turn your future child into a crazy, SUV-crashing madman. I only need one Luke Fu under me, or I might just sweat myself to death from the stress, ha-ha."

Luke shakes his bald head like a rattle-drum, completely dismissing the worry. "No way, the medical test told me my kid is a girl, so I want her to be exactly like Cat, not me. But I will still have plenty of crazy energy to protect her. I heard you have a whole bunch of kids coming soon too, so congratulations, Boss! Let's get some of the guys together and go out drinking while you still have some free time so we can celebrate properly."

I think about the proposition for a moment, realizing it has been a while since I hung out with the guys. "Actually, I have a couple of guys I can invite for drinks. My best friend James, then a guy named Tony, and my martial arts fellow student Logan. Sure, I can arrange a night out for us all."

I haven't had a solid group of male friends since elementary school, so how on earth could I know that agreeing to this was a very bad idea?

"Great! I will send you a text list of good bars around the city," Luke laughs loudly, clapping me on the shoulder. "But if I had a personal recommendation, I would drink at the Song Bar so we can be incredibly loud and obnoxious, and if we are lucky, start a massive fight, ha-ha!"

Sadly, I can tell from his erratic energy that he is completely serious, and my gut is instantly telling me that I am being way too naive about this. While I am being talked into stupid nonsense by Luke, Inu turns out to be an excellent conversational companion for Tina while the men chat. Nearby, Cat and Jenifer seem to entertain themselves easily with whatever girls talk about when the guys are not around.

An hour later, the meeting breaks up and we begin to part ways. The servants of the Kyusho family have already brought out a pair of large suitcases filled with all of Hinata's worldly belongings, waiting to ship her off to her new life. It is a damn good thing I chose to drive the spacious SUV today.

Now with her heavy luggage loaded into the back trunk, Tina sits up in the passenger seat right next to me, holding my right hand tightly in her lap.

Jenifer sits directly behind my seat, and Hinata takes her place behind Tina, keeping her eyes closed in deep meditation.

As I start the engine and drive us back home, I glance at her stoic reflection in the rearview mirror, silently cursing Lucy in my mind for engineering this chaotic situation.