Shin's decision

[Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department]

At the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Investigation Supervisor Tetsui Toru received unexpected news from the commander. He was informed that they would be halting their investigation into the KiShin incident on Kyushu Island in Fukuoka City.

Tetsui Toru was taken aback by this revelation and immediately requested an explanation from the commander. However, the commander remained silent, leaving Tetsui Toru feeling both helpless and somewhat frustrated.

With no other option available, Tetsui Toru had to inform KiShin's representative about this development.

---

[At KiShin Headquarters]

Shin, the Asset Protection Manager, had just received word that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had withdrawn their support...

This left him in a state of solemn reflection. It prompted him to reevaluate his perspective on the Yakuza.

The Yamada Family of the Yakuza must possess the ability to influence the Tokyo Police, which explains why the investigation was halted. 

Despite the Japanese Government's efforts to weaken the Yakuza, their influence in the police and even in politics cannot be underestimated. Their roots still run deep within Japanese society.

With these thoughts in mind, Shin had no choice but to reluctantly agree with Takuza. For the time being, he would establish connections with the Yakuza. 

After all, there was no telling when another Yakuza Family might target his company's business again in the near future. Perhaps if he expanded further into different regions of Japan, he might face Yakuza threats once more. Such a situation was highly undesirable.

If he couldn't resolve it through legal means, he would have to employ the Yakuza against the Yakuza, as the saying goes, fitting Sun Tzu's strategy. However, Shin had momentarily forgotten about that saying.

---

[At Nintengu Headquarters]

Tempaku Yamamoto gazed at his son, who was comfortably seated on the plush sofa in his office.

Tempaku had been consistently surprised by his son's recent actions. He had discovered that Takuza managed to establish a collaboration with their rival, KiShin Merchandise. What's more, he had learned that his son had even met with the founder of KiShin.

Furthermore, during this time, he received a message from his son, who mentioned that he had invited KiShin's founder to establish connections with the Yakuza. This decision was prompted by the recent incident on Kyushu Island in Fukuoka City.

"Are you certain about inviting such a young man into the underworld?" Tempaku Yamamoto asked in a serious tone.

Takuza smiled and nodded, responding in a relaxed manner, "He'll inevitably have to deal with them sooner or later. It might be wise for him to establish connections with them, or else KiShin could risk losing its position in the local markets."

Tempaku nodded in agreement. In reality, KiShin had managed to expand because certain Yakuza Families had allowed KiShin to grow in Tokyo, especially in the Kanto Region. This was largely due to these particular Yakuza Families' admiration for KiShin's video games and its founder.

Why did these Yakuza Families support KiShin's growth? It was because this unique group of families regarded KiShin as the embodiment of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, considering it the 'KiShin' of their faith.

Takuza observed his father's nod and remarked, "Besides, you know he'll be safe. The Yakuza Family I'm introducing Shinro to is the one that reveres him, after all."

Tempaku chuckled upon hearing this. "I really can't comprehend their ways, but you're right... They're deeply rooted in rituals and superstitions, so I suppose it's not out of the ordinary."

"Haha..." Takuza joined in the laughter.

As they conversed, Takuza's phone rang. He retrieved it from his pocket and saw that it was Shinro Suzuki calling.

Takuza signaled to his father, Tempaku Yamamoto, to remain quiet as he answered the phone. "Hello, Shinro-kun. How have you been?"

Shin's voice came through the other end of the phone. "I'm doing well, thank you."

Takuza smiled and inquired, "Since you're calling, I assume you've given my suggestion some thought?"

Shin, who appeared hesitant on the other end of the phone, disclosed, "The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has withdrawn. They no longer want to pursue the matter."

Takuza chuckled upon hearing this news. "Hehe, that's hardly surprising. The Yamada Family wields significant influence in Kyushu Island, especially in Fukuoka City." He couldn't help but think that Shinro must be more inclined to agree with his suggestion now.

Indeed, Takuza's assumption was soon confirmed when Shin replied, "I concur with the idea of forming connections with the Yakuza Family."

Takuza smiled, relieved that Shin had agreed. The Yakuza Family that had shown interest in meeting Shin was exceedingly enthusiastic. They practically wanted to embrace him tightly when Takuza informed them of Shin's willingness to meet.

This Yakuza Family, specifically the Ebina Family, was based in Kyoto. When Takuza returned to Kyoto, he arranged a meeting with them.

---

[In the Nishijin Ward, Kyoto]

The Ebina Family, a Yakuza clan, was headquartered here.

Much like other Yakuza families, their residence resembled a traditional Japanese mansion, albeit not as opulent as the Yamauchi-gumi syndicate.

Soga Toshio, the Kumicho (leader) of the Ebina Family, a middle-aged man, had just been informed that the Yamauchi-gumi wanted to seize the opportunity to meet with their revered Kami.

Soga Toshio knew who had leaked this information as he gazed solemnly at the subordinate who had received the information from Takuza. This subordinate was the one who had informed the Yamauchi-gumi.

"Did you disclose this to the Yamauchi-gumi?" Soga Toshio inquired with a serious tone.

Other high-ranking members of the Ebina Family also directed their attention toward the nervous subordinates dressed in black suits standing before them.

The subordinate lowered his head, speaking hesitantly, "Kumicho-sama, it was you who instructed me to inform both our family and the Yamauchi-gumi about Kishin-sama..." He bowed guiltily after making this admission.

Soga Toshio's expression darkened, and he responded with a serious tone, "This situation is different. I issued that order when the Yamaichi-gumi's members informed us that the Kami would be coming to Kyoto with his fiancée, and I had promised the Yamauchi-gumi that I would keep them updated."

The other high-ranking Yakuza members nodded in agreement.

Soga Toshio continued, "However, arranging a personal meeting with the Kami is an entirely different matter! Why did you divulge this information to them?"

The subordinate lowered his head even further.

The other Yakuza high-ranking members joined in reprimanding the subordinate, "Do you realize that we missed a crucial opportunity because of your actions?"

The subordinate knelt and pressed his head to the ground, saying, "I deeply apologize!"

This change left Takuza feeling vigilant and cautious.

The Yamauchi-gumi was an extensive syndicate, and Takuza was unfamiliar with such a large organization. Puzzled by the sudden shift, he inquired with the Ebina Family about the reason behind it. However, the Ebina Family simply reassured him without providing much explanation.

With few options left, Takuza boarded a bullet train bound for Tokyo to discuss the change in plans with Shin.

Meeting Shin at a café, Takuza informed him that he would be engaging with the most formidable and extensive syndicate instead of the Yakuza family he was accustomed to. This revelation left Shin worried, causing him to contemplate whether he should cancel the meeting with the Yakuza.

Takuza tried to reassure him by mentioning the Yakuza Syndicate's interest in Shin. However, this reassurance failed to ease Shin's concerns.

This unpredictable situation left Shin deep in thought. He was uncertain about what the future held, but he knew that this decision would significantly impact his company's growth in Japan. To expand beyond his family's company, the Suzuki Group, and the Tora Corporation, he realized he would have to take risks, regardless of the challenges ahead.