The reason for reverence and a shocking request

[Kobe, Tokyo]

[Yamauchi-gumi Headquarters]

Shin was profoundly shaken. The person before him left him utterly astonished.

The man possessed a formidable, tattoo-covered physique, with one tattoo standing out conspicuously - a cute depiction of Super Mario on his left shoulder, complete with blue skies, 2D pixel Mario, and mushrooms.

Shin couldn't help but question internally, 'Is this person in their right mind?' Nevertheless, he heeded Takuza's advice and maintained a poker face. 

He realized that one wrong expression could tip the balance of the situation.

Ironically, it was Takuza, who had advised Shinro, that betrayed a shocked expression as his eyes widened.

'Is this...for real!? Is the most prominent syndicate gang in Japan truly showing such reverence for Shinro Suzuki?' Takuza thought, his expression reflecting disbelief.

Then, the senior advisor, Goto Norio, and the many high-ranking Yakuza in attendance finally took notice of the subordinate who had escorted Kishin to the main hall, along with Takuza Yamamoto...

Goto Norio raised his head and turned to the subordinate and Takuza, saying, "Please wait outside. We need to have a conversation with the Kishin."

The attentive subordinate immediately bowed respectfully and guided the astonished Takuza out. However, Takuza blurted out, "Wait, I'm not included?" before realizing that he was standing on the grounds of the most powerful Yakuza syndicate in Japan.

Oyabun Obi Yuu and the high-ranking Yakuza present regarded Takuza with narrowed eyes.

Shin, who overheard this exchange, remained silent out of fear while maintaining his poker face. He simply nodded at Takuza.

The Yakuza members who witnessed this nodded in appreciation of the Kishin's understanding.

Takuza gave a wry smile and nodded. "I'll wait outside," he said to Shin before leaving with the Yakuza subordinate.

As the door closed, Shin found himself alone in a room with this group of formidable individuals.

Shin could almost hear his heart pounding loudly.

Goto Norio, who had been kneeling, stood up and walked to the table, gesturing for Shin to join them. "Kishin-sama, please have a seat! We've prepared a lot of food for you!"

The high-ranking Yakuza looked at Shin with admiration in their eyes as they extended their invitation. "Please, entertain us mere mortals for a while, Kishin-sama!"

"Our chefs, who prepared this feast, are top-notch!"

"Yes! Our chefs are in high demand even in foreign countries like the UK, USA, South Korea, and Hong Kong!"

The group of senior Yakuza members, despite their aging appearances, tried their best to appear kind and welcoming, although their faces still carried an air of ferocity and intimidation.

Shin managed a faint smile, but beneath his calm exterior, he was already contemplating how to handle the forthcoming conversation and the expectations these individuals had of him.

He followed Goto Norio and settled himself on traditional Tatami mats, attempting to ease his nerves as he sat.

After everyone had introduced themselves to Shin, his anxiety only intensified. Everyone here held significant influence!

Oyabun Obi Yuu maintained a smile as he addressed the Kishin before him, "Kishin, we've heard that the Yamada family attacked the distribution trucks of your company?"

As everyone focused on Shin, awaiting his response, he remained composed, unfazed by Oyabun's inquiry.

'Such...an ice-cold demon... Kishin is truly extraordinary,' nearly every Yakuza member thought.

While Oyabun Obi Yuu gazed thoughtfully at Shin, deep inside, he had always harbored doubts about whether the Kishin founder truly embodied the essence of Kami's reincarnation.

Yet, observing the Kishin's icy demeanor and the aura he had exuded earlier, he grew increasingly convinced that it was indeed the Kishin.

Obi Yuu was a devout believer in Shinto religion, understanding that Kami possessed both good and evil aspects. He continued to scrutinize the Kishin before them to discern if goodness resided within.

Finding a Kami is an exceptionally rare occurrence. Long ago, Japan's emperors were believed to ascend to the status of Kami upon their passing. Similarly, ancestors from Japan's imperial or noble families who perished were often revered as guardians or Kami.

The scriptures pertaining to Kami are intricate, and the Shinto religion recognizes an extensive multitude of Kami, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

As Obi Yuu delved into deep contemplation, Shin, who was internally quite nervous, made an effort to maintain his composed poker face.

All eyes were fixated on him, intensifying the pressure he felt.

Shin managed a faint smile and calmly responded, "Regarding that... The Yamada family in Kyushu Island, Fukuoka City, has indeed posed quite a challenge for us." He maintained a relaxed tone, adding, "We initially sought to investigate the matter, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department..." Shin paused before continuing, "decided to withdraw their support."

The high-ranking Yakuza exchanged glances, and their attention returned to Oyabun Obi Yuu.

Oyabun Obi Yuu sighed, offering a reassuring smile to the Kishin. He confessed, "Don't be upset, Kishin... I'm the one who ordered the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to halt their involvement."

Shin, upon hearing this revelation, found himself somewhat taken aback. Up until now, he had operated under the assumption that the Yamada Family held sway over the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

However, despite this newfound information, Shin recognized his powerlessness in the situation. So, he summoned a smile, ensuring it appeared genuine, and responded with a feigned nonchalance, "Oh, really? I see... I had always presumed that the Yamada Family lacked the influence to command the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department..."

Shin couldn't help but reflect, 'Thank goodness I've diligently practiced my facial expressions in front of the mirror for months. I used to do it to ensure I presented myself well to my employees, and now it's proving to be invaluable.'

Indeed, the high-ranking Yakuza and Oyabun Obi Yuu gazed at the Kishin, sensing his composure and benevolence.

Gradually, they became almost certain that the individual before them was, indeed, a Kami.

He embodied both good and evil, light and darkness.

He displayed both coldness and kindness.

In truth, Goto Norio's exaggerated act of kneeling was a deliberate ploy to observe more of the Kishin's reactions. Although they had initially felt the pressure of meeting the Kishin, they stuck to their plan, using Goto Norio's exaggerated posture to further assess the Kishin.

Then, Oyabun Obi Yuu posed a serious question, "Lord Kishin, we can handle the Yamada Family without issue, on one condition..."

All eyes focused on Shin.

Shin turned his attention to the leader, Oyabun Obi Yuu, waiting for further details. 'One condition?' he wondered.

Oyabun Obi Yuu gazed at Shin with utmost seriousness, bowing his head as he made a solemn request, "Please accept the position of Oyabun for the Yamauchi-gumi in my stead."

Shin struggled to maintain his poker face upon hearing this unexpected proposal.

The high-ranking Yakuza members regarded Shin thoughtfully.

They were not surprised by Oyabun Obi Yuu's request, for they held their deep reverence for the Kishin for a significant reason.

All of them were silently grappling with mental health issues.

Many among them battled mental problems that stemmed from the monotony of their lives. Some suffered from anxiety, depression, and, most notably, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a haunting consequence of their years immersed in violence and cruelty.

They refrained from seeking the help of experts or psychiatrists, convinced that they were cursed, choosing instead to endure their struggles in silence.

However, a turning point emerged when an entity delivered them from their torment—a beacon of hope that shone in their lives.

Indeed, it was the KiShin video games that rescued them from their afflictions and visibly improved their conditions. This transformative experience led to profound admiration and reverence for KiShin, particularly its founder, the one who had bestowed grace upon them: Shinro Suzuki.

Meanwhile, Shin regarded Oyabun Obi Yuu with a silent intensity as he posed the question, "Why?" His voice quivered ever so slightly, but the complex atmosphere in the room concealed it from the notice of the high-ranking Yakuza and Oyabun Obi Yuu.

Oyabun Obi Yuu responded with a faint smile upon hearing Shin's inquiry. "It's because... I grew weary of managing such a complex organization," he admitted, his eyes widening as he continued, "I had too many responsibilities to juggle. I was so occupied that I couldn't even find the time to play video games! As a result, my depression worsened significantly."

Shin, upon hearing this revelation, found himself momentarily speechless.