Revered Fierce God???

The incident involving Shin reached the ears of competitors like Suzuki and Tora, leading them to gloat at the situation.

Simultaneously, it heightened their vigilance against the criminal organization. Fortunately, they had connections with the underworld, particularly with the Yakuza.

---

Takuza contacted Shin to inquire about his well-being. Upon learning that Shin was doing well, Takuza requested a face-to-face meeting.

Shin agreed, prompting Takuza to hastily make his way to Toshima Ward, Tokyo, and visit KiShin's Headquarters for their meeting.

Upon entering Shin's office, Takuza found Shin already seated, waiting for him.

Takuza settled on the couch and faced Shin.

Shin had already prepared coffee, and as he sipped it, he suddenly inquired, "You mentioned on the phone that you have information about who sabotaged our distribution trucks in Fukuoka City?"

Takuza, initially relaxed, turned serious and nodded, responding, "Yes..."

Shin chuckled, "Really? Even as the Japanese Police are still investigating the situation, you somehow know?" His tone remained calm, but his eyes scrutinized Takuza with suspicion.

Observing Shin's expression and doubt, Takuza chuckled helplessly and said, "Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm not involved in this..." He raised his hands in denial.

Shin smiled and questioned with doubt, "Then how did you find out? Is your intelligence better than the Tokyo Police's?"

Takuza shook his head and, with a smile, replied, "Yes and no." He rested his chin on his hand, noticing Shin's confusion, and continued, "While I do have access to information regarding the distribution truck incident, my intelligence doesn't match the level of the Tokyo Police, let alone surpass it."

As Shin nodded in understanding, Takuza elaborated, "Our family's company actually has some connections within the underworld and the Yakuza."

This revelation surprised Shin, who responded with a hint of amazement, "Really? I didn't expect that."

Takuza nodded and proceeded to divulge, "The ones responsible for sabotaging your distribution trucks in Fukuoka City are likely from the Yakuza family known as the Yamada Family..."

Even though Shin had suspected Yakuza involvement for some time, hearing it confirmed still surprised him.

Observing the surprise on Shin's face, Takuza nodded and added, "According to our information, your products appearing in Fukuoka City impacted the Yamada Family's business, which is likely why they took that action."

Shin nodded in comprehension and said, "I see..."

Seeing that Shin grasped the situation, Takuza proceeded to inform him, "The only way to safely operate in Fukuoka City is to provide the Yamada Family with some money for 'protection.'"

Shin, hearing this, chuckled wryly and expressed, "So, I have to pay them for protecting my business or protecting my business from them?" He found the concept almost laughable.

Takuza also chuckled helplessly and suppressed a laugh before saying, "Unfortunately, there's no other way around it... Some Yakuza families can be quite unreasonable at times."

Shin snorted and remarked, "Seems like there's no way out of this, huh..."

Takuza noticed Shin's frustration and suddenly had an idea, saying, "Unless you have connections with another Yakuza Family on Kyushu Island that could counter the Yamada Family. That might reduce the threat they pose."

Shin pondered this suggestion. He vaguely remembered that his family, the Suzuki Group, had some Yakuza connections, but he didn't have all the details. He had initially assumed the Yakuza in this world to be more accommodating, but now he realized they were far from it.

Upon hearing Takuza's suggestions, Shin shook his head and firmly stated, "No, I don't need the help of the Yakuza."

Takuza anticipated this response from Shin, given his previous interactions with him; Shin was known for being law-abiding and rational. However, what Shin said next surprised him.

"I'll just establish my own security company to protect myself, my fiancee, and my business," Shin said with a chuckle, though he acknowledged the seeming impracticality of his idea.

Takuza already knew Shin's fiancee, but what truly caught him off guard was Shin's bold statement without apparent hesitation. It seemed contrary to Shin's typically logical nature.

Setting up their own security company was no small feat. Takuza voiced his confusion, asking, "Why not partner with an existing security company? Why create your own?"

Shin replied with a smile, "Of course, I'll still collaborate with a security company to safeguard my business until my own security company becomes capable. However, I don't want to rely on them entirely, as I don't have full trust in their capabilities..."

Takuza chuckled wryly and remarked, "It seems you have trust issues..."

Shin shook his head, countering, "Trust issues? I don't think so. If the security companies here were truly competent, I don't see why other large companies and corporations would maintain connections with the underworld and the Yakuza, some even paying protection fees to different Yakuza families..."

Takuza nodded in agreement and said, "You're absolutely right..." Then, he suddenly recalled something and added with a smile, "However, there's a catch—there's a particular Yakuza family keen on discovering the person behind KiShin."

Shin became intrigued and responded thoughtfully, "Oh, really?"

Takuza nodded once more and explained, "This Yakuza family is just one of the numerous Yakuza families in our network that have taken an interest in you." He followed up with a chuckle, "You might find this surprising, but some of these Yakuza families revere you as the founder of KiShin, like a Fierce God (KiShin) of Shinto and Buddhism..."

Shin was genuinely shocked, his eyes widening as he exclaimed, "Really? No way!"

Takuza nodded and confirmed, "It's true. Yakuza families often hold strong beliefs in cultural traditions like Shinto and Buddhism... That's why they view your company, KiShin, as a descendant of the Fierce God."

Shin was even more surprised and responded with disbelief, "You can't be serious..."

Takuza nodded with a serious demeanor, saying, "I forgot to mention this earlier due to my concerns about the incident, but the respected Yakuza families we have connections with actually believe that the mysterious founder of KiShin is a descendant of a Fierce God." He looked directly at Shin, who wore a shocked expression, and continued, "Prepare yourself, Shinro Suzuki, for what I'm about to reveal next..."

Shin gazed at Takuza, his expression one of revelation and astonishment. He found it hard to believe there were such peculiar groups in this world.

"They revere you, Shinro!" Takuza exclaimed with utmost seriousness. "This could be your opportunity to quell the Yamada Family!"

Shin gazed at Takuza with astonishment. What he had just learned reshaped his perception of the Yakuza. 

Perhaps... This could be an opportunity he could exploit?