The Yashida Family

Driving along the bustling streets of Tokyo illuminated with colourful lights, as night fell, Daisy gazed through the car window and saw the city becoming alive with noise. Men and women filled the streets, indulging in the nightlife after a busy day.

Behind the facade of prosperity lay countless undercurrents. Many yakuza members proudly displayed their tattoos as they roamed the city's streets and alleys, while ordinary citizens avoided them, and the police turned a blind eye.

As government influence waned, dark forces rose, and ordinary people were denied justice. Those fortunate enough joined energetic social organisations, becoming what they once detested – yakuza members. Those less fortunate were recruited by Hydra, brainwashed, and turned into expendable soldiers.

The Yashida Family's influence on the country was immense. Its decline would directly lead to economic setbacks and numerous social problems.

The car came to a stop in front of a sprawling mansion.

Daisy noticed a middle-aged man waiting at the entrance.

The man had a stern expression, dressed in a suit, hands resting on his abdomen, standing erect.

It was Yashida Shingen. Daisy hadn't expected him to personally come out to greet her. This was one of the perks of being backed by S.H.I.E.L.D. At least, it seemed better treatment than what she had experienced with Wolverine.

The Yashida Family's estate was located on the outskirts, at the border of Koto and Edogawa wards. Similar to many wealthy individuals in this world, their mansion faced Tokyo Bay, and the sound of distant waves could be heard from the front gate.

Away from the city's clamor, the estate seemed like a peaceful retreat. However, if enemies were to attack, screaming for help would likely go unanswered. Daisy felt that this place could easily become a site for massacre and annihilation.

Though she represented S.H.I.E.L.D., she wasn't a significant figure. Yashida Shingen might not hold great authority, but he was still the head of the family. His wary expression suggested he was quite cautious.

Daisy was polite. She opened the car door, nodded slightly, greeted in Japanese, and handed over a small box – a gift she had specifically prepared for him.

Japanese culture placed great emphasis on etiquette, especially when visiting someone's home for the first time. Daisy had put thought into this gift.

Yashida Shingen was fond of famous swords, but Daisy hadn't heard of anyone visiting to offer a blade. So, she settled for the next best thing.

She had chosen a handwritten transcript of Buddhist scriptures by the Zen monk Kosen Shaku, a famous figure from Japan's Warring States period. Kosen Shaku had been favored by Takeda Shingen, and it was said that he had designed the banner for the Takeda clan.

The names Takeda Shingen and Yashida Shingen shared similar meanings, making it an appropriate choice.

As the Japanese were generally followers of Buddhism, gifting a Buddhist scripture seemed fitting.

Yashida Shingen led Daisy inside through the main gate. Servants served tea, and soon, his subordinates whispered a few words to him. Daisy sensed a slight fluctuation in his vibrational frequency, and afterward, he exhibited a barely noticeable increase in warmth toward her.

The topic of adamantium was casually brushed aside, and there was no need to backtrack on the agreed-upon matters.

The Yashida Family had stockpiled several tons of the alloy; giving a few pounds to S.H.I.E.L.D. was not a big deal.

Daisy cursed under her breath. She felt like she had been deceived by Nick Fury again. S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't need to spend any money – they were getting a free gift. Based on Yashida Shingen's tone, it sounded like they were even covering the shipping!

S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't spent a dime, yet when it came time to file expenses, that damn Egghead would surely report an astronomical figure, pocketing the money for himself. Not only did he trick her into taking on the mission, but he also gained a favour from Professor X. Everything about this Egghead was shady – his skin and his heart!

Fortunately, Daisy had her own plans. She wanted to see what the Yashida Family had achieved in fifty years of cellular research.

"Please stay the night. It's a courtesy we must extend to an esteemed guest." With the formalities concluded, Daisy exchanged a few pleasantries before intending to take her leave. However, Yashida Shingen persisted in trying to keep her.

She declined twice, but eventually had to agree to stay.

Shigen lightly clapped his hands, and the door swung open. A young woman in a white dress entered.

"Mariko, please attend to Miss Johnson." Then, he turned to Daisy and nodded. "There are some matters I must attend to. I shall take my leave."

Daisy could only return the gesture and watch as he exited the room.

"Miss Johnson, please follow me." Mariko, resembling a delicate white flower, led her to a guest room.

Walking from the reception area to the guest quarters, Daisy noticed that all the women she saw along the way were dressed in kimonos, taking small, measured steps as they quietly and efficiently attended to various tasks.

Daisy and Mariko's attire seemed a bit unconventional in this setting.

"Your Japanese is quite good, Miss Johnson. Are you here in Japan for tourism?" Mariko was about the same height and age as Daisy, so communication between them wasn't much of an issue.

Regarding Miss Mariko Yashida, many people on the internet in her past life labeled her as manipulative, accusing her of eventually seizing the family estate, pushing away Wolverine – who shed blood and sweat for the family – and claiming all the benefits for herself.

Daisy didn't think that was accurate. Yashida Enterprises was a mess right now. With a deficit of billions, whoever took over would be in trouble. Their internal financial structure was in shambles, and Hydra was leeching off them. Major Japanese conglomerates were waiting for them to collapse so they could divide the spoils.

Miss Mariko Yashida didn't seem like the type to take on heavy burdens, sacrificing everything for ambition and power.

Daisy felt it was too early to make a judgment. Loyalty or treachery, it required further observation.

She replied casually, "Yes, I have a few friends here in Japan. It's my school break, so I thought I'd come over and visit."

Mariko seemed a bit puzzled. Why would you come to my house to visit your friends? Is my dad your schoolmate?

However, she didn't press the matter and changed the subject instead. "Miss Johnson must come from an exceptional background. Will you be meeting my grandfather tomorrow?"

Daisy pondered for a moment. "Are there many formalities? I'm here to visit Mr.Keniuchio. I won't disturb your grandfather."

Neither Keniuchio nor Mariko were involved in the war from the past. Chit-chat was fine with them, but Daisy had no desire to meet the old geezer. He had a terrible character, repaying kindness with enmity. Moreover, he must have participated in that great war, and regardless of her past or her previous self, she held a grudge against him.

Furthermore, she had heard that the old geezer was quite traditional, always looking down on women. Dress in a kimono to meet him? As if!

She had spoken with Yashida Shingen for half an hour, and he hadn't mentioned his father even once. It was as if the old man had already died. The father-son conflict was evident, and Daisy had no intention of getting involved in their family matters. For now, she could use Shingen as a shield.

Mariko might have some insight into these intrigues, or she might not. Regardless, she dutifully escorted Daisy to the guest room.

Although it was called a guest room, there was a bedroom and a bathtub inside, according to their description, it was called a "furo."

Daisy quickly freshened up, then lay down on the tatami mat and drifted into a deep sleep.