Chapter 395: Fortune Fell into My Lap

Japan, along with Korea, was known for its excellent public safety in Asia. No, it was renowned globally for that.

It was a country where one could wander around at night without a care in the world.

But that was a thing of the past. The Self-Defense Force had been deployed to Tokyo, and the police were becoming increasingly armed.

As if to mock that, the fights among crime organizations grew fiercer with each passing day.

The chaos reached alarming levels, and innocent civilians found themselves caught in the crossfire.

The Japanese government protested to China and Russia diplomatically, but both countries quickly distanced themselves from the situation.

It wasn't just physical chaos; foreign capital began to flee due to Japan's unstable environment.

For the hedge funds buying yen, it must have been a nightmare.

No matter how much funding the hedge fund alliance had, they couldn't change the overarching trend.

Japan was plunged into chaos like never before.

This led to the hedge funds' defeat accelerating faster than expected.

As foreign capital withdrew, stock prices fell too, but that wasn't the main concern.

The Japanese still believed this chaos would be resolved quickly.

"Everyone's gathered here."

Amid the turmoil, people congregated at Daigo Tadashige's residence.

The leaders of the ten major organizations operating in the shadows had gathered.

The atmosphere in the room was tense. Just recently, these organizations couldn't wait to tear each other apart.

But before Daigo Tadashige, they couldn't muster the courage to snarl at one another.

"It's been a while since we've all met like this."

"Yes, Chairman."

Watanabe bowed his head, responding on behalf of everyone.

Daigo Tadashige called out the names of the leaders one by one.

Those who were named lifted their heads.

"Thank you all for coming."

A smile graced Daigo Tadashige's lips, but his eyes were devoid of laughter.

A cold glint swirled in his gaze as he looked down at the leaders.

"Mizoshita Hideo, the president."

"Yes, Chairman."

Mizoshita Hideo, the president of the Kudokai based in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

It was an organization famous among the Yakuza for its martial prowess.

They were notorious for carrying out daring attacks against civilians and even the police.

"Is Nomura still around?"

"Yes… that's right."

"Tch. That guy is too extreme. Are you sure you can pass things down to him?"

"…It's been decided since the previous generation. At this point, Nomura's clout is unmanageable."

Daigo Tadashige nodded reluctantly.

"There's nothing we can do. You'll have to stand firm and perform well in this conflict."

"Yes!"

"We need to drive out the foreigners as quickly as possible. I won't stand to see them causing trouble on my land any longer."

"Understood."

Among the Yakuza, the Yamaguchi-gumi had the most power, but in terms of combat strength, the Kudokai had the edge.

Unlike the Yamaguchi-gumi, which pretended to operate legally, the Kudokai made most of its profits from illegal activities like drugs, gambling, and prostitution.

This made them more violent, and many members lacked fear.

Thus, they were chosen to be at the forefront of this conflict.

"The damages will be great, but so will the rewards. I trust you'll do well."

"Thank you, Chairman."

Mizoshita Hideo bowed his head calmly.

Daigo Tadashige shifted his gaze towards Watanabe of the Yamaguchi-gumi and Yamamoto of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi.

"You two are still holding steady."

"…"

"Watanabe."

"Yes, Chairman."

"Yamamoto."

"You called, Chairman?"

Both were heads of organizations, but they kept a formal demeanor before Daigo Tadashige.

"For now, any conflicts between you two are off limits. No more fighting after today. This is an order."

Neither Watanabe nor Yamamoto responded immediately.

"Do you not hear me?"

"No, Chairman."

"No, Chairman."

They both answered simultaneously. Daigo Tadashige raised an eyebrow and asked again.

"Then why the silence?"

"…"

"Aren't we organizations rooted from the same origin? Even though we parted ways due to differing ideologies, there's no reason to aim our guns at one another. Understand?"

"Yes…"

Though the reply was reluctant, Daigo Tadashige didn't press further.

He already knew how the rift between them had formed.

"Yamamoto."

"Yes."

"I'm aware of why you left the Yamaguchi-gumi. I also know that Watanabe tried to make his son the successor."

Watanabe's face stiffened. The memory of his dead son, Watanabe Saoru, flashed in his mind.

Watanabe, who had bowed his head deeply, bit his lip.

Daigo Tadashige continued unperturbed.

"Saoru is dead already. So, you should consolidate the organizations again."

"B-but…"

"If you take over Watanabe's position, it would resolve the issue, wouldn't it? I can arrange that for you."

A look of surprise swept across Yamamoto's face.

No, shock gripped every leader present.

This meant Daigo Tadashige was naming Yamamoto as the next leader of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

Despite being divided into the Yamaguchi-gumi and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, the Yamaguchi-gumi's influence remained overwhelming.

Only by combining all forces present could they barely match that scale.

"Let's return to how things were. Right, Watanabe? Answer me."

"Yes… That's correct, Chairman."

Watanabe's surprise expression melted away, but upon meeting Daigo Tadashige's icy gaze, he shrank back.

Ending up on the Chairman's bad side would mean the end.

Daigo Tadashige, his face beaming with satisfaction at Watanabe's response, muttered.

"Yes, everything needs to return to how it was."

Daigo Tadashige casually surveyed the other leaders before speaking again.

"Once this conflict ends, how about we all join hands to expand our influence into Korea and then China? Leaving this cramped homeland to reach the vast continent as we did before."

Everyone froze at Daigo Tadashige's shocking proposal.

But soon, desire flickered in their eyes. Seeing their eager expressions, Daigo Tadashige smiled.

"So, I hope everyone will follow my lead. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Chairman!"

The reply rolled back was vigorous. Daigo Tadashige nodded in satisfaction.

He then turned to Araki next to him and issued a command.

"Now, bring us the drinks."

"Yes, Chairman."

Araki stood up and exited, and soon after, trays of drinks were placed before each leader.

Daigo Tadashige rose to pour drinks for the leaders before returning to his seat.

"Don't forget today's pledge."

Following Daigo Tadashige's raised glass, the leaders lifted their own in unison.

As Daigo Tadashige emptied his cup, the leaders turned their heads and emptied their own glasses.

They all flipped their cups over on the trays.

"Now we are one."

Daigo Tadashige's laughter rang out, echoing through the room.

Meanwhile, people watched from a distance, eyeing Daigo Tadashige's residence.

Those armed with sniper rifles meticulously scanned the inside with telescopes.

They were mercenaries sent by Igor to assassinate Daigo Tadashige and his subordinates.

"Well, fortune has certainly tumbled into my lap."

One of the watchers muttered quietly.

All the heads of the Yakuza organizations were gathered in one place.

He promptly notified Igor of this development, which was then reported to Kim Mu-hyeok.

Kim Mu-hyeok ordered all but Yammoto Ken to be killed.

"They have no clue that death awaits them while they're enjoying themselves."

The Russian mercenaries silently observed their festivities.

At any moment, they could pull the trigger, ending all their lives. They just needed to wait for the right moment.

Finally, the sun began to set, and darkness was creeping in.

* * *

At the same time Daigo Tadashige was throwing a banquet with the Yakuza heads.

"Koizumi has drawn his sword."

Koizumi decided to deploy the Self-Defense Force quicker than I anticipated.

He replaced the top brass of the Self-Defense Force to place them under his command.

As the Self-Defense Force was deployed, the damages suffered by the Russian mafia and the Black Dragon Society began to rise.

Countless members were killed or captured.

However, gunfights were still happening across various major cities.

While the Russian mafia suffered vast losses, the Yakuza also incurred significant damage.

Although the scale was larger than I expected, it wasn't all bad.

But suddenly, I received a message from Igor.

All the heads of the primary Yakuza organizations were gathered at Daigo Tadashige's residence.

I also heard that Yamamoto Ken was among them, and decided to adjust our plans slightly.

We decided to kill everyone but Yamamoto Ken. Tonight, it seemed a lot of blood would flow.

"Boss, we're almost there."

I was headed to meet Choi Seon-man at his home.

After passing through police checkpoint at the entrance, I was able to arrive at Choi Seon-man's house.

Stepping out of the car, I looked up at the sky. The moon was hidden behind clouds, making it very dark.

Soon, the front gate opened, and a man walked out.

"Kim Mu-hyeok?"

I turned my head at the sound of someone calling my name.

"Hello. I'm Jang Min-hyuk."

"Ah, Manager Jang. I never expected to see someone I recognized from TV here. Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Mu-hyeok."

I smiled broadly, extending my hand.

Jang Min-hyuk also smiled and shook my hand.

His grip was surprisingly strong, but I held my ground.

Ultimately, after failing to assert dominance, Jang Min-hyuk released my hand first.

"I never thought a person who served as the head of the National Intelligence Service would still be acting as Secretary for President Choi Seon-man."

"…"

"I'm envious of the President. He must feel fortunate to have your loyalty."

"Please come in. His Excellency is waiting for you."

Despite the seemingly mocking formalities, Jang Min-hyuk replied calmly and led me inside.

Seems this guy has a personality similar to Manager Ma. Of course, he couldn't hold a candle to Manager Ma.

"I'm sorry, but please ask your companion to wait here."

Jang Min-hyuk stopped Manager Ma, who was trying to follow me.

I nodded to Manager Ma as the gate closed, leaving me to follow Jang Min-hyuk inside.

"Welcome. You're the grandson of Chairman Cheon Tae-san, right? I had no ide had such a tall grandson."

Han Hee-ja, who was once referred to as the First Lady, greeted me at the entrance.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam. I'm Kim Mu-hyeok."

"Oh my, such a lovely voice."

She covered her mouth, laughing elegantly, but her smile couldn't hide the joy spreading across her face.

"Are you married yet?"

"Not yet."

"For such an impressive gentleman with great wealth, it's surprising you're still single… I have a granddaughter who just entered university. Would you like to meet her?"

Why is it that the older generation always brings up marriage when they see me?

When I awkwardly chuckled and didn't respond, Han Hee-ja spoke up again.

"Madam, I must see His Excellency."

Jang Min-hyuk blocked Han Hee-ja who was trying to follow me. He really only seems loyal to Choi Seon-man.

"Manager Jang, wait a moment."

"His Excellency ordered us to bring you in right away."

"That old man still thinks he's the President, which is the real problem."

With a huff, Han Hee-ja turned back to me with a smile.

"Well, let's talk more later."

As the First Lady turned away, Jang Min-hyuk finally moved again.

Following him, I walked down a long hallway until we reached the annex.

Jang Min-hyuk stopped in front of a door, knocking before speaking.

"His Excellency. Kim Mu-hyeok has arrived."

"Let him in."

Jang Min-hyuk opened the door. Through the gap, I could see Choi Seon-man seated alone, playing Go.

"Step inside."

Crossing the threshold, the door soon clicked shut behind me, leaving just Choi Seon-man and me in the room.

"Come here and sit. I've been wanting to meet you."

As I stood silently, Choi Seon-man beckoned me away from the Go board he had been intently focused on.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kim Mu-hyeok."

Though my greeting was polite, my voice was chillingly cold.