Chapter 14: Reasoning with Force

"..."

"Being able to get Itto out of the Tenryou Commission so quickly, it seems this 'Kuki Shinobu' has some skills," Teiyu unconsciously stroked his chin, lost in thought.

*Thunk*

"Ow! Why'd you hit me?"

Arataki Itto looked at the silent Teiyu and chuckled, taking advantage of his distraction to give him a flick on the forehead.

"Heh, what are you thinking about? Daydreaming while talking to me?"

"..."

As expected, this guy hasn't grown up at all.

Teiyu rubbed his forehead, where Itto had flicked him, feeling a bit exasperated.

"Fine, if that's the case, I'll temporarily accept the position of second leader."

After thinking it over for a while, Teiyu decided to accept Arataki Itto's request. After all, Itto having some ambition was a good thing, and as his friend, Teiyu was naturally willing to help.

"Great! I knew I could count on you, Teiyu! Hahaha!" Arataki Itto let out a hearty laugh, the falling sakura petals around them swirling in the air.

"So loud... What kind of sonic technique is this?"

...

"Wait, it's not over yet. How long will you be gone? And what kind of business are you planning to do? You need to tell me clearly."

Teiyu was still a bit worried. Although this unseen "Kuki Shinobu" seemed to be quite capable and obviously a clever person, Teiyu hadn't met her and didn't know much about her. In a place like Inazuma, which pretended to be a traditional society, a person who had been through as much as Teiyu knew how treacherous it could be.

This world's laws might appear strict, but in reality, there were many loopholes to exploit. The smarter someone seemed, the more cautious you had to be.

In the modern world, people at least maintained a facade of decency, but in Inazuma, falling into someone's trap could be a matter of life and death!

Especially someone like Arataki Itto, whose head wasn't always in the right place—he could easily be manipulated.

He was the type who'd get sold and still help count the money!

"Alright, I'll tell you, but you can't tell Genta and the others."

Arataki Itto saw the serious look on Teiyu's face and understood that his good friend was genuinely concerned for him.

"It was just a few days ago, through a stroke of luck, that I helped a Liyue person. Thanks to that connection, I met someone who claimed to be the leader of the 'Southern Cross' fleet."

"The 'Southern Cross' fleet?"

"... That name sounds a bit familiar."

"Hahaha, don't you know? The 'Southern Cross' fleet is famous! I looked into it—they sail a wide range of routes, even going to faraway places like Sumeru and Fontaine. They trade in a variety of goods. It's said that the latest trendy item from Fontaine, the 'Kamera,' was brought over by their fleet."

Teiyu had heard of the legendary Captain Beidou. Since he planned to travel across the Seven Nations, getting to know the fleet and establishing good relations was essential.

=====

It's said that during one voyage, the Southern Cross fleet encountered a storm at sea. A nearby civilian ship was also caught in the disaster. Beidou, upon seeing the small vessel, ordered it to be brought into the safety zone. Despite the fleet's dwindling supplies, she insisted on sharing with the civilians, even guiding them through the storm to safety.

In a time of disaster, not only did she manage the fleet's supplies until the end, but she also convinced the crew to agree to the rescue. This leader was evidently very capable and had the loyalty of her crew, who were willing to entrust their lives to her.

In the long, monotonous sea voyages, you face not only natural disasters and maritime accidents but also human conflicts. A decisive and righteous captain like her is extremely rare.

=====

"If it's the rumored Beidou's fleet, then there shouldn't be any problems. So, what goods are you planning to trade?" Teiyu nodded and asked.

"Well... heh heh..." Arataki Itto scratched his bald head awkwardly, hesitating for a long time without saying anything substantial.

This guy is acting suspicious, like he's hiding something!

"You're not dealing in contraband, are you?"

Teiyu looked at Arataki Itto's uneasy demeanor and couldn't help but feel exasperated.

"Uh... well..." Arataki Itto laughed it off, turning his back, clearly feeling guilty.

"Could it really be...?" Teiyu hadn't expected his offhand comment to be right.

Why does this guy always go down the wrong path?

"..."

"Actually... it's just some military supplies and equipment... It's no big deal... yeah."

Arataki Itto's voice gradually grew quieter, clearly lacking confidence in what he was saying.

!!??

"Are you out of your mind? Illegally trading military supplies is a capital offense." Thanks to a friend's influence, Teiyu had studied Inazuma's laws.

Among them, trading arms was a serious crime. Even if the Tenryou Commission intervened, it might not be enough to save Itto's life.

Teiyu felt like Itto's brain had to be messed up to think of smuggling arms. Even if you want to make big money, you can't just gamble your life away like that!

And what about Beidou's fleet? How could they be so reckless? Daring to smuggle arms like this?

=====

"You don't need to say anything more; I can't let you go through with this arms deal! If the Tenryou Commission finds out, Genta and the others will be implicated."

Teiyu glared at Arataki Itto, realizing that he couldn't easily trust what this guy said!

"But I already made a deal with the captain, just this once, please! If I go through with this, I'll break even and have money to start a legitimate business."

Arataki Itto muttered, still trying to convince Teiyu.

"What a joke, absolutely not! Tomorrow, you're coming with me to find this Beidou woman and sort this out. You can't get involved in this mess!" Teiyu's words were firm and left no room for negotiation.

This so-called Kuki Shinobu must be a con artist! And that woman named Beidou too—this is just ancient pyramid scheming!!! These two are as thick as thieves; the rumors can't be trusted.

"It won't be like that! I've already met the captain, and everything's fine."

"If we pull this off, Granny Oni won't have to worry about her illness anymore."

Itto lowered his head, his expression gloomy, but a slight smile crept onto his face.

=====

"Oh no, I'm losing control!

Teiyu, that expression is just too funny... I can't hold it in..."

"Granny Oni is sick?

I just saw her not too long ago—how could she be sick? I'll find a way to help with Granny Oni's illness, but you can't act recklessly!"

Teiyu thought Itto was only taking such a dangerous risk because he needed money.

"Listen to me now, drop this business deal! Tomorrow, I'll go find Sara and have her investigate those two people!"

Teiyu's face darkened with resolve. "Those two swindlers better hope I don't catch them! Or they'll regret it!"

Exploiting his friend for profit—this crossed the line for Teiyu.

"No need. You don't need to worry about my affairs, and the Arataki Gang doesn't need you to take over. This has nothing to do with you anymore!"

Arataki Itto suddenly lifted his head, his expression indifferent, completely devoid of his usual warmth.

!?

"Itto?" Teiyu couldn't believe the coldness in Itto's voice.

He hadn't expected him to be brainwashed this badly! Illegal pyramid schemes really do ruin lives!

"Step aside, don't make me do this!" Itto, his face cold, shoved Teiyu out of the way and tried to leave.

Teiyu frowned, blocking Itto's path with determination. "I'm not letting you go until you explain everything."

"..."

"Are you really going to make me fight you, Teiyu?"

Itto's face was as cold as ice; he no longer addressed Teiyu as his buddy. Slowly, he drew "Clobberin' Time" from behind his back.

"I didn't expect it to come to this. Itto, you've been deceived, but I don't blame you. If you won't listen to reason, then I'll just have to use 'reason' to convince you."

Teiyu's face darkened, his fists clenched. He never thought the day would come when he'd have to fight Arataki Itto.

——

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