Superstar

[Kobe, Tokyo]

[Yamauchi-gumi Headquarters]

Shin gazed at the man before him, momentarily rendered speechless.

Is he really handing over his position so easily?

He was profoundly shocked as he struggled to maintain his composed poker face.

Based on the information he had, this Yakuza syndicate was the most powerful in Japan. Shin found it difficult to fathom how such an organization could have risen to such prominence under the leadership of someone like this man.

Observing Shin's silence, Goto Norio hastily pleaded, "Please, Kishin-sama, accept our allegiance! We will obey your every command!"

Another member chimed in, "Just appoint our Oyabun, Obi Yuu, as a senior advisor!"

"That's correct! He should continue working!" agreed another.

Upon hearing this, Oyabun Obi Yuu protested, "Hey, you guys! Why are you interfering with my resignation!"

As the conversation continued, a heavy silence enveloped Shin...

He couldn't possibly accept leadership within such a criminal Yakuza syndicate!

No matter how alluring the offer might be, he couldn't abandon KiShin Company for a mafia organization like this!

With these thoughts in mind, Shin hastily interrupted the Yakuza conversation, saying, "I apologize, but..." Shin paused, locking eyes with Oyabun Obi Yuu, who returned his gaze.

All eyes were on Shin as he continued, "I cannot accept such a proposition..." Gathering his courage, he shook his head, firmly declining the offer.

The high-ranking Yakuza and Oyabun Obi Yuu exchanged glances.

Notably, Obi Yuu, who had been scrutinizing Shin's eyes, broke into a smile.

Everyone, who had not been mentally stable until the advent of video games, exchanged smiles with each other.

Obi Yuu smiled calmly as he spoke, "I had a feeling you'd say that."

The high-ranking Yakuza members also turned their gaze towards Shin, offering what seemed like friendly smiles but it's an intimidating expressions instead.

As Shin, hearing Obi Yuu's words and observing the smiling faces around him, grew perplexed.

With furrowed brows, Shin couldn't help but slightly break his poker face and asked, "You already knew?"

Obi Yuu, along with the rest, maintained their smiles as they looked at Shin. Obi Yuu nodded and explained with a grin, "In truth, despite my personal struggles, I understand that I must continue leading the gang..." He added with a smile, "It was the position bestowed upon me by Oyabun Soma Yamauchi himself, after all..."

The group nodded in agreement, their smiles unwavering.

As Shin observed this, he thought to himself, 'It seems like they're testing me!!!'

With this realization, Shin hesitantly asked, "So... You're testing me?" Emboldened by the admiration he had seen from them so far, he courageously posed the question.

When everyone heard this, they suppressed their laughter out of respect for Kishin.

Oyabun Obi Yuu smiled and shook his head, saying, "No, I'll still offer you the position if you desire it."

The group nodded in agreement, as they genuinely wished to be led by a figure like Kishin.

Shin nodded and inquired with forced composure, "I see..." After a moment, he posed another question, "But... Will you continue dealing with the Yamada Family?"

Oyabun Obi Yuu nodded eagerly and replied with a smile, "Certainly, in fact, even if Kishin-sama hadn't met with us, we would still handle the Yamada Family."

Shin nodded, feeling more at ease.

Subsequently, the high-ranking Yakuza and Oyabun Obi Yuu bombarded him with questions.

"What upcoming video games will KiShin release?"

"Can we get an early copy?"

"Will there be more exciting and immersive video games in the future?"

Shin found himself somewhat helpless as he answered their inquiries one by one.

After their meal and a lengthy conversation, it was finally time for Shin to depart.

The high-ranking Yakuza and Oyabun Obi Yuu appeared melancholic, as though they were being left behind.

Shin offered a wry smile. This time, he didn't need to maintain his poker face.

After all, he had shared food and drinks with this group of dangerous individuals. Not only that, they had even delved into the topic of video games, which was Shin's passion.

As Shin prepared to take his leave, Oyabun Obi Yuu remarked, "I'll accompany you out."

With that, Oyabun Obi Yuu retrieved his suits hanging on the wall and dressed himself.

With the added attire, Oyabun Obi Yuu appeared every bit the quintessential mafia boss.

Initially, Shin intended to decline politely, but upon seeing Oyabun Obi Yuu already donning his pants and suit, he refrained.

The other high-ranking Yakuza didn't follow Oyabun Yuu's lead, as their suits were in their respective rooms rather than the main hall.

While Shin waited, Oyabun Obi Yuu slid open the door for him, to which Shin nodded in gratitude.

Subsequently, Shin was led by Oyabun Obi Yuu through the sprawling Japanese traditional mansion. They conversed as they walked, and upon reaching the genkan (the entrance hall), both Shin and Oyabun Obi Yuu put on their socks and shoes.

The attractive woman on the sidelines was taken aback at the sight of Oyabun Obi Yuu strolling outside with a young man.

Once they stepped outside, Shin and Oyabun Obi Yuu noticed subordinates and members of the Yakuza seemingly engaged in a conversation.

Upon spotting Shin exiting the mansion, Takuza initially contemplated offering a greeting, but he halted in his tracks when he noticed Shin accompanied by Oyabun Obi Yuu.

A nearby subordinate, who observed the situation, promptly bowed respectfully to both Shin and Oyabun Obi Yuu.

Oyabun Obi Yuu simply nodded and remarked, "You may leave. I'll see Kishin-sama and Takuza off."

The subordinate, taken aback by this unexpected turn, refrained from questioning it and bowed respectfully before walking away.

Takuza, who had been composed and calm earlier, grew meek and fell into silence.

As they walked outside, the men in black suits were astonished to witness Shin and Takuza being escorted by Oyabun Obi Yuu. Shin and Oyabun Obi Yuu appeared to have a close rapport, engaging in conversation.

The men in black suits promptly paid their respects with respectful bows.

Eventually, Shin and Takuza arrived at the Mercedes-Benz, where Oyabun Obi Yuu nodded to Shin. Surprisingly, Oyabun Obi Yuu even opened the car door for Shin, leaving Takuza in a state of shock.

"Just give us a call, Kishin-sama, if you ever find yourself in a situation we can assist with," Oyabun Obi Yuu said with a warm smile.

Shin, growing accustomed to Oyabun Obi Yuu's demeanor, nodded appreciatively.

Subsequently, Shin entered the car, with Takuza taking the driver's seat door.

As Shin's car drove away, Oyabun Obi Yuu watched it in the distance, still wearing a content smile.

---

[Inside Shin's Mercedes-Benz 190E]

Takuza, wearing a surprised expression, exclaimed to Shin, "I never expected your acting skills to be Oscar-worthy!" He truly hadn't anticipated Shin's proficiency.

Shin simply smiled and replied, "Hehe, if my business endeavors hadn't panned out, I might have pursued a career in the entertainment industry as an actor..." He followed up with a grin, "I could have been a wildly successful superstar by now."

Takuza, upon hearing this, chuckled and suddenly recalled something. "Speaking of superstars, there's a rumor that the Suzuki Group has contracted Michael Jackson to promote their products, especially the SES 16-bit, in North America in a few months."

Shin, who had been smiling initially, froze and exclaimed, "Really?"

Takuza nodded and added, "It's not confirmed, but the possibility is there. After all, Suzuki Music has secured the services of a true superstar."

Shin, upon hearing this, fell silent, lost in thought.

He hadn't expected the Suzuki Group to be gearing up for entry into the American market when they hadn't even solidified their position in the Japanese or home market yet.