Dragon Raja 3; Chapter 92: Genji Heavy Industries (4)

Dragon Raja 3

‘Just like the Roman Senate,’ Caesar said. ‘Interesting.’

‘Are we here to meet with them?’ Lu Mingfei asked.

‘No, although they are highly respected elders in the family, the people qualified to sit down with you are the highest-ranking individuals in the family—the heads of the eight families,’ Sakura said. ‘The eight family heads are currently waiting for you in the Seishinji Temple. Please follow me.’

‘Eight family heads?’ In Lu Mingfei’s mind, he pictured eight elderly men with skeletal bodies, wearing pitch-black kimonos, with cold air emitting from their noses.

Sakura slid open a concealed door, letting sunlight pour in. This floor had a spacious terrace hidden in one corner of the building, not easily noticeable from either the ground or the sky. Only by sliding open the door could they step into this secluded place.

It was called Seishinji Temple, and it indeed had the look of a temple. However, it was not a Buddhist temple but a shrine of Japan’s Shinto religion. There was a small vermilion torii gate, and the granite walls were carved with various gods and demons from Shinto mythology. From the solemn Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi to the mighty Susanoo, as well as malevolent demons with lion-like faces and sharp fangs, some sitting cross-legged atop piles of skulls, surrounded by wind and clouds. The terrace even had a clear flowing stream surrounded by white stones and green grass, creating a serene dry garden.

Sakura offered a copper basin filled with clear water. Lu Mingfei quickly understood and washed his hands and rinsed his mouth—Lu Mingze’s recommended book was indeed useful. At least he knew about the “temizu” ritual before visiting a shrine. The black and white stone tables formed a yin-yang symbol, and the six people waiting by the table rose to bow.

‘You have already met the head of the Gen family, Chisei…’ Sakura began to introduce each of them.”

“Caesar was a bit surprised. He hadn’t expected that the young man who picked them up at the airport yesterday was one of the highest-ranking individuals in Yamata no Orochi. It seemed that Yamata no Orochi was indeed being very hospitable to them.

‘The head of the Ryoma family, Ryoma Genichirō, is also the current head of the Japanese Branch,’ Sakura introduced.

The head of the Ryoma family didn’t look skeletal nor did he exude an ominous aura. Instead, he appeared to be a man going through a midlife crisis—wearing a meticulously tailored suit with neatly combed hair, yet looking completely devoid of spirit. His face seemed to say, “Too much overtime, boss is mean, no chance of promotion, wife cheating, daughter dating early—why don’t I just die?”

This guy was supposed to be one of the most terrifying figures in the underworld? And the current head of the Japanese Branch? He just looked like a typical middle-aged loser. Lu Mingfei thought to himself.

‘The head of the Inuyama family, Inuyama Katsu, was the first head of the Japanese Branch and an old friend of Principal Anjou,’ Sakura continued.

The Inuyama family head had white hair and a kind smile as warm as the sun. He scratched his head and laughed, saying, ‘Oh well, since I couldn’t kill Anjou, I had to befriend him. What a shame.’

‘The head of the Sakurai family, Sakurai Nanami, also serves as the inspector for the Japanese Branch.’ To everyone’s surprise, the Sakurai family head was a stunningly beautiful mature woman. Though her attire was deliberately conservative, her business suit couldn’t hide her curvaceous figure. The thick, crimson-framed glasses on her face seemed to add more charm to her natural beauty.

‘The head of the Fūma family, Fūma Kōtarō, serves as the “wakato” of Yamata no Orochi. When the patriarch is absent, all family affairs are handled by Mr. Fūma. Though Mr. Fūma does not hold a position in the Japanese Branch, we have borrowed the Fūma ninja group for this mission, so he is also attending today’s meeting.’

The head of the Fūma family finally gave Lu Mingfei the feeling of a true underworld boss. This elderly man in a black kimono seemed forged from hardened steel, with eyes sharp as knives. Standing before him felt like being held at knifepoint. But his name seemed a bit amusing—Fūma Kōtarō? It sounded like either an artist’s alias or an internet nickname. Was this old man obsessed with the “Nobunaga’s Ambition” series or the “Samurai Warriors” series? It couldn’t be the historical Fūma Kōtarō, the king of ninjas from over 400 years ago, right?

‘Finally, this is the head of the Tachibana family, Tachibana Masamune, who is also the current patriarch of Yamata no Orochi.’

‘You didn’t expect the so-called underworld members to look like us, did you?’ Tachibana Masamune, dressed in white hemp robes, smiled as he shook hands with Caesar’s group one by one. ‘Frankly, we didn’t expect the ace agents from the main college to be such outstanding young people either.’

Although he was already an elderly man with white hair, with just a smile, Tachibana Masamune established himself in their minds as “a leader among leaders.” Even the steely Fūma Kōtarō lacked the confidence and natural charm that Tachibana possessed, as if he had everything firmly under control.

‘The Miyamoto family head is preparing something, and you will see him shortly. As for the Uesugi family head, her health is not well. She had another incident in the latter half of last night, and she’s still resting in bed, so please excuse her for the slight,’ said Tachibana Masamune. ‘It’s not appropriate for me to attend the later meeting, so I’ll excuse myself now.’ Sakura bowed deeply.

‘No rush. Inuyama, Fūma, and I will stay for a while. Fūma and I are not part of the Japanese Branch, so our only duty is to assist in the mission for the college. As for Inuyama, though he was once the head of the Japanese Branch, he is now retired and therefore should not attend such confidential meetings. We will have a brief chat with these talented young people from the college and then go join the old folks in the Strategy Department for some tea,’ Tachibana said with a smile.

‘The tea smells good,’ Caesar commented casually.

A small charcoal stove with a Kansai iron kettle sat on the table. The kettle was heavy and black, with the top half covered in durian-like blunt spikes, while the bottom half was carved with red-faced, long-nosed crow tengu, spreading its wings amidst drifting clouds and flames. The charcoal fire beneath glowed a bright red, with the crow tengu’s face and wing edges reflecting a faint light. The water was on the verge of boiling, bubbling softly. From here, they could directly overlook the surface of Tokyo Bay, with white sails glistening in the sunlight.

‘It is an honor for the tea to earn the approval of the Gattuso heir,’ Tachibana said. ‘There isn’t much I can offer to entertain you, so I hope you’ll enjoy this Japanese tea ceremony.’

‘Are you Japanese?’ Caesar asked, scrutinizing Tachibana.