The ninja was confident in his speed as he had trained since young, yet when he saw Kaze appear in front of him without his knowledge, as if a ghost had appeared, he was shaken. His beliefs collapsed on him. “Did I say you could run?” Kaze stood with his hands behind his back. “I’ll give you a chance to kill yourself. You had a lot of poison with you, right? Pick one and take it. Don’t make me kill you, I don’t want to dirty my hands.” The ninja was hideous and basically a walking rotten piece of meat. Looking at him was already troubling, let alone touching him. “You want me to take my own poison? Dream on!” The ninja spat out a black bead at Kaze and it exploded mid-air. Black gas, darker than the previous, erupted. “Your trick can only work once, yet you want to use it again? You’re underestimating me.” Kaze grunted coldly. He raised his hand to strike his own chest, releasing a loud buzz similar to a thunderclap. The shockwave from the buzz blasted the cloud of blac
“Mr. Chairman! You’re alright!” Snow breathed a sigh of relief seeing Kaze unscathed. She then asked about the ninja, to which Kaze replied he had taken care of.He did not want her to see the gory scene in the woods. Soon, Conan arrived with his men, together with Collier. When Conan learned that Kaze was ambushed, he contacted Collier immediately. Collier was already the deputy chief of the South River Branch. He was qualified to utilize resources in Riverbank, becoming someone much more useful than Conan locally. Conan had gotten more and more mature in doing things. He was no longer led by blind confidence and could recognize his shortcomings. Collier knew he had become the deputy chief of the South River Branch because of Kaze. His life and future were basically in Kaze’s hands. Therefore, when he heard something happened to Kaze, he quickly made his way to the scene. Since Collier was already at the scene, Kaze could skip all the troublesome procedures. He then s
“If you think so, then so be it.” Kaze simply smiled it off. Patrick was struck by a sudden realization. Kaze did not deny it but it was something that should not be made verbal, so he chose to answer vaguely. A moment of silence later, Patrick said, “Reiko Hara was at the Weather family’s last night. My family handed me over. “I was hiding outside but I was deceived by those old bastards. They then handed me to that woman. “They tortured me because I transferred the shares to Sky Ocean Corporation without their permission. Now I realize that the companies and assets Casius ordered me to oversee do not belong to him but to the Ryokanians. “One of the Riverbank Seven is nothing but a dog working for the Ryokanians.” He scoffed and mocked himself with a bitter laugh. If Casius were a dog to the Ryokanians, then Patrick would be the lackey of a dog, making him even more miserable. Kaze barely reacted to Patrick’s emotional speech. He asked, “The Ryokanians forced you to
“I want payback!” Patrick sprung from his bed and dropped to his knees on the floor. With his bones already fractured, the sudden movement sent a jolt of pain through him, leaving him drenched in cold sweat.“The Weathers turned their backs on me, so I want to make them pay!“The Ryokanians ruined me, and I want payback! “But I know I’m defenseless against them. “I can only turn to you for help, Kaze. I know you’re strong. You killed Casius, didn’t you? “You simply choose to remain discreet. That’s why everybody thinks you’re a loser. I used to be one of those idiots. “I can’t give you much. All I can offer is the confidential files about Bronze Sparrow and clues to Casius’ secret assets and overseas accounts,” Patrick said pleadingly, his gaze intense on Kaze. Kaze narrowed his eyes at Patrick for a moment. He did not account for Patrick’s behavior. Patrick was just a show-off, an airhead, and a bully. After the last incident, Patrick would do everything to get b
“Aaron is leagues above Aiden. He became the South River Strategic Department’s chief commander in his early thirties. Still, Aiden holds up on his own among his peers in Westeros.“The Westeros heirs answer to Aiden. He’s one of the leaders of the community. “Aiden must come to some sort of use so that Reiko would be subservient to him.” She, as a woman, felt a natural disgust toward such matters.Snow was resentful of the fact that Reiko plotted to murder her and Kaze. Hence, Snow assumed the worst of Reiko and Aiden’s relationship. By coincidence, Snow was not far off the mark. Kaze read the file and learned more about Aiden. “It appears Aiden is not just an airheaded heir. “He’s not going to stop now if you’re the reason he’s here.“The Ryokanians are using him to get rid of me, but he’s manipulating them to do his bidding too.“The man in the tree is just the appetizer. The Ryokanians are trying to sound us out. Poor thing. He thought he was special. “I think we
Snow was aware of the beef between Kaze and the Tiger’s Cave. Among the four special institutions, only the Viper’s Den thrived in Riverbank. The Tiger’s Cave was not pleased with the situation. Hence, the organization sent Genesis of the Weathers to cover the piece of territory in hopes that her family’s influence would expand the Tiger’s Cave’s connections into the city. All they needed was a big case to solve. To make her mark, Genesis returned to Riverbank and set her sights on Kaze. It was bad enough that the case was a bust, but Genesis got herself killed by Southern Tiger for shooting at two of the Eight Tigers. Consequently, the Tiger’s Cave’s presence could only mean trouble. Sensing Kaze and Snow’s gazes, the young man beamed. “I should introduce myself. I am Reuben Swan, the new commissioner of the Tiger’s Cave South River State Branch.” Despite the modesty in his introduction, the arrogance reflected on his face was for all to see. “Reuben Swan?“The West
“Beep.” Kaze then hung up. “Tsk!” With Kaze ending the call, the people behind Reuben snickered and looked at Kaze in disdain. Kaze sure would not let up on putting up a tough front. The Tiger’s Cave was unlike the local police. Kaze would not be able to shake the Tiger’s Cave off so easily. Snow met Reuben’s gaze and asked, “What is this big case you’re talking about?” Reuben smiled offhandedly at Kaze before putting on a straight face. “Kaze Lee! Snow Frost!” Reuben waved his arm to his people to have the pair surrounded. He narrowed his eyes at the pair and said solemnly, “We received a tip-off that you murdered Hiro Kita while on your way back to the city from Emerald Bull Palace. “Mr. Kita is a newly hired trainer at Refined Blade. The gym has put in a statement with the relevant department. “According to Refined Blade, they will make the matter public to the press if the case isn’t handled fairly. “Your behavior has resulted in a grave situation and has s
Despite talking about an arrest, Reuben appeared to have named them the killers. Snow understood that Reuben was quick to take action against them, likely due to Aiden and Reiko. God knew what would happen once Snow and Kaze were taken away. Reuben smiled at Snow. “But since you’re a member of the Frosts, I can give you proof. “Take him here.” Reuben waved his arm. Patrick, still in a hospital gown, was carried in by the neck. A Tiger’s Cave member dumped him on the floor. With the impact ripping his wounds, Patrick let out a harrowing cry. He quickly looked humiliated. First, the Weathers sold him out, and the Ryokanians tortured him. Now, the Tiger’s Cave members insulted him. It dawned on Patrick that without power and influence, he was left without dignity. Reuben pointed at Patrick. “You must know him. He’s Patrick Weather. He pocketed Refined Blade’s two-billion-dollar shares. Mr. Kita was one of the few who went after Patrick.“Patrick is with you, and M
“Just make yourself at home here. Let me know if you need anything. Dwight will be there for you.” Edmund could tell that Kaze and Dwight were tight. He could play this to his advantage. Though Kaze refused to disclose his motives, Edmund kept him under surveillance. Nothing escaped his eyes. With that in mind, Edmund felt his worries melting away. “Thank you, Mr. Witterson. I was sent here at the last minute. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so lucky to have met you.” Kaze seemed intent on bonding with Edmund. He sucked up to Edmund. Most importantly, Edmund no longer suspected him, and that was the reason Kaze accepted the invitation to stay. All Kaze had to do now was reassure Edmund. Some things were not worth stressing over. Dwight quietly enjoyed his drink, oblivious to the state of things. Sparks were flying earlier, and everything seemed fine again. Maybe it was all in his head. “You need to take good care of Kaze, Dwight. He’s our guest,” Edmund stressed. “Do
It was all clear to Edmund at this point. He stroked Clarice’s hair tenderly, feeling sorry for what she was going through. She should be getting better care. Yet, she was often neglected. Life at the Geofrey household had not been good for Clarice. Without Edmund’s pull, he would not be able to keep Clarice’s father in line. “You can be a bit of a handful, but you should do you. I’ll always have your back.” Edmund’s heart went out to Clarice. He was also worried about not raising her right. He could always look out for Clarice. However, there was always that fear that he could not be there for her in time. “I knew you’d help me. I don’t think I can go home just yet.” Clarice knew her father too well. It would take a while before her father calmed down. Besides, Edmund would stand by her through and through. Her father would not say a thing. Clarice understood that fact a long time ago. She would run to Edmund at any sign of trouble. “Go with the housekeeper. Feel
Everybody turned their attention to Dwight. Sensing danger, Dwight could feel chills creeping down his spine. “Slow down, tiger,” Kaze said. He grabbed a napkin for Dwight to wipe his mouth. Kaze’s behavior raised eyebrows. Despite Ryan’s outburst, Kaze carried on without a care. Kaze was more than he put out to be. Edmund looked at Kaze with admiration. He valued a talent like Kaze if the latter’s loyalty were with him. Kaze conducted himself with composure in the face of pressure. The underlying tension eased up due to Dwight’s little episode. Ryan looked at Dwight begrudgingly. Here he thought that Dwight would keep to himself, but he screwed up anyway. Dwight needed boundaries. Sure enough, Ryan could see why Dwight could never earn any respect. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” With all eyes on him, Dwight felt bad and explained himself. Edmund was not that upset anymore. He looked at Kaze to see what he had to say. There was something about Kaze. Howev
“Focus more on eating and less on talking at the dinner table.” Kaze was concerned that Dwight would get on Edmund’s nerves. It would be the end of Dwight. “What’s wrong? Have I done something wrong?” Dwight was still oblivious to his fault. “No. Mr. Witterson wanted us here to ask me some questions. If you answer them all, there really is no point in me being here.” Kaze knew how to handle Dwight. He could get Dwight to shut up without much explanation. “Oh, I get it. You’re the boss.” Dwight was on his best behavior. A white table runner was laid across the long table in the dining room. A variety of delicious food had been set out on the table. There was a beautiful centerpiece display, too. Edmund, Kaze, and the others approached the table and exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats. Seated at the head of the table, Edmund looked at Kaze on his left-hand side. “I hope the food is to your liking. The chef can prepare something else if you have a
Ryan could not shake off a strange feeling. If Kaze were the Butterworth Branch chief’s trusted aide, he would have settled down in the city. However, Kaze appeared to be a free man. Life did not seem to get him down. Since Kaze enjoyed staying in hotels, he was not a fan of being restrained. However, Kaze’s motives for being in Westeros were unknown. Word on the street was that the Butterworth Branch was going after the Westeros Branch. Not knowing how the Butterworth Branch operated, Ryan believed he should not ask too many questions. He could only keep watch over Kaze. Dwight played a mobile game until his phone battery was out. He then chose to head outside. Seeing that Kaze and Ryan were taking a stroll, Dwight approached them. “What are you guys talking about?” Dwight asked out of curiosity. Unbeknownst to him, his participation interrupted the probing. The grin on Kaze’s face widened when Dwight came closer. “We were just chatting. “Since Dwight is
Edmund was curious enough about Kaze to make him stay. Kaze’s plan worked pretty well. Dwight was glad. He assumed that his flattery pleased Edmund enough to score a free dinner with the big man. Edmund took Ryan with him. Kaze turned to Dwight, his eyes reflecting gratitude. Sure enough, Dwight was the perfect sidekick. “Why are you staring at me?” Dwight was oblivious that he had upset Edmund, though it was not a bad offense. Edmund thought nothing of Dwight. The latter was just an expendable minion. He could just transfer Dwight out and make him leave the Viper’s Den if he was too much of an eyesore. All Edmund had to do was say the word. Ryan left the living room with Edmund and ascended the stairs. He spoke in hushed tones to gauge Edmund’s intentions. “Should I get Dwight out? He’s rude.” Ryan did not expect Herman to put Dwight on airport pick-up duty. Alas, Kaze responded well to Dwight, and they hit it off. Ryan was baffled as to why Kaze and Dwig
Dwight approached with a smile. He looked at Edmund earnestly. “I am Dwight McCorney. I have heard good things about you. I finally got to meet the man of the hour. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Witterson.” Dwight was starstruck. Edmund was embarrassed by Dwight’s behavior. He could not believe that Dwight was a member of the Viper’s Den. Nevertheless, Dwight seemed genuine in expressing his thrill. Edmund became curious about him. He turned around to look at Kaze, who was the polar opposite of Dwight. Kaze stood there, holding his ground. He stood up to greet Edmund and nothing else. He appeared to be refined, unlike Dwight, who was brash. Dwight had no idea that his behavior had upset Edmund. Edmund looked at Dwight in disdain. However, Dwight was a member of the Viper’s Den. It was best for Edmund to keep his comments to himself. Without a word, Edmund stared at the pair. Ryan stepped in to smooth things over. “What are you doing? We have a guest here.
Since Kaze would not change these people’s minds, he was better off doing what he wanted to do. “This vase must be valuable. I got to give it to Mr. Witterson. A display in the living room is worth so much.” Dwight had never seen so much luxury in one room. He had been to the museum, but the displays were nothing like he had ever seen before. The rich had the means to splurge. “Do you think this is pure gold?” Dwight turned to a gold statue. The design was to die for. The purity of color made it hard to doubt its authenticity. “I’m not too sure, but I guess most of the ornaments here are real.”Kaze watched as Dwight gasped in awe. Nevertheless, his behavior would clear any suspicion on Kaze. It could be a good thing. “I knew Mr. Witterson was rich. His businesses are doing well. “But I didn’t expect this sort of lifestyle. The gold must be worth a million dollars. “If I were this wealthy, I would not spend it on decoration.” Dwight rambled on, his eyes stuck t
“I’m not familiar with the area. We’ll have to look around,” Dwight said behind the wheel. He looked for restaurants while driving. It was early, and many restaurants were not open for business. They circled the block and finally uncovered a small breakfast bar. They ordered some food, filled their bellies, and got back into the car. “Mr. Witterson said that he wouldn’t meet you. Why does he want to see you now?” Dwight was curious. Something must have happened last night. Otherwise, Edmund would not suddenly grant an audience to Kaze. “I don’t know. I had some drinks last night, and now he probably made time.” Kaze felt better after breakfast. He did not think much of the situation. Things would carry on as planned regardless of what the Wittersons or the Siegfrieds had to say.This was exactly what Kaze hoped for. Dwight remained in the dark. He drove to the city’s most exclusive area for the rich. It was all greenery in this part of town. The road was wider, an