After the two passed through security checkpoints, they arrived at a larger room decorated with opulent designs that screamed wealth: lush carpets, chandeliers, and large paintings depicting affluent landmarking.
Several men in tailored suits occupied the space, each adorned with rings and shining cufflinks.
Arthur had already scanned this area, knowing prior to just what he had walked into.
The man with shades approached the main individual sitting at the head of a table. When he did, he began whispering into the man's ear.
Whoever that particular man was, Arthur could only speculate him to be the boss of this operation—the real owner, so to speak.
The room fell silent as the boss turned his gaze toward Arthur with a curious look. "And just who're you supposed to be?"
"I'd prefer that my name not be leaked…"
The man chuckled as he adjusted his seat. "I like him already! Tell me, how'd you uncover one of our moles?"
A 'mole' in a casino is an insider or informant who gathers crucial information about the casino's operations, security measures, and potentially dishonest practices, often being an employee with access to sensitive information.
They are considered reliable by casino owners because of their insider knowledge, which allows them to identify vulnerabilities, detect fraud, and suggest improvements to enhance their profits.
While moles can alert their owners of potential threats, they themselves also pose a risk if they're caught.
In total, Arthur counted more than ten moles in this casino—one too many for the average casino.
Chad, whose real name was Dennis Nikrasch, was the Golden Mirage's main mole.
How did Arthur know they were moles? Just like the dealer at his table earlier, the other dealers were performing the same actions on other tables with the same player almost every round.
Arthur, having vision that far surpassed things like x-rays, had seen Chad's identification card through his clothes.
What he found more intriguing was that there was another card with the man's exact image. Yet that card had a different name, and it was securely hidden in this very room!
Anyone could use techniques like the Byakugan and the Crimson Gaze, but no one knew how to use them effectively like Arthur and not get caught.
"What I'm interested in," Arthur answered, "is how much you're willing to pay me to keep that secret from leaking to the public."
All the men raised their eyebrows. Was someone actually trying to threaten their boss?
"Come again?" the man asked.
"You heard me… I can either spread the word about your little scheme, or I can pretend this all never happened."
Skepticism turned into laughter among their ranks.
Suddenly, one of the henchmen leaned in close to their boss, whispering something that caused the man's brows to furrow. So the man in charge raised a hand, quieting the rest.
He then offered a mirthless laugh and said, "Double of what you won sounds fair enough, yes?"
The men around looked puzzled because they thought the boss was going to signal to take Arthur down on the spot. Arthur himself was unimpressed at the amount.
"This casino is worth billions," he countered, "and you're offering me only two million ryō?"
The man narrowed his eyes at Arthur. But he knew that he wasn't in the best position right now.
While moles were technically not illegal to have in this era, if word got out that their own employees were cheating in games alongside the dealers, everyone would stop placing their bets here.
"Ten million ryō then," he suddenly offered. "That's ten times your winnings. Take it or leave it."
"I'll take it…"
Two million was already absurd, but ten million was enough to leave almost anyone speechless.
A flash then erupted from a camera positioned in the corner of the room. The man's eyes took on a menacing gleam as he pointed at Arthur, adding, "Your face'll be remembered if any news gets out about tonight's events, got it?"
"No problem…"
"We've been in this business for years," the man continued after settling down, "and this is the first time someone caught on to anything." Arthur could already tell where this was going. "Why not come work for me instead? You can turn that ten million into one hundred!"
Arthur, at both the beginning of the day and the end, was a Christian. Meaning, his heart was free from greed.
"I'll pass…"
"What?!" The others murmured in disbelief as the man got up in anger. "Then don't let me see your face around here again!"
"Fine by me," Arthur coolly replied, turning on his heel.
As he was escorted through the back corridors by a couple of guards, he activated his Crimson Gaze, only to see their leader telling his men to go and uncover the truth about Arthur's identity.
Sad for them since Arthur's face was unknown to anyone. Be it in this country or the next.
✟
Tanzaku Town.
This neck of the woods within the Fire Country was always filled with entertainment day and night.
Its citizens never stopped conducting their business while colourful banners created a festive haven. Gaily dressed festivalgoers were everywhere, teasing the senses with aromas from nearby vendors. There were fireworks set to ignite later in the evening just for a jubilant occasion.
Arthur was seen stepping onto its streets, disguised as an anonymous investor with a heavy suitcase on his person.
His outfit was simple: a plain brown coat over a white dress shirt. Not quite luxurious, but still enough to garner respect.
He moved without batting an eye and made his way toward what he knew to be the finest casino in the area: the Lion's Den.
'Crimson gaze…'
The Lion's Den had nothing suspicious about it. The building was ornate, festooned with red lanterns and lacquered wood. Just another tourist attraction at best. Similar to the Golden Mirage but not as quite impressive.
When he entered the main halls, he ignored everyone to approach a well-dressed clerk.
"Excuse me," he said with a smile, "is Steve the manager available?" He only knew the name after scanning the area from top to bottom. "I'd like to have a quick word with him."
The clerk regarded Arthur, first giving him a curious look before replying, "Can I ask in what regard?"
"It's a private investment matter…"
"Ah. Please wait here, sir."
After a moment, a tall man with a well-groomed beard and sharp attire made his way through the crowd toward Arthur.
"Welcome to the Lion's Den, my goodman!" he said, extending a hand. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Steve Wynn."
"Nice to meet you," Arthur said, shaking his hand.
"How can I help you?"
"I have a proposal that could benefit both you and your establishment. Mind I take a moment of your time?"
Steve, though skeptical, became intrigued and said, "I don't mind."
"Good. Now hear me out, Steve… I'd like to invite the Hokage to your casino and host a celebration in her honour for the prosperity of our country."
The manager crossed his arms as Arthur opened the suitcase in front of him, revealing a mountain of crisp banknotes. "Five million ryō to fund this event." Steve's eyes widened. "With a tip, of course."
"F-five million?! For just one event?" Then Steve straightened his demeanour. "What's this really about, my goodman?"
"Simple, Steve. Tanzaku Town is underrated. An event that puts the Hokage front and center can inspire tourists and help the economy around here. Consider it a win-win situation."
Steve hesitated, unsure of what Arthur would even be gaining from this. Recognition? Fame? Or was he secretly plotting some type of assassination?
"Well," he wondered, "this definitely seems great and all, but what's this event going to have exactly?"
Arthur had expected the question. He closed the briefcase with a smile and answered, "Chicken breasts and sake. Those are the Hokage's favourites. Oh, and no sweet foods or liver sashimi."
The manager was impressed; Arthur had done his homework and seemed quite genuine.
"You clearly know the tastes of Lady Tsunade." Steve failed to ask about Arthur's personal relationship with the Hokage. Even if he did, Arthur had an answer for that as well. "Colour me impressed, my goodman!"
'Money talks,' Arthur remembered, referencing the bible.
Assuming the casino owner became too suspicious, he would have placed him under a genjutsu. But why waste chakra when he was already so great at manipulating others?
"Rest assured," he confidently said. "It'll be a spectacle unlike any in recent memory. Besides, do you think the Hokage would refuse an offer like this? Especially since she's been here before?"
With a stroke of his chin, Steve took in the proposition. "You've got me hooked, my goodman... But I'll need to have you sign a couple of non-disclosure agreements—just to protect the casino's reputation should something go wrong."
Spoken like a true businessman.
After a brief exchange of documents, Steve sent out a few messengers to finalize arrangements leading up to the date. Then, within the span of an hour, Arthur had ensured that the event would take place precisely three days from now.