"We did consider using Stand users, but the Ryuju Group extended an invitation first."
Kiryu, noticing Shin's confusion, explained why they hadn't yet deployed Stand users against the Ryuju Group.
"They proposed that the Ryuju Group and the Kiryu Group don't need to compete—instead, we could merge into a single organization."
"Merge into one?"
Shin chuckled upon hearing this, as if he had already guessed the Ryuju Group's intentions.
The Ryuju Group, as one of Japan's largest syndicates, wielded immense influence. It was likely that news from the Shinomiya family's banquet had already reached their leader.
The Shinomiya family's stance all but confirmed that the Kiryu Group indeed possessed "supernatural abilities"—and in significant numbers at that. Given how effortlessly some of the Shinomiya family's troubles had been resolved, the Kiryu Group's "abilities" were far more practical than they had imagined.
The Ryuju Group had clearly realized that if they truly went to war with the Kiryu Group, even with their overwhelming advantage in conventional power, they might not emerge unscathed.
Thus, they had proactively extended an olive branch, proposing a merger—absorbing the Kiryu Group into their own ranks.
This way, they could preserve their own strength while simultaneously acquiring the Kiryu Group's Stand users and their rumored "supernatural powers." A perfect two-for-one deal.
However, the Ryuju Group's leader had overestimated his own position. Perhaps because he saw Shin as just a high school student, he completely disregarded Shin's perspective.
In the Dragon Ball world, Shin had taken control of the Frieza Force—an organization that dominated nearly 70% of the universe. Even if his reign had been brief, his vision far surpassed that of some Japanese crime syndicate boss.
"Did he specify which side would take the lead after the merger?"
Shin smiled faintly as he asked Kiryu this question.
Even if the two groups merged, one side would inevitably hold dominance—if nothing else, the organization's name would have to be unified.
"...Their proposal was to keep the name 'Ryuju Group.'"
Kiryu fell silent for a moment before answering in a low voice.
"Their reasoning was that the 'Ryuju Group' name carries more weight in Japan, making future operations smoother."
Objectively speaking, the reasoning wasn't entirely baseless. The Ryuju Group's reputation far eclipsed the Kiryu Group's.
The Ryuju Group had been deeply entrenched in Japan's underworld for years, while the Kiryu Group had been nothing more than a small-time gang in Shimokitazawa just weeks ago.
Back then, the Kiryu Group had been a legitimate yakuza outfit to local thugs, but on a national scale, they were insignificant.
Shin had initially chosen the Kiryu Group precisely because of their small size—they were easier to control.
"So, what do you think?"
Shin's tone was calm as he posed the question to Kiryu—and from the latter's subdued voice, he could already guess the answer.
"Are you really willing to let the organization you built, just as it's growing, become a mere subsidiary of the Ryuju Group?"
No matter how nicely the Ryuju Group phrased it, keeping their name meant reducing the Kiryu Group to a vassal.
Anyone who rose through the underworld had pride.
Kiryu had willingly submitted to Shin because Shin had given him a chance to transform his life.
But what right did the Ryuju Group have to demand the same?
"Of course not!"
Kiryu lifted his head, a flash of ferocity in his expression.
"I understand, Lord Shin. We'll make the Ryuju Group understand the power of Stand users!"
"Good."
Shin nodded, relieved. He had been slightly worried Kiryu might yield—if that had happened, he might have needed to consider backing a different faction.
Though the Shinomiya family's allegiance had already made the Kiryu Group somewhat redundant, they were still the first group Shin had nurtured. He had some sentimental attachment to them.
---
After leaving the Kiryu Group's bar, Shin headed to a live house he hadn't visited in a while.
"Welcome, Shin-kun!"
The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by Ikuyo Kita, dressed in a maid outfit for her part-time job.
When not practicing or performing, members of Kessoku Band often worked here, serving food and drinks.
But Shin hadn't expected to see Ikuyo Kita still working today—especially when the band had a performance scheduled.
"Shouldn't you all be practicing right now?"
Approaching the counter, Shin handed over the ticket he had exchanged at the entrance and ordered a cola, curious.
"We already practiced earlier! Ijichi-san said we just need to relax now."
Ikuyo Kita smiled as she poured him a cola.
"The others are in the green room."
Shin nodded, taking the drink. After a sip, he said:
"Then I'll go check on the others."
With that, he turned toward the green room.
But after just two steps, he felt a tug on his sleeve.
Stopping, he glanced back at Ikuyo Kita.
In the dim lighting of the live house, most people might not have noticed, but Shin could see it clearly—Ikuyo Kita's face was flushed, her expression shy and hesitant.
"What's wrong?"
Shin looked at her in confusion. He hadn't done anything unusual, so why was she suddenly blushing?
"Um... Shin-kun, even though I think our performance is ready, I'm still a little nervous..."
Ikuyo Kita kept her head slightly lowered, avoiding direct eye contact. Her voice was softer than usual, lacking its usual energy.
It was natural for her to feel nervous—this was her first time formally showcasing her progress in front of an audience, with Shin watching no less.
"So... could you give me some encouragement...?"
At this point, Shin understood why she was blushing—the "encouragement" she wanted wasn't just verbal.
He didn't refuse, but he did glance around first.
"Here?"
The live house wasn't crowded yet, but they were still in public.
Without waiting for her to hesitate further, he pulled her into his arms and leaned down—
(End of Chapter)
Advance 100 Chapters are up on my Patreon!
pat reon.com/AlphaSenatus
Join my Discord server for the latest updates and have face-to-face talks with me!
discord.gg /fD76Qn4VhB