Puxi, Shanghai, a secret laboratory in a medical testing facility.
The bald trio and Wang Zifang stood with heads lowered. Across from them, in a boss's chair, sat a middle-aged man of around fifty, his face ashen. He didn't speak, only holding a cup of hot tea in his calloused hands. Everyone in the room was tense, silent.
Suddenly, the man slammed the cup onto the table. It shattered, tea splashing everywhere.
"Baka!" he roared. "All four of you couldn't subdue a weak programmer, and you dare call yourselves agents of the Empire of Japan? In the past, you'd have committed seppuku for this disgrace!"
The bald man tried to explain, looking wronged: "We had him cornered… but an old scrap collector got in our way. There was a dispute, and it wasn't wise to get rough in the middle of the city."
"Enough! Worthless!" The middle-aged man cut him off. "This failure is due to our own negligence. You've been undercover in China too long—your skills have grown rusty. Headquarters sent an S-class mission. We cannot afford to mess this up."
Wang Zifang (Kawashima Sakurako) lifted her head cautiously. "Father, is this man really that important? Why must Headquarters bring him here?"
The man—Kawashima Fukuichirou—glanced coldly at her and waved his hand. "You may leave. Kawashima, stay."
The bald trio exhaled in relief and withdrew, leaving only Fukuichirou and Sakurako in the room.
"Sit. Have some tea," Fukuichirou's tone softened slightly. He poured two cups of hot tea, handing one to Sakurako.
She took the cup, sipping lightly. The aroma filled her mouth, but her doubts only deepened.
"Sakurako," Fukuichirou began slowly, "do you remember the mission of the Kawashima family?"
"Of course," she said firmly. "As the Empire's hidden blade, I am to serve the Emperor faithfully at all times."
Fukuichirou nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Good. Our Kawashima family descends from the legendary Kawashima Yoshiko. She single-handedly aided the Imperial Army in conquering Manchuria, becoming a legend. Your grandmother named me Fukuichirou to restore the family's glory. Over the years, our family talent has dwindled. I've been waiting for this opportunity, and now it has come."
Sakurako frowned. "Father, the opportunity you mention… is it that man?"
"Yes," Fukuichirou set down his cup, eyes sharp. "You know he has panda blood, RH-negative. But just panda blood isn't enough for Headquarters to care this much."
Sakurako asked, "Then… what's special about his blood?"
Fukuichirou smiled slightly, a hint of coldness in his eyes. "His blood is not merely RH-negative. There is a rare mutation in his HLA-B gene, exon 45. This mutation gives his immune system natural resistance to a certain virus."
"A virus?" Sakurako's heart raced. "What virus?"
Fukuichirou rose and walked to the window, back to her. "It's called the East Asian Specific Virus, EASV. It's an RNA virus, transmitted through the respiratory tract, and it specifically targets East Asian populations, particularly individuals with the HLA-B gene."
Sakurako's pulse quickened. She sensed a much larger conspiracy behind this virus.
"What harm does it cause?" she asked cautiously.
Turning sharply, Fukuichirou's gaze was like a blade. "EASV attacks the immune system rapidly, causing severe immunosuppression. Symptoms resemble AIDS but progress faster, with a higher mortality rate. Its high transmission rate and targeting of East Asian populations make it extremely dangerous."
Sakurako gasped. "Then… why does Headquarters study this virus?"
Fukuichirou sneered. "To develop a bioweapon targeting East Asians. By artificially synthesizing EASV and exploiting his genetic mutation, we can selectively infect populations for political or military purposes."
Her hands trembled, a chill crawling up her spine. "Then… his blood is the key?"
"Exactly," Fukuichirou nodded. "His mutation is crucial. By studying his blood, we can understand the HLA-B mutation mechanism and develop a targeted weapon. That is why Headquarters values him so highly, even mobilizing the Kawashima family."
"But… aren't Japanese and Chinese of the same race? Wouldn't we risk infection too?"
"As I said, his mutation grants immunity to EASV. We can develop a vaccine from his blood, and then… heh heh heh…" Fukuichirou's laughter turned dark and chilling.
Sakurako remained silent. She had never imagined such a horrifying conspiracy behind her mission.
"Sakurako," Fukuichirou's voice softened, "you are the heir of the Kawashima family. Your duty is to serve the Empire. This mission concerns not only our family's honor but the future of the Empire. Do you understand?"
Sakurako looked into her father's expectant eyes, torn inside. She nodded softly. "I understand, Father."
"This man is a perfect live subject. In China, our experimental conditions are incomplete. You must bring him to Japan during the upcoming May Day holiday. Once he reaches Japan, he will be out of our control."
After leaving the laboratory, Sakurako's mood was heavy. Walking through Shanghai's streets, her father's words echoed in her mind. That man—his blood was linked to a terrifying conspiracy. As the heir of the Kawashima family, she had to complete the task.
Yet an inexplicable unease lingered. She recalled moments with him—his smile, his humor, even his clumsy tenderness. She had never expected to develop feelings for him.
"What should I do?" she whispered.
Biting her lip, Sakurako made her decision.