"Hello, Mr. Fujiwara, I am Mizunashi Rena, a reporter from Nichibei TV."
Sitting gracefully across from Toru was a beautiful woman with a gentle demeanor and cat-like sapphire eyes. She reached out to shake his hand.
"Hello, Ms. Mizunashi."
Toru smiled and shook hands with her.
At that moment, Rena's brows furrowed slightly. She had noticed that the little finger of Toru's hand, while clasped with hers, gently stroked her palm.
She didn't think he was being inappropriate. As a CIA undercover agent in the Black Organization, she had already received intel from above notifying her that Toru was now her superior.
In that brief moment of contact, Toru had written a letter and number on her palm.
A-3. It was a code. She remembered the location instantly. It meant: proceed to point A-3 for mission briefing.
Outwardly calm, Rena smiled politely and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Fujiwara, for choosing Nichibei TV for your exclusive interview."
Toru smiled helplessly. "You reporters are too passionate. If I don't accept at least one interview, I probably won't get a peaceful moment again."
He even sounded slightly exasperated.
Rena chuckled and replied, "What are you saying, Mr. Fujiwara? You're now a national hero. How could we dare disturb you?"
"But I really am tired and just want to rest. I'm injured too."
Toru raised his bandaged arm.
Rena showed concern. "Are your injuries alright? Please rest assured, I'll just ask a few quick questions. I won't take too much of your time."
Just as Megure had mentioned earlier, Toru had been pestered constantly by reporters.
Left with no other choice, he decided to pick one media outlet for an exclusive interview.
Naturally, that choice was Nichibei TV.
Mainly because the reporter from Nichibei TV was Mizunashi Rena, and Toru needed her help for something.
"Can I ask a few basic questions about your life, Mr. Fujiwara?"
"There's nothing to hide. Honestly, I think you reporters probably already dug up all this information, right?"
"You're a freshman at Tokyo University?"
"That's right."
"Incredible. You're actually a top student at Tokyo University. Truly skilled in both academics and martial arts. What were you thinking at that moment? Facing those armed criminals, how did you have the courage to rush in?"
"I wasn't thinking much. I just saw those criminals harming innocent people, and I reacted instinctively. Looking back now, I actually feel scared. If it happened again, I'm not sure I'd have the guts to do it."
"You're being too modest. Your courage is already proven. May I ask where you learned martial arts?"
"I used to live in America. I returned to Japan last year. Actually, if you've seen the video, you'll know I was using Karate, which I learned in Ryukyu."
"..."
Rena continued asking questions.
Truthfully, these questions weren't difficult to answer. But hearing the answers directly from Toru gave them a different weight. They'd become the kind of exclusive clips the public would eagerly watch.
As Nichibei TV's ace reporter, Rena asked thoughtful and well-angled questions. They were exactly the type the public was curious about, but not overly aggressive.
With just a few precise questions and Toru's candid answers, she successfully molded him into the image of a Japanese teen idol—just, passionate, vibrant, and excelling in both academics and combat.
The interview only took fifteen minutes, but it was more than enough for an exclusive segment.
Nichibei TV's senior executives highly praised Rena's professionalism for securing the only interview with Toru.
Although it wasn't a live broadcast, it was treated as headline news. After a light edit, it was immediately aired.
If they didn't capitalize on the momentum now, what would be the point of waiting until tomorrow? By then, other outlets would have already dug up similar content, and Nichibei TV would just be eating dust.
As soon as the interview aired, the station's ratings shot up. Their YouTube channel also racked up millions of views in a very short time.
Once the interview ended, Rena stood up to say goodbye.
She shook hands with Toru again, winked playfully, and said, "My superior just texted me. I'm getting a bonus. I have to thank you for that, Mr. Fujiwara."
As a CIA undercover agent, her salary from the agency couldn't be accessed until her mission ended.
However, as the station's top reporter and a popular online celebrity, Rena already earned a good salary. She also had other streams of income from online platforms.
On the surface, she was a successful woman in society. But she wasn't the kind to turn down more money. And the station's bonus this time was quite generous.
Toru said, "I'm happy to be of help, Ms. Mizunashi. You're a well-known internet celebrity. I'm honored to get to know you."
"Mr. Fujiwara, you're joking. I'm not at your level. Oh, would you like to add me on Line?"
Rena took out her phone and opened the app.
Though they were technically superior and subordinate in the CIA, they'd never had direct contact before and didn't have a reason to communicate.
If they had suddenly gotten close back then, it would've raised suspicion.
But now it was different. Taking advantage of this interview opportunity, Rena now had both the excuse and the reason to connect with him.
Even if they appeared together in public or met privately in the future, it wouldn't seem strange. That would give them chances to talk about CIA work in secret.
The cameraman from Nichibei TV looked at Toru with envy.
Mizunashi Rena was the goddess of countless men at the station.
Now, seeing her take the initiative to ask another man for his Line ID, how could he not feel frustrated?
But after glancing at Toru again, he quickly gave up.
There was no comparison. A top student from Tokyo University, excellent martial arts skills, and deep background.
He wasn't someone he could afford to provoke.
Toru and Rena exchanged Line IDs and left the interview location, chatting and laughing.
After saying goodbye to her, Toru returned to find the Yukinoshita sisters.
To his surprise, they were standing obediently beside a woman in a kimono, someone who looked similar to them but carried a more mature temperament.
Toru immediately guessed—this must be their mother.
Standing before them were his own father, Yoshitaka, and his assistant.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Fujiwara. Haruno and Yukino caused trouble for you and your distinguished son."
Madam Yukinoshita bowed repeatedly, looking fearful.
She quickly pulled her daughters forward. Haruno wore a serious expression and bowed a full ninety degrees. Yukino was stunned for a moment but, seeing her mother and sister doing so, bowed and apologized as well.
She didn't quite know why she had to apologize, but she understood now wasn't the time to ask.
Seeing the Yukinoshita mother and daughters, Yoshitaka was clearly displeased.
Aside from Toru getting injured because of them, seeing the sisters reminded him of his own wife.
He had once loved his wife deeply. But for various reasons, that love was long gone.
If not for the impact a divorce would have on his public image, he would've ended the marriage years ago.
He snorted coldly. "The Old Master had a good relationship with the late head of the Yukinoshita family, so I won't say anything unpleasant."
"But I hope you remember, the Yukinoshita family's success in Chiba today owes a great deal to us, the Fujiwara family."
"If your family no longer wants the Chiba councilor seat, we can replace you at any time."
Madam Yukinoshita bowed again, not daring to breathe too loudly.
The Chiba councilor position was vital—it represented the Yukinoshita family's influence in the region. That status protected their family business and ensured their continued growth.
Currently, the councilor was her husband, a man who had married into the family. But in truth, he was only a figurehead.
The true head of the family was Madam Yukinoshita herself.
Just then, Toru walked over. Yoshitaka's expression softened and he said warmly, "Toru, I asked the doctor. Your arm's fine. That's a relief."
"You should go home and rest. If you need anything, call. Old Master was also startled by this, so you must go visit him."
It was the second time he had mentioned Old Master Fujiwara.
Toru nodded. "I'll visit in a couple of days."
"Good. I have work to do. You should head back. Do you need someone to escort you?"
"No need. It's not a serious injury. I can manage."
Although Yoshitaka still had things he wanted to say, the current crisis demanded his attention. As chairman, he had to take charge. He likely wouldn't get any sleep tonight.
Madam Yukinoshita came forward and said sincerely, "Fujiwara-kun, thank you for saving my daughters. If not for you, the consequences would have been unthinkable. I might've had to bury my own child."
Toru smiled. "Auntie, please don't say that. We're family, after all. Haruno is my senpai at school and has always looked out for me."
"Yukino is her sister, so naturally, she's also my sister. It's only right that I protected them."
Madam Yukinoshita, always quick to seize an opportunity, turned to Yukino. "Fujiwara-kun treats you like a brother. Why haven't you called him that yet?"
Yukino opened her mouth. She hesitated, but eventually called out softly, "Brother."
For some reason, Haruno felt amazing. Really, really amazing.
Madam Yukinoshita nodded with satisfaction. "They were both frightened, and Yukino has school tomorrow. It's getting late, so I'll be taking them home."
"Fujiwara-kun, if you come to Chiba, please visit us. I'd love to host you."
Toru smiled. "If I go to Chiba, I'll definitely stop by, Auntie."
Madam Yukinoshita sighed. "Mr. Fujiwara, having a son like Fujiwara-kun is truly enviable. Then, we'll take our leave. I'll personally bring them to express our gratitude later."
Haruno winked at Toru, as if saying 'see you at school', and left with her mother and sister.
Finally enjoying a moment of peace, Toru took out his phone and sent a message, instructing the CIA agent stationed in Japan to begin investigating the incident.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)