Chapter 346: New Rules and a Meeting with Katahara Metsudo
Ren's casual words stunned them all. Lucifer and the others exchanged puzzled glances, unable to immediately grasp his meaning. Ren simply observed their expressions with an easygoing smile, waving a hand dismissively.
But all around them, in the bustling crowd of corporate elites and their hired fighters, countless eyes were fixed on their small group. They weren't watching Lucifer or the others; their gazes were locked onto the smiling young man at the center. Aside from a few fresh-faced entrepreneurs, nearly every influential figure present knew exactly who Ren was.
"Hoh... I never expected him to participate," one CEO muttered to his fighter. "Hey, listen... if we draw him, I'm not feeling too confident."
"Gahahaha! Ren... so that monster actually came!" another roared with a mix of fear and excitement.
"Yo, Kirukiru," Sōryūin Shion murmured to her companion, her eyes narrowed. "It's Ren."
Ren, Kirari, Sonoko, Courage, and Rindou completely ignored the droning speeches being given by the row of suited executives at the front of the boarding line; it was all familiar, tedious procedure. Kasugano Sora and the others, however, listened intently, trying to absorb every detail.
After the last of the other participants had filed onto the massive cruise ship, Ren and Kirari finally looked up from the novel they had been sharing. The once-crowded venue was now empty, save for their group and a formidable line of men in black.
Jinx and Kasugano Sora both swallowed hard, their eyes wide as they stared at the wall of grim-faced men blocking their path. The sheer intimidation rolling off them was suffocating.
The man leading the security detail stepped forward, his expression like granite. He opened his mouth to speak, but froze as a bald man with a warm, placid smile emerged from behind him.
Ren's own smile widened as he walked forward. "Yo! Long time no see, Mr. Yodoe."
The bald man bowed his head slightly. "Mr. Ren, it has been too long. The Chairman is waiting for you. And these ladies are...?"
Ren shrugged, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Family?"
"As expected of you," Yodoe said, his smile unwavering. "Then please, come this way. Ladies, you as well."
Kirari's lips curved into a sly smile. "Mr. Yodoe, were you about to say something just now? Perhaps something along the lines of... 'I never imagined I would be able to hire someone like Ren'?"
"I wouldn't dare presume," Yodoe replied smoothly. "Please, everyone, right this way."
At his gesture, the imposing men in black suits moved as one, parting like the sea to create a wide path. Ren simply nodded, walking toward the cruise ship with Kirari on his arm as if they were taking a leisurely stroll through a park. Ichihara Yuko and the others hurried to follow, a strange feeling dawning on them. Something wasn't quite right. Why did it feel like Ren and Kirari were returning home?
That peculiar sensation faded as they boarded the ship. Led by Yodoe, they bypassed the inner corridors and were guided directly to the outer deck. The area was already teeming with more burly men in black suits, all standing at attention. Seated at the very front, in a large, comfortable chair, was an old man whose presence dominated the entire space.
Kasugano Sora was about to whisper a question when the old man's booming, cheerful voice echoed across the deck. "Ren, you rascal! You truly are a public enemy of all men! A retinue like this is enough to make these battle-hardened wolves of mine turn green with envy!"
Under the curious gazes of Ichihara Yuko and the rest, Ren sighed helplessly. "I suppose I have a certain charm. But you, Old Man Katahara, you're looking as healthy as ever. A physique that completely betrays your age."
"This old man still wants to see Retsudo and Sayaka settle down," Katahara Metsudo chuckled. "For that, I'll have to rely on you, White Butler."
"Eh? Sayaka I can understand, but why do I have to help Retsudo, too?"
"Because you're quite skilled at capturing women's hearts," the old man said with a wink. "But let's put that aside for now... Oh my! Isn't that the young lady from the Suzuki Zaibatsu? And Courage is here as well! It's a pity the WGO declined our invitation this time; otherwise, the quality of the food would have surely improved. And who might these other lovely ladies be...?"
After Lucifer and the others had introduced themselves, Courage's mouth twitched. "Chairman Katahara... Please don't speak of the WGO as if it's full of chefs... I can't even begin to explain that to them!"
Katahara Metsudo blinked, then let out another hearty laugh. "None of that matters! How did you end up with this boy Ren, anyway... Ho ho! As expected of the White Butler!"
A faint blush colored Courage's cheeks, and she quickly retreated to the side. Given the WGO's global status, she had naturally met the legendary Katahara Metsudo before and had even been involved in discussions and economic collaborations with him.
Katahara Metsudo turned his sharp gaze back to Ren, his voice lowering to a more serious tone. "How about we try some new rules this time? In any case, it's not like you and that girl Kirari are here to actually win the championship."
Kirari's eyes lit up with predatory interest. "Oh? I'm quite looking forward to it. What sort of game did you have in mind?"
After Katahara Metsudo finished his explanation, both Ren and Kirari were momentarily taken aback. Ren let out a resigned sigh. "Since you've put it that way, how could I possibly refuse? But what am I supposed to do if I, the challenger, end up defeating the champion?"
"You won't," Katahara stated with absolute certainty. "I know you, boy. You're only here to help that girl, Kirari. She had to coax you into coming, which means neither of you has any real intention of taking the top prize!"
At his words, Lucifer and the others shot Kirari playful, knowing glances. So, the ever-composed president had to resort to pleading behind the scenes after all? A rare flush crept up Kirari's neck. She cleared her throat delicately and said, "Very well, we accept this new arrangement. Now, where are our resting quarters?"
Katahara Metsudo looked at his attendant. "Yodoe will take you. That entire row of suites is yours; no one will disturb you. For dinner, you can either go to the main hall or have it delivered to your rooms if you prefer. After all, Ren isn't a regular combatant, the brat."
"Okay. Then, Mr. Yodoe, we're in your hands."
Because their boarding schedule was completely separate from the other participants, it wasn't until they reached their private wing of suites that the group finally relaxed. After Yodoe had bowed and taken his leave, Kasugano Sora patted her chest in relief.
"Those men just now were really scary... But why does this room look so much like a hotel suite?"
Ren smiled. "This ship will take over a day to reach its destination, so everyone should rest up. As for room arrangements, feel free to find your own roommates. There are all sorts of entertainment facilities on board, just try not to get lost while you're exploring."
"Hmm!" everyone hummed in agreement.
"Good. Then I'll take the innermost room," Ren announced. "Honestly, there are enough suites for one per person, but the choice is yours."
After he finished speaking, he walked towards his room, leaving a group of beautiful women staring at one another. After a moment of silent consideration, they all tacitly avoided choosing the suite Ren had claimed.
Once everyone was settled, they busied themselves with their own affairs or began studying the layout of the cruise ship. No one paid any mind to Sōryūin Shion and Amou Kirukiru, who were chatting quietly in a separate, undisclosed room, their presence seemingly overlooked by all.
"Kirukiru, how do you think Ren will make his move this time?" Shion asked.
"It doesn't matter," Kirukiru replied, her voice calm and even. "All I know is that Ren is on this ship and has yet to act. And Old Man Katahara hasn't shown his hand, either."
"Sigh... This is really going to be a hassle. Kirukiru, have you finished your work?"
"There's still work to do?"
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