"Should I leave first?"
Kojima Bin didn't know whether he should leave or stay. His body seemed somewhat out of control, and he felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of shame. Even the phrase, "Should I leave first?" had slipped out almost involuntarily.
Fortunately, Kojou Yuna didn't care about these things, just as Kojima Bin had initially expected.
"No need to leave. We might have a small, informal meeting; you can just observe."
Kojou Yuna gestured for Kojima Bin not to be too nervous, indicating that she wasn't bothered by his "bypassing the chain of command."
Nissho Taro clearly didn't agree. He walked past Kojima Bin, plopped down onto the sofa, and thought, "Even if I'm working as a security guard, I wouldn't open the door for this kind of person!"
He was very angry, especially at this lack of respect for hierarchy.
However, with Kojou Yuna's reassurance, Kojima Bin's mood eased considerably.
Fujiwara Shunsui naturally sat next to Kojou Yuna and, just as naturally, placed his hand on Kojou Yuna's full, jade-like legs. She hadn't had time to change out of her yoga pants, which greatly emphasized the fullness of her figure.
Kojima Bin naturally noticed this action. His gaze would always subtly drift towards Kojou Yuna.
This action was subconscious.
He wanted to climb the ranks, he wanted to occupy a higher position, all just to get closer to Kojou Yuna.
Maybe this was called a crush.
Perhaps that description wasn't entirely accurate.
For a man of Kojima Bin's age, this feeling could no longer be described as a crush.
The most direct word was "desire."
His heart was filled with desire for Kojou Yuna, and it was this desire that motivated all of Kojima Bin's actions. Although it sounded ridiculous, it was the truest reflection of Kojima Bin's inner self.
Kojou Yuna had even become an obsession in his heart.
He stood there, his heart screaming, twisted, and helpless: Why wasn't I the one sitting there?
Why weren't those hands rubbing those beautiful legs mine?
Kojima Bin urgently wanted to prove himself.
To prove that he was equally capable and could become the head figure of the Shinjuku Syndicate organization.
And defecting to Fujiwara Shunsui,
or even becoming a dog by Fujiwara Shunsui's side, was his best option.
Kojou Yuna and Nissho Taro had successively given him this opportunity.
He could only act like a groveling puppy,
desperately trying to display his presence and his capabilities in front of Fujiwara Shunsui.
He had even fantasized about replacing an "idiot" like Nissho Taro.
This period of silence was excruciating for him.
He seemed to have forgotten that the hot tea in his hand was still warm, but having long been accustomed to patience and waiting, he subconsciously ignored the feeling.
His instinct told him that this was not the time to lose composure.
"Honestly, I didn't expect myself to cause such an earthquake."
Fujiwara Shunsui picked up his phone and started scrolling through new messages, speaking to the others while sitting on the sofa.
"All I want to say is for everyone to take care of yourselves and try to avoid conflict with others during this period."
"If anyone tries to subtly inquire about me, just tell them things you think aren't important."
Fujiwara Shunsui added dismissively.
"Why, Harumizu-sama!"
Just as Kojima Bin was about to ask, Nissho Taro leaned forward and spoke first.
Kojima Bin looked at the big bald man sitting next to him, feeling resentful: Why does someone always steal my lines?
"Because these things aren't very important anyway. Others can even claim bounties on the Dark Web, so why not let them?" Harumizu chuckled. He said this deliberately for Kojima Bin's benefit. Whether it was Spider-Sense or the System's God's Eye View,
ever since he met Kojima Bin the second time, his attitude toward him had taken a sharp turn for the worse.
Now he also needed to see if Kojima Bin was truly the material for a "traitor."
Then, Harumizu added with a smile, "If they don't gather enough information, how will they expose themselves and make a move against me?"
Kojou Yuna, sitting nearby, frowned upon hearing Fujiwara Shunsui's words, but she did not refute him, much less scold him.
Because the scenario had changed, the relationship naturally changed too.
She felt that any further issues could be discussed or vented privately, but not right now.
"Do any of you have anything else to add?"
After speaking, Fujiwara Shunsui continued looking down and fiddling with his phone, presumably texting someone.
In fact, a large part of his confidence stemmed from the fact that he was the "New Version," while most of the information about him was still stuck in the "Old Version."
As the saying goes: System in hand, the world is mine.
That was roughly the logic.
Even more crucial, ever since he last upgraded his Intelligence attribute points, Fujiwara Shunsui had a clear feeling that the attribute boost was somewhat exaggerated.
He dared not imagine what terrifying effect these attribute points would have if they were applied to Strength.
Of course, there were also the magical "Luck" attribute points.
If he had the chance to brush past a bullet someday, perhaps the Goddess of Luck would be smiling upon him.
Nissho Taro glanced around briefly, sensing that no one else wanted to speak, and asked, "Do I have any other arrangements during this time?"
While saying this, Taro deliberately looked at Kojima Bin. He didn't know why he suddenly found him irritating. Although he had seemed decent and hardworking in previous interactions, today's incident had thoroughly disgusted Taro.
Kid, I have a special mission, do you? Do you even know?
When Kojima Bin met Taro's gaze, he just smiled simply, failing to understand Taro's meaning. Instead, he thought to himself: Why is this big bald man looking at me? Can I arrange anything for you? Look at Harumizu-sama!
"Not for now. All liaison work should temporarily move online!"
Fujiwara Shunsui thought for a moment and replied directly to Taro.
Online work had no impact on people in their line of business, primarily because the work chain was complete and easily closed-loop.
Aside from the General Manager, Taro, being absent possibly having a minor impact, Harumizu and Yuna's usual roles were basically just "nodding yes and shaking no."
"Alright then, I'll go make a call."
As Taro stood up, he glared at Kojima Bin again, as if issuing a warning.
This was indeed true. In Taro's heart, Harumizu-sama's most loyal supporter could only be himself. He didn't need anyone else to share this worship and admiration!
And Kojima Bin's actions were undoubtedly declaring war on him.
"Um..."
Kojima Bin was just about to speak, but Kojou Yuna interrupted him: "The various sectors in Shinjuku are operating normally right now, but one thing needs to be emphasized: I must appear at various locations every week to ensure things are running smoothly. Otherwise, business operations could easily become slack."
Kojou Yuna had actually heard Kojima Bin start to speak, but his voice was too soft, so when they spoke at the same time, his voice was instantly drowned out by hers.
"That's fine, we'll just go together," Fujiwara Shunsui nodded.
It was still the same saying: If you want the Organization to treat you well, you must contribute effort and shed blood for the Organization.
Ensuring business revenue was also part of contributing to the Organization.
After speaking, she turned her gaze to Kojima Bin and said, "What were you trying to say just now? I interrupted you. Speak."
"Um..." The sudden eye contact between Kojima Bin and Kojou Yuna made him instinctively uncomfortable, causing him to stutter again.
"Um, what I wanted to say is, can we try reverse fishing? We could provide them with some false information, then follow the vine to find the melon, and finally pinpoint the target."
Hearing Kojima Bin's suggestion, Fujiwara Shunsui fell into contemplation.
It must be said that Kojima Bin did have capability, and Harumizu had considered this scenario himself.
But in his hypothesis, a mastermind like this shouldn't be so foolish. However, this plan was indeed the fastest way to get close to the opponent.
"This plan isn't impossible," since Kojima Bin proposed it, Harumizu decided to let him execute it, continuing, "Since it's your idea, go ahead and do it according to your plan. Remember, if anything happens, notify Yuna or Taro immediately."
Fujiwara Shunsui still hoped Kojima Bin would heed his advice.
Because he himself didn't have much desire for power, and often acted as a hands-off boss. If Kojima Bin could understand the situation, the person he should be buttering up the most was Yuna-chan.
A spark of fervor flashed in Kojima Bin's eyes, and he immediately bowed in thanks!
"Understood! Harumizu-sama, I will definitely work hard!"
Fujiwara Shunsui knew that Kojima Bin might genuinely be a talent—he realized this when Kojima Bin helped him locate Nakamura Aoi last time. But this inexplicable dislike was unavoidable. It was like knowing someone is annoying, but still having to consider practical matters.
Perhaps this was the trouble of a leader, and now, Fujiwara Shunsui's trouble.
He wished the opponent would just show up immediately and fight him head-on. If he lost... Oh, wait, he shouldn't lose anymore. He could just turn the opponent into fish food.
This was Harumizu's current thinking.
His current life was completely interfering with his "wife, kids, and warm bed" ideal.
He had even seriously considered buying a villa in the Shinjuku suburbs. After all, life with three people—oh, no! Life with six people was simply too frustrating; even if he had wicked thoughts, he couldn't act on them.
I have to say, that kid Taro's moral standards are a bit low. Soundproofing this bad, how dare you!!!
Oh, I forgot, that kid likes to eavesdrop anyway. Pervert!
Harumizu zoned out again, briefly forgetting Kojima Bin, who was still bowing.
At this moment, Kojima Bin couldn't clearly see Fujiwara Shunsui's expression or movements,
only thinking to himself: "Why hasn't Harumizu-sama told me to stand up yet?"
It wasn't until Kojou Yuna nudged Fujiwara Shunsui's leg that he noticed Kojima Bin was still holding that posture in his peripheral vision.
He had forgotten why he had zoned out and what he had been thinking about.
Alas, getting older is sometimes like this.
"Get up, Kojima Bin, you need to work hard! If there's nothing else, you can head back first. Remember to communicate with Yuna and Taro at all times!"
Fujiwara Shunsui emphasized again.
He was genuinely afraid that if Kojima Bin contacted him directly again, he might bury talent for the Sankou-gumi due to personal preference.
It could only be said that he considered the Syndicate too much. The Syndicate should award him a prize; no matter what, he always prioritized the Syndicate's interests.
It seemed self-brainwashing was quite difficult.
"Don't worry, Harumizu-sama, I will dedicate everything I have to the Syndicate and to you!"
After speaking, Kojima Bin walked toward the door. It was as if the gloom from a few minutes ago hadn't belonged to him at all. As long as he could get closer to the center of power, an irresistible feeling of excitement and joy surged within him.
Coincidentally, Kojima Bin passed Nissho Taro.
The two exchanged glances again. This time, Kojima Bin was somewhat more obedient, bowing to Nissho Taro and saying goodbye: "I'll be going now, Taro-sama!"
This action stunned Taro. He didn't know what had happened in the room during the few minutes he was gone, or why this kid was as happy as if he had struck gold.
Taro maintained his aloof persona, merely nodding and replying to Kojima Bin, "Mm, keep up the good work!"
Sure enough, the saying "one doesn't strike a smiling dog" applies at all times.
Just a few minutes earlier, Nissho Taro's heart was filled with dissatisfaction towards Kojima Bin,
but seeing Kojima Bin's retreating figure and recalling his recent attitude towards him, he suddenly felt that the kid was quite ambitious, even if his method of expression was flawed.
The room door was gently closed.
Nissho Taro had just settled onto the sofa and said, "I've arranged the shop matters with the subordinates, and I also inquired about the recent situation. I don't know if it's because of the Nagasawa Family incident, but business has been very good lately, and no one has caused trouble."
Fujiwara Shunsui took the opportunity to rest his head on Kojou Yuna's lap, lying sideways on the sofa.
I have to say, only I truly understand the value of Yuna-chan's fleshy legs.
Harumizu was no longer in the mood to listen to Taro rambling on. He just closed his eyes, waved his hand, and said, "Taro, you should go home too. I'm tired and want to rest for a while."
Kojou Yuna was startled at first, looking at Fujiwara Shunsui in her lap, and then her own thoughts began to drift.
Taro looked at the two people in front of him, wondering:
My butt hasn't even warmed the seat yet, and I'm already being told to leave? I was hoping to score some lunch here!
I have to say, Miss Kiko's cooking skills are truly excellent.
Of course, Taro didn't say these things aloud. Instead, he stood up, gave a shallow bow, and said, "Then I shall take my leave! Harumizu-sama!"
Harumizu didn't even open his eyes upon hearing this. He just hummed, adjusted himself to a more comfortable angle, and settled firmly into Kojou Yuna's embrace.
Buying such a large sofa back then was truly a wise decision.
Harumizu instinctively wrapped one arm around Kojou Yuna's slender waist, closed his eyes, and inhaled the faint fragrance wafting to his nose.
Ah, my heart is so tired,
but the body is so soft.
For a moment, Harumizu couldn't tell if it was the sofa he bought that was soft, or Yuna-chan's embrace.
He just felt a wave of weariness wash over him, his eyeballs throbbing, and his eyelids involuntarily grew heavy.
Just like that,
accompanied by the sound of the door closing again,
Harumizu fell deeply asleep once more.