Lao Cai strode proudly toward headquarters with a group of Happo Navy members.
He was in an exceptionally good mood today.
Not only had he won a battle, but he had also brought back a traveler as a guest.
His grandfather had always taught him that to become a qualified leader and pillar, one needed not only strength—but also wisdom.
And that wisdom was reflected in maintaining balance among Kano Country's various forces, and in building connections.
These connections could be with leaders or future leaders of other naval divisions, merchants from afar, or even underground forces.
As long as all these forces could be gathered around him—
He would be invincible.
Lao Cai had always kept Chinjao's teachings in mind and worked hard not to become just a brute.
Especially when it came to making friends—
He took it very seriously.
Which was precisely why he hated people saying "thank you."
To him, friendship didn't need such formalities.
Just getting along happily was enough.
Clearly—
After confirming Arashi was just a traveler, Lao Cai had already considered him a friend.
"Brother Arashi, this is the Happo Navy headquarters!"
Standing before the main gate, Lao Cai looked up at the bold calligraphy of "Happo" and said proudly:
"How is it? Impressive, right?"
"Very impressive."
Arashi nodded sincerely.
"Not just impressive—downright imposing."
"Hahaha! Of course!"
Lao Cai burst into laughter.
"Come on, let's go inside!"
"Lao Cai's back!"
"The young master is back!!"
"Haha, brothers! I, Lao Cai, have returned!"
Inside the reception hall—
Chinjao was in the middle of discussing matters with Chief Huo of the Second Division when the noise outside reached them.
He frowned slightly and asked:
"Ahuang, what's going on outside?"
"It—it's Lao Cai and the others! They've returned!"
Ahuang didn't dare run out to warn Lao Cai, so he could only stand there nervously.
"Haha! Brave Lao Cai is back!"
Chief Huo, dressed in a black suit with a protruding belly, immediately beamed with joy.
"Perfect timing!"
Just as he spoke—
Lao Cai and his group entered the hall.
Ignoring Chief Huo entirely, Lao Cai walked straight up to Chinjao.
"Grandfather, I'm back!"
"Good!"
Chinjao nodded approvingly, clearly pleased.
"Oh, right!"
Lao Cai suddenly turned and gestured toward Arashi.
"Grandfather, this is Brother Arashi—a traveler I met at sea. Since he was heading to Kano Country, I invited him to visit the Happo Navy."
"A traveler?"
Chinjao glanced at Arashi.
Arashi stepped forward politely.
"Greetings, Chief Chinjao."
"Hello."
Chinjao responded, then laughed heartily as he patted Lao Cai's shoulder.
"Good boy! Even while fighting, you remember to make friends. Excellent! A guest from afar—please, Mr. Arashi, take a seat!"
Arashi didn't stand on ceremony. He led Robin and Perona to sit on the left side.
After sitting down, he quickly surveyed the hall.
It was simpler than he expected—
Mostly wooden structures, with little decoration aside from the large "Happo" characters at the front.
"Serve tea to Mr. Arashi!"
Once Arashi was seated, Chinjao returned to his place and said apologetically:
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Arashi. I still have some matters to settle."
"No trouble at all."
Arashi nodded, then shifted his gaze to Chief Huo of the Second Division.
"Hmm?"
The moment he saw Chief Huo, Arashi's eyes narrowed slightly.
Though dressed formally in a suit, the man's appearance was… hard to accept.
An old man wearing lipstick, his face caked in makeup—
Frankly, it was terrifying.
Wait—
That face looked familiar.
Could it be…
Huo Lisha's father?!
"Since you're a traveler, you should visit our Second Division sometime."
As Arashi was thinking, Chief Huo stood and walked over with a smile.
"I'm Chief Huo of the Second Division. Nice to meet you, young Arashi."
"Ah, so you are Chief Huo. A pleasure."
Arashi nodded, then continued:
"I've long heard of your reputation during my travels—truly thunderous fame! And I've also heard that you have a daughter of extraordinary beauty, one who could topple cities and shame the moon. I believe she is still unmarried? Surely you haven't found a suitable match yet?"
The moment those words fell—
The entire hall fell silent.
Ahuang's eyes widened in shock.
Topple cities? Shame the moon?
Was this guy joking?!
Even Chinjao looked at Arashi with a strange expression.
He might support the alliance—
But calling Huo Lisha that beautiful?
That was a stretch.
"Hahaha! Young Arashi, you have quite the way with words!"
Unlike the others, Chief Huo was absolutely delighted.
A traveler who knew their reputation—and praised his daughter so highly?
As a father, how could he not be pleased?
Arashi smiled and waved his hand.
"Though this is my first visit to Kano Country, I've long heard of both the Happo Navy and the Second Division. Especially Lao Cai—brave, outstanding, tall and handsome—a true dragon among men!"
He paused, then added:
"In my opinion, in all of Kano Country, the only one worthy of your daughter… is Lao Cai!"
"Hahaha! Is Lao Cai really that outstanding?!"
Chief Huo could no longer contain himself. Turning to Chinjao, he gestured excitedly.
"Did you hear that, Chief Chinjao? If Lao Cai and my daughter unite, it would truly be a perfect match—a talented man and a beautiful woman! Hahaha!"
Chinjao nodded repeatedly, smiling.
"Of course, of course!"
"…What are you talking about?"
At that moment, Lao Cai stepped forward, completely confused.
"What alliance? What perfect match?!"
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