Takahashi Syndicate Crisis, Bai Xing's Proposal

Bai Xing made his way to Iketani's office. The moment he pushed open the door, he saw the room shrouded in smoke.

Iketani sat there with a troubled expression, the ashtray before him packed with cigarette butts.

When he saw Bai Xing, he only managed to force out a faint smile.

"Bai-san, you're here."

Bai Xing frowned slightly. Seeing Iketani like this, along with the situation outside, he knew something serious had likely happened.

And since Iketani had called him over, he must have wanted a favor.

What Bai Xing needed to do most right now was develop the two powers within himself.

He had only returned to the casino because he was out of money.

He had no desire to get involved in any troublesome business.

So before Iketani could speak, he said bluntly, "Whatever trouble you've run into, I'm not interested. That's all. Goodbye."

With that, he turned and left.

But a burly figure blocked him at the door.

"You bastard, you're far too rude!" Unable to suppress his anger, Harada Ken reached out to grab Bai Xing.

Iketani had not expected Bai Xing to refuse without even giving him a chance to speak, then turn and leave without a shred of mercy.

He was somewhat angered as well, so he did not stop Harada Ken.

As Iketani's number one enforcer, Harada Ken's strength was not to be underestimated. He had even won a judo championship in his early years.

Taking a right-handed stance, he reached for Bai Xing's collar with his fishing hand. This was the move that had won him the championship back then.

It was also Harada Ken's strongest technique—Mountain Storm!

As long as he got hold of his opponent, he would immediately follow up with a shoulder drop and sweeping hip throw.

Anyone thrown by it would be like they had been swept into the air by a storm!

Its power was immense.

Bai Xing had helped Iketani recover so many bad debts. Even though Harada Ken disliked the sight of him, he would never underestimate him!

But he had not expected Bai Xing to stand there without moving, as though he had been frightened stupid in the face of this move.

Got him!

The instant Harada Ken grabbed Bai Xing by the collar, he knew he had won!

A mocking smile crept onto his lips. What talent? He was nothing special!

But in the next second, the smile froze on his face, and his entire expression stiffened.

Under his grab and throw, Bai Xing stood as immovable as an iron tower.

It was as if he had taken root in the ground!

Let alone lifting him, even when Harada Ken used all his strength, Bai Xing's body did not so much as sway!

"What are you doing?"

The next second, Harada Ken was sent flying.

No one knew when Bai Xing had made his move, nor what technique he had used.

Bang!

Harada Ken crashed into a table. He tried to struggle up, but his entire body ached so badly that he could not stand.

Clatter!

The casino's underlings poured in. Some carried guns, but most held machetes and other weapons.

They immediately surrounded him.

Bai Xing had always considered himself and Iketani partners, each taking what they needed.

If Iketani's men truly intended to attack him now, he would not mind tearing off all pretenses and fighting his way out.

In his previous life, facing so many people—and even guns—would have meant certain defeat, even for an underground fighter like him.

But in this life, with electromagnetic manipulation and an Ajin physique, dealing with ordinary gang members was effortless.

When he had no power, he acted cautiously. Now that he had power, of course he would do as he pleased.

Just as both sides stood at the brink of conflict, Iketani's voice came from the office behind them.

"Five million! Bai-san, help me with something, and I can pay you five million yen!"

Hearing that there was money involved, Bai Xing hesitated.

Iketani's voice came again. "Think it over, Bai-san!"

Bai Xing turned back to look at him. "Ten million yen."

Iketani hesitated for a moment before finally nodding hard. "Deal!"

Bai Xing returned to the room. Iketani dismissed the others and had them check Harada Ken's injuries.

Then he shut the door.

The look in his eyes as he watched Bai Xing grew even more fervent.

He knew Bai Xing was capable, but he had not expected him to be this powerful!

Harada Ken was his number one enforcer, a judo champion.

Yet he could not even last one move against Bai Xing!

"Tell me. What is it?" Bai Xing sprawled on the sofa and looked at Iketani.

"You should know that the organization I belong to is called the Takahashi Syndicate. Just two days ago, a major rebellion broke out within the syndicate. Someone murdered the boss, Takahashi Kenichiro! They even tried to eliminate the entire family and have been hunting Miss Takahashi Hitomi. They nearly succeeded today.

I followed Brother Takahashi from my youth. I will never allow something like this to happen!

But the other side is likely stronger than I am. Right now, I have to join forces with the other executives still loyal to the organization, find the traitors, and eliminate them.

But before that happens, Miss Hitomi's safety cannot be guaranteed.

So I hope that you, Bai-san, can help protect Miss Hitomi!

Of course, my men will also maintain a full lockdown outside. You only need to serve as the final line of defense!"

Bai Xing had thought Iketani would ask him to kill someone or something similar.

He had not expected him to ask him to be a bodyguard.

That kind of job was the most troublesome.

In his previous life, the big boss had once assigned him to temporarily protect the children of certain powerful people.

While ensuring that spoiled rich kid's safety, Bai Xing had given him a brutal beating.

After that, the big boss had never assigned him a similar job again.

So when he heard Iketani's request, he immediately felt repulsed.

"Takahashi Kenichiro is dead. Who will inherit the position of boss?"

Iketani had not expected Bai Xing to ask that.

He froze for a moment before answering, "Ordinarily, it should be inherited by the boss's eldest son, Takahashi Ryota.

But he left a year ago, and his whereabouts are still unknown.

The person most likely to seize the boss's position now should be Kawamoto Zentaro.

At the same time, he is also the person I suspect most. He may very well be the one who arranged the assassination of the boss!"

"You just said you wanted me to protect Miss Takahashi Hitomi. Who is she?"

"She is Boss Takahashi's youngest daughter."

"Is she qualified to inherit the position of boss?"

Iketani could not quite keep up with Bai Xing's train of thought.

Seeing Iketani's stunned expression, Bai Xing waved a hand. "Forget it. Whether she was qualified before or not, she is now."

Bai Xing knew that women held relatively low status in Japan. This Miss Takahashi Hitomi might not truly have the right to inherit.

But they were the underworld. They did not need legal recognition. In the end, whoever had the biggest fist had the final say!

Based on Iketani's earlier plan, earning that ten million yen would be too troublesome, because Bai Xing had no idea when Iketani would be able to deal with that traitor.

So Bai Xing planned to settle everything in one go.

"Iketani, tomorrow, summon all the Takahashi Syndicate executives in Takahashi Hitomi's name. Tell them it is to discuss the candidate for the boss's position.

Once they have all arrived, I will step forward to support Takahashi Hitomi as the new boss and conveniently get rid of that Kawamoto Zentaro.

But the price can no longer be calculated according to our previous agreement."

It took Iketani a long while to recover before he swallowed hard.

"You..."

Bai Xing cut him off directly. "You don't need to worry about whether I can do it. You only need to think about one thing: do you dare to gamble?"

Iketani took a deep breath, struggle evident in his eyes.

In the end, he decided to first clarify the price. "Then how will the payment be calculated?"

Bai Xing smiled faintly. "I want thirty percent of the Takahashi Syndicate's profits. And whenever I have any requests, you must do everything in your power to assist me."