January 25, 1993.
Newspapers across Japan that cater to shamans are reporting on a major event.
The missing foreign children have been found safe and sound.
The group of wizards dressed in black robes attacked and took them away with Dark Magic.
Their strongest member doesn't seem to be able to maintain his peak performance for very long.
After taking the children to the underwater cave, the man left with most of the dark wizards.
The remaining three guards seized an opportunity and unleashed a barrage of bullets from their Gunblade.
Led by this brave child, the children escaped without even having time to bring their wands, taking advantage of a gap in the guards' defenses.
The sea is dangerous, so they must have made preparations before the operation.
The Mithril Briefcase containing the Gunblade belonged to an apprentice of a legendary Alchemists.
He not only held off the three dark wizards, but also prepared a set of protective clothing for each of them in case of emergencies.
The accompanying picture is very blurry; you can barely make out 13 figures walking onto the beach.
That was the only photo taken when they finally mustered the courage to come ashore after two exhausting days and nights of hiding.
Draco, far away at the Malfoy Manor in Britain, put down his newspaper with a disdainful look.
Yesterday—or rather, the day before yesterday.
He had been having wonderful dreams for two days straight ever since the newspaper reported their disappearance the day before yesterday.
Now that the person has been found, the dream has been shattered.
"It's pitch black, what kind of ghost can you see?"
His eyes returned to the newspaper.
After all, this is the "great benefactor" who made their mortal enemy soak in the sea for two days and two nights; perhaps there are some clues about his identity on it.
After a long and perilous escape, before patience completely wore thin, the time finally came to expose these dark wizards.
Defending against the dense barrage of bullets from the Gunblade was certainly not easy; one of them even had his left sleeve accidentally ripped off.
Although they were not injured, they left clues.
A dark-colored brand, a skull brand with a snake emerging from its mouth.
"This is..." Draco loosened his grip, and the entire newspaper slid down his pajama bottoms to the ground.
In Britain, this brand was once a household name.
Thirteen years have passed, and most of the children still don't know what this means.
He picked up the newspaper in a daze and read it over and over again.
Was the person whose name couldn't even be mentioned not killed by Harry Potter?
Potter — Potter was just so-so, except for a scar on his forehead, nothing special.
Yes, how could he possibly die!
Even Vienne couldn't do it, so how could a mere Potter do it?
Excited, Draco grabbed a newspaper and headed straight for his father's study.
"Dad, come and look at this!"
Lucius was in a good mood as well.
The Wizard Cards sold very well in France, and the release of Gwent was delayed once again.
He took the newspaper. "What's the big deal?"
Draco, you must remember that we are members of the Malfoy Family, and always maintain a calm and composed attitude.
"Yes, Dad."
Lucius looked down with a smile.
The more I watched, the more uneasy I felt; I started shaking before I even finished reading.
It didn't seem like excitement, but rather fear.
"Dad, why do you think that person went to look for—"
"Shut up!" Lucius crumpled the already crumpled newspaper into a ball.
Draco carefully observed his expression.
His eyes were vacant, and his face was bloodless.
He had never lost his composure like this in front of his son, except when he Weasley.
"He's back, he really is back..."
"Hahahaha—" Lucius suddenly burst into maniacal laughter.
Voldemort certainly had reason to go after those children.
Because the diary that housed his soul from his school days was destroyed by Vincent with the Sword of Gryffindor.
The one who threw away the diary was Lucius, who wanted to completely shed his Death Eaters.
In less than three months, they have already recruited new people.
He rolled up his left sleeve, revealing a skull brand with a snake emerging from its mouth.
Although it was very dark, it stood out strikingly against pale skin.
"Dad, is this the Dark Mark?"
Lucius looked at his son Draco.
His eyes were filled with regret and despair.
If receiving a diary is a symbol of loyalty, then this brand, personally engraved by Voldemort, is the first honor each Death Eaters receives.
It can't be wiped off, washed off, or removed.
The stronger Voldemort's power, the brighter the Dark Mark will be.
But it remains gloomy, just as gloomy as it has been for the past thirteen years.
"Draco, we are members of the Malfoy Family, and we must think carefully before making any choices."
Lucius donned his robes, picked up his Serpent-head Cane, and said, "Remember this: don't make a decision you'll regret."
Watching him leave, Draco noticed that he was very different from usual.
The father, who always maintained an elegant demeanor and composure, actually revealed a sense of fear.
Voldemort, the man whose name cannot even be spoken, really that terrifying?
The Shingu Family.
The children who had been taking statements all night had just returned and went to sleep without even eating anything.
When I woke up, it was already night.
After having a full meal, Vincent went to Hayahiko's study.
After holding it in for several days, I can finally answer my question.
"Uncle Hayahiko, I've taken care of the Ashiya family."
Unexpectedly, all of this was actually orchestrated by Ashiya Mie.
"And what about the Abe Family?"
"Uncle, are you in such a hurry?"
Vincent and Hayahiko stared at each other in silence.
The balance hasn't been completely broken, but it's only a matter of time.
Hayahiko chuckled lightly, "Vincent, your uncle just wants the Shingu Family to advance further."
"Since that's the case—" Vincent paused, "Uncle Hayahiko, it seems unnecessary for us to climb up by stepping on those two families, right?"
By maintaining this situation, the Shingu Family can gradually expand its group business through Gwent.
Starting from the surrounding island nations, all the way to the mainland across the sea.
Without the Ashiya family's obstruction, the Abe family alone could at most slightly delay the progress.
"Vincent, are you still wary of me?"
"Uncle Hayahiko, my teacher told me that when you're out and about, it's best to be wary of everyone."
The two locked eyes again.
Then they both laughed.
The reason why partners are partners is because the relationship between the two parties is always equal.
Hayahiko may have given up on using Vincent, but he will never miss an opportunity to take things further.
Although it did not directly impact the Abe and Ashiya families, it provided the Shingu Family with a period of time to develop in peace.
While the Shingu Family may not have won a fortune, they certainly achieved a great victory.
"Vincent, what are your plans next?"
"I plan to improve the environment in our country first."
"Uncle Hayahiko, you'll help, right?"
His smile was completely unlike anything he'd ever seen as innocent or naive.
The Ashiya family was completely subdued, so Hayahiko had no reason to refuse.