Gathering Dark Pawns in the Fight for Profit

"Mr. Kazama, you say you have concerns?"

Of the two men from the New Light Sect, the one wearing a gold pin on his lapel spoke first. He seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

"We spoke highly of you at the Continental Assembly, Mr. Kazama. Recommending you this time is also giving you an opportunity. I hope you are not merely making excuses to decline."

"That is not my intention."

Unlike many foreigners, Kazama Eiko did not adopt an apologetic posture in the face of the other man's harsh tone. He continued at an unhurried pace, "I have followed the Skyline Project for a long time since first hearing of it. It concerns a national policy of Great Shun's centralist faction. They will certainly dispatch their most capable people to protect it.

"Feng He Shou of the Wave Pavilion has defected to Great Shun. Great Shun's newly established Haidong Province will very likely send Feng He Shou forward. His abilities are comparable to mine. Dealing with him would not be difficult, but killing him would be. As for Great Shun's Jibei Province, they will very likely send Defense Department Director Chen Chuan."

As he spoke, his expression grew more solemn. "This man is extraordinarily powerful. Both Feng He Shou and Howling Moon Hermitage have been defeated by him."

He straightened his posture slightly and said with great gravity, "Forgive my bluntness, but if I were to face this man alone, I do not believe I would have much chance of victory. However, if you gentlemen insist, I will comply. I simply cannot guarantee the mission's success."

The two men from the New Light Sect exchanged glances. Then the other man spoke.

"Mr. Kazama, we have already considered this matter. We will not have you act alone or ask you to do something beyond