Sakamoto Trading Company

"Since this grilled pork chop was pretty tasty, I'll spare your life, old man."

Hidan sat cross-legged on the ground with broad, unrestrained movements, using both hands to gnaw on the pork chop in his hands.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, honored guest."

Hearing Hidan's arrogant words, Grandpa plastered a smile across his face.

Shiraishi Mori secretly clenched his fists, while Shiraishi Rin timidly studied the two men before her.

One had slicked-back silver hair, no manners, ate their piglet, and even had the nerve to insult them!

Compared to him, the other was much more pleasant to look at. He wore black-rimmed glasses, had jet-black hair, looked refined and gentle, and was very polite!

Of course, Shiraishi Rin only dared to think those words to herself.

If she said them aloud, she might drag the whole family down with her.

Simu was also tearing into the pork chop in his hands.

There were no particularly lavish seasonings or cooking techniques, but the suckling pig's meat was tender, and the old man had put enough care into grilling it.

As a result, the pork chop was crisp outside and tender within. The fat clinging to the skin blended wonderfully with the lean meat on the ribs.

The slightly browned, dry-crisp skin and delicate, tender pork created a texture that was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The rich aroma made Shiraishi Mori and Shiraishi Rin, the two children inside the house, swallow frantically.

"You two should have some too."

Simu handed three pork chops to them.

Shiraishi Mori glanced at Grandpa, and only carefully accepted the pork chops after receiving his permission.

"Thank you, sir."

Simu waved his hand. "This was your family's food to begin with. There's nothing to thank me for."

Shiraishi Mori had no time to say anything else. He and his sister hugged the pork chops and immediately began wolfing them down.

Ever since Sakamoto Trading Company had arrived and taken away their parents, the two children had not eaten meat in a long time!

Simu wiped his mouth, then looked at the old man, who had not taken a single bite of pork chop. "Uncle, why are there so few young people in this village?"

With the Raven flock's reconnaissance, not only this tiny village but even the nearby waters were under Simu's control.

At those words, a trace of bitterness appeared on the old man's face. He hesitated, unable to speak.

After all, who knew whether these two Jashin Cult followers had ties to Sakamoto Trading Company? One wrong word could bring a deadly disaster upon him!

"Say whatever you want. We have nothing to do with Sakamoto Trading Company," Simu said.

Seeing the old man hemming and hawing, Hidan shouted, "Spit it out already, or I'll kill you!"

In an instant, terrifying killing intent filled the entire house, making the three members of the Shiraishi Family feel as if they had fallen into an ice cellar. Their bodies stiffened, unable to move.

Hidan really might kill them.

"Hm?"

Simu lightly glanced at Hidan.

The latter curled his lips. "Hmph, how boring."

Simu turned back, and a kind smile returned to his face.

"It's fine, Uncle. Speak without worry. If this guy dares make trouble, I'll cut off his head."

Hearing Simu casually talk about cutting off heads, the faces of the three Shiraishi family members turned even paler.

Hidan merely clicked his tongue.

That only made Grandpa even more respectful toward Simu.

Judging from the way the two behaved, Simu was undoubtedly the one in charge. He was very likely some minor leader within the Jashin Cult.

Under the oppressive threat of Hidan and Simu, Grandpa finally spoke.

"Mori, take your sister outside first."

"Yes, Grandpa."

Shiraishi Mori took his sister's little hand and walked out of the house.

Only after the two children had left did Grandpa speak again. "All of this has to do with Sakamoto Trading Company."

After saying that, he carefully watched Simu and Hidan's expressions, seemingly hoping to use the opportunity to see whether they truly had any connection to Sakamoto Trading Company.

Unfortunately, Simu still wore a smile, while Hidan licked the food scraps from his fingers with lingering relish.

Seeing that, Grandpa could only sigh softly and continue.

"Originally, Shuiyu Village was just an ordinary little fishing village on the border of the Land of Rivers, where we made our living by fishing."

"But after Sakamoto Trading Company came, they said they wanted to build a gambling city at sea. They claimed our fishing would affect their business, so they forbade us from fishing in those waters."

At this point, Grandpa's already stooped body seemed to shrink even further.

"But."

"But Shuiyu Village has been home to fishermen for generations. If we don't fish, what else can we do?"

"The land around here isn't suitable for farming either. If they won't let us fish, then we have only one road left: death."

"So Mori's father and mother led the village fishermen to negotiate with Sakamoto Trading Company. Who would have thought that they would all be detained on charges of causing trouble?"

"It has been more than half a month now. We don't even know whether they are alive or dead."

Simu rubbed his chin and nodded slightly.

Indeed, his Raven flock had spotted a massive cruise ship in the nearby waters. That was likely where Sakamoto Trading Company was located.

They were also the client who had commissioned this Jashin Cult mission.

After listening to Grandpa, Simu silently took a sip of water and gave no response.

After sitting for a while longer, he finally stood.

"Uncle, we won't disturb you any longer. Farewell."

The old fisherman hurriedly rose and tried to retain them. "Honored guests, it's already late. Why not stay here for the night?"

Naturally, he did not sincerely want them to stay. He was merely afraid of drawing Simu and Hidan's displeasure.

Taking out their only suckling pig to entertain them was already the Shiraishi Family's greatest show of sincerity.

To demonstrate that sincerity, they might even have to go without meat for the next half year.

Simu adjusted his glasses and said calmly, "We won't stay the night. We still have something to discuss with Mr. Sakamoto."

With that, Simu picked up his suitcase and headed toward the shore.

"Goodbye, old man!"

Hidan waved as well, then followed behind Simu.

"Damn it, Simu, wait for me!"

Watching Simu and Hidan's retreating figures, the old fisherman suddenly relaxed as though all the strength had drained from his body.

Though he did not know what Simu and Hidan wanted with Sakamoto Trading Company, at least they probably would not attack them for the time being, right?

He turned and returned home, blew out the candle, and shut the door.

In the middle of the night, Shiraishi Mori got up to use the toilet. As he passed the table, he suddenly noticed a crimson necklace lying quietly beside the leg of a stool.

"This is..."

Shiraishi Mori looked behind him. Only after confirming that Grandpa was still asleep did he carefully bend down and pick up the necklace.

He walked into the outhouse and examined the necklace in his hand.

A circle on the outside, a triangle within!

This really is the symbol of the Jashin Cult Grandpa mentioned. It looks like those two guys accidentally left it behind.

If he had heard correctly, those two Jashin Cult members were heading to Sakamoto Trading Company. If he took the Jashin Cult necklace, could he sneak in and find Father and Mother too?

Shiraishi Mori leaned against the wall, his heart pounding wildly.

"Big Brother, when will Father and Mother come back?"

His sister's voice suddenly echoed in Shiraishi Mori's ears again. He let out a deep breath, clenched the necklace tightly, and left home.