Communication is the bridge between people, and so is demolition

Obiko is a dark yokai who cherishes the darkness, capable of moving through it and growing to a giant size; he could be considered the leader of the yokai in this region.

As the times change, the space for yokai to survive is constantly shrinking, and perhaps in a few years, they will only be able to huddle in certain dark corners.

Of course, some, like the tanuki who can transform into human form, will be able to survive no matter what.

After a long conversation, Director Sawai has come to understand Obiko quite well.

Communication, followed by understanding—right here in this small stall, Director Sawai smiles and finishes the soba noodles Obiko served him.

Although he is a yokai, he is an old man who is exceptionally nostalgic, unwilling to see the surrounding environment change, and prefers to stay holed up in one place.

He loves this land.

Having promoted world peace, and despite the difference in species, their interaction is exceptionally harmonious; after just a few words, Obiko has become a fan on the spot.

He swears allegiance to Director Sawai using an ancient ritual.

In any case, Zhou Hong is left completely dumbfounded.

He had expected the stubborn Obiko to be on the receiving end of a tag-team beatdown from him and Daigo tonight, leaving this world while clinging to memories of his hometown.

One must know that the elderly are the hardest to reason with; the script was already prepared and they were just waiting to strike, yet things have changed too drastically.

One can only say that Director Sawai is truly worthy of his reputation.

"I understand all of your requests, and I will do my utmost to help you." Director Sawai slowly sets down his chopsticks, looking at the soba noodles piled up all over the small stall.

Layer upon layer, bowl upon bowl—without even counting, there are certainly over ten of them.

Although they are truly delicious, he really cannot eat any more.

"Thank you, thank you." Obiko, filled with tears, quickly serves up more soba noodles with both hands.

"Regarding the yokai living on Yanino Street, I will seal this information and use the construction of a natural environmental protection zone to relocate the residents."

"However, we will not force those residents who are unwilling to move."

"I hope you can understand this point."

"People used to live in the village in the past as well."

"That is already enough." Obiko takes off his chef's hat, revealing his head shining under the lights, and bows slightly.

"If I keep accepting your selfless help, I will feel very bad about it."

Director Sawai does not want the relationship between peace-seeking yokai and humans to fall apart after he steps down.

Unilateral giving will only lead to ruin.

Mutual contribution is the key to achieving balance; that is how relationships work.

"I hope you can restrain the yokai and not let them cause destruction at will."

"That is not a problem; some of the more vicious yokai have already been wiped out by ancient exorcists."

"Those that have survived in the vicinity are all yokai with relatively gentle temperaments."

"Is there anything else you need help with besides this?" Obiko is impatient to be of some use.

After pondering for a moment, he says: "I heard from Ah Hong that you will die if you are exposed to sunlight."

"Sunlight is a deadly poison to you, so if a monster appears at night, I hope you can provide some support."

Obiko pats his chest with a resounding thud. "As long as you notify me, I will arrive no matter when or where."

Simple desires, an eager heart, a gentle personality—if all yokai were like this, how wonderful it would be.

Holding onto this delusion, Director Sawai smiles as he watches Daigo slurping noodles on the side.

Zhou Hong suddenly asks a soul-searching question: "Obiko, do you know how to use a mobile phone?"

Cold sweat beads on Obiko's smooth forehead, and he laughs dryly, "I... should know how, right?"

Very well, it seems it is time to prepare a senior-friendly phone; hopefully, this thousand-year-old gentleman will be able to master the new-age Feige app by then.

"Then let Ah Hong teach you when the time comes." Director Sawai seems to suddenly remember something and taps his forehead lightly. "By the way, Ah Hong, I have to trouble you with something else."

Zhou Hong tilts his head, looking at Director Sawai with a strange expression.

"It is like this: for the relocation of the residents and the construction here, I hope to be able to use your reserve funds."

Watching Zhou Hong's expression of I've been shocked for ten thousand years, I never thought you were this kind of Director, he speaks up again, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"You know the personality of your direct superior, and TPC is a joint organization; it is not my personal fiefdom."

"The use of every single fund is almost entirely transparent."

Director Sawai shrugs helplessly; this old man who has dedicated his life to peace is penniless.

Although there are few residents near Yanino Street and the current compensation funds for demolition are not high, the expenditure of such a large sum still makes his heart ache.

This is all hard-earned blood and sweat money (referring to the blood of the Kyrieloid and his own sweat)!

"After witnessing our friendship and acknowledging one another, I will immediately compensate you for the funds used."

Some people will not admit it, but as the Director, he can still cast a critical vote.

"Since you've put it this way, Director, I'll lend it." Zhou Hong lets out a long sigh.

"It is truly too much trouble for you," Obiko said, bowing hurriedly while pushing two bowls of soba noodles forward.

This was likely the only way he could express his gratitude at the moment.

Zhou Hong waved his hands repeatedly, "Better give them to the Director. I'm not used to eating this stuff; after all, I'm just an ordinary guy who lays bricks."

Recalling that Zhou Hong's resume before joining the recruit squad listed him as a bricklayer, Director Sawai chuckled aloud.

This could be considered the most exaggerated resume in the entire TPC.

He had gone straight from being an ordinary civilian to a candidate for the most elite unit.

"I will also arrange a salary for that consultant position I'm giving you; it will certainly be more than what you earned laying bricks," Director Sawai said, his smile widening.

Zhou Hong, a seasoned worker, nodded with great satisfaction. Being able to do his own thing every day while slacking off and earning two salaries—how could it be anything but delightful?

Chatting idly with Director Sawai and hearing that the matter had finally passed, Daigo, who had been slurping his noodles on the side, finally couldn't eat any more and slowly set down his empty bowl.

Director Sawai glanced at his watch; it was getting late.

Having obtained the answers he wanted in this place, he brushed off his clothes, preparing to head back and deal with the pile of documents awaiting him.

"It's getting late, and I must return immediately to begin preparing for the relocation of the residents."

"I hope to have it resolved within three to five months."

"Leave these matters to me, Director," Zhou Hong said with a crooked smirk. "Director, as long as the funding is sufficient, I'll show you just how fast the relocation can be."

"I have a friend who demolishes..."

Please, I'm asking for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. I beg of you, even the smallest amount is the greatest support for me.