The group exchanged pleasantries as they entered the courtyard.
Rows of young and middle-aged men in black suits with lapel badges lined both sides of the path.
This was another characteristic of Japan's Yakuza Organizations: each organization had its own insignia and badges.
These men were there both to show the importance they attached to Gu Sheng and to display the Sumiyoshi-kai's strength.
Gu Sheng was unconcerned. What kind of spectacle hadn't he seen? His gaze swept lightly over them.
Nakamori Akina, on the other hand, was tense the whole way. She had never been this nervous in her life and wished she could shrink behind Gu Sheng.
The group was led into a banquet hall to one side. The interior was entirely Japanese in style, with screens separating the tables.
"Mr. Gu, please! The banquet has been ready for quite some time!" Hori Masao said with a smile.
Gu Sheng casually slipped off his shoes and left them to one side.
"What if someone has smelly feet?" Gu Sheng mused.
Hori Masao froze briefly, then burst out laughing. "You really have a sense of humor, Mr. Gu."
"Right? That's what they all say!" Gu Sheng said, smiling.
Once inside the banquet hall, Gu Sheng saw a naked woman lying on the table farthest in. She looked young and had delicate features, with large tattoos across her body and sushi, sliced fish, and other food arranged on top of her.
Gu Sheng finally got to see Nyotaimori, something he had never tried.
Nakamori Akina's mouth hung slightly open, and she seemed at a loss.
After all, she had only heard of this sort of thing. This was her first time experiencing it in person.
Gu Sheng studied the scene with interest and smiled at Tin Yeung-sang. "Never seen this before,