American Comics: Tales of Cultivator

Chapter 200: Journey to Japan (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The Black Water True Method has a total of thirteen layers. Cultivating to the highest level not only allows one to control water flow but also merge with the power of true water, transforming into a Black Dragon.

Lane's current transformation into a Half-Dragon Person somewhat embodies the true meaning of the Black Water True Method, although it's a shortcut achieved through Serum Zero. However, the improvements in physical body strength and mastery of Water Magic are substantial.

Lane continued to demonstrate his strength after dragon transformation to Tang Song. Not only his water control ability, but after transforming, he could also control the cells within his body to release strong Electric Pulse Waves, just like Adam...

In an indoor target range specifically for testing experiment subject attack power, Lane let out a Dragon's Roar. After transforming, a thick, reddish-white Lightning Beam shot out from his mouth...

The light beam struck the target wall...

The strong electric current at high temperature directly melted the alloy test target into a pool of molten iron.

......

"Well done!" Tang Song cast an appreciative gaze at Professor Connors.

Professor Connors was somewhat flattered: "Boss, the research on the Serum primarily relies on the materials you provided—"

Professor Connors said this without any intention of being humble. Whether it was the Zero Ghidorah Flesh and Blood Material, the Blood Orchid, the Alien, or the Healing Factor of Mutants.

For ordinary biologists, these might be top-tier research materials they wouldn't encounter even once in a lifetime.

With these materials available, frankly speaking, even a dog could serve as the Laboratory Supervisor and be responsible for this research, and still produce results.

Professor Connors knew he wasn't a researcher with high innate ability or exceptional talent. His identity as a Biology Professor was earned through decades of diligent study, day in and day out, incomparable to those exceptionally gifted geniuses.

When Professor Connors was teaching at Caltech, he once heard an old professor mention a student named Banner, who majored in Physics and obtained a Doctorate in Nuclear Physics and six other doctoral degrees, including a Doctorate in Biology, within a few years.

Compared to him, Professor Connors wasn't that type of talented individual. His research progressed steadily, step by step.

After solving his severed arm problem, the impetuousness he once had was gone.

Professor Connors strived for excellence in his research.

This was also what Tang Song appreciated about Professor Connors.

He wasn't short on money. The Hive Laboratory was his private property, and all experiment projects were only accountable to him.

Unlike Oscorp, any large investment project needed to consider the return on investment and the constraints from the Board of Directors.

This was the main reason why Professor Connors' Lizard Serum research failed initially.

Because the investment in this area was too high, it directly caused dissatisfaction among the Shareholders on the Board of Directors. Under pressure from the Board, Norman Osborn disregarded his pleas and advice and directly planned to cut the Project.

If Tang Song hadn't taken over this Project and invested a large amount of Funds, Professor Connors, in order to regenerate his severed arm, would have directly risked skipping the Human Experimentation Stage and injected himself with the incomplete Lizard Serum, transforming directly into The Lizard, according to the original Plot.

To some extent, Boss Tang was Professor Connors' Patron.

And Professor Connors' decades of immersion in biology research also brought Returns to Tang Song.

The Federal Military invested hundreds of billions of US Dollars and spent over a decade, only managing to restore a Secondary Serum based on the Super Serum.

Meanwhile, Professor Connors spent a few years researching the Lizard Serum, and in less than a year, successfully developed Serum Zero. What is most valuable in the twenty-first century? Talent!

Tang Song placed considerable Value on Talent...

"Strengthen the Security Measures for the Laboratory. From now on, the Entry and Exit System will be supervised by Red Queen. Entering and exiting the Laboratory requires simultaneous signatures from you and the Security Supervisor!"

Tang Song picked up another tube of emerald-colored Serum Zero. It was a spiral-shaped Injection, and the emerald-like Liquid seemed to glow.

After speaking to Professor Connors, Tang Song glanced at Lane, who had restored to Human Form, and asked:

"Prioritize arranging the family members of the Research Personnel in the Laboratory to Raccoon City. Arrange for Free Housing, Medical Security, and Subsidies!"

Lane nodded: "Yes, Boss. I'll implement it immediately!"

Considering the Experiment Leak Incidents that frequently occurred in movies, Boss Tang was exceptionally concerned about the Laboratory's Security.

The Hive Base was currently fully Construction Completed, and the lowest five floors were already in use.

The lowest floor of The Hive was Red Queen's Main Computer Vault. The floor above it was the Biological Agent Storage Room.

Above the Biological Agent Storage Room was the Experimentation Area.

These three floors were the absolute priority of the Hive Base. Red Queen's Main Computer Vault could only be accessed by Tang Song, Professor Connors, and a few other Leaders like Lane.

When it came to Red Queen's Main Computer Maintenance, it even required Tang Song's personal signature. The Biological Agent Storage Room stored all the Biological Agents developed by the Hive Laboratory, including the Lizard Serum and the Daywalker Serum formulated with Perfect Blood.

There were also several other latest Injections derived for commercial Use.

Regardless of the Agent, if it were to Circulate on the Market, it represented immense Economic Value.

Retrieving or storing Agents on this floor was separate from the Research Personnel on the upper floors, handled by Dedicated Personnel.

Access to this floor required A-Level Authority. Those with this Clearance were Tang Song's Confidants, and their Loyalty was unquestionable.

As for the upper floors of the Laboratory, they served as the Armory.

The Armory, as the name suggests, stored a batch of light and heavy Firearms. This batch of Weapons, enough to arm a Federal Infantry Battalion, was not only issued to the Laboratory Security Personnel.

It was the Armory for the entire Tang's Building. The Armory had an Elevator that went directly to the Building and was not connected to other Hive floors.

Entering the Armory required B-Level Authority. Those with this Clearance were at least at the Supervisor level of this Base, generally the higher-ranking Card Soldiers and the Security Supervisor.

Between each floor of The Hive, between the Elevator and the Entrance, a laser Passage was additionally set up as per standard procedure.

This was prepared for potential Intruders.

In Red Queen's Main Computer Room, Tang Song also additionally placed several Iron Robots and Skeleton Demons as Security.

If someone were to truly break into this Base, the Security Measures of this Base would show the Intruder what despair felt like.

...…

"If the Serum Zero Agent falls into someone else's hands, what is the probability of it being Counterfeit?"

Tang Song casually placed the Serum Zero Agent into a constant temperature storage Briefcase. Lane, standing nearby, took the Briefcase.

Professor Connors smiled and said confidently: "Boss, the successful development of the Serum Zero Agent mainly relies on the Materials. Whether it's the Ghidorah flesh and blood sample, the Blood Orchid, or the Alien, if even one is missing, the Serum cannot be replicated!"

"Let alone outsiders counterfeiting it, due to the influence of the Blood Orchid Flowering Period, even our own Laboratory would have to wait for the Blood Orchid's Flowering Period to replicate it."

"Don't be so absolute," Tang Song said. "Be cautious in everything. The Experiment steps for the Serum Zero Agent will be sealed, and an extra layer of insurance will be added in the future. If someone attempts to crack it, the Agent will Self-Destruct!"

"Yes! Boss!" Professor Connors nodded.

"Lane, I remember Magneto mentioned he has a Mutant under him who can control Plant Growth. Ask him later, borrow that person, and see if they can shorten the Blood Orchid's Flowering Period!"

Tang Song turned and instructed Lane: The Blood Orchid is a Plant with very strict environmental requirements. Even with a dedicated Environmental Simulation Cultivation Room in the Hive Laboratory, it cannot perfectly simulate the variable climate of the Borneo Rainforest.

To address this, Tang Song also set up a Spirit Gathering Array using Jade Stone in the Environmental Simulation Cultivation Room where the Blood Orchid was growing, which allowed the Blood Orchid to survive.

However, to shorten the Blood Orchid's Flowering Period, they needed to find another way.

As for the Mutant who controlled Plants, it was mentioned by Magneto when he visited recently. The two were chatting in the Lake Heart Pavilion at Tang Manor, Drinking Tea and Appreciating Lotuses, when Tang Song casually mentioned it, expressing some regret that Lotuses only bloomed in midsummer.

Magneto chimed in, saying that the Brotherhood of Mutants had a Mutant who could control Plant Growth and could be sent to him to be a Gardener, to manage the Plants in his Manor, making his Manor feel like spring all year round with Lotuses blooming in all seasons.

So Boss Tang just laughed it off at the time, giving a perfunctory response.

The reason for Magneto's visit was twofold: firstly, their Cooperation. Over the past six months, the Brotherhood of Mutants had used the Gold they acquired to exchange for a large amount of Funds and Weapons through Tang Song's Channel.

Although Tang Song took a considerable amount of Kickback and Commission from it, after all, the Channel was King. Reasonably and logically, there was no problem with Magneto paying a visit.

However, during their tea and conversation, Tang Song subtly sensed that Magneto was constantly probing his Attitude towards Mutants, seemingly very Fearful of his views on them.

Mutants, as long as they didn't Provoke him, why would Tang Song care what Magneto wanted to do?

Tang Song understood Magneto's character. He was persecuted by the Nazis when he was young, but in his old age, he became somewhat obsessed with Hitler's set of racial theories.

He regarded Mutants as the future of Humanity, having a sense of Hitler's Aryan supremacy. This personality and Ideal were destined not to align with Boss Tang, who Prioritized Interests.

Lane took a White Coat from a Researcher nearby and put it on. He smiled at the young woman wearing Glasses.

The female Researcher, wearing thick-lensed Glasses, blushed, especially when she saw Lane's exposed six Abdominal Muscles. Her earlobes turned light pink.

Lane, while putting on the White Coat, nodded towards Tang Song.

"I'll take these few Agents and Adam. Professor, from now on, the focus of the Hive Laboratory can be on those few Giant Beast Corpses. You can determine the Research direction, and don't worry about the Funds!"

"Yes! Boss!"

Back at Tang Manor, Tang Song had Kane and Frank called over.

Upon learning the quantity of Serum Zero Agents, Tang Song had already allocated the remaining few tubes of Serum in his mind.

Kane and Frank were old Mates who had been with him, so they naturally wouldn't be left out.

As for the other three tubes, they would be given as rewards to his subordinates.

Storm Shadow, Ivan Vanko, Sloan... Tang Song weighed the Order of the few people.

They had all practiced the Breathing Cultivation Method he bestowed upon them. The rest depended on who would Get Started first.

"Boss, the Supplies for S.H.I.E.L.D. have been prepared and are at Pier Number Seven!"

In a Training Ground within the Manor, Tang Song watched Kane and Frank, who had just been injected with Serum Zero Agent, venting their vigorous energy. Lane walked in and said.

"Give them an Authorization Slip and let them pick it up themselves..."

......…

New Mexico

"Director, this is Phil Coulson. I've reached the Energy Burst Point! The Fallen Object is a Middle Ages Hammer from Europe! Hydra hasn't arrived yet!"

On a Sand Dune, an ancient-looking short-handled square Hammer lay horizontally with its Hammer Head facing down. Various Pickup Trucks were parked around it.

A group of Big men with bare chests surrounded the Hammer, taking turns trying to lift it to prove their Strength.

Unfortunately, whether Black Person or White Person, Elder or young person, no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't budge the Hammer an inch.

The Residents of the Small Town simply treated it as a tourist attraction. Many people set up grills nearby, selling hot dogs, drinks, and Mexican chicken wraps.

Phil Coulson mingled in the crowd, holding a Mexican chicken wrap in one hand while looking at the Energy Monitor in his Palm.

"A Hammer?!"

Hearing Phil Coulson's Report, Nick Fury was somewhat Surprised.

Although Nick Fury, that Old Fox, had faked his death, he had deliberately left a Back door on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Energy Monitoring Satellite.

The Energy Monitoring Satellite detected a high-value Energy Burst in this area.

The Energy Monitoring and Detection System automatically sent the Numerical Coordinate through the Back door he had left, allowing him to monitor it.

Nick Fury, that Old Fox, also conveniently modified the Coordinates on the Energy Monitoring Satellite through the Back door.

This caused Hydra's observed Coordinates to deviate by more than half a state's Bearing.

"Director, yes, it doesn't look like a meteorite. I suspect it's some kind of Supernatural Item, but no Radiation was detected at the Scene!"

Phil Coulson reported his Guess to Nick Fury.

"Can you Bring Back to the Base!?" Nick Fury inquired.

"It's difficult. This Hammer looks very heavy!"

While talking to Nick Fury, Phil Coulson watched an Old Man driving a Pickup Truck, planning to use the Pickup Truck to pull the Hammer up.

Clang! Just as Nick Fury was asking if he could Bring Back the Hammer.

The Old Man stepped on the Accelerator all the way.

With a clang, the Pickup Truck's Compartment was directly flipped backward.

"Put the Hammer Matter aside for now. Tang has provided us with a batch of Weapon Equipment, including a batch of the High Table's most advanced Bulletproof Vests!

These are Items Sought that we urgently need..."

"I've already sent Matt to the Black Market to retrieve the goods. It's not convenient for you to show your face, so take your people and provide support Outside the retrieval point!"

......…

The Black Market, especially the Underground Black Market, is a place where you can buy anything.

Especially Contraband. Because the more prohibited an item is, the higher its trading Value. Just like many things explicitly forbidden by the Federation, they are the most circulated items in the Black Market.

Because they are valuable.

Deadpool, familiar with the place, walked into this Underground Black Market with Matt Murdock. It was a Tunnel converted from a Large WWII Air-Raid Shelter.

It was a lively Bar. At the Bar Counter, on a Whiteboard, Items Sought, Hired Personnel, and Hitmen were written with an Ink Brush Pen.

The variety was dazzling, from the most advanced Federal Fighter Jet Data to two pure virgins.

Hiring an entire Mercenary Group to hiring Elite Assassins, with Clearly Marked Prices. From time to time, someone would go to the Bar Counter, buy a drink, and chat with the Boss for a few minutes. The Old Bartender, who looked over fifty, would take a rag and wipe away a line, then add a new one.

The Bar was filled with people wearing cloaks, and many wore Masks. It was clear they didn't want their Identity known.

Of course, there were also many who showed their faces openly! There were simpletons, and there were also many bold and confident people.

"Hey! Old George, two Whiskeys!"

From the Old Bartender's disdainful Gaze, it was clear that Deadpool was a Regular Customer.

"Things have been quite lively lately. There are a few Missions suitable for you, Assassination Missions!"

The Old Bartender wiped a Wine Glass with a towel, sized up Matt Murdock, and his Gaze returned to Deadpool.

"Assassinate two Federal Generals, interested? Half a million US Dollars each!"

Deadpool picked up the Whiskey in front of him and drank it in large gulps, but his mouth didn't hesitate to mock: "Half a million US Dollars, tch, only a million US Dollars for both combined. Old George, the price is too low. I've found a Long-Term Meal Ticket." Saying this, Deadpool patted Matt Murdock's Shoulder. Matt Murdock moved away in disgust! "Hey, Old George, I'm here to pick up some Things!"

Saying this, Deadpool handed him a piece of paper.

The Old Bartender looked at Deadpool in Surprise, took a box from under the Bar Counter, and said, "Number!"

"F56Y74!" Matt Murdock said the Number.

The Old Bartender opened the box and took out an envelope marked with the Number.

"Here's the Container Address for the goods. Go pick them up yourselves!"

The Money had already been paid to the Buyer through some Network Currency on the Dark Web. This was merely a Transfer Point for picking up the goods.

Deadpool drank a few more glasses of Whiskey at the Bar Counter before being dragged away by Matt Murdock.

There were nine Passages leading out of this Bar to the Outside, and each Passage had at least three Exits, showing great attention to customer privacy!

"Deadpool?! Strange, when did he join the Organization?"

Deadpool was considered a formidable Expert among Mercenaries and Hitmen, especially his Undying Body, which made him very difficult to deal with. The Old Bartender had dealt with him before. The High Table also wanted to recruit such Talent.

However, Deadpool's Personality had always been solitary.

The Old Bartender wiped the Wine Glass, deep in thought.

"What good stuff is this, so mysterious! Smuggled Eastern European Refugees or Drugs? I heard there's a concept of 'trying the clock' at the horse stables in HK. Does our Organization have that? I think I could be a madam, let all those girls come to me..."

Deadpool, wearing his signature Tight Suit, looked at Matt Murdock, gossiping incessantly!

Matt Murdock suppressed the urge to raise his Blind Cane and beat this Jerk to death, searching for the Container Number.

Deadpool's eyes darted around, thinking about how much of the good stuff he should steal if there really was something good. Well, Boss Matt's price was quite high, but who would complain about having too much Money?

Although Matt kept saying they were working for World Peace, the organization behind the scenes refused to explain things to him, making it all very mysterious.

If it really involved human trafficking, organ transplantation, or similar things, Deadpool subconsciously gripped his Knife Hilt.

He, Deadpool, was also a Superhero! "Found it!"

Matt Murdock led Deadpool through the dense Containers.

After walking for two or three minutes, they reached an inconspicuous blue Container.

Click! Matt Murdock raised his Blind Cane, and the fist-sized Alloy Lock clanged as it fell to the ground.

Matt pulled open the Iron Gate, revealing the densely packed Wooden Crates inside.

Opening a Wooden Crate, Deadpool looked at the Things inside the Container, letting out a sigh of relief. His hand slowly released the Katana's Knife Hilt.

"How do we transport the Things? Should we call a Truck?"

"They're here!"

Matt Murdock's ears twitched.

In the night Harbour, a Submarine surfaced amidst the splashing Sea Waves.

Phil Coulson, wearing a Black Suit, arrived at the Dock with a few Agents.

"Where are the Things?"

Matt Murdock raised his Blind Cane and pointed at the Container in front of him.

Phil Coulson gave a Tactical Hand Signal. The Agents he brought, in pairs, carried the Wooden Crates towards the sea.

......…

For Tang Song, supplying Nick Fury with a batch of the latest Bulletproof Vests was a minor Matter.

However, something very unpleasant happened in Japan, forcing him to personally rush there...

Two days later, at Yashida Manor in Tokyo Bay, Japan, four Mercedes-Benz Cars stopped at the Manor's Entrance. Four or five Yashida Family Bodyguards, wearing Black Suits and Earpieces, came forward to greet them.

"Miss Yukio!"

Yukio, sitting in the first Mercedes-Benz Car, got out first. As Yashida Family Bodyguards, they naturally recognized this Yashida Retainer who was inseparable from Young Lady Mariko Yashida.

Her status was incomparable to theirs.

"Go and inform Old Master that Mr. Tang from New York is here to visit!"

With her back to Tang Song and the others, Yukio gave a suit-wearing Bodyguard a look.

"Ha'i!"

The suit-wearing Bodyguard turned and quickly jogged towards the Manor.

"Mr. Tang, I'll take you inside!"

Arriving at Yashida Manor seemed to boost Yukio's confidence. She said to Tang Song and bowed, making a gesture of invitation.

Tang Song was still wearing his White Suit (of course, he had over thirty custom-made White Suits from Italy and hadn't worn the same one twice so far), holding a Cane. He seemed not to notice Yukio's small Action.

"Excuse me, you cannot enter!"

Two Yashida Family Bodyguards blocked the Bodyguards who wanted to follow.

Tang Song's accompanying Bodyguards, also in Black Suits and even more formidable, stepped forward simultaneously, their hands reaching for their lower backs.

The Yashida Family Bodyguards saw their suits lift, revealing Black Pistols, and instinctively retreated two steps.

They were about to use their Walkie-Talkies to call for Reinforcements.

"You stay here!" Tang Song turned back and said calmly.

"Yes! Boss!"

The group of Bodyguards bowed, then stood in pairs, hands clasped, in front of the Mercedes-Benz Cars.

With small bridges and flowing water, and paths paved with bluestone, the Yashida Family Manor was very elegant, carrying some Zen Buddhist meaning and the essence of Huaguo Ancient Architecture.

Yukio led Tang Song along the pavilions, appreciating the scenery of the Manor as they walked.

"This Manor was designed by three of the world's most renowned Designers commissioned by Old Master. It incorporates the essence of European, Japanese, and Huaguo Architecture! It cost one billion Japanese Yen and took five years to complete!"

Seeing Tang Song looking around at the Architecture, Yukio said.

"It has some meaning!"

Boss Tang knew nothing about Architecture or scenery. What he was looking at was not the Architecture, nor the View, but people.

The Yashida Family members, the hidden Hidden Sentries, the Gunmen—none could escape his eyes as he walked along.

"Yukio!"

As Yukio walked with Boss Tang, two people came towards them.

Leading them was a Middle-Aged Man, not tall, with a Square Face and a beard on his chin. He looked capable and steady.

He saw Yukio and her group and called out to Yukio.

"Yukio, who are these guests?"

"Lord Shingen, this is Mr. Tang from New York, here to visit Old Master!"

Yukio bowed ninety degrees towards the approaching person and introduced him! "You are Tang Song, Mr. Tang, Chairman of the Board of Tang Group in New York. I've heard much about you. I am Shingen Yashida!"

Hearing Yukio's introduction, the Middle-Aged Man wearing a black Japanese Kimono and Geta shoes' eyes lit up. He extended his hand towards Tang Song.

"Hello, Mr. Yashida! And this is?"

The two shook hands.

Tang Song's Gaze swept past his nominal Father-in-law and landed on the Middle-aged Man in a suit, somewhat unshaven and unkempt.

"This is Dr. Serizawa, a famous Biologist and Ancient Historian from Japan, and the Chairman of the Ancient Creature Protection Association!"

"Hello, Dr. Serizawa!"

Tang Song nodded towards the Middle-aged Man in a suit, his face calm and composed.

"Hello!"

"Dr. Serizawa, I have Guests here, so I won't see you off. I will consider the Research Funding Investment Matter!"

Shingen Yashida seemed quite enthusiastic towards Tang Song. He quickly dismissed Dr. Serizawa in a few words and warmly entertained Tang Song.

"Yukio, you go to Father first. He should be taking a nap now. I will entertain Mr. Tang!"

"Ha'i!"

Yukio bowed ninety degrees, politely greeted Tang Song and the two others, then turned and left.

As the Eldest Son of Yashida, Shingen Yashida's status in Japan was self-evident. The Federation, as Japan's Suzerain State, could influence this younger brother with every Action.

The High-level Staff in Japan paid close attention to many Matters in the Federation.

As the number one economic City in The Alliance, New York, Shingen Yashida naturally knew Tang Song's Identity.

Dual Shareholder of Stark Industries and Oscorp.

A Federal Congressman, Chairman of the Board of Tang Group, and the "Emperor of the Underworld" of the Federation. Any of these identities was worth Shingen Yashida making connections with! However, Shingen Yashida was more concerned about Tang Song's other Identity.

The Behind-the-Scenes Supporter of his Rebellious Daughter.

At the same time, he was well aware of the purpose of Tang Song's visit.

In a traditional Japanese Style Living Room, Shingen Yashida knelt in a Kneeling Posture and brewed Tea. Tang Song sat cross-legged opposite him.

Using a Zisha tea set, brewing two infusions, boiling Mountain Spring Water for the Tea. Shingen Yashida personally brewed and served the Tea.

"Tang-kun, this is the finest Oolong Tea, sent by Qiu Sang from the Taiwan Three Federations. Please Taste and Evaluate it!"

Tang Song picked up the Tea Cup. The color was dark green, the soup was golden yellow with a hint of green, and it had a floral fragrance. "Hmm, a sweet taste!"

Tang Song took a sip. The taste was quite good! It was indeed the finest Dong Ding Oolong.

"Tang-kun, I've long heard of your great name here in Japan. Starting from Scratch, you've built such an Undertaking in the Federation. A True Man should be like this!"

Shingen Yashida said with a face full of admiration, holding the tea bowl! Tang Song humbly replied, "Mr. Yashida is too kind. I, Tang, am merely a Nouveau Riche. There's an old saying in my hometown, 'It takes three generations to know how to eat and dress.' A Hundred-Year Family like the Yashida Family is the true Noble!"

"Hundred-Year Family, Mr. Tang is joking. The Yashida Family's current status was built by my Father. The Family Head of the Yashida Family is still my Father."

After saying this, Shingen Yashida saw that Tang Song was clearly not interested and changed the subject.

"Mr. Tang, I heard you took over Hammer Industries. As far as I know, Hammer Industries has always supplied one-fifth of the Federal Military's Military Hardware. Yashida Corporation also handles the Firearms and Light Industry Business. I think our two sides could cooperate."

"Hmm, perhaps. However, I'm new to the Firearms Business. I'll have someone from my Company visit Japan another day to observe and learn."

Upon hearing this, Shingen Yashida held up his Tea Cup with both hands and offered Tea to Tang Song! "Miss, Mr. Tang Song has come to Japan!"

Yukio knelt on the Tatami Mat, a Katana placed beside her hand.

Opposite her sat a Beauty with a nine-head body ratio, wearing a Kimono, Mariko Yashida.

She was Shingen Yashida's direct granddaughter, the Young Lady of the Yashida Family.

Strictly speaking, Yukio was her Retainer.

"I knew he would come!"

Mariko Yashida, like a white swan, trimmed the Flowers in front of her with pruning Scissors, her Smiling Face Like a Flower:

"Tang-kun is an Extremely Possessive Man. He won't allow me to have a Fiancé. Father is afraid that with Tang-kun's support, I might covet the position of Yashida Family Head, so he's rushing to arrange an engagement for me.

He still doesn't know how much Trouble he's stirred up!"

Yukio had long wine-red Hair, and a star-shaped tattoo was pasted on her left cheek, making her look like a young punk from Shibuya Street.

However, her Look was very serious as she looked at Mariko Yashida:

"Mariko, I stayed in the Federation for a long time. From what I understand, that Tang Song is a very formidable Man..."

Yukio hesitated for a moment: "If you were to enter a Marriage Alliance with him, I worry that the Yashida Family might be...!"

Snap!

Mariko Yashida's Scissors slipped, directly cutting off the flower of a Plant.

"Yukio, don't speak nonsense about some things!" Mariko's words were very quiet and very serious.

"Yes, I understand!"

Yukio understood Young Lady Mariko's concern and nodded.

"Don't worry, Yukio. The Yashida Family ultimately belongs to Yashida!" Mariko Yashida got up, pulled open the Screen, and looked at the Courtyard Outside.

In the Courtyard, four Red-Clothed Ninjas knelt on Meditation Cushions, guarding the Courtyard where Mariko Yashida was located.

Tang Song did not meet the Yashida who was reportedly suffering from Illness. After declining Shingen Yashida's invitation to stay overnight, Tang Song left the Yashida Family Mansion with his Bodyguards.

"Investigate Clearly who Shingen Yashida found as a Fiancé for Mariko, and have Storm Shadow Bring Back his Head to me!"

"Ha'i!"

A Red-Clothed Ninja who appeared in front of Tang Song bowed ninety degrees towards him.

(end of chapter)