Chapter 328: The Woman Who Delivered Herself to the Door
Ten minutes later.
Inside the café in front of the station, Mahiro sat alone in a private room, casually stirring his coffee with a spoon.
To ensure the privacy of their conversation, everyone else had taken their usual seats on the sofas in the main hall.
However, Kudou Retsu was not alone; accompanying him was a stunning beauty—Fujibayashi Kyouko, the adjutant of Genshin Kazama, renowned as the "Electronic Witch."
Her attire was as beautiful as ever.
She wore an elegant beige dress that accentuated her slender and graceful figure, highlighting the distinct curves of a young woman. The mature, sensual aura she exuded was far beyond what any student could match.
For some reason, however, she hung her head low, like a little girl who had done something wrong, standing silently behind Kudou Retsu.
"Mr. Kudou, I must say I'm quite surprised. I haven't even gone looking for you, yet here you are, coming to me first," Mahiro said, cutting straight to the point.
His words were blunt, showing no respect even for this legendary figure in the world of magicians.
In his eyes, Kudou Retsu was no different from Gu Jie—both were old, undying beings.
"Young man, there might be some misunderstanding between us."
"Misunderstanding?"
Mahiro could only scoff at such a claim.
"Never mind, I can't be bothered to argue with you. Why don't you just tell me why you're here?"
Mahiro lowered his eyelids slightly and took a small sip of the now-warm coffee.
Hmm, still the same taste, unchanged as ever.
Seeing his cold expression, Kudou Retsu showed no anger. Instead, he continued speaking with a gentle smile.
"This time, I've come to discuss a deal with you, young man. I know you possess a potion that can repair genetic defects. If you don't mind, this old man is willing to trade the entire Kushima Family for it."
Hearing this, Mahiro's expression darkened. He raised his eyelids and locked eyes with Kudou Retsu once more.
His intense gaze seemed as though it could pierce right through the old man sitting across from him.
"...How did you know?"
Could there still be a traitor within the Yotsuba Family?
He didn't suspect the people he had brought back from another world, as it was impossible for them to have any connection with Kudou Retsu—even Muroto Sumire, who spent all her time locked away in the laboratory, was completely unlikely.
As for the children, it was even more impossible. Not only did they not even know what the potion was, but their faith was entirely devoted to him alone.
They would never tell anyone else, even at the cost of their lives.
As for the classmates who had received his help, there was no reason to suspect them either. Mahiro trusted them completely.
Thus, the only remaining suspect was the Yotsuba Family, with its many members and prying eyes.
"Haha, no need to guess."
Kudou Retsu's kindly laughter suddenly broke his train of thought. "It was Maya who told me."
Maya?
Hearing this name from Kudou Retsu, Mahiro's brows furrowed deeply.
What was this woman up to now?
As he pondered, his gaze inadvertently fell upon Fujibayashi Kyouko standing behind Kudou Retsu, and he seemed to realize something. His tightly knit brows finally relaxed, and a mocking sneer even appeared on his face.
"Alright, even if I do have the drug you mentioned, why do you think bringing up the Kushima Family would make me trade with you? Your Kushima Family is on my liquidation list—to put it bluntly, it will be mine sooner or later.
Do you think it's possible to take something that belongs to me and use it to exchange for something else from me?"
Mahiro spoke without holding back, though he was merely stating a simple fact.
Now, with his wings fully grown, not to mention the Kushima Family alone, even if the entire Japanese magical community banded together, it wouldn't be enough for him to handle.
Yet, it was unclear what was going on in the old man's mind. Even after Mahiro's words reached this point, he showed no trace of anger and continued with a pleasant expression:
"Hehe, young man, don't speak so absolutely. The Kushima Family is a clan I've personally nurtured since the beginning of the century. The forces behind it are intricate and complex. Even though you and the current Yotsuba Family are strong, if you clash head-on with the Kushima Family, you'll suffer a great loss."
Kudou Retsu spoke like a patient mentor, teaching him the principles of dealing with others, sitting there and discussing gains and losses with him at length.
Unfortunately, Mahiro was not buying it, or rather, he was inherently impervious to persuasion.
"Ha, Kudou Retsu, are you threatening me? If you think the Kushima Family is tough enough, let's test it out and see if my Yotsuba Family will really suffer!"
It was unclear whether this old man was tired of living or had eaten too many red beans and wanted to die.
He actually dared to come before him and spout such nonsense.
Was Kudou Retsu getting too arrogant, or did he think Mahiro couldn't wield a blade anymore?
Wasn't he afraid of getting a "Material Burst" to the face as soon as he stepped outside?
Thinking of this, Mahiro couldn't help but laugh in anger.
"Let me tell you, Kudou Retsu, the only reason you're still sitting here is because you are the teacher of my mother, Maya, and my aunt, Miya. But please don't use that respect as capital to provoke me."
"Old man, if it weren't for their sake, I would have killed you long ago!"
"Not to mention the mess at the Fourth Research Institute back then, do you really think no one knows about the things you did over thirty years ago?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Kudou Retsu's expression froze for a moment.
Although he quickly returned to his original demeanor, Mahiro clearly caught it.
Indeed, he had hit the mark.
What he referred to as the events over thirty years ago was precisely the incident where Maya was kidnapped by the Great Asian Alliance.
Regarding this matter, Mahiro had always harbored a suspicion: how did the Great Asian Alliance, which was being targeted by Dahan at the time, manage to seriously injure Saegusa Kouichi and abduct Maya under the protection of tight security and the combined efforts of the Yotsuba and Saegusa Families?
If there were no foul play involved, he wouldn't believe it.
After all, the current strength of Dahan far surpasses that of the Great Asian Alliance back then, yet even they had to rely on large-scale invasions and feints to steal research results.
How could the Great Asian Alliance have infiltrated the venue silently and snatched someone away?
The participants must have held very high positions.
And his first suspects were the Saegusa and Kushima Families.
However, although the Saegusa family had a history of misconduct, Kouichi Saegusa was nearly crippled, let alone the fact that Maya was once Kouichi Saegusa's arranged marriage fiancée—there was simply no possibility there.
Thus, the only one he could think of remaining was Retsu Kudou.
Retsu Kudou had held a high position since his early years and could be said to command great influence in Japan's magical community with just a wave of his hand. Placing a few people in the venue would hardly be a problem for him.
Moreover, Retsu Kudou was a magician specializing in ancient magic, integrating it with modern magic—exactly what the great man had been researching back then.
Most crucially, Retsu Kudou had long advocated a conclusion within the Ten Master Clans—balance.
To prevent any single family from dominating.
At that time, the Yotsuba family could be said to be at the peak of its power.
Leaving aside how terrifying Genzou Yotsuba's strength truly was, the sisters Maya and Miya were geniuses who dazzled an entire era.
The elder sister, Miya, was known as the "Ruler of the River of Oblivion," with her "Mental Structure Interference" magic reaching a divine level.
The younger sister, Maya, was called the "Queen of the Night," the "Demon King of the Far East," and even "one of the strongest magicians." Her exclusive magic, "Meteor Stream," could not even be resisted by the Juumonji family's "Linked Barrier Formation."
If anyone claimed Retsu Kudou did not fear these two students, he would not believe it.
Even if Maya were to marry outside the family for an alliance upon adulthood, that would ultimately benefit the Saegusa family, hardly achieving so-called balance.
Therefore, he had always suspected Retsu Kudou's involvement in the incident back then.
Now, seeing Retsu Kudou's reaction, the question that had long puzzled him finally found its answer.
As for evidence?
Sorry, evidence is needed for cracking down on crime, but for counter-terrorism, a list suffices.
Retsu Kudou also understood how resolute the young man before him was, and it even seemed he might know about the behind-the-scenes events of that year. Thus, he sighed once more.
He even lowered his stance further.
"So, what exactly do you want, young man?"
"You proposed the transaction, yet you ask me what I want? Without even preparing the most basic offer, what gives you the right to propose doing business with me?"
Retsu Kudou was immediately left speechless by the other's words.
Having stood at the pinnacle of Japan's magical community for so many years and revered as a grandmaster wherever he went as an elder of Japan's magical world, he had never faced such defiance.
Yet, in front of this young man, he suffered setback after setback, forced to yield step by step, swallowing his pride repeatedly.
This could be said to be the first time in many years that Retsu Kudou had been so insulted.
Honestly, seeing this, Kyouko Fujibayashi's heart was already roiling with shock.
It was the first time she had seen anyone speak to her grandfather like this, and even her grandfather had lowered his stance so much.
However, recalling the words she heard when leaving home, Kyouko Fujibayashi's eyes couldn't help but dim slightly.
At the same time, Retsu Kudou uttered the words she least wanted to hear—
"Very well, in that case, this old man will no longer hide anything. I entrust my granddaughter Kyouko to you in exchange for a dose of the potion. How about that?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Kyouko Fujibayashi's posture seemed to wilt slightly.
And Mahiro was left utterly speechless.
Though he had known from the start that this old man would certainly bring Fujibayashi Kyouko to the table as a bargaining chip, he hadn't expected Kudou Retsu to act as if he were simply asking him to sign for a "delivery."
"I must say, you're awfully open about selling your granddaughter like this, aren't you?"
"Hehe, I just think the young man is quite remarkable. It would be Kyouko's honor to be with you."
Faced with his question, Kudou Retsu didn't give a direct answer, but his attitude said it all.
Fujibayashi Kyouko was his final bargaining chip.
Yet, Mahiro couldn't help but sigh.
"Kudou Retsu, I have to say, you old man are truly ruthless. You know full well how I feel about your Kushima Family now, yet you still push Miss Fujibayashi Kyouko onto me. Aren't you afraid I'll mistreat her?"
"You won't."
Kudou Retsu smiled serenely, his tone as if he had him all figured out.
"I'm also considering her happiness. Even on a global scale, I don't think there's a man more outstanding than you. Besides, hasn't that girl Angelina been perfectly fine under your care?"
The old man remained stubbornly set in his ways, giving no thought to Kyouko's own feelings, nor even noticing that Fujibayashi Kyouko's eyes were already reddening.
Even though she had anticipated this outcome, hearing it spoken aloud still hurt.
At this moment, Fujibayashi Kyouko's respect for her grandfather crumbled completely, and the once towering image she held of him underwent a dramatic transformation.
What was this?
A marriage alliance?
No, she wasn't even worthy of that. In terms of looks, she hardly ranked among Mahiro's companions—from mature women to little girls, he had them all.
In terms of status, even the head of the Kushima Family wasn't qualified.
In terms of ability, though she was known as the "Electronic Witch," she couldn't really help Mahiro in any meaningful way and hardly counted as combat strength.
She was merely being sold off to the Yotsuba family as a plaything.
Still, one had to admit, the old man really understood him well.
True, he liked women, collecting the ones he fancied like stamps, and sometimes even resorting to underhanded tactics against his enemies.
But toward those who submitted to him, he was exceptionally kind.
Whether it was Lina, Monica, Anya, Marianne, or even Alice Midgar, aside from that one matter, he had shown them all ample respect.
However, even with Kudou Retsu laying out such terms, Mahiro still didn't agree. Instead, he rested his head on one hand while lightly tapping the armrest with the other, as if waiting for something.
After a long while, he finally spoke again:
"First, tell me what you want my medicine for."
"To treat my grandson, Kudou Minoru."
Kudou Minoru?
The moment he heard that name, the image of a frail young man surfaced in his mind.
He knew of Kudou Minoru and had even seen him during the Nine Schools Competition.
He was a genius adjusted magician from the Ninth Research Institute, originally intended to surpass him. Indeed, his magical aptitude was remarkably strong—strong enough to exchange blows with Shiba Tatsuya.
He was stronger than Ichijou Masaki.
However, it was regrettable that Kudou Minoru was born with a frail and sickly constitution, even weaker than the wheelchair-bound young lady Itsuwa Mio, and had been bedridden for years.
Moreover, Kudou Retsu was exceptionally fond of his grandson Kudou Minoru, so it was hardly surprising that he would make such a request.
But...
"Heh, old man, do you think this proposal is fair?"
Mahiro sneered, "It's true, I do like women, but do you think your granddaughter is a celestial beauty or plated in gold and studded with diamonds? Do you really think she alone is worth an Enhancement Drug from me? Her value isn't even comparable to that of the Kushima Family."
At these words, Fujibayashi Kyouko's figure swayed slightly.
She felt her heart ache, as if her dignity had been thrown to the ground and trampled upon, even though what he said was the truth.
Yes, how could her value alone ever compare to that of the entire Kushima Family?
Kudou Retsu's expression also turned somewhat unpleasant at this moment. This was all he could offer, and he had no more chips left to play.
Mahiro, noticing Kudou Retsu's embarrassed look, shook his head with a smile and said:
"Fine, I'll reluctantly play the good guy this once." He spoke as if to himself, "Originally, I wanted your life, old man, but on second thought, you're already over ninety years old. You don't have many years left anyway, so there's no need to be so ruthless.
How about this: on top of Fujibayashi Kyouko, transfer your Kushima Family to Miyuki, and I'll give you the Enhancement Drug. How does that sound?"
"Alright, let it be so."
Kudou Retsu did not refuse, nor did he have the right to refuse. In fact, throughout this transaction, he had always been at a disadvantage.
Because the other party, whether in terms of strength or other aspects, completely overwhelmed him, Kudou Retsu.
So he said nothing more.
He simply uttered, "This old man's business here is done. It's time to go back."
Without even glancing at Kyouko, he quietly left the café.
If possible, he naturally wouldn't have wanted to use his granddaughter as a bargaining chip, but there was no other way. The current Yotsuba Family had reached its zenith, becoming countless times stronger than before.
Just Mishima Island alone was impossible to infiltrate.
Even if other families joined forces to challenge them, the Yotsuba Family had the backing of the Witch who commanded world magic—Esdeath.
So it was better to seize this opportunity to obtain a dose of the drug, cure his grandson Kudou Minoru's genetic defect, and then seek another path.
Moreover, he knew that Mahiro valued loyalty to women. If he could truly accept Fujibayashi Kyouko, it would at least allow the Kushima Family, and him, Kudou Retsu, to retain a shred of dignity.
Thus, he was willing to discard his pride and hand Kyouko over to the Yotsuba Family.
As long as Kyouko was placed by Mahiro's side, Kudou Retsu could consider it a shot in the arm.
"Miss Fujibayashi Kyouko, do you have anything else to say?"
After Kudou Retsu left, Mahiro looked up at the woman standing motionless across from him.
"No, there's nothing left to say..."
Fujibayashi Kyouko raised her head, her eyes red, forcing out a smile uglier than tears.
"This is the last thing I can do for my cousin, for my grandfather, for the Kushima Family. I have no regrets."
"Tsk, utterly devoid of dignity. How boring."
Looking at the girl in front of him, wallowing in self-pity and putting on such a pitiful expression in his presence, he couldn't help but feel somewhat annoyed. He simply couldn't be bothered to deal with this woman any longer and immediately stood up, taking three steps in two strides as he left the private room.
Before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Fujibayashi Kyouko to follow him.
Outside, the group of women gathered for the gathering were inevitably surprised to see Fujibayashi Kyouko trailing behind him.
"Miss Fujibayashi, how..." Miyuki was about to speak but noticed that Fujibayashi Kyouko's eyes were still red, so she quickly stopped herself.
Shibata Mizuki and Honoka thought that Miss Fujibayashi Kyouko must have encountered something unpleasant or been bullied by someone to end up like this.
However, Erika, Lina, Miyuki, and Kitayama Shizuku, who were slightly frowning, exchanged glances and already understood.
As young ladies from prestigious families, how could they not know what was really going on?
Fujibayashi Kyouko had most likely been sold out by Kudou Retsu.