As the morning light grew faint and the mist in the woods had not yet fully dispersed, the black sedan had already driven away from the forest cabin where they had lived in seclusion for years. Like a ghost, it silently merged into the gradually awakening world.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was quiet and subtle. Miyano Elena sat in the passenger seat, looking at the scenery rushing past outside with a complex gaze. In the back seat, Akemi Miyano leaned against her younger sister, Ai Haibara, her face carrying a hint of new hope, while Ai remained silent, her ice-blue eyes staring at the back of Kanjuro's head, thinking about who knows what.
Kanjuro held the steering wheel with a calm expression, as if last night's twisted 'family reunion' and the upcoming actions were just a pre-calculated step on his massive chessboard. He put on his Bluetooth headset and dialed a number directly.
The phone was picked up after almost a single ring, and a lazy, magnetic female voice came from the other end, carrying a trace of imperceptible vigilance and respect:
"Boss? It's rare for you to call at this time. Has the matter... reached a conclusion?" It was Vermouth. She had long been firmly planted within the Black Organization by Kanjuro using absolute power and control, becoming his deepest and most dangerous mole.
Kanjuro's gaze watched the winding mountain road ahead, his tone as flat as if he were discussing breakfast:
"Yes, it's more or less come to an end. I found who I was looking for and handled some... family matters."
Vermouth was silent for a moment on the other end of the line. She could naturally hear the deeper meaning in Kanjuro's tone, but she was smart enough not to ask more, simply saying in a low voice, "Congratulations, Boss. So, do you have any new instructions for contacting me this time?"
The corners of Kanjuro's mouth curled into a cold arc as he threw out his true purpose, his words clear and unquestionable:
"Things must have a conclusion. This chessboard of the Black Organization has been played for so long; it's time for the real chess player to take control of the whole situation."
He paused, his voice lowering but carrying a decisive resolve,
"Vermouth, get ready. This time, we are going to... completely hollow out That Gentleman."
Even with Vermouth's shrewdness and experience, her breath couldn't help but hitch for a moment upon hearing these words! Hollowing out that mysterious 'That Gentleman' (Renya Karasuma) who had controlled the organization for over half a century? This was undoubtedly the craziest and most dangerous operation since the organization's inception!
"Boss... are you sure?" Vermouth's tone became extremely serious. "The organization's roots are deeper than you imagine. Although That Gentleman hasn't appeared directly for many years, his eyes and control are still everywhere. On Rum's side as well..."
"Rum is nothing but a self-righteous blind man," Kanjuro interrupted her unceremoniously, his tone carrying a hint of contempt. "He and his so-called 'Secretism' are nothing more than children's games in my eyes. As for That Gentleman..."
A dark light flashed in Kanjuro's eyes,
"An old ghost who has been lingering on for a hundred years by relying on drugs and fear should have exited the stage of history long ago. The organization he built, its resources and network, still have value, but the person controlling it needs to change."
His words revealed a thorough understanding of the organization's core secrets and an awareness of That Gentleman's condition, which chilled Vermouth's heart. She confirmed once again that Kanjuro's infiltration and understanding of the organization were far deeper than she had imagined.
"What do I need to do?" Vermouth no longer hesitated and asked directly. She had already completely bound her fate to Kanjuro and had no choice but to follow him to the end.
"First, use your identity and influence to quietly begin 'cleaning' and 'replacing' the Die-hard Loyalists in key positions. Especially those responsible for That Gentleman's security, communication, and drug supply." Kanjuro's instructions were clear and cold. "I will send you the specific list and methods later. Remember, you must be like a drop of water merging into the ocean; do not raise any alarms."
"Understood," Vermouth replied concisely.
"Second, keep a close eye on Rum and Gin's movements. If Rum makes a move, report it at any time. As for Gin..." A meaningful smile appeared on the corner of Kanjuro's mouth. "He is a useful blade; there's no need to move him for now. You can even give him some'sweetness' appropriately to make him think he's expanding his influence. Sometimes, the enemy of my enemy is the best pawn."
"Yes."
"Finally, and most importantly," Kanjuro's tone grew heavier, "find every possible way to confirm That Gentleman's current exact hiding place, as well as the status and source of the 'drugs' maintaining his life. Do not alert the enemy until we have absolute certainty."
"I will do my best to investigate."
"Not your best, it's a must," Kanjuro's voice carried a final, unquestionable command. "Vermouth, don't let me down. At the end of this game, I don't want to see any surprises."
After saying that, he didn't wait for Vermouth's response and cut the communication directly.
Silence returned to the car. Miyano Elena had overheard fragments of the conversation and was horrified; she hadn't expected Kanjuro's ambition and drive to be so terrifying, directly aiming for the supreme power of that massive dark organization. Akemi didn't seem to quite understand, only feeling that her father was very powerful. Meanwhile, Ai looked deeply at Kanjuro's back, a hint of gravity flashing in her ice-blue eyes. She knew the terror of the organization better than anyone; Kanjuro's move was undoubtedly dancing on the edge of a blade—one wrong step would lead to eternal damnation.
Kanjuro put down his phone and gazed forward calmly, as if he had just issued a perfectly ordinary command. To him, hollowing out the Black Organization and seizing its supreme power didn't seem to be some earth-shattering event, but rather a logical and necessary step in his long life and grand plan.
The net for hunting higher-level prey had been quietly cast. And this time, his target was the former king of the entire dark world. Outside the car window, sunlight pierced through the clouds, lighting the path ahead, as if portending a storm that would sweep across the entire dark world. The vehicle entered one of the most luxurious districts in Tokyo and finally stopped in front of a grand Mansion that looked like a modern art museum—this was no longer just the Suzuki Family Mansion, but another nest and symbol of power belonging to him, renovated and strengthened under Kanjuro's will.
The car door opened, and Kanjuro was the first to step out, followed closely by Miyano Elena, Akemi, and Haibara Ai. Tomoko Suzuki, who had already received word of their arrival, was currently standing before the grand entrance of the Mansion, waiting for them. She wore a perfectly tailored, high-end custom suit, her makeup was exquisite, and she carried an air of grace and luxury. A flawless smile, brimming with happiness and satisfaction, graced her face; there was no trace of grief for her late husband (Shiro Suzuki), nor any sign of dissatisfaction regarding the additional women by Kanjuro's side (especially the remarkably elegant Miyano Elena).
"Welcome home, Lord Kanjuro." Tomoko Suzuki stepped forward with an elegant posture, her tone filled with heartfelt joy and submissiveness. Her gaze swept over the Miyano mother and daughters, her smile remaining unchanged—in fact, it grew even warmer. "These must be Sister Elena, Akemi, and Shiho, right? Welcome. From now on, this is your home, so please don't be strangers."
Her attitude was so natural it was as if she had known everything all along and accepted it completely. This abnormally harmonious scene caused Miyano Elena to feel a slight sense of discomfort, but Akemi responded happily, while Haibara Ai remained a silent observer.
Kanjuro was very satisfied with Tomoko Suzuki's performance. He reached out to wrap an arm around her waist and planted a light kiss on her cheek, his movements intimate and natural. "Is everything well at home?"
"Everything is fine. Sonoko and Ayako are waiting inside as well." Tomoko Suzuki responded with a smile, her eyes full of adoration and dependence. "They have been missing you quite a lot lately."
The group walked into the magnificent interior of the Mansion. Sure enough, Suzuki Sonoko and Suzuki Ayako were sitting in the spacious living room. Like their mother, when they saw Kanjuro return, bright and dependent smiles appeared on their faces, and they immediately rose to greet him.
"Papa! You're back!" Suzuki Sonoko still possessed her lively and cheerful energy, but the admiration and attachment to Kanjuro deep in her eyes were unconcealed. She even naturally gave Miyano Akemi a hug, as if they were biological sisters.
The more reserved Suzuki Ayako also stepped forward with a smile, greeting him softly, "Father, you must be tired from your journey." When her gaze met Miyano Elena's, she gave a slight nod of greeting, her etiquette impeccable and showing no sign of resentment.
The scene before them was both eerie and harmonious. The women of the Suzuki Family—the mother Tomoko, and the daughters Sonoko and Ayako—seemed to have completely accepted Kanjuro as the absolute core, and they held a strange "sisterly" affection for the other women Kanjuro brought into this "family." They shared the same man, who was also the father of two of them (Sonoko and Ayako), yet they seemed to live within a set of twisted and reset ethical rules, living together in perfect harmony.
Kanjuro sat on the main sofa like a monarch surveying his domain. Tomoko Suzuki personally poured tea for him, while Sonoko and Ayako sat obediently to the side, listening to Kanjuro recount some trivial matters from his trip (naturally omitting many dark details). Miyano Akemi soon blended into the atmosphere, chatting happily with Sonoko. Elena and Haibara Ai seemed somewhat out of place, but they both sat quietly.
Amidst this seemingly warm and harmonious atmosphere, Miyano Akemi suddenly seemed to remember something. She turned to Kanjuro and asked in a nostalgic and somewhat innocent tone:
"Kanjuro, speaking of which... do you remember? When you were a child, um... I mean a long time ago, didn't you tell me that in your... earlier memories, there was a woman you liked very much named Matsumoto Sayuri?"
"Matsumoto Sayuri?"
The moment that name was spoken, the air in the living room seemed to freeze for an extremely brief instant.
Tomoko Suzuki's hand pouring the tea paused almost imperceptibly.
Suzuki Ayako's eyelashes trembled slightly.
Even Ai Haibara, who had been expressionless, subconsciously looked up.
As for Kanjuro... his movement with the teacup stopped. Within those deep eyes, which were like ancient wells, an extremely complex and difficult-to-discern light flashed—a rare occurrence. That light vanished in an instant, too fast for anyone to capture whether it contained nostalgia, melancholy, or something else. The lazy smile on his face retracted slightly as he fell into a brief silence, as if that name had touched a corner buried beneath the dust of long years, one he didn't often visit.
Everyone could feel that this seemingly ordinary name appeared to hold an extraordinary significance for Kanjuro.
Kanjuro gently set down the teacup and looked up. His gaze seemed to penetrate the ornate walls, looking toward the distant past. His voice was slightly deeper than usual, carrying an indescribable magnetism:
"Matsumoto... Sayuri..."
He repeated the name, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled into an arc that was different from his usual ones, carrying a hint of genuine reminiscence.
"Yes... how could I forget."
He looked at Akemi, his gaze profound.
"That was during a... well, let's call it an 'early' period of my time, a very special woman I encountered."
His tone was very flat, but the deliberately slowed pace of his speech and the subtle emotion that flashed in his eyes made all the women present who knew him (or thought they did) understand—this Matsumoto Sayuri likely occupied a unique position in Kanjuro's heart, one different from all other women.
Tomoko Suzuki's smile remained perfect, but a trace of imperceptible scrutiny appeared deep in her eyes.
Miyano Elena also frowned slightly, looking at Kanjuro.
Sonoko and Ayako showed expressions of curiosity.
Kanjuro did not continue speaking. He simply picked up his teacup and took a light sip, hiding that sudden wave of reminiscence behind the rising steam.
But the name "Matsumoto Sayuri" was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake; though slight, it had already sent ripples of curiosity and inquiry through the hearts of everyone present.
Kanjuro's past was far longer and more complex than they had imagined. And what variables would the appearance of this woman named Matsumoto Sayuri bring to this already twisted and complex "family"?
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