21

Overhaul is a very cunning sociopath. An easy deduction was made by all members except Shuyo. No one was surprised by his lack of reaction to the death of his companions considering the experiments on Eri.

He is probably also an unpopular and terrible leader with Shie Hassaikai since most decide to ignore their Yakuza code and moral ethic, truly becoming villains. Yet somehow, he is able to bring quite a number with him.

And with that, there are three scenarios that may happen next.

The first, is that he manages to convince and bring more or all of his companions. Willing to sacrifice all of them to get Eri. If, Eri is that important.

The second, is that he fails to convince. Chances are, a civil war will happen within to become the head of Shie Hassaikai.

Lastly, and possibly the worst scenario, is that Overhaul did nothing and give up on Eri. A civil war may still happen for the head, but it won't be as intense.

The first two scenarios are equally as good as they make it easier for the Abandoned Ashes to conquer Shie Hassaikai and call it their own.

This is why Ichiji spare Overhaul. It could be done with the last one too, it will just be significantly more difficult.

This whole Shie Hassaikai operation has a time limit of 5 months. Basically before next year. At least then, there is an easy route to escape All for One.

Of course, there is a problem.

Right now, the whole of Abandoned Ashes is not even 1% of Shie Hassaikai in number. Even with the decline of Gangsters, Shie Hassaikai still has about 2000+ members. Conquering them is possible with their strength combined, but keeping them together?

Now that, is hard.

Unlike a small group where a similar goal is good enough as a glue, a large one require way way much more. It will be like making a car with only glue, it will never work and will be even worse than before.

So, how do you make it work? What is the glue that is strong enough to keep it together?

Selfishness

To the very core, a car has many different screws and parts to make it work and stick. Every member will have a different reason to stick around.

The question is whether they could give them a reason to stick around. Yes.

"And that is if they want to live."

Ichiji spoke with a grin, that send shivers down their spine. Considering, that he did just indirectly kill about 20+ people. Even Dabi felt uneasy.

This was not missed by Ichiji, especially Shuyo's and Kihon's uncomfortable faces. His grin turned into a sheepish smile.

'Talk about glue, I'm not even sure ours is strong.'

Shaking his face, Ichiji decides to get to the point. Ichiji knock on the table to get everyone's attention and announce,

"That's why, I want us to get Lady Nagant as soon as possible!"

This was expected by everyone. It makes sense, the said Overhaul scenario should be happening soon and will go on from a few months to years.

"No complains?"

Everyone shook at his concern. Though Kihon does have a question.

"What will be our time limit for this operation?"

"I would say a month, I assume that it should take 2 months to conquer Shie Hassaikai and 1 more to control it and calm down."

"So we will be ready 1 month before next year."

Comment Shujinko, earning a nod from Ichiji. He hasn't planned that far yet, but for now, he gave orders.

To simplify, everyone should just focus on scouting and finding out more about Tartarus with their dateline being a week from now.

As everyone walks out of the meeting, Ichiji breathes deeply and slump at his table. Now things have calmed down again, the displeasure in his heart went out of hiding.

Now nothing is stopping him from remembering the mass murder this afternoon. Though, it's really just an add-on.

Palm on his face, Ichiji felt stuffy. He felt that his shoulder is heavy and felt a splitting headache coming. He knows what this new feeling is, he felt this before but on a lower scale. Unfortunately, beating up trees won't help anymore.

Yes, Ichiji is under a massive amount of stress and has no way to release it. He will fall asleep tired and woke up even more tired.

In his eye rest, he heard the door being open as well as some cute grunt. Opening one of his eyes, he smiled as he watch a white hair struggle to balance a big plate full of meat to him.

When she is close enough, Ichiji takes the plate away from her, making her yelp, and put it on the table.

"What is it, Eri?"

Ichiji asked the still surprised child. Eri looks down and whispers loud enough for him to hear.

"I want to eat together before you go."

Eri is immediately picked up by Ichiji onto his lap, amidst her panic. Ichiji rubs her head lovingly and picks a meaty rib.

"Have you eaten yet?"

"Umm, no."

"Okay, then Ah~"

Ichiji felt relaxed as he watches her cheek inflate slightly to chew and take another one for himself. In between, he would ask her some questions after he left.

There were no worries in his mind when he spend time with Eri. She's a good girl.

After they ate, they continue to talk, exchanging stories and so on. Eventually, the little girl doze off at 2 am. Ichiji went down to the main area and put her on the mattress. He pecks her forehead and wishes her a good dream and warp out under the eyes of others.

...

A white space again, Ichiji was hoping for this. And soon swears and shouts went into his ears.

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