Chapter 141: Why Didn't You Hit Him?

Takamine Rinji never liked going to places like red-light districts. Even back during his time fighting all over the place, his subordinates would often ask, "Lieutenant, wanna go blow off some steam somewhere?" and he always flat-out refused.

Of course he wouldn't go—he was just a kid back then.

Now that he was sixteen, he still had no interest in such places. He didn't understand why his grandfather was always so passionate about them either.

The second reason he hated these places? Because the moment he arrived, this always happened:

"Aww, what a cute little boy~ Wanna go have fun with big sis?"

"He's really adorable~"

"Let me pinch your cheeks~"

A bunch of scantily clad women crowded around him. One mature-looking woman even hugged him from behind, smothering his head with her overly large breasts.

"…Ladies, I'm underage."

"Ehh? Coming to a place like this before turning legal? You naughty little thing~"

"Here's my number. Call me if you ever want to play privately~"

"..."

Gold Entertainment Club—flagship venue of the Gold Pleasure Group—was essentially a high-end brothel.

The women inside were all quite attractive. No wonder Grandpa liked it here so much.

Rinji swatted their hands away and patiently asked, "Excuse me, where is the president's office?"

"Fifth floor. Take the elevator, then turn right."

"Thanks."

Breaking free from the crowd, Rinji rushed into the elevator and hit the button for the fifth floor.

He sniffed himself—any semblance of a masculine aura (not that he had much) had been completely drowned out by their heavy perfume.

The elevator doors opened. He turned right and came to the president's office. After hesitating slightly, he knocked.

Knock knock knock.

Click.

The door opened to reveal a slicked-back-haired man in his twenties, around 179cm tall—just slightly taller than Rinji—with a very balanced and muscular build.

His hairstyle reminded Rinji of a certain manga character. Something like "Uchiha What's-His-Gay."

"…Is my grandpa in there? Old guy, kind of a sleazebag."

The man didn't respond verbally—just pointed indifferently toward the room.

Rinji noticed a faint trace of blood on his shirt.

"You beat my grandpa?"

"…He's fine."

"Fine? The guy came here for sex and didn't pay, and you didn't even break his legs? What kind of club is this?"

"..."

"I'm serious. Go in there and beat him up! Don't hold back just because I'm family."

"Hey! Rinji! You really want to see your grandpa suffer in his old age!?"

His grandfather's voice came from inside. Rinji sighed and walked past the man into the room.

"You already know you're too old for this and you still came here."

The room was luxuriously decorated like a bedroom. In the center sat a low table, and his grandfather was sipping tea across from a beautiful young woman.

Seeing Rinji enter, the old man put down his cup and smiled.

"Oh, Rinji, you're finally here."

"Ah, Grandpa, I'm so relieved to see you're alright. (monotone)" Rinji said, completely expressionless.

The elegant young woman stood up and greeted him warmly. "Hello, little one. You must be this gentleman's grandson?"

"I wish I weren't."

"How much does he owe you? I'll pay it."

"It's a small amount, not worth worrying about." She smiled. "Let me introduce myself: I'm Kurayoshi Rino, CEO of Gold Pleasure Group. That man behind you is Mikazuchi Rei. Mr. Takamine Rinji."

"Oh? You know my name?"

"Of course. Everyone in the Kengan Association is curious about your relationship with Chairman Katahara."

"Ah, so you're a Kengan member too."

Gold Pleasure Group specialized in nightlife businesses—a fancy way of saying brothels. Despite that, it ranked very high in the Kengan Association. Their rapid growth was thanks entirely to the woman before him.

She was known as the "Queen of the Night"—a revolutionary in the nightlife industry.

"That guy behind you—Mikazuchi Rei—he's your fighter, right?" Rinji asked.

So the moment the Kengan Sudden-Death Elimination Tournament was announced, these CEOs started making moves. Everyone wanted to be the new chairman.

"Yes. He's quite strong~"

"Hmph, still a bit below me," Grandpa said coolly as he sipped his tea.

Mikazuchi Rei and Grandpa exchanged glances, clearly itching for round two.

"I only stopped because I was ordered to," Mikazuchi said coldly. "Otherwise, you'd already be in the hospital."

"Young man, you might be strong for your age, but I've still got fight in me."

Grandpa's eyes gleamed as his aura flared.

Rinji had heard stories from his father about Grandpa's younger days. Apparently, he used to be pretty formidable.

"…Grandpa, I'm going to tell Grandma about this. Let's see how sharp your blade is after that."

"Wait wait! I was joking!"

That intimidating front immediately crumbled.

Kurayoshi Rino stepped up to Rinji, gently touched his lips with a slender finger, and smiled.

"The next time we meet will be at the Sudden-Death Tournament. I'm really looking forward to seeing you again, little Rinji."

With that, she and Mikazuchi left the room.

Grandpa watched her go and chuckled. "What a fine woman. Rinji, if you can win her heart, maybe I'll get a discount next time I come here."

"…Grandpa, turn around. You've got something on your back."

"Hm?"

Without suspicion, the old man turned around.

And in that instant—fwmp! Rinji clapped a towel over his nose.

"Mmmph! Mmm—!"

A few seconds later, Grandpa collapsed asleep onto the table.

Rinji pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Hello? Fifth floor, Gold Entertainment Club. Pick up the old guy and make sure he's tied up tight."