Chapter 174: Dear Guest… Never Mind, Do As You Like

"Brother, please return safely."

"Thanks, Elena."

Mokichi put on his priestly robe and confidently strode toward the arena.

His opponent this time was a descendant of the notorious assassination clan Kure—it was bound to be a tough battle.

He turned his head and smiled at Karura, who had been standing beside Elena.

"Karura, I might have to beat your relative."

Karura blinked for a second, then gave a gentle smile.

"Mm, good luck to you too, Mokichi."

"Thanks." Mokichi smiled back. "If I make it into the top sixteen, I might have to face your boyfriend. Sorry in advance."

"No problem."

Karura shook her head with confidence on her face.

"Rinji is the strongest. He won't lose."

"Hahaha, you really have faith in him."

With that, Mokichi walked into the arena. Meanwhile, Rinji was elsewhere…

…

"Hello? Is the intel reliable?"

"Confirmed."

Rinji leaned against the backstage wall, making a call to IW's intelligence division.

"The one who hired Kure Raian this time is Under Mount Inc.—UM for short. The face of the company is a middle-aged man named Masahiko Ohta," said the voice on the phone. "But he's just a front. IW's Japanese science division has collaborated with them in neurological research, so we've gathered fairly detailed information."

"You mean… there's someone pulling the strings behind the scenes?"

"Yes, the real boss is a young man named Yamashita Kenzo," the voice continued. "He's the eldest son of Yamashita Kazuo, the president of the participating company Yamashita Trading."

"That guy's son, huh…"

Rinji remembered clearly that Yamashita Kazuo had once told him his eldest son was just a shut-in.

"UM is a major Japanese internet and science company, and the family didn't even know their son started it… Sounds a bit like my dad, doesn't it?"

"Please don't compare them. The boss is way better than that guy."

Most of IW's staff were die-hard fans of Rinji's father. Even if Rinji himself said something critical, they'd defend his father without hesitation.

"Besides, that Yamashita Kazuo isn't ordinary either."

The intelligence officer's tone became more serious.

"At first, the intel we had said he was just a regular office worker—forced to join the tournament by Nogi Group for profit. But the fact that he borrowed money to make it all the way to the finals proves he's not simple. That useless façade might just be a cover. He probably knew his son was the president of UM all along."

"I see. That does make some sense."

Rinji frowned.

From the beginning of the group selection, Yamashita Kazuo had used a machine to roll out insane numbers. Even with no money, he dared to borrow and gamble his way through the Kengan Annihilation Tournament, winning all the way to the main stage.

In Rinji's eyes, this so-called loser was beginning to look more like a cunning schemer.

"There's one more thing to report."

"What is it?"

"The Yamashita residence in Tokyo—where Yamashita Kenzo lives—is now surrounded by a large number of Kure Clan members."

"A trust issue between the company and their fighter…"

Rinji chuckled.

"Speaking of the Kure Clan—I got a girlfriend!"

"…Congratulations."

"Let me tell you, Karura is just—hello? Can you hear me? …Hung up?"

---

"The Kure Clan's Top Problem Child! Now Enters the Elimination Stage!"

In the roaring arena, Sayaka was hyped as she began commentary on the upcoming match.

"Height: 188cm. Weight: 94kg. First-time Kengan competitor, Kure Raian—huh?"

Sayaka froze mid-sentence.

Not just her—the entire crowd fell silent for a moment.

Because Kure Raian had just entered the arena with a creepy grin, his body covered in bloodstains, as if he had just killed someone.

A seasoned announcer like Sayaka quickly recovered and turned to introduce the other fighter.

"Hailing from the UK, a warrior blessed by the gods!"

With Mokichi's entrance, the crowd erupted into wild cheers.

"Height: 189cm. Weight: 99kg. Kengan record: 48 wins, 0 losses. Total earnings for his company: 708.83 billion yen! Representing Sentory—'The Exterminating Vicar' Mokichi Robinson!!!"

Boom!

With unstoppable momentum, Mokichi stepped into the arena.

He crossed his arms, smiling calmly as he stared at Raian.

Sayaka returned to the commentary table, where Rinji had also come back.

"Mr. Takamine, both fighters are very strong. What are your thoughts on the outcome of this match?" she asked, handing the mic to Rinji.

"Well, Mokichi Robinson is an experienced fighter. His record alone shows how formidable he is."

Rinji took the mic and started commentating, if only to avoid being called a freeloader again.

"As for Kure Raian... it's his first time entering, but since he's a descendant of the Kure Clan, his strength is unquestionable. He's probably the strongest among them."

"What nonsense are you talking about?! I'm not just the strongest in the Kure Clan!"

Raian suddenly turned and grinned menacingly at Rinji.

"I'm the strongest of everyone!!"

"Oh! Looks like Kure Raian is full of confidence!" Sayaka said excitedly. "Mr. Takamine, any response to that bold claim?"

Rinji grabbed the mic and shouted back, "The hell, are you the commentator or am I? If you're that good, why don't you come be the guest?"

"Heh, after I kill this guy, I'll come beat you up too." Raian gave Rinji a thumbs-down.

Rinji gave him the middle finger. "Piss off. I'm only giving you a chance to redeem yourself because of Karura. Don't push it, you bastard."

"Oooh! Sparks are flying between the guest and the fighter! Looks like we're in for something fun after the top sixteen are decided."

Though Rinji was being completely unprofessional, Sayaka had learned to roll with it to keep the crowd entertained.

Now everyone was eagerly awaiting how the top sixteen would challenge Rinji.

"Fighters, get into position!"

On stage, the referee was already giving instructions.

"Ready…"

"Begin!!"