Chapter 351: 8===D

"I'm asking again—who the hell are you?"

"..."

A pause, then the voice on the line answered in a low tone, "Mr. Takamine, so you've already figured it out?"

"I'm the one asking questions here, dipshit." Rinji replied coldly. "Did you really think I wouldn't come to Kyoto?"

"...Mr. Takamine, I'm Shinomiya Oko."

"Well well, the bald master of the Shinomiya family." Rinji laughed. "Didn't expect you to call Hayasaka's phone. That's a bit surprising."

"..."

Oko didn't know how to respond.

In front of Rinji, even one misstep could be fatal.

Four years ago, the Shinomiya group had already classified Rinji as their most dangerous threat. This antisocial lunatic handled everything in the most extreme way, completely unconcerned with consequences.

After the attack four years ago, the Shinomiya family had investigated thoroughly. They found that before making his move, Rinji had already coordinated with the Japanese government and the Dainippon Bank, ensuring others could take over his assets once he withdrew. Behind him was the global powerhouse known as IW.

After Rinji left Japan, their businesses in Southeast Asia were repeatedly attacked and forced to withdraw. They had no choice but to suspect his true identity.

They'd speculated he might be the grandson of an elder or the son of a regional director, but if that were all, IW wouldn't have intervened so directly. At the time, IW was still in transition and wouldn't lightly antagonize a group like the Shinomiya conglomerate.

Eventually, they came to the conclusion they least wanted to face.

Rinji was very likely the son of IW's founder.

Only someone of that status could make IW act without concern for profit and target the Shinomiya family.

"Hey, say something," Rinji sneered. "Mind explaining why you called Hayasaka's phone?"

"This..."

"If you dare say it's a 'family matter,' remember this—I'm your damn grandfather. That makes it a family matter for me too." Rinji said, "Of course, I'm not threatening you. But if you ever find yourself stuffed in cement and tossed into Tokyo Bay, just remember today."

"The Hayasaka family has served the Shinomiya family for generations. Some members of the Hayasaka mfamily are loyal to my faction," said Oko. "Ai Hayasaka was sent to my sister's side when she was very young to keep an eye on her."

"Oh... so this is just internal conflict within the Shinomiya family."

"That's correct."

"I recall telling your main house some time ago that no one was to be sent to Tokyo. Bald Master Shinomiya, you're from the main house, right? Arranging for someone to be in Tokyo, and at Shuchiin Academy where I study—don't you think that's a bit inappropriate?"

"…"

Oko didn't know how to respond.

Ai Hayasaka had been planted as a spy next to Shinomiya Kaguya ten years ago—long before Rinji even appeared on the scene. As for her being at Shuchiin, that was simply because Kaguya was there, not because he had ordered it.

"Then... how about I recall Ai Hayasaka?"

"No need. Just leave her here."

"That…"

Oko hesitated.

Hayasaka had gathered a significant amount of intel during her time as a mole next to Kaguya. If that information fell into the hands of other Shinomiya factions or Rinji, the consequences would be disastrous.

"You're refusing?"

"This issue is a bit… complicated."

"Are you getting an attitude?"

"…"

He realized it was nearly impossible to communicate normally with Rinji.

"No, no attitude."

"Really? You sure? If you've got something to say, say it. I'm easy to talk to."

'Like hell you are.'

He was sure that if he said even one wrong word, Rinji would launch a missile straight at the main house.

After all, this was Rinji—taking lives was as casual to him as sipping tea.

"Let Ai Hayasaka stay in Tokyo then. Now that she's been exposed, she's useless to us anyway. Mr. Takamine, you may handle her however you like."

"Good. Gotta say, bald master Shinomiya, you've got more sense than your idiot father. I'm starting to see you in a better light. I'll let you and your dad be equals—both my dog sons. Just call me dad."

'Is that... supposed to be a compliment?'

But now wasn't the time to offend this madman.

"In that case, Mr. Takamine, you…"

"Hmm?"

"…Dad, I'll be taking my leave."

"Mm, take care."

Beep~

The call ended. Rinji handed the phone back to Hayasaka.

"Looks like you knew everything already."

"Yeah. Didn't expect you to catch me out like that," Hayasaka said with a weak smile. Rinji didn't say much else.

"I've always been a coward."

Hayasaka stared at her phone, smiling bitterly.

"Whether it was four years ago, or when I first came to Kaguya-sama's side, I've always been a coward. That's never changed."

Part of the Hayasaka family had sided with Shinomiya Oko's faction. As the eldest son of Shinomiya Gan'an and heir apparent to the Shinomiya family, Oko had been entrusted with great expectations. Naturally, Hayasaka had obeyed him from a young age and was planted at Kaguya's side to monitor her every move.

"Every day, I had to report every detail about Kaguya-sama to the main house. This continued up until today…"

Whenever she recalled how Kaguya truly cared for her, even discussing her romantic troubles with her, the guilt would tighten around Hayasaka like a venomous snake.

Kaguya had sincerely treated her like family, yet she...

"It's over," Rinji said.

"You must've suffered, being forced to keep betraying Shinomiya."

He walked over to Hayasaka and placed a hand on her trembling shoulder.

"But it's all over now. Don't do things you hate anymore."

"Yeah... it's over."

Years of pressure and guilt surged through her all at once. Hayasaka couldn't hold back her tears anymore.

She suddenly stood up, threw her arms around Rinji, and cried softly into his chest.

"Go ahead and cry."

Rinji smiled gently and patted the back of her head.

"It's all in the past now. Let's bury this in the darkness forever. When you go back, just keep working for Shinomiya. I believe she'll—"

"No."

Her tears seemed to have run dry. Hayasaka looked up at Rinji's face, just inches away.

"I've probably been fired by the main house."

"That…"

"I have nowhere else to go now."

"Want me to call them and get them to reverse it?"