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Chapter 111 - Chapter 111: Child of Catastrophe

In a sprawling traditional Japanese garden, numerous servants moved busily from room to room.

Inside one of the rooms, an elderly man knelt calmly on a tatami mat, leisurely sipping tea. Standing beside him were two burly bodyguards in suits.

Their eyes remained locked on Takamine Rinji, who sat cross-legged in front of them.

The old man set down his teacup and slowly opened his eyes, which had remained shut until now, revealing a gaze that radiated intimidation.

"It's been four years, hasn't it?"

"It really has, old man Katahara," Takamine Rinji replied with a smile.

The old man before him was none other than Katahara Metsudo, president of Dainippon Bank.

Katahara tilted his head slightly and turned to the two guards beside him.

"You two, step outside for now."

"But Chairman Katahara..."

"If little Rinji here wanted to kill me, even if you two joined forces with Kanoh Agito, none of you could stop him. Besides, he wouldn't harm me."

"...Understood."

The two bodyguards exchanged a glance, then turned to leave. Before stepping out, they made sure to close the door behind them.

Even after stepping outside, they remained stationed by the entrance, ready to charge in at the first sign of danger.

As soon as the two men left, Katahara Metsudo's face immediately broke into a grin.

"Aiya, little Rinji, you returned to Japan and didn't even tell this old man? That's a bit cold, isn't it? I've told you before—come visit whenever you've got time!"

"Hahahaha, I've just been busy. School just started, and there's a lot going on."

Takamine Rinji chuckled in reply.

"And I've been busy lately with final exams. I originally planned to visit you during summer vacation."

"Time flies. Four years ago, you were still just a child, and now you've grown into a young man."

Katahara Metsudo sipped his tea, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"How's your father doing?"

"He's doing well. Lives peacefully, growing vegetables in the farm every day," Takamine Rinji replied. "Why are you suddenly bringing up my old man? Don't tell me he owes your bank money?"

"Ohoho, of course not. Being able to lend money to that gentleman is an honor in itself. Even if he borrowed from me, I wouldn't ask for it back," Katahara chuckled oddly.

He looked closely at Takamine Rinji, seemingly trying to find traces of "that man" in him.

"Everyone who lived through that era feared your father like a natural disaster—because humans can't take revenge on disasters."

"Is that so? I never figured out what was so scary about him."

Takamine thought back to his father, a pure-hearted optimist. Apart from smashing the keyboard when teammates screwed up in games, he seemed completely harmless.

"Old man, don't tell me you're afraid of my dad too?"

"No, no. Quite the opposite. I genuinely respect that man."

Katahara waved his hand, a strange grin forming on his wrinkled face.

"After all, he was the kind of man who dared to aim a nuclear missile at Washington, D.C. I admired his youthful madness for a long time."

"What's so impressive about that?" Takamine said, clearly unimpressed.

"When I first heard the news, I was thrilled. That gentleman and I both despise the United States, after all~"

"Hahaha, my dad doesn't just hate the U.S."

Takamine burst out laughing, but then his eyes suddenly sharpened.

"Don't forget, he's Chinese. He hates Japan too—especially those 'little devils' who participated in World War II."

"…"

The atmosphere instantly turned heavy and tense.

Katahara calmly picked up his cup and took another sip, then suddenly smiled.

"Then you must have misunderstood me. I joined the military in the final years of the war. I only participated in the Pacific front—against Americans. I've never been to China in my entire life."

"Hahahahaha, can I take that as your way of saving face?"

"Ohoho~ Certainly."

Katahara set the cup down, his eyes still full of amusement.

"You're his son. Truly a 'Child of Catastrophe.' You've perfectly inherited that same madness—the kind that disregards morality and humanity in pursuit of pure gain."

"Then why did you work with me back then?"

"Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can both overturn and support a boat. And history has proven that my decision was the right one."

"Exactly. The Shinomiya family's assets were enough to keep you fed for a long while," Takamine said with a grin. "Anyway, I'm here for more than just reminiscing today."

"What is it?"

"Someone found out about our old deal."

"Oho? Who?"

"Nogi Hideki, the president of the Nogi Group," Takamine answered. "But the reason he brought it up wasn't because he's stupid. He wanted me to pass the message on to you—while using it to pressure you into agreeing to his demands."

"What demands?"

"He probably wants to challenge you for the position of Kengan Association president—through a Kengan match. So I'm asking: are you scared?"

"…"

After a moment of silence, Katahara's lips slowly curled into a grin.

"Interesting! Very interesting! I've held this position long enough. It's about time for something exciting."

"Knew you'd say that. But I didn't just come here to talk about this."

Takamine placed a stack of documents in front of Katahara.

"I want to set up a company in Japan. Going through your connections will make the approval process faster."

"'Amano Pharmaceuticals,' huh... No problem. The approval will come quickly," Katahara agreed. "Anything else?"

"Get me a Kengan Association membership card."

"…You want to participate in the Kengan matches?"

He had no problem approving the company, but he hesitated at the mention of joining the Kengan fights.

Katahara knew all too well what Takamine was capable of. If he stepped into the arena, every match would become a one-sided massacre—utterly boring.

"I know what you're worried about. I won't be entering myself," Takamine smiled. "This is an arena where merchants bet their profits. If an out-of-spec monster like me joined, your economy might just collapse."

"Mm, that's true. Then what do you want the membership for?"

"To place some bets. Make a little pocket money."

"In that case, it's no problem."

Katahara pulled a wooden badge from inside his robe and handed it to Takamine, who pocketed it and thanked him, getting ready to leave.

"One question," Katahara suddenly said.

"What is it?"

"Are you restarting Amano Pharmaceuticals as a way to get revenge on the Shinomiya family?"

"Revenge?"

Takamine let out a chuckle.

"I have no grudge against them. Killing them was just something I did on a whim. I'm very simple like that—when a thought enters my head, I act on it right away."

"As for restarting Amano Pharmaceuticals, it's simply because I want to develop it, then pass it on to Uncle Amano's children if I can find them."

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