The residence of the Osaka Police Superintendent was naturally anything but ordinary. A peaceful sanctuary amidst the urban skyscrapers, it was a sprawling estate whose land value alone was astronomical!
The residence was full of ancient charm, with weathered wooden floors and traditional corridors. It featured front and back courtyards, rock gardens, lush greenery, and a central courtyard filled with vibrant red maple trees—an exquisitely beautiful sight.
It was already evening by the time Yuu Hoshimiya and his group reached the Hattori residence.
The Lion and the Fox
After swapping their shoes for wooden sandals, they were led by Heiji Hattori down the corridors to the study in the back. The room was lined with bookshelves, and a large calligraphy scroll hung on the wall bearing the character for "Wisdom" .
A man knelt in the center of the room on a cushion. He was dressed in a loose yukata, with bronze skin and thick, slightly curly hair. He was a massive man with a stern face and narrow, sharp eyebrows—like a sleeping lion. This was Heizo Hattori!
Hearing their footsteps, Heizo opened his eyes—narrow and calculating like a fox's. He stood up to welcome Yuu with a smile.
Heizo: "Consultant Hoshimiya, welcome to Osaka. It is an honor to have you as our guest."
Yuu: "Superintendent Hattori, you're too kind. I'm the one intruding on your hospitality."
Heizo Hattori was a man who combined the bravery of a lion with the cunning of a fox. He had an illustrious background and immense personal ability, yet he suffered from the common ailment of high-ranking Japanese officials: extreme chauvinism and a complete lack of regard for his wife.
The Matriarch as "Window Dressing"
Yuu was currently a rising star with a flawless reputation and the backing of the Suzuki family. Heizo knew that if Yuu wished, he could become a titan in either the police force or the political world. No matter how powerful the Hattoris were in Kansai, maintaining a good relationship with a man like Yuu was vital.
Heizo didn't mind his wife Shizuka Hattori's contact with Yuu. He didn't know about their "private" interactions, but even if he did, as long as it didn't leak and damage the family name, he wouldn't care much. In fact, if Yuu's political value grew high enough—say, if he became a Member of Parliament—Heizo might even proactively "offer" his wife to him.
Since Heiji was born, Shizuka had fulfilled her duty. Heizo hadn't touched her in years. To many of these men, a wife wasn't as exciting as a mistress, and a mistress wasn't as thrilling as "stealing" a woman. Not everyone had Yuu's "cheat code" for endless stamina; in a world of limited energy, men like Heizo preferred the thrill of the hunt outside rather than the familiarity of home.
To the Hattori family, Shizuka—once a genius kendo beauty—was now just a piece of "window dressing." But if her body could serve as a stepping stone for the Hattoris to move into the global stage, Heizo, a man with the cold heart of a fox, would undoubtedly order her to sacrifice herself to Yuu.
III. The Gathering of "Fathers-in-Law"
The atmosphere quickly turned friendly. Heizo led Yuu to the modern living room in the front of the house.
Heizo: "Yuu-kun, you must stay at our home tonight. Let me show you proper hospitality! My brat here has been quite a handful for you in Tokyo, I'm sure."
Heiji tried to show off his kendo gold medal, but Heizo dismissed it as a "mere high school championship," leaving the boy crushed.
In the living room, they met Ginshiro Toyama, Kazuha's father. He was a man with thick eyebrows and a rigid, commanding posture.
Ginshiro: "Mr. Hoshimiya, welcome to Osaka. My daughter mentions you constantly. Seeing you now, you truly are a man of talent. I must also thank you for taking such good 'care' of Kazuha in Tokyo!"
At this, Yuu couldn't help but rub his nose. He had "cared" for her all the way to his bed, making the conversation a bit awkward.
The Drinking Duel
Dinner was a lavish Fugu (pufferfish) hotpot. The atmosphere grew heated as Inspector Goro Otaki, Ginshiro, and Heizo took turns toasting Yuu with sake.
Yuu handled the sake like water, but he used his control over his body to fake a flush and appear intoxicated. Heizo's fox-like eyes glinted, thinking he had succeeded in getting Yuu drunk.
Ran: "Brother Yuu, don't drink so much! You're already drunk."
Kazuha: "Dad! Why are you all ganging up on Teacher Hoshimiya? This is bullying!"
Against the concern of the women, the men finally reached their true objective.
The Challenge
Ginshiro: "Yuu-kun, I hear your combat skills are legendary. Since we've finished dinner, why don't we... stretch our legs? I'm quite proficient in Aikido."
Heizo: "Heiji mentioned you wanted to learn Kendo. I'm quite confident in my skills. My sword has been in its sheath too long; it's starting to rust."
Yuu drained his glass with flair. "If Superintendent Hattori and Chief Toyama insist, then let's have a little activity."
They moved to the dojo, where the character for "Valor" hung on the wall. Heizo and Ginshiro donned their traditional gear. Yuu remained in his casual athletic wear.
Otaki (to Ran): "I haven't seen these two fight in ages! They were the 'Twin Heroes of Osaka' in their youth! They once took down an entire yakuza branch—200 men—with just their fists and a sword, completely unscathed!"
Yuu's physical stats were at Level 40; he could crush utility poles with his bare hands. He decided to use only half his power to avoid accidentally killing them.
Yuu kicked off his sandals, tossed aside his jacket and belt, and walked calmly to the center of the mat. He unbuttoned his white cuffs, his aura exploding like a raging lion's.
"The two of you... come at me together!"
The audience gasped in shock. This young man was far too arrogant!