Chapter 366 - ON YOUR SIDE (2/2)
The old Yamazaki sighed. ”I have never been in favour of you fighting for the inheritance rights of the Takahashi family. Like your departed father, I would be more at peace if you would live a good life in the art world.”
”But I understand that you have made your decision, and I have imparted my knowledge on you. That is all I can do for you. I cannot directly interfere with the Takahashi family. And the way you are now, you will only send yourself to death if you fight your uncle directly.”
”Teacher…”
”This young man is not simple at all. If you can get him on your side, he can help you win half the battle.” The old man added.
Hajime looked at his teacher in doubt.
”You are still young. But you can trust in your master, right? I can ȧssure you that he is not a simple guy. And the fact that he came all this way means that there is a chance that he wants to cooperate with you. If you do not grasp this chance, you will not get another.”
With those words, Hajime was convinced.
Thirty minutes later, he wondered if his teacher could be wrong as he watched Kaito eating barbequed pork ribs like he was a starving man.
”Are you going to eat?” Kaito paused mid-chew to ask Hajime.
”Go ahead.” Hajime's lips twitched.
Kaito proceeded to finish a rack of ribs before him before gulping some warm water. He looked at Hajime with a deep look in his eyes.
”The first lesson I will teach you is to be more thick-skinned.” He said.
”What?” Hajime was startled.
”You can feign politeness and maintain composure. This is quite good when you are dealing with ordinary businessmen. However, if you meet someone like Grandfather or Uncle, you will be helpless. Those two do not have limits.” Kaito added.
Kaito continued to eat his ribs. He had missed a meal and the delicious noodles Akira made acted as appetisers. His mouth watered at the thought of the lovingly cooked ramen. He stopped eating again.
What if he was too full to eat at night to his heart's content?
”Grandfather is on my side,” Hajime said with a frown.
”Second lesson: no one is on your side. Everyone is after something.” Kaito responded. ”Your grandfather craves control, and you are the only one left that he can use. He seems to be on your side, but he needs a figurehead emperor.”
Hajime did not know if he should believe Kaito.
”What about you? What do you want?” He asked, sounding a little vulnerable.
”Do not worry. Our goals coincide. I will not harm you. For now...” Kaito smiled.
Hajime felt a chill from his cousin, but he also felt anticipation.
There was hope.
He could avenge his father and protect his mother and sister.