Chapter 455 - FREEING KAITO (1/2)

On Martial Island, the bright sun was filtering through the windows of an old stone mansion. The building had a regal aura reminiscent of ancient castles, and it was well maintained. The garden around the home was also vibrant, with flowers blooming brightly.

In one of the lounges in the mansion, two people were facing each other over a chessboard. Their faces did not betray turbulent feelings as they studied the pieces and anticipated each other's moves. One would even think they were going through the motions as they played.  ​​

However, anyone who knew the father and son understood they were both competitive. Regrettably, their upbringing did not encourage a loud or emotional reaction as they played. Therefore, even when they were fired up, they would be calm.

”How is Hime's boy doing?” The older man asked.

This dignified man was Kazuki Iekami. He was the father of Taiki and Hime as well as the maternal grandfather of Kaito. While he was 76 years old, he was not different in appearance from a well-maintained guy in his fifties.

Moreover, the appearance was not an illusion or a result of self-care. It was a vibrancy that went beyond the skin. Even his hair was only greying on the edges, giving him the appearance of a handsome silver fox.

”His potential is exceptional. If we had brought him in when he was younger, he could have been even better than me.” Taiki responded with a clouded look in his eyes.

”He is that good?” His father was surprised.

”He is more than we could have imagined. If we can manage to give him a sense of loyalty to the Iekami clan or even help him move to the island, our family will not need to be worried about losing our place among the top echelon.” Taiki responded.

The older man's eyes brightened up at the thought of having another capable member of the clan. He did not think that their current state was bad, but they needed fresh blood to unlock the deadlock between the top families.

As things stood, the Iekami clan was at the most vulnerable spot. If they could not help the island overcome the medical crisis, the trust placed on them would be lost. And their position and security would decrease.

But if they could clinch a few top spots in the triennial championship…

”How hard is it to convince him that he will have a better life on Martial Island?” Kazuki asked. ”He has to understand that this place will give him more than he could ever dream for his life outside. And it is not like he has to live all the time and permanently on the island.”

”I don't think he has intentions of getting friendly with the family. He is not overly pleased with us for collaborating with Takahashi Senzo. You know I only got a chance to bring him back because he was looking into that man's life.” Taiki pursed his lips.

”Does he think that I want to be in business with my daughter's killer? If I had a choice, I would have dismembered that man from limb to limb. But he is the only one with the capability to provide special research supplies for the project.” Kazuki looked a little forlorn.

”I know that. But Kaito is not one of us. He does not think about the big picture.” Taiki paused. ”I think it is the school of thought in which he was raised. Ninjas will always choose personal interests over the big picture, especially if they care about something.”