Chapter 463 - DEBTS AND TROUBLE (1/2)
Kaito did not know if his uncle was being truthful when he promised to let him leave. However, he had come to understand the man. While he could not like someone who kidnapped him, he knew that the man did not have evil plots against him.
Taiki's only weakness was his dėsɨrė to help his family. Unfortunately, Kaito was the collateral damage to keeping his family safe and secure. So, Kaito decided to agree with him instead of leaving and being followed by another powerful Guardian.
If he were only concerned for himself, he would take the chance of attempting an escape from the island, even at the risk of being a target. However, he could not leave Akira vulnerable to the people of Martial Island.
After the agreement, Taiki drove him towards the ancestral home of the Iekami clan. Kaito was surprised at the immensity of Martial City and the island itself. While at the city centre, the focus was on the ocean. Therefore, he did not realise that the inward area was so vast.
”How large is the island?” Kaito asked as he looked through the window at the passing landscape.
”The size of a medium island country,” Taiki responded.
Kaito knew he was being vague intentionally. ”How comes the island is not on record? I ȧssume it is large enough to appear on satellite images.”
”Our people do not only stay on the island. We do ȧssign some individuals to work in the outside world for the sake of protecting our secrets. The power of Martial Island is not only in brute force. We also retain significant power around the world by placing our own in positions of significance.” Taiki explained generously.
”I see,” Kaito said. ”If people can live outside the island freely, why do those who have the right to leave choose to stay here? It is odd that someone would limit themselves to one place when they can explore the world.”
Taiki's facial expression became a little odd. ”Once you stay on the island for a while, you will understand its charm. We are almost there.”
The sudden end of the conversation made Kaito narrow his eyes. This matter was probably related to the obsession the people on the island had for martial arts. He could not help but be intrigued. He really wanted to find out the secrets of the place.
The simple car glided over the streets until they reached an automated gate into a quiet estate. The gate opened without any prompt. Kaito ȧssumed that the barrier used a sensor to detect the specific vehicles coming in.
The revealed estate was quiet and dignified, with houses nestled behind trees. The scent of fresh herbs permeated the air, almost like incense. Kaito found that the ground around the road and as far as the eye could see had medicinal herbs sprouting freely in all areas.
”This residential estate belongs to the Iekami clan. All the elite families have an area with exclusive homes. Of course, the houses are not enough for every family in the clan, so only the most valued members of the family can live within the gated area.”
”There are general neighbourhoods in and outside the city. A lot of the non-core members of the clan live outside. I am not considered a core member, so I also do not live within this area.” Taiki said as he drove slowly through the area.
Kaito thought about that magnificent house on the cliff overlooking the ocean. He wanted to roll his eyes. He wondered if this cheap uncle wanted him to sympathise about him being unable to live in this cul-de-sac and enjoying a great life like a billionaire superhero.
”Where will I live during this period?” Kaito asked, deciding not to say anything about the poor rich kid.
”You can live in the old house with your grandfather. He is quite excited to see you. There is considerable traffic there because a lot of people in the clan come to consult during their free time. It is pretty comfortable.” Taiki said.
”No.”