Tokyo: My Superpower Refreshes Every Week

Ninjas are a very ancient profession.

By modern times, the world has undergone massive changes. Clinging to that ancient pride would undoubtedly lead to self-destruction. Only by keeping pace with the times can ninjas continue to take root in modern society.

The Shinobu Introduction office was born based on this idea, integrating the Koga and Iga ninja factions that had long been at odds. They worked together in business, serving the power elites and continuing to play the role of hawks and dogs in the shadows.

But hawks and dogs are not pets; they must catch prey for the power elites to be considered qualified. A hawk or dog that cannot catch prey is superfluous.

Kamei Fumio understood this very well.

Around 7:10 p.m., four Upper-level Ninjas rang their communicators, ready to make their move on the target. He had also arranged for people to wait outside the alley to bring the person to a hidden, abandoned warehouse for interrogation.

However, the people stationed at the rendezvous point waited in vain for the Upper-level Ninjas to appear. Upon investigating the scene, they found no bodies—only two large pools of blood on the ground, proof of the battle that had occurred.

This meant that the four Upper-level Ninjas had failed their mission.

Kamei Fumio's mood was heavy. He knew the four Upper-level Ninjas were formidable; with weapons provided by the Shinobu Introduction office, even highly skilled martial artists could not escape their assassination.

Who exactly struck? he wondered. This was important, but more importantly, could the mission still be accomplished?

If they were to abandon this mission, it would undeniably be a heavy blow to the Shinobu Introduction office. Building trust takes decades, but destroying it doesn't even take an hour.

They couldn't afford to lose the Right Wing as a major client, especially in the current situation.

Kamei Fumio knew better than any other ninja that today's Tokyo could be described as full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

The movements of the six major financial groups and the Phoenix Academy, along with the CIA and the Metropolitan Police Department, spurred agents from various countries to become active in Tokyo.

Then there were the skilled individuals from all over the world, attracted by large commissions.

In this turbulent period, it wouldn't be difficult for the Right-wing forces to find a replacement for the Shinobu Introduction office. They had secured orders primarily due to their established relationship with these forces.

Consecutive failures might lead the Right-wing forces to choose someone else, dropping their support for the Shinobu Introduction office. This was a fact Kamei Fumio could not accept.

The survival of ninjas from both the Koga and Iga factions, as well as the mortgage on his newly purchased 360-square-meter, three-story villa, made it necessary to seek external help.

Kamei Fumio sighed inwardly; he would prefer not to turn to that person if possible. But for ninjas, completing the mission is paramount.

Kamei Fumio would rather give up the commission for this job to preserve his image before the Right Wing; only thus could a continuous flow of funds be guaranteed. He stood up, deciding to visit an old acquaintance.

「...」

At night, past nine, the crowds in Kabukicho hadn't diminished in the least. In fact, they were even more bustling than at seven or eight, presenting a scene where people were jostling each other.

A black sedan stopped in front of the building displaying the Hundred Herb Bookstore sign. Kamei Fumio got out of the car and looked up at the second floor.

Kamei Fumio climbed the stairs.

This external staircase was old, creaking underfoot as one ascended. Both the handrails and the steps showed patches of rust.

Despite making so much money, they still pinched pennies wherever possible in this regard. From top to bottom, the Takahashi Family all shared this peculiar trait of being extremely frugal in certain areas.

With this thought in his mind, Kamei Fumio reached the second-floor door and pressed the doorbell.

DING-DONG.

The crisp sound of the doorbell echoed. Kamei Fumio rested both hands on his cane, his expression calm as he awaited scrutiny from inside.

Soon, the sliding door opened. Takahashi Saeko appeared at the doorway, wearing a Silver White Mask and a silver-white cloak. Her tone was somewhat surprised as she asked, "Grandfather Kamei, what brings you here to see me?"

"There is something I want to entrust to you," Kamei Fumio said, his eyes reflecting a complex emotion.

In the past, the Takahashi Family were the most outstanding ninjas of Iga. However, in the face of changing times, they chose not to join the Shinobu Introduction office, opting to go independent instead.

The reason was simple: at that time, the Takahashi Family consisted of Lower Ninja Level members, not Upper Ninja Level, and thus couldn't reach the higher echelons of the Shinobu Introduction office. So, they seized the opportunity to leave Iga and establish their own group.

Today, the Takahashi Family has made a name for themselves as Street Cleaners, able to earn money freely, though at the cost of time.

With the Shinobu Introduction office, a steady stream of large orders would ensure the Takahashi Family wouldn't need to travel abroad often and could receive plenty of work domestically.

Of course, in the eyes of the Takahashi Family, the price paid for the freedom to earn money was acceptable.

"If it's a commission, then please come in," Saeko said, stepping aside to let him into the living room.

The customer is God; anyone bringing me money deserves good treatment. Besides, my grandfather and Kamei Fumio go way back.

Saeko closed the door and poured a cup of tea. "Grandfather Kamei," she said, "please feel free to state your request. As long as it's something I can do, I won't refuse."

"You must know about Durant."

Kamei Fumio had no intention of playing the sentiment card. He knew that for ninjas, emotions were the cheapest currency; only mutual benefit could sustain the relationship between their families.

"I want to ask you to eliminate him and then investigate the organization behind him. Don't worry, you'll be paid handsomely: 1.5 billion Yen!"

Takahashi Saeko's brows furrowed beneath her mask. "With your strength, are you unable to deal with Durant?"

"All four Upper-level Ninjas involved in tonight's operation are dead." Kamei Fumio didn't conceal his losses. "They had located Durant and had been tracking him for several days. Tonight, they discovered him meeting with his organization, and then they died."

Takahashi Saeko sat down and pondered for a moment. "Grandpa Kamei, you've grown old too."

With a slight frown, Kamei Fumio asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"If you were younger, you would definitely understand the peculiarities of this situation." Takahashi Saeko shrugged and sat up straighter. "Those who qualify as Upper-level Ninjas are certainly not reckless. If they chose to act, it means they were confident they could handle their target, and it also implies the enemy wasn't numerous—probably just two people.

The fact that Durant was trailed by Upper-level Ninjas for several days without detecting them suggests his own strength doesn't exceed theirs. This means the other person he was with is the key reason for the deaths of your four ninjas. Think about it: no ordinary person in this world is capable of killing four Upper-level Ninjas in such a short time."

"Are you saying they betrayed me?" Kamei Fumio's brows knitted together. He murmured, "Indeed, there were only two pools of blood at the scene..."

Takahashi Saeko shook her head and said subtly, "Have you heard about the Yakuza Hunters?"

"I've heard of them." Kamei Fumio nodded. Being active in the underworld, he naturally collected such information, never knowing when it might prove useful.

"That group hasn't appeared for a while. Why do you bring them up?"

"Grandpa Kamei, what I'm trying to say is that Tokyo is extremely chaotic right now, with all sorts of unsavory characters gathering. In the past, Tokyo's chaos, while present, still had a semblance of order. The blade rarely touched the powerful. But the recent turmoil has become increasingly anarchic. Consider recent events: the collective elimination of Tokyo Electric Power Company executives and the death of the Beirende Group's second son. When the powerful themselves are led to the guillotine, it's a precursor to the collapse of order."

Takahashi Saeko spread her hands. "We Street Cleaners have endured for so long and maintained a one hundred percent mission success rate because we never take on tasks that require us to risk our lives. As long as we don't accept missions beyond our capabilities, we won't fail.

I cannot accept your mission. As for Durant, I advise the Shinobu Introduction office to give it up."

Takahashi Saeko was acutely aware of how murky Tokyo's waters had become.

Some believe chaos is a ladder to ascend, while others see it as a path to Hell. Takahashi Saeko belonged to the latter group.

I don't like chaos. Many people are overly confident in their skills and strength, believing themselves unrivaled, and that's why they fall. Good swimmers drown. I don't consider my skills the best in the world. Some people are better snipers; others have more extensive information networks. Not to mention, in Tokyo, there's also that man Maru encountered—Dio—who is suspected of possessing unnatural powers.

Takahashi Saeko had survived this long by adhering to her parents' teachings. Only the humble survive.

"Your grandfather was a freak among ninjas." Kamei Fumio's tone was laced with annoyance. He hadn't come here to listen to a girl young enough to be his granddaughter lecture him on how to conduct his affairs.

It's easy for her to say. If the Koga and Iga ninjas lose the financial backing of the Right-wing forces, life will become difficult. Where will I get the funds for my mortgage, my son's mortgage, and my grandson's mortgage? Life has left me with no way out.

"Expecting you to be of some use was my mistake."

"Correct advice is always unpopular."

Takahashi Saeko leaned back on the sofa, crossed her legs, and said, "Grandpa Kamei, I hope you think carefully. Don't regret it when it's too late and you didn't listen to what I said today."

"Shut up, you greenhorn! I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice. It's not your place to tell me what to do!" Kamei Fumio roared, standing up abruptly and heading for the door.

He absolutely would not give up on this contract. If this avenue wasn't viable, he would find someone else. He had to uncover Durant and the organization behind him, no matter what.

Takahashi Saeko spoke up, "Actually, I have a job I'd like to commission the Shinobu Introduction office for."

Kamei Fumio, who had been about to leave, sat back down. An excellent ninja never let emotions affect business.

"What level of commission?"

"I want to hire a Middle Ninja Level operative to investigate Morimoto Chiyoda. I originally didn't want to trouble you, but it seems information about that woman has been deliberately concealed."

"Alright. Fifty million Yen."

"No problem," Takahashi Saeko agreed instantly.

Kamei Bunta picked up the tea, drained it in one gulp, and said, "Alright, wait for news."

"Understood."

My precious tea... Takahashi Saeko inwardly lamented. Such a waste!