In the backseat of the car, Luo Shu retrieved two large silver cases and handed them to Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue, respectively, according to their markings, saying:
"Leave the car parked here. Someone will handle it for us later."
"Guard these boxes carefully. They're only to be opened under my orders or in life-threatening situations. We'll be testing their performance later, so take good care of them."
"Yessir!" Chisato drawled in response.
After replying, she nudged Luo Shu's shoulder with her elbow and grinned:
"Luo Shu, you're really starting to sound more and more like a proper leader, huh?"
Luo Shu glanced at her and replied, "I'll take that as a compliment."
Having said this, he turned his attention to Shin Natsume, Maya Natsume, and Fumonshichi standing not far away, briefly ignoring the Familia notification from his system before asking:
"Are those the Bujin-shū over there?"
"Correct."
Takina Inoue remained as stern as ever:
"Shin Natsume, heir to the Natsume martial arts family. Next to him is the self-taught Fumonshichi."
"Both of them have activated their qi, reaching the Master Level. As for the silver-haired woman beside them, I don't recognise her, but judging by her appearance, she should be a descendant of the Natsume family."
Upon hearing this, Luo Shu understood immediately.
He had seen intelligence reports on the Metropolitan Police Department's Bujin-shū and was familiar with its hierarchy.
The lowest rank was the Disciple Level, where one laid the foundation. Next was the Skilled Hand Level, where one mastered martial arts and could become a successor of their school. Above that was the Master Level, capable of representing their sect.
The Disciple Level, which focused on building foundations, could be set aside for now.
The Skilled Hand Level, where one became proficient in techniques and used medicinal baths blended with blood or mutated plants to condition their body, thereby initially activating their qi, was already considered quite capable.
According to Luo Shu's data, they were roughly at the Excellent Rank.
As for Masters, who had fully mastered their qi and learned all their school's techniques and killing moves, they were among the strongest even within the Elite Rank.
Not to mention, the gap between Masters could be enormous. It was said that the strongest among them could easily slaughter newly promoted lower-level Masters.
'So, the Bujin-shū is dispatching at least two Elite-ranked Masters as the vanguard?'
'They must be taking this very seriously...'
Luo Shu thought to himself, recalling what he knew about Shin Natsume.
Although he remembered some details about his background, given the differences between worlds, Luo Shu didn't assume that intel was still 100% accurate. After all, this was a different world.
But as Luo Shu stepped forward, Fumonshichi sighed nearby and quickly put on a smile, hurrying over to greet him.
"Director Luo of the SDS, what an honour!"
Looking at Fumonshichi's somewhat sleazy grin, Luo Shu didn't underestimate him in the slightest. Instead, he extended his hand with greater respect.
"Luo Shu, SDS Hidden Management Department."
Fumonshichi hastily shook his hand, then retrieved a business card from his shirt pocket and presented it with both hands.
"I'm Fumonshichi of the Bujin-shū. Here's my card."
Though unaccustomed to the formality, Luo Shu exchanged business cards with him.
For a man who had risen from the self-taught path—symbolising no formal lineage—to become a Master at such a young age, Luo Shu didn't believe Fumonshichi's current subservient demeanour reflected his true nature.
On the contrary, someone who could bend and stretch like this, with talent to boot, was far more likely to climb the ranks.
At the very least, he'd fare better than Shin Natsume, who stood motionless nearby with a face like thunder.
After exchanging cards, Luo Shu glanced at the trio and asked,
"Did the Bujin-shū send three members as well?"
"Yes, Director Luo," Fumonshichi replied promptly, then pulled out a cigarette pack and offered one.
Luo Shu waved his hand to decline, indicating he didn't smoke, then noticed Fumonshichi's hesitation.
"Speak your mind," he said.
"Mind if we talk privately?" Fumonshichi tilted his head slightly in suggestion.
Luo Shu nodded and followed him to the side.
Lowering his voice, Fumonshichi said with an ingratiating smile, "Director Luo, the Bujin-shū only officially dispatched two people this time."
Hearing this, Luo Shu gave Maya Natsume a strange look.
The glance seemed to startle her, making her instinctively step back and hide behind Shin Natsume.
Seeing this, Luo Shu remarked with a rather peculiar expression,
"A gilded assignment?"
"As expected of the Director, nothing escapes your notice." Fumonshichi quickly put on an ingratiating smile and spoke flatteringly.
Luo Shu furrowed his brows, his expression showing clear displeasure:
"Though we'll inevitably split up to explore after entering the Abyss, aren't you worried about bringing deadweight on such a mission?"
"Worried? Of course. But Director Luo, you know how it is - a grassroots guy like me can't exactly refuse the Natsume family."
Fumonshichi gave a bitter laugh, plucked the cigarette from his mouth, and ground it underfoot as if venting frustration.
Seeing this, Luo Shu gave Fumonshichi a meaningful look, his expression turning slightly playful:
"Seems you've got your own difficulties."
"Shall I help you... Reunite those siblings in the Abyss?"
At these words, Fumonshichi's face froze momentarily.
'I just came to file paperwork about Maya Natsume joining the operation, and you're already talking about killing both siblings?'
'Are all SDS Directors this ruthless?'
Remembering Kirika Tachibana's notoriously decisive methods, Fumonshichi swallowed hard:
"You must be joking. If anything happens to them, I'd never escape retribution."
Dropping all pretences, Fumonshichi said bluntly:
"Truth is, I just want to register that Maya girl as a temporary SDS affiliate to keep the Bujin-shū off our backs."
Having someone suddenly join a covert operation - especially the Natsume family's eldest daughter - was risky. While Shin Natsume might be too thick-headed to understand the implications, Fumonshichi knew better.
The Bujin-shū wasn't just the Natsume family's domain. Other martial arts families would take offence at them bringing in extra personnel without consultation.
That's why Fumonshichi had been so troubled when Shin insisted on bringing Maya along, forcing him to come begging Luo Shu for this favour.
After all, while Maya's involvement might cause problems with the Bujin-shū, the SDS could easily handle it.
Who'd dare challenge Japan's shadow ruler?
"Temporary affiliate?" Luo Shu drew out the words, then eyed Fumonshichi. "We could make that permanent?"
Fumonshichi's heart skipped a beat.
First murder, now outright poaching? You want the Natsume heiress as a full SDS member?
Wouldn't the Bujin-shū protest about losing a promising talent to SDS... Actually, probably not. Especially since this man reportedly dined with the Bujin-shū's Supreme Commander. A single recruit wouldn't cause real trouble.
Besides, Maya had landed him in this mess - some payback seemed fair.
"With higher approval, I'll accept on Maya's behalf," Fumonshichi said immediately.
"Even without approval, Shin and I will follow your orders whenever needed."
"Good, she's in then." Luo Shu nodded and ended the discussion, striding forward to address the group:
"Prepare for boarding. We must reach Itō City within fifty minutes to assess the situation."
Behind him, Fumonshichi gave Maya and Shin a thumbs-up, signalling mission accomplished.
Both Natsume siblings silently exhaled in relief, thinking Fumonshichi had come through for them.
Before long, the sound of helicopter blades taking off rose high into the air as it swiftly advanced towards Itō City.