Chapter 324: When Brains and Ambition Don't Match at All
"I wish to unify the Ten Master Clans. I wonder who among those present agrees, and who opposes?"
Silence.
Utter silence!
Everyone stared blankly at the young man seated in the Yotsuba family head's position.
Without exception, every person present held significant influence in Japan's magical community. In particular, Kudou Retsu was a legendary master and the very creator of the Ten Master Clans ranking system.
Yet now, the youth in the Yotsuba head seat was clearly declaring himself an enemy to the entire Japanese magical world!
For a moment, the assembled family heads reacted variously—some shook their heads with sighs, some watched with mocking eyes, others wore expressions of shock. But no one stepped forward to be the first to speak; essentially, all were waiting to see how the drama would unfold.
However, just then, a discordant voice broke through the thoughts of the gathered heads.
"On this matter, I support the Yotsuba family's decision."
As soon as these words were spoken, all eyes instantly shifted to the speaker.
It was the Saegusa family.
But the speaker was not the family head, Saegusa Kouichi, but his daughter, the always most steady and composed Saegusa Mayumi.
As she spoke these words, Mayumi's face was filled with seriousness and resolve.
"Dear niece, we all know you have an engagement with the Yotsuba boy and are quite close. But this is not the place for you to speak.
Isn't that right, Brother Kouichi?"
At this moment, someone spoke up—it was Mitsuya Gen, head of the Mitsuya family.
He was a short but exceptionally sturdy man, wearing a haori over a polo shirt, giving off a very casual impression.
Even his manner of speaking was the same.
Prompted by Mitsuya Gen's teasing reminder, Saegusa Kouichi pondered for a moment before also speaking:
"What you say is true, but Mayumi's meaning is also my meaning. Our Saegusa family supports the Yotsuba family's decision."
As soon as the words fell, the entire room drew a sharp breath.
No one had expected Saegusa Kouichi to choose to stand on the Yotsuba family's side.
Although Saegusa and Yotsuba were known as the "Twin Pillars of the Ten Master Clans," could they truly believe that just two families could contend with the others, with the entire Japanese magical world?
Yet Saegusa Kouichi's words caused Maya's red lips to curve slightly upward.
She hadn't expected her former fiancé to be so adept at assessing the situation.
Originally, she had thought that if the Saegusa family dared to voice opposition today, even if her dear Mahiro let it slide, she would still settle accounts with the Saegusa family for all the shady dealings they had secretly engaged in over the years with Zhou Gongjin.
"I also agree with the Yotsuba family."
At that moment, another voice rang out.
It was the acting head of the Juumonji family, Juumonji Katsuto.
With his arms crossed, his solemn expression exuded a pressure akin to a great mountain.
His statement made the other families frown even more deeply.
First the Saegusa family, and now the Juumonji family... Could it be that these two families had caught wind of something?
It was no wonder the other heads thought this way, as the relationship between Juumonji Katsuto and Saegusa Mayumi was not bad; they had even attended the same high school.
In fact, Juumonji Katsuto had indeed received some information from Mayumi—that Mahiro was preparing to take action against the Ten Master Clans, and even the entire Japanese magical world.
At first, Juumonji Katsuto, like the others, held doubts.
After all, no matter how powerful the Yotsuba family is or how strong Mahiro himself may be, he could never take on an entire nation.
It wasn't until he received a second piece of information from Mayumi—that Esdeath was actually a member of the Yotsuba family, and that the Yotsuba family now had many powerful individuals like Esdeath—that Juumonji Katsuto fell completely silent.
The name Esdeath had only appeared recently, but he was well aware of her: a Witch with striking ice-blue hair, known to the world as the Snow Queen.
As if appearing out of thin air, she instantly ignited the flames of war in Europe and overturned the entire continent.
It was said that even the USNA was on the brink of collapse under Esdeath's attacks, making her a force far surpassing—even surpassing—the Thirteen Apostles.
"Juumonji-kun, and Mayumi-chan, please don't act impulsively. The Yotsuba family is confronting the entire Japanese magical community. Do you really think they stand a chance of winning?"
The girl in the wheelchair, Itsuwa Mio, appropriately chimed in to remind them.
"So, does the Itsuwa family hold a dissenting opinion?" Mahiro raised an eyebrow, casually shifting his gaze to Itsuwa Mio.
Feeling his gaze, Itsuwa Mio suddenly shuddered slightly, as if being stared down by a ferocious beast. She quickly composed herself and shrugged nonchalantly.
"I never said that."
So what did this mean?
Were they trying to find a spear to test the waters with the Yotsuba family?
But Mahiro couldn't be bothered to dwell on it. Instead, he swept his gaze over everyone present. Just as he was about to speak, an untimely voice suddenly rang out.
"Yotsuba Mahiro, don't get too arrogant!"
From nearly the last seat, Shippou Takuma recklessly slammed the table and stood up, angrily shouting, "This is a Clan Conference, not a place for you to speak alone!"
"I know that, which is why I'm asking for your opinions, isn't it?"
Compared to Shippou Takuma's reckless fury, Mahiro appeared relaxed and even somewhat amused.
Sitting there like a graceful noble, he spread his hands open and asked in a casual tone:
"So worked up—does that mean the Shippou family holds a dissenting opinion?"
"Yes, I oppose it!"
Bang!
The moment the words fell, Shippou Takuma was sent flying, crashing heavily against the wall.
"Shiba...senpai..."
Shippou Takuma's voice was filled with pain and disbelief.
He never expected to be struck by the senior he admired most, and with such a cold look in his eyes.
It was the coldness reserved for a dead person.
At that moment, aside from the physical pain, Shippou Takuma felt a chill run through his entire body.
The other family heads gasped in shock, glancing at Shippou Takuma slumped against the wall, then at Shiba Tatsuya who had taken action, and finally at Mahiro sitting at the head of the table with a mocking smile.
At that moment, a single thought crossed the minds of all the family heads—
If you hit him, you can't hit me!
There was no helping it—Shiba Tatsuya's speed was simply too fast, so fast that even their eyes couldn't keep up. Even the Morisaki family, known for their swift attacks, would likely struggle to match him.
How could the Yotsuba family have such a terrifying martial arts expert?
"Alright, Tatsuya, please drag Mr. Shippou Takuma out and proceed with the liquidation of the Shippou family."
Mahiro spoke calmly, without a hint of persuasion or hesitation.
Before Shippou Takuma could even utter a word, he was grabbed by the collar by Shiba Tatsuya and dragged out of the room like a dead dog.
"Now, let me ask again: I wish to unify the Ten Master Clans. Who among those present agrees, and who opposes?"
With the Shippou family serving as a cautionary example, no one wanted to provoke the Yotsuba family's wrath at this moment—especially since the remaining members of the Yotsuba family were not to be trifled with.
Moreover, after Shiba Tatsuya left, a blonde woman appeared behind Mahiro.
She wore professional attire, but the tight pencil skirt perfectly outlined her breathtakingly alluring curves. Her legs, encased in black stockings, looked exquisite and stunning—an absolute beauty.
However, the fact that she could appear in this private room unnoticed only meant that this woman's abilities were even more terrifying than Shiba Tatsuya's.
Thus, it was almost unanimously agreed that the Yotsuba family would lead the entire Ten Master Clans.
Even if some among them were insincere or merely paying lip service, with a few families not genuinely submitting, it didn't matter. Mahiro didn't care in the slightest.
Today's meeting was mainly a formality, a public display. The real work of dealing with each family one by one would come next.
"Why? Why did things turn out this way!"
Sawamura Maki was currently frantically packing her belongings in her apartment.
She was panicked.
Truly panicked.
Not long ago, she received news that Shippou Takuma had confronted Mahiro, the eldest son of the Yotsuba family, at the Master Clans meeting, and was subsequently beaten up by Shiba Tatsuya and taken away.
Moreover, the liquidation of the Shippou family was now underway.
"Fool! Idiot! Moron!"
Maki no longer knew what to curse Shippou Takuma for.
When a little diplomacy could have preserved his safety, he had to choose confrontation—and of all families, it had to be the Yotsuba family, known for their ruthlessness, whom even the Saegusa family dared not provoke lightly!
Did he really think that because he could handle the two young ladies of the Saegusa family, he could stand against the Yotsuba family?
How utterly foolish!
Regret and frustration flooded Maki's heart all at once.
She had thought she had acquired a pawn she could manipulate at will and had invested so much effort into it, only to find it was such a brainless brute!
Even more unexpected was how swiftly and decisively the Yotsuba family acted, immediately beginning the liquidation of the Shippou family. Weren't they afraid of offending the investors behind the Seventh Research Institute?
Indeed, behind each of the ten research institutes, from the First to the Tenth, there were investors—the true financial backers who had originally established these families.
While other families might not be aware, the Yotsuba family, from the moment they sought independence, had already cleared out their financial backers, thanks to Maya, paving the way for Mahiro.
As Maki hastily packed some belongings, gathered the assets in her apartment, and hurriedly pulled her suitcase toward the entrance, a voice suddenly came from behind her.
"Oh my, I wonder where Miss Kowamura is in such a hurry to go, carrying a suitcase?"
Turning around, she saw a charming girl in a black gothic dress, black stockings, and ankle boots standing in the living room of the apartment, having appeared at some unknown moment.
Her beautifully permed long hair was adorned with a lace headband, adding a touch of childlike innocence to her appearance.
Beside her stood another beautiful girl with short hair, though slightly less striking in both looks and presence.
"K-Kuroba Ayako..."
Sawamura Maki swallowed nervously.
How could she not know who these two were, appearing in her home, when she herself had sought to use Shippou Takuma to stir up conflict among the Ten Master Clans?
But if this brother and sister pair were here, it meant she had been exposed—completely and utterly laid bare before the eyes of the Yotsuba Family.
However, Ayako seemed not to hear her muttering. She clapped her hands together as if struck by a sudden realization.
"Ah, I know! You must be trying to run away, right?"
"H-how could that be? Miss Kuroba... Why would I run? I just received a job from the TV station and need to travel for work."
Maki forced herself to remain calm.
Using her superb acting skills, she played the part of an ordinary person who knew nothing.
"I wonder... what brings Miss Kuroba here so late at night?"
"Nothing special, really. My father has invited you to the Kuroba Family for a cup of tea and a simple chat."
Ayako's words were tactful and elegantly phrased, as if it truly were just a casual invitation for tea.
That is, if one could ignore the fact that she had suddenly appeared in the room, and the playful yet icy glint of murderous intent in her eyes.
The moment Maki met those emotionless, cold pupils, she couldn't help but shiver.
Go to the Kuroba Family?
What difference was there between that and a lamb walking into a wolf's den?
She knew all too well the role the Kuroba Family played within the Yotsuba Family—they were the Yotsuba's black gloves!
Most of the dirty work was handled by the Kuroba Family, and they even had a dedicated company for such tasks!
Thus, upon receiving the invitation, she quickly took a few steps back, placed her hand on the doorknob, and shook her head. "No, that won't be necessary. I have no ties to the Kuroba Family, and there's nothing for us to discuss..."
"Is that so?"
A night breeze slowly drifted into the room through the large, perfectly circular hole in the floor-to-ceiling window, gently lifting Ayako's dark hair. Under the moonlight and the night sky, she looked like a princess of the darkness.
Ayako, locking eyes with Maki, curled her brightly painted red lips into a faint smile.
"I'm afraid this matter isn't up to you to decide, Miss Kowamura."
The moment her words fell, Ayako suddenly vanished from where she stood.
It was "Pseudo-Instantaneous Movement"—wrapping herself or an ally in a cocoon of air to neutralize inertia, then traversing through a vacuum channel in an instant.
Seeing this, Sawamura Maki instinctively tried to turn the doorknob and escape through the door. But in the next moment, an unprecedented, piercing pain shot through her back.
Crimson fingernails had pierced through her clothing and embedded themselves deep into her spine!
The sensation of tearing through flesh and blood felt as though it could reach her very soul, sending agony straight to the crown of her head!
The pain forced her mouth wide open, yet not a single sound could escape, as if performing a ridiculous silent play.
The most intense pain is not wailing, but silence.
And this extreme agony, born from the mental interference magic "Poisoned Bees," was far beyond what an ordinary person could endure. In just three seconds, Sawamura Maki's eyes rolled back, and she fell unconscious.
Ayako pulled her blood-red painted nails from the woman's back, wiped them on her clothes, then spoke into the communicator:
"Target retrieval complete."
"Mm, understood. Withdraw."
Kuroba Ayako and Kuroba Fumiya carried the woman away. Even Shiba Tatsuya, who had been providing long-range support from a distance, lowered his CAD.
In the room, Mahiro, having finished all this, slowly let out a breath, leaned back in his swivel chair, and spun around in circles. His gaze eventually settled on the bright moon hanging high outside the window. As if thinking of something amusing, the corners of his lips curled into a faint, pleasing arc.
"Did they really think their little schemes were flawless?"
He whispered softly, his tone tinged with mockery.
That's right—he had known all along that Shippou Takuma and that Sawamura Maki were in cahoots.
After that business banquet, he had ordered someone to tail the two of them, never expecting to hear such interesting things.
They actually wanted to target those around him—not only using Mitsui Honoka as a breakthrough but also trying to win over Kitayama Shizuku, even extending their reach to Miyuki.
If not for his plan to deal with it at the Master Clans Conference, he would have chopped off this woman's hands long ago.
Ordinary people should have the awareness of ordinary people. Why must they always think themselves clever, scheming and offending those they shouldn't?
Do they lack even the most basic self-awareness?
In truth, Sawamura Maki truly lacked that self-awareness. Her family relied on her father, who indeed had some influence—but only in social and political circles, with no sway in the magical world at all.
After various interrogations, it was discovered that this woman actually had connections with Gu Jie!
Upon learning this news, Mahiro was shocked, even pressing his temples in frustration.
Wait, how was this plot different from what he knew?
As far as he was aware, Sawamura Maki had indeed conspired with Shippou Takuma to form some so-called alliance. Though he forgot the purpose, he remembered it shouldn't have had anything to do with Gu Jie.
How did they suddenly become connected?
And Sawamura Maki's reason for linking up with Gu Jie was simple: she wanted to obtain the magic for immortality and eternal youth.
After all, she was a celebrity—relying not only on acting skills but also on her looks to make a living. As a woman who naturally loved beauty, she naturally didn't want her appearance to age.
And Gu Jie indeed possessed such magic, developed back in the Kunlun Fang Academy—the very reason ancient-style mages were hunted down by the academy.
Just like Gu Jie now: despite being ninety-seven years old, his appearance was only that of a man in his fifties.
However, it is not about immortality or eternal youth; it can only greatly delay aging, not guarantee longevity.
Moreover, immortality is impossible.
The reason Gu Jie has lived this long is that he was originally a long-lived person.
Besides, the reason Sawamura Maki could get involved with Gu Jie is mainly because this woman actually wanted to gain greater power—the kind that could control the Ten Master Clans.
It can only be said that she is utterly foolish.
Her brains and ambition are completely mismatched.
PS: I took a short break for a couple of days and didn't update—my apologies!!