Descent of the Demon Master

"You've made the correct decision, iemoto!"

Nakata Yuji energetically responded while kowtowing flat to the floor.

Shu-ru-ruk!

That was when the screen suddenly rolled up.

Something strange happened just then. When the iemoto's figure was revealed, both Lee Seong-Hwi and Kim Seok-Il reflexively bowed their heads even though no one told them to. Their bodies instinctively acted on their own.

'What is going on here?'

Kim Seok-Il grew puzzled by his own actions. Why was he automatically bowing to the iemoto? Once upon a time, he also carried the title of the top dog in South Korea. He was a man who held the entire country in the palm of his hand and could do whatever he pleased with it!

So, in essence, he used to be not much different from the iemoto in status.

Although the Yeongnam Group couldn't conquer all the districts of its home region, it still enjoyed full control of Yeongnam, and the rest of the Korean martial arts society acknowledged it as the country's strongest faction. In that case, shouldn't it be equal in status to Shinichi-kai, which had taken over the Kansai region?

Even then, the sense of pressure crushing down on Kim Seok-Il… was indescribable!

Kim Seok-Il sneakily raised his head to get a good look at the iemoto. On the surface, at least, the old man walking out from behind the screen seemed fairly unremarkable.

Although the iemoto wore an antique-style kimono, such a sight could be seen in movies fairly regularly these days, so Kim Seok-Il didn't find the old man's appearance strange in the slightest. As for the iemoto's figure… He seemed a little smaller in stature than expected.

'Lee Jung-Geol?'

Out of Kim Seok-Il's circle of acquaintances, the only one who exuded a similar type of aura to the iemoto was Lee Jung-Geol.

Lee Jung-Geol's aura was a mixture of craftiness and ambitious spirit. However, it didn't take Kim Seok-Il long to realize the iemoto's aura had an extra spice added to it.

It was… cold-bloodedness!

The iemoto's smooth, relaxed smile sent a creepy chill down Kim Seok-Il's spine. Absolutely nothing could be read from that expression. It was as if Kim Seok-Il was staring at a perfect facade designed to hide the true intentions as naturally as possible.

The man of cunning who wielded absolute power. The man who wielded his power with cruelty and zero mercy!

'So, this is the iemoto…!'

If a big fish like Lee Jung-Geol had been born into a large clan or sect and naturally inherited the power as if it was his destiny… Would he have turned out like this iemoto?

Kim Seok-Il subconsciously bit his lip while facing the iemoto's gaze that seemed to observe the entire world in well-disguised disdain.

That man most likely viewed Kim Seok-Il and Lee Seong-Hwi as nothing more than insects. Maybe that also applied to Nakata Yuji to an extent.

The best way to describe what Kim Seok-Il felt was… It was as if he was staring at a cruel, vicious monster that had hidden its true form with a well-defined facade of nobleness.

At least Kim Seok-Il had the eyes to discern stuff like this. To regular people, the iemoto must've come across as a good-natured grandfather.

The neatly-combed white hair of the iemoto slightly danced in the faint breeze. The iemoto looked down at the kowtowing Nakata Yuji and raised his voice. "The conditions of the Chinese's support?"

"Sir! They said they will not hesitate to support us financially, regardless of the cost!"

"Are they implying that their financial muscle has improved this much? And the Crimson King's faction doesn't even rule the entirety of China…!"

"I'm sure they are just trying to show off, iemoto! If we demand an exorbitant sum, they will surely tuck their tails firmly between their legs."

"Hmm…" The iemoto grunted while slightly shaking his head.

'I'm sure it's unbearable for you…'

Nakata Yuji didn't say anything, but he could understand the iemoto's reaction.

In one word, it could be explained as a… complex!

China was an entity capable of triggering the psychological complexes of the Japanese martial arts society.

In the surface world, Japan used to be ahead of China. Yes, the latter had caught up, and their position had reversed in recent times. Still, Japan never had fallen behind China since the days of the Korean War.

However, that was on the surface world. In the martial world, though…

The Japanese martial arts society never managed to surpass its Chinese counterpart during that period. After all, one's martial prowess could not be purchased with money.

The Japanese martial artists tried their best but still failed to overcome the wealth of knowledge and foundation the Middle Kingdom had accumulated over countless years.

The only thing they could say they were better off than the Chinese was their wealth. So, to hear the whole operation would be funded by the Chinese… That news was somewhat like a spit to the iemoto's pride.

"The Crimson King's faction… Mm…" The iemoto pondered something for a bit, then slowly nodded. "We might have chosen to side with them, but I am still unhappy about how we ended up here. Besides… Are the Chinese implying that they will turn a blind eye to us expanding our influence rather than directly confront the Martial Assembly? It seems they are underestimating us, too."

Nakata Yuji replied quickly. "Sir. I believe their intentions are a little more impure than that."

"I see. Go on."

"First of all… They must be counting on North Korea. It is a buffer zone, after all."

"South Korea is the same in that regard, wouldn't you say?"

"The North and South are from the same nation, just divided, iemoto. They seem to be at each other's throats due to their ideological differences, but…! If we invade South Korea, we can expect the North to become even more belligerent toward us."

"I see…"

The North Koreans loved to fire a whole bunch of rockets toward the Sea of Japan for fun. And their state media often threatened to turn Japan into a sea of fire with a barrage of missiles. So, it didn't take a genius to figure out that if Japan's martial society started sharing a land border with the North Koreans… Incidents of a much graver nature would happen.

"The other factor the Chinese must be counting on is… chaos, iemoto."

"Mm? Elaborate, Nakata Yuji."

"Unless our plan is to slaughter every South Korean martial artist… Let me revise that, iemoto. Even if we invade the peninsula with the plan to eliminate them all, we will still need considerable time to quell their resistance. We only need to look at history to know this is inevitable. Even though our empire had successfully annexed Joseon, they continued their resistance through decades of guerrilla attacks."

"Yes… Indeed, they are persistent bastards," the iemoto muttered while nodding to express his agreement.

"Considering the Koreans' national character, I fear we will need several years at least before bringing all the chaos under control. The Chinese must've thought it'd be better to have us than the Martial Assembly at their backs. After all, even if we will be stronger than the Koreans, we'll also have to deal with the Korean resistance."

"I see. Then, what about the afterward?"

"They are probably not worried about it, iemoto. After all… They most likely believe they can conquer the entire China in the meantime," said Nakata Yuji, then deeply bowed his head as if his report was now finished.

However, inwardly…

'What a waste of time.'

Everything Nakata Yuji said up to this point was basically useless. That was because the iemoto already knew all this. The leader of the Shinichi-kai might not be clued in on Korea's situation, but he still paid a lot of attention to international relations. So, for him to pretend he didn't know anything and ask Nakata Yuji…

The iemoto was trying to see how well Nakata Yuji understood this delicate situation. Any one wrong answer or misunderstood part, and Nakata Yuji would get pushed out and thrown to the wolves.

"Excellent," said the iemoto.

...Just like that, he passed the test.

Nakata Yuji inwardly sighed in relief. With this, he had secured his position for the foreseeable future. Failing this test would've meant watching from the sidelines as some other bastard swooped in and enjoyed the banquet Nakata Yuji had painstakingly prepared.

The iemoto glanced at Nakata Yuji. "For us to go to war, we will have to cooperate with others."

"Yes. However, who would refuse to follow when Shinichi-kai is spearheading the expedition?"

"Indeed. Indeed, that should be the case. However…" A strange smirk floated on the iemoto's face. "Anyone who backs out because I'm not leading the charge does not have the qualifications to enjoy the riches Joseon offers. Wouldn't you agree?"

"...Yes, iemoto."

"Use my name to summon everyone. Those who participate will receive a suitable territory. However, those who don't… will get nothing. That is the rule of our world, isn't it?"

Nakata Yuji subtly bit his lip.

'What a greedy old fart!'

The purpose of a war should be victory. So, when that purpose was distorted to become fame and fortune instead, undesirable factors would creep into the war preparations. Such things as the distribution of spoils of war could be discussed after the overall victory was achieved.

However, this insidious old bastard had turned this war into a game of hopscotch. It was obvious what his plan here was—to use the fools blinded by greed as his meat shields!

Although Nakata Yuji shuddered at this callousness, he… He couldn't help but agree that it was a wise move, too.

Japan would be worse off overall if this decision led to an even greater loss of life. However, Shinichi-kai wouldn't be the one paying the price.

Also, depending on how everything worked out, the iemoto could move in to devour the territories of the weakened gumis. And he'd still be losing nothing if the status quo remained.

Shinichi-kai's authority and control over Japan would strengthen either way, after all!

The iemoto's intentions were clear. While inciting the crowd with the promises of vague benefits, he planned to pocket all the actual benefits for himself.

Even though he saw through this insidious plot, Nakata Yuji had no choice but to participate. The world's events had a flow, and failing to get on this nebulous flow at the right time would mean you'd get left behind in the blink of an eye.

"Iemoto…! I shall obey."

"Good. And also…"

Grab…!

The iemoto reached out and 'gently' grasped Nakata Yuji's shoulder.

"Since this was your idea… It's only right that you see it through till the end, wouldn't you say?"

"…!"

"I'd like you to lead the expedition, Nakata Yuji."

"Sir? Will that even work? After all, I've always opposed the invasion."

"Don't you think it'll be quite interesting for an anti-war pacifist to lead our war efforts? No one will suspect you of giving them impossible commands and leading them to a death trap."

Nakata Yuji bit his lower lip hard.

The iemoto continued to tighten the noose. "I can expect you and your Yamakawa-kai to lead the charge, yes?"

"...Of course, iemoto."

"Excellent," the iemoto grinned while patting Nakata Yuji a couple of times on the shoulder. He then stood up straight and leisurely strode out of the meeting room to stand by the engawa. He silently savored the sight of the elegantly groomed garden. "...Mm. Don't be so concerned, Nakata Yuji. You will receive rewards matching your achievements, after all. That is my ironclad rule."[1]

Nakata Yuji slowly nodded. He had to agree that the iemoto spoke the truth.

The iemoto would've never been able to rise to his current position had he only relied on his abilities and authority to oppress others. When he was throttling someone, the iemoto ensured his victim didn't have room to breathe. However, anyone impressing him with their capabilities always received favorable treatment. And anyone achieving 'meritorious' deeds would receive matching rewards… Nay, rewards exceeding the deed itself!

Perhaps that was why it was worth serving this terrifying man.

"Then, sir…" Nakata Yuji hesitated to finish his sentence before stopping himself altogether.

However, the iemoto still nodded in understanding. "Mm. I will lend you… three."

He said "three." And that word was enough to kick Nakata Yuji's brain into higher gears.

'Four would be a certain victory for us. One would've been a certain defeat. In that case… Three is not a bad number. With that number, it's doable.'

Nakata Yuji bowed toward the iemoto. "Thank you for your generosity."

"You should keep your wits about you. Those three will be a lot for you to handle, after all!"

"I wouldn't dare handle those mighty experts, iemoto. All I can do is beg and plead for their cooperation."

"Hmm. That's a good attitude to have, Nakata Yuji," said the iemoto. He theatrically spread his arms open while turning around to face the room. "It seems our discussion has come to its natural conclusion, then. I express my sincerest thanks to the valuable guests from Joseon. I've prepared a simple feast with good alcohol as my display of hospitality. I hope all of you can join me, gentlemen."

Lee Seong-Hwi and Kim Seok-Il silently nodded. What else could they do or say in this situation, anyway? When it was clearly a one-man show?

Both men couldn't shake off the feeling that everyone in this room had been dancing in the iemoto's palm as soon as their 'discussion' began.

"Well, then… Go ahead and wait for me," said the iemoto.

Once the three men were guided out of the room, the smile plastered on the iemoto's face vanished without a trace.

"...Kakeichi."

"Hai!"

A man clad head to toe in black suddenly dropped from the dark shadows cast over the ceiling and landed silently on the floor. The iemoto watched the man prostrate and furrowed his brow. "What do you think?"

"Everyone must have ulterior motives."

"Indeed… I agree with that assertion."

"However, sir. This gamble seems favorable enough. Considering everyone's greed is under your control."

"You also think that way?" The iemoto smirked. However, that smirk was somewhat different from the one he made while listening to Nakata Yuji. The iemoto slowly nodded while mulling Kakeichi's opinion, his gaze drifting back to the garden.

'Kang Jin-Ho, is it…?'

He had been hearing that name rather often lately.

"Hmm… I wanted to meet him at least once," said the iemoto absentmindedly while stroking his beard. He felt rueful at the fact that he would no longer get to hear that name anymore.

"We are merely resuming the work our predecessors couldn't finish. Even before I can make a move, others are pushing me forward, aren't they? Soon, everyone will learn that our dream of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere is still alive."

Without saying anything, Kakeichi melted back into the shadows.

'All of you are fools…!'

The iemoto smacked his lips as that thought burned in his head. Every single one of them was a fool for trying to use him. Whether it was the Joseon bastards, the Crimson King's faction, or even Nakata Yuji…

Those who gather at the iemoto's declaration would do so in anticipation of breadcrumbs falling from the banquet table his massive faction was set up.

They pretended to fear him, yet they did not.

Which was perfectly fine with the iemoto. That kind of mindset was what he truly wanted to see, after all!

'Nothing is easier to exploit than pawns who think they hold the initiative!'

What kind of a game should he play with these pawns, then?

The iemoto's tongue snaked out and slowly licked his lips. He thought he could already smell the thick, acrid stench of blood wafting in from the West.

1. An "engawa" or "en" is an edging strip of non-tatami-matted flooring in Japanese homes, usually wood or bamboo. ☜