Build Gundams Ch 32

A prominent restaurant, typically filled with patrons, experienced a noticeable lull in activity due to a private reservation. Security personnel in dark suits maintained a vigilant presence around the perimeter.

Isamu Kaneshiro, attired in designer apparel, awaited the arrival of his scheduled guests.

Isamu was Ryuuichi's cousin, the eldest son of his uncle, Isamu Kaneshiro, and the grandson of Takeo Kaneshiro.

With his father's support, Isamu Kaneshiro managed a subsidiary of the Kaneshiro Family Enterprise, an entity with considerable assets.

Ryuuichi, you declined my invitation yesterday. You failed to recognize your position. Do not hold me accountable for the repercussions.

Taiga and Guder arrived at the restaurant, greeting Isamu Kaneshiro.

"How may we assist you, Young Master Kaneshiro?" Taiga inquired.

"I have a business proposition to discuss with both of you," Isamu stated.

"We are aware that your families control significant mercenary assets," Isamu noted.

"Indeed," Taiga confirmed. "What is the nature of this business deal, Young Master Kaneshiro?"

Isamu produced a photograph and placed it on the table.

Taiga and Guder examined the image, recognizing Ryuuichi. Exchanging glances, Guder posed the question, "What are your instructions regarding this individual, Young Master Kaneshiro?"

"I require that you apprehend him," Isamu stated.

Isamu presented two unregistered bank cards. "These cards serve as an initial payment. Each contains 200 million Credits. Upon completion of the task, I will provide an additional 800 million Credits."

Taiga and Guder accepted the cards and shook hands with Isamu Kaneshiro, formalizing the agreement.

Following their departure, Taiga and Guder convened in separate vehicles to deliberate.

"I was unaware that Ryuuichi and Isamu Kaneshiro were related," Taiga remarked.

"It is also unexpected that Ryuuichi's technological developments are not controlled by the Kaneshiro Family," Guder noted.

"What leads you to that conclusion?" Taiga inquired.

"If Ryuuichi's innovations were under the Kaneshiro Family's purview, would Isamu Kaneshiro dare to act against him?" Guder explained.

Taiga realized the implication. "If Ryuuichi were a valued member of the Kaneshiro Family, Isamu's actions would invite severe consequences."

"The Kaneshiro Family has dispatched Isamu to enlist our services to capture Ryuuichi and compel him to relinquish his technology," Guder stated.

"Should we seize Ryuuichi's technology prior to handing him over to Isamu Kaneshiro?" Taiga inquired.

"That would be inadvisable. Our combined resources are insufficient to withstand the Kaneshiro Family. It is not prudent to antagonize them for Ryuuichi," Guder concluded.

Ryuuichi dined at the restaurant, with Antares Mercenaries strategically positioned around him, dressed in civilian attire to ensure his security. Outside, additional Antares personnel mingled with the public, maintaining vigilance against any potential threats.

A disturbance originated from the restaurant's kitchen, attracting the attention of other diners. The Antares operatives inside exchanged a subtle signal, indicating the situation had been addressed and the kitchen staff reassured.

A female Antares Mercenary, posing as a waitress, delivered Ryuuichi's meal. As she placed the dish on the table, she discreetly tapped the plate, conveying a message to her superior.

Ryuuichi responded by tapping the table twice with his index finger. He calmly proceeded to eat his steak.

Midway through his meal, Ryuuichi's phone signaled the arrival of messages. Retrieving the device, he reviewed a report from Kenji.

As he processed the information, Ryuuichi's demeanor shifted. He chuckled softly, placed his phone back in his pocket, and resumed eating.

Isamu sat in a hotel suite under the Kaneshiro family's name, reclining on a lounge chair, a glass of expensive red wine in hand. His face soured, the taste of the wine no longer pleasurable as his thoughts turned to Ryuuichi.

A knock echoed through the suite.

"Come in," Isamu called out.

A young, attractive assistant entered, quickly approaching and whispering a few words into his ear.

"Let her in," Isamu said.

Moments after the assistant exited, the door swung open.

Yumi entered, her eyes blazing with fury. The assistant hesitated at the door, quickly shutting it behind her.

Isamu set down his wine glass, rose to his feet, and offered a practiced smile. "Aunt Yumi, what brings yo—"

Before he could finish, Yumi's hand flashed out, striking Isamu across the face.

[SLAP]

Yumi's voice rose, filled with rage. "Isamu, who authorized you to go after Ryuuichi?!"

Isamu touched his reddened cheek, his expression hardening. "Aunt, Grandfather approved this course of action. If you have any objections, take it up with him. Don't take your anger out on me."

Yumi's face twisted with disdain. "What you're doing is foolish, Isamu. You'll regret this. Sooner or later, you'll regret this."

"Regret what, Aunt?" Isamu sneered. "Ryuuichi is nothing but a bastard with mixed blood. We did him a favor by allowing him to carry the Kaneshiro name. He should be grateful. The Kaneshiro Family initially ignored him, and he should have been content with that. We extended an invitation to him, acknowledging him as a member of the Kaneshiro Family, asking him to serve and contribute to our family's interests. He refused! He blatantly disregarded the Kaneshiro Family! So don't blame us for taking decisive action."

Isamu's face twisted into a sneer as he spoke.

Yumi listened, then erupted in bitter laughter. "Hah! Don't pretend you were inviting him, acknowledging him as family. You were trying to squeeze every last drop of value out of him, like wringing out a wet rag. Once he was used up, you'd discard him like trash."

"Then he should have made himself more useful," Isamu retorted. "Whose fault is it that he doesn't have more to offer?"

"'Doesn't have more to offer'?" Yumi mocked. "That 'little' that he has is enough to make the Kaneshiro Family tremble. You, Isamu, without your father and the Kaneshiro Family backing you, you'd be worthless. You can't even begin to compare yourself to Ryuuichi."

Yumi turned and strode to the door, pausing to face Isamu one last time. "Take my advice, Isamu. Reverse this foolish decision, or you will pay the price." With that, she exited the suite.

Isamu grabbed his wine glass and hurled it against the wall, shattering it into pieces. "Regret?" he roared. "You overestimate Ryuuichi, Aunt! That mixed-blood mongrel can't touch the Kaneshiro Family! If he dares to challenge us, it's like a fly attacking a dragon. I'll be waiting to laugh at him. I'll be waiting to see him crushed beneath my heel, just like those commoners I step on every day. Hmph! Hahahaha!"

Outside the suite, Yumi heard her nephew's enraged rant. She shook her head sadly as she entered the elevator. That boy doesn't know his own limitations. Without the Kaneshiro Family, he wouldn't stand a chance against Ryuuichi.