Bab 411: Mediator
"Since you are aware of the conflicts between us, you should understand that reconciliation isn't so simple," Yuga remarked sharply, clearly recalling Butler's initial arrogant attitude and his hostile actions. Reconciliation was not going to be straightforward.
"Yes, yes, what Butler did was wrong, and he's willing to compensate you and apologize," Genos quickly interjected.
In truth, Genos was also unsure of why Butler had attacked Yuga. He had questioned Butler about it, but Butler had refused to provide an explanation.
"Compensation?" Yuga scoffed. "Do you think I care about whatever compensation he has to offer?"
Yuga believed that Butler had ulterior motives for wanting reconciliation. It couldn't be as simple as making amends for his earlier actions.
"I will do my best to fulfill any requests you have, as long as it's within my capabilities. I hope you will return what was taken from me," Butler replied, his face dark with suppressed emotions. He seemed uncomfortable with the idea of apologizing or making concessions but was driven by his ultimate goal.
So, this was his real motive, Yuga thought.
"Oh, are you referring to what I 'took' from you? Could you please specify? If it's Pokémon, I've already handed them over to the League," Yuga said, pretending not to understand. He had indeed sold the Pokémon to the League, but it was not the typical transaction.
"It's not Pokémon, not Pokémon! It's a small, finger-sized stone! You should have seen it; I kept it in a glass container," Butler exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
As Yuga had suspected, Butler's visit was related to this item. In terms of valuable possessions taken, this stone was far more significant than any Pokémon he had sold to the League. However, Yuga found it curious that Butler didn't seem emotionally affected by the fact that his Pokémon had been given to the League; instead, he was fixated on the stone.
On the sidelines, Genos was becoming increasingly curious about the stone. What was it that made Butler so anxious? He was willing to go to great lengths to retrieve it, even if it meant using the favor he was owed by Genos.
Unaware of the stone's significance, Genos decided not to pry further. He simply wanted to conclude this matter quickly and distance himself from both Butler and Yuga, considering them both troublesome individuals.
Little did Genos know that all of Butler's experiments were dependent on that stone. Without it, he wouldn't be able to continue his research, even with the investment he sought from Yuga.
"You mean that stone? It's indeed in my possession, but I have no intention of returning it. After all, it's my spoils of war," Yuga said, casting a meaningful glance at Butler.
Butler's initial anger at Yuga's refusal was soon replaced by a sense of dread. He worried that Yuga might have discovered something about the stone, but that was unlikely. It appeared no different from an ordinary stone, and there was no reason anyone would suspect otherwise.
Quickly shaking his head to rid himself of the unpleasant thoughts, Butler asked, "What do you want?"
Butler gritted his teeth, attempting to suppress his anger.
Seeing Butler's reaction, Yuga knew that Butler had yet to realize his true position. He had no equal footing to negotiate with Yuga, even with Genos acting as an intermediary. His arrogance and pride were baseless.
"I don't want anything from you. However, I hold grudges, and since you attacked me without provocation, you should be prepared for my retaliation," Yuga stated. He had no intention of reconciling with Butler, surrendering the stone, or letting him off easily.
"You!" Butler couldn't contain his anger any longer and stood up from his chair, intending to confront Yuga directly. However, Diane restrained him once more.
"Mr. Shimizu, can't you consider giving in just a little for my sake?" Genos implored, trying to defuse the tense atmosphere.
"It seems that Mr. Genos has made up his mind to be the mediator for Butler today, but have you thought about it? Do you have any favor with me? We don't seem to have a deep friendship at all!"
Yuga's straightforward words made Genos's expression momentarily unpleasant. However, he quickly reasoned that indeed, there was no mutual respect or obligation between them. Reflecting on it, Yuga had even saved Adrielle from danger, which meant that Genos owed him a favor.
Yuga's unique status also meant that he held considerable power, and when there were no favors to be exchanged, Genos felt powerless to influence the situation. Considering his own reputation, he rarely encountered individuals who were unwilling to respect his face, yet he had encountered Yuga, a person who could not be easily influenced due to his special background.
Seeing Yuga's unwavering stance, Genos sighed and said to Butler, "Butler, let's go."
"But..." Butler began, anxious to voice his thoughts.
"Butler!" Genos reprimanded him sharply, his displeasure evident.
Genos had been reluctant to accompany Butler on this trip in the first place. Now that he knew their efforts were in vain, he didn't want to linger any longer. Seeing Butler attempting to prolong the discussion frustrated him.
Observing the anger on Genos's face, Butler reluctantly sealed his lips, withholding his objections. However, his discontent was clearly visible on his face.
"We'll take our leave then," Genos said to Yuga before turning and exiting the meeting room. Butler and Diane followed closely behind.
As they watched Butler leave in frustration, Yuga narrowed his eyes slightly.
Exiting the YoYo Day Care, Genos and his group headed towards their parked vehicles.
Butler, still disgruntled, turned to Genos and said, "Mr. Genos, why did you give him so much respect? He's just a small Day Care owner!"
Clearly, Genos hadn't informed Butler of Yuga's unique background, and Butler genuinely saw Yuga as a person with no significant connections. He couldn't understand Genos's attitude toward Yuga.
Hearing Butler's words, Genos, who was about to get into his car, suddenly froze with his left foot raised.
"Butler, I hope you understand that in my eyes, you are also a relatively insignificant figure. Sometimes it's better to exercise some caution," Genos replied, his tone revealing his anger.
Genos was genuinely upset about Butler's lack of tact in front of Yuga. After all, Butler was the one seeking reconciliation, yet his attitude had been anything but conciliatory. What's more, Butler was the one in the wrong.
Butler was left bewildered by Genos's words. He couldn't fathom what had angered Genos, wondering if he had said something wrong. Confused, Butler followed Genos and boarded the vehicle along with Diane.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone