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53.54% Genius Grandson of the Loan Shark King / Chapter 385: Chapter 385: I Don’t Know Who You Are

Chương 385: Chapter 385: I Don’t Know Who You Are

In the eyes of Daigo Tadashige, observing me, there was a hint of interest.

Though I didn't openly show it, I was just as keen to study him.

'He looks like he could snap my neck at any moment…'

Daigo Tadashige appeared frail enough to lean on a cane.

He was small in stature, and age had etched deep wrinkles into his face.

Yet, his eyes burned with life.

"Why are you so wary?"

Noticing my scrutinizing gaze, Daigo Tadashige spoke up first.

"Isn't it odd not to be suspicious? If a stranger knows both you and Han Gyeong-yeong so well, anyone would be on guard."

I glanced around before responding nonchalantly.

"Besides, as soon as you entered, everyone else in the restaurant vanished without a trace. Should I really take that as coincidence?"

As Han Gyeong-yeong left the restaurant, one by one, the other patrons slipped away too.

It was definitely not a coincidence.

Either Li's influence was greater than I expected, or he had deliberately filled this area with his people from the start. It had to be one or the other.

"Heh, but I feel a bit sad about how on guard you are. I just wished to meet the successor of Cheon Tae-san, whose legacy I havly heard about briefly."

An unexpected name made my body stiffen involuntarily.

Had Li ever met this guy?

"Do you know my grandfather?"

"In my youth, I met him several times, along with Godama Yoshio. Is it alright if I speak freely? After all, you and I share a connection through your grandfather."

"… Let's go with that."

For him to ask to speak informally meant he saw me as an inferior. But that wasn't what mattered right now.

This was an opportunity to learn more about my grandfather.

Others might brush it off, but knowing about him was significant to me.

"Let's have some tea and talk."

Daigo Tadashige raised his hand and called for someone.

"Bring two cups of warm tea."

"Yes, Chairman."

Chairman… He had to know how much I disliked the Dae Dong-hui, yet he showed no io intention of hiding it.

"Where did we leave off?"

"You mentioned a brief relationship with my grandfather."

"Yes, yes. I first met the Chairman of Cheon Tae-san in Korea—was it 196 1964…?"

Daigo Tadashige paused, rifling through his memory.

"Oh, now I remember. It was when I visited Korea with Godama Yoshio for the first time. I was young back then."

Feigning ignorance toward Godama Yoshio, I asked.

"Who is Godama Yoshio?"

"You don't know him?"

"Should I know him? I don't recognize the name."

Seeing Daigo Tadashige frown, apparently displeased, I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle inside.

Before I even understood what the Dae Dong-hui was, I had never ev even heard their names.

It was ridiculous to think I, not a Korean, should know of a Japanese person, especially one who died decades ago.

It was an arrogant assumption. They might venerate him, but to me, he represented a reviled lineage.

"I don't care about others, but it's essential to know your family's wealth largely came from the funds that man lent to your grandfather. So you should be aware of him, shouldn't you?"

"…"

What kind of nonsense was this? My expression hardened before I realized it.

Daigo Tadashige seized the moment and pressed on with even sharper digs.

"Are you saying your grandfather conquered Korea's loan shark market by sheer will?"

"I believe he started from scratch. After Japan's defeat, he amassed capital by buying up the abandoned properties that Japanese left behind."

"Ha! Where do you think the funding to seize all those properties came from? You're talking about hundreds, even thousands of them!"

It required a staggering amount of money to take over the loan shark market.

My grandfather had never disclosed the source of those funds.

Could Li's claims be true? I listened quietly to his words without offering any response.

"That money was lent to him by Godama Yoshio. The Chairman of Cheon Tae-san turned that into grwealth. Even he wasn't expecting it; he simply lent it out because he was charmed by the vigor of a young man and then forgot all about it."

A man who seemed to be Daigo Tadashige's secretary entered, holding two cups and a teapot.

After placing the cups in front of us, the secretary poured warm tea into each cup.

The well-mannered secretary gave a slight bow before retreating.

Daigo Tadashige lifted his teacup and continued.

"By the time I returned to Korea with that young man, he had already established himself as a major player in the Korean loan shark market. That was when I met him for the first time, on this visit to foster diplomatic ties between Japan and Korea."

My grandfather had never mentioned anything like this to me.

Neither in this life nor in the last.

"Is that so? I had no idea."

"Back then, you see, there was Chairman Seo of Il-seong Group, Chairman Song of Daehyeon, and Chairman Cheon of Myeong-dong… They all got along well, helping each other out. Of course, it was the same with Japan."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Why exactly are you so hostile toward Japan and the Il-seong Group? That's why I'm curious about you."

So he wasn't here due to my rendezvous with Koizumi.

I feigned ignorance and retorted.

"Why should I tell you about that?"

"You'll gratify this old man's curiosity. Then I'll present you with a gift. How about it? Will you share that with me?"

A gift…? What could it be?

He wasn't one to engage in idle chit-chat; I decided to speak calmly.

"Do you know about a group called the Cheongpung Group?"

Daigo Tadashige nodded slightly in agreement.

Of course, he would know. They were descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators.

"I had a dispute with them. You likely already know this. Anyway, after I defeated them, I discovered the Yakuza were behind it all. So I confronted them too."

Daigo Tadashige sighed softly but seemed intrigued.

Reading his intent to prompt me, I continued speaking.

"And then, my people were attacked by the Japanese Yakuza. So I retaliated. They provoked me first, so I simply returned the favor. The same goes for Il-seong. There are no ulterior motives here."

I was just summarizing information he already knew. He simply wanted to hear this from my own mouth.

"Ha! You do have to repay once you've been hit. That's the Samurai spirit, isn't it? I like that."

As expected, he laughed heartily. The Samurai spirit… what an amusing notion.

"Good! Just as I thought! You are just like I perceived you!"

"…"

After laughing for a while, Daigo Tadashige let his smile relax.

His amiable demeanor cloaked a serious intent in his eyes.

"Interesting. It's truly fascinating to see someone like you emerge from Korea. If you had been born in Japan, I would have considered making you my successor."

After he said that, he drained his cold tea in one go and slammed the cup down.

And just like that, the smile vanished from his face.

"But let's end it here. Why don't you leave your foolish rampages for your youth? I won't be able to let you off the hook forever."

His voice turned cold, and his gaze sharpened.

This was a demeanor befitting the leader of the Dae Dong-hui, known as Japan's ds dark shadow.

If a voice could kill, this must be how it would feel.

"What happens if I don't stop? That sounds like a threat to me."

If I withdrew now, death would be my only option. I shot back, matching his cold tone.

"I've never backed down before. If blood must be shed, then I'm ready for that too. So your flimsy threats won't work on me."

Daigo Tadashige stared me down, a murderous glint in his eyes, but I didn't flinch away.

I simply held his gaze, lifting my teacup to my lips.

The cold tea moistened my dry lips.

"I won't initiate an attack unless provoked. Even now, we are not joining in on the hedge funds targeting Japan."

"…"

"I'm too busy to care about trivial matters like this. It's not worth my time to engage with Japan. At least it isn't to me."

As I finished speaking, a smile lingered at the corner of my mouth. While I sipped my tea, Daigo Tadashige merely continued to glare at me in silence.

"You're quite an amusing friend. To dare speak to me like that; not even Chairman Cheon talked to me that way. Well, he too ended up with a less-than-pleasant conclusion."

Thoughts of my grandfather's end ignited a flare of rage within me.

He must be saying these things to provoke me. Remaining unyielding, I calmly warned him.

"Be careful with your words."

"Hehe, you're certainly fearless. Do you know who I am?"

"What of it?"

"…Alright then. I just came to reminisce about the past, let's leave it at that."

Surprisingly, Daigo Tadashige backed down first.

Continuing this way would lead to my defeat. I too decided to ease up.

"…I apologize if my actions were rude."

Daigo Tadashige waved it off casually.

"No need for that. I provoked you first. Please understand. I've become unable to contain my pride as I've aged. I misjudged you, so it's only fair that I allow you to have the last laugh."

"…"

"I'll take my leave now."

Even when lowering his tone, Daigo Tadashige couldn't mask his discomfort.

Maybe it was my dismissive remarks about Japan or perhaps I hadn't given the response he had hoped for.

"Oh, wait. I need to give you the promised gift."

"A gift? There's really no need."

"I must give it to you as promised. It may not be a grand gift, but I think you might not like it. You should stay away from Korea for a while. That'll be the best way to keep yourself safe. Don't dismiss my advice lightly. Farewell for now."

Without waiting for my response, Daigo Tadashige turned and left.

I rose to see him off, waiting until he was out of view before returning to my seat.

"Hah…"

I pulled down my tie and let out a long sigh.

Taking deep breaths to calm the murderous intent swirling inside my mind.

Manager Ma brought fresh cool water and set it in front of me.

After downing the cold water in one go, I finally felt somewhat relieved.

"What do you think of him, Manager?"

Since the bodyguards were also occupied, Manager Ma hadn't heard any of our conversation.

To shift the mood, I asked Manager Ma, who had a good eye for people, for his first impressions of Daigo Tadashige.

"I can't say for sure. He seems like a tough one to read."

I nodded slightly. I hadn't managed to grasp him well either, so it would be difficult for Manager Ma.

"He suggested I leave Korea. If I hadn't learned of his connections, I might have considered that nonsense…"

Had he forged a rather deep connection with my grandfather? If not, then there would be no reason for him to offer such advice.

This unintended meeting tangled my thoughts further.

At the same time, it solidified my resolve to have nothing to do with Dae Dong-hui or Daigo Tadashige.ge.

By afternoon, I arrived at Yokohama International Stadium with Han Gyeong-yeong for the finals.

It seemed many Koreans had shown up to support the game. I passed through them to enter the stadium.

Moving to the section where VIPs watched, the stadium had two levels.

By now, many guests had arrived, including the President of Brazil and other dignitaries.

I spotted Koizumi deep in conversation with the Brazilian president. Our eyes briefly met.

Bowing my head, I greeted him softly, and Koizumi returned a slight nod.

Scanning the room, I noticed Song Chan-hyeok and Roman having a hat in the distance.

I approached them to extend my greetings.

"Senator Song."

The two men turned their heads toward me, having been engrossed in their conversation.

"Boss Kim, it's been a while."

Song Chan-hyeok genuinely welcomed e, completely different from how things were before.

As I finished greetings with Song Chan-hyeok, Roman also welcome me warmly.

"Charlie, welcome!"

"Yes, Roman."

After exchanging pleasantries with Roman, I took my seat.

While having some light conversation with the two, the closing ceremony commenced.

Once the ceremony concluded, the players finally began to enter.

The legendary Brazilian Dream Team, boasting Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, walked in alongside the Korean national team, who were rewriting history.

And then, in the heart of Japan, the Korean national anthem began to resonate.


Chương 386: Chapter 386: I Want to Dissuade You

An old mansion on the outskirts of Tokyo. The heavy atmosphere lingered around the vintage estate.

"What kind of person was Kim Mu-hyeok during your meetingtoday?"

A man knelt before Daigo Tadashige.

The man, bowing his head, asked in a small voice.

"He was an interesting person. It was a refreshing meeting. If he were Japanese, I could even consider him as my successor."

Daigo Tadashige's praise of Kim Mu-hyeok revealed the man's rowing agitation.

Seeing this, Daigo Tadashige let out a loud laugh.

"Araki!"

"Did you call for me, Chairman?"

"Are you jealous of Kim Mu-hyeok?"

"No, not at all."

The man called Araki bit his lip in denial.

Daigo Tadashige regarded Araki with an expression of displeasure.

"You are my successor. So why are you so anxious? Someone who is meant to reign over others should not easily show their emotions. Chairmen of the Dae Dong-hui cannot wear their hr hearts on their sleeves. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes, Chairman. I will heed your words seriously."

"Indeed. It was just a brief encounter due to my connection with Chairman Cheon, but it left quite an impression. He spoke to me without flinching at all."

Lifting his head, Araki didn't bother to hide his shock as he cautiously replied.

"Isn't it true that he doesn't know who you are?"

Daigo Tadashige chuckled softly. The hostility evident in Kim Mu-hyeok's gaze clearly indiated that he was aware of who he was dealing with.

"No, that's not it. That was definitely a look of someone who knew me. Although he pretended to be unaware… If he didn't, he wouldn't have welcomed me so readily."

Raising his teacup, Daigo Tadashige continued to speak.

"He could certainly become a worthy competitor for you. Keep a close watch, Araki."

"Yes, Chairman."

Though Araki bowed his head obediently, Daigo Tadashige, observing him, cleared his throat with a subtle expression.

After his meeting with Kim Mu-hyeok, Daigo Tadashige fet that Araki Sadao seemed lacking in some way, even though he had chosen him as his successor.

The intensity in Kim Mu-hyeok's eyes made him fee a rush of youth he hadn't felt in years.

Since taking the position as the leader of the Dae Dong-hui, no one had dared td to challenge him.

Not even the prime minister responsible for the cabinet, nor the heads of chaebols.

They had always bowed to him, which made it natural for Daigo Tadashige to control everything from behind the scenes.

However, the abrupt appearance of Kim Mu-hyeok felt too foreign.

Here was an individual who could threaten an entire nation, Japan, and uniquely extract what he desired.

"Unfortunately, he is not someone who can join us. We must proceed according to our plans."

"Understood, Chairman."

"This is just the beginning. We must reclaim the glory of the Empire of Japan starting now. No mistakes can be tolerated. Do you hear me?"

Araki knelt and bowed so low that his forehead nearly touched the ground.

"Yes! I will obey your commands!"

A voice unwavering, Daigo Tadashige finally smiled in satisfaction.

"You may go now. I need to rest."

Araki responded softly, rising and backing out of the room.

Once the door closed and Daigo Tadashige was left alone, he murmured to himself.

"I must successfully abolish the Peace Constitution and succeed in the constitutional amendment this time. Yes, I have to."

* * *

The Korea-Japan World Cup final.

As the national anthem rang out in Japan, a smile never left Song Chan-hyeok's face.

After successfully generating buzz for the World Cup, along with the excellent performance of the Korean national football team, Song Chan-hyeok's popularity soared

I closely observed him.

'He isn't thinking of running for president, is he?'

Noticing my gaze, Song Chan-hyeok turned his head andasked.

"Do you have something to say to me?"

I replied with a smile, "Your popularity is incredible. There are jokes going around that you could win the presidential election easily at this rate."

"Haha, I've seen such articles myself."

"Are you considering running for president?"

In response to my question, Song Chan-hyeok pretended to ponderseriously.

"If I ran, do you think I could be elected? What do you think, Boss Kim?"

A silent chuckle escaped me. He was clearly just joking as he spoke about it, even though he had it in mind.

"Just because you have popularity doesn't guarantee you'll win. I worry about you following in your father Chairman Song's footsteps."

Upon hearing my negative remark, Song Chan-hyeok's eyebrows slightlytwitched.

"My apologies. I guess I shouldn't have asked since you have personal ties with Boss Kim and Yoon Chang-ho."

Mentioning Yoon Chang-ho directly seemed to upset him considerably.

That said, with this level of popularity, anyone would be filled with pride.

"Leaving aside my relationship with Yoon Chang-ho, it would be tough to achieve a good outcome. Would the public really stand by and watch a chaebol become president? Right now, they might overlook it due to the World Cup hype, but there are still six months until the election, Song Representative."

I continued, watching the discomfort on Song Chan-hyeok's face as he cringe at my blunt words.

"If someone is suggesting you run for president despite all this, they're looking to use you. They want you to jump in based solely on public popularity, with no force or preparation behind you. It's not going to end well."

"Hmm."

Someone has already gotten close, speaking in riddles like this.

I could tell from Song Chan-hyeok's expression and acions that he had received offers to run for president.

I was uncertain what changes might come if he announced his candidacy, but politics was a living, changing entity.

Even if the support for Yoon Chang-ho surpassed 50% right now, should Choi Seon-man decide to move, the political landscape could shift dramatically.

Naturally, this would raise Song Chan-hyeok's value considerabl.

"Ultimately, the choice is yours, Representative. However, I want to dissuade you."

"Do you believe it's impossible?"

"Yes, it's impossible. There's not even a 1% chance. If you decide to run, you'll only serve as a pacemaker. You wouldn't be running as an independent, right? So, regardless of which party you join, you would have to go through a primary contest. Do you really think you can do that without any backing? As someone who has served four terms, you surely know this."

Song Chan-hyeok was a seasoned poliician, having served four consecutive terms as a member of the National Assembly, representing Ulsan, the city of Daehyeon Automotive and Daehyeon Heavy Industries.

In fact, in Ulsan, anyone from Daehyeon would likely win an election, making even a four-term politician's renown seem lighter.

Song Chan-hyeok, who had rolled thrugh the political arena for quite a while, wouldn't be unaware of this.

Nonetheless, for now, it was best to remain silent, and I decided it was time to conclude our conversation.

"My advice ends here. Let's enjoy the game now."

The whistle blew, signaling the start of the match, and I turned my gaze towards the stadium.

The match, initiated with a Brazilian attack, was surprisingly even.

Brazil dominated possession and led the offensive, while Korea defended with all their might.

By the end of the first half, Brazil had taken more than ten shots, but none found the net.

It was that intense a game. As the atmosphere grew heated, cheers for each team grew louder.

The red wave created by the Red Devils from Korea stood out vividly.

"One moment…"

After the first half ended, Koizumi's secretary approached me.

"Kim Mu-hyeok, would you mind folowing me?"

I nodded slightly and stood up.

He guided me to a small room inside the stadium.

Upon opening the door, Prime Minister Koizumi awaited.

"Welcome."

"Yes, Prime Minister."

After quickly exchanging greetings, we sat facing each other. With no need for pleasantries, I straightforwardly asked, "Have you made a decision?"

"…Surely it won't fail, right?"

"Of course. Even if something goes wrong, you will not be affected. But should you entertain different thoughts…"

"I have no intention of doing so, so don't say that."

Koizumi interrupted me firmly.

With that, he produced a memo from his pocket and placed it on the table.

"This is the core member list of the Dae Dong-hui."y."

Without looking at the paper, I questioned him once more, "Are you quite sure about your decision?"

During our last meeting, he had not given me a definitive reply. He seemed to be seeking an escape once again.

If he attempted that again this time, I would have no choice but to withdraw.

However, Koizumi nodded with determined eyes.

"If you eliminate just these individuals, I'll handle the rest myself."

"Understood."

Only then did I pick up the memo.

Five names were written on it.

Daigo Tadashige.

Araki Sadao.

Honjo Shigeru.

Honda Kumataro.

Aoki Kazuo.

The names that also appeared in the documents Jessica had provided.

"Is it just these people I need to eliminate?"

"Yes. Once they are removed, the Dae Dong-hui will inevitably loslose influence. They are the extreme right among the right-wing factions. In particular, the chairman, Daigo Tadashige, and his successor, Araki Sadao…"

Koizumi trailed off, but I could understand clearly what he meant.

They had to be eliminated without exception.

"Understood. I'll take care of it."

"The sooner, the better. We never know when the Self-Defense Forces might move."

"Do you not know the precise plan?"

"Perhaps by now, they've already laid out the details. I have no way of knowing for sure. But I suspect they will notify me the day before execution."

That made sense. It was a stroke of luck that Koizumi was aware of the movements of the Self-Defense Forces.

"Once the clash among drug organizations begins, they will act. I suspect it won't be long after the World Cup concludes. Right now, everyone is focused on the World Cup. After that, we'll infiltrate our mercenaries into Japan and proceed with the plans."

"Do you not need my help?"

"If you help carelessly, you might risk exposure. Not assisting is, in fact, helping."

It could become more dangerous to receive unnecessary help from Koizumi.

Quietly resolving the matter without alerting anyone and departing Japan seemed the best strategy.

Regardless, the mercenaries coming in this time all possessed Russian nationality.

Even if the trail were to be uncovered, we would find a way to escape.

I looked at Koizumi and said, "By the way, Daigo Tadashige came to see me today. I doubt your assistance would benefit me at all, Prime Minister."

Koizumi looked taken aback and asked, "Daigo Tadashige visited you?"

"Yes, he came to my hotel."

"…Did he know we were meeting?"

Koizumi's voice trembled ever so slightly.

"No. He merely mentioned that he came because of a brief connection with my grandfather. I don't think he knew about your relationship with me."

"He is not someone who easily moves…"

Seeing Koizumi rolling his eyes anxiously, I chuckled as I replied, "Don't worry. In fact, I was convinced during that meeting that I couldn't walk the same path as the Dae Dong-hui."y."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. He warned me. He said the time for merely watching was over and that I should quit meddling. Oh, and he also told me to stay away from Korea."

"…"

"It was a gaze that expressed distrust towards anyone but himself, looking down on me. I understood well why you could not walk alongside him. So, you needn't worry. I absolutely cannot join forces with Daigo Tadashige."

Koizumi nodded slightly, seemingly in agreement.

Certainly, he felt more anxious about my unwillingness to cooperate with Daigo Tadashige than anything else.

"If you say so, Kim Mu-hyeok, then I will trust ou. For me, there are no options other than to join hands with you."

The concept of power was so terrifying that even the Prime Minister of Japan had to cling to someone he despised.

Yet, ultimately, wielding power with the aid of external forces is fleeting.

This was certain to become a trap, ensnaring Koizumi's feet.

Just then, a loud cheer erupted from the stadium.

Did Korea score? Unconsciously, I turned my head slightly.

"It's time to get up. The second half seems to have started."


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