After a long journey across Nara Prefecture, the black car carrying Yuuta and Genzou finally slowed down.
The vehicle came to a halt right in front of a grand, intricately carved black iron gate.
Through the car window, Yuuta’s eyes were immediately drawn to a nameplate on the red brick wall flanking the gate.
The inscription there was clearly legible: Kudou.
(Kudou…
Is this that Kudou Clan?) Holding back his curiosity, Yuuta observed the residence closely.
He had to admit that the atmosphere here was vastly different from that of his own clan’s estate.
While the Yotsuba Clan’s Main House in Yotsuba Village was the embodiment of traditional Japanese architecture, steeped in a sense of seclusion and antiquity, the Kudou Clan’s Main House leaned toward an elegant Western style.
The residence stood majestically, dominated by sturdy red brick walls.
In front of the main gate, there was a small bridge with aesthetic stone railings crossing what appeared to be a protective moat.
Behind the high brick fence and neatly manicured greenery stood a classic European-style building with rows of large windows and a roof featuring sharp decorative accents.
The towering cypress trees in the garden area provided a sense of privacy as well as extraordinary established wealth.
The car stopped directly in front of the entrance after the gate opened automatically.
Genzou stepped out first, followed by Yuuta, who straightened his formal suit.
There, an elderly butler in a perfect Western servant’s livery stood tall, welcoming them with a precisely calculated bow.
“Welcome, Genzou-sama.” “Retsu-sama is awaiting your arrival inside.
Please, follow me.” “Mm.” Genzou merely gave a slight nod, his face returning to the cold, emotionless expression that was his trademark.
Yuuta stepped calmly behind his uncle.
As he crossed the threshold of the massive Kudou residence, he could feel a shift in the Psion pressure around him.
This was not just a luxury home; it was a fortress saturated with multiple layers of defensive magic.
Guided by the elderly butler, they walked down a hallway of cold marble toward the place where the master of the house waited.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆ The butler came to a halt in front of a pair of solid double wooden doors.
After knocking softly and receiving a murmured permission from within, he swung them wide for Genzou and Yuuta, before finally closing them again to stand faithfully on guard outside.
The room possessed a classic atmosphere, dominated by dark wood paneling and dramatic lighting.
In the center of the room was a plush, dark green sofa surrounding a low wooden table.
There, a man of about thirty sat with a remarkably upright and authoritative posture.
The man had neatly styled blue-black hair and wore a formal black suit complete with a black tie, giving off an aura of extreme seriousness.
However, the most striking and eerie aspect was the sclera of his eyes—pitch black, contrasting sharply with his piercing irises, as if staring directly into the soul of anyone who looked at him.
“Welcome to the Kudou Clan’s Main House, Genzou.” “Thank you for the warm reception, Retsu.” The man sitting on the sofa immediately stood up and shook Genzou’s hand firmly.
“It’s been a long time, old friend.” “And this is…?” The man’s gaze then shifted to Yuuta, who stood quietly beside Genzou.
There was a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
He knew that Genzou only had two daughters, yet the child before him was clearly a boy.
Genzou placed a hand on Yuuta’s shoulder, nudging him slightly forward.
“He is my nephew, the son of Mahiro and Nagisa.
His name is Yuuta.” Genzou then looked at Yuuta.
“Yuuta, allow me to introduce you.
This man is Kudou Retsu.
He is the current Head of the Kudou Clan, as well as an old friend of mine.” The relationship between Retsu and Genzou was indeed more than just a political alliance; they were old friends united by mutual respect for each other’s strength and vision.
Yuuta stepped forward and bowed with perfect etiquette, displaying the high discipline of the Yotsuba Clan.
“It is an honor to meet you, Kudou-sama.
I am Yotsuba Yuuta.” Retsu let out a small laugh, the eerie aura of his eyes softening slightly.
“I see…
so he is Mahiro’s son.
He looks just like his father.
There’s no need to be so formal, lad.
Given my relationship with your uncle, just call me Uncle Retsu.” He then gestured toward the sofa.
“Come, let’s not talk while standing.
Please, have a seat.” Yuuta and Genzou sat on the sofa opposite Retsu.
Shortly after, the door opened and a maid entered with silent steps, serving warm green tea and some snacks on the table before excusing herself.
(So this is Kudou Retsu’s appearance in his youth.
He is one of the strongest Magicians in the world and the architect of the future Ten Master Clans system,) Yuuta thought to himself while staring at the man in front of him.
The Ten Master Clans system itself didn’t actually exist yet; that system would only be formed after the war ended.
The Ten Master Clans would later be the title for the ten most influential Magician families in Japan, whose power even exceeded the nation’s judicial authority.
There were a total of twenty-eight families worthy of being called candidates, but only the ten families with the strongest magic would hold the title, while the rest served as replacements called the Eighteen Assistant Families.
When it became known that talent in modern society was influenced by one’s genetic leanings, various efforts were made to strengthen bloodlines by repeatedly reinforcing blood ties between families.
The Japanese Magician lineage had become the most advanced application in the world.
This was because, among the various cultural backgrounds in most developed countries, Japan was the most receptive to marital relationships based on genetic superiority.
The Ten Master Clans themselves consisted of Magicians genetically modified in Ten Magic Research Institutes, where each institute was numbered from 1 to 10.
The Yotsuba Clan itself was the result of experiments from the Fourth Institute Laboratory.
“…” Unaware of the thoughts inside his nephew’s head, Genzou cleared his throat, providing a brief introduction to the man before them.
“Yuuta, you should know that Retsu is not just any ordinary clan head.” “He is a peak Magician on the Front Lines.
He has been directly involved in various major battles and has become an unshakeable symbol of Japan’s military strength.
Currently, he holds the position of Commander of the National Defense Forces, leading the resistance against invasions from foreign nations, such as the Great Asian Alliance.” Genzou paused for a moment, letting the information sink in before continuing.
“Not only that, Retsu is the founder of the Ninth Institute Laboratory.
He is a key figure behind the entire development of this country’s magic technology.
Under his leadership, the Ninth Institute focuses on the modernization of ancient magic—turning old traditions into highly efficient modern weapons—which has subsequently produced many formidable Magicians for the needs of war.” Hearing the string of praises coming from his old friend’s mouth, Retsu looked slightly uncomfortable.
He scratched the back of his neck and let out a small, somewhat awkward laugh.
“Enough, Genzou.
You’re making me feel quite embarrassed with all that flattery.” Retsu waved his hand, signaling his friend to stop.
“Quit praising me and just tell me your real purpose.” “Even though World War III seems to be entering a cold war phase, true peace hasn’t quite arrived yet.
It’s rare for people of our caliber to have free time just to gather.
So, you didn’t come to see me today just to show me off to your nephew, right?” Genzou placed his teacup down with a firm movement on the table, then looked Retsu straight in the eye.
“I want you to be Yuuta’s private tutor.” “…” The room suddenly went silent.
Retsu raised his eyebrows slightly, appearing surprised by the unexpected request.
Genzou continued with a tone that showed how serious he was.
“I deeply value your vast knowledge and your unparalleled ability to blend ancient magic with modern systems.
Because of that, I want to entrust my nephew’s basic magic education and mental development to you.
I want you to forge him yourself.” 🎁Access 180+ chapters: [Anime Crossover: Making Money in Classroom of the Elite] 🎁Access Kamikawa Naoki <END> 🎁Access 30 chapters: [Journey to Planar Word] 🎁Access 120+ chapters: [Infinity Reincarnation] 📜Update Schedule: 📨Translated Fanfiction: 3 chapters per day 📨Original Fanfiction: 1-3 chapters per day 👍🏻Thank you so much for your incredible support, everyone!👍🏻