The handsome blond-haired, crimson-eyed boy possessed an extraordinary air, whether one judged him by his bearing or his lavish attire.
Yet the first thing he did was call someone a mongrel!
His ability to provoke others was truly unmatched.
Gatō’s subordinates froze for a moment before immediately stepping forward to demonstrate their loyalty to their master.
“Where did this filthy little brat come from?
How dare you—” “Silence!” Gatō interrupted his lackey and stared intently at Akira.
As the president of an international shipping company, Gatō possessed at least enough discernment to recognize when someone was extraordinary.
He could tell at a glance that Akira was no ordinary child.
“You…
Just who are you?” “Oh?
Are you afraid of me?” The smile on Akira’s face remained unchanged as he regarded Gatō with interest.
“…” Gatō’s expression immediately darkened.
Truthfully, he was somewhat frightened.
He sensed that the boy’s background was anything but simple.
According to Gatō’s speculation, Akira was most likely the son of a daimyo from one of the great nations.
Otherwise, how could he possibly behave with such arrogance?
“My honored king…” Tazuna bowed before Akira and moved closer, leaning toward his ear as though intending to explain Gatō’s identity in detail.
“There is no need.
I have no interest in learning what particular breed of mongrel he is.” Akira waved him away, looking utterly unconcerned.
“You!” Being called a mongrel yet again caused a vein to bulge prominently on Gatō’s forehead.
He began calculating his options.
Although Akira might be an important figure from one of the great nations, even a mighty dragon could not crush a local serpent on its own territory.
At the very least, within the Land of Waves, Gatō believed that his word was absolute!
“Who exactly are—” Gatō attempted to question him again, but Akira immediately cut him off.
“Shh~ Don’t speak.
Considering the reverence you have shown me, I shall temporarily forgive your earlier disrespect.
If you wish to live, disappear immediately.” Akira raised a finger to his lips, motioning for silence.
Still smiling, he continued, “This is the king’s mercy.
I have given you your opportunity, so spend the remainder of your life showing proper gratitude for it.” “You bastard!” Gatō was so furious that he felt smoke might pour from every opening in his head.
Although he remained wary of Akira’s possible status as an important figure, he could no longer tolerate the boy’s repeated contempt.
He had made his decision.
Regardless of Akira’s true identity, Gatō would capture him first and interrogate him afterward.
If he genuinely belonged to a powerful family from one of the great nations, Gatō could simply release him and offer an apology.
However, if he was merely the spoiled second-generation heir of some wealthy family from a minor country, Gatō would hold him for ransom, demand an enormous sum from his family, and then kill him once the payment arrived!
“Attack!
Capture that arrogant little brat!” Gatō roared the order.
His thugs immediately sprang into action.
Watching the hostile men approach, Akira’s smile did not fade.
He spread his hands and spoke with an expression of regret.
“What a pity.
You failed to seize your one and only chance to survive.” The moment his words fell, numerous golden ripples appeared behind him.
“Wh—?!” Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Weapons shot from the golden portals in rapid succession, instantly claiming the lives of Gatō’s thugs.
Clang!
The few samurai who possessed some measure of skill attempted to block the attacks with their swords.
Their efforts were no different from smashing eggs against a rock.
Not only were their blades shattered by the impact, but their bodies were also mangled by the countless weapons that followed!
Squelch!
Squelch!
Squelch!
Squelch!
Blood sprayed through the air.
Within three seconds, dozens of thugs had been shot down and left lying in pools of their own blood.
Only Gatō remained alive.
Gulp.
His sunglasses slipped from his face and fell to the ground.
Gatō’s eyes widened until they seemed ready to split apart as he stared blankly at his subordinates, all of whom had collapsed at once.
His legs began trembling uncontrollably.
Hum— With a wave of his hand, Akira drew forth a magnificent longsword forged entirely from gold and encrusted with countless gemstones.
He walked toward Gatō one step at a time, leaving bloody footprints behind him.
“Y-You…
Stay away from me!” Gatō was so terrified that he nearly lost control of his bowels.
He instinctively wanted to flee, but his trembling legs refused to move.
In the end, he could only drop to his knees and beg for mercy with terror covering his face.
“S-Spare me!
I-I can give you a great deal of money!” “That will not do~ Your wealth does not even amount to one hundred-millionth of what rests within my treasury.” Akira raised the golden sword in his hand and smiled.
“Look.
This is the treasure you love so much.
Shall I give it to you?” “N-No!
I wouldn’t dare!
I don’t want it!” Tears and mucus streamed down Gatō’s face as he frantically slammed his forehead against the ground.
“Please!
Spare me!” However, beneath his lowered head, his face twisted into a hideous expression of hatred.
As long as I survive today…
I’ll spend any amount necessary to hire powerful shinobi.
No matter the cost, I will have this boy killed!
“Hahahaha!
Even with death standing before you, you are still fantasizing about taking revenge on me.
Excellent~ As a ridiculous little clown, you have successfully entertained me.” Akira laughed loudly.
His narrowed crimson eyes seemed to see through everything.
“H-How do you know what I was thinking…?” Gatō raised his head and stared at Akira as though he had seen a ghost.
At that moment, the final trace of hope within his heart was extinguished.
Sha Naqba Imuru: The Omniscient Omnipotent Star— Whether it was a person’s True Name or the schemes they concealed within the deepest reaches of their heart, Akira could see through it all with a single glance.