"You want to join the Kengan Annihilation Tournament?"
In the old-fashioned Japanese room, Erioh sat formally by the tea table, frowning. "Our clan did receive the commission, but we've already chosen Raian as our representative. You're not a clan member; it wouldn't be appropriate to let you fight."
"You misunderstand. I'm not asking to fight as the Kure clan's representative."
Gusion shook his head. He was here to say goodbye, but also to see if he could get a little help.
"Oh, I almost forgot—with your strength, you could represent any company. Since you brought it up, you must have a special purpose?"
Erioh was curious.
"You're sharp. I want to fight as the Fang of Metsudo."
Gusion smiled.
The Fang of Metsudo is currently the peak of the Kengan Association—the chairman's personal fighter, the strongest in the ring.
Erioh was stunned, then narrowed his eyes at Gusion for a long time. "Hahaha, you have quite the ambition!"
"It's not ambition. I just want to ask Chairman Metsudo for a favor. If I don't prove my worth, he likely won't help."
Gusion said, "And since you're the first generation Fang, an introduction from you would save a lot of bloodsheds."
Erioh understood. Gusion could certainly just challenge and replace the current Fang by force, but that could cause a bloody conflict. With his introduction, Gusion could challenge the current Fang without unnecessary violence—a win-win.
"That's a small matter, I'll tell the old man. But you must have another request?"
Erioh said. He hadn't met the current Fang but had confidence in Raian. Even if the current Fang was stronger than Raian, he wouldn't be much stronger, and Gusion was beyond specs.
Yes, even in his youth, Erioh probably wasn't as strong as Gusion.
After observing these few days, he was sure—Gusion's strength wasn't just about his superhuman physique, but also the ultimate mastery of martial arts.
Erioh felt Gusion didn't even need to learn Removal—his skills alone could crush those with greater raw strength. And there weren't many with more power than superhumans anyway.
So he thought Gusion only wanted his introduction for courtesy; there must be another request.
"You see through me. I do have a favor to ask, but you've seen I'm a wanted man with no money. I can't afford a sky-high commission."
Gusion said a little sheepishly.
Erioh sipped his tea. "You've taught Raian a lot outside the original deal—that's worth plenty. Go ahead, what do you want investigated?"
Gusion thought it was nice dealing with smart people—he didn't even have to say it. "I'd like you to investigate whether there are any particularly unusual contestants in this Kengan Annihilation Tournament or anyone whose strength has recently skyrocketed."
Gusion figured the Origin Seed wouldn't be hidden too deeply—it would appear during the tournament. But he couldn't wait until then.
He didn't know the other explorers' missions, but if he didn't secure the Origin Seed, he'd die. The longer the current holder survived, the harder the mission would get.
He liked challenging strong opponents, but he wasn't Vegeta—he had to stay alive to keep climbing.
He already had a final opponent in this world he wanted to fight. He couldn't die before that, or he'd die with regrets.
So, the best plan was to find and secure the Origin Seed before the tournament, so he could focus on the rest of the mission.
"That's a strange request. I won't ask why. Once we have info, we'll contact you."
Erioh said. As the head of an assassination clan, he was professional and didn't pry into clients' motives.
Gusion bowed. "Thank you. I've received much kindness from you these days. If I run into the Westward Faction, and you don't mind outside help, I'll deal with them for you."
Erioh's eyes changed. "You really know a lot…"
"I've always been interested in Wu Clan matters. Just heard about it by chance. If you'd rather I not interfere, pretend I didn't say anything."
Gusion smiled. In this world, the Wu Clan has three factions—the Main Family Wu Clan and Japanese Kure Clan are lawful evil, while the Westward Faction is chaotic evil.
Not long ago, the three Wu factions cooperated to attack The Worm base.
The Worm is a global terrorist organization, often carrying out attacks. This time, during the Three Wu joint assault, the Kure and Wu Clan were wiped out—because the Westward Faction betrayed them.
More accurately, the Westward Faction had long been working with the Worm, and with the Sage Shen Wulong.
Because of this betrayal, the Kure suffered heavy losses and wanted revenge, but didn't find a good opportunity.
In the sequel, Gusion knew the Westward's representative, Edward Wu, was very strong. In the original, the old man here led the whole clan to gang up on him, and only barely won by sacrificing his own life.
Gusion felt he owed the Kure clan, so if he ran into Edward Wu, he'd kill him as a favor.
"If you can do it, the Kure clan will remember the debt."
Erioh Yang said. He wasn't rigid—revenge was all that mattered. "But be careful—you're strong at martial arts, but when it comes to killing, our Kure clan are the real experts."
Gusion smiled. "Have you forgotten? I'm a death row inmate for mass murder. Don't worry—if the Westward Faction crosses my path, it's their bad luck."
After a brief chat, Gusion left the room under Erioh's gaze—and left the Kure clan.
Half an hour later, Karura ran into the room, looking around. "Grandpa, where's Gusion?"
"He's gone."
"Where?"
"To climb the mountain called martial arts."