Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

This late-night call was unusual. Ever since the NEO STARS incident, the mysterious eldest daughter of the Toyokawa family would only contact him when she had specific needs.

He took a deep breath and pressed the answer button, his tone cautious and respectful:

"Miss Xiangzi, why are you calling so late? What's the matter?"

The voice on the other end of the phone was calm and elegant, with a composure that didn't match her age:

"Mr. Yamamoto, I'd like to know something about guns."

Yamamoto Ryuichi's body froze instantly, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around the phone.

Countless possibilities flashed through his mind, each more disturbing than the last.

Guns? Toyokawa Shoko asked what guns were for?

His breath hitched in his throat for a second. "...gun?"

"Yes."

The other party's voice remained calm, without any fluctuation due to his surprise:

"I'm wondering if Mr. Yamamoto could provide me with some resources in this area."

Yamamoto Ryuichi stood up and walked to the window to make sure there was no one around.

Even in his own quarters, this conversation made him uneasy. His brow furrowed, his eyes sharp and alert.

He was well aware that guns were one of the most sensitive topics in Japan, and even with his background and connections, he needed to be extremely cautious when entering this area.

Yamamoto Ryuichi's mind was racing. He needed to avoid discussing such sensitive topics on the phone without offending the other party.

"Ms. Xiangzi, with all due respect, this is not a topic that can be discussed over the phone."

His voice was low and cautious as he weighed the possibilities in his mind.

"Of course, I understand."

There was a chuckle on the other end of the phone.

"So, Mr. Yamamoto, where do you think it would be a good place to discuss this?"

"If it's convenient," he said, choosing his words carefully, the wariness in his voice slightly lessened. "You can come to my office tomorrow afternoon. I'll text you the address."

His office has been specially designed to prevent eavesdropping and recording, making it an ideal place to discuss sensitive topics.

"I'll be there on time tomorrow afternoon at three."

The call ended just like that, brief and direct, without any greetings or pleasantries, like a purely business transaction.

Yamamoto Ryuichi put down his phone, his forehead covered with fine beads of sweat.

He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, as if subconsciously confirming that there were no prying eyes around, and then took a deep breath.

Why did the eldest daughter of the Toyokawa family suddenly become interested in guns?

This question lingered in his mind, with a bit of vigilance, but also mixed with a hint of excitement.

As a businessman with extensive connections in both the black and white worlds, Yamamoto Ryuichi has an almost instinctive sense of danger. And at this moment, he smells the scent of opportunity.

What kind of signal is this? Is it a need for protection, or is there some other...purpose?

He gently massaged his temples, thinking back to the NEO STARS incident a few weeks ago.

At that time, Toyokawa Shoko simply mentioned the three words "Star Entertainment", and he immediately understood the other party's intention and took action quickly.

The result was far beyond expectations - NEO STARS's image collapsed and Star Entertainment fell into a public opinion crisis.

And he, Ryuichi Yamamoto, benefited greatly from this secret operation.

In the chaos after the NEO STARS incident, he successfully acquired a small record company under Star Entertainment and got the contract at almost a bargain price.

Under normal circumstances, these assets would cost him at least three times the price. More importantly, this move greatly increased his influence in the entertainment industry, and many agencies actively sought cooperation, fearing that they would become the next "victim."

Yamamoto Ryuichi walked to the small bar in his office and poured himself a glass of whiskey.

The amber wine sparkled in the light, reminding him of Shoko Toyokawa's eyes.

He took a sip, the burning sensation from the alcohol making his mind clearer.

Perhaps Toyokawa Shoko felt threatened and needed a way to protect herself?

But with the power of the Toyokawa family, if they really needed protection, they could hire professional bodyguards instead of learning how to use guns themselves.

Unless...she doesn't trust the people around her.

The thought gave Yamamoto Ryuichi a chill.

Is there some undercurrent within the Toyokawa family that he is unaware of?

No matter what the truth is, one thing is certain - Toyokawa Shoko needs him at this moment, and he also needs Toyokawa Shoko.

Ever since the NEO STARS incident, he has clearly realized that it is far more advantageous to cooperate with Shoko Toyokawa than to fight against her.

Try to meet the other party's conditions as much as possible.

he thought.

...

The next afternoon, Renji Kujo appeared in front of Ryuichi Yamamoto's office on time.

She was wearing a simple dark blue dress with blue twin ponytails hanging down her shoulders. She looked like an ordinary high school girl.

In the office, Yamamoto Ryuichi stood up from behind the desk and bowed respectfully: "Ms. Xiangzi, welcome."

"Mr. Yamamoto."

Kujo Renji nodded briefly in greeting, then sat down on the sofa with an elegant and natural posture.

The office is decorated in a simple yet upscale style. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of Tokyo city. A Ukiyo-e-style painting hangs on the wall, forming a sharp contrast with the modern furniture.

Yamamoto Ryuichi personally poured a cup of tea for Kujo Renji, then sat on the sofa opposite with a cautious smile on his face. "Regarding the special needs that Ms. Xiangzi mentioned last night...I wonder what exactly they are?"

Kujo Renji took a sip of tea and said, "It's just a hobby."

"Interested in guns...?"

Yamamoto Ryuichi's expression was obviously relaxed, but the doubt in his eyes deepened. "Ms. Xiangzi, do you mean collecting, or..."

"Use it." Kujo Renji put down his teacup: "I want to learn how to use a gun."

This direct answer left Yamamoto speechless for a moment.

He studied the seemingly petite, blue-haired girl before him, trying to understand her sudden interest.

"Miss Xiangzi, please forgive me for being frank."

Yamamoto Ryuichi weighed his words:

"Japan's gun laws are very strict. Private gun ownership is illegal, even for the Toyokawa family..."

Jiujo Renji seemed to see his doubts and said:

"Mr. Yamamoto misunderstood. I only have an academic interest in guns. My family never allows me to touch these 'dangerous items'."

A flash of realization flashed across Yamamoto Ryuichi's eyes, and then he laughed: "I see. Actually, I happen to have the resources in this area."

He paused, as if weighing something:

"If Miss Xiangzi really wants to experience the feeling of a real gun, I have a legally registered shooting club in the suburbs. There are all kinds of guns there, all with special licenses."

A glint of interest flashed in Kujo Renji's eyes: "Shooting club? Sounds interesting."

In Japan, a country with extremely strict gun control, it is almost impossible for ordinary people to get their hands on real guns.

The Gun and Knife Act, implemented in 1978, almost completely prohibits the public from owning firearms, with the exception of hunting rifles and air rifles. Even hunting rifles require an extremely tedious application process, including a mental evaluation, background check, multiple training sessions, and regular inspections.

However, the underworld always finds a way to slip through the cracks of the law.

Kujo Renji knew that the so-called "legally registered shooting clubs" were often a cover used by yakuza organizations to cover up illegal activities.

Because he did the same thing in his previous life.

Ostensibly, these clubs do have business licenses and may even hold a limited number of legal firearms for "competitive training."

But in reality, these places are perfect places to use the club's legal status to import "spare parts" or "training models". The purchased parts are cleverly designed and can be easily assembled into deadly weapons.

Moreover, the noise of a shooting club is a natural cover - who would be surprised by the sound of gunfire coming from a shooting range?

“Yes, it mainly provides shooting experience for tourists and people in some special industries.”

Yamamoto Ryuichi explained, his tone gradually relaxing, "All guns are legally registered and under the supervision of professional instructors, so they are completely safe."

"That sounds just what I want." Kujo Renji stood up. "Is it convenient for me to go take a look now?"

Yamamoto Ryuichi was slightly stunned, then nodded:

"Of course, my car is downstairs and will be there in fifteen minutes."

..

Ryuichi Yamamoto's shooting club is located in a secluded area near Tokyo. It looks like an ordinary warehouse from the outside, but the interior is decorated in a very modern style.

"Welcome to the 'Fireline' shooting club."

Yamamoto Ryuichi led Kujo Renji through the security checkpoint, his voice filled with complacency:

"This is one of the few civilian shooting ranges in Japan that has been granted a special permit."

The interior of the club is spacious and bright, divided into several areas: front desk reception area, equipment room, live-fire shooting area and simulation training area.

Medals and photos from various shooting competitions hang on the walls, and replicas of antique guns are displayed in the corners.

"Is this place usually open to the public?" Kujo Renji looked around, his eyes lingering on some details.

Yamamoto nodded slightly: "Not entirely, after all, customers need to be screened."

He brought Kujo Renji to a glass display case that displayed various pistols.

"These are all guns from my personal collection."

Yamamoto Ryuichi's eyes flashed with enthusiasm: "From left to right, they are the Glock 17, the Beretta M92F pistol, and this classic Colt Python revolver."

Jiujo Renji's eyes swept over these guns one by one, and he said with a smile:

"The Glock 17, 9mm caliber, 17-round magazine capacity, and weighing approximately 625 grams, is a classic model of the Austrian Glock company."

A hint of surprise flashed across Yamamoto Takashi's eyes: "Ms. Xiangzi knows a lot about guns?"

“I just read some information.”

Kujo Renji said this lightly, but his eyes had already moved on to the next gun:

"The Beretta M92F pistol, made in Italy and also chambered in 9mm, was once the standard pistol for the U.S. military. It has an elegant design, but is heavy and not well-suited for shooters with smaller hands."

His gaze continued to move: "The P226 was originally designed for the U.S. Army's pistol replacement program. Although it ultimately lost to Beretta, it became popular among special forces due to its superior quality and reliability."

Yamamoto Ryuichi's eyes widened completely at this point, his expression somewhere between shock and admiration:

"Ms. Xiangzi...this knowledge is not simply acquired through 'reading some materials.' Your understanding of firearms is astonishing."

Ignoring the other party's awkward boasting, Kujo Renji smiled slightly:

"Mr. Yamamoto, thank you for your compliment. Since you're here, could you let me give it a try?"

Yamamoto Ryuichi quickly suppressed his surprise and nodded, "Of course. Does Miss Xiangzi have any preferences?"

"Let's start with the basics."

There was a hint of anticipation in Kujo Renji's tone:

"Let's go with the Glock 17. It's one of the best guns for beginners."

Yamamoto nodded slightly, signaling the staff to prepare. He led Kujo Renji to a separate shooting position, where the staff had already prepared goggles, earmuffs, and a Glock 17.

Renji Kujo put on goggles and earmuffs, then reached out to take the Glock 17.

When his fingers touched the cold metal, a wonderful feeling came over him.

He was very familiar with the weight, texture, and balance of the gun. However, at the same time, Toyokawa Shoko's fingers felt unfamiliar with the touch, and his muscle memory was completely blank, causing his movements of holding the gun to be somewhat stiff and unnatural.

Kujo Renji's brain knew clearly how to hold a gun - the thumb was positioned high on the side of the gun, the index finger was stretched out and placed on the outside of the trigger guard, the middle finger was placed under the trigger guard, and the ring finger and little finger were tightly gripping the gun handle.

But Toyokawa Shoko's hands were like the first time she had touched a gun, and she was unable to immediately adopt the most appropriate posture according to the instructions in her mind.

"Miss Xiangzi, please relax your wrist a little."

Yamamoto Ryuichi instructed from the side: "Hold the gun with both hands, and wrap your non-dominant hand around your main hand to form a stable platform."