Reborn in Hong Kong Island, I can see loyalty

Chapter 570 Ye Haoxuan: Brotherhood is the bottom line! If you mess with my brother, I'll take

The black sedan drove smoothly on the mountain road in the suburbs of Kyoto. The cherry blossom trees on both sides formed a dark wave in the night. When the wind blew, the delicate petals fell on the car window and were instantly swept away by the airflow.

Nanako Kusakari sat sideways in the passenger seat, occasionally glancing at Ye Haoxuan in the back seat through the rearview mirror. Seeing that he was always looking out the window with eyes as calm as a deep pool, she took the initiative to speak.

“Mr. Ye, my father said that Hoshino Taro deliberately caused trouble for Hung Hing. The matter in Hong Kong is not your fault.”

His tone wasn't deliberately warm, but rather carried a sense of frankness.

Ye Haoxuan withdrew his gaze and landed on her back, his voice neither loud nor soft:

“Miss Kusakari, there’s no need for you to explain. In the martial world, it’s always a matter of fists. Right and wrong are known to all. I killed Hoshino Taro because he attacked my brother first, and he broke the rules of the martial world.”

“I know.” Kusakari Nanako turned her head, her eyes showing no fear, but rather a hint of inquiry. “I’ve seen a lot of gang conflicts in Kyoto, mostly about scheming against each other for territory. There aren’t many like Mr. Ye, who would stand up to the Yamada-gumi for his brothers.”

"Brotherhood is the bottom line." Ye Haoxuan unconsciously rubbed the dried tangerine peel in his pocket with his fingertips. "Mr. Kusakari is also a man of great loyalty, otherwise he wouldn't have thought about his friendship with the previous leader of Dongxing."

When her father was mentioned, Nanako Kusakari's lips softened a little: "Father often said that if a person in the martial arts world loses his sense of loyalty and righteousness, he is no different from a wild beast. When Camel turned Shui Ling's apprentice against him, chased after Shui Ling, and killed his own brother, Father said that this person would eventually fall because of his own greed."

The two didn't exchange many words, but there was no awkward silence.

Nanako Kusakari didn't have the affectation of a rich heiress; she asked questions frankly and without beating around the bush. Ye Haoxuan didn't hold back either; every word he uttered touched on the roots of the underworld, which made him seem more sincere than deliberate small talk.

In the other car, Feng Yuxiu leaned against the window, his two short swords still resting on his knees. His eyes swept over the side roads along the way, and he said coldly:

"Tachibana, look at that black sedan behind us. It's been following us for three blocks."

Following his gaze, Tachibana Masahito saw a black car without license plates in the rearview mirror, following him at a distance with its headlights lowered.

He tapped his knee with his fingertips and said calmly, "They're Hoshino Jiro's men. Don't worry about them. They wouldn't dare to make a move on the Kusakari family's territory. At most, they'll just keep watch."

“Stalking them is annoying too.” A sharp glint flashed in Feng Yuxiu’s eyes. “Should I find a chance to take care of them?”

“No need.” Tachibana Masahito shook his head. “What Brother Xuan wants is to discuss matters peacefully, not to cause trouble in Kyoto. Letting them come along will let Hoshino Jiro know that we are not here to be afraid of him.”

Feng Yuxiu snorted coldly and stopped talking. He just gripped the short knife tightly, and his aura was frighteningly cold.

The cherry blossoms outside the car window gradually thinned out, and the Kusakari family villa finally appeared in the night – not a grand mansion, but an elegant Japanese garden with vines climbing the low walls and two stone lanterns standing at the entrance, their warm yellow light reflecting off the wooden sign on the door that read "Kusakari".

The car stopped, and the butler was already waiting at the door, bowing and greeting: "Mr. Ye, Miss Nanako."

Ye Haoxuan got out of the car, and as soon as his feet touched the ground, he saw an old man in a dark kimono walk out of the courtyard. His hair was white, but he was in good spirits and had bright eyes. He was holding a pipe in his hand. It was Kusakari Kazuo.

He was followed by two bodyguards, their auras calm and composed, without a trace of ferocity.

"Brother Ye, you must be tired from your journey!" Kusakari Kazuo strode forward, patted Ye Haoxuan's shoulder with a firm hand, conveying the appreciation of an elder for a younger man, without a trace of formality. "I've been looking forward to your arrival for quite some time now."

Ye Haoxuan bowed slightly, his tone respectful but not servile: "Mr. Kusakari is too kind. It is an honor for me to come and visit."

"Don't call me Mr. Kusakari, it's too formal." Kusakari Kazuo laughed heartily and pulled him into the courtyard. "Your brother Tachibana and I are sworn brothers. You are someone he respects, so you are my younger brother, Kusakari Kazuo. Come, come inside and sit down. I have prepared sake and kaiseki cuisine, all of which are to your liking."

Tachibana Masahito and Feng Yuxiu followed behind. Kusakari Nanako walked to the butler's side and whispered a few instructions, which were nothing more than telling him to keep an eye on the door and be on the lookout for suspicious people.

Cherry blossoms lay scattered on the ground in the courtyard. A tea set sat on the stone table, with incense burning beside it, its wisps of smoke dispelling the chill of the night.

Kusakari Kazuo pulled Ye Haoxuan to sit down, personally poured him a cup of sake, and said:

"Try it, this is Kikumasamune that I've been storing for ten years. It's stronger than the rice wine from Hong Kong Island, but it's not harsh on the throat."

Ye Haoxuan picked up the wine glass, his fingertips touching the warm glass. He took a small sip, and the refreshing aroma of the wine spread on his tongue. It was indeed strong but not harsh.

He put down his wine glass and got straight to the point: "Mr. Kusakari, I know you've come to see me for two reasons: first, to resolve the feud between the Yamada Group and Hung Hing; and second, to discuss an alliance. To be frank, Hung Hing is willing to form an alliance with the Yamada Group, but I still have trouble in Hong Kong – Camel is leading his old Tung Sing gang back to Hong Kong tonight, intending to take down Hung Hing's headquarters."

Upon hearing this, Kusakari Kazuo's face darkened. He slammed his pipe on the stone table, sending sparks flying. "That bastard Camel! His father entrusted me with the care of Tung Sing back then, and what did he do? He killed his brothers, seized territory, and now he dares to covet Hung Hing!"

He paused, looked at Ye Haoxuan, and said firmly, "Don't worry, brother, the Yamada Group will never help Camel in the slightest. I've already had someone keeping an eye on Hoshino Jiro. If he dares to collude with Camel, I'll be the first to punish him!"

"This junior thanks Mr. Kusakari." Ye Haoxuan stood up and cupped his hands. "With your words, this junior is relieved. Even if I am not in Hong Kong, my brothers can protect Hung Hing and repel the enemy."

“Alright.” Kazuo Kusakari nodded. “I knew long ago that you had many capable men under your command. Camel’s abilities are nothing to cause much trouble. Your brothers in Hong Kong can hold the line. You can rest tonight, and we’ll talk in detail tomorrow. Nanako, take Brother Ye to the guest room and make sure he’s settled in properly.”

“Yes, Father.” Kusakari Nanako stepped forward and gestured to Ye Haoxuan, “Mr. Ye, this way please.”

Ye Haoxuan nodded and followed her to the guest room.

The pebbly path in the courtyard rustled underfoot. Nanako Kusakari walked ahead, her steps light and quick, occasionally turning back to remind her, "These steps are steep, be careful."

"Thank you." Ye Haoxuan replied, his gaze sweeping across the corner of the courtyard. He saw samurai patrolling in the shadows, their posture upright and their aura steady. He knew that the Kusakari family's guards were indeed living up to their reputation.

The guest room is Japanese style, with tatami mats, a low table by the window, and a cherry blossom picture hanging on the wall.