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.Gan'an, standing before Ryuji with a respectful posture, smiled but did not make any demands. "I have no requests, Mr. Ryuji," he said cautiously, aware that asking too much could ruin this rare opportunity. "However," he continued with a respectful nod, "my daughter, Kaguya, has long admired you. If possible, I would be honored if you allowed her to stay by your side."

Gan'an was tactful. He didn't outright suggest that Ryuji marry Kaguya. He knew better than to try and bind a man like Ryuji. Instead, he hinted at having Kaguya accompany him, allowing Ryuji the freedom to decide what role she might play.

Kaguya, the subject of the proposal, looked momentarily stunned, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She glanced at Ryuji, then lowered her head, looking both embarrassed and hopeful. While she was here partially because of her family's wishes, there was an undeniable admiration in her heart. After witnessing Ryuji's overwhelming strength, Kaguya felt a genuine desire to stand beside him.

Gathering her courage, Kaguya looked up, her gaze meeting Ryuji's.

"…"

Ryuji didn't answer right away. Instead, he gave her a reassuring smile, one that seemed to say he understood her feelings. Finally, he nodded. "Alright."

Kaguya's eyes lit up with excitement, and Gan'an visibly relaxed, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. Around them, those who understood the implications exchanged glances. It was clear: the Shinomiya family had successfully aligned themselves with Ryuji.

Some of the other chaebol heads wore looks of regret, realizing too late that they should have acted more decisively. The Shinomiya family had seized the opportunity first, leaving them trailing behind.

Gan'an, sensing the opportunity, continued, "Thank you for your favor, Mr. Ryuji. As a show of my family's commitment, I am willing to hand over half of the Shinomiya family's shares to you. From this day forward, we pledge our full support and will serve as your vassals."

The crowd stirred, murmurs of shock rippling through the hall. Half of the family's shares? Pledging allegiance as vassals? This wasn't a decision taken lightly.

"Truly a bold move from Gan'an," Suzuki Tomoko whispered, shaking her head with a faint smile. She couldn't help but marvel at the Shinomiya patriarch's resolve. For a family as influential as the Shinomiyas, this was a drastic shift—from an independent, high-ranking dynasty to openly pledging loyalty to a single person.

Not everyone shared her composure. Shinomiya Oko, one of Gan'an's sons, clenched his wine glass so tightly it creaked in his hand. His expression was twisted with rage. Damn it, he thought. With his father's declaration, any hope he had of inheriting the family's control seemed to slip away. Even if he somehow took the reins one day, he'd be nothing more than Ryuji's subordinate.

Inwardly, Oko seethed. He'd given orders to Hayasaka Ai to try and win Ryuji's favor, but she'd vanished without a trace, leaving him without a way to counter his father's move. Frustration bubbled up within him, and he swore that once this was over, he'd make the Hayasaka family pay for her disobedience.

Ryuji, meanwhile, watched the entire exchange with an amused smile. "Interesting," he said softly, though the promise of wealth and influence didn't hold much sway over him. With his strength, he didn't particularly need the Shinomiya family's resources. But having their influence as a vassal was certainly convenient, allowing him to maneuver in high society without constantly having to reveal himself.

Gan'an bowed deeply. "Please, Mr. Ryuji, allow us to serve you."

Ryuji chuckled. "You're sure about this?"

Gan'an nodded firmly, eyes gleaming with determination. "Absolutely."

"Then, very well," Ryuji said, patting Gan'an on the shoulder with a smile.

Gan'an's expression shifted from relief to surprise. He felt a strange warmth radiating from Ryuji's touch, something that went beyond a mere gesture of approval.

"What... what is this?" Gan'an asked, feeling an energy surging through him.

Ryuji grinned but offered no explanation. "Just a small gift."

The room fell silent as everyone watched in awe. Before their very eyes, Gan'an's appearance began to shift, his old, weary frame filling out, his wrinkles softening. In a matter of moments, he transformed from an elderly man into someone who looked to be in his prime.

Gasps filled the room as the spectators struggled to process what they were seeing.

"He... he's younger?" one guest stammered.

"This has to be some sort of miracle," another whispered, eyes wide in astonishment.

The normally composed Kaguya stared at her father with wide eyes, barely able to believe it herself. Out of all the Shinomiya children, she was the only one who had truly wished for Gan'an's longevity, and seeing this change filled her heart with joy.

Gan'an, however, was still processing his transformation. "Is this… really me?" he murmured, examining his now youthful reflection in a nearby mirror Kaguya handed him.

He turned to Ryuji, eyes shining with gratitude. "Mr. Ryuji, I… I don't have words. Thank you."

The other chaebol heads watched with envy and shock. The opportunity Gan'an had seized now seemed monumental, a chance not only to align with Ryuji but to defy the natural limits of life itself.

As Gan'an pledged himself again, Ryuji simply nodded, his expression serene. He could sense the thoughts of those around him, their calculations, their jealousy, their ambitions.

For Oko, the reality was harsh. His father, rejuvenated, could likely rule the family for decades to come. Any dreams of taking over now seemed out of reach. As he stared at his father's youthful face, a bitter sense of defeat settled over him.

But his elder brother, Un'yo, merely sighed, watching his father with a resigned smile. "Maybe this isn't so bad after all," he mused quietly. In truth, he lacked the ambition to lead. Gan'an's renewed vitality meant he could take a step back and enjoy life without the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

Ryuji soon took his leave, with Kaguya glancing after him, her face flushed. Though he didn't take her along immediately, she felt assured there would be opportunities in the future. Her father's pledge to Ryuji had opened doors for her as well.

As Ryuji departed, other heads of powerful families began moving as if to approach him, eager to pledge their loyalty as well. But before they could get close, Gan'an stepped forward, his voice calm but filled with authority. "Gentlemen, a word of advice. Remember the Black Dog Family."

At this reminder, a tense silence fell over the room. The Black Dog Family had tried to control Ryuji through underhanded means, and they had paid the ultimate price—every single one of them had been wiped out. No one dared to cross that line again.

Gan'an continued, "The Shinomiya family is now sworn to serve Mr. Ryuji. Anyone who would dare oppose us should consider carefully whether they can handle the consequences."

The warning was clear. The Shinomiya family's allegiance to Ryuji meant they were effectively shielded by his might. Few in the room had the courage to challenge such an alliance.

Suzuki Tomoko shared a glance with her daughter, Sonoko, before nodding subtly. She understood Gan'an's message well. To clash with the Shinomiya family was now to provoke Ryuji himself, a risk no one in their right mind would take.

As the others hesitated, Tomoko took her daughter's arm and quietly led her away, her mind racing. While her own family's resources were vast, they could never stand up to Ryuji's power. If they crossed paths, it was obvious whose side Mei Mei would take.

***

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