Chapter 386: The Death of Sakata Toshio

"Brother, you've lost weight." Hong Xiaohui looked at her slightly haggard older brother, her eyes full of heartache.

"Oh, so you still know how to feel heartache for someone."

"Why did you go to Xiangdao?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"The people on Line One know about our relationship, so they sent me to serve as secretary for Director Xie, specifically to handle intelligence and trade affairs regarding Xiangdao," Hong Xiaohui said.

"Director Xie?" Hong Zhiyou raised an eyebrow.

"It's Xie Peidong. He previously served as an assistant manager at the Central Bank in Beiping. He is a veteran underground operative and is very familiar with the financial sector.

"He knows about you," Hong Xiaohui said.

That is the key; the responsibility is heavy and the road is long... Hong Zhiyou sighed silently, then asked, "How is Sanmin?"

"Sanmin is currently serving as the Chief of the Jinhai Public Security Bureau.

"Thanks to the intelligence you left behind, the remnants of the Sparrow Plan have basically been caught.

"Brother, I... I have married Sanmin.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't ask for your opinion beforehand; the conditions didn't allow it."

Hong Xiaohui blushed and said shyly.

"Sanmin is a good man. Treat him well, and give me a big, chubby nephew soon.

"Are Mom and Dad doing well?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled with satisfaction.

"They are doing quite well. The environment on the island is very good, and it is also very safe.

"Their health is even better than when they were in Jinhai.

"It's just that Mom keeps talking about you," Hong Xiaohui said.

"Let me ask you something. Cuiping—that is, Mrs. Yu—do you know her whereabouts?

"Old Yu has been looking for her."

Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and decided to ask on Old Yu's behalf.

"The organization doesn't allow us to ask.

"However, Sanmin said it is highly likely she went to the Northeast, though we don't know exactly where," Hong Xiaohui said.

"Is Brother Yu doing well? Sanmin has always been very concerned about you two," she asked in return.

"The situation on the island is not very good.

"The Red Ticket Provincial Working Committee there lacks experience in struggle and acts too ostentatiously. Currently, the underground organization in Keelung has been almost completely wiped out, and the Kaohsiung area is also very dangerous.

"They are still training armed forces in the mountains.

"You should have Old Xie report this to the superiors as soon as possible and replace the person in charge there."

Hong Zhiyou whispered his suggestion.

"Telecommunications reconnaissance in Wanbei is very strict. Important intelligence usually has to be transmitted by intelligence personnel risking their lives to travel back and forth. Many directives from the Huadong Bureau are difficult to implement effectively.

"Because of the inconvenience of being separated by the sea, the person in charge there doesn't necessarily implement things, and there are very few replies.

"Not to mention strengthening political guidance.

"The reality is severely disconnected; it all depends on the initiative of the working committee leader there,"

Hong Xiaohui said with some helplessness.

"Brother, you must be careful," she said with some worry.

"I'm fine.

"I'm worried about Old Yu and the others on the island," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Understood, I will report the situation you mentioned to Old Xie.

"Let's see if he can convey it to the superiors through the Huabei Bureau.

"It's a new era now. In July, the Social Force was abolished, and Line One was reorganized. The organizational structure and reporting procedures are very different now."

Hong Xiaohui frowned and said.

"Yes, I understand.

"Wanbei has a file on your identity, and many people know about it.

"However, try your best not to associate with Mom, Dad, or your sister-in-law and the others. This will be good for you in the future."

After thinking for a moment, Hong Zhiyou added a word of caution.

Hong Xiaohui blinked her large eyes, clearly not understanding.

Hong Zhiyou didn't bother to explain.

"Alright, go back.

"It's not safe here. I won't be meeting with you again for the time being. There will be designated personnel to coordinate with you for the transport of grain and steel.

"That's all. Give my regards to Old Xie and Sanmin."

Hong Zhiyou patted the top of her head and walked away quickly.

Returning to the private room, he drank for a while longer with Wan An and Old Xie before heading back to the hotel.

The ship had arrived; it was time to see MacArthur.

But before that, he had to see the sincerity of Tian Gangyixiong.

This concerned the transport issues of the future.

It was very important!

Hong Zhiyou picked up the phone and dialed the number:

"Tian Gang-kun, it's me.

"Tomorrow morning, I want to see Sakata Toshio on the front page."

After saying this, he hung up the phone directly.

10: 0 PM.

Tian Gangyixiong stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back.

Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi and nine others, dressed in black samurai attire and holding katana, stood solemnly with murderous intent.

"Gentlemen.

"Sakata Toshio colluded with Ikeda Sugiue and used the U. . military to raid our port.

"For these years, I have endured in silence, waiting for this very night.

"I promise you all: once Sakata Toshio is eliminated, we will reclaim the port business within three years.

"For the Yamaguchi-gumi, let us drink this cup."

Tian Gangyixiong raised his cup and said.

Everyone drank together.

Tian Gangyixiong then took out a stack of U. . banknotes and distributed one thousand dollars to each person.

"Later, when I smash my cup as a signal, you will immediately rush in and hack him to death, understood?" After handing out the money, he asked solemnly.

"Hai!"

Everyone nodded in unison and hid their swords behind the screens.

Only then did Tian Gangyixiong pick up the phone unhurriedly: "Sakata-kun, regarding the matter of the Qingpu Wakagashira, we can discuss it.

"Good, I'll wait for you to come over."

After hanging up, he had people prepare delicious food, fine sake, and selected beautiful geishas.

Everything was ready, waiting only for Sakata Toshio.

Inside the residence.

It was noisy.

"Drink!

"Drink some more."

Several of Sakata Toshio's trusted subordinates were embracing beauties and drinking with great enthusiasm; the atmosphere was very noisy and lively.

Sakata Toshio hung up the phone, pushed open the door, and returned to the banquet.

"Qingpu-kun, Group Leader Tian Gang has an invitation; he wants to discuss your appointment as the Osaka Wakagashira. Come with me for a trip," he said in a deep voice.

The Yamaguchi-gumi truly managed local areas and executed tasks through the Wakagashira of each region.

Osaka was a lucrative post.

The position of Wakagashira had been vacant for a long time; if he could help Qingpu Fang secure it, his own influence would undoubtedly expand further.

"Sakata-kun, could it be a trap?

"Some time ago, Hong Zhiyou visited Group Leader Tian Gang. Could they have joined forces to deal with you?"

Sitting to the side, Wu Fangzhi rubbed his chin and reminded him sharply.

"Haha.

"Mr. Wu is overthinking.

"First of all, Tian Gangyixiong is merely a brute. My Sakata family is famous in Tokyo, and I have the protection of Lord Ikeda and the Police Agency. If he dares to move against me, it is a dead end.

"Furthermore, the U. . military did catch the assassin.

"But they handled it coldly, clearly showing that the U. . side is unwilling to offend Lord Ikeda for the sake of a Shina person.

"Tian Gangyixiong must have seen this and finally realized who is really in charge in Tokyo."

"Who is it that calls the shots in the Yamaguchi-gumi!"

"Mr. Wu, Qingpu-kun, why not accompany me to witness this moment?"

Sakata Toshio smiled with great confidence.

"That's right."

"In Tokyo, Sakata-kun calls the shots."

"Besides, with me here, who would dare touch Sakata-kun?"

To the side, a burly, bald man standing a full two meters tall rose to his full height.

His name was Hachimura Yuchi.

He was a famous karate expert in Kyoto and had even performed combat for the Emperor.

After Asano Shinichi died, Sakata Toshio spent a great deal of money to hire Hachimura Yuchi as his personal bodyguard.

"With Hachimura-kun here, the Wakagashira is naturally safe."

"I still have matters to attend to, so I won't accompany you all any longer; I shall take my leave first."

Wu Fangzhi did not want to wade into these muddy waters, so he hurriedly stood up to bid farewell.

Sakata Toshio and the other two took a car straight to the residence of Tano Kazuo.

Upon arriving at the entrance.

Several Yamaguchi-gumi members carefully searched the three of them, and after confirming they were not carrying firearms, let them inside.

They arrived in the hall.

The fragrance of geishas and fine wine rushed to meet them.

The three of them felt their heartstrings loosen instantly.

"Kumicho!"

Sakata Toshio and the others stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Everyone, please take your seats," Tano Kazuo greeted them.

After they were seated and the group had chatted for a while, Sakata Toshio took the initiative to mention:

"Kumicho, the wine has been flowing long enough; let us discuss serious business."

"Regarding my previous proposal for Qingpu Fang to serve as the Osaka Wakagashira, I wonder how you have considered it?"

As soon as his voice fell.

Hachimura Yuchi, standing to the side, widened his copper-bell-like eyes and glared at Tano Kazuo as if he were a fierce, malevolent spirit.

Tano Kazuo smiled slightly:

"Sakata-kun, you enjoy making arrangements so much; how about I let you sit in this Kumicho's chair?"

"What is the meaning of this?" Sakata Toshio realized something was not quite right.

"You must have forgotten how I succeeded as Kumicho."

"I killed Dacho Hachiro and served eight years in prison."

"I used my life and blood to gain the recognition of those old fellows and was elected as the third generation; and you? Besides using the Sakata family name to collude with politicians and sell out the organization's interests to line your own pockets, what have you done?"

Tano Kazuo pointed at him and began to sneer.

"Tano-kun, what exactly are you trying to do?" Looking at his sharp, sinister eyes, Sakata Toshio rose to his feet and leaned toward Hachimura Yuchi.

"What am I doing?"

"Cleaning house!"

Tano Kazuo picked up the wine cup in his hand and smashed it fiercely onto the floor.

Snap!

The wooden doors behind them parted, and Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi and the others rolled in like a wind, wielding samurai swords.

Poor Qingpu Fang had not yet figured out what was going on.

He was struck on the head by a sword from Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi, let out a miserable cry, and tumbled to the ground.

Another man held his sword with both hands and stabbed it straight into his chest.

Qingpu Fang, who still dreamed of being Wakagashira, hunched over and breathed his last on the spot.

Sakata Toshio never imagined it would truly be a Hongmen Banquet; terrified, his legs went soft, and unable to run, he could only hide behind Hachimura Yuchi.

Hachimura Yuchi was indeed fierce, lifting a low table as a weapon and dancing it with great momentum.

However, after all, two fists are no match for four hands.

Soon, he was hacked down by a flurry of blades into a pool of blood, dying without yielding.

"Thump!"

Sakata Toshio was so scared he knelt down directly, trembling as he begged for mercy: "Tano Kumicho, I, I know I was wrong. From this day forward, the Sakata family will surely pledge loyalty unto death. Please, for the sake of the Sun Goddess, spare my life."

"If you had fought to the death, I would still respect you as a man."

"Look at you now; are you even fit to be a Wakagashira?"

"Bah!"

"The Sun Goddess would never protect a shameless wretch like you."

"Baka!"

"Kill him!"

Tano Kazuo roared in anger.

Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi stepped forward, and a cold light flashed from his samurai sword.

Sakata Toshio suddenly felt a chill at his throat, fresh blood gushed from his fingertips, and a gurgling sound came from his throat:

"You, you all..."

Bang!

He collapsed headfirst onto the ground, convulsed for a moment, and died.

"Transport the body to the riverside, take photos, and contact the reporters immediately."

"In tomorrow's headlines, I want to see the news of Sakata Toshio's death!"

Tano Kazuo ordered.

"Hai!"

Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi accepted the order, and with a wave of his hand, someone immediately carried the body out.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou was dressed in a black Zhongshan suit, his hair meticulously groomed, sitting in the restaurant downstairs early, drinking coffee.

"Why are you up so early today?" Wan An asked.

"Reading the newspaper."

Hong Zhiyou picked up the newspaper in his hand and handed it to Wan An.

Wan An looked at the headline: "Yamaguchi-gumi Kyoto Wakagashira Sakata Toshio suspected of being assassinated late last night; the Police Department is investigating with full force..."

"He really died!" he said in low surprise.

"Tano Kazuo actually didn't gouge out Sakata's eyes!" Hong Zhiyou shook his head and smiled.

Tano Kazuo was combative and famous for gouging out people's eyes.

Sakata Toshio getting a quick death with one sword stroke could be considered getting off easy.

"Dead is dead."

"I only want to know now when we will see MacArthur."

"Fighting has already broken out in Jinmen and Zhoushan, and food supplies in Wandao are tight; you should at least do something."

Wan An nagged as usual.

"Tonight, perhaps," Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and said.

The news of Sakata Toshio's murder quickly spread throughout Kyoto.

The most panicked person was Wu Fangzhi.

He secretly rejoiced that he hadn't followed along to watch the excitement last night; otherwise, he would likely have already become a soul under Tano Kazuo's blade by now.

He rushed to the official residence of Ikeda Sugiue at top speed.

"Ikeda-kun, have you seen the morning news?" Wu Fangzhi asked.

"I have already notified the Police Department to have them arrest Tano Kazuo immediately."

"Tano Kazuo has always been in awe of Sakata-kun."

"To dare to commit such a lethal act this time, is this idiot crazy?"

Ikeda Sugiue stroked the small square mustache under his nose, looking extremely puzzled.

"Ikeda-kun, does this even need thinking about?"

"A few days ago, Hong Zhiyou went to see him; he must have been instigated by that kid."

"Don't forget that Sakata Toshio once ordered people to assassinate him."

"If that is the case, given this person's nature of seeking revenge for the slightest grievance, you and I, who were present that day, are likely in danger as well."

Wu Fangzhi said.

He had not participated in the assassination and did not believe Hong Zhiyou would dare to take action against him.

Saying this was purely to drag Ikeda into the water so that they could take lethal action against Hong Zhiyou, allowing him to reap the benefits of the fisherman.

The current situation was also extremely unfavorable for him.

MacArthur had accepted the initial one hundred thousand US dollars, but there had been no follow-up; he had neither agreed to sign the grain brokerage agreement with the Kong family, nor had he mentioned matters such as aid.

Even the usually resourceful Wu Fangzhi could no longer fathom the ins and outs of this situation.

He only knew that if things dragged on any longer, it would likely become increasingly unfavorable.

The only fortunate thing was that Hong Zhiyou had not met with MacArthur since the banquet, or perhaps he had already been rejected in secret.

According to intelligence, this fellow spent his days eating, drinking, and idling away his time.

It was highly likely that it was the latter; once the funds were mostly spent and enough time had been wasted, he would return to Wandao to report his "hard work," which was the "fine tradition" of most special envoys from Wandao.

"Hong Zhiyou, if he dares to set his sights on me, he is just seeking his own death!" Ikeda Sugiue sneered.

"Lord Ikeda, the Police Department has replied that they have already captured Tian Gangyixiong," a subordinate reported as he walked in.

"Where was Tian Gangyixiong when he was captured?" Wu Fangzhi asked.

"At home," the man replied.

"He didn't even run? This matter is truly strange," Wu Fangzhi muttered, frowning.

"Mr. Wu, there is no need to be so alarmed.

"You have your wits, and he has his; there is no need for you to fear him.

"Don't forget that this is Tokyo, the territory of Lord Yoshida Shigeru and myself; a mere envoy from Wandao cannot stir up any waves.

"Once I meet with General MacArthur tonight, as long as he nods, I can have the Police Department arrest him on charges of conspiring to murder Mr. Sakata."

Ikeda Sugiue laughed arrogantly.

"Very well!" Wu Fangzhi said, his eyes darkening.

The Kong family had operated in North America for many years, their main assets were also in North America, and they had always maintained a close relationship with the Chicago consortium behind MacArthur.

Wu Fangzhi could not figure out what chance of success Hong Zhiyou had in this negotiation.

If he could not secure the contract or the American aid, Tokyo would be the burial ground for Hong Zhiyou, ensuring he would never return!

(End of chapter)