Tokyo: Rabbit Police and Her Evil Partner

Chapter 530 The Head of the Family Must Be Shameless
The fact that a son would betray his own father to save his own life truly chilled Kujo Mutsu.

He was utterly disappointed in Kujo Hikaru, so he simply ignored him and spent two minutes quickly recounting the truth of the matter—including Kujo Hikaru's motives for feigning ignorance and turning the tables by killing his wife and lover.

Kujou Hikaru sensed something else in the statement, and was instantly filled with shock and anger. He accused his father of betraying his son, and hatred was already showing on his face.

Even so, Kujo Mutsu remained clear-headed. He was neither swayed by the power he held nor influenced by his son's judgment. During his statement, he calmly analyzed the pros and cons.

Without a doubt, Fushimi Shika possessed absolute power at this moment.

What is power?

Power is the ability to harm others.

There is a famous historical phenomenon known as the "blood price law." For example, if bandits come to a village and demand money from the villagers to buy their lives, this is what is called a blood price.

It is very strange that one has to spend money to buy one's own life from others, since one's life belongs to oneself. But this is the basis of all power – I can hurt you, so I can control you.

In order to exploit the villagers' labor in the long term, bandits would establish an order that served the ruling class, protected the villagers' personal safety, and prevent other bandits from plundering them. All the villagers needed to do was hand over money on time.

This is the rudimentary form of state violence.

It is worth noting that state violence is not the same as the state itself.

In order to gain power, some villagers chose to join the bandits, help manage the finances, and in turn, collect taxes from other villagers.

At this point, they seemed to have power over other villagers, but in reality, this power still came from the violence of bandits—only when they truly became bandits and exercised violence in an organized manner could they obtain power of their own.

The Kujo family are essentially 'villagers who joined the bandits.' They seem to wield immense power, capable of influencing the local government, colluding with the police, and controlling official appointments... but in the face of real violence, this power is actually quite fragile.

For example, in the Metropolitan Police Department where Kujo Yui works, she personally created a special task force that can legally target any organization or conglomerate as a terrorist.

Take Fushimi Shika, for example. He single-handedly destroyed the Kujo family's protective shell.

Even if you report it to the police afterward, what's the point? If Fushimi Shika wanted revenge, he could easily have wiped out the entire Kujo family of over a dozen people on a cool night.

This is the absolute power that comes from pure violence.

Kujo Mutsu originally did not believe that individual ability could surpass the ability of a group. The generals of ancient times who could take on a hundred men were somewhat exaggerated. Even if one could take on a hundred men in terms of physical strength, modern firearms could make up for the difference in physical strength.

Until he saw Fushimi Shika today.

Kujo Mutsu clearly realized that state violence had become ineffective against Fushimi Shika.

Law enforcement agencies will crack down on desperate criminals without mercy; but for desperate criminals carrying nuclear weapons, national security agencies will treat them as honored guests.

He was incapable of posing a personal threat to Fushimi Shika, while Fushimi Shika could kill Kujo Hikaru at any time, or even kill him himself.

Therefore, the current focus should not be on 'how to kill Fushimi Shika,' 'how to capture Fushimi Shika,' or 'how to turn the tide'...

The question is not so much about 'how to stop the loss', but rather 'how to stop the loss'.

Kujo Mutsumi quickly formulated three goals in his mind:

First, eliminate hostility.

Second, sign a contract.

Third, maintain interests.

The first step is to eliminate hostility. Kujo Mutsu has already figured out how to deal with Fushimi Shika's "five-minute defense".

After recounting the events, he concluded as follows: "In summary, my son has committed the heinous crime of murder, causing the deaths of two innocent people. Such a crime is unforgivable. If you, Fushimi-kun, are willing to carry out family discipline, I will not object."

For the Kujo family, nothing is too precious to sacrifice.

Kujo Mutsumi was willing to sacrifice his daughter and his granddaughter, so naturally he could also sacrifice his son.

Hearing this, Kujo Hikaru was stunned.

He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

The hourglass was about to run out, and things seemed to have settled down, but Kujo Mutsu knew in his heart that this was far from enough.

Kujo Mutsu loosened his grip on the cane, letting it clatter to the ground.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Kujo Mutsu bent his knees, his back slowly lowering, and made a standard dogeza posture. Kujo Hikaru and his retainers were equally shocked. They could not understand the purpose of their lord's actions, and felt only shock, disbelief, and a hint of contempt for cowardice.

Kujo Mutsu rested his forehead on the back of his hands and said in a hoarse voice, "But I implore you to hand my son over to the court for judgment, so that the law may give him the punishment he deserves."

Having said that, he raised his head, straightened his back, and added, "If I were to interfere, or if Mr. Fushimi is not satisfied with the verdict, I am willing to pay with my life. This is not a delaying tactic; I am willing to go with Mr. Fushimi and stay by his side until my son is imprisoned."

We absolutely cannot let Fushimi Shika go on a killing spree tonight!
Giving Fushimi Shika a way out is giving everyone a way out.

Kujo Mutsu was very clear that once Fushimi Shika killed someone, things would be beyond repair. He was even willing to kneel and beg Fushimi Shika to back down if he could get Fushimi Shika to back down.

What's the value of knees at seventy or eighty years old?

This was a choice Fushimi Shika had never considered. When he asked the other party to defend him, he had already decided that this person was a criminal "unpunishable by law"—there were only two options: death or maiming.

However, Kujo Mutsumi gave him a third option: that the criminal be brought to justice and handed over to the court for judgment.

Fushimi Shika hesitated for a moment. He wasn't persuaded by Kujo Mutsu, but rather he realized that there were loopholes in the principles he had always set.

—What if another criminal, fearing the death, chooses to surrender to the court?

Fushimi Shika rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. In this situation, should he execute the criminal himself or hand him over to the court for judgment?

In the past, the criminals that Fushimi Shika encountered were all headstrong and untouchable by the law. They were all incredibly arrogant and would kill without hesitation to silence witnesses, so there was no need for them to think too much.

This is like Sun Wukong storming the Heavenly Court, and Erlang Shen saying to him, "Why don't you kneel down right now, admit your mistake, and let's call it a day, okay?"

Everyone else chose to fight, but only Kujo Mutsumi chose to kneel down and admit his mistake, letting the matter pass.

It's a bit slippery.

The hourglass timer had run out, but Fushimi Shika remained silent, unsure of what to do. Seeing this, Kujo Mutsu knew that the first objective was nearly complete; at least Fushimi Shika's hostility towards the Kujo family had shifted to Kujo Hikaru's life or death.

Instead of pressing his advantage and continuing to persuade her, he waited patiently for Fushimi Shika to make her choice.

Fushimi Shika thought about it for a long time, but really couldn't find any fault with it.

Kujo Mutsumi said that if he continued to pull any tricks, even if the sentence was unsatisfactory, then Fushimi Shika would be allowed to take his head—if the court could judge criminals fairly and justly, then there would be no need for "divine punishment".

"That's it..."

Fushimi Shika nodded reluctantly and put the hourglass away: "That makes sense."

Kujo Hikaru collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted. He still thought that his father had knelt down and begged Fushimi Shika for mercy as a temporary measure to save him.

At this moment, he was immersed in the joy of surviving a disaster.

Kujo Hikaru was pleased, but Kujo Mutsuki remained on edge. He picked up his cane, propped himself up to stand, and in front of Fushimi Shika, strictly forbade everyone to divulge what had happened that night!
If outsiders ask, just say that you fell and got injured!

The retainers, of course, would not disobey orders and responded in unison. At Kujo Mutsumi's instruction, several attendants grabbed Kujo Hikaru and dragged him out—they had just gotten him out of the police station a few days ago, and now they had to personally send him back.

Kujo Mutsu slightly turned to the side and gestured to Fushimi Shika to invite him to leave: "Fushimi-kun, you may leave as you please. If you wish to leave, I will go with you. Please understand that I have difficulty walking and will walk slowly."

The retainers put away their weapons, dispersed, and cleaned up the battlefield, gradually calming the tense atmosphere.

"You really want to come with me?" Fushimi Shika asked.

“I am a man of my word, and I never go back on my word,” said Kujo Mutsu.

The first goal of eliminating hostility was barely achieved. He felt that Fushimi Shika had temporarily put aside his hostility towards the Kujo family. Of course, he also knew in his heart that Fushimi Shika undoubtedly hated the Kujo family, and this was something that could not be changed in a short time.

Next, he began to work towards his second goal: to secure a strong contract with Fushimi Shika.

Fushimi Shika, not wanting to linger, hadn't forgotten the purpose of his trip and asked again, "Where is Tamako now?"

Kujo Mutsu shook his head and said, "I really don't know. My son was telling the truth. Tamako rode her motorcycle down the second floor and left the mansion."

Upon hearing this, Fushimi Shika turned and left.

Kujo Mutsu waved his hand, signaling the servants not to stop him. He quickened his pace, leaning on his cane, following Fushimi Shika like a leech: "Speaking of which, a few days ago, Yui took it upon herself to arrange a marriage for Tamako. I couldn't refuse, so I had to resort to this tactic, lying that Tamako wanted to break up with you..."

Fushimi Shika stopped, turned around and glared at him.

Kujo Mutsu showed no fear on his face, displaying a kind and apologetic smile, but in reality, his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Fortunately, Fushimi Shika didn't hold it against him. Although he looked resentful, he withdrew his gaze, strode downstairs, and casually said:
"It's my fault. I can't believe I fell for such a stupid trick."

Kujo Mutsu quickly offered a way out, saying, "That's not quite right. Fushimi-kun's feelings for Tamako are very firm, which is why he fell for it. Others might not care about such things. This shows that Tamako has good taste, choosing a man who loves her the most."

That's a nice thing to say.

Fushimi Shika gave a nonchalant "hmm" and quickened his pace.

Surprisingly, despite his advanced age and frail health, Kujo Mutsu walked with a vigorous stride, closely following behind Fushimi Shika. It seemed that the cane was merely a prop used to appear old.

He pressed his advantage, continuing, "To be honest, Xiaowei has gone too far. I'll cancel that marriage tomorrow... no, tonight! As the head of the family, I still support Fushimi-kun more."

Kujo Mutsumi paused, carefully observing Fushimi Shika's expression: "If you intend to get married, or if your relationship with Tamako has reached the point of discussing marriage, I am willing to facilitate the marriage and, in the name of the head of the family, betroth Tamako to you."

Without turning his head, Fushimi Shika walked across a messy lawn and casually asked, "Didn't you become an adopted son-in-law?"

Kujo Mutsu said, "It is a blessing for Tamako to have the surname Fushimi. She will feel truly happy to be part of your family."

Fushimi Shika used his phone to call a car, and Kujo Mutsu, right in front of him, called to cancel the engagement that Minamoto Tamako had arranged.

While waiting for the train, Kujo Mutsu relentlessly extolled the benefits of marriage, transforming into a marriage-urging elder and using the same rhetoric he used on Kujo Yui on Fushimi Shika... Of course, his persuasive tone was more tactful.

After listening for a moment, Fushimi Shikashi interrupted, "Nothing will happen tonight?"

Kujo Mutsumi laughed and said, "Yes, you pulled my son back from the abyss of crime. The entire Kujo family is extremely grateful, and Tamako is just right to repay you with her body..."

Fushimi Shika couldn't hold back any longer: "Don't you have any shame at all?"

Kujo Mutsumi was also a master at feigning ignorance, far more skillful than his son: "Fushimi-kun's visit is an honor to the Kujo family. I should be the one who is proud, not shameless."

"..."

Fushimi Shika had nothing to say.

Just then, a taxi arrived, and he got in. Kujo Mutsu, as if they were old friends, followed him in, opened the car door, climbed into the back seat, and sat next to Fushimi Shika.

Fushimi Shika, unable to bear it any longer, dismissed him, saying, "Go back. I believe you won't lie. There's no need for you to be a hostage with me."

Kujo Mutsu shook his head: "A gentleman's word is his bond. If I promise something, I will do it. Even if you kill me, I won't leave before the court delivers its verdict."

Fushimi Shika finally looked at him properly, scrutinizing the old man's face from head to toe. He sat in the back seat and asked, "Were you always like this?"

Kujo Mutsumi looked sentimental: "Yes! Back then, my father only had a small fortune, and the daily allowance he gave me wasn't even enough to cover my expenses. I was young and impetuous at the time, idle and often went to gambling dens, accumulating a lot of debt, which I managed to get rid of entirely by using my shamelessness..."

After saying that, he waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about it anymore, it's all in the past."

Fushimi Shika finally gained a clear understanding of the head of the Kujo family. No one in a high position is perfect; they all have their own flaws and strengths... Kujo Mutsumi's flaw is that he is shameless, but his strength is also that he is shameless.

Oh right, one more thing: this guy reacts quickly, decisively, and knows how to adapt to changing circumstances.

The taxi carried the two to the Otaru seaside and stopped in front of the old house. Fushimi Shika got out of the car, walked around the old house, but didn't see Minamoto Tamako. Everything in the room was exactly the same as when he left.

Has Minamoto no Tamako not returned yet?

Has something happened to her?
Fushimi Shika was somewhat bewildered, unsure of where to look for the person.

Meanwhile, the fireworks in the distant night sky were sparse, with only a few scattered points of light remaining. The bonfire party was coming to an end, and everyone was leaving. The waves were receding.

(End of this chapter)