Tokyo Three Generations

After a long while, she hesitated before speaking again.

"Even if I were to do that, what could I do after my grandfather has been in charge of the family for so many years?"

When Jun Takasaki asked that question, he knew that everything was on track.

"No matter what he does, you will always be the heir of the Toyokawa family. He is just a proxy. When it comes to family matters, your opinion should be sought. Moreover, although you are not yet a minor, Mr. Kiyoshi is your father and your natural guardian. He is fully qualified to speak on your behalf."

Toyokawa Shoko believes this.

Because of her grandmother's early death, the power of the family head had long been transferred to her mother's hands. Now that her mother has passed away, as the only daughter, she is the only true heir to the Toyokawa bloodline.

Ultimately, Grandpa and Dad were both sons-in-law who married into the family. If Dad could be ousted and threatened with having his door broken down, why couldn't Grandpa? A strange thought flashed through her mind, but she quickly suppressed it with guilt.

"Furthermore, if you feel that the father and daughter are still hesitant to face him, you can call over the Toyokawa family as well and put pressure on him. You are the next chairman of the Kinmyokai, so you can do that... And I believe they would be very willing to follow you, after all, they have accumulated dissatisfaction with Mr. Sadaharu over the years."

Toyokawa Shoko was stunned again.

What was originally just a child's spiteful remark seems, after this analysis, to be... actually feasible.

Damn it, all I wanted was to protect my father, how did it suddenly turn into this bizarre situation of myself, my father and the Toyokawa family versus my grandfather?

Toyokawa Shoko didn't know how to describe her feelings at that moment.

Is it really necessary to go to that point?

Are there any other methods?

She racked her brains, but found that there really seemed to be no other way out.

If the government's accountability is a sword hanging over the Toyokawa family's head, then who will bear this sword and how they will bear it will require a painful choice.

“But Dad’s mind is made up… He said he’s lost all hope in this world and just wants to go back to living the life of an ordinary person…” Toyokawa Shoko said softly at the end.

“Let me convince him to arrange a meeting with me while there’s still time… I’ll come tomorrow!” came the confident voice from the phone.

8. Iron Fist

The next day, Jun Takasaki took a taxi to the Toyokawa residence.

By university student standards, taxi fares in Tokyo are incredibly expensive, but fortunately he has plenty of pocket money, so it's not a problem.

The last time he met Toyokawa Shoko was at the Toyokawa Hall in Setagaya Ward. Although it was luxurious and magnificent, it was only used by the Toyokawa family for social gatherings. The main family members of the Toyokawa family lived a secluded and wealthy life in another mansion in a more remote location near the hall.

Even Jun Takasaki could only express his admiration and envy at such extravagance.

It's because all these old-money people have taken their places that this country is so lifeless...

The pointless reflections didn't last long. As expected, Jun Takasaki was stopped by security personnel as soon as he reached the gate.

However, he wasn't flustered at all, because he had already sent a message to Toyokawa Shoko before getting off the bus.

Sure enough, not long after, Miss Toyokawa appeared at the front door.

Her face was unusually pale, clearly indicating that she had been severely sleep-deprived recently.

“He is my guest, let him in,” she said, gesturing to Jun Takasaki and addressing the others.

The bodyguards were clearly surprised—it wasn't uncommon for Miss Toyokawa to invite friends over, but this was the first time a man had come up.

And it just so happens to be at such a sensitive time.

However surprised they were, for the sake of the young lady, they bowed in unison and then silently withdrew.

Although the other side was making way for him, there was an invisible aura that made everyone instantly understand the power of the conglomerate.

Toyokawa Shoko bowed slightly to Takasaki Jun again, and then made a gesture.

"Please follow me."

So, Jun followed behind her, and the two walked step by step from the gate into the mansion.

"Does your father already know I'm here?" Jun Takasaki asked in a low voice.

Toyokawa Shoko, who was walking ahead, pursed her lips and paused for a moment.

“I already spoke to him this morning, but he didn’t agree to meet and told you to go home.”

Jun Takasaki stopped in his tracks and looked at the girl in front of him with a puzzled expression.

"Then why did you let me in?"

Shoko Toyokawa had already started walking again.

"Because I've already made up my mind." Then, a light, casual remark reached his ears.

Jun Takasaki's eyes lit up. He looked at Miss Toyokawa's profile and couldn't help but nod in approval.

"That's amazing!"

As they talked, they walked together into the mansion.

Toyokawa Shoko didn't stop walking; instead, she led him up the spiral staircase in the lobby to the door of a room.

Then, she took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.

"Dad, it's me."

"Come in," a muffled reply came from inside.

The door opened, but there was no one there.

Toyokawa Kiyoshi, who was drinking alone with his head down, raised his head in confusion. His gaze first fell on his daughter, and then slowly moved to the face of the young man standing behind her.

Then, his already unpleasant expression became even more unpleasant.

"Are you a boy from the Takasaki family?"

Well, they've already met at the funeral, but neither Toyokawa Shoko nor Toyokawa Kiyoko remembers him.

Sigh, he could only sigh to himself, "I'm just not famous enough."

"Yes, it is." Although he was unhappy inside, Jun Takasaki maintained his composure on the surface and answered humbly and confidently.

Then, he walked up to Toyokawa Kiyoshi, bowed respectfully, and said, "I apologize for disturbing you."

However, despite his humble attitude, Toyokawa Kiyoshi did not take him seriously at all. He merely glanced at him from head to toe a few times before giving a disdainful sneer.

Then, he turned his gaze to his daughter.

"Didn't I say I wouldn't see him? Why did you bring him here?" he said impatiently. "Let him go, we have nothing to talk about."

He wouldn't even personally ask me to leave...

Jun Takasaki's blood pressure spiked, and his anger made his fingers tremble slightly.

As the saying goes, one shouldn't hit a smiling face. Although I've come here intruding, I've already shown the proper manners. Even if I'm going to turn someone away, shouldn't I at least show some courtesy? Is this any semblance of the decorum of a prestigious family?

It's clear that Kiyotaka Toyokawa drank quite a bit, which is why he lacked self-control.

While he understood, Jun Takasaki had no intention of forgiving him so easily.

"Dad!" Toyokawa Shoko was also shocked by her father's attitude.

She felt a little embarrassed, glanced at Takasaki Jun with apologetic expression, and then tried to calm herself down, attempting to persuade her father. "Mr. Takasaki came to visit today specifically because of my request. He is a guest after all, and our two families have a long-standing friendship. We cannot be impolite. Even if you are in a bad mood, please at least listen to what he has to say..."

"What else is there to say? Everything here has nothing to do with me anymore, so stop bothering me." Toyokawa Kiyokazu impatiently interrupted his daughter, then picked up the bottle and gulped down a large mouthful of wine before closing his eyes and half-lying on the sofa, looking completely relaxed.

This person is so stubborn and inflexible; it seems we have no choice but to take him seriously.

Jun Takasaki frowned slightly, then turned his head slightly to look at Shoko Toyokawa.

"Miss Xiangzi, could you please excuse us for a moment? I think sometimes it might be more efficient for us to communicate alone."

Toyokawa Shoko looked at her father, who was limp as a rag doll, and then at Takasaki Jun, hesitating for a moment.

“Let’s communicate like men, please!” Jun Takasaki emphasized again. “Please trust me one more time, I can convince him.”

This confidence once again infected Toyokawa Shoko. Although she didn't know what his trick was, she should at least give him a chance.

She nodded slightly, then turned and left without a word, closing the door behind her.

After Xiangzi left, Takasaki Jun's previously reserved and polite expression vanished instantly. He stared intently at Toyokawa Kiyoshi and then walked towards him step by step.

This sight made Toyokawa Kiyoshi, who was originally in a drunken stupor, instinctively sense danger. He opened his drunken eyes and then raised his hand warily.

"What do you want? Get out of here, get out of my house!"

Although he already felt something was wrong, his body had been completely drained by drinking heavily lately, and he even swayed a few times when he tried to stand up.

"Is this still your home? Didn't you already plan to leave? Why are you still acting like the head of the household?" Takasaki Jun replied coldly. "What, after being a live-in son-in-law for so many years, you've gotten used to others bowing and scraping. Do you really think this is something you were born with?"

"You brat!" Toyokawa Kiyotaka's face was already red from drinking, and now he was so angry that he looked like he had been boiled.

However, he found that he couldn't seem to refute the mockery.

When he was Toyokawa Kiyotaka, others still took him seriously. But once he lost that status, it seemed there was no reason for him to bow down to him anymore.

In his panic, he tried to calm himself down and regain some of his composure.

"Whether I am Toyokawa Kiyokasa or not, it's not for a kid like you to talk nonsense. Kid, I don't know what you want to say, but don't bother, just leave me some peace and quiet."

"laugh"

His response was a disdainful sneer from Jun Takasaki.

Perhaps it was because of his strong ability to mock that Toyokawa Kiyoko became even more agitated.

"why are you laughing!"

"Hey, stop joking. Do you think I have some kind of weird fetish? I don't care whether a slovenly old man like you lives or dies. If it weren't for Miss Xiangzi being so pitiful, I wouldn't bother with you at all. You can turn into a puddle of mud if you want, but don't drag your daughter down with you!"

"Malu Yelang!"

Seeing the young man in front of him say such outrageous things, Toyokawa Kiyoshi, who was already furious, almost lost his mind and raised his hand to slap him.

However, Takasaki Jun didn't take his leisurely movements seriously. He struck first, raising his hand and grabbing Toyokawa Kiyoyuki's right hand, freezing the other's entire movement.

Then, Jun Takasaki grabbed him by the collar and almost lifted him up on the spot.

"You think I'm being unreasonable? Hmph, let me tell you, I can be even more unreasonable. The reason you were so arrogant and rude to me just now is because your name is Toyokawa Kiyoko. If one day you're not, then I can teach you a lesson, and I can teach you a lesson whenever I'm unhappy. You think you can call the police, but let me tell you, there are plenty of people out there who will do anything for money. If I want to cause you trouble... I can do it anytime! Do you understand? You think the Toyokawa family is a burden, a shackle, and a waste of your life, but you forget that without the protection of the Toyokawa family, you are nothing. If you're not convinced, you can try to argue with me."

He believed in the principle of "if someone offends me, I will offend them back." If Toyokawa Kiyokazu spoke to him politely, he was willing to treat him with courtesy. However, if someone presumptuously insulted him, he would definitely retaliate if given the chance.

Then, before the other party could react, Jun Takasaki gave him a hard push, causing Kiyokazu Toyokawa to fall onto the sofa.

"Do you think I'm talking nonsense? Or that I'm exaggerating? No... I'm telling the truth. She really could be killed by you!" Takasaki Jun looked down at the middle-aged man in front of him, coldly scrutinizing him. "Did you hear me clearly? It's death, it's her soul returning to the underworld, it's her being forced to go to heaven to join her mother at such a young age! And all of this is what you're about to cause. Your wife's body is barely cold; she can see all of this, see that after her death, her husband deliberately shirked responsibility, dragging his daughter into death as well! Do you understand?"

Because of the force of the pinch, Toyokawa Kiyotaka's wrist was in excruciating pain, so he had to abandon his plan to continue using force. Then he angrily shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"Am I making this up? Isn't all of this true?" Jun Takasaki retorted. "As far as I know, the Toyokawa family head, including Lady Mizuho, ​​has had three generations of women who all died young, with the oldest not exceeding 50 years old! Is this just a coincidence? Is it possible that they all suffered from some kind of malignant mitochondrial genetic disease?"

No, no!

When his wife's death was mentioned, the intense grief made Toyokawa Kiyoshi's face twitch. "Did you treat us as family doctors and the hospitals we sponsor as a waste of money? No!"

Jun Takasaki was not surprised by this answer.

As members of a conglomerate family, the Toyokawa clan naturally enjoys the country's top-tier medical care, and regular checkups are a given. If any hereditary disease were to be discovered, they certainly wouldn't just do nothing.

It's easy to imagine that after Mrs. Mizuho's early death, the Toyokawa family's medical team must have been frantically searching for all sorts of causes for her illness; they could think of anything that Jun Takasaki could think of.

However, Jun Takasaki did not intend to challenge the authority of medical experts, nor did he intend to prove that this genetic disease definitely exists; he simply wanted to sow the seeds of doubt.

"Is that so? Of course I believe your money wasn't wasted; no credible diagnosis has been found so far." Jun Takasaki nodded, then sneered. "However, can you be absolutely certain that it's not there? After all, mitochondrial genetic diseases remain a huge medical challenge. It's perfectly normal for there to be unknowns, isn't it? The facts are right in front of us. If it happened once or twice, we could say it was a coincidence, but this has happened three times already. Shouldn't we be suspicious? Or rather, Mr. Kiyoshi, can you look me in the eye and tell me definitively that your daughter doesn't have a similar disease?"

Toyokawa Kiyoko was completely speechless.

This has happened for three consecutive generations. This isn't a "what if" probability; it's at least an eleven percent chance.

At least, as a father, he couldn't stubbornly say that he wasn't worried at all.

Seeing Toyokawa Seikaku speechless, Takasaki Jun chuckled inwardly, knowing he had won once again.

This was the real reason he deliberately sent Xiangzi away.

After all, it would be too cruel to tell someone that she might die young.

"What? Are you feeling guilty? It seems you can't deny this terrible possibility, can you?" Jun Takasaki walked over to Kiyoshi Toyokawa and sat down. "Then let me ask you, since you knew this was possible, why did you shirk responsibility and even drag your daughter into a deadly situation?"

"I don't……!"

"Really not? Miss Xiangzi has said it more than once, hasn't she? She'll definitely leave with you as long as you leave the Toyokawa family. And then what? Without the Toyokawa family's protection, she'll have to fend for herself, won't she? She's been pampered since childhood, can she really endure that kind of hardship? The toil, and the psychological pain, how devastating it must be for her!" Takasaki Jun looked at her, enjoying her suffering. "Even with the Toyokawa family's living conditions, they only allowed Mrs. Mizuho and the previous heads of the family to live to their forties or fifties. How long can her vitality sustain her under such hardship? Twenty? Thirty? Can you predict?"

Perhaps it was because Jun Takasaki's gaze was too intense, or perhaps it was because his words were too cruel, Kiyokazu Toyokawa twitched and shrank back.

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention, given her possible rare genetic condition and the fact that she's all alone, if she unfortunately passes away, I'm afraid medical research institutions would be very happy to buy her body for careful study, right? How would they treat her then?" Takasaki Jun pressed, deliberately drawing out the words to torment the other person. "It's really hard to imagine..."