“What?!” Takahashi eximed in disbelief. “Are you telling me that Tenglin Quintongtian is dead? Who did this? Was it the Chinese?!”


    “No,” replied Teng Lin Zhengzhe, his face clouded with sadness. “It’s very likely that it was another ninja family responsible for this.”


    Takahashi Machi furrowed his brow. “Another ninja family? Did you provoke anyone?”


    “No,” Teng Lin Zhengzhe assured him. “Mr. Takahashi, our brothers have been loyal to you for years. Aside from your known enemies, we haven’t made any others. I suspect this attack is aimed at you!”


    “Aimed at me?!” Takahashi gasped. “Who would target me? And if they’re using ninjas, they must have significant backing!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Teng Lin Zhengzhe inquired, “Mr. Takahashi, do you believe it could be the Ito family? I’ve heard that the renowned Koga family in the ninjamunity has always maintained close ties with them!”


    Takahashi hesitated, feeling a mix of confusion and concern. He was unaware of the circumstances surrounding Tenglin Quintongtian’s death or who was responsible.


    In his mind, he pondered, “There aren’t many ninja families in China. Aside from the Ito family, the others shouldn’t have any reason to be my enemies.”


    “Could it be that the old dog, Takehiko Ito, is plotting to kill me?!”


    At that moment, Maki Takahashi found himself caught up in his own thoughts. He had initially intended to eliminate Ito Yuhiko, leading him to suspect that Yuhiko might also be scheming against him!


    “It feels like everyone is a swordsman, eager to see each other fall!”


    With that thought, he spoke out loud: “The prominent Chinese family ising to Tokyo to meet me first. Ito Yuhiko must be fuming; he could very well be targeting me!”


    “I suspect he’s now trying to negotiate with the Banks Family. To avoid making a bad impression, he likely won’t act against me just yet, so he chose to strike at you first. I believe his n is to weaken my power before dealing with me!”<fn2543> Updates are released by find[?]ovel</fn2543>


    Teng Lin Zhengzhe quickly asked, “Mr. Takahashi, what should we do now?”


    Takahashi thought long and hard, then gritted his teeth and replied, “Tenglin, keep a low profile for a while, and send more men to discreetly watch that bastard. Wait for my instructions. Once I secure the contract with the Banks Family, I will be the first to eliminate him! I need to restore the honor of the Takahashi family!”


    Teng Lin Zhengzhe promptly responded, “Understood, Mr. Takahashi. I will carry out my mission!”


    Maki Takahashi added, “Also, mobilize a group from your family to head to Kyoto overnight!”


    “Go to Kyoto?!” Teng Lin Zhengzhe asked, surprised. “Mr. Takahashi, why should I send people there?”


    Maki Takahashi replied coldly, “Ito Yuhiko’s daughter has been recovering in Kyoto since her injury. You need to keep a close watch on her. When I make my move against Ito Yuhiko, I can’t leave any loose ends, so his daughter, Nanako Ito, must also be eliminated!”


    “Additionally, having eyes on Nanako Ito will be beneficial. If Ito Yuhiko dares to make a move against me, I can use his daughter as leverage to force him into submission! This way, I’ll have a backup n!”


    Teng Lin Zhengzhe immediately responded, “I understand, Mr. Takahashi. I will inform the family right away and arrange for personnel to monitor Ito Yuhiko’s daughter in Kyoto!”


    Maki Takahashi gritted his teeth and instructed, “Tenglin, ensure that when I call, your people are ready to take out Nanako Ito!”


    Teng Lin Zhengzhe assured him, “Mr. Takahashi, you can count on me. I will give it my all!”


    Takahashi nodded and said, “Tenglin, rest assured, once we work together to dismantle the Ito family, I will reward you generously, including a substantial settlement for your junior.”


    Teng Lin Zhengzhe hurriedly replied, “Thank you in advance, Mr. Takahashi!”