"I didn't expect that Chief Inspector Hino, who is always busy with official duties, would think of inviting me here for a cup of afternoon tea."
In the old manor, Onoue took a sip of tea and said with a smile.
"Haha, Onoue, you are so polite. I invited you here today because I want to introduce you to a friend."
Following the direction pointed by Hino Amada, a young man in a white suit slowly walked towards them from a distance.
With his sparkling eyes, hooked nose, slightly purple lips, and angular face, it would be more accurate to say that he has an indescribable ancient aristocratic temperament rather than a handsome appearance.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Tongshan. As you can see, I am a member of the consortium."
The straightforward introduction made Onoue a little cautious, and his brain started working rapidly.
The consortium came to me at this time? No, to be precise, it was the members of this consortium who came to me, and their purpose did not seem to be simple.
However, judging by the man's attire, he should be at the same level as Jiatou and Rem.
"Haha, I didn't expect to see members of the consortium here. Chief Inspector Hino is really powerful."
"No, it was me who asked Mr. Hino to arrange this meeting."
The man named Kiriyama explained calmly. Hino Amada waved his hand and looked at Onoue and Kiriyama: "You have something to discuss, so I'll take my leave now."
Just as Hino Amada left the garden, Kiriyama sat down in front of Onoue very casually and said, "Mr. Onoue, I came here today for one thing."
"oh?"
"Do you have the qualifications to replace Ryubei and become the new king of the underground world in Fuuto?"
As soon as Kiriyama finished speaking, Onoue, who had just raised the teacup, couldn't help but pause for a moment.
"Are all the people in the consortium so straightforward when speaking? Although you are nicknamed the Merchant of Death, you are still businessmen after all."
"hehe."
Seeing that Onoue didn't answer his question directly, Kiriyama was not annoyed: "It is precisely because of the way the consortium works that it can have such great wealth and status in this world. This kind of sufficient and absolute power does not need to be vain."
Kiriyama's tone was full of pride and glory. Onoue remained silent. The strength of the consortium was indeed very strong. The power revealed in the original book was only the tip of the iceberg. After real contact, one would know the power wielded by these death merchants.
"Oh, but Mr. Kiriyama, your first words are to sow discord between me and my father-in-law. It seems a bit inappropriate. Moreover, as far as I know, Mr. Kato seems to be in charge of the museum and memory-related data projects within your company, right?"
"Yes, it was indeed Kato who was in charge of contacting Ryubei."
Tongshan admitted this generously: "It is true that I am currently in charge of Yumeng Town. I came to meet you this time mainly to understand some of the situation."
Dream town
After hearing this name, a strange light flashed in Onoue's eyes.
"Oh? It seems that Mr. Onoue is also familiar with Yumenomichi." Kiriyama, who was also sharp-eyed, said softly while playing with the cup in his hand.
"I've only heard of it, only heard of it. Let's get back to the point. What exactly do you want to do, Mr. Kiriyama?"
"cooperate."
"Oh? What kind of cooperation?"
"iipt."
After hearing what Kiriyama said, Onoue chuckled, "That's a big deal. I wonder what kind of bargaining chips you can offer, Mr. Kiriyama?"
"I will fully support you, seize the leadership of the museum, and become the master of the underground world of Fuuto."
"Heh, this matter, this so-called support, I'm afraid it can't be made public, right? At least it has to be hidden from Kato and Ryubei's spies."
Onoue narrowed his eyes, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. This Kiriyama really thought of himself as a fool. Just by a few words of nonsense, he wanted him to help him obtain the information about the ultimate killer weapon in the story of IIPT
"What do you need?"
"qrks."
In an instant, a cold light flashed in Kiriyama's eyes. This guy actually knew that he was the person in charge of the qrks project in the past
Huh? With this reaction, does this guy really have information about qrks
qrks, in simple terms, means a person with super powers. It is also a project developed by the consortium. It has achieved considerable results and has produced many people with super powers.
In a sense, Onoue needs the information of the psychic in order to further enhance his own abilities. After all, controlling memories also requires very strong mental strength. In a sense, qrks can enhance his own mental strength and willpower.
"This thing is already very valuable. If you want me to provide this information, please show some sincerity."
Onoue didn't say much about this. It was indeed unrealistic for him to ask Kiriyama to hand over the information of QRKS directly, but since there were people from the consortium above, there would be no shortage of trading opportunities in the future.
After the meeting, Hino Amada walked up to Kiriyama, looking at Onoue's departing back and asked, "What do you think of this guy?"
"He's a pretty interesting guy... He hasn't let me down yet."
Kiriyama smiled and gave Onoue a very strange comment.
"Report to Master Onoue~"
Back in his office, Onoue was just about to sit down and rest for a while when he saw a furry creature suddenly sticking its head out from under the sofa and calling out in a very cute tone.
"Although I like cute things, I hate those who act cute maliciously. Be normal."
"Yes Master."
In an instant, Chopper's voice became very low, like a cold and hard man, and he spoke seriously.
Chopper's appearance this time obviously means there are new clues in the search for Quan's location.
"This place... New Island, the place where the night of origin was?"
The night that the story begins is the source of everything. It is on this mysterious deserted island that Shokichi Umi completed the last journey of his life and entrusted everything to Shotaro Sae and Philip, thus starting the story of his struggle with the museum.
Onoue never thought that Chopper would finally search for this place...
He quickly opened his computer and looked up information about Niijima, and Onoue soon found useful information.
Several years ago, an inexplicable energy sensation appeared near the New Island, just like the energy wave source of Gaia's memory.
In view of this news, the museum purchased the deserted island and began to build a factory base while investigating whether there really was another spring.
As a result, there has been no clue.
On the night of the start, the duo's wanton destruction almost destroyed the entire base construction on the island. At the same time, the fluctuations similar to the spring energy reaction also disappeared. Finally, Ryubey decided to abandon the island.
"This island"
Onoue took a deep breath...
"Ah, I forgot to go to the last recording of Fuuto Idol!"
An hour later, the production team of the Fengdu idol program.
"What's going on? I don't see the talked-about Jimmy Nakata?"
The host asked in confusion. Meanwhile, Onoue also arrived at the scene breathlessly. He took a sip of water and suddenly remembered something: "Ah, I forgot to bring my earplugs!"
After waiting for a long time, a hurried figure slowly entered the venue. It was Jimi holding a guitar, but at this time, there were traces of tears in the young man's eyes.
Perhaps youth requires tears. Dreams are ruthlessly crushed, but one can still stand up again. Jimi had already made up his mind to finish singing this last stage.
The song is still very hard to listen to, but Onoue doesn't seem to find it too harsh...
This guy really wants to sing.
Not only Onoue, but also the audience below have now felt that Jimi's singing contains an interpretation of youth.
"To be honest, I've never heard such an unpleasant song, but I appreciate your kindness."
“I agree with that part too.”
"See you next time, Jimmy."
When it was Onoue's turn, he cleared his throat and said, "I am a temporary judge. During the recording of Fuudou Idol, your singing has been with me throughout my journey as a judge. Haha, I don't know whether it is my luck or misfortune. Anyway, keep up the good work."
ps: The original book didn't tell me what the deserted island was called, so I just randomly named it New Island. (To be continued)