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Chapter 56: An Offer You Can't Refuse
🕑 Added 2025-07-01 14:02:35 +0000 UTCAt that moment on the court, even Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who was always a master of managing his facial expressions, couldn't quite maintain his composure, especially when he saw Zoro clench a third sword in his teeth.
"Three-Sword Style?" the gentle voice of Yoriichi sounded in the arena.
Oh my god, the mute is speaking! Hearing his card's voice for the first time, Russell stared at him in amazement. He had always assumed it was because he'd used poor materials that Yoriichi was unable to speak. So you just didn't want to!?
"Zoro, you can do it!" Luffy's cheering voice rang out from the sidelines.
Luffy's cheer was like the whistle for the start of the duel. In the next instant, Zoro attacked. Of course, he was suppressing his own strength. There was still a massive gap between the Bronze and Iron levels, and his card was red-quality while Yoriichi's was only purple. This was just a friendly match to test their swordsmanship.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The sound of clashing steel echoed through the empty arena as the two swordsmen moved in a blur of motion, dazzling sparks flashing with every parry and strike. What surprised Yoriichi was the power behind the green-haired boy's unorthodox style. It wasn't just fancy-looking theatrics at all.
Taking a deep breath, Zoro crossed the swords in his hands, his figure streaking across the field like a meteor. Faced with such an attack, Yoriichi’s own breathing became focused, channeling the Sun Breathing method.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Yoriichi successfully blocked Zoro's multi-bladed assault. But immediately after, he sheathed his sword and said calmly, "I have lost." He had used the Sun Breathing technique, violating their initial agreement to compete using pure swordsmanship alone.
Zoro sheathed his own three swords one by one. "It was just luck," he said gruffly. It was a swordsman's courtesy. He could feel the immense power in Yoriichi's swordsmanship. He had only held the advantage because of the difference in their card ranks and quality.
At that moment, Russell walked to the center of the field and said to Zoro with a smile, "Don't be disappointed. There will be plenty of opportunities to fight stronger swordsmen in the future." He wasn't lying. When he eventually created Retsu Unohana, he was sure her swordsmanship would more than satisfy Zoro's thirst for battle.
After putting away his cards, Russell prepared to go home. Riding on Pidgeot, he slowly landed at the door of his house, sighing to himself. Goggles are still useless. It seems the issue of a new vehicle needs to be solved. If he wanted something fast, all-terrain, and comfortable, what kind of bike would he even need to make?
While lost in thought, Russell took out his key and opened the door. He walked through the corridor, preparing to go to the kitchen for a glass of water. Just as he passed the living room, his entire body suddenly froze.
"Don't be alarmed, Mr. Russell. Please, sit down." A smooth, magnetic voice sounded from within his own home.
Russell turned his head stiffly. A man in a tailored black suit was sitting calmly on his sofa, looking at him with a smile.
In the next instant, Luffy, Zoro, Kaneki, and Yoriichi all appeared in front of him, ready for battle.
But—
BOOM!
The moment the four of them appeared, a tremendous and irresistible pressure descended from nowhere, forcing all four of them to their knees. The floorboards beneath them cracked under the immense force.
At this moment, Russell saw a second figure he hadn't noticed before, a young man with an indifferent expression standing next to the man in the suit. This second man was looking at Russell's cards with cold, detached eyes.
"Ugh... ahhh!!!" Russell's cards roared, their eyes turning red as they used all their strength just to try and stand up. Unfortunately, it was useless.
"Well, leave it to me," Russell sighed, comforting his struggling cards and putting them back into his mind. He could already see that the people in front of him were on a level he couldn't possibly resist. This wasn't Silver-level power. A Silver-level cardmaker wouldn't be able to leave Luffy and Zoro completely defenseless. It was better to save his energy and see what they wanted.
"The Spirit Begging Society?" he asked, his voice steady despite the situation. He had already guessed their identity. Who else could it be? He couldn't help but feel a wave of helplessness. This was the curse of being an orphan. If he had a family at home, the Society would never dare to come to his house so openly. And didn't they just suffer a major blow? he thought silently. Why are they acting even more arrogant than before?
The man in the suit nodded slightly at his question, a smile playing on his lips. "A pleasure to meet you. My name is Five. You can call me that."
Unable to figure out his intentions, Russell responded honestly. "Five." There was no other choice. The man held all the cards.
Seeing that Russell was so sensible, Five showed a satisfied smile. "A teachable young man." "I came here this time to personally invite you, Mr. Russell, to join the Spirit Begging Society."
Hearing his words, a helpless, bitter smile appeared on Russell's face. "At this point, do I still have a choice?" "I'll join."
Five showed a noncommittal expression. "Hey, don't say that. We in the Spirit Begging Society still respect human rights. If you truly do not wish to join us, we will not make things difficult for you." "It may just be... a small price you have to pay."
At this moment, a murderous intent began to form in Five's mind. He had not missed the appearance of Zoro just now. This meant the high school student in front of him had made another powerful card. Adhering to the principle of destroying what he could not obtain, he was ready to take action.
"I hope you can make the right choice," Five said, his smile impeccable, even as cold thoughts flashed through his mind. "I truly do not wish to attack a genius such as yourself."
Russell was speechless. So there is no choice, he thought. And "respect human rights"? The fates of Walter, Director Valerius, and the countless ordinary employees of Golden Talent Credit were still fresh in his mind.
As expected, Five took out a contract from his jacket pocket and handed it to Russell. "Words are not enough. Please, sign."
Russell's body went rigid, but he quickly forced himself to relax, sighing internally. Of course. Given the nature of the Spirit Begging Society, how could they not have a contract?
Five looked at Russell with amusement. He was somewhat curious what choice the boy would make.
Under his gaze, Russell took a deep breath, took the contract, and began to look at the terms. After a long moment, he let out a silent breath. My goodness. The black-hearted capitalists from my previous life would kowtow to you twice over these clauses.
After a long silence, Russell picked up the pen and signed his name on the contract.
Russell.
(End of this chapter)
Comments
Raphael Espinoza Angulo
K disgusting, I hope these guys get screwed.
