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He arrived at a dilapidated house, the most run-down one in the refugee camp, drafty, overgrown with weeds, and teeming with cockroaches.
He gently opened the door and walked in.
“Brother, you’re back!” A weak but clear voice rang out; it was his younger sister, Kawara Ha. Her face was pale, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Kawahara turned around and saw his sister's appearance. The coldness on his face melted instantly, and he became gentle and concerned.
"Little sister, why aren't you resting yet? Are you hungry? Here, this is a steamed bun I saved for you, eat it quickly."
As he spoke, he took out a steamed bun from his pocket and handed it to his younger sister.
Although Kawara Kaori was only seven or eight years old, she was malnourished and looked like a teenager, pale and thin. She took the steamed bun, looked at her brother, and her eyes were full of gratitude.
She divided the steamed bun in half, giving the larger half to her brother and keeping the smaller half for herself.
"Brother, you eat too. Xiaohe is too young, so it's enough for her to eat more."
Kawahara I smiled and shook his head. "Little sister, I've already eaten. This was specially saved for you."
His voice was full of warmth and love.
Enjoy it, little sister.
Kawara Kaori heard her brother's urging voice in her ears.
She nodded slightly, looking a little confused, and then eagerly took a big bite of the steamed bun, her mouth bulging with the food.
Seeing his younger sister wolfing down her food, Kawahara Yi couldn't help but smile and gently reminded her, "Eat slowly, don't choke, drink some water."
His heart was filled with love for his younger sister. The two depended on each other for survival, and he vowed to protect her and prevent her from suffering any harm.
However, at this tender moment, a chilling voice came from behind Kawahara Ii:
"What a deep bond between siblings!"
The two were startled by the sudden sound and turned to look.
"Whose factory is this?!"
417's goal is to unify the underground forces of Shinjuku!
Kawahara I's face instantly turned icy cold, like the chill of winter, his sharp gaze fixed on the person who had suddenly appeared—the shadow.
Kawahara He hid behind her brother in fear, while Kawahara Yi stared intently at the shadow. He felt an unprecedented sense of oppression emanating from the other person, as if the slightest movement from him could kill him.
He had only ever felt this terrifying aura from those legendary evolved beings.
"You are... Evolver?" Kawahara Yi's tone carried a hint of certainty. Although he tried to remain calm, he could not hide the shock in his heart.
Shadow chuckled softly, tacitly acknowledging Kawahara I's guess.
"I was unaware that you, Evolver, have graced my humble abode with your presence. What guidance do you have for me? If there is anything I may ask, I will do my utmost to assist you."
Kawahara I's tone was full of respect and awe. He knew that the gap between him and the evolved beings was like an insurmountable chasm, and that if the other party wanted to take his life, it would be as easy as turning his hand.
He was filled with doubt, unable to understand why an evolved being who should be in the heart of the Shinjuku City base would come to this remote place to find him. He asked himself if he had anything that the other party wanted.
"Your opportunity has arrived. My master wishes to see you," the shadow said with a smile. "Come with me."
"Your master?"
Kawahara I was startled, and a look of horror appeared on his face.
Even evolved beings have to address the other party as "sir," so just how noble is this sir's status?
However, it was this very esteemed person who wanted to see him at that moment.
Someone actually came specifically to find me! Kawahara I was filled with doubt. He asked, "May I ask, sir, who is your master? And why did you specifically seek me out?"
"No need to ask any more questions, just follow me. It will only benefit you," the man said calmly.
Kawahara Yi remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: "I am willing to go with you."
He knew that if he refused, his and his sister's lives would be in danger.
With his status, even if he were to die, it wouldn't cause much of a stir.
"Brother, don't go!" Kawara Kaho clung tightly to her brother's clothes, afraid that he might be in danger.
"Xiaohe, don't worry, your brother will be fine."
Kawahara I turned to comfort his sister, "If the evolved beings really want my life, they can just do it directly. There's no need to go through all this trouble to take me away."
After saying that, he added, "You should go home and rest first. I'll be back soon."
Afterwards, Kawahara I and Shadow went to Chang Wei and the others' residence.
On the way, Kawahara Yi deeply felt the power of the evolved beings. He was carried by the shadows and seemed to merge into the darkness. The speed was astonishing.
"Is this the power of an evolved being? If only I could become an evolved being..." A sense of envy welled up in Kawahara I's heart.
Just then, Chang Wei and the others finished cooking dinner, and Shadow returned.
He stepped forward respectfully and said:
"Chief, the person has been brought."
Chang Wei served Yingzi a bowl of rice porridge. Seeing Chuan Yuanyi's wide eyes, he also served him a bowl and tore off a roasted chicken leg to hand to him.
“Little one, eat up, there’s plenty more here,” Chang Wei said gently.
Looking at the abundant food on the table and Chang Wei and the others, Chuan Yuanyi understood that Chang Wei was the core of this group.
He looked at Chang Wei's handsome face and was somewhat surprised. This was the person who could command the evolved beings.
But upon hearing Chang Wei's words, he instinctively took the food, and smelling the aroma of the porridge and chicken leg, he couldn't help but swallow and began to eat without any hesitation.
Knowing he was not qualified to have his life ended by poison, he drank the bowl of rice porridge without hesitation.
However, he carefully put away the chicken leg without touching it at all.
"Are you not going to eat this chicken leg? Are you saving it for your sister?"
Chang Wei asked with a smile, having heard from others that he had a younger sister.
Upon closer reflection, he must have done this so that he could save this delicious treat for his younger sister.
As expected, Kawahara I nodded slightly, a gentle look appearing on his face. "My sister has never been in good health, and I want to save the chicken leg for her to help her recover. She usually only eats steamed buns, which is not enough nutrition."
"Hehe, please enjoy your meal without worry. When you leave, I'll prepare a roast chicken for you to take with you for your sister to enjoy," Chang Wei said gently.
However, Kawahara I's face did not show any joy. Instead, he asked in a deep voice, "My lord, what are your orders? I consider myself just an ordinary person, not worthy of your kindness. You are being so good to me today, surely you have something to ask of me?"
"You're very smart!" Chang Wei praised, and the others also showed surprise. It was truly astonishing that someone so young could have such insight into the ways of the world.
"What's your name?" Chang Wei asked gently.
"My name is Kawahara Ichi, and my sister's name is Kawahara He."
"We saw what happened to you at the construction site today. How did it feel to be beaten?"
Chang Wei's sudden question startled Kawahara I, who then gave a wry smile: "I'm sorry to have troubled you. I'm just a nobody and don't dare to argue."
"How does it feel to be bullied?" Chang Wei asked again, and everyone looked at him curiously, vaguely guessing his intentions.
A resolute glint flashed in Kawahara I's eyes, followed by a bitter remark: "If I could, who would willingly allow themselves to be bullied? But alas, my strength is weak, and I cannot fight back. However, if one day I, Kawahara I, can rise above my station, I will surely make those who have bullied me pay a heavy price!"
Upon hearing Kawahara Ii's words, Chang Wei revealed a satisfied smile.
As an ordinary individual, if you hope to turn your life around, your dream may be forever buried in the mundane course of life.
Kawahara I's voice was deep and firm. He looked directly into Chang Wei's eyes. "However, though I, Kawahara I, am not a distinguished person, I know that this moment may be a turning point in my destiny. I am willing to entrust my fate to you and submit to your command."
Chang Wei and his companions were indeed surprised. Before they could explain their purpose, Kawahara I had already figured it out.
"Aren't you wondering why I chose you?" Chang Wei smiled, toying with the remains of a chicken leg in his hand.
You must have a profound understanding of the situation to have chosen me. There must be some quality about me that attracted you. Since you have given me this opportunity, I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations.
Although Kawahara I's voice sounded a little immature, the firmness and determination in it deeply moved everyone present.
Alright, Kawahara Ii, you are indeed extraordinary. I initially thought it was just your eyes that attracted me, but I never expected you to possess such wisdom and courage. You will become one of my subordinates, at my service.
Chang Wei nodded in satisfaction, a smile of approval appearing on his face.
"From now on, you shall address me as Chief, and remember my name—Chang Wei," Chang Wei said to Chuan Yuanyi.
"Yes, Chief. From now on, whatever you command, I will do my utmost to fulfill it." Kawahara Yi's face beamed with joy; he knew that at this moment, he had truly gained Chang Wei's approval.
From this moment on, he had the support of the evolved beings behind him, and he no longer had to face the bullying and oppression alone.
"Xiao Yi, I don't want you to risk your life for me. If someone truly needs to sacrifice for me, someone else will be willing. But I have one thing I need you to do." Chang Wei put down his chicken leg, his gaze fixed on Chuan Yuan Yi.
I will obey your orders, Chief. Although young, Kawahara Ii is extremely composed in his actions.
Everyone stared at Chang Wei with curious eyes, puzzled by his intentions.
"Little Balala, how much do you know about the power structure in the outer areas?" Chang Wei didn't answer directly, but instead turned his gaze to Little Balala, seemingly with a specific implication.
"Power?" Little Balala was slightly taken aback, then fell into a brief moment of contemplation, and replied with a wry smile, "Chief, in this outer area, thousands of people are fighting for survival, forming countless small groups, and the power dynamics are very complex. I only know some of the more well-known ones."
"But these peripheral forces are actually nothing special. Compared with the powerful forces in the inner circle, they are insignificant."
Chang Wei didn't seem to mind, simply nodding before continuing, "So, which peripheral forces are more well-known?"
“Small Knife Society, Righteous Alliance, Three Kill Society…” Little Balala listed several names, then added: “Although the names sound impressive, their actual power is not great. They usually only have dozens to hundreds of people, and their equipment is mostly just knives. Even pistols are rare.”
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