CHAPTER TITLE: A NEW DAWN OF STRENGTH
Watanabe was over the moon.
Regaining his full form took precedence over everything else in his life. The prospect of having met Charlie, a being of immense power, brought the promise of unimaginable benefits in the future. This deal was truly a treasure to him.
Beside him, Takehiko bubbled with excitement as well. After sipping the water Charlie had offered, he felt an immediate surge of vitality coursing through his body. Gone was the frail existence that had left him feeling as though a mere gust could blow him away; now, he brimmed with energy, strength, and spirit. It was nothing short of miraculous.
Except for the loss of his legs, everything else felt as it had before his injury— if not even better. This revival of his physical and mental state was monumental. He was ready to dive into rehabilitation training, a strenuous endeavor that would have been impossible with his former weakness.
To wear a prosthetic limb, Takehiko would need to undergo rigorous adaptive training, requiring him to be in peak physical condition. Just six months prior, the thought of such recovery seemed like a distant dream. Thanks to Charlie's intervention, he had been granted at least another six months of time.
Once the contract was signed between Sarah and Watanabe, Takehiko swiftly directed the chef to slice fish while he uncorked a special 50-year-old whisky, setting the stage for a celebratory dinner.
The atmosphere was electric with joy. Takehiko was elated, Watanabe was jubilant, and Sarah, naturally, was enthralled. Charlie, too, found satisfaction in knowing he had empowered Sarah, strengthening her future bargaining position within the Walker family.
Yet, in the midst of the joyous celebration, Nanako felt a pang of disappointment. As the evening wore on, she realized tonight was Charlie's last in Tokyo, and their time together had been fleeting. Throughout dinner, she stole glances at Charlie, trying to hide her yearning gaze filled with soft, gentle longing.
According to Japanese customs, after a meal, the dishes are cleared away, and tea is served to guests. But Watanabe was restless, the excitement pulsating within him. He yearned to return home, surprise his wife, and reclaim the exhilarating sensations of his youth.
After the meal, he stood up impatiently, bowing with respect. "Brother Ito, Mr. Wade, Ms. Walker, I must attend to matters at home. Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Brother Ito! And my deepest gratitude to you, Mr. Wade! I am forever in your debt!"
Takehiko understood his urgency and nodded with a knowing smile, "Go on then, hurry home."
Charlie added, "It’s getting late, Mr. Watanabe. You should head home and rest."
With utmost respect, Watanabe requested, "Mr. Wade, may I have the honor of exchanging contact information with you?"
Charlie smiled subtly and consented, "Have Mr. Ito send my number to you."
Watanabe’s heart soared. As long as Charlie was willing to share his contact information, he felt reassured. Future help was just a call away!
CHAPTER 2127: THE IRON GRIP OF TOKYO
The C-2, a hulking behemoth of a plane belonging to the Japanese Self-Defense Force, touched down on the tarmac of Tokyo's international airport. It carried a chilling cargo: over fifty members of the formidable Salvador family, including the infamous leader, Raven, all bound for a trial that would shake the nation.
Inside the aircraft, a sea of steel and grim determination met the eyes. Nearly a hundred soldiers, armed to the teeth, held their prisoners captive. This wasn't just a mere transfer; it was a calculated maneuver, a military operation to deliver the perpetrators of the Matsumoto family massacre to the clutches of Tokyo's justice system.
The courtroom awaited them, a stage for a spectacle of justice. The Matsumoto case had shocked the world, staining the reputation of Japan's judicial branch in crimson. Now, they sought redemption through a televised trial, broadcasting the proceedings to a captivated nation and the world beyond.
As the plane taxied to a desolate parking area, a formidable force awaited. Hundreds of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Special Forces officers, their faces taut with anticipation, stood ready. Their presence was a chilling reminder of the gravity of the situation, and the potential for chaos that loomed. These were not merely police, but a shield against the tempestuous forces they were about to contain.
A convoy of thirty heavily armored vehicles, usually reserved for battling terrorists and hardened criminals, awaited their passengers. They were no longer symbols of defense; they were the metal cages for the condemned, a grim procession of justice.
Raven, the leader of the Salvador group, felt a knot of anxiety constrict her insides. Her father, Virtuoso, had devised an elaborate escape plan, a complex web of deception and subterfuge designed to extract her from this impending doom. But the weight of those she left behind, those who would not escape, settled on her like a leaden blanket.
"This is a betrayal," a voice whispered within her, a voice laced with guilt. She would be free, her life spared, but her comrades, her family, would face a fate she couldn't fathom. The escape plan was a cruel irony, a lifeline extended only to her. A wave of shame washed over her, leaving a bitter taste on her tongue.
As the rear hatch of the plane creaked open, a cold wind carried the scent of apprehension. The soldiers, their faces etched with grim determination, began ushering the prisoners out, each one met by a trio of Special Forces officers. Every movement was precise, every detail calculated. They were not simply guarding them, they were orchestrating their confinement.
A black bag was slipped over each prisoner's head, extinguishing the world around them. The world shrunk to a suffocating darkness, a stark symbol of their fate. Raven, as the primary culprit, was ushered into the first armored vehicle, the lead chariot in this grim parade.
The other prisoners, two to a vehicle, followed in tow. The convoy rolled out of the airport, a monstrous metal serpent, its destination: Tokyo's most secure prison, the last stop on their journey to oblivion.
In the shadows, unseen eyes watched. A group of cloaked figures, their faces hidden in the darkness, used binoculars to track the procession. The convoy was a target, a symbol of vengeance, and they had their own plans to play. The city, a silent observer, held its breath as the convoy rolled onward, toward a confrontation that promised to shatter the city's facade of peace.
CHAPTER 2128: THE UNDERGROUND ESCAPE
The convoy of armored vehicles lumbered towards the intersection, a steel serpent slithering through the urban jungle. On the edge of the city, hidden in the shadows, a group of figures watched intently. One of them, his hand hovering over a remote control, calculated the time.
With fifty meters to go, the remote control clicked. The traffic light, previously green, flickered and turned red, forcing the convoy to halt. The airport, operating 24/7, made this intersection particularly busy. Even the Tokyo Metropolitan Police convoy had to obey the rules of the road.
The lead armored vehicle, a monstrous machine, ground to a stop. The other vehicles followed suit, forming a long, metallic line. The traffic lights were programmed to cycle through the four directions, allowing one minute per direction, which meant a long wait of one hundred and eighty seconds.
Inside the armored vehicles, the Special Forces officers were on high alert. They were vigilant, their eyes scanning the surroundings, constantly on guard against any sign of trouble.
The traffic remained calm, with no suspicious activity. The convoy seemed safe, yet beneath the surface, a different drama was unfolding.
The Special Forces officers inside the lead armored vehicle, following a pre-arranged plan, activated the emergency escape hatch located on the vehicle's underside. These specialized armored vehicles were designed with security in mind. The escape hatch, built for situations where the door was damaged or the vehicle was under attack, opened outward like a tank hatch.
Directly below the hatch, a manhole cover awaited. It had been pre-arranged; the manhole cover and the hatch were positioned almost perfectly vertically.
As the hatch opened, the manhole cover was simultaneously removed. A woman, almost identical to Raven, wearing the same clothes, handcuffs, and leg irons, and with a black bag over her head, was pushed up from below.
The Special Forces officers swiftly pulled the woman into the vehicle, seating her next to Raven. Then, with equal speed, they lifted Raven and sent her down the escape hatch into the sewer.
A figure emerged from the sewer, motioning an "okay" sign to the Special Forces officers. "Thirty seconds left on the red light," he whispered urgently. "Close the hatch!"
The officers nodded, their voices low. "Cover the manhole," they instructed. "Wait until we are a kilometer away before moving Salvador-san."
"Got it," the figure replied. The manhole cover was replaced, sealing the entrance to the sewer. The armored vehicle's emergency escape hatch slammed shut. The entire operation was flawlessly coordinated.
Seconds later, the red light turned green. The lead armored vehicle accelerated, the rest of the convoy following in its wake. No one suspected that the most important prisoner had been replaced.
A kilometer later, a black truck pulled up to the intersection. As the traffic light turned red, the truck stopped. A secret compartment opened at the bottom of the truck's cargo bed, and a stick tapped the manhole cover below.
The manhole cover was lifted, and Raven was pulled into the truck. The cover was closed, the truck roared to life, and it disappeared into the traffic, leaving no trace.
Inside the truck, a Japanese woman removed Raven's black bag. "Salvador-san," she said, her voice calm and reassuring, "I was sent by your father to get you out of Japan. We're going to Tokyo Harbor. The ship is waiting for you."
CHAPTER 2129: DEPARTURE
The Ito mansion in Tokyo was buzzing with activity. Charlie and Sarah were preparing for their departure.
Tonight was the perfect night for their escape. The coast guard patrol was scheduled for equipment maintenance, leaving a few hours of open water.
Furthermore, the Japanese Coast Guard focused primarily on preventing illegal immigration and smuggling into Japan. They paid much less attention to those leaving the country. This made their escape from Tokyo significantly easier.
Takehiko had arranged for a fleet of vehicles to personally escort Charlie and Sarah to the docks.
Nanako also had the same intention. Though she was reluctant to let Charlie go, she knew that she couldn't keep him. So, she was satisfied with the opportunity to see him off.
After making their preparations, Charlie and Sarah, accompanied by Takehiko and Nanako, boarded the vehicles and headed towards the harbor.
Inside the car, Takehiko informed Charlie, "Mr. Wade, Kazusaki from Nippon Steel has been taken to the docks by my ninja."
Charlie nodded approvingly, "Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Ito."
Takehiko quickly replied, "Mr. Wade, it's my pleasure."
The convoy drove for forty minutes, arriving at the sprawling Tokyo Harbor.
The harbor, stretching for miles along the coastline, was a colossal expanse. Most of the berths were reserved for massive oil tankers and container ships. These berths, located near the operational areas, were densely populated by workers and were hotbeds for smuggling. Customs officers were highly vigilant in these areas.
Takehiko had arranged a less prominent, smaller dock for Charlie and Sarah.
This dock could only accommodate ships under a few thousand tons and was under much looser surveillance.
The actual escape didn't begin on the ship. While Tokyo Harbor remained within Japanese territory and waters, boarding a ship wasn't illegal.
As long as they didn't leave Japanese waters or enter international waters, it was all perfectly legal.
Several small to medium-sized yachts were docked at the pier, the largest of which was the luxurious yacht prepared by Takehiko for Charlie.
The convoy drove straight onto the pier, stopping at the entrance to the yacht. Though Takehiko had lost his legs, he had himself wheeled to the car to see them off.
After Charlie and Sarah disembarked, Takehiko said, "Mr. Wade, the crew and captain are my trusted people. You can rest assured."
Charlie nodded slightly, "Thank you, Mr. Ito."
Takehiko quickly responded, "Please, don't be so formal!"
Charlie checked the time and addressed the Ito family, "It's getting late, we need to be on our way. We won't keep you any longer. Farewell!"
Takehiko bowed deeply, "Mr. Wade, farewell!"
Nanako, her face filled with sadness, said, "Charlie-kun, farewell!"
Charlie smiled slightly and said, "Nanako, take care!"
CHAPTER 2130: A SHOCKING ENCOUNTER
Nanako, eyes red-rimmed, nodded repeatedly, then turned to Sarah, who was holding the puppy, and choked out, "Sister Sarah, I wish you a smooth journey. If you have the chance, come to Tokyo to see me!"
Sarah quickly said, "Don't worry, I will! If you have time, you can also come to Aurous Hill to see me and Little Yuu!"
Nanako, with a hint of joy, said without hesitation, "Sister, rest assured, I will come to see you after I'm done with this!"
At this time, a middle-aged man walked down from the ship and respectfully said to Takehiko, "Sir, we are ready to set sail at any time."
Takehiko asked, "What about Kazusaki?"
The man replied, "Kazusaki is locked in the cabin, his limbs are bound, I've assigned someone to watch him, there will be no mistake."
Takehiko nodded in satisfaction and said to Charlie, "Mr. Wade, you and Ms. Walker, please board the ship!"
Charlie hummed in agreement, "You guys go back, we're leaving!"
Takehiko took the initiative to shake hands with Charlie, and Nanako also gently hugged Sarah.
Then, Sarah came to Takehiko and sincerely said, "Mr. Ito, thank you for your care during our stay in Japan!"
Takehiko laughed heartily, gently shook hands with Sarah, and seriously said, "Ms. Walker, you and Mr. Wade are always honored guests of the Ito family, don't be so formal with us at any time!"
Nanako came to Charlie at this moment, her cheeks flushed red, and she was overwhelmed with shyness.
Looking at Charlie, she gently opened her arms, wanting to see his reaction.
She really wanted to hug Charlie goodbye, but she was afraid that he wouldn't want to, so she could only use this little gesture to test him.
Seeing Charlie smile slightly and reach out towards her, Nanako hurriedly took a step forward, rushed into his arms, hugged him tightly, and said nothing.
Actually, Nanako had a lot of things she wanted to say to Charlie deep down, but at this moment, with her father and Sarah present, she couldn't say those words.
They embraced for a while, and with a cough from Takehiko, Nanako quickly pulled away from Charlie's embrace, looking at Charlie with reluctance and saying, "Charlie-kun, take care!"
Charlie nodded slightly, bid farewell to the father and daughter, and then walked onto the ship with Sarah.
The yacht was huge, with three decks above and three below. On the top deck, there was even a freshwater swimming pool, even more luxurious than the yacht Walker's grandfather had given to Charlie.
After boarding the ship, Charlie and Sarah went straight to the top deck, stood by the railing, waved to Takehiko and Nanako below, and said loudly, "It's too late, the sea breeze is getting colder, you two should go back quickly!"
Nanako nodded lightly, asked her servants to help her father get in the car, and she herself obediently sat in the car, but she didn't rush the driver to start the car, but wanted to wait until the ship had set sail, to see Charlie leave before leaving.
Just then, a business car with black tinted windows drove in from the entrance of the pier, passed Ito's family's convoy, and continued to drive forward.
This three-row business car had a beautiful woman sitting in the middle row, her expression struggling and painful. This woman was Raven.
At this moment, Raven was still feeling ashamed for her solo escape.
Thinking about the more than 50 followers who would face Japanese law soon, Raven felt not only ashamed but also filled with hatred.
She hated the man who had tricked her and her followers at Osaka Airport that day!
She still remembered that man's face. If she had the chance, she would definitely kill him with her own hands and avenge her brothers!
Just as she was gnashing her teeth, the driver said, "Ms. Salvador, our ship is ahead, it's ready to set sail!"
Raven turned her head to see the ship that would take her away from Japan, her peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a man standing on the deck of the yacht next to her!
At this moment, Raven's pupils shrank abruptly, and a cold and ruthless expression appeared on her face!
She gritted her teeth and muttered, "It's him! What a twist of fate!"
, and Claire had to deal with so much BS 'cause of him. He even had the nerve to ask for money during Grandma Wilson's big party, making Claire hella embarrassed 
. They kicked Charlie Wade out, but then plot twist! 
Some butler dude shows up. Turns out, Charlie Wade's actually from the uber-rich Wade clan. The butler's like, "Come home, fam." But since his parents were, like, done dirty by the Wade fam, he's like "Nah." But he did take his grandpa’s black card loaded with 10 billion. 
#MicDrop
