I became Hokage in Tokyo

Chapters 344 and 345: Swindling and Deceiving

As night gradually falls in Naniwa Ward, inside the grounds belonging to the Bunichikai Association.

"Why did you only sell a few teapots, and not a single book?"

A middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and head-to-toe designer brands sat on the sofa, flipping through an account book in his hands.

"My mother was already very dissatisfied with the donation amount in Osaka last month, and she'll be furious with this amount now."

Before him stood a bald old man in a white robe, wiping the cold sweat from his brow, and said:

"Lord Wen Zaizhong, isn't 2500 million yen a bit too much for a book right now? Perhaps a slight reduction would be appropriate..."

"We can't lower it any further! If we do, what dignity will the Holy Prophet have left? Indeed, the people of Osaka who are greedy for small gains are the least devout!"

The middle-aged man frowned, his expression changed drastically, and he shouted:

"Whether you're lying or not, you need to sell at least one unit in Osaka next month, or someone else will take your place."

"Yes, yes, yes."

"In short, you guys need to at least come up with this amount for me by next month."

With his pale complexion and sinister eyes, Wen Zaizhong raised his hand and extended five fingers.

"Understood, understood!"

The bald old man bowed and scraped repeatedly, smiling obsequiously at Wen Zaizhong, who was twenty years younger than him.

After the old chairman died suddenly a few years ago, the power of the Wen Yi Association fell into the hands of his wife and the dozen or so children of the Wen family.

The fifth son, Wen Zaizhong, is also one of the most powerful figures within the organization, and there are even calls for him to succeed as the next chairman.

Seeing the bald old man so obedient, Wen Zaizhong nodded in satisfaction.

"Knock knock knock".

There was a sudden knock on the door.

A burly bodyguard with a bulging waist, standing behind Moon Jae-jung's sofa, stepped forward and opened the door at Moon Jae-jung's signal.

A fat man with a bloated belly walked in, holding a newspaper and with a fawning expression.

"Sir, this is the evening edition of the Asahi Shimbun."

Wen Zaizhong took the newspaper, unfolded it, and saw the news report on page two: "Dotonbori River overturns and falls into the water; Yamashita Toru may have died."

"That bastard is finally dead! This is truly a stroke of good luck."

Wen Zaizhong immediately jumped up from the sofa and paced excitedly back and forth in the room.

Wen Zaizhong was filled with hatred for Yamashita Che, who had single-handedly destroyed Wen Yihui's financial resources and caused a significant reduction in their assets.

This is all my money!

"At the conference later, we must properly announce Yamashita Tetsu's death to everyone; this is divine retribution!"

After venting his joy, Wen Zaizhong turned around and said to the fat man:

"I didn't expect that the news you tipped off was actually true. By the way, what's your name?"

"He is my brother-in-law, Yusuke Baba."

The bald old man rubbed his hands together and said in a jovial tone:

"And he was in charge of today's security."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

Wen Zaizhong suddenly became very interested.

When engaging in such heinous acts, those in high positions naturally prioritize their personal safety above all else. Even if victims are eager for revenge, they often have no opportunity or means to take action.

Especially after Shan Xiache accomplished such a momentous feat, the higher-ups were like frightened birds, living in constant fear.

However, two years have passed since the shooting, and they have gradually relaxed and resumed their activities.

"Only core members with more than five years of experience are allowed to enter; others can only listen from outside the venue."

Yusuke Baba straightened his back and pulled in his stomach, trying his best to hide his big belly.

"We've also prepared personnel to patrol and guard the venue inside and out, like an impregnable fortress, ensuring absolute security!"

"Yoshi yoshi, do a good job! I'll promote you when I become the president."

Although Wen Zaizhong always travels with several bodyguards, no one would complain that the protection is too thorough. He nodded approvingly and patted Baba Yusuke on the shoulder.

Yusuke Baba couldn't help but beam with joy, his very bones softening.

A close attendant walked in, bowed, and said:

"Time to change clothes and get ready for the upcoming conference."

Five minutes later, Wen Zaizhong, wearing a crown inlaid with jewels and dressed in a gorgeous red robe, arrived at a secluded building deep inside the manor, surrounded by a crowd.

Upon entering, one finds nearly a hundred men and women already gathered in the hall.

The vast majority of them had bitter expressions and were poorly dressed.

Even those with immense wealth couldn't withstand Wen Yihui's exploitative practices. Many sold their properties and went into debt to buy Wen Yihui's worthless books and teapots.

But when they saw Wen Zaizhong and the other organizers walk in, their expressions immediately became excited, and they cheered:

"Lord Moon Jaejoong!"

"Lord Moon Jaejoong!"

The cheers nearly lifted the roof off.

With a dignified expression, Wen Zaizhong waved his hand repeatedly, his demeanor reserved, and slowly walked to the center of the hall.

"Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here today to celebrate the death sentence handed down to Che at the foot of Devil Mountain."

The bald old man stepped forward, spitting as he spoke, and declared loudly and passionately.

"I have even better news to tell you all! The gods have punished the deeply sinful Yamashita Tetsu by drowning him in the river."

Yusuke Baba and his entourage, who were prepared in advance, distributed the newspapers they had bought.

The others stared in disbelief at the news in the newspaper about Yamashita Toru falling into the water and his fate being unknown.

The bald old man smacked his lips and attributed all of this to God's punishment of sinners.

Under his instigation, the atmosphere at the scene became increasingly fervent, with everyone praising and marveling at the power of the gods.

The following ceremony was supposed to be a long and tedious prayer and hymn, which are typical brainwashing tactics used by the Wen Yi Association.

However, today Wen Zaizhong decided to try something new.

He gave the bald old man a look, and the latter immediately understood.

"Everyone should look at me!"

The bald old man chanted in an affected manner:

"Lord Wen Zaizhong has received divine revelation from the Lord of Mount Tai and has mastered the ritual of the Lord of Mount Tai!"

Many people looked at each other, half believing and half doubting.

"Is it really possible? The Taishan Fujun Festival?"

"Ah, Lord Mun Jae-jung, please let us witness a miracle!"

The followers who had been planted in the crowd beforehand began to chant and rave.

Wen Zaizhong pretended to hesitate, then reluctantly agreed.

Immediately, several attendants rushed up carrying large and small items to set up the scene.

Candlesticks, talismans smeared with unknown ink, incense burners, shimenawa (sacred ropes), and other utensils and props with Buddhist and Shinto influences were placed around Mun Jae-jung.

To create a mysterious and eerie atmosphere, the lights on the hall's ceiling were turned off, plunging the hall into darkness.

"Ah, ee-ya..."

As the candlelight flickered, Wen Zaizhong chanted eerie and terrifying incantations, twisting his limbs and dancing wildly as he began his shamanistic ritual.

"Soul, return! Return!"

After jumping for a full minute, Wen Zaizhong's face suddenly flushed an unnatural crimson, and he shouted:

"Lord of Mount Tai, ascend to me!"

Then he collapsed to the ground, convulsing and rolling around like he had epilepsy!

"Wow!"

Someone couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

"Shh! Lord Wen Zaizhong is communicating with the Lord of Mount Tai. You must not disturb him."

The bald old man barely managed to suppress a laugh and warned him with an air of seriousness.

The next moment, Wen Zaizhong, his hair disheveled and face downcast, got up from the ground and squeezed out a low, hoarse voice from his abdomen:

"Where am I...? Why am I here...?"

Someone asked, "Are you Lord Taishan?"

"It's me, it's me."

The crowd erupted in uproar.

The Lord of Mount Tai has truly been summoned!

"This is Osaka! It was Lord Mun Jae-jung who invited you here."

The entourage planted in the crowd immediately began asking questions according to the pre-arranged script:

"Lord Taishan, may I ask how the former guild master is doing in the other world?"

"Very good, very good..."

The voice of the "Lord of Mount Tai" was unhurried and slow, but it sounded sinister and sent chills down one's spine.

"I have already given the order. The old chairman has everything in the other world and is living a very happy life. He has even had children."

"That's wonderful!"

The bald old man, with a strange expression, as if suppressing a laugh, declared in an almost aria-like tone:

"I've invited you here today because I have a request regarding Yamashita Tetsu..."

"Oh...I already know."

The Lord of Mount Tai remained with his head bowed, his expression unreadable.

"I am about to cast him into the eighteenth level of hell, to suffer eternal torment, never to be reborn!"

"Lord Wen Zaizhong has indeed gained the approval of the Lord of Mount Tai!"

Immediately, people began to chime in, praising him:

"Yes! Lord Wen Zaizhong is the best candidate to succeed as chairman! We will support him to the death!"

"Waaaaah..."

Although some people were still skeptical, they were swept up in the fervent atmosphere and knelt down before Wen Zaizhong, kowtowing repeatedly.

Stealing a glance at the people who were completely absorbed in the moment, Wen Zaizhong nodded in satisfaction.

It seems to be working well.

Wen Zaizhong defied public opinion and incorporated the Lord of Mount Tai into the family, which led to attacks from his brothers and sisters who coveted the throne, who accused him of "deviantly following the established doctrines."

But how could those short-sighted good-for-nothings possibly know his grand ambitions?

Times have changed!

After the advent of the extraordinary era, if we remain complacent and refuse to keep up with the times, Wenyi Society will also be eliminated!

As for those who say that the Lord of Mount Tai is the Lord of Hell, aren't they afraid of judgment after death?

You absolutely mustn't talk nonsense. We are offering our most sincere sacrifices to the Lord of Mount Tai!

The Japanese government hasn't said we have any problems, so why are they slandering our innocence?

Besides, no one has been seen to be punished by heaven for swindling others by using the name of the Lord of Mount Tai, so others have become bolder.

It's human nature to not shed tears until you see the coffin.

"Next, Lord Taishan will summon the soul of the sinner Yamashita Tetsu."

The bald old man spread his arms wide and announced in a rhythmic, melodious voice:

"Let us see the fate of sinners, hear their cries of despair and their repentance, and learn from their mistakes! We must never stray from the right path!"

Wen Zaizhong's body trembled, and his hands and feet twitched and shook again, as if he was about to perform a shamanic ritual.

"call--"

Just then, a cold wind blew in from somewhere, and all the candlesticks in the hall went out.

Suddenly, they were plunged into complete darkness.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines for no apparent reason, their hair stood on end, as if something had truly returned to the world from the netherworld.

"Don't panic..."

The bald old man forced himself to remain calm and spoke.

"puff!"

Suddenly, several of the extinguished candles reignited.

The candlelight flickered, dim and uncertain, illuminating a face that was both furious like a demon and cold as death itself.

Everyone was stunned.

They all recognize this face.

"Mountains, mountains, mountains, mountains...below the mountains, the ground is clear!"

(End of this chapter)