Chapter 65 - Compensation

Michael who had been called to the Principal's office was looking at the old man who called himself the Patriarch of the Mutou Clan. This was the grandfather of Hayate the one who had beaten him up. He wasn't expecting such a powerful clan such as the Mutou Clan to come to him and apologize. While Michael was still in a daze Ryuuji lifted his head and spoke.

"I know that no matter how much I apologize it won't change the fact that my unworthy grandson has troubled you. So I came here not only to apologize but to give you something as compensation." 

Ryuuji placed his hand inside his traditional clothing and pulled out a book. When Kazuki saw the book he was surprised. 

"This is one of the secret techniques of the Mutou Clan. It is something that even those that don't have any inner energy could use. Of course, by giving this to you, you will be bound to an oath that will force you to be unable to share the technique with other people." 

When Kazuki heard what his father had said he was about to shout in outrage, but then as if reading his mind Ryuuji grab hold of his son's hand and pressed it using his inner energy. Kazuki felt that if he said anything now his father would break his arm. Kazuki could only gnash his teeth as he watched his father hand over the book.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but I cannot accept."

Michael bowed his head. When Ryuuji and Kazuki heard Michael's reply they were both shocked and confused. They did not expect that someone like Michael who had no backing whatsoever would refuse a martial art technique. This technique was even one of the secret techniques of an old clan like the Mutou Clan. If it were anybody else they would've taken the book without any hesitation.

"Why can't you accept it, is it because of my rude son, or is it because you think I'm not sincere enough?" Michael shook his head as he replied. 

"No, it's none of those reasons. It's just that this kind of technique isn't really suitable for someone like me. If you have given this to me a few days ago, I would've taken it, but now I have seen the path that I should take. So I appreciate the offer but all I needed was an apology..." 

"... Alright, once my grandson is released I will make him apologize to you as well. As for the compensation, here is my direct number you can call me anytime and I will help you with one thing. It could be anything at all, and I will help you once no matter the costs."

Ryuuji handed a silver card to Michael, which made Kazuki glare at him even more. If glaring could kill a person, Kazuki would've killed Michael a dozen times now. 

"Thank you." Michael had no reason to reject the offer so he took the card. Seeing Michael taking the card Ryuuji felt relieved The two of them then had a little conversation and bid farewell. 

...

Outside of the Principal's office, Loki was using [Shadow Threading] to hide his presence and [Enhancement] to strengthen his hearing. He listened to the conversation between Ryuuji and Michael and found Ryuuji rather honorable. 

'Well, that's if he truly means what he says. I could never tell with that type of person. Even back then when I thought they were decent, it turns out they were more sinister than the rest... The skillful hawk hides his talons... As for his son well that guy is basically a rather honest person despite his high pride. Hmmm, well, it doesn't really matter, what's more, interesting is that martial art technique that anyone could use. Now that it's pretty much confirmed that I have inner energy it would be good to start learning a bit of those kinds of techniques. I wonder how should I get my hands on one of those?...' 

While Loki was deep in thought Ryuuji and his men left the Principal's room and Tang Ao and his men entered. Not a single one of them noticed Loki who was just hiding at the corner of the hallway. 

Seeing Ryuuji and his entourage leaving Loki eased up a bit, but the moment he did this Ryuuji suddenly looked in his direction. Loki stopped his breathing and did not move a single inch. Ryuuji continued to stare in his direction for a few more seconds before looking away and leaving. 

Loki looked at the leaving Ryuuji and wanted to follow but decided not to. In his current condition, there was an above fifty percent chance that Ryuuji would actually spot him, better not push his luck too much. 

'I wanted to ask the old man more about martial arts techniques, but I guess I can accidentally bump into the Captain and ask him instead.'

...

Ryuuji and Kazuki entered their car and were now heading home. There was a tense atmosphere between the two which made their designated driver feel a bit uncomfortable. Unable to hold it in any longer Kazuki suddenly spoke. 

"Father, why did you do all that?! Instead of punishing that boy for having my son locked up and beaten up, you instead gave him a gift! Not only that but you actually bowed down your head to such a lowly person, and even made me do it as well!" 

"Are you done saying what you want to say? If so, then allow me to tell you my piece. Why should I punish the victim? In my eyes, you should be the one punished instead. It's because of your way of thinking that my grandson has turned out like that. Also, who gave you the balls to look down on others? Before our clan had risen to our current status, our forefathers were but simple farmers. Not to mention you have contributed little to nothing for our Clan, all you do is cling to your invisible position as my son. This is the reason why I still haven't handed to you the position of head of our clan, since even after all of these years you have not matured." 

"But Father!" 

"Enough! Do not continue to disappoint me Kazuki. If you continue down this path, I will be forced to disinherit you." Hearing what his father said Kazuki gritted his teeth and shut up. He was furious but he could not say nor do anything to his father.