On the other hand, Ito Shinran and his daughter Ito Tomono, after confirming Ziongzong's involvement, subduing Huhu Araki Yukin and realizing that Bai Yaxin's forces had no reinforcements, left the scene without meeting Ziongzong.
"Are you really sure that was Ziongzong and not Ziong MingDe, father?"
Only Ito Shinran had seen Ziongzong/Ziong MingDe up close, while Ito Tomono, who was providing support from a distance, only caught a glimpse of Ziongzong/Ziong MingDe.
"Yes, that was Ziongzong, no doubt about it."
Ito Shinran gently patted Tomono's shoulder, knowing that his daughter felt indebted to this young man and wanting to help her as much as he could to alleviate her guilt.
After all, he also bore some responsibility for that "guilt".
"I've fought against the owner of that body a few times when he was still 'Ziongzong,' so I know for sure."
"From the rhythm of his movements, the style of his actions, and the characteristics in his gestures, it definitely was 'Ziongzong,' not the aggressive style of 'Ziong MingDe.'"
Ito Shinran said slowly.
"So...where did 'Ziong MingDe' go? Is it the rumored 'experiment'?"
"Ah, yes, that's the most plausible possibility, but I didn't expect things to progress this quickly."
Ito Shinran nodded heavily, furrowing his brow. Various unfavorable speculations flashed through his mind.
"Could it be that 'Ziong MingDe' sacrificed himself to create 'Ziongzong'...?"
Ito Tomono whispered her speculation.
When she had first gone to request help from Ziong MingDe, she never imagined it would lead to this outcome.
But Ito Shinran didn't answer Ito Tomono's speculation, leaving only a heavy silence behind.
Meanwhile, Bai Yaxin was waiting for Huhu's return report and dealing with other matters, also staying up all night.
When morning came and there was still no news from Huhu, Bai Yaxin's tense nerves relaxed with a heavy sigh.
The anger he felt upon hearing the news of wolf spider's death had subsided, indirectly affecting Bai Yaxin's current attitude.
Losing yet another capable subordinate, he realized that the decisions he had made in his furious state were foolish.
Bai Yaxin reflected on himself.
He knew that this little girl, Koga Mizuo, had intricate connections with Ziongzong and Ziong MingDe.
Therefore, when he found out about her investigation into the recent child trafficking incident, he had intended to leave her be.
But later on, two factors made Bai Yaxin change his strategy.
First, Koga Mizuo's actions had gradually become a potential threat.
Second, he received news that Ziong MingDe was under the suppression and control of the Yan faction.
Bai Yaxin is a decisive person.
Such a personality doesn't always bring him good results, but he still firmly believes in this principle.
Either do it or do it decisively.
Then, success or failure, one must accept the outcome.
Temporarily give up and remain still for a while.
Bai Yaxin made up his mind and left the office.
Meanwhile, Yan appeared at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, 70-80 kilometers away from Kyoto, with Ziong MingDe.
Ziong MingDe was dressed in a restraint suit, blindfolded, with a gag in his mouth, and fixed in a wheelchair, pushed forward by Yan.
Judging from his performance, Ziong MingDe seemed to be in a state of unconsciousness, showing no signs of resistance or struggle.
They walked through a special passage, unimpeded, relying solely on the black and gold identity card hanging on Yan's chest and his own face.
Finally, they boarded a shuttle bus and drove directly to the apron, where a Boeing BBJ private jet was waiting for them.
"Sir, the plane and crew are ready. You can apply for takeoff at the control tower after you board the plane."
"Oh, good. Thank you for your hard work."
"May I ask how to arrange the seating for the gentleman in the wheelchair? Should the wheelchair be fixed in the cabin as well, or...?"
"Well, it's just a piece of cargo. But because it's not checked baggage, I decided to carry it with me and fix it in the cabin."
"Uh... um, I see. Alright, leave the rest to us. Please take your seat."
"Uh huh, be careful. This is an important cargo."
Yan smiled and boarded the plane.
Before long, there was no trace of them in the sky over Osaka.
After the storm, the ruins settled, the dust settled.
Whether it goes smoothly or not.
Whether one is happy or sad.
Whether one is alive or dead.
Lying in ambush.
Stirring.
All will face their respective endings in the upcoming vortex.
