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For people, reputation is important, but perhaps more important is belief. Take Hida Ryota, a notorious bandit, for instance. His belief is to become a feared and respected thief, even if his current robberies are merely stepping stones toward that goal.
As the saying goes, a person lives on their breath, and in every profession, there is always a top expert. He aims to be the best in his field.
Hida Ryota took the bank card from his subordinate, placed it back in the woman's bag, zipped it up, and threw it back to her, saying:
"Put the bag on your shoulder. Let's go through the routine again."
The woman looked at the bag in her hand, somewhat at a loss. As a wealthy lady from the Otsuchi family, she had encountered many robbers but never one as peculiar as this.
Although speechless, she placed the bag on her shoulder and asked softly, "Is this okay?"
"Yes."
Hida Ryota nodded, pressed the knife against the woman's throat, and said in a sinister tone, "Hand over the card."
"Oh, okay."
Perhaps knowing she wouldn't be assaulted, she remained unusually calm, took out the bank card from the bag, and fluently stated the password: "There are 1 million yen in the account, and the password is 5687."
"..."
Her calm demeanor made Ryota feel insulted in his profession. He put the card back in the bag, zipped it up slowly, and, after a moment of silence, scolded in a hoarse and angry voice:
"What are you doing? Where's the panicked expression? Do you think I won't assault you? Be panicked! We're robbers! Do you understand what that means? Do you think we're beggars?"
"I...I understand."
Seeing the deranged man and the knife cutting her skin, she said in a panicked tone, "This...this is all I have, the...the bank card password is on the card, please spare me."
She then slowly handed over the bag on her shoulder.
Seeing her panicked expression and trembling body, Ryota smiled with satisfaction, took the bag, and signaled his subordinates to leave.
Before they took two steps, a young boy walked towards them. Ryota, recalling the woman's trembling earlier, smiled and hadn't even spoken when...
Natsubi Raku interrupted, "This is a robbery! Put the bag on the ground now, or else don't blame me for being rude!"
Yes, his method of making money was to rob the robbers. That way, if caught, they'd be the ones blamed, and he'd profit.
After all, who would believe a kid could rob these hulking men?
"..."
After a brief silence, there was a burst of mocking laughter. Ryota's three subordinates taunted:
"Hahaha, this is hilarious. Kid, what are you saying? Go back to your mom if you haven't woken up."
"Yeah, yeah, wearing a hospital gown. You must have escaped from a mental hospital."
"Hahaha! Should we send him back?"
Ryota, however, seemed to see his younger self in the boy, with aspirations of becoming a gang leader.
With a tone of appreciation, he asked, "Do you want to join me? Follow me, and I promise you'll become powerful and create a brilliant future in the bandit world!"
"..."
Natsubi Raku was speechless. This guy must be seriously ill. Although wearing a hospital gown, it didn't mean he was mentally ill...
Despite his thoughts, he played along, saying, "Really? Big brother!"
"Of course, little brother!"
You guys are really playing it up...
The three subordinates were speechless, seeing their boss's joyful expression as if he had gained a child.
Natsubi Raku knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and said sincerely, "I am Lü Bu. Since you, big brother, are willing to take me in, it is a great favor. How about I recognize you as my godfather today?"
"Good. Since you have this intention and I have no children, I will accept you as my godson today."
"Godfather!"
"Godson!"
"Godfather!!"
"Godson!!"
They called each other back and forth, while the three subordinates stood dumbfounded, eyes vacant, as if disconnected from reality.
As Ryota approached, Natsubi Raku suddenly punched him in the stomach, causing him to kneel.
Ryota, clutching his stomach, dropped the bag, looked incredulously at his new godson, and asked, "Why did you hit me, godson?"
Natsubi Raku smiled, picked up the bag, took out the loose yen, and left the bank card untouched. After all, he was just robbing the robbers. Taking the bank card would be different, as it was personal property.
He then zipped up the bag and sneered, "I, Lü Bu, am known for betraying my godfathers!"
"You!!"
Ryota wanted to say something, but his subordinates rushed forward.
"How dare you hit our boss? You're asking for it!"
"Today, we'll show you what a real beating is!"
"Get him!"
Seeing his loyal subordinates, Ryota felt a surge of emotion, but as he was about to join the fight, he saw them all lying on the ground, groaning, while the kid remained unscathed.
"What? You still want to fight?"
Natsubi Raku gestured mockingly.
"..."
"No, I think there's been a misunderstanding. If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave."
Ryota only wanted to escape now. Too terrifying. Where did this monster come from? One against four? They needed to leave quickly, or they'd be finished.
The three subordinates, seeing the disparity in strength, quickly decided to retreat.
Watching them leave, Natsubi Raku put the money in his pocket and walked into the alley, saying to the woman on her knees, "Here's your bag. Check if any money is missing."
"Yes, thank you. You're amazing."
Otsuchi Miku had seen everything. Despite her blurred vision, she knew this seemingly frail boy had taken down three men in an instant. His combat skills were better than her bodyguards.
If only she could hire him as a personal bodyguard...
Natsubi Raku watched her check her bag and asked, "Is anything missing? Should we report to the police? They ran too fast."
"No, nothing is missing."
Otsuchi Miku used a tissue to cover the wound on her neck.
"..."
Her response left Natsubi Raku speechless. He had clearly taken some money, yet she said nothing was missing...
He asked again, "Are you sure? Maybe check again?"
"No need," Otsuchi Miku shook her head, "Nothing is missing. The bank card and ID are all here."
Wow, you are really clueless...
Natsubi Raku was speechless. He had even hinted at it, almost placing the money in her face, saying:
"This is your lost money!"
Fine, taking her money would trouble his conscience, so he'd return it.
No choice, he was too kind-hearted.