It is rare for a single person to build a business empire like the one standing before them. Even in the Marvel Universe, where the wealthy move and influence entire worlds, only a few multinational giants reach such heights—Stark Group, Pym Technologies, and the like.
So, news of Yuan Qian's death caused an immediate and violent reaction in the Eastern Dwarf Country. The news slowly spread across Blue Star, shocking all who heard it. The funeral of the former Kenichi was arranged swiftly, carried out the same evening.
All attendees had some connection to Kenichi's past life. Among them were Xu Fu and Wolverine Logen.
Winter in the Eastern Dwarf Country, somewhere remote.
The venue, contracted by Kenichi's family, had been prepared for the funeral. To honor the former patriarch properly, everything had to be dignified and precise. Beyond the ceremonial importance, corporate transfer rights were also at stake. Once the funeral concluded, the acting president of Yashida Corporation could finally prepare for the transfer of power.
For the former Yashida, acquiring control over the company was paramount. Anyone standing in his way would be eliminated without hesitation.
The venue was heavily guarded. Most of the security personnel were members of the Shadow Alliance, led by the silver-haired Shuichi Sanada. Though the Shadow Alliance could not compare to the world's dominant criminal organizations, in the Eastern Dwarf Country it held significant influence. With Kenichi Haramae's prior support, Shuichi Sanada had gradually consolidated the Alliance into a leading force.
Alongside the Shadow Alliance, many prominent figures of the Eastern Dwarf Kingdom came to pay respects. Yuan Qianjianyi had spent decades in business, amassing alliances and allies.
Xu Fu arrived with Starlight. Wolverine Logen had planned to leave but decided to stay, realizing this funeral would likely be the last time he could witness the former Kenichi in person.
"Teacher Logen, you don't look well," Xu Fu remarked, noticing a faint crimson glint in his pupil, sensing something amiss in Logen's aura.
"It's nothing. I probably didn't sleep well," Logen said, shaking his head. In truth, he was thinking of someone from his past, whose memory had surfaced that morning.
His gaze shifted across the room to a blonde woman on the other side: Mrs. Viper, the attending physician for the late Kenichi. As the doctor, she had no direct claim to participate in the temple's initial rites.
"Really?" Xu Fu muttered. "We should give them a few minutes before we proceed."
As the crowd filtered in, Xu Fu walked in alongside Starlight. Holding a stick of incense, Xu Fu's eyes lingered on Kenichi's black-and-white photo, a mix of reverence and curiosity flashing across his face.
Many might have thought Kenichi was gone forever, a trivial memory in the grand scheme. But only Xu Fu knew this was likely a carefully orchestrated ruse—Kenichi had faked his death to manipulate events: to trap Wolverine Logen and observe who would vie for control of the Yashida Corporation.
Xu Fu, aware that Yuan Qianjianyi's supposed death was only a state of suspended animation, smiled faintly. He gestured to Starlight. "Let's proceed together."
After the ceremony, Xu Fu led Starlight to a nearby pantry to rest. Wolverine Logen's complexion was pale and uneasy. Something about the atmosphere felt wrong.
On the other side, Jane Riko approached the front temple, preparing to offer incense. Xu Fu called out to her, stopping her.
"Jenriko, perhaps you should wait a moment," Xu Fu suggested.
"Xu Fu, what's wrong?" she asked, startled.
Before Xu Fu could reply, a man's voice interrupted:
"Your Excellency Xu, shouldn't Zhenlizi first pay her respects to her grandfather before proceeding?"
It was Zhenlizi's father, the former Yashida. His expression was solemn but commanding.
"Your Excellency Yashida, of course I cannot restrain Zhenlizi from honoring her grandfather," Xu Fu replied with a calm smile. "However… as her father, your tactics are… somewhat intolerable."
"Your Excellency Xu, what do you mean?" Yuan Qianyashida's face darkened. "This is my father's funeral. Although you were invited, any attempt to interfere will not be tolerated."
Despite knowing Xu Fu's influence in multiple multinational corporations, the former Yashida was curious about his real strength. He did not fear Xu Fu personally, yet the stakes of corporate succession made him uncompromising.
Xu Fu's gaze locked on him, unwavering. "Your Excellency Yashida, I am not here to disrupt this funeral. But you… you have plans that might. Are those people with guns positioned to attack?"
The words hung in the air, charged with tension. Around them, the wind seemed heavier, the hall itself anticipating the collision of wills between powerful men in a ceremony that was far more than a funeral—it was a test of strategy, loyalty, and power.