Copper Solder Sectors 1 and 2.
The main establishments here were various restaurants, taverns, dance halls, and—the biggest potential earner—an electronic gaming parlor, a Pachinko parlor.
Unlike the various money-sink "gold-devouring dens" in the Underdome, this area catered mainly to commoners and average gang members without much money. However, in a place like Pyrite, small amounts added up quickly to a very substantial sum.
Kashiwagi's surprise at being assigned such a lucrative district was justified.
Maybe Ryuka just wrestled this away from Soushiro? he mused. After all, Sawatari—the traitor who had been leaking info—had been caught. Under interrogation, the Sand Unit likely squeezed some concessions out of the Crystal Unit. Kashiwagi had been so buried in training that he hadn't noticed the internal shifts. With the natural animosity between Soushiro (Sand Unit Leader) and Chester (Crystal Unit Leader), there was no way they wouldn't use the Sawatari incident to make a move.
Kashiwagi walked down the main thoroughfare of Copper Solder Street, followed by a proud and spirited Naruhisa and the rest of the squad. With their Pokémon at their sides, the group drew frequent stares from passersby.
Among the common folk, the looks were a mix of fear, envy, and a fair amount of hostility. The gazes of fellow Team Snagem members, however, were much simpler. Most of them stared at Kashiwagi, wondering how a "brat" like him had earned Ryuka's favor.
Just because he's good-looking? The "ugly ducklings" of the gang refused to face reality, convinced that if they had been in the Charity Tournament, they wouldn't have performed any worse than him. In short, the air was thick with bitter jealousy. So many veteran Elite Grunts didn't make Squad Leader; why does this kid get the rank?
These waves of resentment didn't slow Kashiwagi down. Mawile, sensing the hostile stares, clenched her fists and sneered. She already knew this place was crawling with villains, but her time with Kashiwagi had taught her that these villains didn't dare lay a finger on her—or her Trainer.
Against villains who show weakness, you should strike with a heavy fist! That's what the breeders had taught her. (Or so she interpreted it). Unfortunately, Kashiwagi didn't allow it, so Mawile held back. She figured her Trainer was being rational—there were too many enemies to fight at once.
As expected of the Trainer I acknowledged! Mawile gave Kashiwagi an appreciative look. Aside from being mediocre at Pokémon training and needing her help, he was decent in every other category.
----
Before long, they arrived.
It was mid-morning. Most shops had their doors half-closed as they prepared for the day. Kashiwagi picked a tavern at random and stepped inside. He scanned the interior and spoke to a man who approached with a beaming smile. "Are you the owner?"
"No, no, I'm the manager. Our owner specifically arranged for me to wait for you, Big Brother Kashiwagi." The man bowed humbly. "The owners of Sectors 1 and 2 are all waiting for your word at the 'Sweet Dreams Dance Hall.' We've only just opened, and the environment here isn't quite right for important business..."
They had heard the news. Kashiwagi wasn't surprised; their "parade" through the streets had been a deliberate signal to these bosses. Meeting them all at once suited him perfectly. It saved him the trouble of going door-to-door.
"Fine." He turned and left without hesitation. Naruhisa and the others followed immediately, not even glancing at the small "trinkets" deliberately left out as if waiting to be pilfered.
They might be poor, but they weren't petty thieves. They had discussed this the night before: today, they would follow Kashiwagi's lead to the letter, doing nothing extra, solely focused on building Kashiwagi's "aura." Only then would the "Blue Iridium Street" group truly stand tall and earn respect. To them, pride and character were more important than a quick buck—that was the foundation of their group's identity.
The Sweet Dreams Dance Hall wasn't far. Kashiwagi pushed the doors open and saw several bright, glaring spotlights hanging over the stage in the back. The rest of the hall was shrouded in darkness. Under the lights was a massive rectangular table where several unfamiliar faces sat, leaving the head seat empty.
As he approached, the bosses rose in unison to greet him. "Big Brother Kashiwagi," and "Captain Kashiwagi" echoed through the room. More importantly, as he passed, envelopes of various sizes and thicknesses were being stuffed toward him. He noticed Naruhisa and the others were also being "offered" envelopes.
Looks like things might be simpler than I thought?
He nodded casually and sat in the head seat. Mawile stared at him expectantly, so he lifted her onto his lap.
"There's no need for such a grand reception," Kashiwagi waved a hand, signaling the bosses to sit. "I'm just here to get to know you all. Let's have a casual chat. No need to be nervous."
The bosses sat. But before Kashiwagi could even check if the tea in front of him was hot or cold, they all stood up again and began to wail in unison. They complained about poor business, looming closures, monthly losses, and how Team Snagem members were constantly smashing and looting their shops. They sounded like they were on the brink of ruin.
Naruhisa and the others were taken aback by the cacophony, but seeing Kashiwagi sitting calmly, they regained their composure. Mawile, watching the spittle-flying bosses competing to see who was more miserable, began to look annoyed.
"Mawile!" She gave a sharp cry and swung her massive black jaws to the front. The terrifying mandibles snapped open, revealing a faint, blood-red glow. The bosses' voices instantly dropped an octave.
Kashiwagi patted Mawile's head and scanned every face at the table. "Just give me the summary. Is there a point to all this, or are you just complaining for the sake of it? If it's the latter, I'm leaving. See you on collection day."
His tone was nonchalant. He didn't even look at them, focusing instead on his teacup. The bosses exchanged glances before pushing forward a stable-looking middle-aged man.
"We hope Big Brother Kashiwagi can be merciful and grant us a one-month extension."
"An extension?"
"Yes. Just one month to settle our cash flow. We can turn these dead businesses around. We'll make up the difference next month and more. We just need you to say a few good words to Lord Ryuka... give us a chance to live..." The man sighed, sounding as if his family was starving.
Kashiwagi asked, "Is your cash flow really that bad?"
"Yes, it's all in the ledgers. Monthly losses, expenses exceeding income..."
"Fine." Kashiwagi nodded as the man's face lit up with joy. "Very well. It seems you truly take me for an idiot. Tell me, who's backing you? Just say it."
"This—" The man's expression froze. The faces of the other bosses also stiffened.
Without waiting for a defense, Kashiwagi stood up. "Never mind. Next time I come, remember to have the money ready. I want double the usual amount. If you can't pay, I'll seize your assets. Or, you can try not paying at all."
He smiled and waved to Naruhisa. "It's settled. Let's go!"
Seeing him actually leave, the middle-aged man rushed to block him, his voice shrill and desperate. "Wait! Big Brother Kashiwagi, you can't do this! We really don't have the money! No one is backing us!"
"Yes! Please, leave us a way out!"
Kashiwagi only sneered. Claiming business was failing in the two most prosperous sectors of Copper Solder Street? Only a fool would believe that. If they were losing money, they would have closed long ago—countless people were eyeing this prime real estate.
If he believed them now, he'd never be able to hold his head up again. Usually, these bosses wouldn't be stupid enough to challenge a Squad Leader directly unless someone had threatened them—or given them the "courage."
These people had become pawns in the high-level power struggle of Team Snagem, whether they liked it or not. But Kashiwagi was still willing to give them an out: pay double the "fine" next time, and all would be forgiven.
He looked past the bosses toward the dark curtains in the corners of the hall. "Do I have to invite you, or are you coming out on your own?"
The bosses went silent. A moment later, a raucous laugh echoed through the hall.
"Hahahaha! Everyone says this brat just got incredibly lucky, but you're quite sharp. Who tipped you off?"
From behind the curtains, a group of Team Snagem members filed out. The leader wore a Squad Leader's badge. He looked young, maybe in his early twenties, with an expression as arrogant as Ken's used to be.
"So it really is you lot from the Crystal Unit," Kashiwagi sighed. Naruhisa whispered the man's name: Yoshioka.
Just as Kashiwagi had been promoted, the Crystal Unit had recently promoted Yoshioka from Elite Grunt. His appearance here was a clear attempt to sabotage Kashiwagi's first official assignment.
"Ignore them. Let's go," Kashiwagi told his squad. His goal was to ensure collection day went smoothly. A brawl with Yoshioka was meaningless.
But before they could reach the door, Yoshioka's voice rang out again.
"Are all you Sand Unit guys this soft? Someone jumps in your face and you do nothing? Or are you just following your boss Ryuka's example? What did you learn from him? How to be a sissy? Hahahaha!"
The Crystal Unit members joined in the laughter. It was a crude provocation, but Kashiwagi had to answer. Yoshioka had insulted Ryuka. In Pyrite, if a subordinate let an insult to their boss slide, that boss would lose all face.
Besides, Ryuka had helped him immensely without asking for a cent in return, and Frobo had looked out for him. He couldn't act like he hadn't heard it.
"I want all your teeth," Kashiwagi turned around, his eyes cold. "If you talk with a lisp, maybe your mouth won't be so damn foul."