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Chapter 171: Three Knocks
🕑 Added 2024-09-25 14:13:29 +0000 UTC"That place? Are you talking about... Beauty Salons?" Arin squinted, hearing the vague instructions from Kakashi. There was a tone of doubt in Arin's voice, even though she could already guess Kakashi's intention.
"Exactly right. The woman may not be an expert in serious medicine, but she is quite competent. You know, they have a unique way of dealing with difficult-to-heal wounds." Kakashi nodded slightly, his smile widening a bit.
"So, are you going to force that woman to hand over her medications? That woman couldn't possibly do it voluntarily, could she?" Arin let out a long sigh, and her face turned gray.
"Force? Do you think I'm like an ordinary black market criminal? I am not a hitman like you, Arin. I don't need to force anyone, and for now, I'm keeping that place safe. But if the situation changes drastically, don't be surprised if I take what I need." Kakashi looked at Arin, chuckling softly before responding.
"Can you promise... not to touch that woman, at least for now?" Arin paused for a moment before finally making an unexpected request.
Kakashi was momentarily taken aback. Kakashi did not expect Arin to ask for something so bold. A subordinate rarely speaks in such a tone to a superior, who could easily eliminate them without a second thought. But Arin's request caught Kakashi's attention.
"Of course... but I can't promise that when the time comes, I will remain silent. You know, that place—and that woman—I'm not the only one who has their sights set on them. Many other people think the same thing," Kakashi replied, staring at Arin with a sharp gaze.
Arin stared deeply at Kakashi, trying to read his thoughts. Although Kakashi's demeanor is usually cold and calculating, this time there is something different.
"I know... But at least for now, I want that place and that woman to be safe," Arin said softly, more to himself than to Kakashi. There was a faint melancholic tone in Arin's voice.
Kakashi nodded, appreciating Arin's desire. Kakashi knew this was a gap that could be used to control Arin in the future. If Arin cared so much for that woman, then Kakashi could exploit that sense of responsibility for his own benefit.
"Then it's settled. You finish your work, and I'll make sure everything goes smoothly... for now." Kakashi stepped back, preparing to leave.
"Oh, one more thing, I will communicate with you through the seal that I have planted. So, don't worry, you'll hear from me as soon as there's something I need you to know," added Kakashi while waving his hand.
Arin simply nodded, watching Kakashi disappear into the darkness, leaving Arin with a whirlwind of thoughts. Arin knows that this matter is far from over.
"Sister..." The soft yet anxious voice of Arin's younger sister broke the silence.
Arin, wearing a thick black cloak, quickly turned around and stared at his younger brother, but the look in his eyes immediately turned cold.
"Don't talk here," Arin commanded softly but firmly. Arin glanced sharply around, as if to ensure that no one was eavesdropping.
The two of them walked in silence under the shadows of the night. Arin's steps were firm and cautious, as if every little crack from her feet could spell disaster.
The road they traveled became increasingly quiet, until they finally arrived at an old building that looked worn out.
"Knock....! Knock.....!! Knock........!"
Without saying a word, Arin tapped on the wooden door with the agreed rhythm: first a quick and light knock, second a heavy but slow knock, and the third and final knock, almost soft, as if not wanting to be heard.
"The eagle catches the snake." From behind the door, a hoarse voice was heard.
"The snakes bite the eagle's feet." Arin replied in a low tone, as if almost whispering.
"The eagle claws the snake with its feet," said the person behind the door again, full of suspicion.
"The snakes kill the eagles." Arin raised her voice a little.
