My Young Husband, The Assasin-Chapter 66: Family ties, broken trust, and vengeance

The news of Kaito's attack on Renji's wife reached Hiroshi's ears, and according to reliable sources, Aira was in critical condition due to severe bleeding. Of course, this was both good and joyous news—if something were to happen to Renji's wife and child, it was highly likely that Renji would take action against Kaito and the Ishikawa family. This situation worked perfectly in Hiroshi's favor, as his plan to destroy Kaito was progressing smoothly without him having to dirty his own hands.

Kaito Ishikawa was strong, straightforward, and cold—but also foolish. Hiroshi thought so for a reason: Kaito was easily provoked and manipulated. This was proven when he invaded the house of Renji without considering the devastating result of his actions, which would ultimately consume him and the Ishikawa clan. Renji would certainly exact revenge.

While Hiroshi was not as physically strong as Kaito, he had an undeniable talent for manipulating others. A prime example was the incident years ago when Hiroshi effortlessly convinced Itachi to massacre his own family, leaving only Renji alive in the massacre.

This occasion called for celebration. Hiroshi decided he would drink a glass of wine to commemorate the impending downfall of the Ishikawa family, which was now teetering on the edge of destruction.

"Fukami," he called out to one of his bodyguards.

"Yes, sir," responded the brown-haired man.

"Bring me some wine," he ordered, requesting his favorite drink.

"Has something special happened, sir?" Fukami asked, aware of his master's habit of drinking wine only for significant events or celebrations.

"Yes, and I intend to celebrate it," Hiroshi smiled.

"Which type of wine would you like to drink?" Fukami inquired politely, knowing that Hiroshi was a wine enthusiast and had an extensive collection at his residence.

"Bring me Henri Jayer Cros," he stated, naming one of his favorite brands.

"Understood, sir. I will prepare it right away."

Hiroshi sat back comfortably in his chair, enjoying the view of the night sky adorned with the moon. The atmosphere perfectly aligned with his mood, as if nature shared his joy.

Hiroshi had orchestrated most of the dark events that had befallen the Ishikawa family. His ultimate goal was to see Kaito and his entire lineage fall apart.

"Prepare for your downfall, Kaito," he murmured with a smirk.

Tonight, Hiroshi would sleep soundly, perhaps even have a pleasant dream, knowing that his long-awaited desire would be fulfilled. His years of effort and sacrifice in seeking revenge against the Ishikawa family finally paid off.

.

.

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While Hiroshi basked in his happiness, Kaito, on the other hand, was seething with rage upon learning that Aira had successfully given birth to a baby boy—the next heir to the Ishikawa family. As a grandfather, he should have felt joy over Renji's son's birth, but instead, he felt nothing but regret. He cursed himself for failing to kill Aira and her child from the very beginning. With an heir born, Renji had no reason to return to the Ishikawa family and fulfill his role as Kaito's successor.

Kaito should have shot Aira dead instead of listening to Ryoji's words and leaving the matter to his incompetent subordinates—fools who couldn't even kill a pregnant woman.

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What else must Kaito do to make Renji return to his side, to become a puppet and a killing machine for the Ishikawa family once more? His plan had always been to use Renji to restore the Ishikawa family's former glory and feared reputation, just like when they were the strongest clan.

"Haruto!" he shouted, calling for his youngest son, standing outside his private chamber.

When he heard his father's voice, Haruto got in right away and bowed humbly. "Yes, Father," he replied respectfully and hesitantly.

"I have something I need you to do for me," Kaito stated, referring to his request to his son.

"What do you want me to do?" Haruto asked cautiously, as Kaito's expression made it clear that he was not in a good mood.

His father had lost all reason, consumed by rage and control, to the point that he now sought to kill his grandchild.

Yet, there was no need to kill Tetsuya at all—his illness would claim his life soon enough. Why go through the trouble of dirtying their hands with his blood when time would do the job for them?

"Tetsuya will die soon, so there's no need to stain your hands, Young Master Haruto," Ryoji suddenly spoke, breaking the silence as he poured tea into a cup and placed it in front of Kaito.

Both Ishikawa men turned their sharp, questioning gazes toward Ryoji, demanding an explanation. He understood immediately.

Ryoji handed Kaito a document containing a medical report from the hospital where Tetsuya had been receiving treatment. "This is Young Master Tetsuya's health report, which I obtained from the hospital this morning. I can guarantee that the information is accurate," Ryoji confidently stated.

Kaito began reading the report and quickly realized that Tetsuya was already at death's door. His remaining days were numbered, and there was no hope for survival from the chronic illness that plagued him. Upon learning this, Kaito felt a mix of satisfaction and sadness. No matter how much hatred filled his heart, Tetsuya was still his grandson. And in a small, buried part of his heart, he felt a sliver of pity for him.

"What can a dying man possibly do, Lord Kaito?" Ryoji remarked, voicing his opinion after revealing Tetsuya's condition. "Even if he were to take medicine crafted by the God of Medicine himself, Tsuchihebi, nothing would change. Death will still come for him," he added with a smirk.

Haruto clenched his fists tightly and shot a cold glare at Ryoji. "Your attitude is highly suspicious, Ryoji. Are you the spy we've been searching for all this time?"

"I am merely sharing my thoughts," Ryoji replied calmly. "But if you still wish to go and kill him, then by all means. Just don't blame me when something happens to this family," he warned, his tone carrying a veiled threat.

"What do you mean by that, Ryoji?" Kaito asked angrily.

"My apologies if my words have offended you," Ryoji said. "But if Young Master Tetsuya is killed, then Young Master Renji will surely seek revenge."

"What could Renji possibly do on his own?" Haruto scoffed, underestimating his elder brother, forgetting the reputation he once held as a dangerous and formidable figure.

Ryoji smirked, which annoyed Haruto as it felt like mockery. "Don't forget who single-handedly slaughtered an entire major faction of the underworld with nothing but a katana," Ryoji reminded him.

"Renji," Kaito responded.

"Exactly. We cannot underestimate Young Master Renji's strength. Not even Young Master Haruto possesses such a formidable skill," he added, glancing at Haruto as if belittling him.

Haruto's hands clenched into tight fists on his lap, trying to suppress his anger at being looked down upon and underestimated by the bespectacled man.

"Then what course of action should we take, Ryoji?" Kaito asked, seeking his trusted advisor's opinion.

"Make Young Master Renji side with us and obey your orders, Lord Kaito."

"In that case, tell me your plan, Ryoji."

The bespectacled man smiled with satisfaction. Once again, Kaito sought his advice instead of Haruto, his son. It was clear that, in Kaito's eyes, Ryoji held a higher position than Haruto.

Unbeknownst to them, a man with slicked-back hair sat beside Haruto, quietly listening and secretly recording the entire conversation. This man, named Shin, had long served as Tetsuya's eyes and hands within the Ishikawa estate, monitoring the situation there. The household was filled with enemies and traitors, making it difficult to distinguish between friend and foe, as everyone appeared to share the same principles and goals—when, in reality, they did not.

Behind every win of Renji, Tetsuya had ever been present, lending a helping hand from behind the scenes. He provided unfettered backing and strategic guidance for Renji's attacks against their enemies. Tetsuya protected and served in his way, understanding that he didn't possess Renji's power or fighting ability. However, when it came to intelligence, he was unmatched—even surpassing Kaito and Ryoji, who were often regarded as geniuses by many.

Sending Shin as a spy into the Ishikawa estate was the best decision. Haruto had even taken him in as his assistant for the past few years, making it easier for Tetsuya to gather intelligence on the Ishikawa household.

Fortunately, Shin was highly adept at concealing his expressions and emotions. Thus, he won the confidence of both Haruto and Kaito without ever raising an eyebrow. Even Ryoji, who harbored unexpected feelings for the silver-haired man, had never once questioned him. However, Shin had no interest in or intention of reciprocating Ryoji's feelings—his kindness toward Ryoji was purely a means to extract information, nothing more.

Tsuchihebi's recommendation had indeed been remarkable. Tetsuya had made no mistake in employing Shin, whose ability to mask his emotions was exceptional. Even when locking eyes with Tetsuya, Shin maintained a cold and indifferent demeanor, as if they were strangers, despite their superior-subordinate relationship.

It was time for Tetsuya to act—he needed to move before Kaito or Hiroshi struck first.

Meanwhile, Renji was unaware of Tetsuya's shifting mood. He was too preoccupied with caring for Aira and their infant, taking his mind off the ongoing struggle for a while. He failed to realize that his cousin had plans to resolve this matter without involving him. Despite Renji's position as the leader of the Hayabusa group and Tetsuya being his second-in-command, this time, Tetsuya was taking action on his own—without seeking Renji's input or discussing the plan with him first.

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