Chapter 21: The Yakuza Woman and the Enormous Butterfly!

Chapter 21: The Yakuza Woman and the Enormous Butterfly

Just as the scene was unfolding, a visitor arrived—her face still marked with spots of blood, too hurried to wipe clean.

This guest was rather special. The others were dismissed, and Takeshi Iwata alone was invited to see her.

“Mr. Iwata, good day. This is our first meeting, so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kazuko Shinoda. Shinoda is my married name; prior to that, my surname was Takenaka.”

To be honest, Takeshi Iwata never expected to encounter this Kazuko Shinoda—formerly Takenaka’s eldest sister—again on the set of "The Violent Man."

Clearly, Kazuko Shinoda was unaware that Iwata already knew who she was.

More tellingly, her manner of self-introduction was a subtle hint.

Naturally, Iwata had to bring forth his superb acting skills.

“Since madam already knows my name, I suppose there’s no need for me to introduce myself. However, Mrs. Shinoda, I am truly at a loss as to why a lady such as yourself would come to see me alone.”

Though he spoke politely, he addressed her as Mrs. Shinoda.

What was he doing?

Feigning ignorance.

In her introduction, Takenaka’s eldest sister had clearly hoped Iwata would address her by her maiden name, Takenaka, a surname that carried significant weight and recognition of her standing. Any Yakuza hearing the name Takenaka would instantly think of her.

Unfortunately, Iwata had no intention of complying.

Yet, Kazuko Shinoda smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned by the exchange.

“I came today because I have some matters I wish to discuss with you, Mr. Iwata.”

Iwata nodded. “Please, Mrs. Shinoda, speak freely.”

Though he refused to acknowledge the Takenaka name, Iwata maintained utmost courtesy, signaling clearly that he was only pretending to be naive—not truly so.

The woman in her cherry blossom-colored kimono toyed with a strand of her hair, speaking slowly and without hurry: “Actually, I recently learned that some days ago, you and a few friends visited Red Romance. As the proprietor, I must apologize for any lack of proper care.”

She bowed first.

Iwata returned the gesture.

So far, the leader of the Iwata group, Demon Takeshi, had conducted himself without fault.

Then she continued.

“There was a reason for the less-than-adequate hospitality that day: both Leader Suo and Leader Moriyama also came to Red Romance.”

Iwata could not help but show a flicker of interest at this information; if he had exhibited no reaction, it would have seemed deliberate, revealing he had known this for quite some time.

“Oh, I see.”

The kimono-clad beauty went on: “My visit today is partly to apologize and partly to seek your assistance, Leader Iwata.”

“Oh… and what kind of help might Mrs. Shinoda require from me?” Iwata continued his act.

“Though Leaders Suo and Moriyama haven’t said it outright, I’ve sensed their meaning—that they hope you can help me restore the Takenaka group. But…”

“Mrs. Shinoda.”

Iwata knew they had reached a pivotal moment, so he emphasized her married name, the unspoken message being, “I have yet to accept you as a Takenaka.”

Unexpectedly, the cherry blossom kimono woman’s expression turned solemn. Sitting upright, she fixed Iwata with a steady gaze, then reached a hand to the neckline of her kimono.

Iwata’s breath shifted. From the start, he had thought that this Mrs. Shinoda, or rather Kazuko Takenaka, bore a strong resemblance to the young "Empress" Murasaki Fujima.

Murasaki Fujima, who had starred in "Yakuza’s Wife" just a couple of years prior, aged though she might be, had lost none of her commanding aura.

Just as he pondered this, suddenly—

The kimono was pulled aside by that hand, revealing Mrs. Shinoda’s fragrant shoulder.

Again with this move—such smooth, flawless skin!

No, no, this was on an entirely different level from the likes of Komomo. The key was the prominent tattoo on her shoulder.

Actually, from the chest area, one could already discern some clues, though the design was still mostly hidden, shielded by the dual maru tattoos, a place where tattoos were uncommon.

It was a butterfly.

Though only the shoulder pattern was visible, Iwata could already guess the full design.

Regarding Yakuza tattoos, many outsiders might have seen them: large in scale, but such extensive body art was not done all at once. It was built little by little over many years.

Simply put, Iwata only had a demon’s head tattoo on his back, marking him as a novice.

But this woman’s tattoos extended to the front, and from the butterfly visible on her shoulder, one could imagine the main body of the butterfly sprawled across her back, wings stretching over both shoulders as if ready to take flight.

Iwata had to address her as “big sister.”

But—

“Mrs. Shinoda…” Iwata still tried to feign ignorance.

Takenaka’s eldest sister furrowed her brow, moved her hands, and struck a pose reminiscent of a great roc spreading its wings.

Like a beautiful butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

Her upper body was left clad only in a white bandeau, exuding fierce dominance.

She fixed her gaze on Iwata.

“Big sister Takenaka, please tell me how I can be of assistance to you.”

Even Iwata could no longer pretend.

…

Kagawa Teruyuki, desperate and with no one to turn to, was originally planning how to escape this film crew.

He had already mapped out a dozen escape routes in his mind, but he knew all too well that escaping was easy; what about the Yakuza seeking revenge?

Returning to the TV station to resume work risked being ambushed and beaten in the street. Injuries would be the least of his worries; the bigger problem was social ruin.

While hesitating, he unexpectedly caught sight of the cherry blossom kimono beauty.

Kagawa immediately forgot all his escape plans, his mind consumed by every expression of this woman.

Indeed, they must be father and daughter—their tastes so alike.

Of course, Kagawa had no such thoughts now; he merely wished to learn more about this kimono beauty… no, no, just to look a bit longer.

The trio—Neko, Sakana, and Kiyo—were always eavesdroppers, but sadly, Takenaka’s eldest sister had arrived with two “drivers.”

Dressed in black suits and sunglasses, far more professional than the three slackers.

What to do?

Observing the set, Kagawa devised a plan.

The set was a small two-story building. The current scene was a chase involving a criminal, early in the film’s story, though they were nearly finished shooting the movie.

Kagawa approached Toyohiro Matsushige.

“Oh, you mean…”

“You’re tall, but that’s not enough. With me added, it’s a different story.”

Matsushige’s stern face flushed slightly at Kagawa’s plan. He too was curious about the cherry blossom kimono woman.

“Just let me watch and I’ll tell you what I see.”

So the two went to the rear window, finding a cluttered spot, Matsushige below, Kagawa above.

Kagawa was literally standing on a giant’s shoulders.

The result—

Oh dear!

A hot breath escaped Kagawa’s flared nostrils.

Matsushige noticed something odd and quickly stepped down.

“What did you see?”

Kagawa’s face was strange as he muttered, “Butterfly… such a huge butterfly.”

The mischievous Matsushige scratched his head, regretting that his shoulders had been in vain.

…

“Rest assured, big sister. Though the Iwata group’s strength is limited, we will do all we can to help.”

“As long as Mr. Iwata says so, I am satisfied.”

The cherry blossom kimono beauty, Mrs. Shinoda, smiled brightly as she left alongside Takeshi Iwata.

Before entering the car, she spoke these words.

So, what exactly had Iwata agreed to?

“Boss, that woman…”

“I think she’s not ordinary.”

“Nonsense! Even you, Sakana, could tell. If the boss is so sharp, of course he could!”

The trio—Neko, Sakana, and Kiyo—came bounding over, curious about what had transpired inside.

Iwata simply smiled and shook his head.

At that moment, Kagawa Teruyuki and Toyohiro Matsushige returned.

Iwata looked at Kagawa with disdain. “Were you planning to run away?”

Kagawa’s heart skipped a beat but quickly answered solemnly, “Boss Iwata, please believe me. I never intended to leave! Moreover, I have a new understanding of the Iwata group and wish to follow you!”

Want to be a subordinate?

Even Neko, Sakana, and Kiyo sneered—this guy had been so hesitant before.

Iwata just smiled, shaking his head. “We are the Iwata Studio, a film crew.”

Those words were laden with meaning, leaving Kagawa, Matsushige, Neko, Sakana, and Kiyo stunned.

What had Iwata and Takenaka’s eldest sister really said?

They said much, yet nothing at all.

Iwata found the situation only more intriguing.

“Don’t slack off! Only a few shots left!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Let’s get to work!”

The crew of "The Violent Man" was full of vigor.

One thing Iwata was certain of: he must first make himself stronger.

…

At Iwanami Bookstore.

“Finished shooting so soon?”

“Yes, sir! I understand!”

“Rest assured.”

Aki Yamaguchi hung up the phone, his face glowing with excitement. The film he had eagerly awaited was about to arrive at Iwanami Bookstore.

[End of Chapter]