The mafia industry in the Fells family territory had begun to change many years ago. Instead of focusing solely on smuggling, drugs, entertainment, and weapons as in the past, they had begun a series of cooperative ventures with the country itself.
It wasn't just a matter of washing their hands. The industry that originally bore gangster attributes was still thriving beneath the surface. Now, the Fells were simply helping those below them open a door, a gateway to cooperation with the authorities.
By training high-ranking officials, the mafia, which had only been able to survive in the shadows and underground, now had the opportunity to step into the light.
In the past, gangs weren't qualified to intervene in the national industrial chain. Even when they did, it was nothing more than small sums of money given as alms. If you wanted to ride on the chariot of the country, you had to let the person driving the chariot speak.
That wasn't bribery. Bribery was too one-sided and unstable, things could turn against you at any moment. What Oboro needed was training. Help those frustrated in politics who showed potential. At the same time, he would use the honeypot plan to plant seeds in the core circles of power.
They also needed to place new people in various institutions and departments, helping them grow step by step. In short, the Fells family's infiltration was comprehensive and multi-layered.
Currently, many mistresses of powerful leaders in the Republic of Padokea, including the newly appointed wife, were members of the Fells family. The Republic of Padokea was the first country where they started their planning.
The woman sent by V5, Celine, had died. Oboro had waited several days, but there had been no response from the other side. He could imagine why.
The defeated Republic of Padokea had refused his request.
Now V5 would begin a thorough investigation and data collection on him and the Fells family. But it was too late. What should have been done, what could have been done, had already been done. V5 had just realized it, but the realization came too late.
The next day, Oboro sat in his living room and watched television. The news about the gang fights continued to ferment on every channel. There was even a TV presenter who had personally invited a gang leader for a live interview. In front of countless viewers, the gang leader threatened that his family would soon become the underground leaders of the area, creating a storm of public opinion.
The Fells family had been controlling the situation from the shadows. The private forces led by Yin Beast had wiped out disobedient gang factions and planted the Fells family flag on other continents.
The chain reaction caused by the Kuroshio incident was enormous. Stabilizing the situation in a short period of time would be impossible unless every country sent troops, but that would damage the prestige of the Fells family. Oboro had to make all the gangsters aware of one crucial fact: the Fells Family had the ability to run a global organization.
"It will take at least two or three months," Oboro muttered, turning off the television.
"Someone from V5 is coming again," David announced as he entered the room.
"Let him wait," Oboro said, the corner of his mouth lifting in a subtle smile.
"Yes," David nodded and left.
It would be too easy for V5 to destroy the Fells family. Oboro knew better than anyone how terrifying V5 really was. Not only the Fells family, even the entire underworld wasn't worth mentioning in their eyes.
If he hadn't been secretly planning all these years, he wouldn't be qualified to negotiate with V5 now. After becoming one of the Dons and meeting Rodman, Oboro immediately understood that if he wanted to free himself from V5's shackles and keep his freedom, relying solely on his identity as one of the Dons was far from enough. It was too humble a position.
Everything he did wasn't about power. Power was only a stepping stone.
To travel to the Dark Continent, four conditions were required: contract, qualification, ability, and permission. Now he could essentially satisfy and achieve all of them.
V5 hadn't taken immediate action against him and the Fells family. Instead, they'd sent someone else. Their attitude was crystal clear.
His method was actually similar to what Bi Yangde had done. It was nothing more than using the power that V5 dared not underestimate to force the other party to accept their fate! However, what Oboro was looking for wasn't a superpower like Kajin, but rather countries with less foundation that couldn't withstand large numbers. And a unified underworld as its foundation.
In a sense, the impact Oboro could achieve was far greater than that of Yangde. It was enough to undermine the world.
"Sorry, please wait a moment. My employer is busy and doesn't have time right now."
After a while, David walked slowly to the main reception hall. He looked at the man standing anxiously at the window and whispered his message.
"Fine," the V5 official named Taiji replied, his eyelids twitching as he stammered.
His expression was not pleasant, but he wasn't visibly angry. After all, the colleague who had come earlier to negotiate with the Fells family was already dead. He didn't want to make the same mistake again.
It was only after seeing David walk away gracefully that Taiji began to curse: "Asshole!" He slammed his fist against the table in anger.
Not only Oboro, but even this old man who looked like a mere butler didn't take him seriously. They were just a bunch of Mafia thugs! When had they ever been so insolent?
Even when traveling to certain countries and meeting with leaders, people of Taiji's status would be treated with courtesy and generosity. But now, he was left here without anyone to serve him.
He slowly regained his composure. What could he do but wait?
And that wait lasted until the evening.
Taiji kept getting calls from his superiors asking about the situation. He hadn't eaten all day and was hungry and exhausted. The huge gap in status made him feel even more tormented.
Just as he felt that the Fells family was deliberately toying with him and was about to leave, the real master of the house finally arrived.
The daytime housekeeper came in with a man. Neither of them showed the slightest apology for keeping him waiting. Oboro just glanced at him and sat down on the sofa arrogantly without saying a word, as if waiting for Taiji to speak first.
With that kind of attitude, if Taiji did not know that the other party was a gangster, he would have thought he was meeting with the director general of several V5 superpowers.
"Mr. Oboro, I believe you already know the purpose of my visit," Taiji cleared his throat.
Oboro smiled without saying anything and motioned for him to continue.
"It's not a threat, just a statement of fact. You should understand that with our capabilities, if we really wanted to move against the Fells family, we couldn't rely on the Republic of Padokea alone. For us, the only problem lies in foreign policy and the follow-up with the leaders of that country.
Taiji first made it clear that he wasn't threatening, though his words suggested otherwise.
"As long as something happens to you, everything you rely on will collapse. Those politicians like to change their minds depending on the situation. Even though they're following the wishes of the Fells family now, I believe that once the news of your death is announced, several leaders will quickly change their minds and make peace with V5."
"You are indeed very powerful and have achieved things that many hunters cannot, but we still have many ways to deal with you, and we can guarantee that your death would be absolute."
As he spoke, Taiji's confidence seemed to grow, his voice becoming louder and more assured.
"Yes, I believe you can do that too," Oboro replied calmly, showing no signs of anger.
"So, in light of some unpleasant events that occurred between us earlier, I hope to put this matter to rest," Taiji continued. "The Fells family will continue to abide by our agreement and cease their efforts to unite the gangs. In return, there will be a place for the Fells family among the Dons, and everything will return to the way it was before the Black Tide incident. No harm will come to you, and I can return with a favorable report. Why not accept?" Taiji smiled.
"Of course, I respect your decision. If you refuse, I will probably die here today, but I believe you will follow shortly thereafter."
"Hehehe" Oboro gently clapped his hands. "You are indeed much smarter than the dead woman, although you appear very humble, as a member of V5 you can't hide your deep-seated pride."
"I won't answer you directly, but don't worry, you'll know my answer in a few minutes."
With a subtle gesture, David took the remote and turned on the television, tuning it to a specific channel.
"Come, sit down and watch, you'll like it." Oboro patted the empty seat on the sofa next to him.
Taiji looked confused. What would he like?
"I have prepared a great gift for you, V5!" Oboro's eyes shone with dangerous satisfaction. "Now, don't worry."