Five years ago.

Shuichi Akai, an FBI agent, meets Akemi.

Using this as a springboard, he successfully infiltrated the winery as an undercover agent.

In just one year, he made a name for himself at the distillery and was given the code name "Rye Whiskey".

Two years ago.

The mission to capture Gin failed, Shuichi Akai's undercover identity was exposed, and he was forced to leave the organization.

He never contacted Mingmei again after that.

Until recently.

Before carrying out the "one billion yuan robbery" mission, Mingmei sent him a text message.

That was the first time the two of them had been in contact in recent years.

What happened next was that Shuichi Akai arrived in Japan ahead of schedule and learned of Akemi's "death".

Besides Shuichi Akai, everyone else in the FBI knew about this.

The mission to capture Gin two years ago failed due to a mistake by an FBI agent.

The agent always believed that Minmei died because of his mistake.

From then on, he felt a deep sense of guilt towards Shuichi Akai.

Besides the agent who caused the failed operation to capture Gin, the head of this FBI distillery investigation team...

James Black also felt guilty about this.

Even Judy, who was Minmei's rival in love, was the same.

From Shuichi Akai's side, they also knew that Akemi Miyano's connection with the brewery was not close.

She's not a particularly evil person; on the contrary, she's quite kind.

Her death...

The root cause is the FBI.

Because the distillery wouldn't tolerate someone bringing in the FBI...

And it's also possible that the woman he'll continue to contact will remain indifferent as before.

When they learn that Akemi is not actually dead, Kōyū believes that he, who saved Akemi, will definitely have a voice.

Moreover, he possesses intelligence that the FBI is unaware of.

He could also choose to tell Judy about it now.

However, he was worried that Shuichi Akai might find out about this beforehand.

If Shuichi Akai really finds out, then it won't be easy for him to persecute me...

A meeting between the two was arranged.

From both Mingmei's perspective and his own plans, it's definitely not something he can tell right now.

At the earliest, we'll have to wait until Shuichi Akai and Akemi meet.

Knowing that Judy was somewhat disappointed, Kōyū did not change his mind.

He went on to talk about his plans:

"so..."

"From my perspective, I really hope that these organizations can join forces."

"As long as you can share intelligence, those people won't be able to stop you."

This makes it sound like the brewery is so powerful that you have to team up to beat them.

Therefore, to avoid Judy misunderstanding, Kōyū added:

"Actually, we don't have to join forces."

“Your organizations have powerful backers with funds and influence.”

"Even if they were taken out individually, they could easily wipe out those people."

"But..."

"Your biggest problem is a lack of intelligence."

"So you're just telling us everything you know?"

Judy thought to herself, "I rolled my eyes at Asahi Kōyū."

She didn't say those words aloud.

She looked at Guangyou and said:

"So, you want our organizations to join forces?"

"Things are not as simple as you think."

At the same time, Kwangyu also said:

"Things are not as simple as I thought."

He smiled, seemingly unconcerned, and said nonchalantly:

"I know."

"The FBI and CIA are alright, after all, they are all from the same country."

"The Japanese Public Security Bureau and the FBI are in some trouble."

"According to the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty established in 1951, your country's troops are still stationed in Japan."

"Among them, the US military base in Okinawa has the largest number of personnel, which has affected the surrounding residents."

Each word she uttered caused Judy's expression to change slightly, but she did not get angry, nor did she refute them.

Because she knew that what Guangyou said was true.

She could only sigh softly.

Ignoring Judy's changing expressions, Kōyū continued speaking to her:

"This is a national-level issue."

"therefore..."

"I think some members of the Japanese Public Security Bureau don't like people from your organization."

"Furthermore, your FBI had a conflict with someone from the Japanese Public Security Bureau a few years ago."

"That person doesn't have a very good impression of you."

He didn't elaborate, partly because he had forgotten some details, and partly because it would have been pointless to explain.

Judy finished her drink in one gulp, pursed her lips, and asked Kwang-woo:

"So, Mitsuyu, you still want us to join forces with the Japanese Public Security Bureau?"

"I feel that your plan will be somewhat difficult to execute."

Kōyū also acknowledged this point:

"Yes, it is challenging, but not particularly difficult."

"The person you're having a conflict with is someone else, and that person understands that it's all a misunderstanding."

"It's just that he still doesn't quite like you guys."

"However, I believe he will change his mind when faced with matters of principle."

On the Japanese Public Security side, there was a misunderstanding between Tooru Amuro and Shuichi Akai.

Amuro Tooru himself knew it was a misunderstanding.

He just felt that Shuichi Akai was such an amazing person; he had many choices at the time, but he still couldn't stop things from happening.

Therefore, they haven't completely let go yet.

but...

When the country is threatened, Mitsuyu believes that Amuro Tooru, who is "patriotic," will temporarily put aside his hatred and choose to join forces.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!