With an invincible scale as a prop to verify authenticity, Jiuyuan can boldly declare that there will never be counterfeit goods in his store that are not worth what the customers paid.

Intelligence can be bought, and naturally, it can also be sold.

He can also resell the information he receives.

What he needs to do is reverse monetization.

Xue Nan and his gang expand their wealth by expanding their organization, robbing gangs, and plundering financial resources. This wealth is enough for them to buy a lot of intelligence on the black market. This intelligence is mixed and it is difficult to distinguish the true from the false, but with Jiuyuan's scale, they can filter out the most real and effective intelligence.

Then sell this information in Jiuyuan's store.

The people he traded with in the store were all monsters and ghosts. The bargaining chips they used to exchange for information were certainly not money, but more precious items - things that could not be bought with money under normal circumstances.

In this way, although it was troublesome, Jiuyuan finally used human money to exchange for precious monster specialties.

And you don't have to worry about counterfeit products. It can be said that it is a transaction that is guaranteed to make money.

But... we are still short of manpower.

Hanako already has a strong logistics personnel in Oda Sakunosuke, and now the frontline personnel also have the experienced Morobushi Kagemitsu, plus the versatile Kagome Takeshi, and if all else fails, there is Hachishaku who can take action. It is like each department already has a backbone, and the rest only needs to recruit some ordinary workers.

In contrast, Yukio has to deal with a large amount of external intelligence, deal with the black market, and go out to contact other monster forces. He is actually a little overwhelmed.

"...Intelligence personnel and technical talents are always the most in short supply. This is true."

Life is not easy, Jiuyuan sighs.

The intelligence technician he had now was also someone who was randomly detained from the previously destroyed small organization. Because his abilities were needed, he was not subjected to high-intensity hypnosis. He was simply given a separate room and trained with good food and drink.

"Mr. Xue!" The intelligence agent stumbled out of the room holding his computer.

At this time, Xue was looking at the route to Yayuan. Seeing the other party in a hurry, she asked, "What's the matter?"

"It seems our lines have been targeted... they have been under attack." He stuttered, fearing that he would make Ah Xue angry. "I don't know what their purpose is. They also sent a strange pattern, which seems to be a mouse..."

Seeing that he was hesitant to speak, Ah Xue patiently asked, "What happened to the mouse?"

"...there is an organization called the Dead House Rats."

He explained to Axue that this was an illegal organization similar to a gang of thieves, and that there was a highly skilled hacker in charge. However, he couldn't explain why the other party would take the initiative to pick on them.

The young technician muttered in his heart: Although the Snow Lords are scary... but they are not particularly rich to be targeted, right? What's more, hackers should be able to find out that they are not human, right?

However, he didn't dare to guess what Ah Xue was thinking, so he could only defend himself: "There are hackers with top technology among them... I can't defend myself."

Purchasing large amounts of intelligence is prone to arouse suspicion, and Jiuyuan doesn't find it strange that the intelligence officers are not good enough and are being monitored.

Axue nodded and said nothing.

However, Axue's cold reaction made this person feel more uneasy.

...As a temporary technical staff, I know that I am not an expert. I can help out in a small organization, but this skill is not enough to work in a group like Axue's that is at the center of controversy and attracts much attention.

This young technician knows his own worth, but...

He is scared!

He was afraid that if he was no longer useful, he would be killed by Axue and the others. Until today, he was completely unable to control the situation and had to come out to report.

After all, he would definitely die a miserable death if he messed up things with these two horrible guys!

"Is that so..." Axue said lightly.

The technician tensed himself, fearing that the other party would say, "Then go to Yokohama Port and feed the fish by yourself."

"You go and have a rest."Axue said.

"Eh?!" He trembled and said, "...Yes, does it mean that I can die right here?"

Axue: “…” Do I look that scary?

"...I won't ask you to do anything that is beyond your ability." In order to save face, Ah Xue patiently explained to humans, "Just because you can't solve a problem doesn't mean others can't solve it either."

Fortunately, his desire to survive was strong enough, so he took the initiative to ask for further follow-up.

"Well... I know a few powerful hackers here, take a look..."

"Go and contact them." Axue waved her hand.

Rat of the Dead House...

At this juncture, not many people would choose to confront them. Jiuyuan believed that the other party's intention was probably just to attract their attention, but unfortunately, both the pro- and non-pro-friend camps were controlled by him. If anyone wanted to profit from it and had any improper intentions, they would be transparent in Jiuyuan's eyes.

Come to think of it, they took the initiative to approach an organization like Yukio that has such a villainous aura... Could this guy also be a villain?

The more Jiuyuan thought about it, the more he felt that this was possible.

At this moment, he really wished he had the skill to hit someone along the Internet cable.

In this way, you can directly pull out the mouse along the network cable.

…

…

In Kuen, everyone is still in a state of mixed emotions because of Morobushi Kagemitsu's outrageous words.

"About three days ago, I met that person on the streets of Shibuya." Morobushi Kagemitsu recalled the scene at that time: "He was wearing a monk's robe...with his hair loose, and he looked almost exactly like Mr. Getsu. Probably what you look like when you grow up."

Although it was just a suspicion at first, but considering that even the clothes were the same and his body was missing, Geto couldn't deceive himself and say that it was a coincidence.

"…Apart from that, is there anything special about him? Is he alone? Or does he have other companions?"

"A person." Morobushi Kagemitsu said, "But, there seems to be something beside him... Is that thing called a cursed spirit?"

Considering that his technique could control cursed spirits, Xia Yujie didn't find it strange.

But... I still feel unhappy.

Not only was his body played with, but his abilities were also exploited and used as a tool. Xia Yujie asked himself if he was the kind of person who would just laugh it off when his corpse was used by others.

He holds a grudge.

"Do you know where he went?"

Zhufu Jingguang saw their solemn expressions and knew that this matter was of great importance, but he didn't know much.

He shook his head regretfully: "Sorry, I'm not sure."

Summer Oil: "No, I can't thank you enough for getting such valuable information."

Kuen looked at the uneasy Kagome and said, "Are you going to Shibuya now?"

"Yeah. After all, this news was from a few days ago. I want to look for clues before too much time passes."

"...Going alone?"

Xia Yujie expected that Jiuyuan would ask this, and smiled soothingly: "Well, I'll go alone."

Jiuyuan disagreed a little.

If the other party did something to Geto, and now the real Geto appeared in front of him, if he was discovered by the other party, he would be in for a hard time, and in the worst case, he might even be subdued. They didn't know what methods that person had, what if Geto suffered a big loss?

Not to mention that Geto Suguru now only has half of his soul, and the cursed spirits and monsters he can use are all small monsters he collected recently, and their strength has also been weakened.

It's impossible not to worry.

However, after spending some time together, Jiuyuan also realized that Xia Youjie was not the kind of person who could be convinced by just a few words.

The boy sighed, "I know...Suyu-kun."

Kuen thought that he could not offer much help. Hanako was earth-bound and could not move with Kagome Ken, and Hachishaku was too conspicuous and would only cause trouble.

He thought about it and finally bit the bullet and bought a set of clothes for Geto Xia Yu - it was the same kimono he wore on the night of the spirit summoning, but it was black in color. It could enhance defense and increase strength, and was simple and practical.

"You wear this, and you must also wear a mask," he said. "By the way, do you have any unfinished cookies? Take those too."

He felt like the tough organization guy during the game. When his staff went out, he not only had to change their equipment but also bring them recovery potions for endurance.

"…Will you give it to me?"

"Everyone is waiting for you to come back... So, I hope you will put your own safety first."

Taking the soft clothes from the boy, Kagome felt like he was back in his previous life, when people around him would remind him to be careful and be cautious when going out.

Since his death, this feeling has been almost forgotten.

(…I always feel like I miss it a little.)

"Thank you." Xia Yujie replied sincerely.

Jiuyuan still couldn't let go.

He tried to suggest again: "Why not ask Mr. Gojo to join you? He should be happy to do so. After all, you are close friends..."

"If it's Wu, then it won't work." Xia Yujie denied it without even thinking, "...After all, Wu killed me personally."

Although the ones who seriously injured me were his good students and the extremely fierce elementary school girl...Kaguya complained in his heart.

Compared to Hisaen who already knew about it, Morofushi Kagemitsu who was standing nearby and had been off topic at the moment actually had some emotional fluctuations.

Jiuyuan glanced at him: ...It seems that this person's death also has a complicated and secret story.

Jiuyuan shook his head and looked at Xia Youjie and said, "You don't want him to blame himself for this?"

"…It's a little difficult to explain, but I'd better explain it clearly." Xia Yujie remembered that Jiuyuan didn't understand the sorcerer, so he started to explain from the principle: "In order to prevent the curse from mutating or other situations that may bring disaster, the body of the sorcerer will go through a special process after death before it can be disposed of. By the way, cremation is the first choice."

"In theory, after I die, my body should be specially treated by Glass, and then Satoru will arrange the burial..."

With this face that still retains the youthfulness of a young man, Geto Suguru talked about the topic of his own corpse.

It sounds very hazy.

He smiled bitterly: "...Now it seems that there was something wrong with my handling of the corpse."

Jiuyuan nodded: "...I understand."

As a close friend, Gojo Satoru might have had some selfish motives in this matter.

But no one knew that things would turn out like this.

"Although I really want to ask him in person what's going on..." The black-haired boy was helpless, "But..."

"——Before the truth is confirmed, I don't want to give him unnecessary burden."

He said this as if this incident might be just a false alarm and there might still be room for maneuver, retaining a last glimmer of optimism.

However, everyone present knew that things might very well turn out to be the worst they could imagine.

But no one wants to say such cruel words.

Xia Yujie also understood this in his heart.

"——Then I wish you all the best, Geto-kun." Looking at Geto-kun's back, who was already wearing the fox mask, Kuen added, "...We will all be waiting for you here."

Jiuyuan's sudden remarks surprised Xia Yujie.

This time the boy nodded and said firmly: "Don't worry, I will be back soon."

…

…

After Geto Suguru left, Hisaen began to make arrangements for Morobushi Kagemitsu.

The only place he had that could accommodate people was the old house. Now only Odasaku and the children lived there, so it would be more than enough space for a few more Morobushi Kagemitsu.

So after he brought Morofushi Kagemitsu over, he first asked him to say hello to Oda Saku and the others.

At this time, the red-haired man was wearing an apron and helping to clean the dust on the second floor. When he saw them coming, he first looked at the unfamiliar face behind him.

"This is our new clerk. Why don't you get to know each other, Mr. Oda?" Hisaen said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Morobushi Kagemitsu..."

Morofushi Kagemitsu said his own name while looking at the man in front of him.

Although the aura was restrained, the aura of a person who had seen blood could not be concealed, even though the person looked harmless...

However, Morobushi Jingguang, who has undercover experience and is an excellent public security policeman, has mixed feelings, because he can see that the other party must have stained a lot of blood in his life...

But, does Jiuyuan know about this?

He didn't ask directly.

Since Hanako could obey his orders, Kuen must be no ordinary person.

By the way, after Hanako brought him here, Jiuyuan never introduced himself. He only said that he was the person in charge of this store, but he never mentioned whether there was anyone behind him...

Morofushi Jingguang is not so naive as to think that he has joined the partnership.

As his thoughts raced, Oda Sakunosuke was also making a quick assessment of the person in front of him.

The snare in his hand and his quick and sharp reactions showed that he was probably not an ordinary professional.

(Hmm… ordinary people probably wouldn’t be attracted by the shop owner. Judging from his reaction to me, is he a cop?)

Odasaku thought calmly.

I still introduced him: "Oda Sakunosuke." After thinking for a moment, I added honestly: "... Mainly responsible for making cookies."

Jiuyuan: “…”

This is so down-to-earth that if you don’t know, you might think they are a dessert shop.

The young man coughed lightly to break the deadlock and smiled, "I hope you can get along well in the future... By the way, Mr. Morobushi Kagemitsu was... uh, he had excellent grades and many talents... If possible, could you please teach our children here?"

"Children?"

Oda Sakunosuke said, "We still have five children in the store."

Seeing that Morofushi Jingguang was puzzled, he added: "The soul of..."

Morofushi Kagemitsu: “…Ahem.”

Yes, except for the shop owner, almost no one here is human. He should have thought of it earlier.

"I understand. If it's a regular course, I can still give it a try... but I can't guarantee that I can do it well." As if he felt that this was a bit disappointing, he added: "However, if there are children who are interested in music... I can try to teach them."

Jiuyuan: "Do you know how to play a musical instrument?"

"…Bass."

Jiuyuan imagined that his house was already like a haunted house. If a passerby heard the sound of the bass coming from inside...would he not go and complain that his house was haunted?

So Jiuyuan changed the subject without changing his expression: "...That's good too, but let's focus on academic subjects first. After all, the children's other interests can be cultivated slowly."

He then said to Odasaku, "He will be staying here today. I may need to trouble Mr. Oda to take care of the newcomer."

"I understand." Odasaku nodded and said, "If there is nothing else, I will continue to work."

"Thanks for your hard work."

Kuen looked at Morobushi Kagemitsu and said, "Let's talk over here."

Opening the room next to the second floor, it was still next to the balcony, and the sunlight coming in still carried the heat of early summer. The boy pulled out a chair and sat down, tapping the table with his finger joints.

"Well, let me introduce myself again. My name is Yomikawa Kyuen... and I'm currently on the run from home. I'll be considered the owner of this store. If you have any trouble, you can come to me directly. Normally, you can come to Hanako-kun if you have any problem."

"……I see."

(The idea of ​​running away from home is very concerning, but looking at Kuen's attitude... it seems that he doesn't intend to tell me more.)

"Well, Mr. Morobushi Kagemitsu, I think you have your own ideas for choosing to join this store, right? Can you tell me about it?"

Morofu Jingguang did not intend to hide it, he did have some needs.

"I do have some personal reasons. But it's a bit long to explain, is that okay?"

"We don't lack this time." Jiuyuan said with a smile, "Besides, helping employees solve problems is also one of my jobs as a store manager. I hope you can work here without any grudges. After all, we will be together for a long time."

"Well... let's start from a long time ago."

Morobushi Jingguang recounted some of his experiences, mainly during his time in the police academy, then entering the public security police, then becoming an undercover agent, and...his death.

Fearing that his identity would be exposed, Zhu Fu Jingguang was about to commit suicide, but was stopped by other undercover agents. But the dramatic development did not stop there. After hearing the footsteps coming from him, he suspected that it was an enemy, and in the end the people who stopped him failed to successfully prevent his death.

Who would have thought that the owner of the footsteps was actually his companion...

"…So, this is your obsession?"

The reason why the souls of the dead linger in the human world is that they cannot let go of things that happened in their lifetime.

There were too many twists and turns in Morobushi Kagemitsu's death. Jiuyuan didn't know what kind of mood he was in now when he told the story of what happened at that time.

"...Do you want to go meet your friend?" Jiuyuan asked softly.

He tried to imagine what Morobushi Kagemitsu would think when he saw his good friend appear while his soul was still conscious.

There was no anger or other bad aura about him. Jiu Yuan could imagine his mood, perhaps -

Regret and helplessness.

The young man in front of him looked at the table: "I want to see him, but... I don't want to."

"…I don't know what I would say if I really met him."

There was only a soft sigh in the room.