Heine's rise to power involved many entanglements, involving not only his father—who, in Heine's own words, was "better off dead" and who, according to Sheila, might have "suddenly had a change of heart or simply lost his mind"—but also many other factors. Gin had already conducted a detailed investigation when he decided to get on board, but for more specific details, he would have to wait until he arrived in Italy to confirm everything personally before he could make a judgment.
When investigating Heine's complicated family relationships, Gin even once felt like washing his hands of the whole thing—meaning, it would be quite good to just go out and work on his own, wouldn't it?
He tried to deduce the mental journey of Heine's family, reasoning for a long time until he could only come up with one phrase: a complex mix of love and hate.
Gin, who vaguely felt as if he had stumbled into a cliché family drama, thought: ".. Can this world please be a little more normal?"
But in the end, he endured it: life cannot be perfect in every aspect, the same applies to the work environment.
At least within three years," Gin estimated, giving a rough timeframe, "I shouldn't be leaving Italy.
He had always been serious about his work.
Just like when he was in the organization, although he would slack off sometimes, the missions he completed were always perfect; otherwise, he wouldn't have become one of the organization's top figures.
Three years is a conservative estimate; if things go smoothly, it will be even faster. Since he has already chosen Heine and chosen Italy, Gin will naturally do everything that needs to be done.
Moreover, he was bringing his whole family to Italy, he had a whole group of people to support.
Even in the Underworld, reputation is sometimes very important.
Akai Shuichi suddenly felt a bit unlucky: Seriously, is this the rhythm of starting a long-distance relationship right after getting together?
He calculated his annual (earned) vacation time and sighed helplessly, "Maybe I should just resign from the FBI."
In the next second, he felt Gin's "Are you okay?" gaze falling upon him.
Although he didn't really want to resign, Gin's reaction was a bit of a blow to his confidence.
But then again, being separated for a period of time in terms of physical distance might not necessarily be a bad thing. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Gin had successfully escaped from the Black Organization and had already found a new employer, that the FBI had temporarily taken him for various reasons, combined with the imminent crackdown on the Black Organization, it was feared that Akai Shuichi might not even be able to pass the hurdle within the FBI.
Internal investigation was a minor issue; a transfer or resignation would be considered a lenient punishment. Although Akai Shuichi believed he had not leaked any FBI intelligence, if someone were to truly seize upon it, he might be sent straight to prison on charges of "covering up" if things turned serious.
From this perspective, a cold treatment didn't seem so hard to accept.. Akai Shuichi tried to comfort himself, but quickly declared failure.
If he were truly someone who cared about his own safety and public opinion, he wouldn't have gone to America to become an FBI agent because of his father's disappearance, he certainly wouldn't have gone out of his way to find an opportunity to infiltrate the Black Organization as an undercover agent.
Besides, he was already pursuing Gin, so who cared about any of this! Could any other risk be more dangerous than Gin himself?
Don't underestimate the Black Organization," Gin reminded him. "In three years, you might not even be able to take them down in one piece.
Still thinking about running to Italy? Just stay put and work your overtime honestly.
Moreover—
The authorities might be able to tolerate an organization that cuts its losses to survive; under certain circumstances, they might not necessarily pursue them to the bitter end—" Gin continued his assault, "But you have your own motives for investigating the Organization, don't you? When the time comes, you'll have even more trouble on your hands.
For example, the missing Akai Masamu.
When Gin analyzes, he is serious—and that makes it exceptionally painful.
The Black-haired agent closed his eyes, feeling that his future was just like the world before him at this moment—nothing but darkness.
He fell silent for a moment before speaking, attempting to struggle: "Then, my dear Lover—can you come over and see me?"
The lover's gaze shifted from "Are you okay?" to "In your dreams!"
But perhaps feeling that the Black-haired elite agent's expression was too despondent, the Silver-haired killer did not reject him directly after all.
“Wait until your hair grows long before we talk about it.”
—So he chose a tactful refusal.
Akai Shuichi subconsciously recalled how long it had taken him to grow his hair long last time, then simply said, "I'll just try to take leave as much as possible."
Comparing them like this, three years actually wasn't that long.
He can take time off, really.
Gin gave him a glance without making any comment on it, instead changing the subject: "It's about time."
At this point, everything he should have done and wanted to do in Japan had come to an end.
"Then, let's have a farewell kiss." Akai Shuichi followed up naturally.
Before Gin could even have a single thought about it, the topic had suddenly taken a turn.
But then again—
I don't like being late.
It’s not like it's impossible, is it?
Of course not.
Then..
..
Gin arrived at the very last second.
Akai Shuichi believed that in this matter, the responsibility between him and Gin should be fifty-fifty, besides, Mr. Lover wasn't angry, was he?
Regarding this, Gin, who had already boarded the plane, remained noncommittal.
Of course he wasn't angry.
Please, it's a private plane with a custom-made itinerary; the plane wouldn't even take off without him there, okay? There's no such thing as being late.
The Silver-haired killer's vision gradually rose with the altitude of the plane.
Clear blue sky and white clouds, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Finally, the journey begins.
-----------------------
Author's Note: (1) Please refer to the ring side story in Chapter 244 for details; I played around with some Katekyo Hitman Reborn! references, but this story does not include Katekyo Hitman Reborn!.
Heine gave the ring because he had read too many of his manga and thought it was interesting, giving it as a casual welcome gift for joining the organization.
Compared to his time as an agent, Gin preferred his appearance during the Rye era, but that was only in terms of looks—a matter of aesthetics; what attracted the two of them more was their inner essence and nature.
But Big Brother wouldn't compromise on his own aesthetic taste, so, let's go with long hair! lol
The time Gin bought the ring was in Chapter 224. When it was mentioned that "the person tailing him had long been shaken off, Gin had casually bought a few things before preparing to return to the safe house," he had simply seen them while walking and bought them on a whim, but he had never thought about whether to give a ring. He maintained a natural attitude; he didn't care whether he gave it or not, since there was plenty of time ahead. As mentioned in the text, he would decisively resolve most matters, but regarding this matter, he could calmly let it remain in an unresolved state.
The final exchange of rings was a plot point I had planned long ago; those Little Angels who have been following the story might have noticed that many characters have given Gin jewelry before, Gin has given gifts like necklaces as well. However, this is the first time Gin has proactively given a ring, which carries a special, romantic significance.
Consider it a form of distinction and contrast
..
End of Chapter!
Chapter 249: Chapter 227: Main Story End..
To maintain the secrecy of the itinerary, although neither Gin nor Heine had intentionally concealed the time or location of their departure, the flight routes had remained strictly confidential.
After changing planes several times and transferring through five countries over several days, Gin finally set foot on Italian soil.
The moment he stepped off the plane, the Silver-haired killer couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion: He had finally arrived; if he had flown for a few more days, he would have thought he was on a world tour.
Don't get me wrong, the itinerary arranged by Heine was quite a wonderful experience; he even left time for sightseeing in every country. If Gin were willing, he could indeed treat this journey as a pre-employment travel perk.
From this perspective, Heine was truly a considerate boss, so considerate that Gin even suspected whether he had decided to just slack off, starting his career as an Italian Mafia Godfather with the mindset of "no performance requirements, as long as the employees are happy."
After getting off the plane, the people who came to pick them up were all Gin's former subordinates—such as Vodka and others. Gin took a quick look and saw they were all former employees of the Liquor Group who had been rehired.
On the bright side, these were all former colleagues of Heine, which meant there would be no issues with adjusting to the work environment.
Thanks to the old boss's gift.
After a few casual words, the Silver-haired killer left Borse and Vodka behind, telling the others to leave first. He asked Borse about the situation in Italy, handed the black suitcase to Vodka, then led his former subordinate toward the new base.
Naturally, Vodka was driving on the road.
This overwhelming sense of déjà vu made him feel as if he had returned to his time working for the Black Organization.
Before the situation in Japan reached a breaking point, Gin had already begun transferring his influence abroad in batches. Once he had secured a new place of employment, he screened the list in his hands and sent the suitable subordinates to Italy first.
Even during the time when he was leisurely watching the drama in Japan, Gin maintained contact with his subordinates.
With his prestige and level of control, Gin was not worried about his subordinates losing control; moreover, since he himself had already arrived, everything should now proceed through official channels.
But there are still some people who must be met.
Even though modern communication is convenient enough that many things can be notified online, the feeling brought by face-to-face conversation remains irreplaceable.
Meeting Gin could also put those subordinates, who had hurriedly relocated due to sudden changes, at ease.
While listening to Borse's report, Gin made some simple arrangements for the upcoming schedule and then sent out emails one by one.
Understood." Gin had great trust in Borse's abilities, the tasks he needed him to handle were not complicated, so he didn't expect anything to go wrong. "Send me an email with the specific details; I will personally arrange the upcoming personnel transfers.
"Alright." Having received a reply, Borse also breathed a sigh of relief.
Although he was in Italy, his former network of connections still allowed him to be aware of the recent changes in Japan; even if the waves had not yet reached them, he couldn't help but feel uneasy—for himself, for Gin.
It must be said that the return of the Silver-haired killer was truly reassuring; at least he felt at ease.
Being a teammate or an enemy to someone like Gin is a completely different experience.
When he is your companion, he is extremely reliable; when he is your enemy, he is exceptionally dangerous.
The only thing in common, perhaps, is that whether as an opponent or a partner, he is incredibly powerful.
Moreover, Borse had already followed Gin for many years.
Next, you want to see.." After a moment of hesitation, Borse still uttered that title: "See the Mastermind?
The Boss refers to Heine.
However, for these old members of the Black Organization, the term Boss was used to refer to more than just a title; it was a way to refer to "That gentleman."
Gin's connection to the Organization was far too deep; he was practically one of the faces of the Black Organization, in the eyes of many, Gin and the Organization were inextricably linked. Even though he had already left the Organization, Borse still couldn't gauge Gin's attitude toward That gentleman.
He grew up in the Black Organization after all; the darkness had left too deep a mark on him.
I will go see him." Gin shot a glance at Borse, reassuring his capable subordinate, "You don't need to worry about this much.
The Silver-haired killer was not one to dwell on the past.
The Black Organization had indeed burdened him with too many emotions and had brought him too much influence. It could be said that without the organization, today's Gin would surely be missing an important part of himself.