Chapter 245
IUD-CHAPTER 245 PROLOGUE
“Clang————!”
The sharp tip of the sword pierced deep into the ground, producing a resounding sound that echoed all around.
The sudden sound left the members of I-U on the second-floor corridor momentarily stunned simultaneously.
Fang Li was also taken aback.
This was because the sword emitting such a sound was being tightly gripped by a silver-haired girl donning lightweight armor, and thrust into the ground.
Without a doubt, it was Jeanne.
There she stood before Fang Li, raising her head to address the I-U members on the second-floor corridor, her voice strong.
“Enough is enough!”
Jeanne’s words hung in the air, and in response, a portion of the I-U members on the second-floor corridor abruptly turned to face their own comrades, weapons aimed at each other.
“What…?!”
“Jeanne!”
“Damn it, are you choosing to strike at this moment?!”
The targeted I-U members wore expressions of frustration, similarly turning and pointing their weapons at their fellow members.
In an instant, the members of I-U were divided into two groups, locked in a standoff.
“This…” Fang Li truly couldn’t believe his eyes.
What was happening?
Was this a mutiny?
How did internal strife suddenly arise?
As Fang Li’s mind swirled with these questions, a melodious voice provided an answer.
“It’s not sudden; this situation was bound to happen.”
Uttering these words was a dream-like, exceptionally beautiful girl.
It was Tohyama Kana who had spoken these words.
Tohyama Kana had appeared by Fang Li’s side without his notice, having descended from the corridor. At her side, Tohyama Kinji followed suit.
“Have you finally arrived at this juncture?” Tohyama Kinji, gripping a Beretta in his hand, spoke with a helpless expression on his face, “As you predicted, Kana.”
“I’m sorry, Kinji, for involving you in this.” Tohyama Kana gently patted Tohyama Kinji’s head, then turned to look at Fang Li. In a soft voice, she continued, “However, the time has come for the final stage.”
“The final stage?” Furrowing his brow, Fang Li questioned, “What are you talking about?”
“Riko’s intelligence reports should have mentioned it, right?” Tohyama Kana didn’t directly answer, instead responding with a question, “Within I-U, there are actually two factions.”
Hearing this, Fang Li immediately understood.
“So that’s how it is; the conflict between Daio and Ignatis, right?”
I-U was a society that blatantly disregarded all laws and internal rules, an organization where members were free to become stronger by any means necessary to achieve their goals. As long as they provided their own techniques, nobody had the authority to intervene in their actions.
In this environment, it was only natural for people with differing ideologies to gather within the organization.
These individuals were basically divided into two factions.
One was Daio.
The other was Ignatis.
Daio’s ideology purely sought methods to enhance personal power, disregarding everything else.
Ignatis, on the other hand, aspired to lead a combat group within the organization that no military nation could resist, conquering the world and launching attacks around the globe as they pleased, thereby expanding wars and massacres.
Undoubtedly, with such divergent ideologies, clashes were inevitable between these two factions.
However, Sherlock, as the head of I-U, was a supporter of Daio himself. This prevented I-U from becoming a true terrorist organization.
“Now, Sir Sherlock’s lifespan is nearly depleted, and I-U has entered a period of transformation.” Tohyama Kana told Fang Li, “Under these circumstances, the conflict between Daio and Ignatis has become unavoidable.”
“It’s said that Ignatis’ members have been eagerly waiting. Once Sherlock dies, they’ll immediately begin vying for the position of I-U’s leader.” Tohyama Kinji seemed to have learned the whole situation from Tohyama Kana and addressed Fang Li as well, “On the other hand, Daio wishes to select a leader capable of inheriting Sherlock’s role, someone, who, like Sherlock, will continue to oversee I-U while delving into techniques.”
Upon hearing this, Fang Li suddenly felt enlightened.
“Is the person chosen by Daio Aria?”
This explained why Tohyama Kana wanted to kill Aria.
As an Emissary of Justice from the Tohyama family, she must have learned about the horrors of I-U and infiltrated the organization to undermine it when the opportunity arose. Sherlock’s death was the perfect chance.
Once Sherlock died, the conflict between Daio and Ignatis would erupt fully. With both sides engaged in internal strife, their power would significantly weaken, offering Tohyama Kana a chance to infiltrate and eradicate I-U.
However, if Aria inherited the leadership of I-U, the conflict between the two factions would not erupt. Thus, Tohyama Kana’s plan would fall apart.
For this reason, Tohyama Kana had even found Tohyama Kinji, and both sides had united under the banner of the “Justice” upheld by the Tohyama family for generations.
“Gun Magician.”
At this moment, Jeanne’s back was turned to Fang Li as she addressed him, “I am a member of Daio. Therefore, I also intend for Aria to become the leader of I-U, thwarting Ignatis’ ambitions. However, Sir Sherlock informed us of Daio that even if Aria becomes the leader of I-U, if she does not possess the power to suppress everyone here, Ignatis’ members will certainly not give up and may even lead to a coup.”
“To prevent this scenario, Sir Sherlock said your existence is crucial.” Jeanne stated, “I said Aria shouldn’t come to I-U. Once she’s here, she can’t leave. Now, only you remain.”
“Ignatis’ members want to eliminate Aria and take leadership for themselves. Naturally, they also want to get rid of you.” Jeanne shifted her gaze toward Fang Li, resolute in her words.
“We of Daio won’t let you die here. So, you can go find Sir Sherlock. We’ll handle Ignatis’ members.” Jeanne reassured him.
“I’ll lend a hand as well.” Tohyama Kana smiled sweetly, turning to Tohyama Kinji, “Kinji, lead your friend ahead.”
Tohyama Kinji nodded heavily and turned to Fang Li.
Fang Li remained silent for a moment, then turned without saying another word, running towards the entrance.
Tohyama Kinji immediately followed.
Subsequently, gunshots and explosions began to resound incessantly in the hall, marking the beginning of this internal conflict.