Tokyo, Kita-Kudan, Chiyoda Ward, stands the Yasukuni Shrine, revered as the 'Shrine of Heroes' by Japanese extremists. Located northwest of the Imperial Palace, it spans 92,000 square meters.
Surrounded by parks, despite its scenic beauty, it emanates a chilling and sinister aura, unlike the comforting and warm atmosphere of the Mausoleums of Great Xia Martyrs.
In the words of the domestic populace, rather than a shrine, it is more fitting to call it a ghost latrine, or a latrine for the ghosts of a fallen nation.
Past ten in the evening, the 'Ghost Latrine of a Fallen Nation' was shrouded in silence and darkness, with only a few lone lamps emitting faint light, creating a distinctly eerie scene.
Cars arrived at the six entrances outside, filling almost the entire outer parking lot. Then, from these lines of vehicles, members of the Yakuza, dressed in black, began escorting the apprehended individuals out of the cars.
Anyone who dared to make noise or resist was met with the blunt force of clubs. Those who attempted to fight back were beaten until they were on the verge of death.
Faint sobs and low curses further amplified the eerie atmosphere of the 'Ghost Latrine of a Fallen Nation.'
At the southwest gate, Bai Ye's minivan also stopped in the parking lot with the main convoy. As Yakuza members began pulling people from the other vehicles, Bai Ye scanned the surroundings with his spatial perception. Including the Yakuza members, there were approximately three to four hundred people. Yet, he still couldn't locate Zheng Jiao and Xu Sisi.
"B-Big Brother, we-we have to get out..." a Yakuza member beside Bai Ye urgently reminded him, his entire body trembling violently as he spoke.
He had to speak up, as other members nearby were already looking over with suspicion due to their prolonged delay in disembarking.
At this moment, Bai Ye had already changed into the black uniform of the Yakuza member he had sent away earlier.
"Let's go," Bai Ye pulled open the car door and leaped out first.
"Brother, your van has quite a few people!"
Two Yakuza members approached, observing the five people alighting from Bai Ye's minivan. Upon seeing two other brothers carrying a deceased comrade, their expressions turned surprised.
"What's going on? The boss said he wanted them alive!"
The five captured young women and patrons lowered their heads in fear, afraid to offend either party.
The two Yakuza members carrying their comrade's corpse felt a surge of desperation to seek help. However, the moment the thought crossed their minds, a chilling coldness enveloped them. Their instincts told them that if they uttered anything out of line, they would instantly turn into cold corpses!
They could only scream inwardly. Idiot! The one who died is one of our own brothers! Open your dog eyes and see!
At this moment, how they wished these brothers would say something like: If you've been kidnapped, blink your eyes...
Alas, among the many Yakuza members, they were not under the same boss, and were all minor figures, not well-acquainted with each other.
"He was disobedient all the way, so I told him to be quiet for a while," Bai Ye said in a low voice, causing a tremor in the hearts of the two Yakuza members he was holding. In their minds, they vaguely felt these words were directed at them.
"Is that so!" The other two Yakuza members responded with an understanding nod, looking at Bai Ye with admiration.
To kill someone and speak such words with such composure made them somewhat impressed.
"What's this brother's name?"
Bai Ye smiled, "Bai Ye."
"Brother Bai, you've got guts! I'm Moto."
"I'm Yamazaki." The two immediately began to address each other as brothers, leaving the two Yakuza members being held in complete despair, their hearts as cold as ice.
Are you blind? He's not one of us!!!
Moto gestured for Yamazaki to return to his own group and then walked alongside Bai Ye. "Let's go! Let's go! Once we deliver the people, our mission will be complete!"
At the forefront, the southwest gate had opened, and Yakuza members were escorting people inside.
Bai Ye tilted his head slightly, allowing the group of women, patrons, and the two Yakuza members to go ahead. No one dared to resist, not even to utter a sound, as their bodies instinctively moved towards the 'Ghost Latrine of a Fallen Nation.'
This isn't our shrine? The Shrine of Heroes? It should be alright, right?
Recognizing their location, the women and patrons felt a slight easing of their fear. What do they want me to do?
"Brother, do you know what they're going to do with so many of us here?"
Suddenly, they heard the devilishly terrifying voice from behind them, asking the question they had been most concerned about all along. Instantly, everyone's hearts stirred, and they perked up their ears to listen.
Moto turned to look at Bai Ye, frowned, and whispered with a shake of his head,
"I'm not sure either. The captives we used to apprehend were handed over to the police. This time it's a bit strange, I don't know why they're bringing them here?"
Bai Ye nodded. So, behind this Yakuza operation was the Japanese police department? It must be more than that! Bai Ye's mind flashed with images of high-ranking officials in Japan. To create such a large commotion and then quell it instantly wouldn't be possible with just the police force!
The women and patrons, upon hearing the word 'police,' felt a wave of relief! Handing them over to the police would be good; perhaps a fine, or at worst, a few days in detention before release.
But why bring them to the Shrine of Heroes? There shouldn't be any life-threatening danger, right?
From the six entrances, six large groups were all heading towards the 'Yasukuni Hero Pavilion' in the center of the 'Ghost Latrine of a Fallen Nation.'
Soon, all six groups converged outside the central pavilion, completely surrounding the massive exhibition hall.
A dense, dark mass of people!
Surprisingly, throughout their journey, they hadn't seen any other individuals, not even the usual staff or security guards!!
Bai Ye once again released his spatial perception to scan the crowd. There were over two thousand people in total. Finally, on the other side of the crowd, he spotted Zheng Jiao and Xu Sisi, their faces filled with terror and tears.
Just as Bai Ye was about to use his teleportation ability to bring them over, he sensed something unusual coming from underground. He immediately stopped what he was doing, halting the transfer of Zheng Jiao and the other woman.
So that's how it is!
A smile curved Bai Ye's lips.
Clang, clang, clang!!!
At that moment, the several large doors of the exhibition hall opened simultaneously, revealing bright lights within.
"Take them inside!"
Several individuals in suits and ties, their faces expressionless, emerged from the management. Their identities were unknown.
The Yakuza boss at the front, without any hesitation, waved his hand, and his subordinates began pushing the crowd inside.
Inside the grand hall, besides various statues, photographs, historical documents, and other displays, there was a wide and brightly lit passageway in the center leading deep underground...