Money Can Buy Everything

010: Sacrifice

"Uncle, we have arrived. This is the residence I have chosen for you, complete with ten servants. If you have any needs, you can inform them, and if you need to contact me, feel free to find me anytime."

Mifune appeared humble in front of Momo, devoid of the aura of Japan's wealthiest man, instead resembling a respectful junior toward his elder.

Compared to the grandeur of welcoming Momo, Mifune arrangements at the Masayoshi Household were relatively low-key. Even the people within the welcoming convoy had no idea who they were truly welcoming.

"Mifune, are you planning to keep me as your ward?"

Momo made a playful remark, and Mifune laughed heartily in response, saying, "Uncle is joking. Although you appear much younger, you are still my elder. I believe you would prefer tranquility. Of course, if Uncle remains lively and has any needs, I will do my best to assist you."

Momo nodded in satisfaction and said, "Mifune, you've done well. However, I'm curious why you haven't expressed any curiosity about my identity and my powers up until now?"

"You jest."

Mifune's expression turned serious as he replied, "The achievements I, Mifune Masayoshi, have today are based on two things: self-awareness and understanding the situation."

"I don't know who you are and what powers you possess. But I do know that such powers are not something an ordinary person like me should covet. As a mortal, I would much rather purchase life from you than venture into non-human realms at the risk of losing my life."

Reimu nodded in agreement and said, "No wonder this guy is so wealthy. It seems that rich people indeed have a different way of thinking. Well, it doesn't seem to be relevant to increasing my donations, though."

"Very well. But there's no need for you to belittle yourself."

Momo was pleased with Mifune's attitude and said, "Then let me formally introduce myself to you. My name is Momo, and I am a merchant. As long as the principles of equivalence, voluntary participation, and fairness are followed, you can propose a trade to me."

Mifune's eyes lit up.

"Then... may I... no, please rest well, Mr. Momo. If you need anything, feel free to contact me."

Mifune Masayoshi hesitated to speak, but ultimately chose to give up, bowing respectfully and leaving.

"What do you think he's thinking?" Reimu pointed her finger to her chin and said, "Trying to negotiate with you?"

"No," Momo smiled and replied, "Mifune is very clever, so he understands that when I trade for life, someone needs to be sacrificed. If I'm not mistaken, he's probably gone to find a sacrifice for me."

Reimu found it hard to believe Momo's speculation, but it turned out that Momo was once again correct.

"Mr. Momo," Mifune no longer addressed Momo as "Uncle," as it was merely a pleasing term. Now that Momo had introduced himself, Mifune used the name Momo.

"How was lunch? Does it meet your satisfaction?"

Mifune servants had prepared a sumptuous Chinese lunch for Momo. Although Momo didn't say anything, and Mifune didn't ask, there was a certain understanding between the two.

Momo didn't bother with the banal pleasantries and instead looked at the man behind Mifune. He was a man who appeared extremely haggard, on the verge of collapse based on his expression.

"Aren't you going to introduce him?"

"Just a pure scoundrel. He became addicted to gambling despite having a wife and young children, almost starving them to death. He's realized his mistakes, but his way of repentance is wrong. He killed the loan shark who lent him money, taking a substantial amount to leave for his wife and children."

"It's my fault... It's all my fault... I just wanted to give my children a little more hope..."

Momo understood instantly upon hearing this, grasping Mifune's silent suggestion.

"Young man, there's no need to be sad. You still have value, a value that countless people envy. So, would you be willing to make a trade with me? Exchange your life for enough money to ensure a worry-free life for your wife and children?"

[Trust] Activation!

"I'm willing, I'm willing!"

Hope gleamed in the middle-aged man's eyes.

"Deal established! Fifty years of life in exchange for five billion US dollars. How should I evaluate the two of you?"

The middle-aged man's hair instantly turned white, but he held a black card containing five billion US dollars in his hand. Wrinkles filled his face as he smiled and peacefully closed his eyes, cradling the black card.

From here and on, he would rest for eternity.

Momo's figure quickly transformed. His gray hair turned pitch black, and his skin regained its youthful smoothness from his younger years. Even his height went from 1.8 meters to just a little over 1.7 meters, becoming a handsome young man.

"This is truly a remarkable miracle."

"Remember to deliver the five billion US dollars to the man's wife and children. It's the promise we should uphold."

"Leave it to me!"