Kaito did not know if his uncle was being truthful when he promised to let him leave. However, he had come to understand the man. While he could not like someone who kidnapped him, he knew that the man did not have evil plots against him.

Taiki's only weakness was his desire to help his family. Unfortunately, Kaito was the collateral damage to keeping his family safe and secure. So, Kaito decided to agree with him instead of leaving and being followed by another powerful Guardian.

If he were only concerned for himself, he would take the chance of attempting an escape from the island, even at the risk of being a target. However, he could not leave Akira vulnerable to the people of Martial Island.

After the agreement, Taiki drove him towards the ancestral home of the Iekami clan. Kaito was surprised at the immensity of Martial City and the island itself. While at the city centre, the focus was on the ocean. Therefore, he did not realise that the inward area was so vast.

"How large is the island?" Kaito asked as he looked through the window at the passing landscape.

"The size of a medium island country," Taiki responded.

Kaito knew he was being vague intentionally. "How comes the island is not on record? I assume it is large enough to appear on satellite images."

"Our people do not only stay on the island. We do assign some individuals to work in the outside world for the sake of protecting our secrets. The power of Martial Island is not only in brute force. We also retain significant power around the world by placing our own in positions of significance." Taiki explained generously.

"I see," Kaito said. "If people can live outside the island freely, why do those who have the right to leave choose to stay here? It is odd that someone would limit themselves to one place when they can explore the world."

Taiki's facial expression became a little odd. "Once you stay on the island for a while, you will understand its charm. We are almost there."

The sudden end of the conversation made Kaito narrow his eyes. This matter was probably related to the obsession the people on the island had for martial arts. He could not help but be intrigued. He really wanted to find out the secrets of the place.

The simple car glided over the streets until they reached an automated gate into a quiet estate. The gate opened without any prompt. Kaito assumed that the barrier used a sensor to detect the specific vehicles coming in.

The revealed estate was quiet and dignified, with houses nestled behind trees. The scent of fresh herbs permeated the air, almost like incense. Kaito found that the ground around the road and as far as the eye could see had medicinal herbs sprouting freely in all areas.

"This residential estate belongs to the Iekami clan. All the elite families have an area with exclusive homes. Of course, the houses are not enough for every family in the clan, so only the most valued members of the family can live within the gated area."

"There are general neighbourhoods in and outside the city. A lot of the non-core members of the clan live outside. I am not considered a core member, so I also do not live within this area." Taiki said as he drove slowly through the area.

Kaito thought about that magnificent house on the cliff overlooking the ocean. He wanted to roll his eyes. He wondered if this cheap uncle wanted him to sympathise about him being unable to live in this cul-de-sac and enjoying a great life like a billionaire superhero.

"Where will I live during this period?" Kaito asked, deciding not to say anything about the poor rich kid.

"You can live in the old house with your grandfather. He is quite excited to see you. There is considerable traffic there because a lot of people in the clan come to consult during their free time. It is pretty comfortable." Taiki said.

"No."

"You can live with me," Taiki said with hidden reluctance.

"Don't sound so enthusiastic." Kaito scoffed.

"Your mother assigned a couple of properties to you. She was not willing to sell them in case you found your way to the island. I think she always intended to bring you here. But due to her passing, the conditions for inheritance were activated." He explained.

"If you were to find out about Martial Island on your own, you could get your inheritance, including the shares from the Takahashi Corporation. If you did not discover anything about the island, your inheritance would be sent to you when you turned thirty."

"So close!" Kaito said with cold amusement.

Taiki did not mind the dark humour. "I will have to organise your financial resources as soon as possible so that you will live comfortably. It might take some time to sort everything out, but I will ensure you have a place of your own by tomorrow."

Kaito's eyes darkened a little as he read in between the lines.

"Let me guess. Some relatives have taken the liberty to occupy my mother's properties since they heard of her demise. They will be unwilling to part with the good resources for an unknown person. Or something like that." Kaito said with sarcasm.

Taiki was a little embarrassed for his clan members and a little sorry for his nephew. From what he could see, it had probably happened in the outside world too. He pulled into the largest home at the end of the driveway and parked the car in the lot before speaking.

"My father, your grandfather was the original trustee of your mother's property. He is a bit of a soft-hearted man, although his intentions are good. A few people requested to use some of your mother's properties until the time when you could claim them." Taiki explained.

"The initial agreement was for the people using the properties to pay the equivalent rental fee during the period of usage. However, my father was not vigilant and meticulous about it, so people have been occupying those places without scruples." Taiki sighed.

He did not want to tell Kaito that those people began pressuring his grandfather to sign over the properties to them since he was the trustee. Faced with the pressure and overwhelmed by guilt towards his dead daughter, he turned over the stewardship to Taiki.

No one dared to mess with Taiki or even ask him for a favour, let alone something so outrageous.

If Kaito learned of these matters, he would probably have a poorer opinion of the Iekami clan. Taiki also sometimes wondered why he was set on protecting his family. No, he knew why he tried so hard for this family. His grandfather had asked him to do so.

But sometimes, he got tired of it.

"We will correct the back rent, and you can pick a good house from the lot. We will talk about the other things your mother left for you after the party." Taiki paused. "If anyone troubles you, do not be wronged. I will protect you."

Kaito lifted a black brow and smiled wickedly, looking a little like his old self. He was not a poor man, and he could figure out how to make money on the island within a day. However, he did not like the idea of people taking advantage of him.

"Debt collection and trouble? I just might enjoy this party."