I spun the white envelope in my hand with little care. On the envelope was the name of its intended recipient and their mailing address, while off in the corner was the return address of the person or entity that mailed it.
The Japanese Hunters Association.
I looked at my name, which was digitally printed on the envelope with annoyance. The contents of the envelope were a request; though calling their demands a request is quite generous on my part, the request was that I should get in contact with the Association at my earliest convenience to set a date for my re-evaluation.
I carelessly tossed the envelope across the room with dead precision and watched it land inside the small trash bin across my living room. The thrown envelope fell still next to two other similar envelopes from the Association.
"How pesky."
While a request from the Association would have to be answered as soon as possible, I had no real reason to do as they said immediately. While I worked for them, I didn't answer to any one person. I was a freelancer and belonged to no Guild, which means that I was free to do as I pleased and to make my own choices. Now, if the Association decided to be petty, they could get the Japanese government to summon me, which I would have little choice but to obey.
However, after my last hectic trip into the other world, I now stood within the ranks of a S-Rank Hunter. Sure, I wasn't as strong as some of the more powerful S-Ranks, but I was certain I was as strong—if not stronger— than a few of the S-Ranks I saw back during the Red Gate incident.
Being an S-Rank came with several benefits and privileges. One of which meant that nothing short of another stronger S-Rank could force me to do anything I didn't want to do. I was, for all intents and purposes, above the normal laws of the government and the Association.
Because in the end, what were ordinary government officers and the police going to do to someone who could essentially level a city in a few quick moves? This was why Hunter Associations always stepped carefully around their S-Ranks and heavily relied on their Guild Master to keep them in line. Otherwise, disasters would surely follow.
A great example would be the battle between two S-Ranks three years ago in the United Kingdom. The reasons why the two S-Ranks got into a confrontation were never made clear, but that didn't matter in the end. Whatever it was that caused their fight had caused a large portion of Manchester to be utterly destroyed at their hands.
The police and local military had tried to stop them, but nothing they did worked. Nothing short of another Hunter could ever hope to stop two raging S-Ranks. So how did their unstoppable battle come to an end, you may ask? The answer is simple.
Thomas Andre.
One of the four National Level Hunters.
Thomas Andre happened to have been in the United Kingdom on business and had heard of the two raging S-Ranks causing untold destruction in their fight. So he brought it upon himself to stop them.
Now, I want to say that a grand and legendary battle happened in his attempt to stop the two S-Ranks, but that would be a lie. No, once Thomas Andre stepped into the scene, he stopped two powerful S-Ranks in two quick moves. In the blink of an eye, they were defeated as if they were only weak children. That was the power of a National Level Hunter, after all. The very peak achievable as a Hunter.
What was I talking about? Ah, right. Being called in to be reevaluated and me not wanting to do as I'm told.
While I was ignoring their request for now, it didn't mean I wasn't going to show up at all. I did plan on getting reevaluated; it was going to happen on my own time and not their own. And nothing short of another S-Rank bringing me in would change that.
Still, being reassessed as an S-Rank would give me access to a lot of things.
Namely, the right to join higher-ranking dungeon raids. That means a better payout and a better chance to fight strong dungeon beasts to gain more levels.
As an E-Rank, I'd never get invited or be able to join B-Rank and A-Rank dungeons unless I was part of a mining team, which would still have less than optimal pay. As an S-Rank, though, I'd undoubtedly be able to get into high-ranking raids without much problem, especially here in Japan, where S-Ranks were gathered on two of the most famous Guilds.
If I remember correctly, the Draw Sword Guild had thirteen S-Rank Hunters on their roster, while Yuki-Ryoshi followed closely behind with ten S-Rank Hunters.
Their duopoly of S-Ranks caused the rest of the Guilds in Japan to scramble for their help during the clearing of A-Rank dungeons, or if unsuccessful, load up their rosters with A-Ranks — guild members, or otherwise.
Fortunately, Yuki-Ryoshi was more generous in lending help, though, of course, with a good cut of the profit. Draw Sword seemed to be less so, and when they did, I heard from the rumor mills that their price for helping was much more steep.
Being a freelance S-Rank in this sort of market would turn me into a hot commodity. That comes with its pros and cons. And I really didn't like those cons.
Mainly because I didn't like the attention and also because being an S-Rank meant being in the lead, which I certainly did not care for. That meant having a lot of people who depended on me, and I think I've had enough of that during the Red Gate…
If it were possible, I could probably buy the rights to clear a high-rank dungeon on my own. B-Rank Gates would likely be easy to clear now that I'm an S-Rank, but there's a minimum requirement of eight Hunters per dungeon. In addition, the assessment of Gate's ranking means that those Hunters need to be ranked high enough to enter them. With me, Riko, and possibly Zaimokuza, this means we would need to find and hire five other hunters of at least C to B-rank.
That whole process would take a whole lot of money, which I do not currently have. Well, that wasn't entirely true. The gold and riches I got from the other world could easily make me very rich, but I still haven't found a way to convert them all into my world's currency.
Tsk. If only I knew someone who could take care of that.
It would answer a lot of our financial problems as well.
I could probably buy our house back with that money…
"Onii-chan."
I looked up from my thoughts and turned to see my normally cute little sister all stone-faced. She stood by the door with her school uniform on and a bag over her shoulder.
"…yeah?"
"I'm going to school now," Komachi said with a tone so frigid I was sure Yukinoshita would sue her for infringement. "Remember to clean the house and that you're making dinner tonight."
"…right."
Komachi nodded and opened the door. She paused and turned to me one final time. "I'm off."
"Take care."
Without another word, Komachi left our apartment and left for school. I sighed and rubbed my eyes as Riko rubbed my back from beside me on the couch.
"I see Komachi still hasn't forgiven you, Master," Riko said awkwardly. "I'm sure she'll come around soon enough."
I nodded and stood up from the couch to begin my punishment, which was to clean the house and perform any other responsibilities Riko had taken up after she had revealed herself to Komachi. Opening the cupboard where we kept our cleaning supplies, I grabbed what I needed and got to work. Riko remained seated on the couch with an anxious and uncomfortable look but stayed in place.
Now, why am I seemingly being punished, you may ask? The answer was simple. Due to my sudden and unexpected trip into the other world and the events that transpired that day, I had forgotten to tell Komachi I would be gone for most of the day, or should I say, all day and night. This had caused her to call and text me dozens of times out of worry.
So it wasn't that much of a surprise that when I brought a drunk Zaimokuza with me to my apartment because I didn't know where he lived, I was all but horrified to find Komachi sleeping on the couch with tear stains on her face while her phone rested tightly in her hand. Due to the noise we made upon entering, Komachi quickly woke up and ran to me in relief.
That relief was short-lived when she took one quick whiff of the three of us and smelled the Ale off our bodies. The sheer look of disappointment, anger, and frustration she gave me almost broke my heart. Here she was, worried sick while I was off in another world adventuring and drinking. All of this could have been avoided with one simple text or phone call that I forgot to send before hopping into the other world.
After that, Komachi went into her room without saying another word, leaving the three of us standing around awkwardly. Zaimokuza was passed out at the time, so he didn't face Komachi's wrath. Lucky him. Regardless, whatever opinion she had of him dropped a ton.
"M-Master? Maybe I can help you today? J-just a bit?"
"Nah. Don't forget, that's your punishment."
Riko made a low moan as she grabbed her skirt, her face twisting in conflict as she battled her perceived duties to maintain our little home clean and orderly. While Komachi had also been upset with Riko, it was short-lived. After all, Riko only did as I said, so the lion's share of the blame landed on me.
Could I have resolved all this by simply explaining what happened? Maybe. But that would mean telling Komachi of the constant dangers I faced and the existence of the other world alongside the continuous battles I faced daily. I didn't want to burden Komachi with it all if I didn't absolutely have to, so I took my punishment on the chin. All I could do now was wait for Komachi to forgive me. Maybe getting her a gift would help?
With my new plan in mind, I sped up my pace, and after an hour of cleaning, the apartment was spotless. Telling Riko of my plan, the two of us quickly changed and stepped out of the apartment with our goal in mind.
x x x
— Aerisa —
I hummed an old song that my people loved to sing during the nightly hours as I walked through the wide-open forest. I had been walking up north through the worn paths of Cilin towards my new grand adventure. What adventure, you may ask?
I don't know.
Being an elf had its advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages was our near endless amount of time, thanks to our long lives. With so much time on our hands, we had the opportunity to travel throughout the land of Flemul. I had used my time to see everything Flemul had to show. Its landscapes. It's people. It's creatures. Everything.
"To think he'd leave a sack of gold for them. What an interesting boy." I said as I stepped over a fallen branch.
The young group of adventurers I had met was an interesting bunch.
The slime, Riko, stood out among her species. I've never seen anything like her. To have amassed so much magical power to the point she could control her body to imitate other species was incredible. I had wanted to ask her hundreds of questions and conduct several experiments, but the timing wasn't optimal.
The silver-haired, chubby lad, Yoshiteru, also left me stumped. His magical output was on a constant shift. At certain points, his magic was on the level of a second-rate Mage, and at others, it could reach the point of one of my kind. Perhaps it was some sort of mental barrier that caused Yoshiteru's unstable magic. I couldn't be sure unless I inspected him closer.
Reaching the edge of my path, I looked down at the long drop below and smiled as my magical staff blinked to life. I hopped off the edge, and instead of falling, I began to float. I glided down quickly and came to a stop on a large boulder. Looking up where I once was, I whistled and slid down the boulder.
"Hmm… just figured it out?"
Out of the three, it was Hachiman who had garnered my attention the most. The boy was a magical prodigy in the likes I had never seen before. His raw, natural talent for magic was terrifying. In due time, with the right training, Hachiman could eventually reach the level of a Grand Master. A rank only three people in the world had reached.
One of those people was myself.
"You must become my apprentice!"
My offer was true and genuine. I was filled with excitement at the prospect of nurturing a young sapling into a tall tree. Sadly, young Hachiman hadn't accepted or denied my offer. All he did was smile awkwardly and respond with…
"Uh, let me think about it?"
"Think about it, he said," I muttered with my hands on my back as I walked by an antlered hare. "I should have gotten an answer then."
At the time, his answer was acceptable. I believed all he needed was a night to think it over, and he'd happily accept my offer. So imagine my shock when I went to look for him in his dwelling for the night and found him gone alongside his companions. The only thing left behind was a small bag full of gold coins that could sustain the village for years to come and a parchment paper with a short and succinct note.
For the village. The note said.
"Oh, well. I'm sure our paths will cross again…" I said as a large, slithering, four-eyed snake beast came to a stop several feet away. It's two pairs of eyes glaring down hungrily at me.
I lifted my staff and winked at the beast.
"When they do, I won't let you get away so easily."
x x x
— Yumiko —
Playing hooky wasn't an activity Yumiko particularly enjoyed doing.
"Hah… what am I doing?"
With her school bag in hand, Yumiko aimlessly walked through the mildly busy Tokyo Bay LaLaport mall.
The shopping mall was a bustling hive of activity, with throngs of people weaving in and out of stores, chatting excitedly, and carrying numerous shopping bags. The air was filled with the sound of chatter, laughter, and music from various stores. The bright, colorful displays and enticing sales drew in shoppers from all directions, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted from the food court, tempting hungry shoppers to take a break and indulge in a quick bite. Amidst the organized chaos, there was an undeniable sense of excitement and anticipation as people eagerly explored the latest trends and sought out the perfect purchases.
As she strolled through the mall, her unfocused eyes looked to and from the various stores. To avoid any issues or questions regarding her being out of school, Yumiko changed out of her school uniform and into a pair of casual clothes she had brought beforehand. Yumiko had no plans of shopping today. No, she was here for a distraction and to be away from school. More specifically, to be away from the object of her affection.
Hayama Hayato.
It was almost as if the boy she had fallen in love with had disappeared and was replaced with a silent, cold, and contemplative person. It was almost impossible to get a conversation started with Hayato after that day in the hallway, where he accidentally bumped into another student.
"Not now."
The parting words he left her with that day still haunted her on occasion. His half-lidded eyes, full of annoyance, pierced deeply into her heart. It would be a lie to say she didn't cry a little when she made it home that day.
Yumiko desperately wanted to know what was wrong with Hayato. She knew if he just talked to her, then they could work together to solve whatever issue he was going through.
"Hayato…" Yumiko muttered as she paused in her stride. Looking up, she realized she was now standing outside the mall's outdoor courtyard. "Oh."
The open courtyard was a tranquil oasis nestled just outside the Tokyo Bay LaLaport mall. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers adorned the space, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The gentle sound of a trickling fountain provided a soothing backdrop to the rustling of leaves in the soft breeze. Comfortable benches and tables were strategically placed, offering a serene spot for relaxation from one's shopping. The open sky above provided a sense of openness and freedom, allowing visitors to bask in the warmth of the sun or admire the twinkling stars at night.
Looking around, Yumiko found a vacant bench. Walking towards it, she sat down and released a long sigh. With her phone now in hand, Yumiko scrolled through her messages and found a few from her friend, Hina.
[Hina: Everything okay?]
Her fingers moved to reply but paused over the phone's touchscreen. Closing her eyes, Yumiko turned her phone off and slid it inside her bag.
"What do I do?" Yumiko whispered as she looked up at the blue, cloudy sky for answers. Suddenly, a loud whistle to her right caused her to jump in her seat.
"Hoo boy~ Aren't you pretty!" A tall man with short black hair said as he abruptly sat down next to Yumiko, his well-muscled arm landing over the backrest of the bench. He leaned uncomfortably close to her as a charming smile grew on his chiseled face. "What's your name, beautiful?"
"None of your business." Yumiko said as she shot the strange man a dark glare and abruptly stood from the bench. She marched away with some newfound annoyance. It wasn't as if she wasn't dealing with enough, but now she had to deal with some creep who further ruined her morning.
"Hey, come on." Unfortunately, the stranger didn't seem like he was taking no for an answer. Quickly standing to his feet, the man began following behind her with his hands in his pockets. "I'm just being friendly here."
Yumiko's frustration flared to greater heights as the creep continued to follow her, his long legs making short work of matching her pace.
What a day to skip school. Yumiko thought as she bared her teeth. Her patience was fraying fast.
Picking up her pace, Yumiko's eyes darted around for a place with more people. Unfortunately, the mall's courtyard seemed impossibly empty for such a popular location.
Great, just great.
"Hey, don't walk away so fast, pretty lady." The man's voice was louder than before, his tone sleazy and insistent. He was now only a few steps behind her. Yumiko clenched her fists, trying to maintain her composure.
Just keep walking, ignore him. He'll go away.
But he didn't.
The echo of his heavy steps remained behind her, closing in closer and closer, his presence like a shadow she couldn't shake. By now, Yumiko couldn't help but think that the stranger might have more sinister intentions than just hitting on her. She'd turned down dozens of guys before, and none of them were ever this creepily persistent.
All of them always backed off at the initial rejection she spat at them, but this guy was different. Uncaring and unrelenting. A heavy feeling settled in her gut, and she cursed under her breath, quickly and discreetly reaching into her bag to take out something her parents gave her just for this kind of occasion: Her taser. Except…
Her heart sank as her fingers fumbled through the contents.
Not here.
The taser wasn't there.
Damn it! I forgot to bring it! Yumiko's mind raced as panic flickered in her chest. Why now? Why didn't I pack it?!
Due to being so preoccupied with Hayato's distant attitude, she had been going through the motions absentmindedly for days. And now, at the time when she needed to be most attentive, she forgot to pack the one thing she needed for situations like this.
There had to be some other way to get this punk off her tail.
Slowing her pace down, Yumiko quickly looked around the courtyard again, hoping to spot anyone nearby. Why is it so empty? The distant hum of mall life was there, but no one close enough to notice her growing distress or to be of any help.
"Hey, I'm talking to you." the man's voice grated in her ears, now dangerously close.
"Back off!" She warned out loud, turning around to glare at him. Her attitude seemed only to embolden the punk chasing her, who leered at her confidently before reaching out his hand. "Leave me alone already!"
"Come on. I can show you a good time-"
The man's fingers brushed up against her shoulder, causing her skin to shiver in disgust and slight fear. Yumiko bared her teeth and began to open her mouth to release a loud scream—
—But before she could, a blur of motion appeared behind the intrusive stranger. The air shifted, and then there was a dull thud.
The man collapsed forward in an instant, his body hitting the ground face-first, limp like a puppet with its strings cut from above. Yumiko blinked in astonishment, her pulse still racing as she tried to comprehend what just happened.
Standing behind the unconscious creep was a tall figure, his hand lowering from the swift chop that had incapacitated the man. He was giving her an unamused look.
"This is why you stay in school," The man said, his voice deadpan. "Less chance of running into idiots like this guy."
Yumiko's breath hitched. She stared, her mind struggling to catch up. Despite the physical changes—his broader frame, taller height, and more defined muscles—there was no mistaking those sharp eyes and that unmistakable dry tone.
Is that really… him?
"H-Hikio?" she whispered, the name slipping from her lips before she could stop herself.
Hikio raised an eyebrow at her, his expression pinching a bit. "It's Hikigaya. Geez... and Yuigahama said I was bad at remembering names."
x x x
The Tokyo Bay LaLaport mall was bustling with activity as I made my way through. The sound of light chatter and laughter filled the air, blending with the background music playing from the speakers. The bright lights and colorful displays of the stores caught my attention as I strolled past them. Shoppers hurried by, some carrying bags from their latest purchases while others browsed leisurely through the storefronts.
The scent of various perfumes and freshly baked goods wafted through the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. It was a lively and vibrant place. Despite that, I couldn't help the frown that grew on my face as I turned to look at my old classmate.
Why is she following me?
"So... why aren't you in school?"
"Didn't feel like going today."
I shrugged, good enough an answer as any. I then gave her a dry look.
"...any reason you're following us?"
After taking the creep to a nearby police station and explaining the situation to the officers, I thought that would be the end of Miura and me. I was surprised when she decided to join Riko and me as we attempted to find something suitable for Komachi at the mall.
"Because I felt like it, Hikio." She answered promptly, eyes full of suspicion.
"I told you, it's Hikigaya." I corrected her.
"Too long, and I like Hikio better," Miura smirked at me. "Think of it as a nickname."
"Whatever." I sighed, not really caring anymore. "That's almost as bad as what Yuigahama calls me…"
"Oh, speaking of Yui," Miura said suddenly, her eyes narrowing into slits. "I wonder how she'd feel if she saw you with some other girl." She pointedly looked at Riko, who herself had been quiet this whole time. Her violet eyes looked at Miura with annoyance.
"I'm not entirely sure why that's any of your business, miss," Riko said, returning Miura's pointed look with a neutral expression.
"Tch." Miura sucked her teeth and looked away from Riko's look, her suspicious gaze still firmly on her face. It seemed that she hadn't expected Riko to be able to stand her withering gaze.
Riko turned to me, and I recognized the look on her face.
'Should I make her go away?' That look said. I sighed and shook my head at her to ward off any of her more… inpatient tendencies from befalling Miura.
"Riko, why don't you go looking for something Komachi might like?"
Riko met my gaze again before nodding. She then followed my suggestion by walking into a nearby store to begin browsing the nearby stalls, her eyes skimming over trinkets and accessories.
I could feel Miura's gaze drilling into me. It wasn't just suspicion; it was more like the kind of intense scrutiny a detective gives to a particularly slippery criminal.
"I'll ask again," Miura said, crossing her arms, her voice firm. "Who is she really?"
I stopped myself from sighing out loud. Riko, meanwhile, had conveniently found something shiny and was pretending not to listen, though I knew she was paying close attention. She had excellent hearing.
"She's just my cousin," I said, trying to sound as casual as possible. "We're here to find a gift for my sister."
Miura raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Your cousin? Really?" She glanced toward Riko, who was examining a display of bracelets, a bit too interested for someone supposedly doing me a favor. "Your cousin who looks like she's never been shopping a day in her life?"
Riko glanced up briefly at the word "shopping" but quickly went back to inspecting some hairpins. If she could act any more obvious, I'd have to applaud her for her lack of subtlety. But I had to stick to my story. Miura wasn't buying it, but that didn't mean I had to give up yet.
"Yeah, my cousin. She's, uh… from the countryside." It sounded weak even to me, but I had to commit. I could practically feel Miura's glare intensifying, and I avoided her eyes, focusing on a nearby shop window as if I were genuinely contemplating whether Komachi would like any of the tacky jewelry on display. If that was the case, I could always give her some of the jewels I've collected over my time in the other world.
"Countryside, huh? You think that's believable?" Miura leaned in closer, her sweet and fragrant perfume filling my nostrils. She lowered her voice but somehow made her words hit harder. "No one's dumb enough to fall for that excuse."
Zaimokuza's face flashed through my mind. Zaimokuza certainly did, I thought. Not that that would help my case.
I looked back at Riko through the store's glass window. She caught my eye and nodded earnestly as if to reassure me that my lie was believable. However, it was clear to me that she was just mimicking my lie without understanding how transparent it was.
"You've got to be kidding me," Miura muttered. She wasn't budging, her eyes narrowing as if I were hiding the national treasure. "Look, Hikio, I know she's not your cousin. You two don't look alike at all. And you're not exactly a master at lying."
"Miura," I said, running a hand through my hair. "Why are you pushing this so hard? Why do you care so much?"
"Because of Yui!" Miura shot back, her frustration finally showing. "She's been happy lately—really happy. And I can tell it's because she got back in touch with you." She crossed her arms, her gaze softening just a bit. "You quit school a year ago. And for some reason, she became a wreck. But now, she… smiles more at school. I'm not completely sure if it's because of that bitch Yukinoshita or you." Her gaze turned more steely. "Whatever the case, I just don't want to see her like that again. So you better not be stringing her along."
Stringing someone along? Shouldn't you tell Hayama that, too, then?
Still, that's a lot of things to unpack. While I sorta knew that Yuigahama was… not exactly fine after I left, I wasn't aware that it was that bad. However, all this talking about Yuigahama caused a memory to click into place—a half-remembered conversation with Yuigahama a few weeks back at my apartment.
"Are you sure?" Yuigahama didn't look convinced. "Yumiko told me you were unconscious and floating in a lake. That you basically d-drowned!"
"Oh, right. That reminds me." I turned to Miura. "Yuigahama told me you were the reason I didn't drown in the lake that day. You pulled me out, right?"
Miura's face immediately went bright red. I could practically see steam rising from her ears.
Huh? What kinda reaction is that?
"Oh! Ah, I-I did, yeah…" Her voice wavered, and she turned her crimson face away, clearly flustered. All her previous fire was suddenly gone. "But that was ages ago. You don't need to bring it up."
"Still," I continued, pushing away thoughts of how strange she was acting. "Thanks. I owe you for that."
"Owe me?" Miura spluttered, her face getting impossibly redder. "Let's just forget about it, you already helped me earlier—"
"No, that's different," I told her firmly. "That was just some creep that couldn't accept rejection. You literally saved my life. I owe you. If you need anything, just let me know."
"N-no, just stop talking about it," she muttered, her eyes darting anywhere but at me. "It's too embarrassing…" She bit her lip as her face grew redder than before.
I tilted my head, confused. "Embarrassing? Why would it be embarrassing?"
"J-just drop it, okay?!" Miura snapped, cutting me off. Her blush had spread all the way to her neck now. Weird. Maybe she has a fever?
Before I could inquire about her well-being, Miura suddenly appeared to recollect something else. She gazed at me, then at the ground, before looking back up with a mix of hesitation and what seemed like desperation.
"There is… one thing." she said softly, her previous irritation fading into something more vulnerable.
I blinked. "What is it?"
"It's about... Hayato." She started, her voice almost too quiet to hear over the bustling street.
Hayama.
I frowned.
Of course, it had to be him. It always came back to that guy.
"What about him?" I asked, though I already knew this wasn't going anything good. My relationship with Hayama had always been… complicated, to say the least. We didn't exactly get along.
"He's been… distant," Miura admitted, her eyes lowering to the ground. "Cold, even. He won't talk to me the way he used to. Not to me or any of our other friends. I don't know what's going on with him, and it's driving me crazy."
I clenched my jaw, keeping my thoughts to myself. Hayama, distant and cold? Maybe he was finally dropping the "perfect nice guy" act. Or perhaps it was something else, something more personal. Either way, I wasn't particularly eager to involve myself in his problems again.
"What do you even want me to do about him?" I asked slowly, already feeling reluctant. "I don't even go to Sobu anymore."
More than that, I really didn't like the idea of getting tangled up in Hayama's personal life.
"I don't really see how I can help there, Miura." I told her honestly.
"I know that, okay?" Miura muttered before she exhaled a loud breath in exasperation. "I just… don't know what else to do, you know?" She turned to face me again, green eyes tinged with helplessness. "Hayato's important to me, and he's never been like this before. I can't help but feel like there's something really wrong going on with him, but he won't open up about it, not even to me." She said the last part in almost an undecipherable whisper, eyes now back to the ground.
"You always find things out that people don't, so I thought maybe… there's a chance you can figure this out?" She looked up again with an expression tinged with desperation. "I know it sounds silly, but I don't know what else to do."
I stared at her for a long moment, my mind running through all the reasons why this was a bad idea.
I didn't like—scratch that— I loathed Hayama.
I didn't go to Sobu anymore. I literally quit school to get a job to put a roof over Komachi's head and food on the table. My concerns were much bigger than some high school crap.
And I most definitely had no interest in playing mediator for Miura and her problems with him.
But…
She had saved my life.
I don't know if my new powers would have saved me back then, but she did. Despite our connection through Yuigahama, I was still basically a stranger to her, but she saved me anyway, so I owed her.
A debt is a debt.
"I can't promise anything," I said finally, coming to a decision. "But I'll see what I can do."
There was a brief moment where her eyes widened at my words before they relaxed, and her shoulders sagged with visible relief.
"Thanks," she said, her green eyes lighting up with gratitude despite the tears gathering at the edges.
Oh. That's right.
I almost forgot—because she's always scowling at me.
Miura Yumiko can be cute too.
x x x
— Akari —
Haruno's office was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea. Akari always liked visiting because she appreciated her Guild Master's office decor. The dark wood panels, sleek black leather chairs, and the spotless, shiny surroundings gave the room a rich and intimidating feel.
It screamed "power," but in that quiet way, like it didn't need to shout because everyone already knew.
"Yep, SakiSaki is a great leader!" Akari said with a wink and a grin. She had just finished enthusiastically talking about Saki's latest successful raid. "If I were giving out grades, she'd definitely get an A-plus."
She'd been called over to give her assessment of Saki's performance as Strike Leader from yesterday's A-Rank Gate, and of course, Akari's got her Best Buddy's back. Ten outta ten, ain't no way she was giving her any less.
"Mmhm," Haruno hummed softly, her lips quirking into that signature half-smile as she slowly sipped her tea. The woman never rushed a thing; even drinking tea was some kind of performance. "Sounds like assigning her the role was the right call."
Akari nodded, leaning back in her chair, legs crossed. "Definitely. Girl's really found her footing. Handled everything like a pro."
"I expected nothing less," Haruno said, head tilting ever so slightly, acknowledging the compliment with her usual calm grace. "She's always been dedicated." Then, with a knowing chuckle, she added, "Sometimes, too dedicated. I'm glad she's taking a break. If she hadn't, I'd have forced her into mandatory leave myself."
She let out a slight hum of agreement, reaching for her own cup of tea. "Yeah, no kidding. I wasn't too keen on seeing her so stressed during that raid, y'know? Looked like she had way too much on her mind." Akari's gaze flicked up, eyes sharp and curious. "That wouldn't have anything to do with whatever case she's working on, would it?"
For a brief moment, Haruno's expression changed, revealing a hint of something more intense behind her usual smirk. Then it disappeared, and her perfectly crafted smile returned. "Ah, about that. I should thank you for the rumors that reached me. They've actually been quite enlightening. I used them to improve Kawasaki-chan's investigative skills and to expose her to the workings of the broader political landscape."
Oh, of course you did.
Akari's eyes flickered, and a hint of concern crossed her mind before she masked it with a grin. "So SakiSaki's the one you appointed to handle that, huh?" She let her voice carry a casual air, but inside, she felt like maybe it was a bit too much for Saki to handle – the case, the pressure – it was a lot for someone still learning the ropes.
It certainly didn't help that Akari would feel partly responsible since it was her flock of nosey little 'birds' that sniffed out that there was something afoot with the Spinning Star Guild.
"Yes," Haruno replied smoothly, never missing a beat. "Leadership isn't just about how you handle things in the field. It's about knowing what lies outside the dungeons, too. I wanted her to understand what's at stake."
Hearing that, Akari's fingers involuntarily brushed the soft fabric of the scarf draped around her neck. It was something Saki had knit for her—smooth, stylish, and cozy. Akari wore it with particular pride, not just because it was fashionable (and Akari loved stylish accessories), but because of what it represented.
Saki, despite her aloof and cold exterior, had a huge heart. She was kind, thoughtful, and dedicated, qualities that Akari adored. Saki was someone Akari really cared about, someone she wanted to look out for. And even though she projected this tough, distant persona, Akari could see right through it, finding the sweet, earnest girl underneath.
That's why I've always pushed her to pursue sewing, Akari mused, her thumb running along the smooth stitches of the scarf. She's really got a talent for it.
Akari took another sip of her tea, letting the warmth settle in her stomach as she gave Haruno a sideways glance. "You really think she's ready for all that?" Her tone was casual, but there was something in her gaze—a flicker of doubt carefully hidden behind a friendly smile.
"I do." Haruno answered, her voice calm and unshaken.
Akari watched her Guild Master closely, taking in her perfectly poised body language and the way she controlled every expression and every word as if she were on some grand stage.
Akari always pestered Minase and Saki about taking up acting, but that was really just because she felt like it was a shame to keep such beautiful faces away from the silver screen. She knew deep in her heart that they were good just where they were because acting needed a delicate balance between playing your role and lying.
Minase and Saki were both terrible at lying.
Haruno though? If she took acting as a career, she'd blow everyone away. Even Akari, loath as she was to admit.
That was because of one simple reason:
She was an amazing liar.
It was both fascinating and… frightening.
As an actress herself, Akari always needed to blur the line between lies and reality to enact a perfect performance. People love it when they can immerse themselves in the act, to suspend their disbelief whenever they watch you, so they can escape reality for just a moment.
But that's just it, isn't it? People still knew that it was still an act. They knew they'd come back to reality eventually.
Watching Haruno wasn't like that at all. It felt like she bent reality to suit her whims. Like a magician, she reeled you in with her performance and enthralled you with her next trick. A perfect blend of lie and reality.
Except when does the performance stop? Does it ever?
As hard as it was for her to admit, Akari couldn't imagine herself being so deep in her role that she'd forget who she really was. That's what made Haruno so scary because she does it so easily.
Where does the performer end, and where does the real Yukinoshita Haruno begin?
Akari could admire that somewhat. Haruno didn't just lead—she commanded, with every word like a line in a script, practiced and polished.
Like right now, with the way she deftly turned the rumors she got from Akari's snoopy little birds into a way to test someone's skills.
It's kinda like she's got this whole world wrapped around her finger, like she's always ten steps ahead, pulling strings from the shadows. Akari thought, letting her eyes drift over the room again. Her eyes trailed over the various pictures on the walls. There was even a picture of her and the Prime Minster.
She's not just playin' the game. She's running it.
"So, what's the plan?" Akari asked, tilting her head as she rested her chin on her hand. "You've got SakiSaki juggling a whole lot. Are you gonna keep going?"
Akari was confident in Saki, but that didn't mean she wasn't worried. People could only take so much responsibility for themselves before they eventually cracked under pressure, and Akari would hate to see that happen to her friend.
Gotta look out for my girl.
Haruno's gaze was steady, almost amused. "Kawasaki-chan will manage. And if she doesn't, then she'll learn from her mistakes. That's what this is about—growth. Testing her limits, pushing her to see what she's truly capable of."
Akari nodded, but her mind was racing. Pushing Saki this hard, is it really fair? She couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. There was a danger in falling under Haruno's intense scrutiny, as rewarding as it can be. Akari hoped Saki was prepared for the challenge since the pressure Haruno often applies would feel daunting to many people. To Akari, it felt more like Haruno's approach was less about guidance and more about testing limits—like a relentless stage director pushing their actors to the brink to see how much better they can perform.
That's how being part of this Guild felt to her. Haruno had created her own stage, her own little play, with a script that only she could see. She brought together all the actors under the guise of a wonderful idea for a beautiful play, and while it was true that Haruno always directed them in a way that lived up to it, Akari couldn't help but feel that there was always more behind the curtain.
Well, I can't really complain.
Akari could have joined any other guild in Japan, but she joined this one. Hell, Draw Sword certainly tried to vie for her hand. Kenzo's probably still bitter that she didn't follow him there, but honestly?
Why would I?
If it was a show, Draw Sword would be boring and poorly written, just like how it was poorly managed. The actors weren't performing well despite their great talents because the director had no idea about actually leading people.
In comparison, Yuki-Ryoshi was the grandest show in Japan. The script was written to near perfection, and the actors performed to the very best of their abilities, guided by the meticulous hands of their talented director.
"Wouldn't you like to be part of the best show in town?" The offer was made with a smile so well made that you couldn't tell if it was real or a lie. Akari could not help but be enthralled.
Akari had joined Haruno's Guild not just for the freedom she offered when she allowed her to keep her acting career but also because she was fascinated. She wanted to see the show and see how someone like Haruno operated. And man, did Haruno put on a good one. Every decision, every word, was like a part of some massive production she had planned out in her head.
What's the difference between a liar and an actress? Akari always asks herself whenever she's in the same room as Haruno.
The way she plays people, Akari thought. It's like she's an actress in her own right. The only difference is that while I'm out there giving the audience something real—time, effort, and skill—Haruno shapes reality to fit her own plans and needs.
They say the best liars believe their own lies, right? Well, Haruno doesn't just believe them. She makes you believe them, too. That's what sets her apart.
As Haruno sat back, seemingly satisfied with the conversation, Akari couldn't help but admire her guild master's control over everything—her emotions, her people, her whole damn world.
You could throw the toughest situation at her, and she'd barely blink. She's got that mask on so tight. Almost like nothing or no one could crack it.
And that was what kept Akari glued to the whole thing. She wasn't some wide-eyed rookie who looked up to Haruno like a hero.
No, she was watching the performance, waiting to see if the act ever slipped. Waiting for that one moment when the mask might crack, even just a little. Because if there was one thing Akari knew, it was that nobody was perfect, no matter how good they were at pretending.
Suddenly, a faint buzz broke the momentary silence. It was Haruno's phone. She moved gracefully, pulling it from her pocket with that same ease she carried in everything she did, her eyes flicking over the screen.
Akari's eyes darted toward Haruno, the shift in the air subtle but palpable. The temperature seemed to just drop.
Something's up.
Haruno's brows furrowed ever so slightly as she looked at her phone. It was quick, a flicker of something sharp, almost dark. Her lips pressed together in a hard line, and for just a moment—there it was—the crack Akari had been waiting for.
That split-second of raw emotion, a glimpse behind the mask. Rage. Pure, undiluted anger flashed across Haruno's eyes before she caught herself. The mask slipped back into place as quickly as it had fallen, but Akari had seen it.
…what happened? Akari was careful to keep her expression casual and unchanging, acting like she didn't notice what she just saw.
Haruno stood up, placing her teacup on the table with that careful elegance of hers. "I got something to take care of," she said, her voice smooth, as if nothing had happened. "I trust you'll continue to keep an eye on things, Shimizu-kun."
Akari offered a lazy salute, her signature grin back in place. "You know it. I'll make sure to keep my ears on the ground for more rumors floating about."
As Haruno moved toward the door, Akari kept her eyes locked on her, that split-second crack still fresh in her mind.
The moment she waited for it to finally arrive, Akari couldn't help but be more unsettled than satisfied. That look on her face was something they should reserve for the monsters they killed.
What was it? What was Haruno so mad about that she allowed her mask to slip, even for just a moment?
For all Haruno's control, all her grace and poise, there was something real beneath it. Something that wasn't part of the performance.
Haruno left the room without a word, the door closing softly behind her, leaving Akari alone. She leaned back in her chair, retrieving the lollipop she had in her pocket and unwrapping it, quickly putting it in her mouth.
As the delicious strawberry sweetness filled her taste buds, Akari couldn't help but want to get front-row seats to the wrathful performance that Haruno was about to put on.
x x x
I held up the trinket in my hand and turned to look at Miura, who was smirking at me.
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow at her.
"If she's upset with you, then you have to give her something that will show how sorry you are, Hikio." She crossed her arms and kept looking at me smugly, confident in her words. "Girls like it when guys give them something that shows that they truly regret their actions after they did something bad."
There was truth in her words. I couldn't deny that she'd be more of an expert about this than me.
Even though it was kinda annoying how she kept following me even after I already told her that I'd help her with Hayama, in the end, her presence ended up becoming a boon in my side quest.
After watching Riko and I struggle to find a gift that would please Komachi after half an hour, Miura threw up her hands in exasperation and started helping us out.
She wasn't very nice about it, though.
"Are you serious? What kinda girl would even want that near her hair?!"
"No way, as a girl, I'm offended you'd even think about buying that!"
"...Do you actually want her to hate you forever?!"
Those were some of her nicer comments.
The other things she said about my less-than-stellar taste in picking up presents were ones I would rather forget.
Seriously, this woman really lived up to her name as Sobu's Fire Queen.
After a few hours of searching, I was holding up something that she seemed to be satisfied with. I inspected it closer and thought about what she had said.
In my hand was a silver bracelet. Its design wasn't too complicated, just two silver threads twisted together until they linked up to the small sapphire shaped like a heart in the middle.
It was simple and elegant while still being cute, just like my little sister.
I threw a sideways glance at Riko, who nodded at me in agreement. Right, not much help there. Her shopping sense was worse than my own.
Inspecting the bracelet closer, I mulled it over in my head a bit more and decided that Miura was right. It was perfect for Komachi.
I nodded my head firmly at the employee behind the counter and heard Miura make a sound of satisfaction beside me. I handed the bracelet to her so she could place it in its specified box and store bag and took out my wallet to purchase it; however, at that moment, my phone released a hushed ding.
I ignored it in favor of finishing my transaction. Stepping away from the counter with a small paper bag in hand, I pulled out my phone and saw a message from an unexpected person.
"Osaki?"
x x x
– Yukino –
"Please follow me, Yukinoshita-sama."
I nodded at the well-dressed employee and walked after him. As I walked, I took in the environment of one of Japan's most exclusive and expensive restaurants. An air of sophistication and refinement wafted around the establishment. As I was guided through the building by the well-dressed man, I was greeted by the soft glow of crystal chandeliers and the gentle murmur of conversation. The décor is opulent, with rich mahogany furnishings, plush velvet drapes, and tasteful artwork adorning the walls. The tables are adorned with crisp white linens, sparkling silverware, and delicate stemware.
The ambiance is one of understated luxury, with impeccable attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. Taking a quick glance down at one of the menus, I could see that it features an exquisite selection of gourmet dishes prepared with the finest ingredients, offering a culinary journey that delights the senses. From what I could quickly gather, the service is attentive and gracious, ensuring that every guest feels like a cherished VIP. This is a place where every meal is an occasion, and every moment is savored in indulgent elegance.
Normally, I wouldn't have imagined myself having dinner in such a place like this, but I had little say over where I ate tonight. The feeling of being trapped in this situation was palpable, like a heavy weight on my shoulders.
Sighing, I looked down at the outfit my mother and maids helped me dress in for tonight's occasion. I had on a floor-length gown that exuded elegance and grace. The dress was a deep shade of midnight blue, with intricate lace detailing that added a touch of sophistication. A sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice accentuated my figure, while the flowing skirt added a sense of movement and fluidity to the ensemble.
My mother paired the dress with delicate silver jewelry and a pair of strappy heels, completing the look with effortless poise and style. My hair was swept up in an intricate chignon, and a sweep of deep red lipstick added a bold and glamorous touch to my overall appearance. As I moved through the room, I ended up catching the attention of some of the diners, whom I poignantly ignored, leaving a trail of admiring glances in my wake.
I came to a stop behind the restaurant employee as he reached the opening of a large room where only one table rested. The employee bowed his body slightly and motioned for me to proceed. I thanked the man and slowly made my way inside the private room towards the lone table where a single man sat. He had a bored and disinterested look on his face as he looked out at the large glass wall towards the city of Tokyo, bathed in the warm light of the sunset's orange hues.
The man himself was wearing a tailored charcoal gray suit that fit him impeccably. The jacket had a slim, modern cut, and the crisp white shirt underneath was perfectly pressed. His silk tie was a deep shade of navy blue, adding a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. Polished black leather shoes completed the look, and a pocket square peeked out from the breast pocket of his jacket. He exuded confidence and elegance with his attire, and every detail of his outfit spoke of timeless style and refinement.
Goto Ryuji.
As if hearing my inner thoughts, the man turned to me and quickly hid his bored expression with one of false happiness and excitement. His expression instantly caused any hunger I had accumulated over the school day to vanish.
"Ah, how marvelous," Goto-san said as he stopped in front of me. "You look absolutely incredible, Yukino-chan."
"Yukinoshita-san." I said briskly. "Please refer to me as so, Goto-san."
For a split second, I saw a fire burn behind his eyes, but it quickly vanished. Replaced with an amused look.
"Very well, Yukinoshita-san." Goto-san then chuckled as if he remembered a funny joke. "I see that attitude runs in the family."
He then motioned for me to take a seat opposite from where he previously sat. After a moment of deliberation about whether or not I should just go home, I decided to get this matter over with. I couldn't deny the nervous flutter in my stomach, a mix of apprehension and resignation. I had accepted that I had no choice but to endure this unwanted situation.
"So, what type of food do you enjoy?"
"...I like fish."
"Ah... I see."
I ignored his strained expression as I perused through the menu and found something appealing. I motioned over to our awaiting waiter and told her my order. Goto-san didn't seem to like my blatant dismissal of him, but he paid it no mind. My defiance in the face of his expectations was a small victory in this unwanted situation.
In the end, there was silence between us as we waited for our meals. He observed me with quiet intensity, and I certainly didn't like his scrutiny. Even when our appetizers arrived, I didn't speak much and allowed the silence to loom over us, unwilling to break it myself.
That was, at least, until he finally spoke.
"You've barely touched your food, Yukinoshita-san," Ryuji remarked casually, his voice carrying a veneer of politeness that didn't match the slight smirk pulling at his lips. "Is something wrong? Perhaps it's not to your taste."
I straightened slightly, meeting his gaze with what I hoped was a composed smile. "The meal is perfectly fine, Goto-san. I was just...thinking."
Goto leaned back in his chair, his eyes flickering with amusement as he studied me. His demeanor was relaxed and confident—the kind of confidence that came from years of being at the top, of winning battles both in and out of the dungeons. Yet I couldn't shake the feeling that something else lingered beneath the surface, something he wasn't saying.
I had felt it from the beginning of the evening—the subtle comparison. Though he hadn't mentioned her name, there was an almost palpable weight in his gaze, as if mentally aligning her with someone else.
Someone he saw more often. Someone he thought of often.
Nee-san.
The realization came quietly, like the final puzzle piece sliding into place. Every time his eyes lingered a fraction too long, every time his lips quirked with that faint smirk, it wasn't about me—it was about how I measured up to my older sister. I had seen this kind of behavior before. Many compared me to Nee-san, always making silent assessments without ever saying it aloud. But with Goto-san, there was something more. A curiosity? An underlying fascination?
It was no secret that the two guild masters were constantly at odds, their rivalry a hot topic to anyone in the Hunter community.
Yuki-Ryoshi and the Draw Sword Guild were fierce competitors, after all—both guilds vying for the top spot among Japan's Hunters.
However, it was fair to say that my sister's Guild was more adored by the populace due to their active work in the community outside the Gates, while Goto-san's Guild was seen more as a military-like presence who was only active with fighting monsters and clearing Gates.
It didn't surprise me; people gravitated towards my sister's charm and wits, and this inevitably drew individuals who could capture people's hearts in nearly the same way. I knew only of Goto Ryuji through his strength, and none of his more prominent members ever seemed to exude the same aura that would pull people toward them.
It was why, despite the number of S-Ranks that Draw Sword had garnered, Yuki-Ryoshi Hunters outnumbered them by over twice as much.
During my reflective thoughts about the current landscape of Japan's Hunter politics, I perhaps allowed the silence between us to stretch on too much. I began to notice that Goto-san's eyes were beginning to look bored as they returned to his meal.
I really couldn't care less, but…
"Remember to make a good impression, Yukino. It's imperative that you have a good relationship with Goto-sama. Don't disappoint me." My mother's words echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the duty I was expected to fulfill regardless of my own desires.
My mother's words caused me to ball my fists from under the table. Despite what I think or want. I had no visible way out of this arranged marriage just yet. I needed to play along and bide my time for now. So it was with a deep and silent breath that I looked at Goto-san with attention.
"Goto-san... how... how was your day?" I asked slowly; the words tasted like ash in my mouth.
Looking up from his meal with a raised brow, Goto-san chuckled and smiled charmingly at me.
"My day, you ask? Hm, I'm sure this holds no interest to you, but my Guild has successfully closed two A-Rank Gates off near Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka. A fairly simple matter for us." He explained while grabbing a cup of sake and taking a sip.
"A-rank..." I said thoughtfully with a hand on my chin. "I'm sure those A-Rank gates must not prove much of a challenge for an S-Rank such as yourself. Have you ever encountered an S-Rank Gate?"
If there's one thing I know. It's that people love talking about themselves. Let's keep the conversation off me.
Goto-san looked at me in confusion, his cup of sake frozen before his lips. He peered at me carefully, and a small smile grew on his face.
"No, I have yet to encounter one just yet. S-Rank gates are very rare but extremely powerful." Goto-san said as the main dish was brought over to us by two servers. They carefully placed our dishes before us and left silently with a small bow. "There have only ever been four S-Rank Gates in Japan ever since they first appeared. Each is more powerful than the last. Unfortunately, I had not awakened when they had appeared. If I had, they would have been closed immediately before the Strongest." He grinned while saying the epithet that most of Japan had for him with no small measure of satisfaction.
Quite the ego you have.
I carefully kept that thought to myself.
"The strongest? If that's the case, why haven't you offered your services to Korea? It's well known they have an S-Rank Gate that has been open for years now on the island of Jeju." I said as I took a sip of my bowl of exquisitely made soup.
"Jeju..." Goto-san muttered thoughtfully as he sliced his stake slowly. I watched him carefully as a cruel, vicious smile grew on his face. "It's quite unfortunate for Korea that their Hunters aren't up to the task. Quite pitiful, honestly. Heh, that Gate won't stand even a minute longer once I arrive."
Once I arrive? I paused to slice a piece of grilled eel. Wait. Could it be that he might actually help Korea close that Gate? But something like this would have shaken both countries. Unless it's a secret?
"Korea holds several S-Ranks. If all of them could not close the Gate on Jeju, do you believe yourself stronger than them all to succeed where they failed?" I asked carefully.
"Hah!" My question caused his tightly guarded expression to break with a small laugh. "You'll find that there's a world of difference between me and those sorry excuses they have for S-Ranks." He smirked arrogantly, thoroughly amused by the comparison. "I am Goto Ryuji. They call me Japan's Strongest for good reason. Once I'm done with that Gate, the title of National Rank Hunter is all but guaranteed." Goto-san laughed but quickly stopped himself. He coughed into his fist and replaced his jubilant expression with a relaxed one. "Ah, do forgive me. It seems I may have had too much sake tonight. Disregard what I've said; they were simply the words of a man who had one too many drinks."
"...Very well," I said and took a bite of my meal.
Despite what Goto-san said, I believed he was telling the truth. It seemed as if a large hidden operation to address the issue in Jeju was underway. Did Nee-san know of this? Was Japan offering a hand to its neighbors after all this time? But why now? What has changed?
Those files.
The files in my father's office with the information on all of Korea's S-Rank hunters. Why did he have them? Could it be that he was involved somehow? It's the only plausible reason why he would have such information. Was it all a ploy to help his standing and optics on his way to becoming the next Prime Minister? A carefully plotted political move?
There were too many questions running through my mind. But I knew one thing was for certain.
My father was somehow involved in the upcoming raid on Jeju.
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
I jumped in my seat at the very familiar voice. I spun around to see Nee-san walk into the private dining room with a confident stride; the restaurant employees looked unsure of what to do as they looked to and from Goto-san and Nee-san. Ultimately, they gave up and quietly walked out of the room to leave two of Japan's most influential figures to their devices.
"Nee-san."
Yukinoshita Haruno was clad in a stunning floor-length light purple and white gown that hugged her figure. The dress featured intricate lace detailing and delicate beading, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with a few loose tendrils framing her face. She exuded an air of confidence and grace as she moved with poise and elegance, commanding attention with every step she took.
"Haruno," Goto-san said in a low whisper, standing up slowly. "How rude for you to crash our dinner. My fiancé and I were just getting acquainted with one another." The smirk that formed on his face seemed more energized than before.
Nevertheless, I shivered in disgust at the word he referred to me as and gripped the tablecloth tightly. I looked back to Goto-san and leveled him a glare, yet it was ignored as he seemed to favor looking at Nee-san with both amusement and irritation.
"I'm sure," Nee-san said sarcastically as she stopped in front of our table.
With a light tap on the floor with her foot, an elegant chair made of pure ice began to quickly rise up from under her. I watched it happen in awe. Despite knowing her status as an S-Rank Hunter, I still couldn't believe the things she was capable of doing.
With her newly formed ice chair, Nee-san took a seat with her legs crossed over one another. Her expression was cold and serious as her eyes stared impassively at Goto-san, who seemed more amused about her display than anything. He retook his seat, keeping his smirk all the while.
"Tell me, Goto," Nee-san spoke as soon as Goto-san was seated. "Just how exactly were you getting to know Yukino-chan? Talking about yourself isn't exactly the best way to learn about someone else."
"My, my. Eavesdropping is very rude."
"No, buying out four B-Rank Gates from under me is rude."
"I see you're still sore over that."
"Not quite. Losing those Gates ended up turning out in our favor." Nee-san shot back without missing a beat. "Tell me again how long it took for your people to clear those out?"
"My Hunters handled them quickly and succinctly." Goto-san deflected quickly, maintaining his smirk despite the irritation I could hear in his voice
"I'm sure. Hey, did it hurt when your Guild couldn't mine all of the dungeon's materials in the end? That must have hurt your profits quite a bit, huh?" My sister smirked viciously. "Let's see, six days, was it? It took your Guild six whole days to close those Gates. My, that's dangerously close to a Dungeon Break. That's certainly not something one would expect from the powerful Draw Sword Guild."
Her words sliced through his composure, the tension thickening as his smirk faltered, just for a moment.
I sat back and watched as the two powerful Hunters began to heatedly argue and bicker with one another. Despite being surprised by Nee-san's sudden appearance, I couldn't help but be confused.
Why does Goto-san look like he's enjoying this more than anything?
That smirk on his face, the relaxed pose. As if this exchange of words were no more than a game he was playing.
The slightly drunken haze in his eyes was gone, replaced by sharp and alert eyes that never left my sister's face.
He looks more alive than before.
It was quite evident even in the barbs he exchanged with her, which were quick and unrelenting.
Yet my sister never stepped back, never giving him even an edge wordwise. She kept her mask of coolness and shot back each time without ever allowing him to bother her with any of his words.
And speaking of my sister, how did she know where I was? I could have sworn that today's dinner meeting was only known by my parents and me. Did they tell her? No, that's unlikely due to their current volatile relationship.
This wouldn't be the first time Nee-san had suddenly appeared during a supposed private meeting. The last one was when she barged into the private dinner my parents and I had with Goto-san meant for talks of the engagement, where she just appeared dressed for the occasion and sat at the table without a word, much to my mother's dismay.
"Let her be. This is a family occasion, after all."
Those were my father's nonchalant words at the sight of my sister back then. My mother had no choice but to relent.
And now this. Once again, my sister appeared out of nowhere just to meddle in the plans our parents had set up for me. I… didn't mind, both times have been helpful overall, yet the question remains:
Who was informing my sister of these events?
"Nee-san," I said loudly, cutting their argument off. "What are you doing here?"
Nee-san looked surprised at my question, but she quickly slipped on the mask that she always wore. A mask of cool confidence that she strolled through life with. Smiling, she leaned on the table with her cheek in her palm.
"I happened to have been eating here when I happened to have heard your voice, Yukino-chan," Nee-san said as if it were the undeniable truth. If I didn't know her, I would have believed her. "I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see my adorable little sister after all. Hey, why don't I show you my penthouse!"
Before I could respond, Nee-san quickly stood to her feet and gently grabbed my wrist, pulling me up to my feet. She then turned back to Goto-san and leveled a cold look at him.
"I'm afraid your little dinner will have to be rescheduled, Goto," Nee-san said, placing a neat stack of bills on the table before leading me away. "I'll be taking Yukino-chan with me now."
Goto-san looked unbothered by Nee-san's actions and shrugged his shoulders. "But of course. Ah, but just remember this, Haruno. Pulling something like this off once Yukino and I are married won't be brushed off like today. Be sure to remember that."
Nee-san paused mid-step and slowly turned to look at Goto-san with a glacial, sideways expression. "Is that a threat?"
Goto-san merely smiled and leaned on his clamped hands. His unperturbed eyes stared into Nee-san's own as if to challenge her.
"I guess we'll find out soon, won't we?"
A moment of tense silence hung over them as I began to feel sweat build on my brow. The temperature in the room was beginning to drop as the two S-Ranks stared at one another without blinking. It was getting to the point that the other diners in the restaurant began to feel the immense pressure from the two.
"Nee-san," I said as I tugged her arm. "Enough."
"…okay." She said as she finally turned away from Goto-san with a huff. She then looked at me and gave me a small smile. "Let's go, Yukino-chan."
Nee-san began to lead me out of the private dining room, but before we could leave, I stopped. She turned to me with a quizzical expression as I faced Goto-san. Despite not liking the man or our current situation, I still had my manners.
"Thank you for the meal, Goto-san." I said with a small bow. The tone of my voice lacked any real gratitude as I spoke. He peered at me for a few seconds and smiled in amusement.
"It's no problem. Let's continue our conversation at… our next meeting."
Next meeting.
I grimaced but nodded nonetheless. Turning back to Nee-san, I ignored the frosty glare she leveled at Goto-san as we walked out of the room.
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A/N:
Thank you for reading today's chapter,
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Until next time!