The young red-haired man's eye was watering from the hit, his left cheek swollen, and his lip split. His sharp gaze didn't deter them from pestering him with something, not to his liking. For now, Katahara Metsudo was talking to Houro about something he deemed important, but Houro responded only with monosyllables. Katahara's mutterings drifted into the background, commenting on what he seemed to call a "contradictory debate." He wore ancient, pristine clothing of the finest silk. The guards around him seemed to revel in his power—many of them were likely highly skilled, with each one a formidable fighter in their own right, like Erioh, a clear martial arts master.
His cane paused in front of Kei with a slow, rhythmic flicker. He appeared powerful and dominant, yet fragile, lacking the intensity for a fight, unlike his companion.
-So, young man, tell me, Houro says you have the complete freedom to choose your path and that you're with him as a martial artist?- Katahara remarked.
-We have an agreement.- replied Kei, still uncertain about the sudden turn of events. He seemed to work for Takemoto but later was taken in by Houro's group. Takemoto trained fighters and sold their contracts, but before that, he had been bought out by Yami, who then passed him to Houro.
-An agreement you could end at your will.- Katahara noted.
It was best to limit Katahara's range of movement now, as more people joined in and made his intentions less clear. The future was bright yet full of doubts... with the inclusion of unpredictable elements, such as Saiga, known as the "demon of Okinawa," a title placed on him by Kuroki Genzai. Were they friends? Enemies? Or was there a tense neutrality between them? Just how strong was Kuroki now that he had even stronger rivals?
-You can't do it, but I dare you to be brave—go, make Yami cancel it. Your fighters are trash compared to the real masters at Yami. I'd love to see you all kill each other.- Kei remarked, staring into the old man's eyes with renewed interest. His narrowed gaze confirmed he knew Yami, and in a fair fight, Ryozanpaku would undoubtedly lose.
-Hohohohoh.-Katahara halted his guard. No one had spoken to him like that in years. Just as he'd come, he left, with only the echo of his cane lingering behind.
-Are you afraid of that old man?- Kei finally asked Houro, who was holding a cigarette.
-Not at all. He doesn't control the organization; he's the smartest, but he has enemies everywhere. The business world he created seeks to overthrow him, and while he doesn't mind that, few things truly capture his attention.- Houro replied carefully, sure that Katahara was searching beyond the contract for information—and the boy had given it to him firsthand. Now he aimed to target that knowledge by any means necessary. Knowing who initiated the Gu ritual was of vital importance to Katahara, almost like a gift for Kannok.
-Then the best you can do is lead him to a crossroads.- Kei commented, understanding. He knew Yami was dangerous. That's why they allowed Katahara to strut about. Houro was clever but seemed to lack the strength for self-sufficiency; winning was winning for him, no matter how little it might mean.
-You've won your second Kengan match!- Houro announced.
-I won because my opponent was severely wounded, a long and lingering injury.- Kei remarked, not proud of his victory, now feeling a gnawing dissatisfaction that wouldn't fade until he won fairly. Reflecting on the fight, he realized his opponent had allowed many attacks—or perhaps was so weakened he seemed close to death.
-Can you arrange a meeting with Yubito?- Kei asked.
Houro stroked his chin and gave an affirmative nod. Fortunately, the one he'd just beaten in combat was someone trustworthy, with no disputes or history of conflicts.
Ogata's inner eye was sharper than his sense of reading the fight; it helped him predict attacks more precisely. Seikuken was truly a powerful technique, now allowing him to perceive the difficulty of reading people—to feel their sorrows, desires, interests, and ideals—his way of turning the tide in his favor.
***
Kei breathed in the fresh air, making a quick call to his mother. He chatted with Runna for a brief moment—just enough, taking less than a minute. That was all he needed. Although he'd just fought Yubito, he'd taken only a few days to recover. His intention now was nobler than he'd originally thought, as this fight was about the rules of battle for life, not for death.
He waited in the amusement park, and soon he spotted a blonde woman, holding Runna in her arms. She looked joyful, her eyes sparkling, and her hands waved with excitement and a touch of impatience. She jumped out of her arms and ran toward Kei, who lifted her as she nuzzled him, saying how much she'd missed her Oni-chan.
-She hasn't stopped talking about you the whole way here.- Miu commented.
Kei surveyed the area with caution, gently carrying Runna through the fair. They rode the Ferris wheel, where he shared all his thoughts with the girl as she rested on his lap. That was his way of being, and it unusually charmed her.
-Everything will be fine.- Miu reassured him, brushing his hair.
-You must keep getting stronger; ask your grandfather to keep training you.- Kei said, watching her blue eyes as they looked at him without hesitation, studying his face. They relaxed on the bench, watching as Runna played in the ball pit. Miu tended to his wounds, blushing as she remembered the kisses they'd shared in his moment of weakness.
-I brought you a gift.- Kei said, offering her a silver earring, adorned with two flowers and blue topaz. She smiled, puffing her cheeks like a happy cat.
-Brother, where's my gift?- Runna asked. Kei picked her up as she playfully protested, tickling her and giving her kisses.
-Brother, stop bothering me—I deserve a gift.-" the girl protested, her eyes similar to Miu's, filled with understanding.
-Little Runna deserves another kitten.-Kei remarked.
-I want the new princess kit from Destinyland!- the girl said with her cheeks puffed, having learned to mimic Miu.
Kei couldn't deny her, nodding happily. After all, he'd just fought one of the best and earned enough money to live for two months without worrying about anything but training.
....