Standing in front of Kaguya was an adorable little girl with light purple hair that shimmered with a soft glow. Her silky hair was tied into a beautiful red ribbon on the left side. Her features were delicate, like a porcelain doll—long, finely shaped eyebrows, large and sparkling eyes, and skin as smooth as ivory. Though small and childlike, her body had the early hints of a youthful curve.
"Are you hungry?" the purple-haired girl asked gently, offering a warm smile. "If you don't mind, I have a pineapple bun with me." As she spoke, she extended her soft, delicate hand, holding the fragrant pastry.
Kaguya eyed the bun, then looked back at the little girl, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. Where had she seen this girl before?
"Oh, I'm so sorry," the girl quickly apologized, noticing Kaguya's hesitation. "I must've been too forward. I just thought you might be hungry…"
"Thank you," Kaguya said, accepting the pineapple bun with a smile. "I actually am hungry. I appreciate it." She wasted no time tearing off the packaging and biting into the bun, savoring its sweet flavor.
Though Kaguya didn't particularly like pineapple buns—they were too sweet for her taste, and she wasn't a fan of overly sugary things, except for dango—today she was too hungry to be picky. The burning hunger inside her was too much to bear. Even a pineapple bun, which she usually wouldn't enjoy, now tasted heavenly.
"By the way," Kaguya asked between bites, her words muffled, "why are all the shops closed so early?"
"Well..." The purple-haired girl hesitated, as if nervous to share the reason. "There have been a lot of murders around here lately, so people are afraid to stay out late."
"Murders?" Kaguya paused, surprised.
"Yes."
The girl went on to explain that recently, a series of gruesome murders had taken place. Most of the victims were children, though some adults had also been killed, often in the most horrifying ways—some disemboweled, others dismembered, and a few reduced to chunks of flesh. The scenes were so bloody and horrifying that even seasoned police officers struggled to stomach it, often throwing up at the sight.
Despite the local police issuing a manhunt and launching large-scale investigations, they had no clues. No evidence was left behind at the crime scenes, leaving the authorities baffled. In response, the police warned citizens to avoid going out at night, and in fear, businesses had started closing early, even the usually 24-hour convenience stores.
Kaguya frowned slightly as she listened. Something about these murders felt oddly familiar. The methods, the brutality—it all pointed to someone, someone she had heard of before. Could it be that killer?
It seemed possible. Only that twisted maniac would kill for the sake of killing.
"I see," Kaguya said, still chewing on the pineapple bun. "But why are you out here so late? Aren't you afraid? And what about your parents? Won't they worry about you?"
"My... my parents?" the little girl muttered, her expression darkening as her gaze dropped to the ground.
Kaguya noticed the sadness on her face and asked, "What happened to your parents?"
"They... abandoned me," the girl replied softly, her voice laced with sorrow.
"Abandoned you?" Kaguya was taken aback. How could any parent abandon their own child?
"Yes." The girl nodded, her voice barely a whisper.
"Then where do you live now?" Kaguya asked. "Are you homeless?"
At this question, the purple-haired girl shuddered, her once rosy cheeks now turning pale. Her wide, beautiful eyes filled with fear.
Seeing her reaction, Kaguya's brows furrowed in concern. There was no reason for her to be so terrified unless… had she been kidnapped by traffickers?
"Are you in trouble?" Kaguya's voice dropped a degree, carrying a dangerous undertone. "Were you abducted by bad people? Where are they?"
"N-no!" The girl quickly shook her head, her hands waving frantically. "There's nothing like that! No one kidnapped me!"
But her panicked response only deepened Kaguya's suspicions. Her expression grew darker. Human traffickers. The very thought infuriated Kaguya. How could anyone have the heart to kidnap such an innocent and adorable little girl? Such people deserved the worst punishments.
Her inner "loli protector" instinct was ignited, burning fiercely.
"Come on," Kaguya said, grabbing the girl's hand without warning.
"Ah!" The purple-haired girl yelped in surprise, confusion clear in her voice. "Where are we going?"
"We're going to your house," Kaguya declared, her eyes gleaming coldly. "I'm going to teach those people a lesson for messing with you. They'll learn what happens when they dare hurt a little girl."
"No, no!" The girl panicked and began to struggle, pulling against Kaguya's grip. "I-I don't want to go back!"
"You're going home," Kaguya said firmly. "Don't worry, as long as I'm with you, no one's going to hurt you."
"But… but…" The little girl stammered, clearly nervous.
"No buts," Kaguya interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. "I've decided. This is how it's going to be."
"But—"
"Relax," Kaguya said, puffing out her chest with confidence. "There's nothing to be afraid of."
The girl took a deep breath and finally shouted, "You're going the wrong way!"
"…"
The girl's house was located in a remote area on the outskirts of town. After walking for what felt like an eternity, they finally spotted a structure in the distance, faintly illuminated by the moonlight, nestled within the forest.
No wonder she was scared, Kaguya thought. This place gave off an eerie vibe. Whoever lived here couldn't be decent people. Anyone who chose to live in such a creepy location probably had a dark personality.
As they walked further, emerging from the dense woods, the scenery opened up, revealing a grand mansion. It was a towering European-style building, its architecture elegant but imposing. The overall design was clean and simple, but the dark color palette gave the mansion an oppressive, ominous atmosphere.
Kaguya's brow furrowed. This place felt oddly familiar, like she had seen it somewhere before.
Suddenly, it clicked.
Her eyes widened in realization as she blurted out, "Wait a minute… isn't this the home of that old worm, Zouken Matou?"