Jiro forcefully helped Taro to his feet, slightly dragging the man to show them the way to where his bandit friends were located.
"Don't even think about running or causing trouble," Jiro threatened with a sharp glare. "You'll regret it if I have to beat you up again."
Taro nodded fearfully, complying with Jiro's command without daring to protest. They walked through the forest with Taro leading the way while Jiro and Shira followed behind.
Shira watched Taro's back with a wary gaze. She still felt scared and disgusted recalling how he had treated her. However, on the other hand, Shira was also curious. If this bandit group really knew the way out of the forest, perhaps they could take advantage of that information.
"Jiro, are you sure this is a good idea?" Shira whispered softly. "I still don't trust that man."
Jiro glanced over at Shira, gently patting her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll always protect you. We just need to get the information from him, and then we can leave."
Shira nodded, albeit hesitantly. She trusted Jiro, but she still couldn't shake the anxiety in her heart.
After walking for quite a while, Taro finally stopped near a cave hidden behind the trees. "This is the place. My friends are inside," he said, pointing.
Jiro nodded, "Alright. You stay here, don't try to run." He then turned to face Shira. "Are you ready?"
Shira took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Yes, I'm ready." Though hesitant, she was determined to follow Jiro.
Slowly, the two of them approached the cave entrance, cautious of what might await them inside.
As Jiro and Shira neared the cave, they heard voices from within. It seemed there were several people inside.
Jiro held Shira's arm, signaling for the fox girl to stay behind him. He walked slowly, stealthily approaching the cave entrance.
Once inside the cave, Jiro and Shira saw about five men who appeared to be bandits. They were talking loudly, seemingly unaware of Jiro and Shira's presence.
Jiro scanned the surroundings, trying to assess the situation. He didn't want to provoke an unnecessary fight, but he also couldn't let this bandit group go unchecked.
Calmly, Jiro cleared his throat quietly, drawing the bandits' attention. "Excuse me, I wish to speak with you."
The bandits immediately became alert, eyeing Jiro and Shira suspiciously. One of them, who seemed to be the leader, stood and approached Jiro.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" he asked harshly.
Jiro raised his hands, indicating he meant no harm. "My friend and I just want to get some information. We're stranded in this forest and lost. Do you know the way out?"
The bandit leader furrowed his brows, seemingly considering Jiro's request. After a moment, he finally nodded.
"Yes, we know the way out of this forest. But what will you give us in return?" he asked slyly.
Jiro paused for a moment, thinking quickly. "What do you want?"
The bandit leader grinned, glancing at Shira. "How about the fox girl? We've heard unique creatures from this forest can fetch a high price on the black market."
Shira gasped, trembling in fear at the demand. Jiro immediately stepped forward, standing in front of Shira to protect her.
"That's not going to happen," Jiro said calmly. "We need information, not negotiation."
The bandit leader appeared annoyed but then smiled slyly. "Alright, alright. Since you won't give her up, I guess I'll just have to take her by force."
Before Jiro could react, the bandit leader dashed forward with impressive speed, reaching Jiro in the blink of an eye. With skilled movements and surprising strength, he landed a powerful punch on Jiro's chin. Jiro's body lifted into the air, thrown back with his head snapping backward.
Shira screamed in fear, watching her friend crash hard to the ground. "Jiro!" she cried out in despair.
Before Jiro could hit the ground, the bandit leader caught his ankle. With unexpected force, he slammed Jiro's body into the ground brutally, sending dust and dry leaves flying.
"Did you think you could fight us easily? You're still too naive," the bandit leader mocked while gripping Jiro's leg tightly, then slamming him in the opposite direction.
Jiro's body crashed harshly onto the rough ground, each impact leaving cracks in the earth.
Meanwhile, Shira, still shaken by the event, couldn't move closer. Another bandit grabbed both her arms from behind, trapping her. Though she struggled, the bandit's strength was far greater, rendering her powerless.
The gaze full of lust and slyness emanated from the eyes of the bandit holding Shira. He grinned in a way that made Shira's blood run cold. His eyes, brimming with delight and desire, made Shira feel even more intimidated.
"Such a pretty girl," whispered the bandit, his face moving closer to lick her cheek, his voice filled with ill intent.
Shira felt fear grip her as she tried to struggle harder. But it was in vain. The bandit's grip on her arms was too strong for her to break free.
Elsewhere,
The bandit leader, feeling satisfied with how he had dealt with Jiro, left the young man's body lying defenseless. He considered Jiro a minor threat he had successfully subdued.
He didn't even need to use his left hand, easily defeating Jiro with just his right.
With his left hand in his pocket, the bandit leader spoke to his men.
"Take the girl," the bandit leader ordered triumphantly to his subordinates. "Let's ensure that nothing stops us from getting what we want."