Looking at the contact info on her phone, Ai Hayasaka finally learned Shin's name.
"Is there anything Master needs me to do in the Shinomiya household?"
Putting away her phone, Ai looked at Shin and asked, her face calm once more. This was her usual expression, even when dealing with Kaguya and Oko Shinomiya; she wasn't intentionally giving Shin an attitude.
"If Master wants to target the Shinomiya family, I'll help."
Though her tone seemed impersonal, Ai's loyalty to the Shinomiya family wasn't extreme. Compared to the Shinomiya family, she cared more about Kaguya Shinomiya. As for Oko and the head of the family, Gan'an Shinomiya... she couldn't stand them, so loyalty wasn't an option. Besides, Ai was now entirely under Shin's control, as the small black raven in her mind meant she had no room for resistance.
Her only hope was that, if Shin planned to move against the Shinomiya family, he would keep Kaguya safe. This was why she proactively offered her help — so she could better protect Kaguya by being involved.
"No need. What could a maid like you do? You don't plan on secretly assassinating the Shinomiya leaders and heirs with your Stand ability, do you?"
Shin glanced at her. Though the Shinomiya family had sent people to investigate his faction, which he couldn't ignore, this wasn't something Ai alone could handle. He didn't want a Shinomiya family in chaos because its leaders were dead.
"As for the Stand users, don't reveal too much to Oko Shinomiya. Just enough to pique his interest," Shin directed, knowing how "special abilities" enticed powerful individuals. A bit of intel could serve as bait. "Leave the rest to Kiryu."
If the Shinomiya family took an interest in Kiryu, they'd naturally engage with him, allowing Kiryu to build connections and expand Shin's influence using their resources. When his control over the underworld had matured, Shin could absorb the Shinomiya family's power at his leisure.
"Understood," Ai nodded. She wouldn't dare question her master's decisions. With a wave, Shin left, leaving her alone. Watching his retreating figure, Ai subconsciously rubbed her wrist, feeling the lingering pain from being pinned to the wall earlier. Though their interaction had been rough, it left her strangely thrilled. Even calling him "Master" had brought a subtle sense of pleasure. Was she awakening to some strange desire? Ai felt troubled.
Back home, Shin entered the bathroom and soaked in a hot bath. Sayo Ogiwara had maintained his place well — hot water was ready, and the food tasted far better than bread or convenience store bentos. Ogiwara was like a perfect housewife, even enjoying her role without complaint. Initially, he'd worried she might be a burden, but having her around proved convenient. She also knew her boundaries, refraining from asking about his private matters.
While he was relaxing in the bath, there was a knock at the door. Through the frosted glass, he saw her silhouette.
"Shin Chan, I'm ready to shower too," Ogiwara's tone was casual.
With a resigned chuckle, Shin said, "Alright, come in."
Two hours later, Ogiwara lay sleeping, tucked in by Shin, who then settled into a chair to log into his online game. Though it was late — he'd spent the evening at the LiveHouse where Hitori Goto worked — gaming was his routine. As expected, his familiar online friend messaged him immediately.
"Healing Angel: You've definitely become a normie, right?"
"Zuke: Playing this late?"
Angel seemed miffed from waiting for him to come online all night.
"Healing Angel: Obviously, I game all night. Care to join?"
"Zuke: No thanks, I've got school tomorrow."
Unlike Angel, Shin wasn't a gaming addict. Besides, an "Infinite Terror VR" beats all-night gaming, doesn't it?
After some banter with Angel, he logged off, feeling oddly incomplete without their exchanges. He still wondered about the real person behind the screen. Though he held immense power, there was little he could do online. It reminded him of the Stand "Red Hot Chili Pepper," which could manipulate electricity — an ability he wished he had now.
"Maybe the main quest for JOJO's World will appear in Part 4's timeline?" he mused, though he doubted it. He had already disrupted the plot by killing Yoshikage Kira, making a Part 4 quest unlikely. But he had no regrets — leaving Kira alive would only bring trouble, and he wouldn't surrender the Stand Arrow to him.
"Thinking too much is pointless. The next JOJO world mission will come when it does."
Lying in bed, he closed his eyes and quickly drifted into sleep by controlling his inner "Ki" — a skill he'd honed to fall asleep swiftly.
{Transitioning to Zuke}
In the darkness, a world-selection interface appeared again.
[Dear Zuke, please choose your mission world: 1. Dragon Ball (unadjusted timeline); 2. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Main Quest in Progress); 3. Fate/Zero (Time Flow 0.5x)]
To be continued…
Hoi Ningen, FBI is after you after going through your search history. Hand over your Power Stones to me so I can bribe them for you winks.
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