The RV came to a halt a short distance from the grand entrance of the auction house, an opulent structure radiating wealth and influence. The building was adorned with gilded trims and glowing holographic signage that flickered elegantly in the evening air. A crowd of finely dressed individuals—men and women with commanding presences—mingled outside, their sharp eyes and subtle smirks betraying their own agendas. The air was thick with tension, the kind that came with gathering predators in one place.
Lady Naga stepped out of the vehicle first, her expression cold and calculating. Ino followed closely behind, adjusting her gloves while her sharp gaze scanned the area. The others piled out shortly after, their eyes darting to the imposing crowd ahead. Ashiro couldn't help but feel like a small fish tossed into a sea of sharks.
"This is it," Lady Naga said, her voice low but firm as she turned to address the group. "Before we step into the lion's den, everyone needs to know their role."
She pointed to Kyoto and Shikaku first. "You two will stay here at the entrance. Keep watch for anything unusual and ensure our getaway path remains clear. If something goes wrong inside, we'll need you to secure the exit."
Kyoto nodded, his usual humor replaced with a rare seriousness. "Got it. We'll make sure nothing gets in—or out—that shouldn't."
Shikaku merely grunted in agreement, his sharp eyes already scanning the area.
Lady Naga's gaze shifted to Suguru and Hanabi. "You two will come with me and Ino into the auction. Stay close and be ready for anything. This isn't just about the blades—we're walking into a den of dangerous people. Keep your eyes open and your weapons closer."
Suguru smirked, giving a mock salute. "Understood. Don't worry—I've got your back."
Hanabi didn't say anything, but the subtle way her hand brushed against her weapon spoke volumes about her readiness.
Finally, Lady Naga turned to Kaguya and Ashiro. "Kaguya, you'll stay in the RV with Ashiro. Watch over him and keep the engine running. If anything happens, you're our fallback."
Kaguya nodded, her expression calm but resolute. "I'll make sure he's safe."
Ashiro, however, looked less than pleased. "Wait, why am I being left behind? I can help!"
Lady Naga's gaze softened slightly but remained firm. "Ashiro, you're not ready for what's in there. Your safety is more important right now. Trust me."
Ino gave Ashiro a teasing smirk. "Don't take it personally, kid. Just sit tight, and maybe we'll bring you back a souvenir."
Ashiro sighed, crossing his arms but eventually relenting. "Fine...but don't blame me if things go south without me."
"Don't sound as if without you, we won't get anything done. You just joined the team kid" Shikaku suddenly commented cooly as he glanced at Ashiro briefly.
"Urgh...." Ashiro suddenly muttered with an bitter look on his face.
The group began to move out, splitting up as instructed. Kyoto and Shikaku stayed near the shadows at the entrance, blending in with the sparse crowd of loiterers, their sharp eyes following every movement. Suguru, Hanabi, Lady Naga, and Ino strode confidently toward the grand doors, their postures exuding purpose and authority.
Kaguya watched them go from the RV, then glanced at Ashiro, who had slumped into one of the seats with a frustrated expression.
"It's for the best," Kaguya said quietly, breaking the silence.
Ashiro huffed but nodded, staring out the window at the glowing auction house. A part of him couldn't shake the feeling that something was bound to go wrong.
Inside the RV, the hum of distant chatter and city noise filtered faintly through the windows. The atmosphere inside, however, was heavy with silence. Ashiro sat by the window, his chin resting on his hand as he gazed at the glowing auction house in the distance. Across from him, Kaguya sat stiffly, her hood pulled over her head once more, shielding her face from view.
After what felt like an eternity, Ashiro broke the silence. "Hey, Kaguya…" He hesitated, glancing at her. "Why did you volunteer to stay behind with me? I mean, I thought you'd want to be with the others."
Kaguya didn't respond immediately. Instead, her gaze remained fixed on her gloved hands resting in her lap. The moments stretched on, the quiet almost unbearable before she finally spoke.
"...I needed to." Her voice was soft, almost a whisper.
Ashiro blinked, confused. "Needed to? Why?"
Another pause. Then, without looking at him, Kaguya said, "First…I wanted to thank you."
Ashiro sat up straight, his bewilderment evident. "Thank me? For what?"
Kaguya's grip on her gloves tightened slightly, and she exhaled quietly, as though steadying herself. "That night…when you caught me crying," she began, her voice trembling faintly, "you told me something. About not having to go through it alone, and although it might seem something small and miniscule, but what you said helped me immensely."
Ashiro's eyes widened as the memory resurfaced—the image of Kaguya sitting in the dimly lit living quarters, her hood down, clutching the photo of her parents.
"It's not something I've heard often," she continued, finally raising her head slightly to meet his gaze. "Most people tell me to forget. To move on like nothing happened. But you…you acknowledged the pain. You didn't dismiss it. That helped me more than you realize."
Ashiro rubbed the back of his neck, his face tinged with embarrassment. "I…I just said what I felt. I didn't think it was that big of a deal."
"It was to me," Kaguya said firmly, her voice gaining strength. "So, when I saw you struggling to find your place, I thought…I should try to return the favor. To support you like you supported me."
Ashiro stared at her, speechless. A warmth he hadn't expected welled up in his chest, and for a moment, he wasn't sure how to respond. Finally, he managed a small smile.
"Thanks, Kaguya. That…means a lot."
Kaguya nodded once, her composure returning. "Don't mention it. Just don't make me regret it by getting yourself killed."
Ashiro chuckled awkwardly. "I'll try not to."
For the first time since they met, the tension between them seemed to ease, replaced by an unspoken understanding. They sat quietly again, but this time, the silence felt different—less heavy, more comfortable.
Outside, the city lights flickered, and the muffled noises of the auction house carried faintly on the breeze. Neither noticed the faint vibrations in the ground beneath the RV as something stirred far below.