Chiba International Airport.
It was the start of spring break, a time when cherry blossoms fluttered through the air.
A passenger plane departing from China had just landed at Chiba International Airport, its final destination being Japan.
A handsome young man with silver hair and striking red eyes stepped off the plane, carrying a shoulder bag in his right hand.
In his left hand, he held an object wrapped in a long black cloth bag.
Dressed in a black-and-white sports outfit paired with white sneakers, a gleaming silver cross necklace hung around his neck.
With an air of youthful elegance, he exuded a carefree and refined demeanor.
From the moment he boarded the plane, he had been showered with enthusiastic hospitality by the flight attendants.
This naturally drew the envious glares of numerous middle-aged men, self-proclaimed successful individuals, who couldn't help but reveal traces of jealousy.
As Akira approached the terminal exit, the security gate suddenly flashed red, accompanied by a loud alarm.
"Seriously?"
"Even leaving the airport requires an inspection?"
Akira couldn't help but mutter in annoyance.
"Akira-kun, do you need any help?"
A middle-aged man with slicked-back black hair, carrying his daughter, strolled past the VIP lane with a teasing smile.
Earlier, in the first-class cabin of the flight, the two of them had been the most eye-catching individuals.
This middle-aged man was rather unconvinced that Akira had received more attention from the flight attendants.
During the flight, he had attempted to challenge Akira verbally, engaging in a subtle battle of wits.
Naturally, he hadn't gained the upper hand.
Before the security guards, wielding batons, could approach, Akira partially unwrapped the black cloth, revealing a meticulously maintained ancient sword with a faint bronze sheen.
"This is an artifact from China, over a thousand years old."
"A family heirloom passed down through generations. Would you like me to show you the documentation?"
The moment those words left his mouth, the security guards instinctively took a few steps back.
In this world, China was one of the few superpowers and had historically been regarded as the superior civilization by Japan.
Faced with an ancient relic from such a prestigious country, the security guards immediately lost their authority.
One glance at the obviously antique sword and the noble-looking young man before them was enough to make them hesitate even to check it. They hastily responded:
"Sir, please proceed through the VIP lane."
"Uncle Tenma, there's no need."
"This is an artifact with proper documentation."
"But I must admit, I'm curious—could the sword in your hand be one of the legendary blades recorded in China's history?"
A glint of cunning flashed in Kashiwazaki Tenma's eyes as he feigned curiosity like an ordinary man.
Beside him, a blonde, well-endowed beauty turned her head at his words.
"Classified information."
"Uncle Tenma, Sena, see you around."
Akira swiftly rewrapped the sword, waved nonchalantly, and prepared to leave.
He had already spotted his family.
"Tsk!"
"Akira-kun, it seems like the sword you carry truly is a historically renowned blade from China!"
Kashiwazaki Tenma remarked meaningfully.
Akira paused briefly before quickening his pace.
Damn it, compared to these cunning old foxes, he was still too green.
He shouldn't have responded with "classified information"—that just confirmed it.
"Akira-kun, after getting to know each other so well, won't you at least tell us your real name before you go?"
"Sena is super curious!"
"D-Dad, I am NOT!"
"Y-you're just talking nonsense!"
Kashiwazaki Sena's fair face instantly turned as red as a Fuji apple, her embarrassment manifesting in a flustered outburst.
"Uncle Tenma, you brought this upon yourself."
Hearing Tenma's deliberately provocative words, Akira's expression darkened.
Leaving now would feel like letting Tenma get away with a successful setup.
Thus, he swiftly turned back and, in a few quick strides, closed the distance to stand face-to-face with the tsundere beauty, Sena.
They were so close they could feel each other's breath.
"W-what are you doing?!"
"I-I'll have you know, my dad is right here watching!"
Her words immediately rendered both Tenma and Akira speechless.
Tenma sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration.
What in the world was his silly daughter saying?!
"So next, are you going to say—'If you dare bully me, my super strong dad won't let you get away with it'?"
Sena's face turned even redder. She blurted out instinctively:
"H-how did you know?!"
"Because that's exactly what a kid says when they get bullied and want to tattle to an adult."
"But, as far as I remember, I haven't bullied you yet."
Realizing what she had just said, Sena wished she could dig a hole and crawl into it.
Too embarrassing!
She had utterly humiliated herself.
How disgraceful for a noble lady like herself!
"Maybe I should actually bully you one day when Uncle Tenma isn't around."
"Otherwise, it would be a waste of what you just said."
"Y-you! I'm not talking to you anymore!"
"Dad, let's go!"
Sena turned, trying to pull her father along with her.
But with the reflexes of a seasoned swordsman, Akira swiftly grabbed her delicate hand from behind.
"Haha, just kidding."
"Sena, would you like to be my lifelong friend?"
"Didn't we have a great time chatting on the plane?"
"I don't have many friends either."
Hearing those words, which felt like fate itself, the friendless Sena was instantly moved.
Forgetting about her father, she turned back and excitedly responded:
"I-I'd love to!"
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