"Summoned by the Hīragi Family" Afterward, the two continued to talk about Aoki's lover, before Shinoa Hīragi initiated her departure. "Oh,
"Summoned by the Hīragi Family"
Afterward, the two continued to talk about Aoki's lover, before Shinoa Hīragi initiated her departure.
"Oh, right, Aoki, the Lieutenant Colonel said Yūichirō should wake up in five days after the coma, so you should go visit him then," Shinoa Hīragi said, closing the door. Then, she suddenly opened it again, her face flushed.
"Next time, remember to lock the door."
Five days after the Shinjuku battle, Yūichirō Hyakuya awoke from his coma, just as Guren Ichinose had predicted.
All members of Aoki's squad, except Aoki himself, visited him. Aoki's absence wasn't due to unwillingness, but rather a desire to maintain his aloof image.
However, Aoki didn't need to worry too much about Yūichirō Hyakuya. His biggest concern was himself.
News of his ability to single-handedly fight four vampire nobles would spread throughout the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, reaching all the various families. Other families were one thing, but the Hīragi family, the leaders of the army, wouldn't let such a talented individual remain under Guren Ichinose's command.
Aoki was certain the Hīragi family would soon approach him, inviting him to join. If he refused, they might resort to stronger measures, such as threatening his comrades.
Several nights earlier…
On the rooftop of a ruined building, Ferid Bathory, who should have been in vampire territory, appeared.
"Ah, things seem to be progressing smoothly.
That human, however, exceeded my expectations. His strength is remarkable.
Perhaps only Krul Tepes could single-handedly suppress him in all of Japan," Ferid Bathory said, standing at the edge of the rooftop, overlooking the city below.
"But your human's insatiable desires and our vampire's arrogant disdain are quite something, wouldn't you agree? My highly anticipated partner." Ferid Bathory turned to a human standing behind him.
He produced a stack of files and handed them over. "So cold. Here, this is our research data. Oh, right, I almost forgot—"
Before Ferid Bathory could finish, the human left after taking the files, without even glancing back.
"Ha, really—"
"Shigure!"
Below a Japanese Imperial Demon Army building, Shinoa Hīragi swung her scythe at a black mist monster, targeting Guren Ichinose, the commander of the Moon Demon Company of the Vampire Extermination Unit.
Guren Ichinose simply raised his sword slightly. "Lend me your strength, Mahiru."
Black mist enveloped his sword. With a single horizontal slash, the monster was cut in two.
In the next instant, Shinoa Hīragi appeared behind Guren Ichinose, her scythe at his throat, but she didn't strike.
"Why hesitate? Kill me if you want. If you were the one to kill me, I wouldn't mind," Guren Ichinose said, showing no surprise.
"Lieutenant Colonel, why didn't you dodge? Saying you don't mind being killed… is it because you feel guilty about killing my sister, Mahiru Hīragi, and want atonement? My sister fell in love with you, knowing it was impossible. To be with you, she chose to be possessed by a demon, and then—" Shinoa Hīragi said.
"Yes, I killed her," Guren Ichinose admitted.
"But my sister still lives within that sword, doesn't she?
Lieutenant Colonel, you're possessed by her. She betrayed the Hīragi family to complete the Cursed Gear.
Lieutenant Colonel, you want to use Yūichirō because of my sister's orders? What is your goal? If this doesn't benefit Yūichirō, will you stop?"
Shinoa Hīragi sheathed her scythe, transforming it back into a key.
"Ha, what's with you? Have you fallen for Yūichirō?" Guren Ichinose said, hand on his hip, pointing his sword at Shinoa Hīragi.
"He's in there, but I'm in control. I'm not possessed."
Guren Ichinose turned to leave.
"What if I don't believe you?"
"I don't know. Suit yourself."
As Aoki expected, he was summoned to meet the Hīragi family.
Unexpectedly, Yūichirō Hyakuya was also summoned.
Near their destination, they encountered Guren Ichinose, leaning against a wall, with an air of superiority.
Upon seeing them, he straightened.
"Wagging your tails at the summons of the main family, are we?"
"What do you mean?" Yūichirō Hyakuya asked, confused. Aoki remained silent, unsure if he understood.
"Ah, Yūichirō, do you know? Long ago, an old man saved a crane caught in a trap. The crane repaid him by weaving beautiful silk from its feathers. You should know, I saved you. I not only saved you but also taught you how to survive and use a sword," Guren Ichinose said proudly.
"Huh? What does that mean? It sounds like you're claiming to be my benefactor. What are you talking about?" Yūichirō Hyakuya asked, still confused. Aoki remained silent.
Guren Ichinose continued, "If you feel indebted to me, repay me today. You belong to me, so don't try to curry favor with the Hīragi family."
Guren Ichinose then looked at Aoki, who had remained silent. As for you, honestly, I can't control you. You're stronger than I am.
Arguably, the entire Japanese Imperial Demon Army couldn't find your equal.
But the Hīragi family is the head of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army; it's understandable if you want to join them, as you'd have access to better resources.
"But I still want to say, if you can, stay with me. You and your squad have been together for a while. If you go to the Hīragi family, you might not find comrades like them."
Aoki, who had been silent, finally spoke. "In my opinion, the Japanese Imperial Demon Army is nothing but struggling ants before the vampires."
"The vampires' true strength is beyond your imagination. Even if I join the Hīragi family, the Japanese Imperial Demon Army will likely still be destroyed."
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