Chapter: 39
After the meeting ended, the chairmen slowly left the room one by one. The heavy atmosphere lightened, though doubts still lingered in their hearts.
Takeda stayed behind, standing near the large window overlooking the city. Arisa followed him quietly. She wasn't sure why—maybe to thank him, maybe because her own thoughts were unsettled.
Takeda finally spoke, his voice calm but firm as always.
"Thank you, Arisa. For backing me up."
Arisa blinked, then shook her head.
"I didn't do it for you, Takeda-san… I did it for Renji."
Her voice softened, carrying a weight she hadn't realized was there.
"He's… he's a person with a warm heart. I could see it. He isn't what they think he is."
Her cheeks flushed pink as the words slipped out. She quickly looked away, embarrassed by her own tone.
Takeda glanced at her and, for the first time in a while, let a small smile tug at his lips.
"Sounds like you like him."
"Ehhhhh?!" Arisa's face burned red instantly. She waved her hands in front of her, stumbling over her words.
"N-No! No, no, no! I don't even know him that well
I just met him! He's just… just a friend, that's all!"
Takeda raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
"Then why are you blushing? In all the years I've known you, Arisa, I've never seen you blush because of anyone."
Her heart pounded against her chest like a drum. She tried to calm her voice, but it came out as a squeak.
"N-Nothing! It's nothing, Takeda-san! Don't misunderstand!"
Takeda chuckled lowly, not pressing further. But Arisa's pulse only quickened. Why… why do I feel this way whenever I hear Renji's name?
Before she could think any deeper....
A loud, booming voice cut through the air like a thunderclap.
"TAKEDA-SANNNN!!!"
Both Takeda and Arisa turned their heads.
At the entrance stood Hiroto, his fists clenched, his chest puffed out with dramatic confidence. Behind him, Anya had one hand pressed against her forehead, shaking her head as if she was used to this.
Arisa let out a quick breath of relief and took the chance to quietly excuse herself. She slipped out of the room, grateful for the interruption—but that uneasy feeling in her chest refused to fade.
Meanwhile, Hiroto marched forward, his voice echoing through the Bureau halls.
"Now I'm ready to challenge you!"
Staff members passing by stopped in their tracks. Hunters on patrol froze. Murmurs spread instantly.
"Eh?! Did he just say challenge Takeda?"
"Is Hiroto serious?"
"No way… not again."
Anya sighed behind him, muttering under her breath.
"This idiot never learns…"
Hiroto planted his foot forward like a hero about to give a speech.
"Takeda-san, I've grown stronger since the last time! I trained, I fought, I conquered dungeons! Now I'm ready to face you!"
Takeda turned, his expression unreadable, though the faintest trace of a smile appeared.
"Oh? You think you can?"
Hiroto's eyes gleamed with fire.
"Yes! Last time you defeated me with just one finger… but now now I will not fall so easily!"
The staff watching whispered louder. Some were shocked, others tried to hold in laughter. Anya just dragged her hand down her face, already imagining how this would end.
Takeda crossed his arms slowly, his presence filling the room.
"Very well, Hiroto. Show me… the strength you claim to have gained."
Hiroto grinned wide, cracking his knuckles.
"This time… victory will be mine!"