Chapter 16
It was a clear evening in Tokyo. The sun had long dipped beyond the horizon, leaving behind streaks of amber and violet across the skies. The air was cool, carrying the scent of fresh rain from the day before, and the streetlamps flickered awake one by one, painting the sidewalks in a pale golden glow.
For Renji, life had finally begun to feel normal again. The pain of his family's tragedy once an open wound that consumed every waking moment was no longer the shadow that followed him. He had found something new. A family not of blood, but of bond.
That family was Choji, his ever-loyal friend who had stood by him through everything, he had slowly become someone Renji quietly cherished more than he could admit aloud and Lily his little sister whom he promised to protect even with his dying breath
Over the past year, the three of them had grown inseparable. So inseparable, in fact, that Renji and Choji had moved into the same neighborhood, only a few doors apart. Their days were filled with laughter, shared meals, and the kind of warmth Renji thought he would never feel again.
As the sky deepened into indigo and the cicadas hummed their evening chorus, Lily approached Renji with a gentle smile.
Big brother..it's a clear night c'mon Let's go for a walk please ?.... she said softly, tugging at his sleeve.
Renji hesitated for a moment, No no I'm a little tired
But Lily cried out Big Brother please!!
Renji was puzzled and said why?
Lily answerd with a shy expression kindled in her face N-N-Nothing.. I-I-I just miss you and have a walk with you
Renji burst out into laughter causing Lily to blush so much so her face turned red
And renji said of course I'll go with you...
They stepped out into the night air together, only to see Choji stepping out of his own doorway, yawning loudly and stretching his arms.
Oi, where are you two going without me?..Choji grumbled, though his grin betrayed his words.
Lily giggled, Maybe we just didn't want to suffer through your cooking anymore.
Renji joined in, smirking. I've been meaning to say this, Choji. I always hated your cooking. Always....
Choji clutched his chest in mock betrayal. You traitors! Are kidding me , my food has kept you alive this long..
Their laughter carried into the night. For a time, it was nothing but warmth siblings teasing, a found family enjoying each other's company, their voices chasing away the silence of the sleeping streets.
But beneath that lighthearted air, something else stirred.
Something darker.
As they wandered down a quieter path lined with empty shops and closed stalls, Choji suddenly slowed. His laughter died mid-sentence, replaced by a sharp tension in his posture. His eyes flickered to the corners of the street, the rooftops and the darkness between the lamps.
Renji noticed instantly. Choji what's wrong?
Choji didn't answer at first. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting his mana extend outward like invisible tendrils. Unlike most B-rankers, Choji's gift had always been his sensory magic a sharp perception that cut through illusions, lies, and even hidden intentions.
And what he sensed now chilled his blood.
…We're being watched, he muttered,
Renji blinked. I don't understand watched? By who??
Choji's voice hardened, almost a growl. Not just watched. There's killing intent. Strong. Focused. Whoever it is… they want us dead.
The words seemed to shift the air itself. The once peaceful street now felt suffocating, every shadow pressing in on them.
Renji froze for a heartbeat then something primal awoke inside him. His instincts screamed louder than reason. He didn't hesitate. Without a word, he scooped Lily into his arms.
Her eyes widened, startled ehh big brother, what's going on?!
Renji's breath came sharp. No time, Lily just hold on and don't let go
Both of them ran as fast as they could
Choji barked, his gaze fixed on the shifting darkness behind them. Just run let's go!!!
They sprinted down the empty streets, Renji carrying Lily effortlessly despite the weight, Choji racing ahead with his mana stretched outward like a living radar. The sound of their hurried steps echoed against the stone walls.
But the killing intent followed.
It wasn't just strong no it was overwhelming. It grew heavier with every passing second, like a predator closing in, savoring the chase. Choji's heart pounded as he caught flickers of the mana trailing them, weaving through shadows, never too far, never too close.
It's fast shit it's too fast! Choji hissed. His senses screamed that the danger was no ordinary hunter. Whoever this was, their intent to kill burned so vividly it almost drowned the night itself.
Renji muttered under his breath, his voice tight with unease. Kill…? Someone wants us dead…? Why?.. what have we done we are nobodies
But there was no time to ask questions.
They turned corner after corner, their lungs burning, until at last they stumbled into a dead end.
An isolated stretch of the city, boxed in by crumbling walls and rusted fences. No alleyways left, no open streets, no way forward.
Renji cursed under his breath. Damn it.
Now what !
Choji screamed let's go We'll turn around!
But as they pivoted, the night itself seemed to split apart but suddenly a figure stepped forward, the air twisting as if reality itself rejected his presence.
He had been cloaked in stealth magic, a skill refined to near-perfection. But now, with deliberate slowness, he deactivated it. The shimmer of invisibility fell, revealing the hunter beneath.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. His eyes burned with venomous obsession. His presence was suffocating, his killing intent flooding the alley like poison.
It was him.
Tang Shi.
The man who should have been leagues away and the man Takeda had warned.
His lips curled into a cruel smile as his gaze locked onto Renji.
With a cold shimmer gaze in his eyes he says "Finally… I've found you."