Chapter 18: Dangerous Happiness
(WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS BLOOD AND VIOLENCE. SENSITIVE READERS ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION.)
Kaito stood in front of an old sword master's shop. He looked up at the sign, which read: "Blades coated with Kanata's special oil." He frowned in disgust.
Kaito (disgusted):
"What a strange and ridiculous name… whatever."
He stepped inside the shop and saw an elderly man standing behind the counter. Kaito spoke seriously.
Kaito:
"Good afternoon, sir. I'd like to ask you a few questions.
I am Kaito, a Level 1 Hunter from the West Sakura Headquarters.
I want to talk about the recent Kuiri incidents."
The old man nodded to show he understood.
Old Man:
"From the West Headquarters? Interesting… I was questioned not long ago, actually.
You're talking about the attack where the young man in the horse carriage died, right?"
Kaito looked surprised and stuttered slightly.
Kaito:
"Y-yes, but you—"
The old man laughed.
Old Man:
"What is it, boy? What's so surprising?"
Kaito grew even more serious.
Kaito:
"I thought I was the first one to question you. Anyway… could you tell me what you were asked?"
The man chuckled, his chuckle turning into loud laughter.
Old Man:
"Hehe… HAHAHAHAHA!"
Kaito flinched but immediately realized the truth—this man was a Kuiri. He drew the sword from his waist and pointed it at him. At that moment, he felt someone draw a sword behind him.
The old man who had been in front of him was now standing behind him.
Kaito whispered through clenched teeth.
Kaito:
"Damn it…"
Meanwhile, Yuki and Haruto exited the toy shop. Haruto gently took Yuki's hand.
Haruto (smiling):
"Now let's buy you some nice clothes."
Yuki nodded with a smile.
Yuki:
"Haruto… does everyone at the headquarters have a special ability?"
At first, Haruto didn't understand, but then it clicked. He smirked slightly and looked ahead.
Haruto:
"Hm… I see. Yes, everyone has their own ability."
Yuki's eyes widened.
Yuki:
"Wow… really? Then what's yours, Haru?"
Haruto squeezed Yuki's hand a little and smiled at him.
Haruto:
"You're sweeter and smarter than I thought, Yuki.
Alright then—how about a short explanation?"
They entered a clothing store. While Yuki looked around curiously, Haruto examined clothes that would fit him.
Haruto:
"Is there a color you like, Yuki? Or any outfit you like here?"
Yuki looked around.
Yuki:
"They're all so pretty, Haru."
Haruto smiled, put the clothes back, and turned to him.
Haruto:
"We're a family now, Yuki. Tell me—what do you like?"
Yuki looked again and noticed a red-and-gray kimono with small patterns on it.
Yuki:
"I like that one… Haru."
Haruto smiled warmly.
Haruto:
"That's a great choice. Kaito likes that style too.
Red is his favorite color."
Yuki laughed.
Yuki:
"It's my favorite color too."
Haruto chuckled and gently pinched Yuki's cheek.
Back in the shop, Kaito stood frozen in place, sweat running down his face.
Kaito:
"Hah… are you serious? You're better than I expected."
The Kuiri laughed loudly.
Old Man:
"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment."
After finishing their kimono shopping, Haruto and Yuki headed toward the fountain where they were supposed to meet Kaito. Suddenly, Yuki spoke up.
Yuki:
"Haru! You were talking about abilities earlier!"
Haruto laughed.
Haruto:
"Then let's start with Kaito."
Yuki nodded eagerly and listened.
Haruto:
"Kaito is very cunning. His special ability is—"
(The scene shifts to Kaito.)
The old man suddenly realized Kaito's hand was on his shoulder. He froze, unable to move. Kaito leaned close to his ear.
(The scene cuts back to Haruto and Yuki.)
Haruto:
"You can never predict what he'll do.
He wields a magical Kuiri Hunter weapon—one that can transform into a sword or an electrified chain-like whip."
Kaito:
"Boo."
In an instant, the man's arm was torn apart. Before he could even scream, Kaito pressed one of his Kuiri cards to the back of the man's neck and whispered.
Kaito:
"You are banned from this place."
The man let out a scream filled with agony.
Old Man:
"AAAAAAAH!"
Kaito pulled his hand back and chuckled.
Kaito:
"Seriously? You were good… but I've seen this too many times, old man."
Haruto:
"And that's Kaito's ability."
(Kaito was standing across the fountain, waiting for them.)
Haruto:
"He's waiting for us over there, Yuki. I'll tell you about everyone else's abilities later."
Yuki looked both curious and troubled.
Yuki:
"But Haru… I really want to know."
Haruto chuckled.
Haruto:
"A little curiosity is good."
He waved at Kaito.
Haruto:
"So? How did it go, Kaito?"
Kaito smiled and pointed to the inside of his jacket. Inside was a bloodstained Kuiri core.
Haruto gave him a sly look.
Haruto:
"Looks like the wrong package was delivered, huh?"
Kaito smirked slightly between his cold, serious gaze.
Kaito:
"Yeah… sure."