"Hey, Yamada..."
"Yes, Lady Kanade?"
"Don't say anything nonsensical anymore, got it?"
"Yes, Lady Kanade..."
Yamada replied, casting a creepy smile toward Kanade that made her recoil in disgust.
"Gehh."
As the two were about to head home, a figure approached them. It was a woman of fine height wearing a black butler suit, her hair tied in black twin tails. At first, Yamada didn't spare her a glance, but as she drew closer, he realized she was heading straight for them.
The woman, Kirisaki Tsumiho, stopped and spoke to Yamada coldly.
"At last, we meet."
"..."
"..."
The two looked confused, especially Yamada, who found himself the sudden target of Tsumiho's attention. He replied hesitantly.
"Umm, who are you talking to? Is it me?"
Before he could say more, Kanade cut in.
"Clearly she's talking to you, dork."
She whispered into Yamada's ear.
Tsumiho glanced at Kanade for a second before shifting her gaze back to Yamada.
"Yamada Naoto, I'm going to be direct with you."
"..."
"I want you to join us, our group."
"What group?"
Yamada asked, bewildered.
"The Nobugumi. I want you to be a part of it."
"The Nobugumi?!"
Yamada froze. The name was familiar.
"The Nobugumi, they were once allied with the Tachimagumi."
Yamada muttered.
Tsumiho nodded.
"Indeed. We were once allies. And if my memory serves, we've met before, haven't we? You as well, Miss Tachima Kanade."
Kanade remained silent, meeting Tsumiho's words with a cold, piercing stare.
"I am truly amazed that you recognized Lady Yuriko's name so quickly."
Tsumiho continued, praising Kanade.
"Even though you haven't met in years, your memory is sharp. The Lady of the Tachimagumi is as intelligent as they say."
Kanade didn't break her stare, looking as though she were ready to strike. Yamada, however, reacted differently to the name.
"Wait, Yuriko? No... it must be a coincidence."
"It is no coincidence."
Tsumiho countered.
"My Lady, Nobukawa Yuriko, is the heir to the Nobugumi and a classmate of Miss Tachima."
"Wait, Nobukawa? So it really is Lady Kanade's classmate? The one from the 'blood lettering' incident in their classroom?"
Kanade finally spoke up.
"I remember you now. You were with that girl. And from the way you're talking, it seems you've been eavesdropping on our conversations with that annoying girl?"
She is talking to Yuzuri Kyoko when they were talking about Nobukawa Yuriko in school.
Tsumiho replied calmly.
"Precisely. Though I won't disclose how I obtained your conversation."
"You bitc-"
"Lady Kanade."
Yamada stopped her before she could escalate. He turned his attention back to Tsumiho.
"I'm afraid I can't accept your offer. Besides, we both know the history between our families. That alliance was dissolved for a reason."
Tsumiho's expression didn't change.
"Do you still cling to the past matters of your dead family, Black Demon?"
"..."
"..."
"Yamada Naoto. The skilled frontline right hand of the Tachimagumi. The beast of the family. The Black Demon."
"..."
"Other Yakuza groups couldn't stand against you. Even when fighting alone, you wiped out entire squads. A true demon."
"..."
"You still have those skills, don't you? Join us. We will ensure those talents are honed. We will pay any price you desire. Surely you are fed up with playing babysitter every day?"
Kanade snapped.
"You BITCH!! Don't you dare-"
Yamada held up a hand, silencing her.
"It's true."
Yamada said.
"Lady Kanade can be mean to me and others. There are days I probably should want to quit taking care of her."
"Yamada, what are you-"
Kanade replied.
Yamada cut her off, his voice firm.
"But I won't."
"..."
"Even though she's difficult, she is a kind lady, and the Boss entrusted her to me. I'm rejecting your offer. You should leave now. Let's go, Lady Kanade."
Yamada took Kanade by the hand, pulling her along as they walked toward their house.
Tsumiho called out after them.
"Just so you know, I'm not giving up, Yamada Naoto."
"Suit yourself, Miss."
"I neglected to introduce myself properly. My name is Kirisaki Tsumiho. It was a pleasure."
"..."
"We shall meet again... Black Demon."
TO BE CONTINUED...