Yanagi Uzaki was as stacked as her sister but taller and younger—a true super-beauty. She hid most of her features behind long bangs, appearing gloomy to strangers, but Ethan knew she was actually lively and loved gossip. He had gifted Kiri the latest video games, which immediately earned him the boy's worship.
Fujio Uzaki, the muscular fitness coach, was impressed by Ethan's manners and physique. "I'm Fujio, Hana's father. You have a great build. Any interest in body-building?"
Ethan smiled. If he took off his shirt, his "Golden Ratio" muscles, forged through divine martial arts, would make the coach look like an amateur.
"Ethan Uesugi. I'm a junior at Kuoh, same as Hana. My parents are abroad, so I stay with the Takamine family."
Dinner was harmonious, but underneath the surface, things were shifting. Yanagi was already mesmerized by Ethan's aura. She, like her mother, had a vivid imagination fueled by "forbidden" manga. Meanwhile, Tsuki was struggling to keep her eyes off him.
After dinner, Ethan declined a ride home and walked out into the cool November night. As soon as he stepped out, he felt it: Malice.
He sensed several men lurking in the shadows of the residential area. Using his spiritual perception, he realized they weren't just random passersby. They were eyeing the Uzaki house. From dinner conversation, Ethan had gathered clues: Kiri's friends had been pestering him about his "hot mom and sisters," and Fujio had mentioned inviting a large group of "sturdy gym friends" over soon.
Ethan's mind flashed through the classic tropes: the "Gym Coach's Wife" or "Friend's Hot Sisters" scenarios. Whether it was his "Inner Demon" attracting this or just the natural result of three world-class beauties living together, the threat was real.
Ethan didn't hesitate. He temporarily unsealed his power and used Azure Flames. In the dark of the night, he "evaporated" several men who were exuding predatory intent. These were social dregs who intended to use force. If they had tricked their way into the house, even a coach like Fujio couldn't protect four people against armed thugs.
Over the next few days, Ethan acted as a secret guardian, eliminating nearly a dozen "thugs" targeting the family.