Time rewinds to before the Final Selection at Mount Fujikasane began—to Inosuke's first day of school.
"Inosuke, take care~"
"See you tomorrow~"
In the evening, as the school bell rang, Inosuke also concluded his ordinary day on campus.
Walking out of the school gate surrounded by a large group of boys and girls, Inosuke headed straight for the black vintage car parked across the street.
"Young Master Hashibira, how was your day at school?"
In the driver's seat, the old butler hurriedly got out to open the door and asked with a smile.
"It was alright, boring as hell."
Sitting in the back seat, removing his sunglasses, and casually tossing his schoolbag aside, Inosuke replied offhandedly.
"I don't know how those people can get up early and stay up late every day, sitting in that classroom for so long. Truly terrifying perseverance…"
"At noon, the Madam sent me a telegram. She still hopes that you will attend classes properly at school.
Additionally, the Madam also asked me to tell you that your former teacher, Mr. Hakuji, is currently in Tokyo as well. The Madam hopes you can visit Mr. Hakuji on her behalf…"
Hearing Inosuke's complaints, the old butler offered timely advice.
But Inosuke completely ignored him, directly changing the subject to ask:
"Did you deliver that gift I asked you to give to Aunt Mitsuba?"
"Yes, it was delivered this afternoon."
A specially customized marksman model Springfield rifle—this was the gift Inosuke had specifically prepared for Mitsuba upon his return this time.
It couldn't really be called "specifically" prepared; mainly it was because Mitsuba had previously shown interest in these firearms that Inosuke had specially prepared it.
Along with this Springfield rifle, he also sent over the design blueprints for various firearms that their Eternal Bliss Company had developed over the years.
He didn't know what Aunt Mitsuba wanted these things for. Surely she didn't want to manufacture guns herself?
"Has that shipment arrived yet?"
Leaning back against the rear seat, Inosuke suddenly asked again.
"Yes, the first batch has already passed customs and is expected to be delivered tonight."
The old butler replied in a low voice.
Indeed, Inosuke's trip to Tokyo was not simply to attend school.
As one of the actual leaders behind the Eternal Bliss Company, his return to Japan this time was actually to supervise the transport and delivery of a batch of new weapons.
A batch of new weapons specifically developed to target swordsmen who used breathing techniques.
Demons and demon hunters.
These two sides had been slaughtering each other in the darkness for over a thousand years, and now, this struggle was about to reach its conclusion.
Aunt Mitsuba—this most terrifying enemy to the demon hunters—seemed to have made up her mind to relocate the demons' stronghold in reality from Tokyo to America across the ocean within the next few years.
And before that, the first thing she needed to eliminate were these persistent demon hunters who wouldn't leave them in peace.
Inosuke had returned this time to help.
Although he was human, Inosuke felt no sense of identification with the demon hunters.
This was normal, because his position had always been on the demons' side.
After all, if your aunt was Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki, your stepfather was Upper Rank Two, your teacher since childhood was Upper Rank Three, and another Upper Rank One who worked in the government was your great-uncle…
If this were you, you'd stand on the demons' side too.
Marxist theory holds that an individual's ideology is determined by the material base of their class; thus, it is difficult for an individual to fundamentally betray their own class.
For Inosuke, his life was going perfectly well right now. He had whatever he wanted and could do whatever he pleased. His demon elders all doted on him like a precious treasure. Why would he go out of his way to protect demon hunters?
One must understand that reality and storybooks were vastly different. Justice had never represented everything, and Inosuke couldn't possibly destroy all the beauty around him for the sake of some so-called justice.
On the contrary, he would unhesitatingly eliminate all demon hunters who sought to destroy the beautiful life around him.
"Alright, let's head back first… Hm?"
Just as he finished speaking, Inosuke's peripheral vision suddenly noticed across the street outside the car window—Kanao, being surrounded by several male classmates and led toward a nearby alley.
[Isn't that the girl from earlier?]
Watching the fearful expression on Kanao's face from afar, Inosuke narrowed his eyes slightly.
"There's something I need to handle. Wait here for me."
"Yes, Young Master."
After a brief hesitation, he picked up his schoolbag, opened the door, and walked straight toward that alley.
Inside the alley, a commonplace scene of school bullying was unfolding.
"Hey, Tsuyuri-san, you haven't forgotten what we told you yesterday, right?"
In the dark, deserted alley, Kanao was cornered against the wall, clutching her schoolbag tightly to her chest.
Before her, several clearly older male students surrounded her with unfriendly expressions.
"We know your sister is that doctor at Todai. Her monthly salary isn't small, right? She probably gives you quite a bit of allowance too?
Seeing how you don't interact with anyone at school, you probably have nowhere to spend that money either?
Perfect, us brothers spent all our money going out to have fun some time ago. Why don't you share some of your money with us and let us brothers spend it on your behalf?
That would also help you solve a troublesome matter. Don't you agree, Tsuyuri-san?"
Her small face already pale with fear, Kanao merely hugged her schoolbag tightly and shook her head vigorously.
"Stop the nonsense! You mute little bitch, if you don't hand over the money today…"
"Yo, robbing people in broad daylight?"
At the alley entrance, Inosuke walked in carrying his schoolbag, interrupting their extortion.
Upon seeing him, Kanao's eyes first lit up, then she showed extreme anxiety, seemingly wanting him to leave.
"Who are you? This is none of your business! Scram!"
Several older male students shouted impatiently.
Clearly, these people didn't recognize Inosuke.
This slightly surprised Inosuke. He had thought that his high-profile enrollment this morning had already made every teacher and student in the school remember his face. He hadn't expected there to be people who didn't know him…
Seems he'd have to be even more high-profile next time.
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This story has ended in chapter 315, you can read on patreon.com/dzeref887 for faster access or wait until August to read on WebNovel until the story ends.