Once a mobster, now Masachika Kuze

Ryan watched from a distance as Rena spoke with Ooishi. The girl's posture was worrying; she appeared distressed, frightened, and confused, as if she were on the verge of a breakdown.

Before his thoughts could delve deeper, he felt a slight tug on his shirt. He looked down and found Rika gazing at him with a concerned expression.

"Masachika, are you sure this will work?" Her voice was low, but the tension in her words was undeniable.

Ryan took a deep breath, responding in the same hushed tone, as if plotting something he didn't want anyone else to overhear. "Well... the police aren't a problem anymore. Now we just need to figure out how to deal with this Syndrome."

Rika clenched her fists, her brow furrowing. "That's exactly what worries me…"

The air between them grew heavy, but the moment was interrupted by a familiar presence. Satoko was approaching, her expression distant, as though lost in her own thoughts.

Rika quickly adjusted her demeanor, replacing the serious look with a radiant smile. She ran toward her friend, waving delicately, giving her the appearance of a princess straight out of a fairy tale. "Oyaio, Satoko!"

Satoko stared at her for a moment, assessing her from head to toe. Slowly, a smile spread across her face. "Ooohohoho! Rika, you look like a city girl in those clothes!"

Rika, pretending to strike a cat-like pose, lifted one leg elegantly and replied playfully, "Masachika-kun got them for me. Do you think I look cute? Nipaa~! >⩊< ♡"

Satoko raised a thumbs-up, covering part of her face with her other hand. "You're literally the embodiment of sin, Rika."

Rika grinned, tilting her head with exaggerated sweetness, but soon returned to a more casual tone. "You seemed lost, Satoko. Did something happen?"

As Ryan approached, his hands in his pockets and his steps lazy, Satoko began to explain hesitantly, "Eh... I'm not sure what happened. My uncle opened the door for some men... They took him to talk in a black van. After a while, he came back acting strange. He was shaking a lot and said he needed to take care of some things. I don't know if he'll come back…"

Her words carried a mix of emotions, mirrored in her uncertain gaze.

Ryan let out a carefree laugh and gave her a light pat on the shoulder. "Today's a day for fun, you little rascal! Let's forget about that, okay?" He winked at her, trying to lighten the mood.

Satoko nodded, though she still seemed uneasy. Moments later, Ryan felt a chill run down his spine, a distinct warning he couldn't ignore.

"L0l!con, you filthy scoundrel."

He froze. He didn't need to look to know whose voice that was. Taking a deep breath, he replied slowly and cautiously, as if treading on thin ice. "Yuno… good morning, princess! Don't you think it's a bit early for this?"

Bracing himself for the worst, Ryan turned around, expecting to find the girl holding something menacing—perhaps a Barrett rifle aimed at his masculine pride.

But the sight before him left him completely disarmed.

Yuno was immaculate. She wore sunglasses perched atop her head, her pink hair gleaming as if fresh from a shampoo commercial, styled in her signature look. A touch of lipstick highlighted her lips, while her black dress, fitted to her body, left little to the imagination. The shiny fabric gave her an elegant yet provocative air, complemented by a pink bow at her neck that added an unexpected touch of delicacy.

The short, flared skirt revealed black thigh-high stockings, leaving a strategic gap of skin visible. The suspenders holding up the stockings added a bold charm to the ensemble.

Ryan felt the words slip out of his mouth almost powerlessly: "I... I can fix her…"

Yuno clicked her tongue, crossing her arms impatiently. "What did you just say? And don't ever call me princess again."

Ryan let out a nervous laugh. "I meant that you look… different, that's all!"

Yuno raised an eyebrow, her expression wavering between irritation and amusement. But she stood her ground, making it clear she wouldn't tolerate more teasing that day.

Before Ryan could dwell further on Yuno's stunning appearance, his attention shifted as he noticed Rena returning from her conversation with Ooishi. Her expression was calmer now, though a faint shadow of uncertainty still lingered. The weight she carried seemed to have lessened.

"Is everything okay, Rena? What was it about? Is there anything we can do to help?" Mion asked gently, careful not to press too much.

"It's nothing," Rena replied with a soft smile, tilting her head delicately. "He just wanted one last conversation about a case he was investigating. But don't worry, from what he said, it's all resolved now."

Rika, who had been watching closely, let out a discreet sigh of relief before glancing at Ryan. With a faint smile, she whispered, "Thank you, Masachika. Sorry for doubting you earlier. I think we've temporarily solved the Hinamizawa Syndrome issue. Now, we just need to figure out who exactly is killing me each time… and why."

Ryan nodded solemnly. "Yeah. We'll stay alert, but since we still have a bit of time until then…"

He glanced at the group, observing everyone present. His thoughts began to wander, and a certain unease surfaced in his mind. His grandfather—or rather, that old bastard—would undoubtedly demand repayment for the favor he'd granted, with interest.

Yuki, as an ordinary human, had no clue about the true nature of the Suou family. But Ryan, with his broader vision and understanding of the supernatural, knew there was far more happening behind the scenes. He might not be a god in the omnipotent sense he once imagined, but he was a being beyond mortal comprehension. That gave him a clear understanding that his family was far from ordinary.

He vaguely recalled stories about curses, sorcerers, and forbidden techniques. Although he didn't fully grasp what it all meant, he was certain that whatever "favor" his grandfather requested would be anything but mundane.

Ryan crossed his arms, gazing at the horizon as his thoughts deepened. All the surrounding sounds seemed to fade away.

"Damn…" he muttered to himself. "Now that I think about it, that old man has too many plans and ambitions… After all, he didn't even hesitate to agree to help me." He shrugged, trying to push his worries aside.

When he turned his attention back to the group, he saw Rika, Satoko, and the others chatting, smiles breaking out amidst the lightness of the moment. A brief flicker of peace crossed his mind. "Maybe I should focus on the now…"

Almost like a jolt, something struck him. He blinked, glancing around before grumbling to himself, "Damn, where's Arona?"

"Well, anyway, since we're all here, why don't we enjoy the festival together?"