Two hours later, Rinji picked up Karura, who was still in Tokyo. Together they headed to the Kure clan's base in Kyoto.

They were greeted by Karura's mother, Kure Yakusha.

It was the New Year, and the base was unusually lively.

Everyone here looked distinctly different from ordinary people, all possessing black sclera and golden irises. Their eyes carried at least a hint of murderous intent.

Thousands of clan members—all professional assassins.

But despite how terrifying they might seem at first glance, in actual interactions, the Kure clan was surprisingly polite, with personalities not too different from regular people.

"This must be your first time here, right, Rinji?"

Yakusha, dressed in a kimono, walked the streets with Rinji and Karura. This entire area, the size of a county, was Kure clan territory.

"Yes, it's my first visit."

"Feel free to treat it like your own home," Yakusha said with a smile. "After all, you and Karura are officially together now~"

"Thanks, but what about that old man in your family…"

"You mean Grandpa? Don't worry about him. It's been long enough—he'll have to accept it eventually."

…

"Why the hell are you here, you damn brat!?"

Rinji: "..."

Inside the main estate of the Kure clan headquarters, Kure Erioh sat at the center seat, veins bulging with rage the moment he saw Rinji.

He looked about ready to grab the sword beside him and slash Rinji on the spot.

Rinji looked to Yakusha for help. She merely smiled. "Told you—he still hasn't accepted reality."

"Grandpa~"

Karura, clinging to Rinji's arm, ran over happily to Erioh.

As soon as he saw his precious great-granddaughter, the furious Erioh instantly softened, beaming with warmth. The speed of his mood shift was astonishing.

"Ah, Karura! Long time no see, come here and let Grandpa have a look!"

"Didn't we see each other just last month?"

Despite being her great-grandfather, Karura called him "Grandpa," and Erioh never corrected her.

In fact, anything Karura did, he saw as correct.

Satisfied just seeing her, Erioh coughed lightly and turned to Rinji.

"Fine. Since you're here, stay. Spend New Year with the Kure clan—after all, you're Karura's future husband."

"So you've finally accepted it, huh?"

"Like hell I have!!"

Erioh suddenly covered his face and burst into tears.

"My great-granddaughter… my precious little girl!!! She's just a high schooler! And you, you little shit, stole her away from me!!"

Rinji: ⊙▽⊙

"Don't look at me with that face, damn it!!"

…

The New Year banquet was full of warmth and energy.

The food wasn't fancy, but the variety and quantity were impressive—enough for the entire Kure clan.

"Rinji, here you go."

"Ah, thanks."

Rinji took the freshly served rice from Karura's hands.

Even though he couldn't go back to his hometown this year, spending the New Year at his girlfriend's place, surrounded by people, felt pretty good.

"How long are you staying here?" Karura asked.

"About a week. I want to spend more time with you," Rinji smiled.

"That's great~"

The banquet was held at several long tables. Karura sat to Rinji's right. Naturally, to his left was—

"Rinji~ It's rare for you to come—aren't you going to spend some time with me?"

"Scram."

Sitting on his left was Kure Fusui.

Fusui was particularly unruly, leaning close and poking Rinji's cheek.

"Aww, now that you've got Karura, you're going to forget all about me? That really hurts, you know~"

"I don't see a trace of pain on your face."

Rinji put down his chopsticks and looked around helplessly.

"Also, don't you think it's a little cramped over here?"

"That's because Karura and I are both beside you."

"No, I mean…"

Rinji scanned his surroundings.

Both sides of his table were packed with Kure clan members. That was fine—it was their base, after all.

The issue was that this particular table…

Was full of women.

All of them were young—barely in their twenties—and stunning.

And each of them was looking at Rinji with an unsettling gaze.

"Oh, they're probably looking for a chance to 'eat' you."

"Huh?"

"This is the Kure clan's turf. You'll get used to it," Fusui grinned. "If not, just make sure you put a few extra locks on your door tonight. Oh, and leave yours unlocked for me."

"Go chill somewhere else."

---

"I didn't expect you to be here too! That's great! Let's fight!"

"Don't get too excited after eating."

After dinner, Karura went to her room to change. Fusui led Rinji into the courtyard, where they bumped into Kure Raian resting beside the library.

The moment Raian saw Rinji, a vicious grin spread across his face as he stood up and walked slowly toward him.

Physically, Rinji looked tiny next to Raian.

"Bro, it's New Year," Fusui sighed. "If you get beat up now, your luck will suck all year."

"True."

Rinji patted Raian on the shoulder, smiling kindly.

"You're not getting any younger. After you marry Karura, we'll all be family. If you keep acting like a hot-headed brute, I really worry about your future."

Rinji's "I'm your dad and I know best" tone was incredibly condescending.

Raian grin only widened.

He clearly wanted to throw hands.

"Rinji~"

At that moment, Karura came running over. Erioh followed behind her.

Now dressed in a kimono, Karura looked every bit the elegant beauty with her long black hair.

"Karura, that outfit suits you perfectly."

"Hehe, I really like it too." Karura twirled for him.

"But of course," Erioh said proudly. "I commissioned that kimono from a top designer…"

Karura said, "Kimonos are great. They're so easy to take off when we're in Rinji's room later."

"Pfft!"

Erioh collapsed, coughing blood into his hand.

Rinji squatted beside him, pretending to be concerned. "Hey, old man, you alright?"

"You brat! You—!"

Rinji: ⊙▽⊙

"HORIO! HOLLIS! RAIAN! Beat the hell out of that little bastard for me!!"