Belonging | 𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐱 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐡𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐨

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Third Person POV

"Master, another body had been discovered in Kabukichou alley." Karasu-Tengu reported.

Despite being in his day form, Rikuo still exudes his leadership aura as he sat on his Commander seat. He tilted his head towards Karasu-Tengu, his eyes widened with curiosity at his report.

 "Looks like we have a serial killer on the loose." Kurotabo noted.

"Or a work of an unrestrained yokai." Rikuo said as his eyes lingered on the report in his hands.

The four victims have all been murdered in a manner that is nearly identical, and all of these homicides have taken place within the span of a few short weeks. However, the fact that all of the victims had frost marks was the thing that really caught his attention.

'Frost marks...'

Rikuo's throat became tight. His territory is entirely devoid of snow yokai, save for his wife, Yuki-Onna. Yet he is quite sceptical that it was Tsurara's doing. If Yuki-Onna had killed someone, they would have perished from the cold. The victim, however, was killed with a blade—more particularly, a frosted blade. The only person he could think of that could conjure such a blade...

Rikuo was adamantly against the idea.

'It's impossible.'

Rikuo made the decision to keep the little truth a secret from his lower-ranking subordinates for the time being. It was necessary for him to conduct further investigation into this case without inciting dissension among the clan members.

Unbeknownst to them, a young navy black-haired boy was standing behind the translucent screen, listening in on their discussion. Just before the conversation ended, he was about to walk away from the conference room when his father's voice suddenly came to him. 

"Riei." The boy paused in his tracks and glanced at his father from the corner of his eyes.

"Where are you going?" Rikuo asked with a smile.

Taking in the sight of his father's human form for a few seconds, Riei turned his back against him and began walking away with his hands tucked into his pockets.

"Just out."

"You should bring Kurotabo and Aotabo with you. Things are getting quite dangerous in town lately." Just as Rikuo mentioned their names, Kurotabo and Aotabo spring up from behind him with a triumphant grin. They were proud to be assigned as their Young Master bodyguard. After all, it was a great honour to be bestowed on such a duty.

"Yes! The young master's safety and well-being shall be our top priority—"

"There's no need for that." Riei interjected leaving the two yokais with their mouths agape.

"I'll be fine on my own." Riei responded in a frigid manner.

"But—Master!"

"Things could get dangerous without any aide. It's been a long time since you've been out and about around the city. Are you sure you'll be fine?" Rikuo chimed in with his own thoughts but Riei just shrugged it off as he continued to walk away.