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０３

First Arc
Chapter Three
《完璧の弟》

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【June, 2018】
8:46pm

The Red Teahouse, Roppongi District, Tokyō

Sayuri had expected this meeting with him. He beloved younger sibling. They had always had a unique bond since childhood. They once stuck beside each other like glue until they eventually parted ways. They completely complemented each other's cursed techniques.

But they were complete opposites in every way possible.

While she was older and the epitome of power, he was also talented in his own right. Despite being born without the powerful Eyes of Tomoe, he was born with a high level of cursed energy and had an unshakeable prowess in their cursed technique, Reflection. He had obtained many cursed techniques from his fallen enemies, far more than the other members of their clan.

To add to that, he had a stronghold in the underground world, having vast connections all throughout Japan.

They were now sitting opposite each other, looking intently as if looking for any openings to look for any weakness in the other's defenses.

"I've been well, brother. Thank you for your concern.." She answered his question, looking over to the servant who poured the tea for him.

A chuckle made its way to her as she took notice of the servant's true identity. The servant noticably flinched at her and lowered her head.

"I suppose you have been indulging yourself these days.."

Her passive-aggressive remark made him clench his fists as he sat, before taking a deep breath and looking straight into her menacing eyes.

"I invited you here to talk about something important.." He spoke, looking serious as he spoke his words.

The air around them suddenly turned cold as Sayuri fell silent at what he said. Long gone was the grin on her face as she listened intently at him. All that was left was the hollow look in her soulless eyes.

"Father has started searching for the fingers of the King of Curses.."

What?

The look in her eyes turned dark as a shadow loomed over her face. She looked at him as if threatening him to continue.

"What do you mean?"

"It is what it is. Father has started search for those cursed objects. He even set up a 10 million yen bounty for whoever found it.."

Her brother sighed as he said that, resting his chin on his palm as he looked at. The dissatisfied look on his face almost made her laugh.

"Thank you for letting me know this, brother..." She said, perking up as the servant from earlier offered her some refreshments.

She looked at her before looking at the tea and inhaling its aroma. Darjeeling tea. Huh. Her brother truly had a knack for finding competent people.

Feeling her brother's expectant gaze, she took a sip of the tea and tasted its lovely flavor. Smiling in satisfaction, she set her cup back onto the table and clasped her hands together.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. You smile a lot more than you used to.."

He scoffed at this, returning her gesture with a smile on his face. His smile was almost girlish, she thought. It suited him beautifully.