[64] Self-confident

After Asuka left, the apartment felt quiet, leaving only Kaoru and Shiranui behind. Although both of them still had their respective tasks—Kaoru with his work outside, and Shiranui with her duties at the company—the silence felt different. Just as Kaoru was about to leave, he noticed Shiranui standing in front of the apartment, looking gloomy and silent.

Kaoru recalled the earlier moment in the kitchen when Asuka had confidently kissed him. Perhaps Shiranui felt a bit left out, considering how Asuka had shown no hesitation in her relationship with Kaoru. Shiranui, despite being strong and authoritative, might be feeling insecure about her place in this relationship.

Kaoru felt he needed to do something. Without thinking too much, he took the initiative. Quickly, he approached Shiranui and, without warning, gently yet firmly pulled her waist towards him. Shiranui was startled and let out a small, cute sound, almost like a squeak. Before she could respond or protest, Kaoru captured her lips in a kiss.

The kiss was intense and deep, catching Shiranui completely off guard. Initially, her body stiffened in shock, but as time passed, she began to soften, lost in the moment. Their lips connected with a warmth that shattered the awkwardness between them.

After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, Kaoru slowly pulled away from the kiss. He looked into Shiranui's eyes with a gaze full of certainty, as if to reassure her that he had no doubts about their feelings. Although still surprised, Shiranui couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks. She realized that even though Kaoru loved Asuka, his feelings for her were equally strong and sincere.

"You don't need to feel jealous," Kaoru said softly, his eyes gazing deeply into Shiranui's. "I love you just as I love Asuka. Our relationship may not be conventional, but I won't let you feel sidelined."

Shiranui gave a small smile, although her eyes still showed a hint of uncertainty. Nevertheless, the kiss had managed to calm her heart, at least for now. "Thank you, Kaoru... I just need time to adjust."

Kaoru nodded. "We'll get through this together. Don't worry."

With those words, Kaoru left the apartment, leaving Shiranui looking more at ease, though they still had many challenges to face together.

---

The reason Kaoru didn't immediately help Asuka was that he had promised to meet Oboro at a certain location. Kaoru used the identity of Hatoru Danzo for disguise, which was why he had to be cautious and not directly assist Asuka openly. They agreed to meet in a quiet park around an artificial lake. Kaoru arrived at the park with his face covered, walking carefully to avoid drawing attention.

Kaoru had truly transformed into a different person with his illusion magic. Though he was the same height, his face appeared colder and more rigid, with sharp red eyes, black hair, and slightly tanned skin. He wore sunglasses, a brown coat, a black sweater underneath, matching black pants, and black leather shoes.

When he arrived, he spotted a woman in a brown coat that covered her sexy figure, with short purple hair and wearing sunglasses. The woman was sitting on a bench facing the lake. Kaoru immediately recognized Oboro and sat down beside her without hesitation.

"Are you Hatoru?" Oboro whispered cautiously.

"Do you think so?" Kaoru replied in a deeper voice than usual, keeping in line with the character he needed to maintain.

"Ah, I see… I've done thorough research on the supernatural events that have been happening in this city lately," Oboro said.

Kaoru sipped his drink that he had bought earlier, listening intently.

"It seems all of this is connected to the Nomad," Oboro continued.

"So, they've already moved? What's their goal?" Kaoru asked.

"They might be targeting Asagi next," Oboro replied.

Kaoru pondered this in his mind. "Ah, so the reason Kousuke was kidnapped might be to draw Asagi's attention… Everything is connected, huh?" he thought, feeling his heart race.

"Will you act to stop them, or will you observe the situation first?" Kaoru asked seriously.

"Hatoru, I won't rush into anything," Oboro replied, her voice calm despite the tension in the air.

"So, you choose to observe?" Kaoru glanced at Oboro, noting her focused expression on the lake.

"Yes, I don't want to make a hasty decision. Even though I have a grudge against Edwin Black," Oboro explained, continuing to stare into the distance as if searching for answers in the surface of the water. "This might have something to do with the Chaos Arena."

"Chaos Arena? What's that?" Kaoru asked, curiosity overcoming the tension.

"Chaos Arena is an illegal coliseum run by criminals, including Edwin Black. It's located in Tokyo, where inexperienced women are forced to fight against each other or against demons. Many do not survive, and those who lose often face horrific punishments. The fights are secretly recorded and broadcasted," Oboro explained seriously, her eyes sparkling with repressed anger.

"Wait? There's a place like that in Tokyo?" Kaoru asked, unable to hide his shock.

"Unfortunately, yes. It's part of the darkness that haunts this city," Oboro replied, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Then, there's no reason for me not to get involved. Maybe I should gather intel first before making a decision," Kaoru said, deep in thought.

"Hey, didn't we agree to work together?" Oboro asked, trying to calm Kaoru.

"Yes, but I won't stand by while they flaunt their twisted morals for the sake of pleasure. If you don't act, then I will," Kaoru answered firmly, standing up.

"Hatoru! There are thousands of Nomad forces there, along with Edwin Black's supporters! Don't act recklessly by attacking that place directly!" Oboro tried to warn him.

"Thousands? Heh, they'd better gather more forces if they want to stop me," Kaoru said boastfully before striding away from the park, leaving Oboro looking frustrated.

Oboro sat back down on her bench, massaging her temples. "Good grief, we just formed an alliance last night, and now it's threatened by his stubbornness," Oboro muttered, but she seriously contemplated Hatoru/Kaoru's words. "But can he really fight against thousands of armed men and demons at once? Even though he surprised me by exposing the Ishiyama family's crimes overnight, that doesn't mean he's that strong, right?" She pondered for a moment. "Ah, this is giving me a headache!" Ultimately, Oboro decided to follow Hatoru's lead, driven by her curiosity.