Chapter 220: The Aura of Orange

The nights in Eusena City were always bustling with noise and chaos. The glow of dim yellow lights from roadside stalls, mingled with the enticing aroma of food and the clamor of hawkers, created a lively yet chaotic atmosphere. However, in one corner of the city, a faint unease lingered, as though shadows were waiting for the right moment to devour everything.

Kanto sat brazenly in a street-side noodle shop, one foot resting on an unoccupied chair nearby, exuding an air of defiance as he devoured a bowl of noodles. It was obvious he hadn't paid for them, and the shop owner, peeking nervously from the kitchen, dared not confront him. Kanto's gaze was menacing, like a beast ready to pounce.

In stark contrast sat Lixy beside him. She was visibly uneasy, eating her noodles with care, occasionally glancing around nervously. The pedestrians passing by cast unfriendly glances in their direction, their whispered comments occasionally reaching her ears. Those gazes and voices felt like sharp blades cutting into her heart, making her hand tremble as she held her chopsticks.

Kanto noticed her reaction and smirked with disdain. Setting down his bowl and chopsticks, he looked around at the onlookers with cold, piercing eyes that seemed to freeze the air. He then patted Lixy on the shoulder and said casually:

"Judgmental stares are cages, and opinions are shackles. If humans are born to be free, why let the eyes of others bind your steps? Live for your own desires, not to meet others' expectations."

Lixy froze, her gaze meeting his for a moment. Her eyes reflected a mix of confusion and inner struggle.

"Just eat," Kanto added, his tone lazy but carrying an undeniable authority.

Lixy lowered her head and continued eating her overloaded bowl of noodles in silence. The aroma lingered under her nose, and the flavor was indeed good, but the weight of those judgmental stares churned her stomach.

Kanto, seeing her demeanor, reached out and roughly tousled her hair. The gesture was crude yet oddly comforting. He grinned, his sharp teeth showing, and said with a mix of encouragement and command:

"Just focus on being happy. Eat up, get strong, and stay healthy. Later, I'll take you to grab a top-tier sniper rifle."

"A sniper rifle?" Lixy's previously dejected expression lit up, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kanto, satisfied with her reaction, laughed heartily. He liked seeing her happy, even if it meant resorting to his own unconventional methods to bring out her innocent joy.

"Yeah, a sniper rifle so good it'll blow your mind! Way better than anything you've ever used," Kanto declared, his voice rough but brimming with sincerity. It was almost easy to forget his current predicament.

Lixy broke into a bright smile, her earlier discomfort seemingly dissipating into the night.

However, Kanto's grin soon turned dark. His eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk as he muttered under his breath:

"And maybe... stock up on some supplies."

Though he spoke quietly, the chilling undertone made one's skin crawl. He scanned the noodle shop with calculating eyes, his mind clearly plotting the next move.

Lixy seemed to sense something, but she said nothing, focusing on finishing her noodles. Kanto, on the other hand, continued to assess everything and everyone around him, as if preparing to turn this seemingly peaceful street into his personal battleground.

After finishing his meal, Kanto leaned back with satisfaction, letting out a loud, crude belch. Grabbing a toothpick, he placed it casually between his teeth, his face painted with a carefree grin. He ruffled Lixy's hair again, signaling her to follow him.

The shop owner peeked timidly from behind the counter, clearly torn between wanting to demand payment and fearing the consequences.

Noticing the gaze, Kanto turned his head slowly, his grin twisting into a menacing sneer. His voice dropped, thick with malice, as he growled:

"What? Got something to say?"

The owner flinched, quickly lowering his head, swallowing hard as he avoided eye contact. The other patrons in the shop fell silent, bowing their heads as if the very air had become too heavy to breathe.

Kanto clicked his tongue disdainfully, striding toward the exit with Lixy in tow.

"Pathetic," he muttered, shaking his head.

As they walked out, Lixy muttered under her breath, "Boss, you always mess with my hair. How am I supposed to grow taller?"

Kanto frowned, his tone dripping with scorn. "Why would a girl need to be tall? Short is better—easier to hide, and perfect for a good assassin."

Lixy glanced up at the towering 6'2" man beside her, her expression a mix of exasperation and disbelief. She bit her tongue, suppressing the urge to retort.

Just as they stepped out, Kanto suddenly stopped. Something had caught his attention. Turning his head instinctively, he locked eyes with a young man standing in a corner of the shop.

The young man wore sunglasses, a sleek black sweater, and a jacket draped casually over his shoulders. Though his attire was simple, it was neat and carried an air of confidence. His hair was impeccably styled, and he exuded a calm yet commanding presence.

He spoke, his voice clear and firm:

"Boss, I'll pay for their food."

The owner froze momentarily before gratefully accepting the payment, bowing repeatedly. However, Kanto narrowed his eyes, glaring at the young man through his sunglasses. Beneath those lenses, he caught a glimpse of the stranger's striking orange irises—a color that exuded a subtle yet undeniable aura of authority.

For some reason, a surge of killing intent boiled within Kanto. Letting go of the door handle, he turned and strode back inside, stopping in front of the young man. His voice dripped with provocation:

"Hey, what's your deal?"

The shop owner shrank into the corner, desperate to stay out of the escalating confrontation.

Unfazed, the young man met Kanto's gaze with a faint, enigmatic smile. His tone was steady, carrying an unshakable resolve:

"There are rules. And rules—must be followed."

The word "rules" hit Kanto like a dagger to the chest. His expression froze for a split second before his eyes widened in fury. His clenched fists trembled, his knuckles cracking audibly as the tension in the room reached a suffocating peak.

Lixy, feeling the weight of countless stares, tugged at Kanto's sleeve and pleaded softly:

"Boss, let's go. Please?"

Kanto glanced at her briefly, then turned back to the young man. His voice was low and threatening:

"What's your name?"

The young man held his ground, his voice calm and unwavering:

"Soudo Yuyou."

Kanto smirked coldly, his lips curling upward. "Soudo Yuyou, huh? I'll remember you."

With that, he turned and left, dragging Lixy along.

Yuyou remained standing, his gaze fixed on Kanto's retreating figure. His eyes, serene and deep, mirrored the stillness of an unfathomable ocean. But beneath that calm surface, an invisible current swirled—a quiet storm waiting to be unleashed.