Chapter 153: Peasant Snipers of Four Years Ago

Kure Erioh: "…"

He really wanted to crush this brat's hand and make him lose face in front of Karura. But no matter how much strength he used, Takamine Rinji kept staring back with that ⊙▽⊙ expression.

Is he mocking me!? This brat's really getting on my nerves…

If it had been in the past, anyone who dared grip Rinji like this—he'd have ripped their arm off even if he didn't feel pain.

But today, just after being confessed to by Karura, he was in an excellent mood. No matter how others acted, he wouldn't get angry.

He was full of benevolence.

"Nice to meet you." Rinji smiled. "Please rest assured and leave your great-granddaughter in my care."

"!!!?"

Veins popped on Kure Erioh's forehead.

"Ahem… Takamine Rinji, don't you think it's a bit early to be dating at your age?" Erioh tried to keep calm, even though his expression betrayed him.

"Karura is still in high school."

"That's perfect. I'm also a high schooler."

"You… I mean, you two just met. There's no foundation for a relationship."

"Feelings can be cultivated over time."

"…"

You little brat, can't you tell I don't want you anywhere near my precious great-granddaughter!?

Staring at Kure Erioh turning purple with anger, Rinji suddenly had a thought.

"Oh? You don't want me and Karura to be together, is that it?"

Finally, the brat gets it.

"Yes, I…"

"Eh?"

Karura's expression suddenly changed, as if she couldn't accept what she heard.

"Grandpa, do you want to break me and Rinji up?"

Kure Erioh: "…"

Looking at Karura's tearful face, Erioh's expression contorted before he finally forced a warm smile.

"Of course not~ Grandpa wishes you both happiness."

"Really!? Thank you, Grandpa! I knew you were the best!" Karura cheered.

"…Yes, yes."

My heart is bleeding!

My precious great-granddaughter!!!

"HEY!!"

A deafening roar came from behind Kure Erioh—Kure Raian had spoken up.

He stepped past the others and stood in front of Rinji, towering over him.

"So you're Takamine Rinji! Seems like the old man has a high opinion of you!"

"You flatter me."

Rinji scratched the back of his head with a grin.

"Since I'm already with Karura, I guess the old man has accepted me."

Accepted!? Not even close, you damn brat!!!

"I hear you're pretty strong. Fight me right now," Raian said with a grin.

"Uh…"

"HEY!"

Karura suddenly stepped in front of Takamine, glaring at Raian.

"What do you want with Rinji?"

"Nothing, just want to see if he's worthy of the Kure Clan's strength," Raian sneered. "He did lose to my sister, after all."

"Huh?"

Rinji blinked.

"Your sister is…?"

"Kure Fusui. You should've met her before."

"Oh, her."

Rinji clapped his hands, as if remembering something from four years ago.

---

Four Years Ago

After Rinji blew up a branch of the Shinomiya family business, the family hired the Kure Clan to eliminate him. But even back then, he was strong enough to beat everyone sent to face him.

Later, a bullet grazed his cheek.

Tracking the sniper, he found a short-haired girl retreating from a rooftop. Like the rest of the Kure Clan, her eyes were all-black with white sclera. She was known as the "Wicked Shooter"—Kure Fusui.

Finding it amusing, Rinji challenged her to a sniper duel.

Rules were simple: mark a hunting zone, and whoever killed the other first would win.

The duel began.

Both picked concealed high-rises and began scanning for their target.

They were both excellent snipers and had endless patience.

First hour: both were motionless, scanning through scopes.

Third hour: still unmoving.

Fifth hour: Fusui got hungry and ordered takeout. Rinji also got peckish and went downstairs for a red bean bun.

Seventh hour: Fusui drank a yogurt. Rinji lit a cigarette.

The rising smoke gave away his position. Fusui spotted it, pulled the trigger.

Thus ended this absurd sniper duel with a comedic conclusion—two amateurs pecking at each other like chickens.

"What an epic and historic battle (totally serious)," Rinji said.

He rubbed his forehead.

"Your sister's ruthless, though. She used 12.7mm incendiary rounds. My head was swollen for three days."

"…"

"But a loss is a loss. I didn't even cause your clan any more trouble after that."

"You've got guts."

Raian pushed Karura aside and grabbed Rinji by the collar.

"Fight me. Right now!"

"I don't think that's a good idea. We'll be family soon," Rinji smiled. "If I injure you, how will I explain it? You seem kinda fragile."

"Hah!?"

Veins bulged all over Raian's body—he was ready to teach Rinji a painful lesson.

"Stop right there!"

Erioh had snapped out of his heartbreak and yelled furiously at Raian.

"You're a sanctioned fighter now. No private duels outside matches—understood!?"

"Tch!"

Raian let go of Rinji and stared into his eyes. "I'll be waiting to kill you in a real match."

"Oh, you'll be waiting forever."

Rinji was still smiling. He hadn't looked serious once since the start.

"I'm not joining the main tournament."

"Huh!?"

"I'm not here to fight you guys. I just came to make a bit of money."

"You…"

"Rinji~"

Karura ran over and naturally wrapped her arms around his.

"You're my future husband now. Can I stay in your room tonight?"

"Eh? Moving in already?"

"Of course~ Let's make babies first~"

"Uh…"

Before Rinji could respond, Kure Erioh had already collapsed to the ground.

The once mighty elder, still strong in body, finally broke mentally.