Chapter 23

Yuuji took the girls and left the city of Xunzhiqiu. He first explained their current situation to the locals, helping them understand what was happening. Then he borrowed a phone, contacted his family, and eventually boarded a plane back to his home in the United States.

Once everyone was settled, Yuuji took the eldest of the group, Sister Sousuke, to visit his grandfather. After all, his grandfather was a veteran with a far-reaching network—more so than even Yuuji's father.

To Sister Sousuke, though, this felt like meeting her partner's parents. The thought made her nervous. She worried about making a bad impression on Yuuji's family and couldn't help fidgeting anxiously.

Standing at the front door, Yuuji noticed her discomfort and asked, "Sister Sousuke, are you feeling okay?"

Blushing slightly, Sousuke looked at him with concern in her eyes. "Do you think your family… might not like me?"

"Not at all," Yuuji replied with confidence. "Grandpa's a good man. Besides, I brought you to him because I trust he'll protect you. You've got to meet him."

Still unaware of the deeper meaning behind her words, Yuuji knocked and led Sousuke into the house.

The room they entered was dimly lit. At first, they could only make out a silhouette of an elderly man sitting silently, holding something in his hands.

Suddenly, the old man raised what he was holding—and with a loud crack, it fired. Instinctively, Yuuji ducked to the right, avoiding the shot. Sousuke, frozen in shock, dropped to her knees.

"Grandpa!" Yuuji shouted. "At least wait until we say hello before firing at your guests."

Clearly used to this behavior, Yuuji helped Sousuke to her feet. As their eyes adjusted, they finally saw the old man's face: white-haired, but with eyes full of fire and alertness. Sousuke could immediately tell this man still had the vitality of a soldier.

"No harm done," the old man muttered. "I just didn't expect you to get wrapped up in something this serious. It put me in a bad mood."

"By serious, you mean the bioweapon experiments?"

"Yes," he nodded. "They warned me—told me to make sure you didn't interfere with their operations, or we'd suffer the consequences."

"Hmph. Let them come. I'm not afraid," Yuuji answered defiantly.

"That's my grandson," the old man chuckled. He looked at Sousuke and then said, "You, step outside. I need to talk to him privately."

"Be careful," Sousuke whispered to Yuuji as she left the room.

The old man stared at Yuuji in silence for a long moment. Just when Yuuji began to wonder if he had fallen asleep, the old man finally spoke.

"I always thought you weren't the type to date. But now look at you—coming home with a whole group of girlfriends. You've surprised me."

Yuuji blushed slightly. "Come on, Grandpa. Don't start that. I don't have romantic feelings for all of them."

The old man laughed. "Hey, I'm not judging. I just wouldn't mind seeing a great-grandson sooner rather than later." He gave Yuuji a knowing look. "But I can tell—you only really have eyes for one."

He leaned back. "By the way, someone from the BSAA has been reaching out. They want you to join. What do you think?"

Yuuji shook his head. "I haven't made a decision yet. It's not the right time."

"Fair enough. I'll keep them off your back for now."

The two talked a while longer, and then Yuuji stepped out to rejoin Sousuke, who immediately asked, "Everything okay with your grandfather?"

"Yeah, don't worry. He's totally fine with you all staying here. Treat this place like your home."

"Your home… mine too," she murmured, cheeks pink.

Yuuji and Sousuke rejoined the rest of the girls and helped them settle in. Yuki came over and tugged at Yuuji's sleeve playfully. "Onii-chan, will you take me out shopping?"

"Of course," Yuuji smiled. "Only you get the special treatment today."

As Yuuji and Yuki headed out together, Sousuke watched them quietly. A strange pang stirred in her chest.

Out on the town, Yuki's spirits lifted as she took in the bright surroundings and bustling streets—such a stark contrast to what they had left behind. It still felt surreal seeing so many people living normally.

Suddenly, an alarm pierced the air. Yuuji quickly noticed a bank robbery nearby. Hostages were being held, and law enforcement was scrambling to respond.

Among the chaos, Yuuji recognized someone unexpected—Chris Redfield. Although not in BSAA uniform, Chris was clearly on the scene, likely while off duty. Yuuji overheard Chris expressing frustration about the lack of a sniper.

Without hesitation, Yuuji approached. "I can do it. I'll handle the shot."

Chris eyed him. The name rang a bell, but he couldn't quite place it. Still, he agreed to let Yuuji try.

After making sure Yuki was safe, Yuuji climbed to the sniper's perch and picked up the rifle. The moment he gripped it, a strange calm overtook him—like reuniting with an old friend. His body moved with purpose. He was one with the weapon.

With a single breath and steady hands, Yuuji pulled the trigger. The bullet struck its target—right between the eyes. The hostage-taker dropped instantly.

Impressed, Chris looked around to thank him—but Yuuji and Yuki had already vanished into the crowd.

"He won't stay hidden for long," Chris muttered to himself. "A sniper like that… he's destined to leave his mark. I'll remember his name."

Back home, Yuuji carried bags full of things Yuki had picked out. She looked satisfied, and together they returned to share the day's events with their friends.

Soon after, Yuuji was called into a room by his grandfather for a private discussion.

"Yuuji, I just got a call. They need your help again. In Japan."

"The company?"

"Yes. Their reach is vast—we can't oppose them openly. But I know you won't let that stop you."

"Of course not," Yuuji replied. "What's the mission?"

"There's intel. Rumor is, someone in Japan has sensitive data. You'll need to find them and get the information."

"I understand. Please look after the girls while I'm gone."

"You have my word."

Later, Yuuji gathered everyone and explained what was happening. The women knew they couldn't follow him this time and resolved to train, each silently vowing to become stronger.

Yuuji left the quiet safety of home… only to walk straight into another battlefield.