Dual Souls, the Other Half is Bronya

"I've never encountered such slow work before."

"They call me to attack the academy, but I can't harm anyone? I'm not like those other idiots; I've been a killer since I was a kid."

"Tch, if you're going to hire a professional assassin and tell them not to kill, then don't bother me. I'm completely unsatisfied right now, so agitated I could scream… I can't wait two days; I want to go on a killing spree right now!"

"If a few contestants die, this so-called tournament won't be able to continue, right?"

—That's what she said.

After failing to poison Shizuku and being discovered by Ikki, she simply revealed her Divine Key. It was a chainsaw-like Inherent Gear, its jagged blades layered like the teeth of a shark.

Tadara Yui's savage actions immediately threw the entire venue into chaos.

Ikki shielded Shizuku, about to manifest his Yin Iron. He could never forgive someone who tried to poison his sister!

"Hold on for now, Ikki."

"Let's stop here."

Two voices spoke, one after the other, as Byakuya and Morohoshi Yudai emerged from the scattered crowd.

There were no angry shouts, not even a hint of anger; their tone was perfectly ordinary.

But within it lay an unparalleled presence and an undeniable pressure—the previous champion, the "Seven Star Sword King," Morohoshi Yudai!

"You didn't win all the way here just for some casual brawl, did you?"

Morohoshi Yudai's sharp gaze swept over everyone, and the previously murderous atmosphere froze.

However, precisely because of Morohoshi's overwhelming presence, Byakuya was happy to play the supporting role. He casually walked up to Ikki. "Yo, you're pretty fired up, huh?"

"I know there's a reason for this, but you should try to keep it together in a situation like this, Ikki."

Byakuya handled Ikki, while Morohoshi Yudai took care of the other side, looking down at Tadara with his imposing height. "You woman, you talk about killing at the drop of a hat. You're far too vicious."

"Honestly, revealing your Divine Key in a place like this makes one question your character."

Following closely, Jōnosaki pushed up his glasses. "However, it seems one's Divine Key reflects the owner's character. You're as vulgar as your weapon."

"This refined young man's good character won't help in a fight. Would you like me to give you a personal demonstration?"

The engine of the chainsaw in her hand roared to life. Accompanied by a fierce, ear-splitting whirring of blades, Tadara aimed her Divine Key at the trio… or more accurately, at Morohoshi, who stood at the front.

"Don't bare your teeth at every little thing. You're just like a helpless little puppy when you do that."

The insult, uttered as if in a sigh, and Morohoshi's words finally ignited Tadara's already strained patience. "Fine! I'll show you right now if I'm weak or not!"

Her malice turned into killing intent, and Tadara lunged forward towards Morohoshi…

!!!

Abruptly, about three meters from Morohoshi, Tadara stopped as if electrocuted, cold sweat soaking her back.

—Her reflexes had vanished. A golden spear was pointed at her throat.

"It seems you're not all talk. The fact that you noticed and stopped outside my attack range means you're not exactly weak."

At some point, Morohoshi had produced a spear. Just standing there, he exuded a dangerous aura.

"The spear 'Tiger King.' It devours Magic Power and almost completely nullifies most Blade Dancer abilities."

Byakuya also chimed in. "Of course, there's also his honed skills and absolute mastery of his attack range."

"You're giving away all my secrets, Byakuya," Morohoshi said with a carefree smile.

What if they knew? He had never feared any challenge with his hard-earned skills!

Meanwhile:

"Whoosh~"

A breath of air brushed past Tadara's ear, and she suddenly realized. At some unknown point, she had been embraced by a woman—Yakushi Kiriko.

"Mhm, there, there. I'm just doing a check-up. You need to be good~ and be a good little child~"

!!!

Tadara tried to resist but found her body unresponsive. Kiriko, on the other hand, smiled with ease.

"It's good to have spirit~"

"But, just as I thought, your blood pressure and body temperature are too high. You're quite agitated."

"You're petite, and your skin is a bit rough. You don't seem to be in good nutritional condition. Come, please extend your hands for just a moment~"

"You, you… what are you talking about?!"

Tadara's hands, ignoring her will, dropped the chainsaw to the floor and then extended towards Kiriko.

"Good girl, don't be scared~"

Seeing Tadara's terrified expression, Kiriko smiled sweetly and gently reassured her.

"There's no need to be surprised. I'm a doctor, so of course I can control my patient's body as I please~"

"My sister is very beautiful, isn't she?"

Byakuya slung an arm around Ikki's shoulders, introducing his sister Kiriko with considerable pride.

"Here, hold this."

Meanwhile, Kiko was still controlling Tadara, making him cup his hands like a bowl.

Kiko placed a small pouch in Tadara's hands. Inside were medicinal pills, capsules, and so on, all tied up with a ribbon at the end.

"You don't sleep well, do you? Here, this is a special incense I blended. Light it before bed; the scent will calm your agitated emotions and let you get a good night's sleep."

Even though Tadara was extremely reluctant, he still acted according to Kiko's wishes.

Just like that, the small commotion subsided, and the atmosphere of the venue returned to its previous peace.

57. Please Entrust Little Ai to Me

Next to the banquet hall, there was a designated smoking area.

At this very moment, a man was standing there.

He wore a dark crimson suit and glasses, gazing quietly through the window at the commotion caused by Tadara and the others below—Teacher Moon Shadow!

"It seems your school still has some ill-mannered students, Teacher Moon Shadow."

Hearing his name called, Teacher Moon Shadow turned around to look behind him. Upon recognizing the owner of the voice, he happily greeted Kurono:

"Oh, what a rare sight... Isn't that Takizawa? It's been a long time."

Hearing Teacher Moon Shadow call her "Takizawa," Kurono's body trembled slightly.

—The way he called her by her old surname was exactly the same as when he was her teacher during her school days.

"..."

Her mentor's appearance hadn't changed one bit. Realizing this, Kurono lit a cigarette and took a puff, calming her restless emotions. "Teacher, my current surname is Shinguji."

"Ah, that's right..."

"We haven't seen each other since your wedding. How have you been lately?"

"Thanks to you, the delivery was safe, and both mother and child are well."

"Is that so..."

Teacher Moon Shadow seemed genuinely happy, a smile appearing on his face. At least from his expression, he was truly pleased for Kurono. "That's great. Safety is the most important thing."

"..."

Listening to Teacher Moon Shadow's words, Kurono fell silent for a moment. This seemed to cause a misunderstanding.

Teacher Moon Shadow turned his back to Kurono. "Heh heh, yes, it's only natural that you're angry. After all, I... used your academy as a stepping stone..."

"Teacher Moon Shadow!"

Kurono's voice involuntarily rose.

Seeing Teacher Moon Shadow turn back, Kurono continued, "I already know everything. Teacher, you're not the only one who can see the future."

"..."

A long silence.

Teacher Moon Shadow quietly smoked, one cigarette after another, the grayish-white smoke filling the air. "Takizawa, you're already married. You finally managed to escape... don't get involved again."

If it were at the very beginning, Teacher Moon Shadow would certainly have had plenty of ways to deceive her. But now...

"But I want to help..."

"No need!"

Although his strength was far inferior to Kurono's, Teacher Moon Shadow's forceful words still suppressed her—the authority of a teacher.

"Takizawa, you are merely an educator. Just do your job well."

"...But Teacher Moon Shadow, even if you've hired a criminal organization, your plan this time still won't succeed."

Gazing at Teacher Moon Shadow, Kurono sighed inwardly. She knew very well that this year's Seven Star Sword Martial Festival... was different~

"..."

Teacher Moon Shadow stood with his back to Kurono, completely unmoved. His attitude was already very clear.

"Although I don't agree with your methods, Teacher Moon Shadow, if you need help, you can always come to us."

Seeing that Teacher Moon Shadow refused to communicate, Kurono left him with a parting sentence and quietly withdrew. "No matter what, you will always be our teacher."

"..., Hooo~"

After a long silence, Teacher Moon Shadow exhaled a puff of smoke, the wisps of smoke swirling in the air and blurring his face. "This is truly..."

"I didn't want to involve them."

"But she already knows, doesn't she, Teacher Moon Shadow?" Edelweiss walked out from a corner.

—Edelweiss's sword instructor was Kurogane Ryoma. As for Teacher Moon Shadow and Nangong Torajiro, although they didn't directly teach her, they could probably be considered half-teachers.

"I didn't expect you to be here, Edel."

Although he was somewhat annoyed by Kurono's words, Teacher Moon Shadow didn't show it.

When Teacher Moon Shadow turned around, he had already composed himself and invited Edelweiss to sit down beside him. "I don't believe you'd be interested in a competition between students like this."

"So, you came all this way just to see an old man like me?"

"You jest, you're in your prime right now."

Edelweiss sat directly across from Teacher Moon Shadow. After a moment of indecision between a drink and coffee, she finally reached for the coffee.

Hmm…

Staring at the dark brown liquid in the cup, even before drinking it, the bitter aroma wafted into her nose.

Glancing at Teacher Moon Shadow, Edelweiss thought that she was already a mature woman who had dated and had a boyfriend.

After hesitating, she picked up the cup and took a very careful sip…

"Ugh… ptooey, ptooey, ptooey…"

QAQ

Edelweiss's peculiar actions almost made Teacher Moon Shadow burst out laughing. "I thought you'd developed a taste for bitter things after so long, Edel. Turns out you were just trying to act mature."

"I-I was not!"

Hearing the undisguised teasing in Teacher Moon Shadow's words, Edelweiss's face flushed with annoyance, and she blurted out:

"I already have a boyfriend! I'm not that little girl who used to follow you and Teacher Ryoma anymore!"

"Oh my, that is indeed shocking and delightful news."

Teacher Moon Shadow held his cup, forgetting to drink his coffee. "I thought I'd never see you get a boyfriend in this lifetime~ I'm sure Ryoma would be comforted to know if he were still here."

"So, who is he? From which country? Or perhaps a renowned powerful individual?"

As he spoke, Teacher Moon Shadow also put down his cup. "Regardless, I absolutely must meet this person."