The Woman Who Came Offering Herself (5K)

The fighting wasn't particularly intense that night.

Because it was Erika's first time, Mahiro didn't ask for too much, but under the girl's strong competitive spirit, he still launched four all-out attacks.

Unfortunately, they couldn't break through Mahiro's armor at all; instead, they were killed and forced to retreat.

So much so that I slept until noon the next day, and was still limping when I left the hotel.

However, it was because of Erika's connection, the Chiba Family's desire to repay their debt of gratitude, and the Yotsuba Family's recent actions that the Chiba Family chose to submit.

They were placed under the management of the Yotsuba Family.

They were also the first of the Hundred Families to bow down to the Yotsuba Family.

Erika, as the representative of the Chiba Family, settled on Mashima Island and opened a Chiba Style kendo dojo on the newly reclaimed island, taking on many disciples.

It became Arcadia's second gym.

Furthermore, Erika's chosen position remained unchanged; she still opted to work at a school, teaching some basic swordsmanship and magic.

However, to Mahiro's surprise, Mizuki Shibata and Mitsui Honoka also brought forward their start dates.

Originally, I was going to wait until after graduation, but I moved into Mashima Island ahead of schedule.

Also traveling with them was Kitayama Shizuku, who had quietly entered into a permanent partnership with Shiba Heavy Industries.

March 15, 2098.

This day is not only the day USNA officially disbanded, but also the graduation season for the First High School of the National Magic University.

Perhaps because the international situation has gradually stabilized, Esdeath, known as the witch, did not choose to continue her conquests, so today's graduation ceremony is not only being held by First High School.

Except for Third High School and No. 6 High School, the graduation ceremonies of all other affiliated high schools were held together today.

The graduation certificate awarding ceremony was being conducted solemnly and respectfully, witnessed by many parents, siblings, and guests.

Yotsuba Mahiro was also among them, sitting below the stage with Lina, watching Miyuki speak.

"Hey, don't you think it's a shame?" Lina asked.

"What's a pity?"

"You should have been standing on the stage, receiving your diploma amidst the approving gazes of the parents below."

"It doesn't matter."

Mahiro shrugged and said, "I'm not really interested in that."

Rather, it's more accurate to say that he has already awarded elementary school diplomas to some of the oldest children in Arcadia.

He naturally didn't care about such things.

However, Lina didn't see it that way.

"Showing off".

"Hehe, and what about you, Miss Lina? You must feel very regretful for not getting your graduation certificate, right?"

"No, I don't care about that kind of thing at all."

Lina crossed her arms, turned her head away, and said defiantly.

She was the one who was putting on a brave front.

However, Mahiro did not expose her. Instead, she looked at the people standing on the stage in the auditorium, a hint of emotion and reminiscence in her eyes.

People who were strangers when they entered school have become inseparable friends by graduation.

Just like him, he came alone, but after this grand graduation ceremony, he was surrounded by many people who needed his protection.

Miyuki Shiba, Erika Chiba, Mizuki Shibata, Honoka Mitsui, Kitayama Shizuku Mitsui Honoka, and even Mayumi Saegusa and Mibu Sayaka have already graduated... and even Lina.

Hmm, looking at it this way, is calling it a harem more accurate?

Even now, he hasn't made a move on Mizuki Shibata, the girl who occasionally acts like a ditz.

As Mahiro walked along the tree-lined avenue with the other women, he couldn't help but think this.

Just then, Erika suddenly quickened her pace, blocked the way, turned around with her hands behind her back, and proposed:

"Hey, how about we go to the café in front of the station again? It just Mahiro Makoto is there too."

The coffee shop in front of the station was where their connection began.

Aside from the Morisaki Shun things that happened at school, that was indeed where they first gathered together.

"Aren't you planning to go back to Mashima Island first?" Mahiro joked.

"No way! I finally have some free time, don't even think about dragging me back to be a laborer!"

Erika rarely showed such a girlish side.

However, what she said was indeed true; she had been very busy ever since the Chiba Clan branch dojo moved to Mashima Island.

Not to mention that I fly back here to study on weekdays, I also have to manage the dojo during holidays and occasionally show my face at the Arcadia School.

I'm so busy I barely have time to be affectionate with him.

In this respect, everyone except Lina is the same.

"I think Erika's suggestion is great. Let's all go together; it'll be a celebration after graduation."

At this moment, Kitayama Shizuku, who was usually very quiet, suddenly spoke up in agreement.

And the others shared the same opinion.

Under the principle of majority rule, Mahiro naturally had no way to refuse.

"By the way, Lina, I heard that USNA has disintegrated. Aren't you planning to go back and take a look?"

It was Mizuki Shibata who said this.

However, as soon as she finished speaking, everyone stopped in their tracks, and all eyes fell on Lina, while also looking at Mizuki.

"Sigh, Mizuki, you haven't changed at all in the past three years when it comes to not knowing how to read the room." Erika spread her hands, complaining while letting out a soft sigh.

"... Huh? Huh? Is that so? I didn't mean to..."

Under the watchful eyes of many, the girl waved her hands nervously, her face flushed red as she tried to hide her shyness.

"It's okay."

Lina stepped in to defuse the situation, saying, "I don't care, and there's no need for me to go back to USNA; they've already given up on me."

Besides, if I want to go back, that great Demon King has to let me go back first.

The "Great Demon King" that Lina was referring to was naturally Yotsuba Mahiro, and her gaze kept sweeping over him as she spoke.

Unfortunately, Yotsuba Mahiro pretended to be oblivious, looking up at the sky as if remarking on the beauty of the weather.

Lina had anticipated his attitude, so she didn't say anything more.

The group set off again to go to the coffee shop, but just as they arrived at the school gate, a black extended executive sedan blocked their way.

The black car window slowly rolled down, revealing a face that surprised everyone.

"It's... it's Mr. Kudo Retsu?!"

Honoka and Mizuki gaped open, their mouths agape as if an egg had been stuffed inside, and they even covered their mouths with their hands to hide their surprise.

Even others were surprised.

Judging from the appearance of Mr. Kudo Retsu, it seems that he was waiting for them here.

However, they quickly realized what was happening and turned their attention to Miyuki and Mahiro, since the two of them represented the Yotsuba Family.

"You must have come to see me, right?" Mahiro said calmly as he stepped forward.

"Hehe, as expected of a child from the Yotsuba Family, you are indeed very clever." Kudo Retsu did not answer directly, but spoke vaguely, neither admitting nor denying.

However, Yotsuba Mahiro's attitude remained as indifferent as ever.

They met each other's deep, unfathomable eyes, eyes so profound that no emotion or thought could be discerned.

He wasn't surprised at all by Kudo Retsu's roadblock; in fact, it was within his expectations.

After all, the Yotsuba Clan main family, having gradually conquered most of the Ten Master Clans and the eighteen, twenty-eight, and Hundred Families candidate clans, is now preparing to take action against the Kudou Family.

"How about we have a chat? Give this old man, who's nearing the end of his life, ten minutes of his time."

Seeing that his attitude wasn't exactly friendly, Kudo Retsu sighed and said with some helplessness.

"Great! I'm just about to have a get-together with my friends, how about we set up our conversation there?"

Mahiro suggested this.

But Kudo Retsu did not refuse his proposal; in fact, he had no right to refuse at the moment.

It was as if the roles had been reversed during their meeting in the Nine Schools Competition years ago; now, Kudo Retsu was practically begging him to meet.

This scene completely shocked Honoka and Mizuki.

After all, in their eyes, Kudo Retsu is still a symbol of legend.

Chapter 328 The Woman Who Offered Herself (5K)

Ten minutes later.

Inside the café in front of the station, Mahiro sat alone in a private room, casually stirring his coffee with a spoon.

To ensure the privacy of the conversation, everyone else sat in their usual sofa seats in the lobby.

However, Kudo Retsu was not alone; he was accompanied by a stunningly beautiful woman, none other than Kazama Harunobu's adjutant, the "Electronic Witch" Kyoko Fujibayashi.

And her outfit was as beautiful as ever.

Wearing a beautiful beige long dress that accentuated her slender figure and highlighted her youthful curves, she exuded a mature and sexy aura that no student could match.

For some reason, she stood silently behind and to the side of Kudo Retsu, her head drooping like a little girl who had done something wrong.

"Mr. Kushima, this is quite unexpected. I haven't even gone to look for you yet, but you've come to me first."

Yotsuba Mahiro to the point.

His words were utterly impolite, showing no respect whatsoever to the legendary figure in the world of magic.

Because in his eyes, Kudo Retsu and Gu Jie were both old fogies who would never die.

"Little one, there might be some misunderstanding between us."

"Misunderstand?"

Yotsuba Mahiro could only scoff at this claim.

"Forget it, I'm too lazy to argue with you anymore. Why don't you just tell me what you want?"

Mahiro lowered his eyelids slightly, picked up the already warm coffee, and took a small sip.

Yes, it tastes the same as always, without any change.

Seeing his cold expression, Kudo Retsu didn't get angry. Instead, he spoke gently as before:

"I've come here today to discuss a deal with you, young man. I know you possess a drug that can correct genetic defects. If you don't mind, I can exchange it for the Kudou Family's wealth."

Upon hearing this, Mahiro's expression darkened, and he raised his eyelids to meet Kudo Retsu's gaze once more.

That intense gaze seemed to pierce through the old man sitting opposite him.

"... How did you know?"

Could there be a mole within the Yotsuba Family?

He had no doubts about the people he brought back from another world, because it was impossible for them to have any connection with Kudo Retsu, not even Sumire Muroto, who had been locking herself in the laboratory for years.

And it was even less likely for those children. Putting aside whether they knew what the potion was, their faith was entirely tied to him.

I wouldn't tell anyone even if it cost me my life.

As for his classmates who had received his kindness, there was no reason for them to doubt him; Mahiro still trusted them completely.

Therefore, the last suspect is the Yotsuba Family, who are surrounded by many suspicious people.

"Hehe, no need to guess."

Kudo Retsu's amiable laughter suddenly broke his thoughts, "It was Maya Yotsuba who told the old man."