The instant those words fell, the smile froze on Qingxiao's face.
"You dare lay a hand on her?"
A trace of undisguised triumph flashed in Kenjaku's eyes.
He had known it. Shoko Ieiri was this man's weakness.
As long as he held that card, even Guyue Qingxiao would have to submit to his restraints, however arrogant he was.
He took half a step forward, his tone growing more assured, like a hunter certain of victory:
"To me, Jujutsu High's defenses are no different from paper. The main force of Jujutsu Sorcerers has all been sent to Shibuya's main curtain.
How long do you think my people will need to succeed?"
The tunnel fell silent for a few seconds.
Jogo's heart, which had been in his throat, settled a little. Even the flames atop his head steadied somewhat, and he instinctively looked down at the dying Hanami in his arms.
But the very next second, Qingxiao suddenly chuckled.
He raised his eyes to Kenjaku. That fleeting trace of panic had long since vanished without a trace:
"Kenjaku, I thought someone who'd lived for over a thousand years might come up with something new.
But all you ever do is resort to dirty tricks like taking hostages?"
He took two steps forward, his pace calm and unhurried:
"When did you get the impression that I would come to Shibuya unprepared?
Do you really see me, Guyue Qingxiao, as a useless fool who can't even protect his own wife?
To tell you the truth, I sent Shoko abroad before the fighting started. Yuki Tsukumo is keeping an eye on her over there, too."
He spread his hands, looking regretful:
"I'm so sorry you went to all that trouble setting this up, only to make the trip for nothing."
That was a lie.
In