Twang-
A clear note from a biwa broke the eternal, deathly silence of the Infinity Castle.
Space warped and folded violently, like the surface of water struck by a stone.
The next second, an invisible force brutally "spat" out a figure, who landed heavily on the wooden floor of the great hall.
It was Akaza.
There was not a trace of disarray about him. He landed steadily on one knee, his muscular arms crossed before his chest. Beneath his short pink hair was a face filled with displeasure and fighting spirit.
A lingering fury permeated the air, so oppressive it was suffocating.
It was Lord Muzan's fury.
Akaza's brow furrowed tightly. He disliked this feeling. The helplessness of being ruled by an absolute will, unable even to conceive of resistance, ran counter to the pinnacle of martial arts he pursued.
But this was an order.
"Oh, Lord Akaza, you're the first to arrive again. How diligent."
A flippant, cheerful voice sounded behind Akaza, accompanied by another pluck of the biwa.
Upper Rank Two, Doma, appeared out of thin air, wearing his trademark false smile that seemed never to fade. He held a golden iron fan, his rainbow-colored eyes full of amusement.
Akaza did not even turn around.
But the instant he heard that voice, his killing intent surged severalfold! Veins bulged across his forehead, as though he would blast the man behind him to pieces in the next second.
Him again.
The man he despised most, the one he most wanted to kill. A monster without any emotions, who knew only how to toy with people's hearts.
"Don't be so angry," Doma said, seemingly oblivious to the killing intent that had almost taken physical form. He sauntered over to Akaza and even reached out to pat his shoulder. "We're colleagues.