The Underworld, Starting with Debt

"Oh—Ah Jun is away on a business trip again..."

Yumiko Yamada put down the mop she was holding, straightened up, and rubbed her chubby little waist.

"I feel like I've gained weight recently!" Yumiko Yamada complained, pinching her soft, round belly.

Her chubby little face, puffed up with dissatisfaction, appeared somewhat decadent and unsatisfied, accentuated by her alluring and charming features and the captivating beauty mark.

In front of the clear mirror, Yumiko Yamada gently stroked one cheek with her soft little hand, tilting her head to look at the stunningly beautiful woman in the mirror, a woman who was both gorgeous and alluring, and who had matured to the fullest.

"I'm feeling a little lonely..."

My name is Yumiko Yamada, and I have been married to my husband, Shun Yamada, for five years...

In the five years of our marriage, to be honest—recently, I feel that our married life hasn't been going very smoothly.

Her husband, Yamada Shun, was not a man with strong desires, and he was never home during holidays, claiming he was away on business trips.

Lately, even kissing requires me to take the initiative; I don't even know how long ago it was the last time I was intimate with a married woman.

Although I don't want to overthink things, could it be that he actually doesn't like spending too much time with me...?

"I'm not bad looking, am I..." Yamada Yumiko sighed softly, puffing out her proud features. The monstrous creature sealed within the mirror surged forth like a tidal wave, its power overwhelming.

Perhaps the stuffy atmosphere in the room made Yumiko Yamada uncomfortable, so she quietly went to the balcony.

"How refreshing!" The evening breeze whistled by, carrying a slight coolness that lifted her silky ponytail that cascaded down her chest. Yamada Tamami simply opened her broad chest, as if to gather the moonlight into her embrace and purify the gloom in her heart.

"click"

Suddenly, a flash of light on a small patch of grass not far from the balcony caught Yamada Yumiko's attention.

The bright moonlight dispelled the darkness of the night, allowing Yumiko Yamada to clearly observe the movements in the small meadow.

The moonlight, like water, gently spilled onto the handsome young man on the lawn not far away. He was shirtless, and the lines of his muscles became hazy and mysterious in the moonlight.

The moonlight shone on him, the interplay of light and shadow making his muscles appear as if enveloped in a soft halo, outlining graceful curves.

The evening breeze pressed down on the lawn, also scattering his fine, soft hair, strands overlapping on his handsome face.

Yumiko Yamada stood on the balcony, as if she had been bewitched by a mysterious heart thief on the lawn.

That strange magic affected Yumiko Yamada's heart, causing her heart to pound violently, which in turn generated a strong warm current that swept through her body.

"Wow, so handsome! So strong!" Yamada Yumiko placed her soft hand on her enormous conscience. Even through the thick, greasy fat, Yamada Yumiko could feel her rapidly beating heart. 'I really want to get to know him…'

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After taking the photo, Ito Koshito put on his clothes and was about to lock his phone and go home when a message from Miyajima Sakura made him stop and look at it.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Sakura Miyajima (Sakura-nee): [Xiao Zhi, remember to come early tomorrow, let's practice together! Cute.jpg] (Read)

Ito Koshitomo: [I'll go as soon as possible. By the way, Sakura-nee, is Aunt Tsubaki practicing with us in the morning?] (Read)

Sakura Miyajima (Sakura-nee): [Of course, Auntie hasn't seen Shizuka in a long time, she's really looking forward to your visit!] (Read)

Ito Koshitomo: [Okay, I'll definitely go to the dojo as soon as possible!] (Read)

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Back home, Ito Koshito first took off his still sticky clothes and went to the bathroom to wash himself.

In the blink of an eye, Ito Kozue, who was sitting cross-legged at the table, stopped writing, checked the time, turned off the lamp, and went to bed.

"Go to sleep early, you have to get up early tomorrow..." (I'm talking to you guys, fellow readers!) (?????)

Chapter Twenty-Six: Miyajima Tsubaki (Part 1)

As the sun rose, the first rays of bright golden sunlight shone through the thin white curtains and onto Ito Koshitoki's face.

With her long eyelashes trembling slightly, Ito Koshito's mind gradually cleared from the chaos and darkness, and she opened her eyes groggily.

"It's time to go to the Miyajima Dojo."

The cool morning breeze, carrying a hint of floral fragrance, caressed Ito Koshito's skin. The refreshing aroma completely jolted Ito Koshito awake from the warmth of the bed, leaving him refreshed and invigorated.

Touching the dark sky, Ito Koshitoki arrived at the tram station. There were hardly any people on the tram at this time, and the pale lights illuminated the deserted space, making it look rather eerie.

Upon reaching the street in front of the Miyajima Dojo, Ito Koshito saw two beautiful figures standing gracefully in the courtyard, seemingly engaged in conversation. When they saw Ito Koshito's figure on the street in the distance, they both simultaneously brandished their swords and waved their hands.

Ito Koshitomo jogged over to the front of the Miyajima dojo and greeted Miyajima Sakura and Miyajima Tsubaki.

"Sister Ying, Aunt Chun."

"Xiao Zhi!" Two melodious voices rang out simultaneously, intertwining to form an intimate address for Ito Kozue.

"Xiao Zhi, why didn't you come to see me after you were discharged from the hospital!" A soft yet magnetic and intellectual mature female voice came from Miyajima Tsubaki's small mouth.

"You've already been to Mira's place, and you're only coming to see me now!" Miyajima Tsubaki complained, her intellectual voice filled with resentment.

“Haha,” Ito Koshito scratched his head, laughing awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

At this moment, Miyajima Tsubaki and Miyajima Sakura had already put on their pure white dojo uniforms. Beneath the conservative uniforms, their curvaceous figures were outlined in alluring silhouettes.

Miyajima Tsubaki brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her pale wrist supporting her slightly tilted head. Her long, delicate eyebrows drooped slightly, and her soft eyes held a lingering, almost ethereal, gaze.

Although she had a gentle smile on her lips, the resentful look between her brows seemed to drown Ito Koshichi, putting immense pressure on him.

Ito Koshito had no choice but to look for help in Miyajima Sakura, who was watching the show. He looked pitiful like a wounded little animal and immediately hit Miyajima Sakura's target area, making her stop being indifferent and watching Ito Koshito being bullied by Ogasan.

Miyajima Osamu lowered her hand that was covering her smile, gently came to Miyajima Tsubaki's side, gently put her arm around Tsubaki's slender waist, and pulled her towards the dojo with a little force.

"Alright, Ogasan, stop bullying Xiaozhi. Let's practice early."

"Alright then, Kotobuki, let's have a sparring match later! It's been so long since we've had a really good fight!" Miyajima Tsubaki followed Miyajima Sakura's lead into the dojo, and suddenly remembered something, and said to Ito Kotobuki with a slightly excited expression.

“Okay, Aunt Tsubaki.” Ito Koshi didn’t refuse. He knew that Miyajima Tsubaki was a kendo fanatic and could be a little impulsive at times.

If he refused her, Miyajima Tsubaki's dissatisfaction with him going to Tsubaki-en Mira's house first would probably drive her to madness, and she might pounce on him in the dojo courtyard and kill him on the spot.

Following behind the two, Ito Koshito walked through the cobblestone path and into the Miyajima Dojo. He went to the changing room, opened his locker, and changed into his dojo uniform.

only……

"I think I've grown taller again?" Ito Koshino looked at his dojo uniform, which used to fit him perfectly but was now stretched taut, with even the collar unable to cover his delicate collarbones. He slapped his forehead in annoyance.

"Sigh—I have to spend money to buy a new one again..."

When Ito Koshitomo walked out of the locker room, Miyajima Tsubaki and Miyajima Sakura's eyes lit up.

Miyajima Tsubaki casually walked up to Ito Koshitomo and patted his strong arm.

“Little Zhi has gotten even stronger!” Miyajima Tsubaki murmured, her deep black eyes like an abyss, radiating a sticky, magical power. 'The fruit is almost ripe! Looks like I'll have to discuss it with Mira…'

"I guess I'll have to buy a new dojo uniform!" Ito Koshi sighed helplessly.

“Xiao Zhi, if you can defeat me in our sparring later, then I’ll take your dojo uniform!” Miyajima Tsubaki said with a smile.

“It’s a deal, Aunt Tsubaki,” Ito Koshitomo said confidently.

When she first started learning, Ito Koshito was just a novice, taught by Miyajima Tsubaki. Later, in junior high school, Ito Koshito's swordsmanship became more proficient, and she was able to fight Miyajima Tsubaki, who was holding back, to a standstill. In her third year of junior high school, Ito Koshito developed rapidly and became stronger, which led to her defeating Miyajima Tsubaki for the first time when she underestimated her.

After that, Miyajima Tsubaki frequently challenged Ito Koshito to matches, but after that, facing Miyajima Tsubaki's relentless and earnest attacks, Ito Koshito was never able to defeat her again.

"Alright, it's time for early practice," Miyajima Sakura reminded her from the side.

Morning practice is essentially just repeating the most basic kendo movements, such as the so-called "air swing."

Suzhen is an extremely tedious practice, but behind the dazzling martial arts performances lies the accumulation of these tedious practices.

Because he practiced face-to-face with two beautiful women, supervising each other and watching their graceful and standard movements, Ito Koshito was very patient and focused in his practice. He didn't feel bored, nor did he lose focus and make his movements incorrect.

After a while, the three men, drenched in sweat, stopped what they were doing and sat down to rest.

"Xiao Zhi, it seems you haven't been slacking off lately. Your movements are as powerful and standard as ever." Miyajima Tsubaki was very happy. A long time ago, Miyajima Tsubaki was very strict with Ito Koshito. After defeating her in the third year of junior high school, she seemed to regard Ito Koshito as a peer and raised her expectations for him even higher.

Now, Ito Koshitomo's swordsmanship has not deteriorated after a month in the hospital, which must mean he has spent a lot of time consolidating and practicing his skills.

This delighted her, and her desire grew even stronger...

"Thank you." Ito Koshi smiled at Miyajima Tsubaki, the golden sunlight shining on the beads of sweat, making them sparkle brilliantly. His bright smile seemed to be surrounded by a halo. Miyajima Tsubaki was mesmerized, her heart burning even hotter, desperately needing a satisfying battle to quell the flames.

'Tsubaki, I'm sorry, but I just couldn't resist. I'll be the first to reap the fruits of Genji's plan! You'll understand, won't you, Tsubaki?'

Regardless of how much inner turmoil Miyajima Tsubaki was experiencing, Miyajima Sakura was carefully wiping Ito Koshiji's sweat with a towel, and quietly whispered in his ear.

"Xiao Zhi, after you've finished your match with Ougasang, come and have a match with me too!"

"No problem, Sakura-nee."

It was still early, and no students had arrived at the dojo yet, so it seemed rather empty. The morning breeze carried a coolness and quickly dried the sweat from the three of them.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Miyajima Tsubaki (Part Two)

After resting sufficiently and regaining some strength, Miyajima Tsubaki stopped chatting with Ito Koshitomo and Miyajima Sakura, stood up, and leaned on her standard bamboo sword with both hands. Her sharp eyes revealed anticipation, and her spirited brows showed excited elation.

"Xiao Zhi, come on, let's begin our battle!"

Although you have been a wife and a teacher for over a decade, when it comes to matters related to kendo, Miyajima Tsubaki often forgets to maintain her maturity and seems to return to her youthful, immature self, full of energy.

Ito Koshichi chuckled and sat up abruptly, following Miyajima Sakura's lead.

"Hmph hmph hmph~ Aunt Chun, I'm very strong now, prepare to accept your second defeat!"

"I'm looking forward to it!" Miyajima Tsubaki licked her lips, her delicate hand stroking the hilt of her sword, her breathing becoming increasingly rapid and heavy, her burning eyes filled with intense fighting spirit.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the empty and desolate dojo, two figures faced each other. Even standing on the cold wooden planks, they could not stop their fiery aura from engulfing each other.

With Sakura Miyajima's help, the two put on their protective gear and then faced each other, quietly concentrating and gathering their strength.

The moment Miyajima Sakura waved her hand.

"drink!"

Driven by a fierce desire to attack, Miyajima Tsubaki immediately let out a fierce shout. Like an arrow released from a bow, she moved with peculiar steps, nimbly and skillfully approaching Ito Koshitoshi. Her bamboo sword showed no mercy as it swiftly slashed at Ito Koshitoshi.

Miyajima Tsubaki knew that as a woman, she was neither as tall nor as strong as Ito Koshito, who was a man. This meant that her offensive limits were definitely smaller than Ito Koshito's. If she was forced into a passive defense, she would be completely overwhelmed by Ito Koshito's strength and would only be able to passively wear down her stamina, ultimately suffering a crushing defeat.

Only close-quarters attacks, only continuous and rapid offensives, can suppress Ito Etsutoshi, find weaknesses, and ultimately achieve victory.