Tokyo: After years of stagnation, the heiress of the yakuza arrives.

"Wealth +100..."

"Thanks."

"Wealth +100..."

"Thanks."

"Wealth +..."

Through thanking others and begging—or rather, through accepting alms from the upper class—Kuroba Shido's wealth is accumulating rapidly in an extremely simple and unpretentious way.

If converted to discounted rice balls, it would now be discounted rice ball + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5...

no way.

Smart people make money in such a simple and direct way.

Kuroba Shido walked back and forth in front of the Miyazaki family's house in a small loop. Putting everything else aside, he had already recouped a small portion of the travel expenses for today's trip and the impending compensation for emotional distress.

Cool.

So cool.

He even began to think that the Miyazaki family's place had very good feng shui.

There are trees, walls, a gate, and kind people willing to give money.

In some games, this would be considered a small resource point that regularly refreshes for gold coins.

Shido Kuroba, leaning on his cane, slowly moved to the next person, his expression sincere and his tone steady: "I am pitiful, so please give me money."

simple.

rough.

The lower three paths.

But it works.

The most important thing in life is to understand your own role and position.

He is no longer the handsome male student at Kamikawa University, nor the only member of Miyazaki Kiyoshi's club, nor the good brother that Sawamura Ritsuki mentioned.

He is now someone who looks like a marginalized member of society who needs help.

Since the benefits of this version are right in front of us, we should take full advantage of them.

Shamelessness is one of the key skills that has kept him alive to this day.

After waiting for a while, the person in front of me did not move.

Kuroba Shido raised an eyebrow.

Wow.

How dare they disrespect him?

If everyone around you gives something, and you don't, wouldn't that make them look like suckers?

We're all security guards, all working for unscrupulous capitalists, so why can't you show some compassion?

This is called the herd mentality.

This is called workplace atmosphere.

This is what they mean by "you have to donate today's money, whether you like it or not."

Kuroba Shido sneered inwardly, a fleeting, crooked smile playing on his lips, before slowly raising his head.

Wow.

Such incredible talent!

Ok?

It turned out to be a woman?

Don't think that just because you're a woman you can refuse to pay.

Keep watching.

Wow.

Minister.

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

and many more.

Minister?

Standing in front of him was Miyazaki Kiyoshi, wearing a light-colored loungewear dress with a thin coat over it. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, and her cool and beautiful face was expressionless as she quietly looked at him.

"Yes, it's me."

Miyazaki Kiyoshi spoke calmly.

Then she took a step forward.

One foot precisely stepped on the instep of Kuroba Shido.

"Sorry, it was an accident."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

This was by no means an accident.

This is clearly a precision-guided attack with a clear purpose of retaliation.

Kuroba Shido looked down at the back of his feet, then looked up at Miyazaki Kiyoshi.

"Minister, it's the weekend. Physically pressuring members before club activities even begin makes the club culture seem a bit violent, doesn't it?"

Miyazaki Kiyoshi looked at him.

"Alien, instead of coming in, you go to the door of someone's house and ask the security guards for money one by one. Doesn't this behavior make your personal character seem a bit dangerous?"

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Grass.

They were killed in retaliation.

Miyazaki Kiyoshi glanced down at the half-eaten rice ball in his hand, then at his messy hair and obviously old but clean clothes.

"And why are you dressed like this?"

Shido Kuroba blinked.

"It seems to be the style of a handsome Tokyo guy."

Kiyoshi Miyazaki: "..."

She increased the pressure slightly with her feet.

Kuroba Shido's eyes cleared, and he immediately changed his tune: "Okay, okay, I was just kidding. Actually, I got up in a hurry this morning and didn't have time to get dressed. I think you can understand, club member who was dragged out of bed by club activities on the weekend is usually not in a very good mental state."

Miyazaki Kiyoshi said coldly, "That doesn't explain why you're begging at my doorstep."

Kuroba Shido said seriously, "Minister, watch your words. I'm not begging."

"What is that?"

"Begging for alms."

Miyazaki Kiyoshi was taken aback.

very short.

So short it's almost invisible.

Looking at Shido Kuroba's serious face, she finally realized that this wasn't an explanation, but just another word game.

The pressure on his feet increased again.

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

My instep feels sore.

Miyazaki Seishan stepped out and turned to walk inside.

"Come in with me."

Kuroba Shido glanced at the gatekeepers who had just paid him and gave them a very polite smile.

"Thank you all for your kindness. See you next time."

The security guards: "..."

The expressions on the faces of the several people gradually cracked.

When they gave him the money, they just assumed he was some poor student who had wandered into an upscale residential area.

Now, their own young lady has come out to take them away herself.

Moreover, judging from this way of communicating, it seems that they are not just ordinary acquaintances.

So they weren't just chasing away idlers.

Are they handing out change to the young lady's guests?

One of the security guards looked down at his hands.

Another gatekeeper watched Kuroba Shido's departing figure.

Another security guard began to question the meaning of life.

No.

Is this the new way for wealthy people to enter their homes?

Do they first conduct a round of social observation in front of the gate, and incidentally reap the benefits of the security personnel's kindness?

So sophisticated.

Completely incomprehensible.

Kuroba Shido followed Miyazaki Kiyoshi into the Miyazaki family home.

It was bigger inside than he had imagined.

It wasn't the oppressive feeling of an old-fashioned mansion like the Jingu family's, but rather a calm, spacious, and well-ordered modern feel. The floor was so clean it reflected light, the walls were adorned with simple artwork, and there was a faint woody scent in the air.

Kuroba Shido glanced down at his shoes.

Suddenly, I realized that my act of collecting money at the door just now was indeed a bit out of place with the decor here.

But it's not a big problem.

The money has been received.

Miyazaki Kiyoshi led him to the hall.

"Please wait here for a while."

Kuroba Shido sat down and immediately assumed visitor mode, his posture proper and his expression serious, like a proper male college student who would never beg for alms at someone's doorstep.

"Minister, what's today's club activity?"

Miyazaki Kiyoshi glanced at him.

"Let me be ready first."

"Can't we say now?"

"cannot."

Why?

"Because I don't want to hear you refuse in advance."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Very accurate.

After finishing his sentence, Miyazaki Kiyoshi turned and went upstairs.

Kuroba Shido sat in the hall, holding half a rice ball in his hand, and glanced down at it.

It's not something I can eat.

Not eating it isn't an option either.

Just then, footsteps came from the other side of the stairs.

When Miyazaki Ritsuko came out, she was still wearing a long dress, her hair was simply tied up, and there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes from just finishing work. But when she saw Kuroba Shido, she was clearly stunned.

"Kuroba-kun?"

Kuroba Shido stood up.

"Good morning, Aunt Ritsuko."

Ritsuko Miyazaki checked the time.

It's past eight.

There were still several hours until her originally scheduled meeting at noon.

"Why are you here so early? I remember the agreed time was around noon."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Um, is it possible that... I didn't actually come to keep the appointment?

"I'm here to participate in club activities," Kuroba Shido sighed, looking resigned.

Ritsuko Miyazaki: "???"

weekend.

It was a little after 8 a.m.

Club activities?

Even when Ritsuko Miyazaki was in college, she had never seen anything like this.

Have college students gotten this into a state of academic strain?

Looking at the half-eaten rice ball in Kuroba Shido's hand, and recalling the subtle commotion that seemed to have come from the doorway, and then thinking about how her daughter had defined "going to the Miyazaki house" as a club activity yesterday, she suddenly had a complicated understanding.

It's Xiao Qing.

It must be Xiao Qing again.

The child transformed what should have been a gentle weekend meeting into a club activity framework that she found acceptable.

And Kuroba actually arrived so early.

Ritsuko Miyazaki immediately felt a pang of guilt.

"Kuroba-kun, I'm so sorry to have caused you trouble."

Shido Kuroba blinked.

To cause trouble?

No.

Currently, the Miyazaki family has already brought him a small income.

But I can't say that.

He remained polite: "No, club activities are something that members should participate in."

Ritsuko Miyazaki looked at him.

The more I look at it, the more I realize that what Shimotsuki Gao Li said is right.

This child is indeed different.

When faced with this situation, most students would likely become reserved, nervous, and overdo it in an attempt to please the adults.

Kuroba found it strange.

He seemed afraid of Xiao Qing, afraid of trouble, afraid of getting involved in some strange things, but he still came, and even earlier than the agreed time.

What does this tell us?

This shows that although he was just making empty promises, he actually cared a lot about Xiaoqing.

Ritsuko Miyazaki's gaze gradually softened.

Kuroba Shido felt a little uneasy under her gaze.

Just to be on the safe side, he turned on status monitoring.

[Current Status: Surprised, apologetic, relieved. Confirmation of Kuroba's early arrival. Evaluation of Kuroba's cooperation and sense of responsibility has increased. Further assessment suggests Kuroba might be Xiaoqing's most unique external contact at present. Consideration is being given to upgrading the reception protocol and increasing opportunities for Kuroba and Xiaoqing to interact naturally.]

[Salted Fish Guide: Capitalize on Ritsuko Miyazaki's apology and expectations, emphasizing compensation for transportation costs, emotional distress, weekend work allowances, and club activity meal guarantees. Apply for long-term meal vouchers, transportation, and VIP medical check-up packages at the Miyazaki family's affiliated hospital—and rake in tons of coins!]

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Okay, okay, stop talking, or I'll start cursing your parents...

He saw through Ritsuko Miyazaki's plan.

What does it mean to increase his and Miyazaki Kiyoshi's natural opportunities to get along?

That sounds very gentle.

Isn't this just increasing the frequency with which he gets tortured by the minister?

Adults really are terrifying.

They all speak very nicely, but their actions are all incredibly cunning.

Just as Shido Kuroba was considering whether to apply for a breakfast allowance, he heard footsteps coming from upstairs.

Miyazaki Kiyoshi came downstairs after changing his clothes.

She was dressed in sportswear, simple and neat, with her long hair tied up, revealing her fair and slender neck. She transformed from her usual aloof and scholarly demeanor into a highly mobile minister who could kick him against the wall at any moment.

Kuroba Shido's heart skipped a beat.

not good.

This outfit doesn't look like it's for filling out a questionnaire.

Like fieldwork.

Miyazaki Kiyoshi walked up to him.

"Let's go."

Kuroba Shido asked warily, "Where are we going?"

Club activities.

"Specific content?"

"Investigate the activity patterns of stray cats in the surrounding area."

The black-feathered warrior asked, "?"

"A stray cat?"

Miyazaki Kiyoshi nodded.

"Record the breed, physical condition, activity range, fixed feeding point, and whether follow-up medical assistance is needed."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

He looked down at his cane.

Then I looked at Miyazaki Kiyoshi.

"Your Excellency, is it possible that I am also an individual who needs follow-up medical assistance?"

Miyazaki Seiryo said calmly, "You can move."

"I had great difficulty moving."

"So you'll be in charge of taking notes."

"Can I refuse?"

Miyazaki Kiyoshi looked at him.

"Can."

Kuroba Shido just breathed a sigh of relief.

Miyazaki Kiyoshi continued, "After you refuse, I will reassess your cooperation as a club member and incorporate the results into future club activities."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Again.

A major player in the capital market.

Invisible pressure.

"Minister, where is the notebook?"

Kiyoshi Miyazaki handed him a notebook.

"here."

Shido Kuroba took the notebook.

voluntary.

This was entirely voluntary on his part.

Ritsuko Miyazaki stood to the side, watching the way the two interacted, her expression somewhat complicated.

Xiao Qing had no objection.

Kuroba-kun didn't actually run away.

Even their conversations had a rhythm that made it difficult for others to interrupt.

She should be happy.

But she felt that the direction of this "club activity" was completely different from her original idea of ​​psychological observation.

After Miyazaki Kiyoshi left with Kuroba Shido, Miyazaki Ritsuko stood in the hall in silence for a moment.

Then she took out her phone and dialed the number of Shimotsuki Takari.

This needs to be verified.

immediately.

……

Shuangyue family.

The house was very quiet on the weekend morning.

Shuangyue Gaoli had not yet gotten up.

She didn't go to bed early last night. After confirming the matter of the Miyazaki family with Kuroba Shido, she also organized some observation data related to Miyazaki Kiyoshi. It was already very late when she finally closed her eyes.

She was still a little dazed when the phone rang.

She reached for her phone, and upon seeing Ritsuko Miyazaki's name, her sleepiness vanished instantly.

"Ritsuko-neechan?"

On the other end of the phone, Ritsuko Miyazaki's voice carried a subtle hesitation.

"Xiao Gao, Xiao Qing took Hei Yu out for a club activity."

Shuangyue Gaoli: "???"

"Club activities? What club activities are there on weekends?"

"Investigate the activity patterns of stray cats."

Shuangyue Gaoli sat up.

Her long hair was loose over her shoulders, the straps of her nightgown had slipped slightly, and she still had the soft scent of someone who had just woken up, but her expression had already started to switch to professional mode.

"Wait, Kuroba-kun is already at the Miyazaki residence?"

"Yes, I arrived around eight o'clock."

Shuangyue Gaoli: "..."

She was silent.

This is much earlier than the agreed time.

Moreover, Xiaoqing actually took people out to investigate stray cats.

What is this?

Warm-up before treatment?

Or is it Xiaoqing's own natural contact method?

Shuangyue Gaoli rubbed her temples.

"I'll be right there."

She hung up the phone, threw back the covers, and got out of bed.

Before leaving the room, she first went to look at Shimotsuki Airi.

The little girl is still asleep.

Her little face was buried in the pillow, her hair was a little messy, and her little hands were clutching the corner of the blanket. She was sleeping very peacefully, as if she had not been affected by the chaotic world of adults at all.

Shuangyue Gaoli stood by the bed for two seconds, and her heart softened.

But we can't delay dealing with the Miyazaki family.

She left a note on the table.

【Ellie, breakfast is in the fridge. Remember to eat on time. Mom will be back this afternoon.】

After thinking for a moment, he added another sentence.

Don't wander off alone.

After finishing writing, Shimotsuki Takari herself fell silent for a moment.

Would this note be useful to Shimotsuki Airi?

There should be.

Right?

She changed her clothes and hurriedly went out.

After the door closed, the room became quiet again.

after awhile.

Shimotsuki Airi opened her eyes.

She stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, then sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Xiao Gao?"

no respond.

She got out of bed, walked to the dining table, and saw the note.

The little girl picked up the note, and after reading it, her face gradually puffed up.

"Work again."

She looked down at the refrigerator, then at the empty room.

It's the weekend, even though.

They don't need to go to school.

As a result, she was the only one at home.

Shimotsuki Airi ate some breakfast in a sullen mood, then sat on the sofa and stared blankly for a while.

The TV is on.

Not interesting.

The toys were taken out.

It's pointless.

She suddenly thought of Xiaoyu.

Then I thought of that wicked old man...

After a while.

Shimotsuki Airi changed her clothes, slung her small bag over her shoulder, and went out.

……

Kaoru Amamiya's house.

Amamiya Kaoru is still asleep.

She was fast asleep, her hair disheveled on the side of her face, curled up in the blanket, as if she had just been drained of her energy by work, shared bicycles, Kuroba Shido, rats, the Miyazaki family's information overload, and Onodera Tsuneo.

There was a knock on the door.

dong dong dong.

Kaoru Amamiya did not react.

dong dong dong.

Still no response.

There was silence outside for two seconds.

Airi Shimotsuki's voice came from the doorway.

"Light rain."

Amamiya Kaoru turned over.

"Little Rain, the sun's shining on your bottom."

Amamiya Kaoru frowned, mumbling, "Just five more minutes..."

and many more……

What's Ellie doing here?

Amamiya Kaoru suddenly opened her eyes, scrambled up from the sofa, and rushed toward the door.

Click!

The door opened, but because the battery had been removed by Shido Kuroba, the special electronic lock opening sound and the intelligent announcement were missing...

Shimotsuki Airi stood at the door, her expression gradually turning serious.

Amamiya Kaoru opened the door with her hair all messy and froze when she saw Shimotsuki Airi standing there with a small bag on her back.

"Aili?"

Shimotsuki Airi looked up at her, puffed out her cheeks, and punched Amamiya Kaoru's thigh a few times with her little fists.

"Little Rain, you lazybones! The sun's already high in the sky, and you're still sleeping!"

Amamiya Kaoru: "???"

……

the other side.

Kuroba Shido and Miyazaki Kiyoshi have arrived near an upscale residential area.

This place isn't too far from the Miyazaki family home. The environment is clean, the greenery is beautiful, and even the stray cats seem more well-behaved than the wild cats in the rat area.

Shido Kuroba sat on a bench, holding a notebook and a pen in his hand.

Kiyoshi Miyazaki stood not far away, observing an orange and white cat.

"Record."

Kuroba Shido lowered his head.

"Orange and white, on the plump side, suspected of being fed for a long time, in good spirits, its activity range is from flower bed number three to the vicinity of the vending machine."

Miyazaki Kiyoshi nodded.

"Next one."

Not far away, a black cat emerged from the bushes.

Kuroba Shido glanced at it.

"Black, notch in left ear, highly alert, fast-moving, suspected of having extensive fighting experience and a deep social background."

Kiyoshi Miyazaki: "Don't write a resume with a social background."

"This is important information."

"Change it to one with stronger survivability."

"receive."

A little while later, a calico cat perched on the wall, looking down at them.

Black Feather said, "Sanhua has an arrogant demeanor and is suspected to be the actual ruler of this region. I suggest addressing her as Lord Sanhua."

Miyazaki Kiyoshi looked at him.

"Alien classmate."

"exist."

"Normal record".

"This is quite normal, Minister. The world of cats is still the world of cats."

Miyazaki Kiyoshi remained silent for two seconds.

"Write that you are in good health and your activity area is around the wall."

Kuroba Shido sighed and lowered his head to rewrite.

The club activities were more normal than he had imagined.

From normal to abnormal.

He originally thought today would be a questionnaire, mind reading, parent observation, and a major test of mental health, but it turned out that Miyazaki Kiyoshi brought him out to record stray cats.

This only made him more nervous.

Based on his experience, the more normal a dungeon seems, the more likely it is to have hidden storylines.

really.

After recording the fifth cat, Miyazaki Kiyoshi closed his folder and glanced at the quiet and beautiful apartment building not far away.

"Since we're here, let's take a look at the house."

Kuroba Shido was still writing "Black and white calico cat, tail like an antenna, seemingly good signal reception" when he heard this sentence, and his pen stopped.

He slowly raised his head.

"What kind of house?"

Miyazaki Kiyoshi remained calm.

"Club benefits".

The Black Feather Warrior said, "???"