I'm raising a fox fairy wife in Tokyo

"what?"

Looking at Hayasaka Aina's earnest apology, Takagawa Ryu couldn't understand what she was up to.

"Because it's unnecessary. I'll just go home and inherit the shrine anyway after graduating from university, so I simply won't study anymore, that's all."

"Moreover, my grandmother thought that studying was a waste of time and that it was better to stay at home and cultivate oneself—for me, going to school was one of the few times I had free time."

Eh?

Is that so.

"Practice..."

"Ah, the power to fight against [spirits] is not something you're born with."

"..."

Hayasaka Ai seemed to remember something.

Although she couldn't see the "spirit," the boy's exaggerated speed—completely imperceptible to the naked eye—on the night he broke Kaguya-sama's curse...

They can no longer be called "normal human beings".

At least.

Hayasaka Ai, who served as Kaguya Shinomiya's personal bodyguard, was clearly trained under strict discipline from a young age.

Takagawa Ryu's power was something from a completely different world than his own.

what.

Almost there, the atmosphere is right.

Hayasaka Ai bit her lip, reaffirming her resolve: that was...

"Is it too late for you, Takagawa-kun, to start learning the power to fight against [spirits] now?"

"what?"

"What I mean is, I... I want to protect Kaguya-san."

I am now completely powerless to help Kaguya in the face of danger, and I can only leave.

Hayasaka Ai stubbornly insisted on staying.

Because Kaguya Shinomiya had already sent her away.

"Won't Kaguya-san continue to attract more spirits? And there's no guarantee she won't be cursed by spirits again."

We can't rely on Takagawa-kun every time.

because.

I should be the one protecting Kaguya-sama!

Although this was quite different from her original dream—the Hayasaka family had served the Shinomiya family for generations, so Hayasaka Ai came to Shinomiya Kaguya's side from a young age.

Even so, the girl desperately wanted to live the life of an "ordinary girl".

In the dead of night.

Hayasaka Ai sometimes thinks about being a normal girl, falling in love, making friends, and experiencing all sorts of new and exciting things.

and so.

She had previously thought that once she had saved up some money, she would quit her job, leave the Shinomiya family, and then travel the world—of course, there was another reason for this, which was that she actually…

"It's possible, but that depends on your talent, Hayasaka."

"Of course, that's not the most important issue."

"The problem is... are you 16 years old yet? If not, you can't get married."

what?

what? !

What does this have to do with whether or not you can get married?!

"Hayasaka-san is cute, but I'm also troubled by her making such a request all of a sudden... even though I'm already eighteen, which is an age where I can do it anytime."

"??!"

What is all this about?!

"The Takagawa family's techniques are passed down only within the family, so if Hayasaka-san wants to learn them, she'll have to marry me, right?"

"..."

terribly sorry!

How could I have forgotten that this is what feudal families in Japan were like?!

I'm such an idiot!!!

"Kidding."

"If you really want to learn, that's fine too. The Gaochuan family is short-staffed lately, and Grandma is having a lot of headaches. She's trying to recruit new people every day."

"But nowadays, very few young people are willing to do this job."

"If Hayasaka-san is truly prepared."

Eh?

So that's possible!

My fist hardened, and although I felt a little happy, why did my fist harden for no reason?!

"So, Mr. Takagawa, would you consider me your apprentice?"

"No."

"!!!"

The fist really hardened!

"It's not about becoming an apprentice. From now on, Hayasaka-kun will have to call me Onisama (older brother)."

"what?!"

"I already told you, the Takagawa family is a family tradition, so if you really want to learn, the only way is for Grandma and Grandpa to adopt you as their daughter. From now on, Hayasaka-san will be your little sister. No, in that case, she should be called Takagawa Ai."

"..."

This is too strange!

"That's normal."

What's normal about that?!

Before they knew it, the two had arrived outside the ruins of Hachioji Castle.

This place has long been transformed into a natural park.

But at this moment, there was clearly no one there.

Under the lonely streetlights, the management building was completely deserted and looked very old, as if it had been in disrepair for many years.

Continuing onward, you'll find yourself in lush, verdant forests.

Although it is an ancient city ruin.

But from today's perspective, it is actually a very small place, with a straight stone path leading forward and no other forks in the road.

and so.

Both of them saw the figure walking towards the park in the distance.

The other person looked like a middle-aged man, dressed in a very casual floral shirt and beach shorts, and wearing sunglasses. A dragon tattoo could be vaguely seen on his arm, giving him the appearance of a gangster uncle.

"Ah...it's dangerous here. If you want to go on a date, go somewhere else."

The man probably compared himself to Hayasaka Ai.

They thought they were a young couple exploring a haunted location in the middle of the night.

"What is the uncle going to do? The guys inside are very strong."

"Ah...so you're in the same industry?"

He showed a surprised expression.

Furthermore, he seemed to notice the katana in his hand.

"I know, but a lot of things just ran in, so I was a little worried and came to check."

Even so, I still don't recommend going in.

"Don't worry, I'm quite strong..."

The man waved casually, then lit a cigarette and turned to walk back into the ruins of Hachioji Castle.

In this regard.

Gao Chuanlong didn't say anything more, but turned around and continued speaking to the girl.

"In short, Hayasaka-san, please think it over carefully."

"It's not about being a younger sister."

"This line of work is very tough, and there's no turning back. Ordinary daily life will be gone forever."

Looking at the girl's serious expression that said, "I'm prepared."

Takakawa Ryu smiled gently.

shook his head.

"This still shows a complete lack of understanding. In our line of work, death can happen anytime, anywhere... and in the most gruesome way."

talking.

Takagawa Ryu drew his demon sword—

【刳云】.

"Ming."

As the boy spoke, golden lightning exploded in an instant, accompanied by a flash of cold light.

Hayasaka Ai had absolutely no idea what was going on.

but……

The boy beside me disappeared.

No, it's Takagawa Takayuki's speed that's too fast!!

By the time Hayasaka Ai reacted, the boy had already appeared more than ten meters ahead.

At the same time.

That uncle who had just left.

But then it inexplicably reappeared, its head, hands, and feet all severed off, falling heavily to the ground like a dismantled puppet.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Promised Trip Turned into…

"??!"

what's going on?

Weren't they supposed to be in the same industry? How come Tata suddenly opened up?

And he killed him in an instant!

"Can you see it this time, Hayasaka-san?"

"what……"

I can see it now...

Countless jet-black hairs sprouted from the uncle's neck and limbs.

It replaced the original spilled blood.