Why are the magical girls in your area male?

"That's pretty much it."

Yuki Tsukishiro affectionately linked arms with him, and they chatted all the way to the school.

......

at dusk.

Inside a high-rise building along the coast of Tokyo Bay.

Kitano's death was like a pebble thrown into a swamp, not even causing a ripple.

At this very moment, Kitano Kawa's father, Kitano Taiga, a strong contender for the next generation of the family, was practically growling into his phone:

"Let's double-check! Every procedure, every detail! The flowers on both sides of the aisle must be the freshest French air-freighted blue roses, not a single petal can be wilted!"

Has Mr. Hase's car been arranged? The most luxurious one is needed! The bulletproof glass must be of high quality!

The driver must be the most reliable and experienced driver, and security must be at its highest level! I don't want to see a single stranger near the venue!

He learned some secrets about the Moon Etching and Awakened Ones from his own son, and he also witnessed firsthand the earth-shattering power that transcended ordinary people and was capable of changing the world.

Therefore, he naturally knew that his son was attached to Hideji Hase.

Kitano Taiga didn't know much about Hase Hideji, only that he had been a policeman, infiltrated a yakuza group, and in a very short time rose from a lowly henchman to the position of yakuza boss, wielding immense power and influence in both the legal and illegal worlds.

Kitano said that tomorrow, this once-powerful figure in Tokyo's underground scene will return to Japan.

He had already started arranging the welcoming ceremony on his side, and he was extremely busy with this ridiculous ceremony.

It is said that Hideji Hase was quite interested in art, so Taiga Kitano used all his connections to acquire a bunch of precious artworks that money couldn't buy.

The welcoming ceremony must be flawless, as it determines whether the Kitano family can successfully board the giant ship of Black Watch and occupy a favorable position in the future landscape.

However, at this most crucial moment, his son Kitano, who was known for causing trouble, went missing.

After that guy secretly returned to Japan yesterday, he didn't go anywhere. He just went to the church in Kanda for Mass and then attended a small business gathering at the members-only rooftop bar in the port area at night.

Then I couldn't get in touch with anyone all night.

He had already sent people to find him. This was a crucial moment concerning the future of the Kitano family and the Sanlian Group, and he absolutely could not allow things to fall apart here.

After hanging up one phone call, Kitano Taiga immediately dialed another number.

"Still can't get in touch?!" His tone was anxious, filled with barely suppressed anger. "He hasn't been heard from since he went into that club in the port area last night."

He's searched all the places he used to frequent. What about his buddies? What about the women? Can't find them either?!

The subordinate on the other end of the phone gave a trembling report, nothing more than excuses such as "we are searching with all our might" and "the young master may have gone to some private place".

Kitano Taiga was so angry he almost smashed his phone.

He knew very well that although his son was arrogant and spoiled, he would never play such a trick of disappearing completely at such a crucial moment.

As Hideji Hase's follower, he understood the importance of tomorrow better than he did!

An ominous premonition quietly crept into his heart.

Could it be that something unexpected happened?

Are they rivals within the family? Or are they other enemies of Hideji Hase?

My knowledge of things related to the Awakened mainly comes from Kitano Gawa. Even as his son, Kitano Gawa didn't say much about some confidential matters.

Kitano Taiga knew that this was a way for Kitano Kawa to protect himself, since knowing too many secrets could bring misfortune.

"Damn it, they're all trash, a bunch of useless trash!"

Kitano Taiga angrily hung up the phone and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

Outside the window, the dazzling night view of Tokyo Bay unfolds, with cruise ships gliding across the dark sea like stars, a scene of unparalleled prosperity.

But only someone like him knows how many deadly undercurrents are hidden beneath this prosperous facade.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his wildly beating heart.

Now is not the time to panic; he must prepare for both possibilities.

On the one hand, they continued to send more people to find Kitanogawa at all costs.

On the other hand, the welcoming ceremony must be held perfectly, and Hase Hideji must not feel slighted in the slightest because of Kitanogawa's absence.

He still had to figure out what excuse to use to fool that old fox, Hideji Hasegawa.

Kitano Taiga rubbed his throbbing temples, feeling a deep sense of powerlessness.

Originally, I was hoping to gain more influence in front of Hase Hideji by leveraging my connection with Kitanogawa. Now, he's simply disappeared. Forget about gaining influence; I'd be grateful if I didn't arouse his suspicion and anger.

He dialed the internal hotline and, in a hoarse voice, instructed his secretary: "Increase the 'meeting gift' prepared for Mr. Hase by another 30%."

In addition, recruit a few more top beauties. Remember, only virgins, and don't let them get involved in the murky waters of the entertainment industry!

"These guests are very important. Tomorrow we must show our utmost sincerity. Forget about the head of the household and those old fogies; I will take full responsibility!"

After hanging up the phone, Kitano Taiga slumped wearily into the sofa.

All he can do now is to use more sincerity and a more humble attitude to mend the rift that Kitanogawa's disappearance may have caused, and pray that they can get through this crisis safely.

Hideji Hase is not someone who can be easily dealt with.

As for Kitano River...

He could only pray silently that the kid was just temporarily hiding somewhere indulging in a life of pleasure, and that he had not actually encountered some unexpected disaster.

......

......

Meanwhile, at Shigenchaya, Leblanc Cafe.

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky orange-red, casting soft light and shadows on the wooden tabletops through the glass windows of the café.

The streetlights were not yet fully lit, but the city's hustle and bustle had gradually subsided, and the unique tranquility of the evening slowly spread.

Yuan Xun put down her nearly empty cappuccino cup, looked up, and smiled at the proprietress behind the counter:

"Yuko-nee, thank you for your guidance and instruction during this time. I'm going back now."

"What's there to thank me for? I just said a bunch of nonsense to you through the screen~"

Yuko Sakura rested her chin on one hand, while the fingers of her other hand casually stirred the half-filled coffee in her cup, her usual charming smile on her face.

The darkening sky outside the window made the smile in her eyes seem a little deeper: "Little Xun'er, have you finally made up your mind to go back and meet your 'challenge' before it gets dark?"

"..."

Yuan Xun bit her lower lip and did not answer.

Yuko Sakura leaned forward slightly, lowered her voice, and said in a slightly ambiguous tone:

"I have to warn you, it's not easy to steal someone you like from another girl. It's getting dark, and the roads aren't easy to walk on, you know?"

"My mind is made up. I have to try to find out!"

A blush crept onto Yuan Xun's cheeks, making her appear even more radiant in the sunset.

"Giving away the person you like is such a stupid thing to do. If I could go back to the day I found out they were together, I would never have run away!"

I'd rather make mistakes than do nothing! I will definitely try my best! In my own way!

"...Heh~ Darling, being brave is a good thing, but be careful, roses can prick you."

Yuko Sakura chuckled softly and waved her coffee cup in farewell, "Then I wish you good luck, Kaoru."

Remember, while nighttime is good for hiding, it's also easy to get lost. Knowing your direction is more important than running blindly.

"Yeah! I remember it!"

Yuan Xun stood up and bowed deeply to Yuko. "Thank you again for your guidance, Yuko-nee!"

"No need for words of gratitude. Just don't expose your teacher if you cause trouble in the future."

"No way~"

Yuan Xun waved his hand, picked up his suitcase, pushed open the door of the coffee shop, and his figure gradually blurred into the evening street scene of Shigen Chaya.

"Ahhhh~"

Sakura Yuuko watched with interest in the direction the other person had left, drawing a circle on the table with her right index finger:

"Another firefly, madly in love and recklessly devoted. Who would have thought that in this day and age, we could still see a harem drama unfolding? How interesting!"

"Great! That's exactly what I want to see! I want to see an earth-shattering battle, I want to see rivers of blood!!"

"Jie Jie Jie~"

......

Inside the rented room of Shigen Chaya.

The kitchen lights dispelled the twilight outside the window, and the small room was filled with the aroma of food, while the range hood hummed.

Yuan Qing, wearing an apron, skillfully stir-fried the vegetables in the pan. The oil sizzled and the vegetables quickly became glossy and fragrant.

Yuki Tsukishiro was like a clingy cat, resting her chin on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.

"Why are you here again?" Yuan Qing was hanging on the koala, feeling somewhat helpless.

"Because we've been active all day, the battery is depleted and needs to be charged."

Yuki Tsukishiro tightened her arms in a playful manner, her sweet voice becoming especially soft and sweet when she was being coquettish, which could melt anyone's heart.

"The problem is, it's already dark. If you keep making a fuss, our dinner will turn into a midnight snack."

"Hey, just keep cooking, I'm not bothering you~"

"Tsk, a sweet burden..."

Yuan Qing, unable to resist her pestering, and seeing that the food in the pot was almost ready, decided to use a diversionary tactic:

"Okay, could you go downstairs to the convenience store and buy me a large bottle of Coke? We're out of drinks at home."

"No, I want to hold you~"

"Listen to me, go quickly. How can we eat without drinks? We can start eating when you come back."

"...Okay."

Yuanqing spoke as if coaxing a child, and Yuki reluctantly let go of his hand, then quickly leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'll be back soon. There's also a side dish of tofu soup, don't forget to make it!"

"I know, I know, you little glutton." Yuan Qing poked her forehead helplessly.

Yuki Tsukishiro snorted, grabbed her phone, changed her shoes, and quickly ran downstairs.

While she was away, Yuanqing quickly put the last dish into the pot and started cooking.

It's just a simple tofu soup; there's no need for any complicated procedures.

He went to the dining table and set out the dishes.

Looking at the dazzling array of dishes on the table, Yuan Qing couldn't help but smile helplessly.

If two people eat eight dishes, they'll probably have to eat leftovers for the next two or three days.

When he figured it was about time, Yuanqing turned off the stove, poured the tofu soup into a bowl, and brought it to the table.

I had just taken off my apron when I heard the sound of a key turning at the door.

"Have you bought everything? It's already completely dark, hurry up and wash your hands before eating..."

While setting out the bowls and chopsticks, Yuan Qing casually remarked without looking up.

However, the next second, a voice that was both incredibly familiar and incredibly unexpected came from the doorway:

"Okay, I'll wash my hands and eat now... Onii-chan~"

Yuan Qing suddenly raised his head, and the chopsticks in his hand fell to the table with a "clatter".

The person standing at the door was not Yuki Tsukishiro at all.

Instead, it was Yuan Xun, pulling her suitcase, looking travel-worn but with a radiant smile!

"Xiao...Xun?"

Yuan Qing could hardly believe his eyes.

Surprise, astonishment, guilt, and complex emotions surged forth instantly, intertwining and churning within him.