Miyata Juan sprinted to a car, then switched vehicles over and over until she reached a secluded building in the suburbs. She scanned the area—safe enough—before pulling out a key and letting herself in.
As soon as she got inside, she collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily. "Almost died… almost died, damn it~"
She muttered to herself nonstop. It took a full ten minutes before she dragged herself up, shuffled to a wooden table, and poured a glass of water from a clear kettle.
"Pfft!!!"
Miyata spat out the first sip. The water had gone bad. She couldn't even remember how many days it'd been since she last came home. The thought fueled her frustration, and she roared, "Where the hell are Mimiko and Nanako?! They haven't been back in days!!!"
"Screw it, I'm done with them. Shower first." After yelling, Miyata stormed off to the bathroom.
When she caught sight of the clear handprint on her neck in the mirror, tears nearly spilled over. That guy was so rough—how could he squeeze her that hard?
Sobbing quietly, Miyata began to remove her disguise—her so-called "transformation technique."
Her makeup skills were her pride and joy. She could switch between looking like a man or a woman at will, and it was nearly impossible to tell.
If Hayashi hadn't accidentally touched her today, triggering that scream she couldn't hold back, no one would've known she was a girl.
Peeling off the fake skin layer, she revealed an adorably cute face in the mirror—flawless, delicate skin, a perfect oval shape, big eyes, and bright teeth. The kind of girl who'd spark anyone's protective instincts.
She shed her clothes, unwrapping the white cloth binding her chest. It was tight and uncomfortable, and she quickly unraveled the bandage-like fabric.
If anyone had been there, they'd have gasped, "Marvelous, marvelous!"
Back to her true self, Miyata stepped into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the water wash over her bruised body. The memory of Todo Aoi choking her flashed through her mind, and her tiger-like canines clenched tight under her lips.
On the plane.
Since Todo didn't speak Chinese, Hayashi had bought him a high-tech translator. Worn in the ear, it could instantly translate anything said to him. It wasn't cheap, but Hayashi didn't mind.
Once this job was done, he'd be swimming in cash—small expenses like this wouldn't faze him.
Todo ordered a steak on the flight. Fork in his left hand, knife in his right, he sliced into it with precision, speared a piece, and popped it into his mouth. Eyes closed, he savored the moment.
"For a big, burly guy, you sure eat with style," Hayashi remarked. He'd ordered a simple bento box, finished it, and leaned back in his seat to rest.
"Elegance never goes out of fashion. It's a way of life," Todo replied, his eyes snapping open as he resumed cutting. "So, can you finally tell me what we're doing in China? Ten million's no small sum—huh, about the same as your bounty."
The word "bounty" gave Hayashi a headache, though he didn't dwell on it. "Taking you to see China's curse users and cursed spirits. You've probably never experienced it—pretty thrilling stuff."
"I'm a third-year, you're a first-year. I've got more experience than you in that department. But I'll admit, I haven't been to China much. Never had the chance to deal with their cursed spirits or curse users," Todo said honestly. Japan was a mess already, and he was always swamped. Who had time for China?
Jujutsu sorcerers were a rare breed, not some common cabbage.
"Alright, Todo, stick with me from now on. I'll show you the good life—fine food, strong drinks, and maybe even snag you Takada!" Hayashi waved a hand grandly, drawing stares from nearby passengers.
"You've got the strength to talk big like that, but… Takada-chan? That's impossible now," Todo said, his face clouding with sorrow. Takada had rejected him, leaving a deep scar on his heart—an indelible mark.
Still, he loved her. He'd give his youth and passion for Takada~
"It's fine. Time heals everything," Hayashi said, dropping the subject. Love was too unpredictable to meddle in.
"So you're saying you can't help me win Takada-chan? I knew it. I knew it'd end like this. You spun that lie just to cheer me up. I saw through it, but still—thanks, my best bud."
One hand slicing steak, the other rubbing his forehead, Todo let tears slip from his eyes. They dripped onto the cut meat, and he ate it anyway.
Hayashi sat there, dumbfounded. "…"
The plane landed in Tianjin. The city buzzed with decent prosperity, but everyone seemed weighed down by something—maybe it was just Hayashi's imagination.
"I'll head to the local authorities to pick up the mission. Hope no one's beaten us to it," Hayashi said to Todo before flagging down a taxi and heading to the government office.
Lately, Tianjin had been a mess thanks to a cursed spirit incident in the BHX district. It was a total headache.
The jujutsu sorcerers sent in earlier had all gone silent—no word, no phone signals, nothing.
The authorities quickly realized how serious it was and started reaching out to agencies and organizations for help. But everyone had their own agendas. They saw the mission as a hot potato—too risky to touch.
The main issue? A first-grade freelance jujutsu sorcerer (unaffiliated with any group) who'd taken the job had vanished inside. Still hadn't come out.
That was terrifying. First-grade sorcerers, regardless of raw power, were among the world's elite fighters. For one to enter that domain and disappear without a ripple? Dead silence.
It was a signal—a dangerous one!
Even with a hefty reward on the table, no one wanted to take the chance. Sure, everyone wanted money, but you had to be alive to spend it.
Some were still on the fence. Talented folks could thrive anywhere, but they needed to read the situation. Letting others scout ahead was smart—a wise move.
Every city had its own overseers, managing their little patch. Backup only came in emergencies. This cursed domain was broader than most, but it hadn't caused mass casualties—yet its danger level was sky-high.
A small-scale, ultra-hazardous curse.
Hayashi and Todo arrived at the local office and met the person in charge.
Hearing Hayashi was there for the mission, the official hurriedly ushered them into a room and personally brewed them tea.
The guy's name was Li Desheng. He'd been losing sleep over this mess, so two people stepping up to take the job? He was over the moon.