The Demon’s Menu

And the events that followed left Zhinai even more perplexed.

"Jason!" X2

As Jason approached, Hanakaiin Haru and Hanakaiin Itsuki cried out in delight simultaneously.

Then, the two glared at each other with fury—

"He’s my friend!" X2

"What’s your problem?" X2

"None of your damn business!" X2

The two bellowed, repeating identical phrases three times in succession, their anger quickly escalating to action. Hanakaiin Itsuki tugged at his hood, while Hanakaiin Haru rolled up his sleeves.

"Do you have a death wish?"

The heated words escalated the tension dramatically.

"Stop!"

Hanakaiin Tōru intervened.

The young leader of the Hanakaiin Family often wielded his status to restore order.

At least… outwardly, that’s how it appeared.

"If you keep calling Jason so casually, I’ll kill you!"

Hanakaiin Itsuki’s sharp eyes glinted fiercely as he growled at Hanakaiin Haru, lowering his voice.

"Same goes for you."

"Being beheaded leaves your soul unrestful, you know."

Hanakaiin Haru mocked with a cold laugh.

"Hmph!" X2

Both men snorted disdainfully at the same time before turning away, ignoring each other entirely.

What was wrong with them?

Hanakaiin Ra scratched his head, then glanced toward Jason.

Other than being tall, strong, rugged-faced, and possessing an inexplicable charm that drew attention, there didn’t seem to be anything special about him. He was downright ordinary.

"Hello, Lord Jason."

"I’m Hanakaiin Ra."

Hanakaiin Ra greeted Jason politely in his thoughts, contrasting sharply with Hanakaiin Tōru, Hanakaiin Haru, and Hanakaiin Itsuki.

As it stood, Hanakaiin Ra became the last bastion of the family’s etiquette and civility.

"Mm, hello, Jason."

Jason introduced himself.

On the side, Tsuchimikado Motoharu approached.

"We meet again, Sword Saint."

Tsuchimikado Motoharu spoke forthrightly.

Their initial encounter was something that couldn’t be kept secret. Rather than conceal it, acknowledging it outright seemed smarter.

"You left me with such a vivid impression."

"Thinking back, I can’t help but clench my fists."

Tsuchimikado Motoharu said carefully, weaving his words masterfully.

"Then by all means, keep clenching them."

"If you don’t want them anymore..."

"I’m happy to chop them off for you."

The retort didn’t come from Jason but from Hanakaiin Itsuki.

Under his hood, Hanakaiin Itsuki’s face was half obscured in shadow, his cold gaze fixed on Tsuchimikado Motoharu.

Despite finding Hanakaiin Haru annoying, Hanakaiin Itsuki bore no ill will toward Jason.

But this feminine-looking figure before him was a different story.

Even though there was no obvious hostility emanating from him, Hanakaiin Itsuki instinctively felt this person wasn’t trustworthy.

And he wasn’t alone in thinking so.

Hanakaiin Haru felt the same.

"I think both hands should be severed."

Hanakaiin Haru chimed in.

"Haha."

"Such fiery tempers you both have!"

"I wonder how the main house of the Hanakaiin Family ended up like this, yet you two still have time to bicker here. Truly fascinating... tsk tsk."

Tsuchimikado Motoharu chuckled lightly.

He concealed his face behind a folding fan.

Then, just like that, he retreated.

His goal had already been accomplished.

The rest?

It would fall to someone else.

And indeed, that’s what happened.

Yubei Xiao stepped forward.

From the moment Jason appeared, this young Onmyoji had kept a close watch on him.

Now, the young Onmyoji took a step forward.

"May I take a look at your ’destiny’?"

Yubei Xiao asked.

As soon as those words left his mouth, Hanakaiin Itsuki and Hanakaiin Haru narrowed their eyes, a sharp killing intent flaring up.

For Onmyoji, accessing someone’s "destiny" was strictly forbidden.

Casually peering into another’s destiny implied "finality," "death."

"Yubei Xiao, are you courting death?"

Under his hood, Hanakaiin Itsuki’s shadowed face twisted slightly.

Wind.

It began swirling faintly around Hanakaiin Itsuki.

Hanakaiin Haru didn’t respond verbally, but his hand hidden inside his sleeve had already begun forming seals.

Hui Lijing, though not privy to deeper meanings, quickly gauged the situation and raised her weapon, aiming the barrel squarely at Yubei Xiao.

Hu Qiandai, gripping the hilt of her blade, recalled a memory that had ingrained within her the significance of the Onmyoji’s "destiny-reading."

Now targeted by four individuals.

Yubei Xiao remained perfectly composed.

He continued to stare at Jason, gaze unwavering.

Jason lowered his head and met Yubei Xiao’s gaze.

Then—

"No."

Jason replied curtly.

His own "destiny" was something even he didn’t fully understand; thus, allowing someone else to look into it was out of the question.

Not to mention, he was well aware of "spell words" and "curses." In such situations, outright rejection was the wisest decision.

"I see."

Yubei Xiao muttered softly, walking away absentmindedly.

This display left Hanakaiin Itsuki, Hanakaiin Haru, Hui Lijing, and Hu Qiandai momentarily stunned.

What was up with him?

Jason, meanwhile, ignored the reactions and approached the enormous "Protective Barrier."

Despite possessing sensory capabilities ten times sharper than normal, he wasn’t able to perceive everything within; he could only pick up faint traces.

That ambiguity prompted Jason to close his eyes.

Then—

A deep inhale!

A fragrance!

A faint, elusive scent wafted through the "Protective Barrier." Even with the barrier’s obstruction, the aroma was enticing enough that Jason could imagine just how strong it would be if the barrier were removed.

Such extravagant measures!

Jason thought quietly, turning his gaze toward Hanakaiin Tōru.

This person he was meeting for the first time, yet whose reputation preceded them.

The Hanakaiin Family’s most promising young talent—Jason had heard about him countless times.

Now that they’d met?

Jason’s senses were flooded with danger warnings.

It felt akin to the unexplainable anxiety one experiences while walking alone at night.

Conversely, Hanakaiin Tōru was experiencing something similar.

He studied Jason closely.

Observing this man he had never regarded seriously before.

Truly fascinating.

Was this destiny?

No!

Perhaps it was better called a miracle.

Reflecting inwardly, Hanakaiin Tōru withdrew his gaze from Jason and returned his focus to the "Protective Barrier," speaking as though murmuring to himself: "Can you see what’s inside?"

Though it sounded like idle reflection, everyone knew the question was aimed at Jason.

"Mm!"

"Not entirely clear."

"But I do get an idea of what that person intends to do."

Jason nodded, offering a partially evasive response.

"Such ambition... truly terrifying."

Hanakaiin Tōru nodded in agreement.

"Indeed."

Jason concurred with another nod.

The people around them seemed to understand, silently affirming the conversation’s implied meaning.

Hanakaiin Ra was the exception.

The young man glanced left, then right, scratching his head with a troubled expression.

If I admit that I have no idea what’s going on, will everyone look down on me?

But what exactly is happening?

As Hanakaiin Ra wrestled with his inner turmoil, Hui Lijing stepped forward.

"Jason, what’s going on?"

The detective asked.

This question granted Hanakaiin Ra a sense of relief; he perked his ears and listened carefully.

"The opposing faction is executing a scheme, starting from the Hanakaiin Family’s branch house overtaking the main house, leading to the ’King of Fighters Tournament,’ and even the so-called ’Dread Flagthey’ve been involved all along."

"All of it designed to incite chaos and slaughter in the ’Inside World.’"

Jason explained with measured words.

"Why would they do that? They’re also part of the ’Inside World,’ aren’t they?"

The detective asked, confused.

"Indeed, they’re part of the ’Inside World,’ but they’re also the big Leader of ’Blossom Cherry.’"

Jason answered.

"What?!"

The detective exclaimed.

In truth, her shock was shared by everyone present upon hearing his response.

Jason continued.

"The existence of ’Blossom Cherry’ has stirred widespread dissatisfaction within the ’Inside World.’"

"The leader is well aware of this, so they aim to redirect the ’Inside World’s’ focus."

"A massacre is the perfect distraction—and to normalize such slaughter, they’ll provide various pretexts."

"The Dread Flag, the King of Fighters Tournament, and so forth all serve this purpose."

"Even if these schemes fail."

"The leader hasn’t relented but instead resorted to more daring tactics."

"For instance—"

"Betting the entire Hanakaiin Family on their gamble!"

Betting the entire Hanakaiin Family!

A collective shock rippled through everyone’s expressions.

They were astonished by the Hanakaiin Family Head’s audacity.

But even more shocking was—

Crack!

The "Protective Barrier" shattered.

The Hanakaiin Family’s main house territory came into full view.

Completely defenseless!

Huff!

Everyone’s breathing grew heavy.