“We, Yuriko, and Sakai entered a pine forest to explore. However, we got trapped in a maze before even entering it and that’s when the Atraria person appeared.”
“Sakai sacrificed herself to protect us while running away. During this process, Yuriko’s Spirit Communication Ninja Beast was also killed.”
“Yin-Yang Spellcraft and formations! I thought we left Atraria far behind many years ago. But it seems like there is still much for us to learn from them.”
Kuki’s eyes sparkled with depth as he picked up his hot tea from the table and took a sip before speaking slowly.
“We must obtain all the secrets of that Atraria Onmyoji at any cost,” Kuki said in a deep voice with his gaze wandering.
Maniwa remained silent but watched Kuki intently because she knew her grandfather was thinking.
Kuki closed his eyes for some time before suddenly opening them again with sharpness shining through them like an awakened tiger.
“Maniwa, this is our chance for the family to rise again. You know more about Atraria than anyone else here. Three days later, you will lead our family experts to capture that Atraria person and bring him back to Orientia,” Kuki ordered firmly.
“Yes grandfather! I promise to complete the task,” Maniwa replied solemnly after standing up straighter.
“Remember not to use force if possible; try using your intelligence instead because if an Onmyoji like him can defeat Yuriko, then he must have an even stronger master behind him,” Kuki warned as he recalled how twenty years ago they suffered heavy losses when they went on a mission led by Heaven Ninja, Yamanaka, into Atraria only returning home defeated.
“Grandfather, what if we capture that Onmyoji, and his master comes looking for him?” Maniwa hesitated for a moment and asked.
By now, Maniwa had developed a sense of wariness towards the Atraria Onmyoji, especially after the overwhelming defeat suffered by the immensely powerful Yamanaka in the past. If the Harumitsu family were to face such a setback again, the other two major families would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to deal a further blow.
“Maniwa, you must understand, at any time, great opportunities come with great risks. For the grand rise of the family, for the further advancement of our esteemed Orientia Empire’s ninjutsu, this risk is definitely worth taking,” replied Kuki.
In Kuki’s deep gaze, there was a hint of world-weariness, and his tone was full of meaning.
“As long as we can capture that Atraria guy and bring him back here, even if his master comes knocking on our door wanting to cause trouble in the family’s headquarters, he won’t leave alive!”
“Yes!” Maniwa stood up straight and nodded solemnly.
…
That day, Leo had just finished seeing patients when Henry walked nervously into the examination room. “Leo, people from Strength Ring Martial Arts School are here again!”
“Oh really? It seems like they haven’t learned their lesson yet.” Leo stood up and walked out of the examination room.
In the lobby of the clinic, all those who came to seek medical attention had been driven away. The leader was a woman dressed in tight black clothing.
The woman was in her thirties with a tall figure. Her long hair was tied up and her eyes were sharp with arrogance written all over her face.
When she saw Leo walk out of the examination room, she shot him a piercing look. “You’re Leo?”
Leo asked calmly, “Who are you?”
“I’m Chloe Quiller, Kaiden’s first disciple under Strength Ring Martial Arts School.” Chloe glared at Leo fiercely as she spoke loudly.
“It seems like you’re here for revenge for Kaiden.”
“But now I’ll give you a chance: come with me to Strength Ring Martial Arts School and kneel before my master to apologize while cutting off your own hands; then I might spare your life.”
Chloe stood tall with both hands behind her back looking very imposing like some sort of martial arts heroines from ancient times.
Her companions also looked angry with their eyes wide open ready to attack at any moment.
Leo smiled indifferently, “Cut off my own hands? Are you worthy enough?”
Chloe’s face turned cold as she became more aggressive, “Leo! Do you know who you’re talking to? Do you know what kind of person is standing in front of you? Believe it or not but I can kill you single-handedly.”
“Kill me single-handedly?” Leo looked at Chloe calmly, “I still don’t believe it.”
Leo’s response made everyone around Chloe shake their heads repeatedly showing disdainful looks towards him – how dare this son-in-law act so arrogantly before Chloe?
“Leo, you’ve successfully made me angry,” Chloe sneered, “and there will be serious consequences.”
Chloe took a step forward and assumed an attacking stance towards Leo.
“Chloe, you can’t act recklessly,” Sakura interrupted sharply. “Your master Kaiden brought this upon himself…”
“Shut up! You’re just a loser underling!” Chloe didn’t give Sakura any face. “No one can protect Leo today. I must break his hands!”
Sakura’s face darkened and her temper flared up. “This is a medical clinic, not the Strength Ring Martial Arts School or your playground!”
“Heaven Martial Arts Training Club leader Thoki can say that, but you don’t have the qualifications!” Chloe looked down on Leo with disdainful eyes. “Leo, do you want to hide behind women?”
Leo spoke calmly, “A woman who doesn’t know what she’s doing.”
“You’re asking for it!” Chloe shouted fiercely and threw her hands out to attack Leo.
Henry yelled coldly, “Don’t be rude in the clinic!”
Ignoring Henry completely, Chloe moved her feet and punched out with great force.
Sakura gritted her teeth and blocked in front of Leo with crossed arms.
Leo didn’t stop them; he wanted to see how much strength Sakura had regained.
“Bam!”
The fist collided with the arm making a muffled sound that echoed throughout the room.
Sakura groaned as she stumbled backwards twice before stabilizing herself while blood flowed from her mouth and nose.
With only half of her strength restored, it was difficult for Sakura to block Chloe’s attacks effectively. In contrast to that, not only was Chloe unscathed but also more aggressive than ever before.
“Sakura! Get out of my way or I’ll take care of both of you at once,” warned Chloe fiercely.
Coughing slightly, Sakura taunted, “Is this all you’ve got?”
“Die!”
Chloe didn’t even listen to what Sakura said; she just bent over towards Leo launching another attack.
Sakura gathered all her strength again as half of her body blocked against it.
Another collision occurred as Sakura flew backwards again but Henry caught hold of her preventing any further damage from occurring. Despite this, blood still flowed from her mouth.
Determinedly wiping away the blood at the corner of her mouth, stubbornness filled Sakura’s eyes as she stood back up.
“Sakura, you’re even weaker than before. You could handle three or five dozen moves previously, but now not even one move,” gloated Chloe triumphantly. “This is your last warning; if you protect him again, then your fate is sealed !”