Chapter 31 – Temptations of the Night
How did I end up being called a playboy…?
Having lived two lifetimes now, including the memories of this body's original owner, Tatsuro had experienced thirty-three years of life. And yet someone just called him a scumbag?
It felt like no matter how many charm tricks he pulled out, the affection meter with Yuto Mi was impossible to raise.
Screw it… if being called a scumbag gets the mission done, so be it. These two missions and their rewards are crucial to my growth.
If I want to spar evenly with Toudou Aoi, I need every advantage I can get.
The two of them entered a narrow alley.
As soon as they stepped in, a crew-cut man in a black suit lunged for Yuto Mi.
It happened in a flash. Yuto Mi couldn't react in time—his massive hand already closing in on her face.
Just as she was about to shut her eyes, the hand froze.
A muffled cry of pain was all that escaped before it turned into a series of whimpers.
The large man knelt on the ground, finally revealing what had happened.
Tatsuro had clamped his right hand firmly on the man's shoulder, and with his left, he covered the man's mouth. Shaking his head, he whispered coldly:
"If you scream, I'll break one of your arms. If you scare them off, I'll break both. Instead of suffering yourself, why not pass the pain onto your teammates? I'm sure you know what to do…"
The man could only nod, wide-eyed, tears welling up.
He felt like he was staring into the eyes of a devil—calm, cold, and detached.
"Good boy."
Tatsuro removed his hand.
"Was it Yuto Shinichi who sent you?"
"I-I don't know, but—"
Before he could finish, a sharp strike to the back of his neck knocked him unconscious.
Tch. Why did I even ask? I knew the answer already. Talking like a movie villain made me sound like a total idiot…
Tatsuro shook his head in annoyance.
"Hey, Jiren! You done yet? If you're done, bring the girl back for the reward!"
A raspy voice called out from around the corner.
"I'll be right there. You two wait here," Tatsuro replied casually, before darting out of the alley.
In one smooth motion, he knocked out the two men who hadn't even reacted yet. Dragging their unconscious bodies back, he set them in a pile.
Yuto Mi watched in awe.
So strong! No wonder he lasted ten seconds under Captain Shuuichi… he's the real deal! And so young too—definitely worth grooming as a little brother!
Tatsuro began looting the three men.
Even if he was getting a 10 million yen reward from the mission, powerful cursed tools could cost hundreds of millions. Every bit counted.
"Ooh, nice sunglasses. Mine now."
"This watch is flashy… I like it."
"The clothes… well, I'll leave them with their underwear. I'm not a total bandit."
Yuto Mi covered her eyes, blushing fiercely, though she peeked between her fingers. She looked both shy and oddly amused.
Tatsuro finished with a satisfied nod. Now wearing three chunky gold watches on one wrist and dark sunglasses, he looked like a proper nouveau riche thug.
With an innocent smile, he turned to Yuto Mi. "Let's go, Miss. These guys won't be bothering us again."
"O-okay. Let's hurry."
Looking at the boy's harmless smile, she felt something she hadn't expected—absolute safety.
---
Night fell.
"This is your room, little Tatsuro," Gardenia smiled. "I'm right next door. If you can't sleep tonight, feel free to come over."
She turned to leave, but left the door slightly ajar—as if inviting him in.
"…I was just joking…" Tatsuro muttered.
He glanced at the room, but didn't enter. Instead, he went looking for Shuuichi Idou.
It was already 8 PM.
Technically, he didn't need to protect Yuto Mi at night—especially with a quasi-first-grade curse spirit watching over her. Anyone who tried something would be minced before they got close.
Besides, there were guards on the night shift. Shuuichi was likely on patrol right now.
The mansion's hallways were dim and quiet. The weak glow of firefly-like bulbs flickered above.
Here and there, small cursed spirits floated by, whispering:
"That room is terrifying… the air is heavy…"
Tatsuro only glanced at them before waving his hand and exorcising them.
Clearly, they meant Yuto Mi's room.
---
Outside the front door.
Two guards stood at attention.
"I'm looking for Captain Shuuichi," Tatsuro said.
The two turned—and when they saw him, their expressions lit up.
"Oh, it's you, Deputy Captain Tatsuro! Come, we'll take you to him."
"…Deputy Captain?" Tatsuro blinked. "What are you talking about?"
One of them grinned. "Well, since you beat Captain Shuuichi this morning, the vice-captain position is yours."
"Wait… wasn't the vice-captain named Murata Shoichi?"
"Yes! You've got a great memory, Deputy Captain! You only met him once this morning, but you remembered! Honestly, when we saw you hold your own against the captain as a kid… we lost all confidence. Can I ask—what's your training regimen?"
Tatsuro cleared his throat dramatically.
"Well, since you guys now recognize me as Deputy Captain, I won't keep it secret. Listen carefully—I'll only say it once."
"Yes, sir!"
Both men straightened up, eager for guidance.
"Every day:
1,000 pushups
1,000 sit-ups
1,000 squats
100 km run
Eat whatever you want. Stick to this, and a strong body is guaranteed!"
"…"
Isn't that inhuman…?
They wanted to object, but couldn't find the words. It explained a lot about why this boy was so absurdly strong.
"HAHAHA! Kid, stop messing with them and come with me," a loud voice called.
---