Chapter 62: A Storm is Brewing in the Natsuba Main Residence
“However, that bastard is still a threat to me.”
“After you tell Kouryu the news…”
“Stay by his side. When he makes a move on Rinrei at the gate, if his preparations are insufficient, lend him a hand.”
“She must be killed outside the main residence.”
Natsuba Taiga’s eyes narrowed, a ruthless killing intent within them.
Not only that, but the old man would likely make a move in secret as well.
As for why he called her “Rinrei,” it wasn’t because he was close to her, but because she didn’t deserve the Natsuba surname. She was just a bastard, a piece of goods.
And now, she had fulfilled the prophecy, reaching B-rank before the age of sixteen.
Even he, with his exceptional talent, had only reached B-rank at the age of twenty-five.
Not only that, but according to Kyōkotsu Rōichi, upon reaching B-rank, she had managed to fight her way past several B-ranks and a dozen C-ranks to enter the Otherside.
One person, one kill, while the others were injured.
Honestly, if Natsuba Rinrei reached high B-rank while he was still at peak B-rank, he might not be her match.
And with the prophecy of the “battle between a dragon and a tiger,” although he didn’t show it…
Deep down, Natsuba Taiga was truly shaken.
As for why she had to be killed outside the main residence, it was because there was an ironclad rule within the Natsuba family: direct descendants were forbidden from killing each other within the main residence.
Violating this rule would trigger a terrifying taboo, a secret…
Only the head of the family knew the full extent of it.
Then, he thought,
He wondered if Natsuba Rinrei had rescued Natsuba Hanae. If she had, he could use Hanae as a hostage to force Rinrei to submit to her execution.
That would be the best way to avoid any losses.
But a direct confrontation with Natsuba Rinrei would likely require a great deal of effort.
However, just then…
The door to the combat arena opened again, and another steward from the Kyōjū branch entered. He whispered something to Kyōkotsu Rōichi and then left.
Kyōkotsu Rōichi looked at Natsuba Taiga, a tremor of excitement in his expression.
“Young Master, according to news from the Fourth Supernatural Forbidden Zone…”
“A crimson vertical pupil has appeared in the sky above the Otherside.”
“The Master of Summer Harvest Mountain has appeared.”
“Her power is spreading wildly within the Otherside, likely due to a battle with a Nightmare-level supernatural being.”
Hearing this, Natsuba Taiga’s eyes lit up.
Although Natsuba Yosuke had mentioned a Half-Calamity level supernatural being in the core meeting…
The Master of Summer Harvest Mountain, who had successfully obtained a Rule, would surely know more details. This could be an opportunity.
If he could obtain a Rule, then as a peak B-rank, he would have a fighting chance against an A-rank.
And if he mastered a Rule upon reaching A-rank, he would be a powerhouse among A-ranks.
Natsuba Taiga pondered for a moment, then said,
“Uncle Rō, your plan remains unchanged.”
“I’ll prepare myself and personally make contact with the Master of Summer Harvest Mountain.”
“See if I can get any information about the Rule from her.”
“Yes.”
Kyōkotsu Rōichi bowed his head in obedience.
Natsuba Taiga walked past him, and he slowly left, heading towards Natsuba Kouryu’s residence to inform his steward of the news.
As for the blood-stained floor and the pierced punching bag in the room, no one paid them any mind.
…
…
Meanwhile…
Natsuba Kouryu lay on a chair, his eyes closed, his usual gentle smile on his lips.
After venting his frustration on the Nenba steward, his mood had improved considerably.
The ethereal, clear voice of Onmoraki filled the room.
The lingering melody was like a purification, transporting him to a paradise.
Such a beautiful voice.
If only… she could sing in his ear personally.
Then…
He could slice Onmoraki into pieces. Such a beautiful voice would surely produce the most captivating screams in the world.
In an instant, his gentle smile turned sinister.
He was a fan of Onmoraki, even her top supporter.
Unfortunately, every time he tried to use his wealth to invite her to the Natsuba main residence, he received no reply.
Otherwise, he would have already heard her beautiful, lark-like screams.
However, the struggle for the head position was now at a stalemate. It all depended on whether he or Natsuba Taiga broke through to A-rank first. Whoever did would have a huge advantage.
And breaking through to A-rank required not only talent but also a strong mentality.
Natsuba Kouryu considered going to one of Onmoraki’s concerts, kidnapping her, and listening to her captivating screams.
Perhaps that would be the catalyst he needed.
He had already formulated a plan and was just waiting for the right time.
However, just then…
Mizuō Rin burst in, gasping for breath.
Natsuba Kouryu frowned. This was a serious breach of etiquette. Just as he was about to speak…
Mizuō Rin said anxiously,
“Young Master!”
“Something big has happened! Kyōkotsu Rōichi of the Kyōjū branch just told me…”
“The First Miss, in front of the Fourth Supernatural Forbidden Zone, has reached B-rank, and her ability has fully manifested. Based on all the signs…”
“Her ability is—a Red Dragon!”
Hearing that her ability was a Red Dragon, Natsuba Kouryu’s expression changed drastically. His feigned gentle smile vanished completely.
This meant he was no longer the only dragon.
The dragon in the prophecy of the “battle between a dragon and a tiger” might not be him.
“No!”
“I am the only dragon! I must be!”
Natsuba Kouryu’s face twisted in a sinister expression, his features growing darker and more menacing. Black scales appeared on his face, and his pale golden eyes flickered with a brilliant light.
His right hand, which had at some point transformed into a dragon claw, clenched tightly. He said in a hoarse voice,
“Just a piece of goods, even more lowly than Natsuba Yosuke.”
“How could she possess such talent!”
“I will capture her, I will kill her, I will slice her flesh and blood into pieces!”
“I’ve grown tired of the screams of the branch families.”
“I’ve never heard the screams of a direct descendant!”
Even as he spoke these vicious words…
A sense of dread and fear lingered in his heart.
He knew what it meant for her to reach B-rank at her age. If left unchecked, her ascension to A-rank was almost certain.
He had to kill her before she grew stronger.
Even if Natsuba Rinrei emerged from the Nightmare-level Otherside, she would be severely injured.
This was the perfect opportunity to strike.
Before she entered the main residence…
He would assassinate her!
Natsuba Kouryu’s vertical pupils narrowed slightly, a ruthless, murderous glint within them.
…
