Chapter 18: Disgust

"Oh... yes, we have met before," Yukari's voice faltered briefly as the middle-aged man approached from behind her. The man's appearance was striking, though not in a favorable way. His face was round and flushed, with small, shifty eyes that darted around with a calculating gleam. His lips were curled into a mischievous grin, revealing a row of yellowed teeth that seemed more menacing than welcoming.

He was holding a sake in his left hand, looking fully drunk with the way he walked. Reyoma, being associated with a girl in the red light district, wanted to inquire more, but before he could, "I don't...".

The fat man moves his right hand through Yukari's yukata, which was already revealing her cleavage, and grabs her left breast. Startled, Yukari throws her head back to look where the hand came from, seeing the drunken older man. "Hey, Kazuo, can't you see I am in the middle of a conversation here? Can't you at least wait...?"

Before she could continue talking further, the drunken man, whose name seems to be Kazuo, showed his dirty yellow teeth and started kissing Yukari. As Kazuo's lips pressed against hers, their tongues intertwined in a crude display of intimacy. Yukari's response was one of genuine desire. As Kazuo continued to massage Yukari's breasts, she didn't seem to be bothered by it even a little bit and was acting submissive.

Reyoma's stomach churned with revulsion as he witnessed the scene unfolding before him. The air seemed to thicken with tension as he felt nothing but disgust. 'How... how could anyone do this on the streets?' he thought, his mind reeling with disbelief and horror at the brazen display of lewdness.

Yukari's initial shock quickly morphed into resignation, her shoulders slumping as Kazuo's drunken advances intensified, even revealing more of her body as her left breast, which Kazuo was holding, became completely visible.

Kazuo's hands roamed greedily over Yukari's body, his touch invasive and repulsive. The reveling yukata offered little protection as his fingers traced the contours of her skin, leaving a trail of discomfort and violation in their wake.

Turning his head, the only thing Reyoma saw was shamelessness, lewdness and pervertedness. Up until this point, Reyoma had walked, keeping his gaze down in the red light district. But now that he saw what was happening around him, he was even more disgusted. Most of the people around him were engaged in intercourse or acts of intimacy. In most of the dark streets, a little older and unattractive women were openly doing all sorts of unspeakable things to please their customers.

Reyoma's heart hammered in his chest as he hurried away from the chaotic scene behind him. Each step felt like a desperate attempt to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the red light area. He quickened his pace, his long strides carrying him farther and farther away from the unsettling spectacle.

It didn't take him long to get out of the place since he hadn't traveled too far into the red-light area, seens he was stopped by Yukari before he could go further.

Not wanting to think back to the scene, but it had vividly imprinted in his head now, and coming before his eyes again and again made him feel aroused and flushed with embarrassment. 'Why did I even go there knowing what I would see?' Reyoma thought, regretting the decision he made.

Reyoma's thoughts raced as he pondered the encounter further. "If what she said is true, when did I meet her and, most importantly, why? Why would I ever want to meet a prostitute? But she's just a nobody. I don't think I ever met her. I think she was just after my money. How did she know my name? Hmm... Ah, it's easy. She must have seen me somewhere. Since most people know me as the dark omen of the clan and tend to avoid me or even speak behind my back, it's easy to see the odd one out. Or she could just be one of those 'most of the people who knew me as a dark omen' and wanted to scam me, knowing that I'm an odd one out and won't know anything. I was too careless conducting myself this time," Reyoma thought, sighing, speculating about his encounter and shrugging off unnecessary thoughts.

Kazuo and Yukari finally stopped kissing, parting their lips and creating a bridge of saliva between them. 

Yukari's cheeks flushed as she realized Reyoma was no longer in sight, her brows furrowing in mild concern. She glanced around, scanning the bustling street for any sign of his familiar figure, but he was nowhere to be found, "Where did he go off to?."

Meanwhile, Kazuo leaned back against the nearest wall, a smug grin playing at the corners of his lips. His eyes gleamed with a predatory light as he regarded Yukari, his hand lingering provocatively beneath her yukata, "Who was that young man? I haven't seen him around here before."

Yukari's response was quick, her voice tinged with a hint of irritation as she brushed off Kazuo's inquiry, "He's just an old acquaintance."

Kazuo's hand slid further up beneath Yukari's yukata, his fingers tracing teasing patterns along her inner thigh. Yukari's breath hitched at his touch, her body betraying her words as a shiver of pleasure ran through her, "Did you want to fuck him?."

Yukari's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson, but she shook her head adamantly, her desire evident in her eyes despite her denial, "No..."

Kazuo's grin widened at Yukari's response, his fingers dancing tantalizingly close to her core, "You're still going to pretend when you're this wet?".

Yukari's breath caught in her throat at Kazuo's bold words, her body reacting instinctively to his touch. Despite her protests, the undeniable arousal coursing through her veins betrayed her true desires, "It's because of your experienced technique... Let's continue... But not here. My residence would be more suitable."

With a seductive smile, Yukari pulled herself back slightly, her eyes alight with anticipation as she led Kazuo away, their figures disappearing into the shadows of the night.

The narrow streets of the merchant district seemed to blur as Reyoma forged ahead, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions, 'There must be something to eat at home... Even if it's just a simple fruits.'

With a determined resolve, Reyoma veered off the main path, opting to take a quieter route home. The familiar sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace gradually gave way to a sense of calm as he navigated the winding streets of his neighborhood.

With renewed determination, Reyoma quickened his pace, the anticipation of a quiet evening at home propelling him forward. As he rounded the final corner and caught sight of the familiar facade of his house, a sense of relief washed over him. Home was within reach, and with it, the promise of respite from the chaos of the outside world.

The fading light of dusk cast long shadows across the cobblestone path as Reyoma neared his home, his footsteps echoing softly against the quiet streets. With each step, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him, eager to retreat to the familiar comfort of his own dwelling.

But as he approached, the front door of his house slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing two figures emerging from within. Reyoma's eyes narrowed in surprise as he recognized the two soldiers of Akatsuki standing before him, their imposing forms clad in full armor that gleamed dully in the fading light.

Despite the encasement of metal that obscured their features, Reyoma could sense the watchful gaze of their eyes fixed upon him, unwavering and vigilant. These were the same soldiers who had guarded the upper stories of the clan house, their presence a constant reminder of the boundaries he dared not cross.

Reyoma stood frozen in place, his eyes widening in shock as he watched the two departing soldiers. His gaze flickered between them and the figure of his mother, Ayaka, standing in the doorway, a silent sentinel overseeing their departure.

But what truly took Reyoma aback was the sight of the clan crest emblazoned on the armor of the departing soldiers. It was a familiar sight, one he had seen countless times adorning the uniforms of Akatsuki warriors. Yet, beneath the familiar emblem, another symbol caught his eye – the intricate script of the "Akatsuki Sword."

The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. These weren't just ordinary soldiers; they were the Akatsuki Swords, the elite guardians of the clan who answered only to the clan leader himself. It was rare to see them outside of their duties.

Reyoma's mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. What could have brought the Akatsuki Swords to their doorstep? What hidden purpose lay behind their unexpected visit? And most importantly, what did it mean for him and his mother?

As the soldiers vanished into the encroaching shadows of the evening, Reyoma couldn't shake the sense of unease that gripped him. There was something deeply unsettling about their presence, something that hinted at a deeper mystery lurking beneath the surface of clan life.

Reyoma approached Ayaka, his mind still buzzing with unanswered questions, "Mother wh.." But before he could voice them, Ayaka interrupted him with a playful comment. "You smell like flowers," she said, her voice laced with amusement as she raised an eyebrow teasingly.

Caught off guard, Reyoma felt a flush creep up his cheeks, his embarrassment evident as he struggled to find the right words. Ayaka chuckled softly at his reaction, her laughter warm and gentle as she gestured for him to come inside.

As Reyoma stepped into their home, he felt a sense of relief wash over him, the familiar surroundings offering a comforting embrace amidst the uncertainty that lingered outside. Ayaka watched him with a fond smile, her eyes filled with maternal affection as she spoke.

"Until when are you going to stay out?" she asked, her tone gentle yet filled with a subtle hint of concern. Reyoma sighed softly, the weight of the day's events settling heavily upon his shoulders as he followed Ayaka further into their home, grateful for the solace it offered amidst the tumultuous world beyond its walls.

As they walked through the dimly lit streets, Daiki's voice cut through the silence like a blade through silk. "So that was the kid who is labeled as the dark omen."

Hiro, walking beside him, glanced casually in Reyoma's direction. "Poor kid, grabbed by superstition," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of indifference.

As they reached clan's outskirts, Daiki spoke again, his voice breaking the silence. "Since we have gotten permission from Elder Ayaka, let's first go to the crime scene." His words were firm, carrying a sense of purpose as they continued on their path.

Reyoma and Ayaka sat gracefully on the tatami mat, their figures illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns scattered throughout the hall. The low table before them was adorned with intricate patterns, hand-carved by skilled artisans, reflecting the elegant simplicity of their home. The hall itself exuded a sense of tranquility, with sliding paper doors allowing gentle breezes to waft through, carrying the faint scent of cherry blossoms from the nearby garden.

Ayaka's posture was poised and regal, her traditional kimono draped elegantly around her frame, its rich fabric adorned with delicate floral motifs. Reyoma, seated beside her, mirrored her grace.

Reyoma's voice was filled with curiosity as he questioned his mother. "So, Mother, why were Swords here?"

Ayaka's expression remained composed as she replied, her voice carrying a hint of solemnity. "The clan leader has ordered all higher-ups of the clan to bring their successors."

Reyoma's brow furrowed in thought. "That means not only me, but other successors will also be there," he mused aloud.

Ayaka nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, that's correct."

Reyoma leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "But what's the reason for this?" he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Ayaka's expression remained unreadable as she replied, "I don't know." Despite her calm demeanor, Reyoma sensed a flicker of uncertainty in her tone, leaving him with more questions than answers.

Ayaka's voice carried a comforting tone as she reassured Reyoma. "But you don't have to worry about that," she said gently, a small smile gracing her lips. "Let's just focus on the present. We can go shopping tomorrow."