[Ch.34] A Feral Cat's Sword

Panzram heard the excited chatter from inside and looked at Ryu wondering if he heard what the girls had said. However, Ryu was stuck in his own world. He was humming to himself and skipping off.

Did he not care? No. It was more likely that he did not hear the suggestive conversation.

Panzram was a bit disappointed that Ryu had not heard what they were saying. He really wanted to watch the little white rabbit blush and turn pink.

They walked out of the town center and made their way into the forest close by. Ryu glanced at Panzram, "I will create a barrier so no one can watch us."

Panzram gave a slight nod and Ryu waved his hands. Panzram recognized the illusion as what he had been hiding behind earlier when Kiyomori had been in the room. Ryu tossed the paper and it suddenly materialized into a full-size Kiyomori. Panzram clenched his fists in surprise to see Kiyomori in front of him.

Panzram raised an eyebrow, "This is?"

Ryu chuckled as he leaned on the fake Kiyomori, "Isn't he nice? He looks exactly like my elder brother, doesn't he?"

Panzram walked around the fake Kiyomori carefully surveying him. He did in fact look like the real one. His stance and serious aura were just as Panzram had seen earlier. He even looked like a living and breathing person.

It was almost terrifying how realistic it was.

Panzram stopped gawking and looked at Ryu, "But it's just a copy. How will this help me?"

Ryu giggled arrogantly and jumped in excitement causing Panzram to suddenly regretted asking.

Ryu turned to the fake Kiyomori, "Elder brother! Show your moves!"

The fake Kiyomori nodded and pulled out his katana. He started practicing sword moves as if he was dancing in the air. It was elegant and refined but had a dangerous aura. The moves were authentic, and it was a style specific to the real Kiyomori.

Panzram was astounded, "You know these moves?"

Ryu chuckled clumsily and scratched his cheek, "Actually, I don't know these moves. I just create a Kiyomori and infuse him with the real Kiyomori's essence. The fake knows all of the real Kiyomori's secrets too."

Panzram blinked in disbelief.

Ryu is truly a terrifying man.

Ryu motioned to Panzram without realizing Panzram was staring at him incredulously, "Anyway, he can surely help you master the Taira family moves."

"You won't get in trouble for this?"

Ryu almost couldn't believe his ears, "A-Are you concerned about me?"

Panzram's scowl deepened. For a moment, he really was concerned. As for why exactly, Panzram didn't want to think about it.

Panzram shook his head, "No. I am merely worried that you will bring trouble onto me."

Ryu looked away with a bit of disappointment on his face, "Ah, so it is like that."

Ryu was disappointed and upset with his own wishful thinking. Of course Panzram was not actually concerned for his safety.

Ryu sighed before speaking, "My family may get a bit upset. But if the worst happens, I can stop them. If I were to say kneel, they would kneel."

"That seems a bit arrogant."

Ryu chuckled, "It is not arrogance if it is true."

Panzram looked at him astounded by his confidence. Then he noticed the practicing Kiyomori and realized that perhaps he did have enough reason to be arrogant.

Panzram nodded, "Then I will train. But if you get me into trouble you should take responsibility for it."

Ryu nodded happily, "Do not worry. I will definitely take responsibility."

Panzram smirked, "Even if it means marrying me?"

Ryu tilted his head, "Why would I have to marry you?"

Panzram's face twitched. He needed to stop using idioms and innuendos around Ryu because he did not seem to ever catch on.

His mind was too simple.

Panzram shook his head, "Nevermind. Let's start."

Panzram pulled out the katana and began to mirror the fake Kiyomori's moves. Ryu watched him practice with sparkling eyes. It looked extremely beautiful.

Well… That's what it looked like to Ryu.

Everyone else could see that the fake Kiyomori moves were elegant, fluid, and determined. On the other hand, Panzram's moves were fierce, rough, and frightening. He looked like a brute with intense bloodlust.

If anyone were to see him facing them with that sword, they would surely run off in a panic. Panzram continued to practice until he noticed the sun was starting to go down, signaling that their shifts were about to begin. Panzram didn't mind as his arms were starting to get tired. He needed a break.

He put the katana back in its sheath, "We should go back."

Ryu pouted in disappointment, "So soon? But I want to watch a little longer…"

Panzram scowled thinking: Why am I the responsible one?

He spoke up, "Our shift will start soon."

Ryu sighed and waved his arms, dispelling the illusion and causing the fake Kiyomori to turn back into paper. Ryu caught the paper as it flew to him, "We can end it here then."

When they returned back, Panzram excused himself to clean up his sweat and get dressed. Since Ryu's body was incapable of getting dirty or sweaty, he did not follow after him to get cleaned up. The working girls surrounded him instantly, half were still getting ready for the night.

"Ne ne! Ryu-kun! Are you sure you do not want to accompany him to clean up?"

Ryu tilted his head, "Why would I accompany him? You all should know I never have to get cleaned up."

She pouted and smacked him playfully, "Eh… Why must you be like that little Ryu? Shouldn't you wash his back after having fun with him in the bath?"

Ryu blinked. Does he need to? Is that proper or something?

Ryu did not quite understand, so he shook his head, "If he needed help, I am sure he would ask."

They all had looks of disapproval on their faces. They were sure Ryu would follow Panzram and they would get the chance to witness something tasty. However, they could only taste disappointment.

One girl clicked her tongue, "There must be some improvement with your relationship with Panzram... Right?"

Ryu thought back to when he was helping Panzram and remembered the worry Panzram had for him.

The Madame walked over and noticed Ryu's smiling face. She smiled back, "Ryu-kun. Why do you look so happy today?"

The Madame also thought that something interesting had happened.

Ryu flushed, "Well… I think that Pan is starting to accept me…"

The girls all giggled and shrieked quietly thinking they had heard something juicy. The Madame smiled larger thinking the same thing, "So you two are finally accepting each other, eh?"

Ryu nodded happily, "Yes! Today he was almost concerned about me. I think we may actually be getting closer. Soon we might even be friends!"

Everyone nearly fell over.

The Madame looked at Ryu in disbelief, "F-Friends?"

Ryu's face fell, "Yes, Friends. What else did you think?"

The Madame sighed as she shook her head, "Ryu-kun, I have always thought you to be conniving and mischievous. Only now do I see; you are actually naïve and simple."