[108] This is a Trap (II)

"If only there were another chance..." she thought, a faint glimmer of hope surfacing in her mind. If she could survive this day, Towako wanted to apologize to her grandfather, to hear the explanations she had arrogantly refused before.

As her consciousness faded, a strange figure appeared at the edge of her blurred vision. It was a man with shoulder-length magenta hair, tied neatly at the back. His face was masculine and his skin pale as milk, dressed in a black outfit that resembled a butler's uniform. He strolled casually into the center of the battlefield, seemingly unaffected by the dark aura surrounding the place.

"Oh my~" the man's voice rang out, soft yet dripping with scorn, making everyone in the warehouse flinch. "Ganging up on a woman… truly, where's the honor in that?"

Towako tried to focus on his voice, attempting to understand who this man was, but pain and exhaustion had taken over her body. Gradually, her consciousness slipped away, and the world went dark.

This man was Hippo, an ally and protector of Kaoru, now standing before the members of the Nine Child Naga Association with a cold smile on his face.

One of the organization's members, a large man with spiked chains still wrapped around his hands, glared sharply at Hippo. "Who do you think you are, huh? We're here on behalf of the Nine Child Naga Association. If you know what's good for you, you'd better leave."

Hippo merely smiled, looking at them with glinting eyes filled with sarcasm. "Oh? So you criminals have such low moral standards? No matter. It'll make my job easier."

With a smooth gesture, Hippo raised his hand, and a swirl of dark, radiant energy appeared around him, spinning like a quiet wind on a still night. His eyes flashed dangerously, his gaze turning cold as if sizing up his next prey.

"If it's a fight you want... then very well. I suppose I can entertain you a bit longer," he murmured, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Without warning, one of the agents lunged at him, swinging his sword with all his might. But with a single, graceful movement, Hippo sidestepped, his body gliding like lightning. He twisted his wrist, and before the agent could react, a sharp, black energy emerged from Hippo's palm, slicing through his opponent in an instant.

Another attacker tried to strike from behind, unleashing powerful magic attacks. Hippo merely waved his hand lightly, forming an energy shield that reflected all their spells back at them. Explosive magical blasts filled the air, scattering part of the stack of crates in the warehouse.

"Sorry, but I'm rather adept at defense," Hippo remarked, his tone mocking his enemies. He turned and fixed his gaze coldly on the remaining members.

"Perhaps it's time you considered other options," he continued, moving toward Towako, who lay unconscious. Hippo approached her, one hand glowing softly with soothing, healing energy, giving her a touch of temporary strength.

Yet, the members of the Nine Child Naga Association were relentless. They regrouped, attempting to strike Hippo with even greater force. But for Hippo, their efforts were merely a game. With smooth movements, he evaded their attacks, countering with deadly precision.

One by one, the agents fell, their bodies unable to withstand the retaliation of Hippo's overwhelming power. In mere moments, only a few trembling members remained, realizing they had been utterly defeated.

Hippo looked at them with a cold smile. "So, still feeling lucky?" he asked mockingly.

The remaining agents finally retreated, disappearing hurriedly into the shadows of the warehouse, leaving Towako and Hippo alone.

After ensuring no enemies remained, Hippo knelt beside the severely injured Towako. He placed his hand on her bleeding shoulder, channeling just enough healing energy to stabilize her condition.

"Rest easy, young lady," Hippo murmured softly. "Kaoru sent me to make sure you're safe."

Towako, still unconscious, didn't hear his words, but the healing energy's touch made her weary body feel slightly lighter, as though she was being held by someone she could trust.

---

Meanwhile, at a different location, Kaoru walked slowly along an empty road, deep in thought about his next move. His plan to take on the Nine Child Naga Association was well-prepared, but he knew he couldn't act recklessly. A major conflict with that group could spark far-reaching consequences, potentially involving many parties that should not be dragged into it.

Matsuda had once warned him about the serious consequences that Kaoru's actions could have in the supernatural world. "If something big happens because of your actions, causing chaos in the supernatural realm, the government can't guarantee full protection," Matsuda had told him the last time they met. Since then, Kaoru had carefully considered every move he made, especially when dealing with large organizations like the Nine Child Naga Association, which had layered influence and power.

Up until now, Kaoru had been able to live relatively peacefully, avoiding open conflict with the supernatural world thanks to protection from the Japanese government. The government shielded him not only because his abilities were useful in combating supernatural threats but also because of Kaoru's conspicuous actions. His unique role as a free agent often drew attention from supernatural and criminal organizations that either wanted to recruit or eliminate him.

This government protection was the only reason he could move freely without worrying about the factions that wanted his head. If he lost this protection due to reckless actions, then the hidden threats lurking in the shadows would emerge, ready to strike him down at any moment.

Kaoru sighed quietly, gazing at the overcast night sky above him. "I need to act more cautiously this time," he murmured, his voice swallowed by the calm night air.

Finally, he resolved to return and report to Towako. Working with the Onmyo Agency was the wiser choice. With their centralized power and extensive experience in dealing with supernatural threats, the organization had a stronger network and better strategies for handling groups like the Nine Child Naga Association. Towako, with her connection to Abe Yumei, was also a strategic ally who could help curb enemy movements without drawing too much attention.