Chapter 92: Saori Saiyonji, You Don’t Want These Photos Going Public, Do You?

The simply decorated office.

Saori Saiyonji pushed open the door in a hurry, the flush on her cheeks still lingering, her tone laced with urgency.

“Saitou Shop Manager, why is my official photo on the billboard outside? It’s too flashy! The police will target you!”

“Ah, that? Just a small matter, you don’t need to worry about it.”

Daizai Saitou wore his usual gentle smile, slowly pressing the cigarette between his fingers into the ashtray.

“I don’t want you to get involved because of me.”

Saori Saiyonji lowered her head and spoke softly, her gaze unconsciously sweeping over the sofa nearby—a few tattooed, rough-looking youths were gathered there playing cards, smoke swirling around them.

Something felt off.

Usually, the Shop Manager’s office wouldn’t allow these people inside.

“Don’t worry. Such a trivial thing isn’t worth your concern. Here, this is your share.”

Daizai Saitou didn’t seem bothered by her worry, bending down to lift a handbag from beside his feet and slamming it onto the table with a “thud”.

Just by the sound, it was clear it was stuffed full.

Saori Saiyonji’s attention was drawn back by the noise.

She stared at the overly formal case, a bit puzzled.

“Why does it need to be in this?”

Daizai Saitou grinned, deftly snapping open the lock and lifting the lid.

Inside, it was crammed with neatly stacked ten-thousand yen bills.

Gulp—

Saori Saiyonji’s throat moved uncontrollably.

Then she realized what he meant, and her expression darkened.

“Shop Manager, I said, I’m done.”

Clap clap clap……

Daizai Saitou applauded exaggeratedly, shaking his head with admiration.

“Such willpower at a young age, truly impressive.”

“I’m grateful for your past care, and I respect you, but please don’t do this anymore.”

Saori Saiyonji bowed slightly, her voice firm.

“Goodbye.”

“Don’t be so hasty.”

Daizai Saitou’s smile remained, but his tone stretched out, tinged with mockery.

“It’s not too late to decide after seeing this.”

Pa!

A stack of photos was casually tossed onto the table.

The top one slid off, fluttering to Saori Saiyonji’s feet, right before her eyes.

On the photo—it was her.

The self she desperately wanted to cut away, the unbearable side she couldn’t face.

Saori Saiyonji’s fist tightened instantly.

Her teeth dug into her lip, maintaining her bow as she stared at the seductive figure in the photo.

On the sofa, the card game had ceased at some point.

The tattooed youths put down their cards, stood up in silence, and looked at Saori Saiyonji.

As if sizing up merchandise.

Daizai Saitou leisurely leaned back in his chair, fingers intertwined on his chest.

He enjoyed the sight of Saori Saiyonji’s face draining of color, and her trembling body transforming into a beautiful sculpture.

“Shou.”

His voice was as gentle as always.

“Look, if these photos were sent to the School, or accidentally leaked online…”

“Tsk tsk.”

Saori Saiyonji struggled to breathe, feeling an icy needle twist in her chest—along with the shattering of her pride.

From the sofa came a few sneers, undisguised in their malice.

Their eyes crawled over her body, appraising her like a commodity.

Daizai Saitou was satisfied with the effect, a glint flashing in his eyes as he leaned forward, lowering his voice to an undeniable tone.

“Now, can we have a proper talk?”

“No.”

“As long as you… eh? What?”

Daizai Saitou thought he misheard.

The cigarette stuck to his nose rolled across his lip and dropped onto his shirt.

“I said, no.”

Saori Saiyonji lifted her head, her eyes rimmed red, lips trembling.

She seemed on the verge of sobbing, but every word was spoken clearly.

“I refuse.”

The voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear.

The atmosphere froze instantly.

Sss—

A spark dropped from her fingertip to the floor, and a line of fire quickly consumed the “Saori Saiyonji” in the photo.

This was never her life to begin with.

Let the past turn to ashes.

“Goodbye for now.”

Saori Saiyonji ignored the stack of photos on the table, bowed again, and turned toward the door.

“You!”

Daizai Saitou’s eyes widened, slamming his palm on the table.

“Are you okay with others seeing these photos?”

“Do as you like. I have more important things to do.”

Saori Saiyonji turned her face away.

In her pale blue eyes, only unwavering resolve remained.

“The person I am now won’t be chained by such trivial matters!”

Daizai Saitou laughed in exasperation, collapsing into his chair and waving his hand in defeat.

Biu~

As Saori Saiyonji prepared to leave, a sudden pain shot through her neck.

She reflexively raised her hand and touched the dart embedded there.

On the other side of the door, a slender man lifted a cloak and lowered his outstretched arm.

Damn… I was too focused on those Yakuza!

Hiss!

Flames erupted from her fist, sweeping a Fire Arc before her—but that was all.

Saori Saiyonji’s consciousness scattered, unable to stay focused.

Her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.

“Heh, so this is all a Superpower User amounts to.”

Daizai Saitou wrinkled his nose.

The butt he had moved aside to escape out the window returned to his chair.

“Boss, what do we do with this kid?”

The Yakuza youth who had been slapped yesterday kicked the limp Saori Saiyonji, relaxed only when there was no response, then turned to ask.

“Take him to the Warehouse. Then… use this.”

Daizai Saitou pulled a Plastic Bag from his pocket, containing several tiny Crystals.

“With this, Saiyonji-kun will cooperate with us.”

Daizai Saitou’s grin widened, almost splitting his face.

“Yabai yo…”

The Yakuza muttered quietly, staring at Saori Saiyonji’s dazed face and sighing.

What a waste, so young.

***

Following the surveillance info Morita Ao found, the two of them tracked all the way to Kabukicho.

Whoa, the infamous red-light district.

I want to visit a host club and call for Sakura—

Jiang Jian Yue openly observed the ‘Business Card Shop’ by the roadside, and all the signboards with pretty girls.

Beside her, Yuki Asahi looked troubled.

Although the area was narrowed down to Kabukicho, the streets were so mixed, it was hard to proceed.

Should they wait for more info from Morita the Manager, or…

As he pondered, Jiang Jian Yue had already moved several steps away.

“Wait for me, Senpai.”

Realizing he’d been “abandoned” in this place, Yuki Asahi panicked a little and hurried after Jiang Jian Yue.

So scary, he was almost grabbed by a suit-wearing guy soliciting customers.

And he was clearly in a School Uniform! Soliciting minors is illegal!

“How do we find them? Maybe we should ask around?”

Yuki Asahi’s suggestion was basically useless.

They wandered aimlessly, and before long, reached the plaza beside Toho Cinema—the famous Higashi-Yoko.