"Ajax Nozami. I come to you with an offer. An offer that I wouldn't offer to just anyone." Ean says
Ryizen tenses instantly.
"An offer?"
Ean leans forward, smile sharpening.
"Yes. You seek Kimmegona's sword. And I know exactly where it is.
Or well I have some clues on where you can even begin your search."
Ryizen scowls annoyed.
"Damn it. Stop beating around the freaking bush and just tell us where it is."
Rumi rolls her eyes.
"Man. You are so impatient."
"Woah seriously? That's great. It beats just walking aimlessly around town to town." Ajax says.
Ean smiles slightly amused.
"Yes, yes. I know."
Ryizen frowns, looking skeptical.
"And what does this cost us, exactly? I know damn well nothing comes free."
"Well I've been on someone's. Bad side recently. And they want to shut down the inn. And considering I heard that the Nozomi boy defeated a Black Viper I had to at least ask him. "Ean says
Ryizen blinks taken aback.
"Wait, you heard about that?"
"Yeah, it's been spreading through the town." Ishida says pouring Rumi and Ajax more tea
Rvizen looks annoyed.
"Damn rumors."
Rumi smirks while sipping her tea.
"What? Not happy with your lack of fame?"
Ryizen grumbles.
"Shut up."
Ean chuckles watching them bicker.
"You three certainly are lively."
"So they heard that I beat some Black Viper guy. But what does that even mean for you and me right now." Ajax says getting bored by the conversation.
Ean leans back in his chair folding his arms.
"It means I need your protection."
Ryizen glowers suspicious.
"What? Are you being targeted or something?"
"Indeed. I'm about behind on the payment this month and well. He simply won't stand down so he's on his way here for my head."Ean answers.
Rumi raises an eyebrow.
"You owe someone money?"
Ryizen also looks curious.
"Who exactly?"
"Master Ean, we don't need these losers. I can handle the guy myself. We don't need you trusting some random off the street Ronin!" Ishida suddenly says.
Ean sighs rubbing his temple.
"Ishida, stand down."
Ryizen scowls.
"Oh yeah? And what makes you think you can take whoever's coming alone?"
Ishida smirks, rolling up his sleeves.
"Because I've handled worse."
Ryizen immediately stands up and almost unsheathes his sword.
"Listen here Mister Butler. You've been fucking with me and disrespecting me ever since you showed up and I think it's time I teach you a lesson."
Ishida's smirk doesn't falter but his eyes sharpen.
"If it's a fight you want then it's a fight you'll get. Bring it."
Rumi Snickers to herself.
"Oh this is gonna be good."
Master Ean just sighs and pinches his nose bridge.
"Boys must we always immediately resort to violence?"
"Ryizen stands down. I want to think about the old guy's offer." Ajax suddenly says.
Ryizen hesitates, jaw clenched but slowly sits back down.
"Tch. Fine."
Ishida relaxes rolling his sleeves back down with a scoff.
"Smart choice."
Rumi sighs, disappointed.
"Aww. Ruined my entertainment."
Ean smiles pleased.
"Good. Now back to business."
"So what I'm hearing is if we help you you'll give a clue on how to even begin on finding out how to find Kimmegona's sword?" Ajax says.
Ean nods amused.
"Exactly. I know a few things. But there is something I want in return."
"Yeah yeah protect. I heard that part." Ajax says waving him off .
Ean chuckles low and smooth.
"Oh? Then you already understand the deal."
Ryizen scowls.
"And what exactly are we protecting you from?"
Ean leans forward, smile sharpening.
"From a man far more dangerous than
some 'Black Viper'."
"He's also a Ronin. He goes by Decapitator DeSoton. Has a bounty of 33,000,000 Ryō at the moment." Ean says.
3:45
Ryizen bristles, eyes narrowing.
"33 million?! Who the hell is this guy?!"
"Sounds pretty hardcore." Ajax says, amazed.
Ryizen scowls, not looking at all pleased.
"Damn right he does. And he's coming here?!"
Rumi whistles looking slightly impressed.
"Damn, that's some high amount. That must be one badass guy."*
"Indeed he is." Ean says
Ryizen scowls.
"He sounds like bad news. You sure you know what you're getting yourself into here?"
Ishida rolls his eyes leaning back in his chair.
"Puh lease. This is Ean we're talking
about. This 'Decapitator' guy won't stand a chance."
"Then it's a deal we'll protect you from DeSoton old man." Ajax says.
Ean smiles almost looking pleased.
"That's the spirit. And in return I'll tell you everything I know."
"Deal." Ajax says
Ean nods, gesturing to Ishida.
"Good. Ishida show them to their rooms.
DeSoton will be here soon."
Ryizen grimaces but stands.
"Tch. Fine."
Rumi smirks standing as well.
"Let's get ready then."
"Already plotting against Captain DeSoton? Already a big mistake even for you Ean's." A voice booms.
Ean immediately goes cold body tensing.
"Show yourself."
"Best listen to Master. Before things get ugly y'know?" Ishida says.
Ryizen bristles glaring in the direction the voice came from.
"Who said that?!"
Rumi raises an eyebrow not looking
intimidated in the slightest.
"Yeah. Come on out. Stop being a pussy."
"That's enough outta you two." Ishida says chewing on some of his gum.
Ryizen snaps his glare over to Ishida.
"Shut up. I'm trying to figure out who the hell is talking."
"There's no need cause I've already found him." Ishida says.
Ryizen stiffens, eyes narrowing on Ishida.
"And you couldn't have told us this sooner?!"
Ishida rolls his eyes.
"Oh relax. It's handled."
Ishida punches through the wall
Ryizen blinks and Rumi's jaw nearly drops.
"Jesus Christ!"
"You gonna show yourself now, troublemaker?" Ishida says."
A low chuckle echoes from behind the wall, slow, amused, and dangerous.*
"Fine."
Then a boot slams through the punched hole kicking Ishida square in the chest and sending him flying backwards.
Ryizen reaches for his sword, eyes wide.
"What the hell?!"
"Put the sword down I wanna know how long til your captain DeSoton gets here?" Ishida questions
The shadowy figure steps into the light slowly circling them with a smirk. Tall and slender, they lean on a cane with a wolf's head handle.
"Why do you ask?"
"That kick hurt but for a Swordsman. It was pathetic. But, you dirtied my suit. You bastard." Ishida says
The figure scoffs. Their voice is low, almost mocking.
"Aww. Need some tissues perhaps?"
"Indeed. I think your skin will be a nice tissue." Ishida says glaring.
The figure chuckles though their eyes remain cold.
"Confident, aren't you?"
"Are you crazy you damn butler. You're not even a swordman, you can fight him even if you wanted to!" Ryizen says hands on the hilt of his sword
The figure turns their attention to Ryizen eyes glinting.
"What? You wanna fight too?"
Ryizen scowls, gripping his sword tighter.
"Tch. Damn right I do."
"No, you should let Ishida fight this one. When it comes to natural fighting skill and style. Ishida is the best person I've ever seen." Ean says unfazed
Ryizen stiffens glaring at Ean.
"What?! Hell no! I'm not letting some butler take all the glory!"
"You're telling me this butler can kick ass! Oh, I definitely want him in my Kabukimono now!" Ajax says practically beaming.
Isihida looks proud, smirking.
"Damn right I can."
Ryizen grits his teeth.
"Shut up."
"So last warning mister. Put the sword down and tell me when DeSoton will be here." Ishida says.
The figure scoffs looking rather amused. "And why should I?"
"That does it." Ishida says running at the figure.
The figure simply smiles, not moving an inch unsheathing his sword.
"Oh? Come at me then."
Ishida grins, not slowing down.
End of Chapter