Chapter 72: The Miyajima Family Discussion (Part 2)
Considering Shihan Miyajima's near-master level martial arts skills, Haruto speculated he might know something about the supernatural world.
After all, for high society individuals, supernatural powers weren't exactly well-kept secrets.
Beyond hunting stray devils, the Occult Research Club often took on paid commissions.
If Shihan truly didn't know, then Haruto would just have to spend more time explaining from scratch.
As it turned out, Haruto's assumption was correct.
Shihan's expression darkened, his earlier ease vanishing.
Frowning at Haruto, he asked, "Haruto-kun... are you also from that world?"
"Yes. Currently I'm sort of... a temporary employee for House Gremory."
Haruto had almost said "servant," but he hadn't yet received the Gremory family crest from Rias.
If Miyajima Shihan asked him to show proof, he really wouldn't know what to do for the moment.
"Temporary worker?"
Haruto said with a straight face, "Yes, temporary worker. This matter with Miyajima-senpai is my test for becoming a full member."
Shihan's strength and status weren't sufficient to know more detailed information. Seeing that Haruto spoke so logically and coherently, he nodded in sudden understanding, "That's already quite impressive. No wonder Haruto is so strong at such a young age."
"Not bad, I suppose. After all, it's the Gremory family. If you're too weak, others wouldn't take notice of you."
Miyajima Shihan nodded in agreement. "Indeed, with the favor of the Gremory family, Haruto's future is boundless."
If possible, he would have liked Sakura to step into that world as well. Unfortunately, over a year had passed, and while Sakura's strength had grown considerably, she had yet to encounter anyone extraordinary.
This was one of the reasons Shihan had agreed to her transfer.
Since there was no possibility, it was better to sever such hopes early and focus solely on the path of the sword.
This would require far more time and effort to improve her skills, and the difficulty would be immense—but at least there remained a sliver of hope of reaching the legendary realm.
No sooner had Shihan made up his mind than Haruto informed him that Sakura had encountered a supernatural incident.
But it was too late for regrets now. Leaving Kuoh Academy was easy, but re-entering would be difficult.
"If Miyajima-sensei is aware of these matters, then this will be easier to discuss."
Haruto smiled and spoke bluntly, "I'm still investigating the specifics, so I can't say for certain. However, I can confirm that the 'person' has followed Sakura-senpai to Aiho Academy."
He emphasized the word "person," confident that Miyajima Shihan would understand the implication.
"Then if I keep my daughter at home, can she avoid this danger?"
"That should work. However, I recommend Sakura-senpai continue attending school. I've already set up surveillance at Aiho Academy. If that 'person' follows her to the dojo, not only will you all be in danger, but I also won't be able to extend my surveillance to cover the Miyajima Dojo."
After a pause, Haruto chuckled and added, "Besides, I doubt Miyajima-sensei would want to live under constant surveillance. Even if you were willing, Sakura-senpai and Miss Tsubaki wouldn't be."
His words were a mix of truth and lies, but he wasn't worried about Miyajima Shihan noticing anything off.
From how easily he had brushed off the earlier explanation about temporary workers, it was clear that while Miyajima Shihan knew of the supernatural world, his knowledge was limited.
"Very well, then we'll follow Haruto's advice." Miyajima Shihan made the decision firmly. "My daughter's safety is in your hands."
He held Sakura in high regard—this time, not only using honorifics but also bowing deeply, his attitude solemn.
How much of this was due to the Gremory family's influence, however, only Miyajima Shihan himself knew.
As a Japanese man embodying the "spirit of bowing," Miyajima Shihan was accustomed to such gestures.
But bowing to someone young enough to be his son? That was a first.
Haruto waved his hand dismissively. "You flatter me, Miyajima-sensei. This is simply my duty."
From the moment Haruto mentioned Kuoh Academy, Sakura and Tsubaki had been utterly lost. Even after their conversation ended, they remained confused.
"Father, Haruto..." Sakura frowned slightly. "What exactly are you talking about? Is the Gremory family referring to Rias' family?"
Sakura was in the same grade as Rias. Of course, she had noticed the red-haired beauty who was even more popular and charismatic than herself.
"It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now." Haruto pretended to check the time and prepared to depart. "My sister is waiting for me at home for dinner."
The more he spoke, the more likely he was to slip up. Better to say nothing at all. Since Miyajima Shihan already knew some of the truth, it would be easier for Sakura and Tsubaki to believe if he explained it himself.
Miyajima Shihan nodded. "Then I won't see you out, Haruto. Feel free to visit anytime."
Haruto waved his hand, indicating there was no need for formalities.
He stood up and left the quiet room, giving the Miyajima family their space.
After Haruto departed, Miyajima Shihan let out a soft sigh.
For a teenage girl, this was an earth-shattering matter. He had worried it might shake Sakura's dedication to kendo and originally planned to tell her only after she inherited the dojo.
But life is unpredictable, and now he had no choice but to reveal it earlier.
...
How Miyajima Shihan explained it didn't concern Haruto. He had initially intended to leave the Miyajima Dojo directly to check on the succubus he'd defeated last night.
He wanted to see if the additional effects of his dual cultivation ability worked on the succubus. If even a naturally promiscuous succubus could be affected, he wondered whether multiple sessions might turn Touko into his personal plaything.
But just as he reached the entrance, someone stopped him.
"Hey, you're Haruto, right?"
Miyuna, dressed in her kendo uniform, grabbed Haruto's arm, her eyes brimming with affection.
"I'm about to finish my shift. We talked about having dinner together—how about tonight?"
"Miss..."
"Just call me Miyuna," she said boldly. "That's what all my friends call me."
"Miyuna, I have something to do tonight. Maybe next time?"
"You're not trying to back out, are you?"
Miyuna genuinely had her eye on Haruto—it wasn't just about physical attraction.
The moment she saw him defeat Miyajima Shihan, her heart had skipped a beat.
She was naturally competitive, and her standard for a boyfriend was someone stronger than herself. Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended every past relationship so quickly.
"Miyuna, do I look like someone short on cash?"
Haruto shrugged. He wasn't particularly interested in this woman whose full name he didn't even know.
But since she was offering herself up, he wouldn't refuse—after all, Miyuna was decent-looking with an impressive figure.
Besides, a bold, sporty older woman in her late twenties was a completely new experience for Haruto.
"Not at all." Miyuna shook her head. "Then let's exchange contact info first."
She pulled out her phone—who knew when Haruto would visit next?
"You really want to give this a shot?" Haruto raised an eyebrow. This woman's intentions didn't seem pure.
Lusting after his body was fine, but wanting a relationship was a no-go.
Miyuna didn't shy away, nodding openly in admission.
"You don't like older women?"
"It's not that I don't like them. I like all beautiful women."
Haruto shook his head, his tone flippant. "But I'm only interested in your bodies. Friends with benefits? Sure. A serious relationship? Forget it."
Miyuna froze. This was the first time she'd encountered such a straightforward playboy.
"I never would've guessed... with your handsome, refreshing look, like some innocent young guy... you're actually... actually..."
She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
Haruto didn't care what she thought and cut straight to the point. "So, are we having dinner or not?"
Miyuna hesitated. If she agreed now, her role would forever be limited to a fling.
But if she refused, she might not even get the chance to indulge her desires...
After sizing Haruto up, she suddenly thought... maybe being friends with benefits wasn't such a bad deal after all?
"Eat!" At this thought, Miyuna declared firmly, "It's rare for a little boy to treat his big sister to a meal. Might as well take advantage of it."
Haruto smiled. Trading a meal for a chance with a beauty—no matter how he looked at it, he wasn't losing.
"I'll book a restaurant. Come straight after work."
Haruto took out his phone and added Miyuna's contact.
Since everything was laid out clearly, he wasn't worried about being pestered later.
Worst case, he could cut ties coldly and simply erase her memories.
----------
For advance chapters join my Patreon.
[email protected]/Aarvan