It had to be admitted that Eto was lively, adorable, and possessed frightening stamina.
It was not until the next morning that everything finally came to an end.
A heavy rainstorm had poured outside the night before. Raindrops kept dripping from the leaves, and the ground was soaked through.
Honestly, the situation inside the room was not much better. The only difference was that it felt far more… sticky.
"From now on, whenever he asks you to come find me, or if you want me to go see him," Eto said lazily, lying sideways on the bed with only one bare shoulder exposed, watching the boy get dressed."Just do it like today. You know the rules."
"And what if I just want to come see you?" Hayashi turned around with a smile and asked.
"Well…" Eto paused for a moment, then her lips curled into a teasing grin. "Then you can come too. Just be prepared to be completely drained."
Hayashi's smile deepened slightly.
Drained? Impossible.
Even if Eto somehow emptied the entire Pacific Ocean, she still would not drain him dry. With both the Dog Talisman and Horse Talisman combined, his energy was practically infinite.
After leaving her place, Hayashi grabbed breakfast at a nearby restaurant.
Then, using the Rabbit Talisman's speed, he crossed several city blocks in an instant before stopping at a hidden underground entrance.
"It's been a few days already. The mask should be done by now,"he thought as he walked down the dark staircase.
At the bottom, a glowing sign came into view.
He pushed the door open, and countless masks of all shapes and styles filled his vision.
Uta sat behind the counter. Hearing the door, he looked up, then froze.
Although his memories were blurry due to the severe injuries from before, he still remembered this white-haired boy. A CCG investigator with strength so overwhelming it did not feel human.
"What are you here for?" Uta stared coldly at him. "Looking to fight again?"
"No," Hayashi shook his head, his gentle smile unchanged. "I'm just here to pick up my mask. I placed an order before."
Even though Uta found it hard to believe, he said nothing. Against someone this strong, arguing was pointless.
He reached to the side and took down a white fox mask.
"Here. This one's yours."
"Thanks." Hayashi nodded and took it, examining it carefully.
Most masks were animal-themed, so he had been curious what his would be.He had imagined all kinds of animals, except this one.
A white fox.
His eyes flickered with interest.
Somehow, it suited him perfectly.
Putting it on, he turned back toward the counter.
"Uta, thanks for the mask. And…" He smiled lightly. "That fight that day was incredible. I enjoyed it."
With that, Hayashi pushed the door open and left.
Bang.
Only after the door closed did the lingering pressure in the air finally fade.
Uta did not like that CCG investigator.
But he had to admit one thing.
That white-haired boy's strength was terrifying. Unprecedented.
Even now, with his memories unclear, he could still recall that figure. Like a demon crawling out of hell.
The suffocating sensation of being completely controlled, like a puppet with its strings pulled tight.
That day, Uta once again remembered the fear of being dominated by Hayashi.
...
After leaving the shop, Hayashi climbed the stairs, thinking about what to do next.
There was supposed to be a commendation ceremony today. Might as well go take a look.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, he bumped into a slender figure.
Feeling a soft impact on his shoulder, the person in front of him lost balance and fell.
"Sorry, sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," Hayashi apologized immediately.
But when he saw her face clearly, he froze.
Standing in front of him was a tall, elegant red-haired beauty wearing a lace dress, her features striking and refined.
This was not just about looks.
She was a character from the series.
The manager of Helter Skelter in the 14th Ward.
Itori.
A member of the Clowns. And one of the figures pulling strings behind the final battle.
As he was thinking, Itori brushed the dust off herself and stood up.
"Kid, bumping into someone isn't something an apology can fix," she said with a teasing smile.
"If apologies solved everything, what would the police be for?"
Hayashi replied calmly, "Then what do you suggest?"
"If you really want to show your sincerity…" Itori placed a pale finger against her lips, her smile turning playful.
"How about coming to my shop for a while? I guarantee you'll be satisfied."