Seff returned on the first day. Yui left on the second.
There was no big send-off, no fanfare. Just two reliable attendants, loaded with all the supplies needed for the journey, quietly escorting Yui on his way.
Seff stood atop the roof, watching him disappear into the distance, but he didn't call out.
After all, this wasn't some grand farewell. They wouldn't be apart for years. There was no need for dramatic goodbyes.
And yet, as fate would have it, the so-called "uncle" Yui had mentioned, the one who'd visited multiple times while Seff was away in Zaraki, did indeed cross paths with Seff.
On the third day, the man came knocking.
At the time, Seff was organizing paperwork from previous Hollow hunts. Having worked in the field, he was well-versed in how to handle the logistics. Even now, "running his own shop," so to speak, he maintained a level of professionalism, filing reports and keeping things in order.
He was also toying with the idea of sweeping the surrounding area for any remaining Hollows before leaving. One last good deed before moving on.
That was when he heard a knock at the door.
He glanced up toward the entrance.
A figure stood in the open doorway, partially silhouetted by the light outside, making it hard to make out his features. The man lifted a hand and politely knocked against the side panel.
"Excuse me, may I come in?"
"Oh, of course. You're welcome here."
Seff set the files down and walked over to greet the visitor.
Only once the man stepped inside did Seff get a clear look.
He was a middle-aged man, skin sun-bronzed and healthy, with long black hair tied neatly in a ponytail. He didn't carry the bloated frame typical of men his age, nor was he overtly muscular. The word that came to mind was nimble.
His clothing appeared ordinary at first glance, but a closer inspection revealed materials and design far above the norm, elegant and refined.
Anyone who knew quality could tell: just that outfit alone was worth more than dozens of houses.
The moment Seff saw what he was wearing, he already had a guess who this was.
No wonder Yui had called him "some rich tycoon."
This guy really was loaded.
"Ahh, I've come by several times but the owner was never in. Took me a while, but looks like I finally caught you at home."
Despite the fine clothes, the man's demeanor was casual, warm, and unpretentious. He exuded an easygoing charisma, like someone used to making connections quickly.
He glanced around the half-cluttered space, part storage, part living area, and his eyes landed on the papers Seff had been organizing.
His brows rose slightly.
"Oh? Were you just about to close up shop?"
"Something like that," Seff replied casually. "I'm planning to relocate. But for now, business is still running."
A man on the verge of skipping town, yet still this composed!
He pulled up a chair for the guest. His attitude might've seemed laid-back, but he still upheld his professionalism. If the shop was still open, he'd treat it as such.
"Please, have a seat."
"Didn't expect that. Just when I finally found you, turns out you're planning to shut down."
The man smiled wryly as he settled in, openly appraising Seff without a trace of hostility. His bearing and manners spoke of someone raised with refinement, impossible to fake.
"Right, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Soichiro. Just call me by my name."
"Pleasure to meet you, Soichiro. I'm Seff. Feel free to do the same."
"Soichiro… huh."
He only gave a first name. Clearly, not his full identity.
And when Seff addressed him as "Mr. Soichiro," the man's eyes flickered slightly, but there was no surprise, like he'd been called that before.
"What is it?" Seff asked.
"Oh, nothing. I don't mind. I actually quite like it." Soichiro smiled. "I heard you're the strongest fighter around here. That you've been taking Hollow-slaying contracts?"
"Strongest might be an overstatement, but I'm capable enough. And yes, the shop's still open. If you've got a Hollow problem, I'm happy to take it."
In fact, Seff had just been thinking of doing one last round before heading off. If this guy brought him a job? Perfect.
No long-winded introductions, just straight to business.
Like a true runaway, Seff didn't mess around.
Soichiro seemed caught off guard by the directness. He stopped, as if weighing his words carefully.
Seff waited, patient and composed. He didn't press or return to his files, that would've seemed rude or unprofessional.
About half a minute passed before Soichiro finally spoke again, somewhat hesitant.
"…Sort of."
"Sort of?"
That phrasing piqued Seff's interest.
"To be precise, it does involve Hollows, but not local ones. I need to travel to the 80th district, even beyond that. I want to investigate the Hollow activity in those regions."
Coming from someone as wealthy and refined as this, showing up here in the 45th district… claiming he was just passing through? Maybe others would believe it.
But Seff wouldn't.
And clearly, Soichiro knew that too, he wasn't trying to hide anything.
"I asked around, and you're said to be the strongest mercenary in the area. If even half the rumors are true, then you're probably the only one capable of keeping me safe out there. So I'd like to hire you as my escort to the 80th district. What do you say?"
Seff narrowed his eyes slightly.
Just as he thought.
This was the first time they'd met, but for someone like Soichiro to seek him out repeatedly, there could only be one reason: Seff's strength.
What Soichiro wanted to do in the 80th district wasn't Seff's concern. As a professional, he didn't ask unnecessary questions.
Still… the job itself gave him stop.
If it were somewhere nearby, even up to the 60th district, he wouldn't have hesitated.
But the 80th district?
That was far. Way too far.
And escorting someone as high-profile as Soichiro would likely mean lots of delays.
"…Oh, right."
As if sensing Seff's hesitation, Soichiro smiled calmly and added, "As for the fee, name your price. Money isn't a problem."
"…"
Seff stared at him for a moment. Soichiro didn't flinch under the gaze.
"You…"
Seff's voice was quiet.
"When are we leaving? I can start packing right now."
<><>---------------------------------------
200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters
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🚨 TL/N 💥
Hello guys Fanfic recommendation!
Check out my other work:
💥> Naruto: Mind Control (Highly Recommended)
💥> Naruto: Cooking Makes Me Stronger
If you like smart and strong MC, this fanfic is for you.
It's Peak.
Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed