Ryuji shook his head. Although after reaching the state of "killing intent is life," he no longer had to worry about the Satsui no Hado taking away his will, the Satsui no Hado itself was a technique that stimulate the mind and dig out one's desire to kill. Even if he mastered it, it only meant he wouldn't passively become a madman.
Among those who practiced this technique, there were not a few who consciously and rationally chose to become madman.
They had overcome the side effects of Satsui no Hado, but became addicted to the pleasure of killing. They were not controlled but it was almost the same as being controlled.
This was the inherent flaw of this technique. Unless you never used it, there was no way to completely avoid it.
Because killing intent was the very source of the Satsui no Hado's power. If you used it without any killing intent at all, then the power simply wouldn't exist.
"Yeah… better to use it less in the future. For normal fights, Conqueror's Haki is enough. Only when facing troublesome enemies should I use the Satsui no Hado. Otherwise, it will have too much of an impact on my."
Ryuji made up his mind.
He already had a forbidden power that drained his sanity. Although he had modified his blood qi secret technique so it was no longer that kind of heretical method, now that the Satsui no Hado was added into it, once he went all out, the Satsui no Hado would automatically activate.
At that point, just how insane he would become, even he didn't know.
"As expected, quick power-ups really do have consequences."
Ryuji muttered helplessly, but didn't care too much. Having power at all was already good enough; complaining about flaws in power was just being spoiled.
At most, he just wouldn't use it unless necessary.
"Time to train."
Closing his eyes, Ryuji mobilized his blood energy. With the assistance of Satsui no Hado, he continuously used it to strengthen his body.
But because of this, he also had to constantly stabilize his mind, endure the interference of killing intent and let his spirit be tempered by it.
Once he fully mastered that state, the Satsui no Hado would no longer be an obstacle for him.
Meanwhile, as Ryuji trained and monitored his surroundings, Helena approached Mai.
"Miss Mai, I'm really sorry the conditions are so simple. I hope you don't mind."
Looking at the mere 300-square-meter room, Helena spoke to Mai with genuine guilt.
"N-no, it's already very good."
Mai looked at Helena's apologetic expression and didn't know what to say.
Although her family's dojo was also large, there was no doubt that it couldn't compare to this place in terms of decoration.
Thick carpets, golden and dazzling decor, luxury items everywhere for enjoyment. Famous cigarettes and alcohol scattered around, even the cigars in the cabinet were brands she had never even heard of.
Honestly, she couldn't even imagine a place more luxurious than this.
And yet Helena had called these conditions "simple"…
I finally understand just how huge the gap between classes really is…
Mai couldn't help but complain inwardly.
Meanwhile, Hanzo remained much calmer. He had taken on protection jobs before, usually keeping watch from rooftops or hidden vantage points, so he was well aware of how extravagant the upper class could be.
Helena's level of luxury was high but compared to those who truly indulged in a life of luxury, it was indeed quite modest.
"Mm, I hope you don't mind… but are you planning to have a gathering?"
Helena looked at the things Mai was preparing and asked curiously.
She wasn't trying to criticize anything. After all, Ryuji was already on the rooftop.
"Yes, our family finally managed to be together again, so we're planning to have a meal during shift changes."
As she said this, Mai couldn't help but sigh. They had originally planned to have a proper meal at home but because of this incident, they could only do it here…
She felt a bit disheartened. Looking at the golden, luxurious living room, she still preferred eating at her old, worn dojo.
This place was too luxurious. It didn't feel like it belonged to her.
"I see… would you like me to have someone bring some dishes?"
Helena looked at the vegetables Mai had prepared and asked curiously.
"Well, it's just some home-cooked food. We haven't seen each other for a long time, so my mother and I want my father and grandfather to try our cooking. But we'll only do it during shift changes, so please don't worry, Miss Helena."
Mai felt a bit embarrassed, thinking Helena was worried about their guarding duties.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to criticize. I'm just a little envious..."
Helena quickly explained. Even though she had hired Ryuji, she still had other bodyguards. Since they were rotating shifts, she had no issue with them having a meal together during their break.
After all, employees could use their break time as they wished. So, cooking a meal together wasn't a problem.
Just…
Home-cooked food?
Touching her hair, Helena felt a trace of melancholy. She had never really eaten such "home-cooked meals," nor had she ever had the experience of cooking together with her father and mother.
No… that wasn't entirely true.
There had been one time.
When her father went to find her mother, her mother made a dish... beef stewed in red wine. Her father complained that it tasted terrible, yet the three of them still sat together at the same table and ate happily.
That was one of the rare moments when she truly felt what "family" meant.
But now…
The moment she thought of her father's death, Helena couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness.
Even if the love her father gave her had never been much, the grief still came all the same.
Beside her, Marie Rose saw the mixture of envy and sorrow in her mistress's expression and couldn't help but sigh. Then she noticed that Tifa was showing a similar look.
She felt puzzled.
Because in he opinion, Tifa should also be part of the Shiranui-ryū, probably even Mai's younger sister.
So, why would she show the same kind of expression?
Marie Rose didn't understand.
Helena noticed it as well and looked at Tifa with curiosity.
Tifa, in turn, looked back at Helena and saw the same sadness and helplessness reflected in her eyes.
But just then, a mature and gentle voice drifted in from the side.
"May I join as well?"
~~~~~~~~~~
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