Zororo stared at his phone screen for a full minute, his mind racing through implications. Kazuki Shirogane had been watching him, photographing him, and analyzing his abilities. The timing was too perfect to be coincidental this surveillance had probably started the moment Yukari posted that relationship photo.
He considered telling Yukari immediately, but hesitated. She had enough stress dealing with her family situation. Besides, meeting Kazuki directly might provide valuable intelligence about what he was up against.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[POTENTIAL CONFLICT DETECTED]
[OPTIONAL MISSION AVAILABLE: FACE THE RIVAL]
[OBJECTIVE: MEET KAZUKI SHIROGANE AND MAINTAIN YOUR COVER]
[BONUS OBJECTIVE: INTIMIDATE OR IMPRESS KAZUKI]
[REWARD: 400 VP, +2 CHARISMA, SKILL UPGRADE]
[FAILURE PENALTY: RELATIONSHIP EXPOSURE, POTENTIAL COMBAT]
[ACCEPT?]
Zororo mentally accepted the mission. He had no real choice ignoring Kazuki would only make things worse. At least this way, he could control the narrative and gather information about his supposed rival.
The train ride home gave him time to think. Kazuki Shirogane was twenty-two years old, heir to the main Shirogane branch, and reportedly possessed an A-Rank Ice Dominion System. According to the original Zororo's memories, Kazuki was known for being ruthless in business and combat, with a reputation for crushing anyone who challenged the Shirogane family's interests.
And now Zororo had become a challenge simply by existing in Yukari's life.
When he finally arrived home, both sisters were waiting in the living room. Akari sat on the couch with her arms crossed, while Himeko stood with her hands on her hips. Both wore expressions of sisterly concern mixed with interrogation readiness.
"Sit," Himeko commanded, pointing to the chair across from them.
Zororo sat, feeling like a defendant facing trial.
"So," Akari began with forced cheerfulness, "you're dating Yukari Shirogane. The Ice Princess. One of the most powerful and influential students at Seika Academy."
"Yes," Zororo confirmed simply.
"And you didn't think to mention this to your sisters?" Himeko's crimson eyes narrowed. "We had to find out from social media along with everyone else?"
"It happened quickly," Zororo said, which was technically true. "We've been talking more since I returned to school, and things just... developed."
"Things just developed," Akari repeated slowly. "With Yukari Shirogane. Who has an arranged engagement to Kazuki Shirogane. One of the most dangerous men in Kazekami City."
So his sisters knew about the engagement. That complicated his cover story.
"Yukari doesn't want that engagement," Zororo explained. "She's choosing her own path."
"And you're okay with potentially making an enemy of the Shirogane family?" Himeko leaned forward. "Zororo, I know you've changed since your illness, but this is serious. The Shiroganes don't tolerate challenges to their authority. If Kazuki sees you as a threat"
"I can handle myself," Zororo interrupted calmly. "I'm not the weak little brother you remember."
Both sisters exchanged glances. Akari spoke more gently. "We're not saying you're weak. We're saying you're our little brother and we worry. The Shiroganes play political games that can destroy lives. Yukari is wonderful, but her family is dangerous."
"I understand the risks," Zororo assured them. "But I'm not backing down. Yukari deserves the chance to choose her own future."
Himeko studied him for a long moment, then her expression softened slightly. "You really care about her, don't you?"
The question caught Zororo off guard. Did he care about Yukari? The arrangement was supposed to be fake, purely transactional. But remembering their conversations, the vulnerability she'd shown, the way she'd trusted him with her situation yes, he did care. More than he'd expected to.
"Yes," Zororo admitted quietly. "I care about her."
Akari's stern expression melted into a warm smile. "That's all we needed to hear. If you genuinely care about her, we'll support you. Just promise you'll be careful."
"And if Kazuki tries anything," Himeko added with a dangerous edge to her voice, "you tell us immediately. The Kurogami family might not have the Shiroganes' political power, but we're not defenseless."
Relief washed through Zororo. He'd been prepared for much more resistance. "Thank you. Both of you."
"Now," Akari said, her idol smile returning, "tell us everything. How did you two get together? What's she like in person? Is she as cold as everyone says?"
Zororo spent the next hour carefully constructing a romantic narrative that was close enough to truth to be believable. He described their rooftop conversation, Yukari's hidden warmth beneath her icy exterior, and their growing connection. His sisters listened with rapt attention, occasionally squealing at particularly romantic details.
It felt strange, lying to people who loved him. But it was necessary to protect both Yukari's plan and his own secrets.
Later that night, lying in bed, Zororo reviewed his stats and abilities. The daily quest and recent mission had boosted his power significantly.
[STATUS SCREEN]
NAME: Zororo Kurogami
AGE: 17
LEVEL: 3
SYSTEM RANK: SSS (Villain)
HP: 600/600
MP: 950/950
STRENGTH: 15
AGILITY: 19
INTELLIGENCE: 30
CHARM: 37
LUCK: 11
INFAMY: 25
CORRUPTION: 0
VILLAIN POINTS: 710
ACTIVE SKILLS:
- Shadow Step (Level 2)
- Shadow Blade (Level 1)
- Villain's Grip (Level 1)
PASSIVE SKILLS:
- Villain's Aura (Locked - Level 10 Required)
- Dark Element Affinity (Level 2)
- Mental Resistance (Level 2)
- Shadow Touch (Level 2)
- Shadow Sense (Level 1)
His growth was accelerating. Every mission, every challenge pushed him further along the villain's path. But with that power came increasing danger. Kazuki's surveillance proved that he was already attracting attention from powerful enemies.
The next morning came quickly. Zororo went through his classes in a distracted haze, his mind focused on the evening meeting with Kazuki. Yukari noticed during their shared lunch period.
"You're quiet today," she observed, elegantly cutting her salmon. They were eating on the rooftop again, which had apparently become their routine. "Something wrong?"
Zororo debated telling her about Kazuki's message. She deserved to know, but he also didn't want to worry her before he'd gathered more information.
"Just thinking about Saturday's dinner," he lied smoothly. "Nervous about meeting your family."
Yukari's expression softened. "Don't be. You'll do fine. My brother messaged me last night he's actually looking forward to meeting you. That's a good sign."
"Your brother Hiroshi?"
"Yes. He's the only one whose opinion I really care about." Yukari smiled slightly. "If Hiroshi approves of you, it makes everything easier. My parents respect his judgment."
They continued eating and discussing strategy for the upcoming dungeon expedition. Mei and Hiro had proven surprisingly competent during yesterday's simulation training, and Yukari was optimistic about their chances in the real Shadow Grotto.
The afternoon classes passed slowly. Zororo noticed Renji watching him several times with a troubled expression. The hero system user's instincts were clearly reacting to something about Zororo, even if Renji couldn't consciously identify the source of his unease.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
[HERO SYSTEM DETECTION INCREASING]
[CURRENT RISK: 22%]
[RECOMMENDATION: AVOID EXTENDED CONTACT WITH RENJI TAKAHASHI]
When classes finally ended, Zororo told Yukari he had a family matter to attend to and couldn't make the optional team practice. She accepted this without suspicion, and he felt another pang of guilt about the deception.
Café Moonlight was located in the upscale district of Kazekami City, a place where wealthy system users conducted discreet business meetings. The café's exterior was elegant and understated, with frosted glass windows that prevented outsiders from seeing inside.
Zororo arrived exactly at six PM. A hostess greeted him immediately.
"Mr. Kurogami? Mr. Shirogane is expecting you. This way, please."
She led him to a private room in the back. The space was luxurious but austere expensive furniture arranged around a low table, with sound-dampening barriers visible as faint shimmer in the air. Whatever was said here would remain completely private.
Kazuki Shirogane sat at the table, and Zororo's first thought was that the man looked like an older, masculine version of Yukari. The same silver hair, though his was shorter and styled sharply. The same ice-blue eyes, though his held calculating coldness without any warmth beneath. He wore an expensive suit that probably cost more than most cars.
"Zororo Kurogami," Kazuki said, his voice smooth and cultured. "Thank you for coming. Please, sit."
Zororo sat across from him, maintaining calm composure despite the obvious power radiating from Kazuki. This man was at least level twenty-five, possibly higher.
[TARGET ANALYSIS]
[KAZUKI SHIROGANE]
[AGE: 22]
[LEVEL: 28]
[SYSTEM: A-RANK ICE DOMINION SYSTEM]
[THREAT LEVEL: EXTREME]
[RECOMMENDATION: DO NOT ENGAGE IN COMBAT]
"You wanted to meet," Zororo said calmly. "Here I am."
Kazuki smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Direct. I appreciate that. Let's skip the pleasantries then. You're dating my fiancée."
"Yukari told me about the arranged engagement. She also told me she doesn't want it."
"What Yukari wants is irrelevant. Our families have an agreement." Kazuki leaned forward slightly. "But I'm not here to discuss politics. I'm here to discuss you specifically."
He placed his phone on the table, showing the photo of Zororo fighting the Shadow Hounds.
"These combat techniques are far too advanced for a C-Rank system. Even a B-Rank would struggle with such precise shadow manipulation." Kazuki's eyes studied Zororo like a predator examining prey. "So I'll ask directly what is your real system rank?"
Zororo met his gaze steadily. "B-Rank Shadow Element System. I've been training intensively since recovering from my illness. My abilities have grown faster than expected."
"B-Rank," Kazuki repeated skeptically. "And yet you display techniques that suggest A-Rank potential at minimum. You're either an exceptional talent, or you're lying about your system's nature."
"Believe what you want."
"Oh, I intend to verify it myself." Kazuki stood smoothly. "That's why I'm issuing a formal challenge. One week from today, you and I will face each other in the Seika Academy combat arena. A public duel that will settle two questions whether you're truly worthy of Yukari's attention, and what your real abilities are."
Zororo's blood ran cold. A public duel against someone eight levels higher with an A-Rank system? That was practically suicide.
But refusing would make him look weak and cowardly, which would end his arrangement with Yukari and damage his reputation irreparably.
"And if I refuse?" Zororo asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Then I'll expose every secret I discover about you. Your hidden abilities, your suspicious behavior, everything." Kazuki's smile turned predatory. "I have resources you can't imagine, Kurogami. One week of investigation, and I'll know everything about you. But if you accept the duel and prove yourself, I'll back off. I respect strength, even in rivals."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[MANDATORY MISSION UPDATED]
[NEW OBJECTIVE: SURVIVE SEVEN DAYS AND PREPARE FOR DUEL]
[CHALLENGE AUTOMATICALLY ACCEPTED]
[TIME LIMIT: 7 DAYS]
[REWARD: 1000 VP, MAJOR SKILL UNLOCK, LEVEL UP x2]
[FAILURE PENALTY: SYSTEM EXPOSURE, POTENTIAL DEATH]
Zororo felt the system force his hand. There was no refusing this challenge.
"Fine," he said calmly, standing to face Kazuki. "One week. I accept your duel."
Kazuki's smile widened. "Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you're really capable of, Zororo Kurogami. Don't disappoint me."
As Zororo left the café, his mind was already racing through preparation strategies. He had seven days to become strong enough to survive against an opponent who massively outclassed him.
Seven days to master his villain system's power.
Seven days before everything could come crashing down.
[END OF CHAPTER 9]