Chapter 52: Kaguya Shinomiya's Openness, Powerful Byproducts, and the Counter-Kill
"..."
What does it feel like when an iceberg approaches you?
Haruka could answer that question right now.
Cold.
Indescribably cold.
It was as if no one else existed in this person's eyes.
But, just like an iceberg floating on the ocean, sparkling brilliantly under the sunlight.
The icy person before him was also a beauty beyond imagination.
Her loose, long hair gave her a touch of traditional elegance. Her black and red uniform made her look like a queen. Her expressionless, exquisite face was like a work of art. Especially those crimson eyes—sharp and unreadable, pulling him in even as they warned him to keep his distance.
Haruka's brain instantly filed two observations:
This was a dangerous person!
That was Haruka's first thought.
His second thought was: Does this person... even have humanity?
"Haruka Kasugano?" She spoke. Although her voice was pleasant, the indifference ruined it, carrying with it the oppressive aura of a so-called "superior."
The oppressive aura of a superior does exist, but it's largely related to psychological factors and presence, not some mystical force.
Haruka?
Haruka was unaffected.
Heh, he was a mental patient, after all. He had seen plenty of grand scenes in his memories. What was there to be afraid of?
"Hello, Lady Shinomiya." Haruka bowed his head slightly.
Standing respectfully to the side, Ai Hayasaka looked up slightly and glanced at Haruka.
Kaguya Shinomiya, seated in her chair, looked Haruka up and down. "Sit."
Haruka sat down calmly.
"Kasugano-san, I recall we signed the agreement back when you were in high school, correct?"
"That is correct. I must thank the Lady for her care."
"It was nothing. Mutual benefit, that's all."
"Your performance in the company this past year has been excellent. Is there anything you want?" Kaguya Shinomiya sat upright, looking at Haruka with a calm gaze.
"I think a villa or something similar would be nice. Also, I feel the current researchers in the company don't quite match my efficiency. They... are too subpar," Haruka said with a smile.
"Done. Hayasaka, find a property for Kasugano-kun according to the standards of this residence," Kaguya ordered directly.
"Additionally, Kasugano-kun can transfer to the specialized medical research institute under my command. You will serve as a project leader with your own independence. I believe Kasugano-kun will not disappoint my expectations." Kaguya said these words.
This was extremely generous, simply overflowing with wealth.
Moreover, this was a naked attempt to win him over, completely undisguised. Of course, it could also be understood as a "pledge of allegiance" or something similar.
Facing this recruitment, Haruka showed absolutely no intention of refusing. Instead, he revealed a happy smile. "Then I thank the Lady very much. Moving forward, I will not disappoint your expectations. However, the house is too big, and I don't have anyone to help me manage it. Could I ask the Lady for some assistance?"
Hearing this, a trace of a faint smile actually appeared on Kaguya Shinomiya's perpetually impassive face. "Of course."
The meeting proceeded with an almost surreal civility. A multi-course lunch was served. Kaguya demonstrated a frighteningly adaptable intellect, engaging him on topics from cellular biochemistry to the economic pressures on pharmaceutical development. It wasn't warm, but it was intensely, respectfully efficient.
***
When Haruka returned home, he noticed a few more large men in the vicinity. He understood; this was the secret protection from that side.
Next, it was time for him to move.
Just as he entered the house, there was a knock on the door not long after.
Shoko found Haruka, looking confused.
In her hand, she held something—a state-of-the-art, high-end ear maintenance device.
"Haruka, did you buy this?"
Haruka looked at the item and laughed. "No, but you can treat it as if I bought it. Accept it and see if it works well."
"Oh." Shoko, not understanding the situation, didn't bother thinking too hard about it. Anyway, listening to Haruka was always the right choice.
Nighttime.
Haruka sat by the balcony.
Recalling the events of the day.
He had to admit, Kaguya Shinomiya was a qualified superior.
Openly granting favors and threats, precisely catering to his preferences...
"Not a bad boss to have."
He naturally understood that this was a deeper level of "selling himself," a deep integration of himself into Kaguya Shinomiya's circle. In the eyes of outsiders, the current him was already a core figure of Kaguya Shinomiya's faction.
Next, no matter what, he had to fully support this Lady in her battle for power.
However, was that important?
No.
None of it mattered.
What mattered was the medicine.
And Kaguya Shinomiya's medical research institute was sufficient to provide him with better equipment and resources.
That was enough.
When the time came, whether it was Shoko's "illness" or the capital chips Kaguya wanted, everything would be solved.
What?
Couldn't research the medicine?
Haruka closed his eyes, revealing a confident smile. This is the talent I exchanged my personality for... (Or so he thought.)
'My head... seems to be hurting again...'
***
[Becoming a core subordinate of Kaguya Shinomiya, you received even more important responsibilities.]
[You became a member of the research institute. You gained access to world-class laboratory facilities.]
[Your research progress improved significantly.]
[You moved. Your family received protection.]
[Research Byproduct: A drug capable of treating insomnia appeared.]
[Byproduct: A special weight-loss drug appeared.]
[Byproduct: A physiological psychiatric disorder suppression drug appeared.]
[You became a rising star in the entire Japanese medical field.]
[You became the Institute Director.]
[Kaguya Shinomiya's capital began to grow explosively.]
[You encountered an assassination attempt.]
[You neutralized the threat.]
[Kaguya Shinomiya handled the aftermath for you.]
[Ai Hayasaka was assigned to prioritize your protection.]
Bang!
One punch!
Two punches!
Three punches!
Heavy, powerful fists slammed unhurriedly into a face, producing crisp sounds of cracking bone.
Warm crimson liquid flowed all over the ground.
The struggling cries gradually grew weaker.
Haruka's breathing was heavy.
He heard the voice getting weaker and weaker.
But his fists kept falling.
Until that sound completely disappeared.
"Phew..."
Looking at his trembling palm, Haruka tried hard to calm his mood.
He had anticipated what happened today.
He just didn't expect it to come so soon.
Makes sense, because of him, Kaguya Shinomiya's power was growing, threatening to turn the tables. How could those opponents, and the enemies of the Shinomiya conglomerate, be willing to see that happen?
It was nothing.
Just a small matter.
Stay calm.
This was all necessary behavior.
Haruka squatted on the ground, looking at the guy who was gradually losing body temperature.
Soon.
Ai Hayasaka arrived.
!!
"Kasugano, you—"
"Hayasaka," he interrupted, his voice eerily calm as he walked toward her. "Please inform Lady Shinomiya that I'll be requiring a more robust personal security detail. This one was… insufficient."
He stepped past her into the street, as if discussing a minor logistical hiccup.
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