The promise landed in Hinami Fueguchi's heart like a ray of sunlight breaking through thick clouds.
Her tear-filled eyes widened.
Hope flickered inside them.
Mixed with disbelief.
"R-really?"
Her voice trembled.
"Kiryu-nii can really take Hinami to find Daddy?"
Ren smiled softly.
"When have I ever lied to you?"
He gently ruffled her hair.
"But first…"
"We have to become accomplices."
"Accomplices?"
Hinami blinked.
Her red eyes filled with curiosity.
"Yes."
"It means we keep a little secret together."
"Something special."
As he spoke, Ren pulled out his phone.
He quickly dialed Nishio Nishiki.
Beep…
Beep…
The call connected almost instantly.
"Kiryu?"
Nishio's voice sounded tense.
"Did you find Hinami?"
"Mrs. Fueguchi is really worried."
"Of course."
Ren replied calmly.
He winked at Hinami.
She watched nervously.
"Give the phone to Mrs. Fueguchi."
"I need to talk to her."
"…Alright."
After some rustling—
A gentle voice came through the speaker.
"This is Ryoko Fueguchi."
"Kiryu-kun!"
"Is Hinami alright?"
"Is she with you?"
Her worry was obvious.
"Yes."
He answered immediately.
"She's safe."
"Don't worry."
Then he added carefully.
"But…"
"It seems Hinami doesn't really want to come back yet."
"…Doesn't want to come back?"
Ryoko's voice rose in confusion.
"Is she… still angry with me?"
Her words carried deep guilt.
"She's not angry."
Ren said gently.
"She's just feeling down."
"Please don't worry."
He paused slightly.
"How about this."
"I'll take Hinami for a short walk."
"Let her calm down."
"Then I'll bring her back."
Several seconds of silence passed.
"…I see."
Ryoko sighed softly.
"Then I'll leave Hinami in your care."
"No problem."
He answered easily.
"I don't have anything urgent today."
"…Please be careful."
Her voice grew serious.
"I will."
Ren promised.
"I'll watch her closely."
He moved the phone toward Hinami.
"Hina."
"Say goodbye to your mother."
Hinami quickly leaned forward.
Trying to sound cheerful.
"Bye Mom!"
"…Be good."
Ryoko replied softly.
"Listen to Kiryu-nii."
"Come back soon."
"I will!"
Hinami said quickly.
Ren ended the call.
The moment the phone went silent—
Hinami grabbed his hand tightly.
Her eyes sparkled with nervous excitement.
"Kiryu-nii…"
"Now… can we go find Daddy?"
He crouched down.
Meeting her hopeful gaze.
"Yes."
"Lead the way."
"We'll bring your father home."
Inside his mind—
Carnage snorted.
[…A troublesome mission…]
[…finally begins…]
Fueguchi Asaki's clinic was located in the 20th Ward.
The walk took some time.
But when the familiar building appeared—
Hinami's emotions burst instantly.
"Daddy!"
She broke free from his hand.
Running toward the clinic door.
"Slow down!"
Ren called out.
"Be careful!"
Inside his mind—
Carnage suddenly spoke.
[…Careful…]
[…There's someone inside…]
[…The smell…]
[…Very unpleasant…]
Ren's eyes sharpened.
He immediately followed Hinami.
Inside the clinic—
A man had already entered silently.
Yakumo Oomori.
Known among ghouls as Jason.
His presence filled the room like poison.
Fueguchi Asaki was studying medical notes when the voice spoke.
"Today…"
"…it's very quiet."
The deep voice sounded like a snake sliding across stone.
Asaki froze.
The pen fell from his hand.
Cold sweat instantly soaked his back.
Slowly—
He turned around.
Fear filled his eyes.
His trembling hand reached into a drawer.
He pulled out a pair of surgical forceps.
Carefully placing them on the table.
Yamori walked casually to the wall.
He peeled down a hanging painting.
"You took the item…"
Asaki's voice shook.
"So… please leave."
"I only want to live quietly."
"Please…"
Yamori tilted his head.
"Oh?"
"Looks like I'm unwelcome."
He turned slightly.
As if preparing to leave.
Asaki's tension collapsed.
Relief flooded him.
His hands trembled as he lifted the painting.
Inside the frame—
Hidden money.
His voice trembled with hope.
"Hinami… Ryoko…"
"We'll finally be able to…"
"But…"
Yamori stopped walking.
He turned back slowly.
His crimson kakugan glowed faintly.
"Let me ask something first."
His smile twisted.
"When did you…"
"…become a servant of humans?"
Fear crushed Asaki's heart again.
Before he could respond—
The clinic door burst open.
"Dad!"
Hinami's cheerful voice shattered the tense silence.
Asaki froze.
His eyes widened in horror.
"HINAMI?!"
Why was she here?!
"Hinami!"
"Danger!"
"RUN!"
He screamed desperately.
But it was too late.
Hinami had already seen him.
Joy filled her face.
"Daddy!"
Ignoring the massive blond man beside him—
She rushed toward her father.
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