章 3: A Dark Future
Shuuzou's blade was accurate and merciless as it sped directly towards Ryuu's jugular.
Ryuu wasn't overly surprised. He didn't flinch or dodge. This meeting had not panned out as expected, but he thought he had a good read on why Shuuzou would attack him like this.
Right as Shuuzou's blade closed in on Ryuu's throat, Ryuu's body sparked with energy. Ryuu swiftly reached out and grabbed the weapon, redirecting it directly into the ground. Shuuzou's forward momentum stopped dead and he faltered for a moment, giving Ryuu a surprised look.
Ryuu relinquished his grip on Shuuzou's sword, and they both took a step back, observing their opponent.
Shuuzou nodded slightly and grunted with irritation. He turned back towards Koichi and Kirino, intentionally leaving his back open to Ryuu.
"Well? What do you think of the boy?" Shuuzou asked his son and daughter-in-law gruffly.
Before they could respond Ryuu interjected, "Ah, so this was all some sort of test for me then?"
Ryuu was slightly annoyed. They were prepared for him to the extent that they could lead him around by the nose once he entered their domain. Encountering so many traps couldn't have been luck.
Though he had played along somewhat to get to where he wanted to be, they still managed to set him on this path in the first place. School had only been finished for a few minutes! They shouldn't have been expecting him at all! Truly a ridiculous group of people.
He could've just phased through everything. Ryuu had no doubt that if he went all out he would've been able to take on the Yaegashi clan single-handedly, but he couldn't be too rough with them.
Besides the fact that he liked them, Shizuku would never forgive him if he hurt her family. He'd get many chances to train with them in the future, so he would still get more opportunities to play with some ninjas.
Their awareness of him told Ryuu that they knew of his actions towards their daughter at school as well. It was pretty obvious who he was. He was still wearing his school uniform, so he couldn't really complain.
To think, he'd pretty much fled his last school to get away from ninjas and found another clan of them already surveilling his new school! Shizuku probably had a rotating set of guards that watched her 24/7.
Ryuu couldn't help but think that Koichi and Shuuzou would have an irate daughter to deal with in their futures once she learned of this.
Ryuu hadn't put that much thought into the details surrounding the Yaegashi clan's existence. Japan was certainly not a safe place, especially for the heiress of an ancient clan.
Anyone with power was a potential victim or enemy of the Hand. It was hard to fight against a group with immortal leaders and grunts that could be resurrected if they ever fell in battle?
Maybe Hydra was a problem in this country as well. There were so many villains in this world it was hard to keep them all straight.
It made sense why they always kept Shizuku away from the darker side of their family.
The Hand would love to turn a talented young woman like Shizuku into one of their weapons. She no doubt had the potential to become a second Perfect Death. Elektra Natchios was a badass. Too bad for the Hand that they couldn't handle her.
The best way to keep Shizuku out of the crossfire was to keep her in the dark entirely. Ryuu could understand that reasoning, although they wouldn't be able to keep their secrets for much longer.
Kirino answered him teasingly, "Oh my, Ryuu-kun. You're not wrong, but you're not entirely correct. When we received reports that our dear Shizuku had yet another suitor we initially planned to kidnap and interrogate you. You were quite forward, you know. A little bit too much for a complete unknown."
Kirino unfolded a fan and held it in front of her face, hiding most of her expression. She continued, "Shizuku isn't an ordinary girl, despite what she may think. The vast majority of men do not have the capability to court her. We had intended on dissuading you, by any means necessary."
A chill went down Ryuu's spine. Kirino's eyes were deadly serious. No hint of a joke whatsoever. Ryuu knew then that he had been playing with fire. If he had been an ordinary student, he might have found himself lost in another country or buried under the earth.
Kirino was quite the woman. Ryuu hoped that Shizuku would grow to be as formidable as her mother. From what he remembered, she would.
Kirino continued, "As it stands, you caught us a little off guard and we could only use some of our formations and seals to subtly lead you in the direction of our defenses. You didn't give us much time to prepare for you. We received a report that you had vanished from the streets in front of the school only minutes ago."
Kirino fanned herself lazily and gestured at the members of her clan surrounding them.
"Our disciples are very passionate about Shizuku's safety and happiness. Not to mention my darling husband and father-in-law. A certain level of strength, both in body and character, needs to be met by Shizuku's suitors."
Kirino's gaze sharpened. She came closer to Ryuu, examining him closely. Shinobi were experts at torture and interrogation. The ability to tell truth from lies was fundamental to their way of life.
"You've shown us your strength, Ryuu-kun. I've no doubt that you could defeat us all and steal my beloved daughter away from us if you so chose. We, the Yaegashi family, are more aware of how this world works than the average citizen. We know that power is everything. With your speed we would hardly be able to react, let alone truly fight back."
Kirino's voice remained soft and gentle, but with an undertone of steel. Shizuku was without a doubt the most important and cherished part of her life. Anyone who sought to harm her would meet with a brutal end.
"What I want to know now are your intentions. You don't seem to be our enemy. You are obviously not ignorant of our clan and our lifestyle. You certainly alluded to a few secrets when you were with our daughter, earlier."
Kirino folded her fan with a snap. Now that Ryuu looked at it from up close, he saw that the fan was tipped with razor-sharp blades. Was everything a weapon to these people? He could almost see visions of Kirino nonchalantly slitting throats as she walked around, fanning herself.
Ryuu had quite a bit of knowledge about the future. This would help him prove his value beyond that of his fighting ability . First things first, he needed to convince the Yaegashi family that they needed him. A distorted version of the truth should work.
Ryuu wouldn't lie, as he had no doubts as to whether such skilled assassins would be able to see through him.
One of Ryuu's teachers from his previous life had always told him that he had a talent for filibustering. In simpler terms, he was a master of the art of bullshit.
Ryuu considered asking them to talk alone, but he doubted they would really be alone no matter where they were in this dungeon. If they wanted to present a show of force to feel more in control, then more power to them.
"Very well. I'll get straight to the point," Ryuu began, "Beyond my desire to take Shizuku as my wife, I was drawn here for another reason." Ryuu chose his words very carefully.
"In all honesty, I know nearly everything there is to know about your daughter, despite never having met her before this morning." Ryuu could see the effect his words were having on the gathered ninjas. They definitely thought he was some sort of super-powered stalker.
"I know how that must sound, but please hear me out. Before I laid eyes on her in the classroom today, I didn't think Shizuku actually existed in this world."
Ryuu was counting on the Yaegashi's ability to discern the truth in his words. He had some shocking revelations to dish out and he needed them to believe him.
Ryuu adopted a solemn tone, "Above and beyond my physical powers, I have been gifted with what I now know are visions of the future. Before I saw Shizuku today, I had no clue that my visions had a basis in reality."
Objectively, Ryuu did not lie. Memories of a novel in his past life certainly contained some element of the supernatural. Ryuu hoped they wouldn't pick up on it. In his defense, he had every intention of becoming a seer at some point in the future. Luckily, he had a few options to acquire such abilities.
The Yaegashi clan were all a bit wide-eyed. They had all seen quite a bit over the years as they worked in the shadows, but a genuine seer was a fresh experience for them.
Ryuu knew he had their complete attention.
"I'm here now because the futures that I've seen are unacceptable to me. I will not allow what I've seen to come to pass." The intensity of Ryuu's will was firmly conveyed as he spoke clearly and calmly.
"If nothing is done, within a year, Shirasaki Kaori will be killed and, not only will Shizuku be lost to you, she will also be pursued aggressively by a middle-aged man with multiple concubines."
The Yaegashi trio could tell that what Ryuu said contained an element of truth, as far as he knew it. Whatever else he was, he wasn't experienced enough to directly lie to the three of them.
Koichi trembled in rage. It was one thing for a boy her own age to be interested in Shizuku, but anyone close to his own age going near his daughter would be asking for death!
Kirino paled when Ryuu mentioned Kaori. She was like a second daughter to her who had been by Shizuku's side for their entire lives.
Ryuu had not lied in the slightest. All of that was true. Daisuke would have murdered Kaori in an insane scheme to use her reanimated corpse as a sex toy. The fact that she would later be revived perfectly didn't need to be mentioned.
Upon their first meeting, the Emperor of the Hoelscher Empire, who could be objectively described as middle-aged, would immediately ask Shizuku to become his lover. He was persistent, too.
The Emperor, Gahard, was someone that Ryuu was excited to meet. Despite having a wife and a dozen concubines he was still brazen enough to proposition a 16-year old girl at first sight. They were similar men, without a doubt. Ryuu could tell that he had good taste in women, at least. Ryuu hoped he'd be fun.
"I can't tell you everything. All I can promise is that I'll tell Shizuku every last detail. If she wants to share my knowledge with you, that's her decision to make. I won't ever make her do anything against her wishes, and I trust her judgement."
Ryuu knew that Shizuku's safety was of paramount importance to the Yaegashi clan. If he could guarantee her health and happiness, his standing among her family would be golden.
"I meant what I said. I know everything about Shizuku, even the things that none of you know about. I didn't intentionally seek her out, but I can't possibly leave her alone to weather the challenges in her future."
Ryuu hoped his sincerity would get through to them. At the very least, he wouldn't let any of those idiot kids almost get murdered countless times within a year. Shizuku herself was on the verge of death more than once throughout her Tortus adventures.
Ryuu knew quite a bit about manipulating people. Ninety percent truthfulness mixed with ten percent deception would allow him to lead someone to whatever conclusion he wanted.
Koichi and Kirino looked at each other in concern. They didn't speak, but seemed to be conversing without words. Ryuu wondered if they were somehow communicating mentally or if it was just the bond of a supernatural married couple. He'd know soon enough, he supposed.
Shuuzou had a hard glint in his eyes, but refrained from speaking. He could tell Ryuu wasn't quite done.
Ryuu continued, "I want to make you an offer to prove my sincerity. In exchange for access to your information network and resources, I will protect Shizuku and your clan's interests with my life. Furthermore, within the next two years I will dismantle the Hand's stranglehold on power within this country."
Koichi and Kirino lost their composure for a second, shocked. Ryuu was speaking of very dangerous matters that could get them all killed if they weren't careful. No matter how powerful he was as an individual, the Hand possessed many means.
Shuuzou flinched and became more alert. He made a gesture at the surrounding disciples. "Leave us. Do not eavesdrop," he commanded.
The ninjas all scattered immediately, some of them disappearing into hidden compartments in the walls, floor, and ceiling.
Shuuzou took charge, letting out just a hint of killing intent. "The Hand own this country, boy. Everyone who has ever opposed them has met with a swift end. We have only survived to this day by keeping our heads down and staying in our territory."
Koichi began to pace, unable to hide his nervous energy. This conversation had certainly taken a turn they weren't expecting.
Kirino flipped her fan in her hands repeatedly, biting her lips slightly. She was deep in thought. "How much do you know about the Hand, Ryuu-kun?" she asked.
Ryuu was sure he knew more than them, that's for sure. He didn't think they would be able to live in this country without worry if they knew the full scope of the Hand's history.
"I don't know everything that's going to happen in the future, but I can say with certainty that none of the Hand's enemies in this world know them as well as I do. Not even the Chaste can match up to me."
Ryuu knew he sounded a little arrogant, but the Hand were incredible at keeping their secrets. A cheat like Ryuu who knew all about them was something they wouldn't be able to account for.
"I'm certain I know more about them than the three of you. I don't mean this as a slight on your capabilities, but the Hand are probably one of the oldest organizations in the world. Their secrets have secrets."
Ryuu clasped his hands behind his back and started pacing. Movement always helped him think a little.
"Two years from now there will be a large-scale demonic incursion across the world. While this will be a problem for most countries on Earth, it will be an unmitigated disaster for Japan and Italy. Italy is in danger because they are the home of the Vatican and will be a prime target. On the other hand, Japan will be in danger because a high-ranking demon already has control of this country."
The more Ryuu spoke the more he realized just how many fires he would have to put out in the near future. Between Marvel's timeline and the mess that was Tortus, he would definitely be kept busy. Hopefully, the rewards would be equal to his labours.
"I've been dancing around the subject, but suffice to say, the Hand worships a demon known as The Beast. Aside from the abhorrent human sacrifices required to keep him in the mortal realm, there are many other reasons why the Hand must be defeated. If the demon is still in control of the Hand come this time in two years, Japan will fall."
The three ninjas were all solemn and focused. Not many people knew, but the shinobi clans of Japan were entrusted with many responsibilities regarding the peace and safety of their nation.
They all knew they inevitably answered to the Hand. Normally, the Yaegashi clan looked the other way when they came across evidence of the Hand's atrocities. Doing so kept the peace and spared the lives of their people.
However, they were not comfortable with their chain of command eventually ending in a demon sustained by human lives.
The scale of this conversation had grown way past simply feeling out Shizuku's newest admirer. Kirino and Koichi met Shuuzou's eyes before looking down, deferring to the most experienced among them.
"You've given us much to think on, young one," Shuuzou began. "If everything you've said is true then I believe an... alliance... would benefit all of us..." he trailed off, thinking. "The continued existence of my family may be at risk, merely by knowing these secrets. We may not have any other choice."
Finally. Ryuu knew having these three as allies would make his life much easier. He could get around to the real reason why he wanted an in with the Yaegashi clan. Preparing for the future was all well and good, but Ryuu barely had a passing interest in Japan or its politics.
Shuuzou continued, "Make no mistake. While it is true that our Yaegashi clan will do everything to survive, no matter how unsavory, that does not mean I trust in everything you've told us."
Shuuzou made a series of hand signs and, with a burst of smoke, a perfect copy of him popped into being beside him. Ryuu's eyes widened. A shadow clone! They really were Naruto-style shinobi. He wondered what else they had up their sleeves. So many possibilities.
The clone nodded at the original Shuuzou and jumped, exiting the room through a hidden compartment in the ceiling. Ryuu was amused. These ninjas were always so dramatic. Not that he was one to talk.
"If I ever find out that you lied to us today or that you mean Shizuku harm, rest assured, you will die. You might be more than our match in an open fight, but we are shinobi..." Shuuzou said ominously.
Ryuu had no doubt about that. Kirino was a devil with poisons and the men were overprotective daughter-cons. If they knew that Ryuu was a harem-seeking bastard in addition to everything else they would undoubtedly use everything they had to dispose of him.
Oh well, by the time they learned of his plans he would be long gone, off planet and away from their tender mercies. He just needed to survive the next two months. When he returned, he would be powerful enough that he would not need to fear much.
Ryuu clapped his hands, "Perfect. Now that we're all on the same page, there are a few things I need from you. Shizuku and I can handle most of what's to come, but if she had your help it would make her path much easier."
Whether it be the Hand, Hydra, the Ten Rings, AIM, or any other of the numerous evil organizations around, Ryuu didn't have much to fear from them. He didn't need to cooperate with the Yaegashi clan to deal with those threats.
No, this was still all about Shizuku. Ryuu had plans for her now that he'd had a day to think. She had so much potential, squandered by months babysitting the hero and even more time after trying to keep up with Hajime.
Ryuu would help Shizuku become the best version of herself.
"I don't need you to do much. Just continue with your daily lives. I'll handle anything that threatens our futures. All I need from you three is honesty. Talk to Shizuku. Explain all that you haven't said over the years. She's incredibly skilled for a practitioner of a commonplace kenjutsu and a little bit of acrobatics, but that won't be enough. She needs her full heritage as soon as possible. " Ryuu knew they wouldn't refuse him and pushed a little harder to get his point across.
"The more prepared she is for the conflicts to come the less chance there is of her coming to harm. Teach her. Train her. Make her strong enough and, one day, she'll be protecting you all instead of the other way around. I guarantee it." Ryuu emphasized.
"Aside from that, all I need to safeguard our collective futures is full access to your properties. Give me the run of the land and that should be enough for me. I won't even lose my temper if you or your disciples decide to test my reflexes. I would expect nothing less from Shizuku's doting relatives."
Ryuu knew that Shizuku would be exasperated once her family started letting her know who they really were. If he had to withstand a few daily assassination attempts from her own family while he was seducing her that played into his plans perfectly.
That's why he only needed two things. Access to her house and the approval, however reluctant, of her family.
"Oh! I also need one of Shuuzou-san's hakamas. It's incredibly important, but I can't tell you why." Ryuu requested with a straight face.
Shuuzou's eyebrows flickered for a moment in surprise, but he quickly nodded his assent. He was curious what the brat was planning. A spare hakama appeared out of Shuuzou's sleeve and he tossed the outfit to Ryuu, who used his speed to change outfits in a flash.
The Yaegashi trio still had some hesitance, but Ryuu hadn't demanded much and promised a great deal of help in the future. Anyone at his level of power was a welcome asset to an organization such as theirs. If Shizuku approved of him and they eventually married they considered it a good trade.
They would watch him closely, though. They weren't taking any chances.
"Now that all of that excitement is out of the way, would one of you mind telling me what time Shizuku will be returning home today?" Ryuu asked.
Kirino responded, "You have about fifteen minutes, Ryuu-kun."
"Perfect. Catch ya later. We'll be seeing each other often, I'm sure." Ryuu said with a wink before speeding off.
He backtracked through the veritable smorgasbord of deadly traps, which Ryuu couldn't help but notice were already re-armed and reversed! These crazy ninjas were making him work for this it would seem.
They had reoriented their defenses to this extent in the few minutes he was negotiating. Ridiculous. He was happy they were on the same side at the very least.
Ryuu went back up to the public Yaegashi dojo and made his way over to the Yaegashi's manor house. They certainly lived well. Old money, he supposed. Assassins also made for great spies and thieves. Who knew how many money-making ventures the Yaegashi clan was involved with?
He phased through the front door, slowing down once he was inside. He took his shoes off, noting that they were pretty much trashed at this point. He needed to find some clothing that could survive his speed.
Ryuu sauntered his way through the house like he owned the place. One day, he would. He picked up a tea set on his way that looked well-worn.
He smoothed out the wrinkles on his new outfit and settled down in the living room to wait for Shizuku. He couldn't wait to see her face when she found him sitting in her home, wearing her grandfather's clothes, and drinking her mother's tea.
Ryuu's life had changed dramatically in less than half a day. He was in a completely new environment and was playing games with some of the deadliest people he had ever met. The entire world truly was his stage. He loved it.
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