The Legacy of the Saegusa Clan

The next morning...

"How are you feeling, Yūto?" Aoi asked.

"I'm feeling much better."

"Yūto, read this. I bought it yesterday," Shiro said.

Yūto looked at the newspaper and started reading.

"The White Ronin"

For more than twenty years, many people believed that Japan had lost the presence of a true samurai. However, with the appearance of "The White Ronin", hope has returned.

Two of Japan's most dangerous criminals and most wanted fugitives, Masanobu Kurogane and Nobuyuki Kurogane—better known as "The Brothers"—were defeated by "The White Ronin".

According to Seiryu-kai Elder Takeshi Ryūzen, he became the target of an attack by "The Brothers". However, "The White Ronin" suddenly appeared and defeated the two brothers with incredible skill before leaving without revealing his name.

Takeshi gave him the name "The White Ronin" because he wore white clothing and carried a katana.

Even so, no one knows where "The White Ronin" is now. We all hope that his appearance will make Japan a safer and more peaceful place.

"Are you done reading?" Shiro asked.

Yūto nodded.

The room fell silent for a moment...

"Thank you, Yūto," Aoi said.

Yūto turned toward Aoi.

Suddenly, Aoi hugged Yūto.

"I was so scared back then!"

Aoi began to cry.

"When you came, I felt so calm and safe."

Yūto remained silent.

A few moments later, Shiro walked out of the room.

"If you're done hugging, let's head to Aunt Haruka's restaurant."

Aoi let go of Yūto.

"Are you feeling better now?" Shiro asked.

Yūto nodded.

"Yeah, I think so."

Yūto slowly stood up.

"I'll go ahead," Shiro said.

Yūto looked at Aoi.

"Aoi, do you want to come to Aunt Haruka's restaurant or stay here?"

"I'll come. I can help there too."

Yūto and Aoi walked toward Haruka's restaurant.

When they arrived, they saw a group of samurai dressed in black eating inside.

"It's really crowded today," Yūto said.

Aoi carefully looked at their black clothes.

"They're from Kokuryu-gumi."

"Oh? You know them?"

"I just know someone who's with them."

The two of them entered the restaurant.

"Yūto, Aoi, you came at the perfect time. Can you help me prepare drinks for the customers? Yūto, don't move around too much. Just sit at the cashier's desk and help me with the change," Haruka said.

They both nodded.

While Yūto sat behind the cashier's desk, Aoi served drinks to the customers.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Aoi... You work here?" Kaito said.

Aoi turned around.

"Kaito? Yeah. I'm just helping Aunt Haruka here."

"I thought you were a waitress here. As far as I know, your family is pretty wealthy."

"There's nothing wrong with working, right?"

"Of course not. In fact, I like women who work. That's one of the qualities I want in my future wife."

Kaito gave her a playful smile and grabbed her hand.

Aoi immediately pulled her hand away.

"Don't you dare touch me!"

She quickly moved away from him.

Haruka and Shiro noticed what had happened.

Meanwhile, Yūto was still sitting at the cashier's desk with a confused look on his face, trying to count the money and give the customers the correct change.

Shiro walked over to Aoi.

"What did they do?"

Haruka also came over to listen.

"Nothing. Just some annoying people," Aoi said.

"Bring us more drinks!" Kaito shouted from across the room.

"I'll take them," Shiro said.

Aoi nodded.

"Are you okay, Aoi?" Haruka asked.

"I'm fine, Aunt Haruka."

Shiro carried the drinks to Kaito's table.

"Here are your drinks."

"Hey! I wanted the girl to bring them, not you!" Kaito shouted.

"That's right! Why are you serving us? Call that girl back! Tell her to serve our boss!" one of the Kokuryu-gumi members shouted.

"Sorry. She's busy with something in the back. I can serve you instead," Shiro replied politely.

"Hey! Are you deaf?! Our boss asked for that girl! If you're going to replace her, then put on women's clothes first!"

Everyone at the table burst out laughing.

Around fifteen Kokuryu-gumi members were eating with Kaito Nakamura inside Haruka's restaurant.

Haruka quickly walked over to them.

"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can help you with? I'll prepare your drinks myself."

"Hey, Old Hag, stay out of this. We don't like old women like you. You're not attractive!" one of the Kokuryu-gumi members shouted.

Haruka was shocked by the insult.

Shiro slammed his hand on the table.

"You bastard! If you insult Aunt Haruka again, I won't forgive you!"

Yūto heard the noise from the next room.

"What was that sound?" Yūto muttered.

All of the Kokuryu-gumi members immediately stood up.

Some of them even started drawing their swords.

The atmosphere became tense.

Aoi walked over to Yūto.

Yūto looked at Aoi.

"Aoi, what's going on over there?"

"They're causing trouble."

"Causing trouble? I'll go take a look."

Yūto slowly stood up.

"No, Yūto. You need to rest. Shiro is handling them," Aoi said.

"Really? Alright."

Yūto sat back down.

Meanwhile...

"Hey, white-haired brat! Do you even know who you're talking to?! Are you looking for death?!" one of the men shouted.

"I'll cut your head off!"

Shiro's face was filled with anger.

"Shiro, stop. Don't fight," Haruka said.

"Hey, Old Hag. You'd better put your little pet back in his cage before he keeps barking!"

"I'm sorry. Please enjoy your meal. I'll even give you free sake," Haruka said politely.

Kaito stood up.

"This place is disappointing. I've lost my appetite."

He turned and walked toward the exit, followed by all of his men.

"Hey! Stop! Pay for your food!" Shiro shouted.

Without warning, Kaito rushed forward and delivered a powerful kick.

Bam!

Shiro was thrown backward and crashed into the wall.

"Urgh..."

Haruka was shocked and immediately ran over to him.

"Shiro! Are you okay?"

Shiro looked at her as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

"Don't worry, Aunt Haruka. I'm fine."

"What was that sound?" Yūto asked.

"Yūto, stay here. Your body is still weak. Leave it to Aunt Haruka and Shiro," Aoi said.

Yūto nodded.

"I've let you talk long enough. So what if I don't want to pay?!" Kaito shouted.

At that very moment, dozens of Seiryu-kai members arrived outside the restaurant with Takeshi and Reika.

They immediately entered the restaurant.

"Who ate here without paying?!" Reika shouted.

The Kokuryu-gumi members exchanged nervous glances.

"That's the Seiryu-kai Elder... and his daughter, Reika Ryūzen."

"Oh, Grandpa Takeshi. Perfect timing. I was just about to leave so this place wouldn't get too crowded. I'm leaving now," Kaito said with a grin.

As Kaito tried to walk past them, several Seiryu-kai members stepped forward and blocked his way.

"What does this mean?" Kaito asked.

Takeshi remained silent.

"Don't pretend you don't know! Pay for everything you ordered. Otherwise, I'll break one of your legs!" Reika shouted.

"Hmm... What a hassle. Fine," Kaito said.

Kaito walked over to the cashier and paid the entire bill.

He even left some extra money.

His eyes then fell on Yūto, who was dressed completely in white.

Seeing the Seiryu-kai Elder personally come to this restaurant made Kaito even more curious about the young man.

"Thank you," Yūto said as he accepted the payment.

"The extra money is for that kid's medical treatment and to replace the broken dishes."

Kaito then walked over to Reika.

"Are you satisfied now?"

"Get out of here! And don't ever cause trouble here again. Otherwise, I'll hunt every one of you down!"

Without saying another word, Kaito and all the Kokuryu-gumi members left Haruka's restaurant.

Takeshi and Reika then walked over to Yūto.

"Grandpa Takeshi. What brings you here?" Yūto asked.

Takeshi smiled warmly.

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. Yūto, I'd like to give this to you."

Takeshi handed him a small wooden box.

Yūto accepted it with a confused look and slowly opened it.

Inside was a large amount of money and an old book with the words 'Saegusa – Kenzo' written on the cover.

"Grandpa, what's this money for?"

Shiro and Haruka were both surprised when they saw how much money was inside.

"That's a lot of money," Shiro said.

"It's nothing compared to what you've done, Yūto. You saved my life. I owe you a great debt," Takeshi replied.

"But... I can't accept this much money," Yūto said.

Shiro immediately said with a grin,

"If you don't want it, just give it to me."

"Shiro, don't say things like that," Haruka said.

"I just think it would be a waste to refuse all that money," Shiro said, looking away.

"The money is yours now, Yūto. You can't return it. You can give it to anyone you want," Takeshi said.

Yūto turned to Haruka.

"Aunt Haruka, can you keep this money for me?"

"Of course," Haruka said with a smile.

Yūto picked up the old book and slowly flipped through the pages.

"Is this a book that belonged to the Saegusa Clan?"

"That's right. Kenzo himself gave it to me. I believe this book should belong to you now," Takeshi said.

"Thank you, Grandpa. And thank you too, Aunt Reika."

Reika immediately frowned.

"Don't call me 'Aunt.' Just call me 'Big Sister.' I'm not that old."

"Sorry. Alright, Big Sister Reika."

Takeshi smiled.

"Yūto, the Samurai Festival will be held in a few days. You should come. Many samurai and sword schools from all over Japan will be there. Seiryu-kai will also send representatives."

"Really? Then I'll definitely come."

They continued talking while enjoying the food Haruka had prepared.

Before they realized it, time had passed quickly.

After finishing their meal, Takeshi, Reika, and the Seiryu-kai members said goodbye and went home.

It was already 8:00 p.m.

"I think we'll close early today. You all look tired," Haruka said as she looked at Shiro, Yūto, and Aoi.

The three of them nodded.

Together, they helped Haruka clean the tables, wash the dishes, and tidy up the restaurant.

When everything was finished, they walked home together.

Along the way, Haruka turned to Aoi.

"Aoi, you look very tired. How about staying at my house again tonight and going home tomorrow morning?"

"Hmm... Alright."

Haruka smiled.

"Thank you, Aunt Haruka," Aoi said.