I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 67 is today! (Seeking monthly votes~)

"call."

That was the first breath of stale air in the early morning.

Smoke billowed from Tsukino Gen, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed. If someone saw this scene, they would probably think that this boy was a heavy smoker who must have smoked several packs of cigarettes in one night to make such a big scene.

It's really not.

In fact, since returning home last night, Tsukino Gen hadn't slept, but had been in a meditative state. It wasn't a sudden burst of energy, but rather he seemed to sense that the 'door' was showing signs of loosening.

He spent the entire night trying to push the door open.

A crack appeared in the door, letting in light, and one could clearly feel a surging power beckoning them.

However, Tsukino Gen wasn't in a hurry, calmly and methodically meditating and refining according to his own steps. When he opened his eyes, the room was shrouded in mist.

"Just a little bit more."

Just one kick away.

He could roughly sense what was needed, just like the feeling he had after dealing with the Yamazaki Jihei incident.

It seems that some things are ready to happen.

He got up, opened the window, and took a shower.

I went to school feeling refreshed, just like always.

During this time, he received a message from Miss Asagiri, who seemed to have recalled some memories and was in a fit of rage, and he replied.

The content seems a bit shameless, but I didn't choose to drink the alcohol, and I didn't force myself to drink so much. Should I bear any responsibility?

Everyone needs to process their own emotions and face the consequences of their lack of honesty. She should be able to process them well, right?

Why do you look so happy today?

When Gen Tsukino hummed an unknown tune as he took his seat, Akihiko Miura looked over suspiciously.

"Really? I think it's alright."

Tsukino Gen looked at him, puzzled. Miura Akihiko scrutinized the boy's face, then shook his head and said, "Something's not right. I feel like something's off about you lately. You give off the feeling that a zombie is gradually turning into a living person."

What a strange analogy! This is the consequence of not studying properly.

Dude, I'm practicing martial arts, not being reborn through the Impure World Reincarnation, okay?

"I can only say that you've been too sensitive lately."

"Really? Actually, the sensitivity isn't a recent thing. I'm considering whether circumcision would reduce the sensitivity."

Are we talking about something sensitive?

"Wasn't that so before?"

"Oh~"

Gen Tsukino narrowed his eyes slightly, his smile eerie.

Akihiko Miura subtly wiped the sweat from his forehead and lowered his voice.

"I'm treating you to four meat dishes and two vegetable dishes today, please don't tell anyone. I'm begging you!"

"make a deal."

"hateful!"

Gen Tsukino greatly admires friends like Akihiko Miura, at least he can genuinely make fun of himself when it comes to jokes.

I enjoyed a delicious lunch treated by Akihiko Miura, and then tutored Sakura Kazama in the study room.

Perhaps because things at home have finally come to an end, the move seems to have gone smoothly, and a suitable temporary place has been found. Although the conditions may not be as good as before, the peace of mind and comfort of living there are definitely much better.

So Kazama Sakura's studies have been progressing relatively smoothly lately; at least she's demonstrating the necessary comprehension skills.

How did you learn so much?

During the brief respite, Kazama Sakura stretched. Bathed in sunlight, her beautiful figure was on full display.

She was the epitome of a refined and demure young lady.

She has a sweet and likable face. Her personality is also well-behaved and gentle, with occasional mischievousness. Her physical development is also not lacking; at least among her peers, she is definitely above average.

Combined with her already perfect proportions, you'd feel that this level of bust size is just right—pleasing to the eye and undoubtedly feeling wonderful to the touch.
Stop having any more thoughts immediately.

Gen Tsukino replied with a smile, "Of course, the more you use your brain, the better it gets. If you don't use it all the time, you'll definitely find it a bit difficult, but you'll get used to it soon."

"You're the one who never uses it, hmph~"

Kazama Sakura gave a soft hum.

She then looked at the boy and asked, "By the way, did you have a smooth journey home yesterday?"

Although I convince myself that there are things he won't tell me, I shouldn't ask. But if I really care, how can I truly suppress all my curiosity?

To ignore or not care is the same as to have no interest.

She didn't want to deceive herself.

Gen Tsukino glanced at her. The girl seemed to have brought up the topic casually, but that fleeting glance was full of concern. It was immediately clear what she wanted to ask.

It might seem like a petty trick, but isn't this kind of easily seen-through tactic just fueling a man's vanity, making him think: "She cares about me." Thinking about it this way, it suddenly seems much more sophisticated.

"Everything went smoothly, what's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing. It's just a little strange that Asagiri-san would actually walk us home. She doesn't seem like such a difficult young lady to get along with."

Are they really not difficult to get along with?
If it weren't for my friend, you guys would have started fighting already if it were any other man.

Gen Tsukino also saw through it but didn't say anything.

He simply leaned back in his chair, looked out at the sunlight, and smiled.

"That's all thanks to me."

"Pah, shameless!"

The air conditioner is blowing gently, and there is no sweltering heat outside.

The activity room felt cool and refreshing.

She sat there, phone in hand, seemingly slumped in the sofa. Her face was expressionless, like a queen who hadn't held court in years, now preparing to unleash a bloody storm.

One day.

School is almost over.

That bastard didn't even bother to explain himself, and didn't reply to a single extra message!
Did he just dismiss himself with a simple "he was drunk"?

It made Asagiri Rin almost laugh.

No one has ever dared to treat me so casually, and no one has ever dared to do something so daring, especially while I'm drunk!

It's undeniable that getting drunk seemed to be his own doing, and he was the one who first uttered those unclear and ambiguous words. But was his reaction really that strong?

Or perhaps, he always harbored a beast within him, and it just so happened that he couldn't control it at that moment?

She didn't know, but she wanted to know the answer. She wanted to know even more who he had thought of her at that moment, to kiss her so lightly yet so boldly.

She waited quietly here.

A strange tension, one she herself didn't understand, filled her heart. Or perhaps she was simply too overwhelmed by this unexpected turn of events to be herself. No, she wasn't a girl like Kazama Sakura. She wouldn't act like this.

Even if it was indeed her first kiss, she wouldn't use her supposed innocence as leverage. She is Asagiri Rin, the one and only Asagiri Rin, the Asagiri Rin who holds the reins of everything.

Footsteps finally came from outside the door.

She took a deep breath and slowly tilted her head back.

His face was utterly indifferent, and his eyes were like the deepest trench in the world, where no instrument could penetrate the light.

"Crench."

As the door opened, her eyes narrowed, then slowly widened.

"why you?"

Kazama Sakura slowly closed the door and winked at Asagiri Rin.

"I'm a club member, is it strange that Asagiri-san sees me?"

"Where's Tsukino Gen?"

She wasn't in the mood for idle chatter.

She knew that Tsukino Gen and this girl were in the same class, so they should have come together. Why was she alone now?

Where is that bastard!
Sakura Kazama thought for a moment and said, "Oh, I asked him after school if he was coming, and he said he had something to do today so he wouldn't be coming, and asked me to let you know."

".hateful."

Asagiri Rin frowned and couldn't help but curse.

The girl's unusual behavior puzzled Kazama Sakura.

"Is something wrong? You don't seem to be in a good mood."

Hearing the girl's seemingly genuine concern, Asagiri Rin slowly raised her head. She had a sudden, and somewhat crazy, idea.

What would be her reaction if I told this girl what happened last night?

At least that bastard who ran away and didn't even dare to face himself must be in no peace, right?

Asagiri Rin suddenly smiled and looked at Kazama Sakura.

"Kazama-kun, do you want to know what Tsukino Gen and I did last night after you got off the bus?"

When Kazama Sakura saw Asagiri Rin's smile, she took a step back warily.

"While I do have something to know, Asagiri-kun, your expression right now seems to say: you're planning to make up a story that will make me very angry and affect the relationship between me and A-Xuan."

Rin Asagiri:? ? ?

"Are you a little paranoid? Aren't you afraid that he's actually been lying to you all along?"

Kazama Sakura politely put her hands together and bowed slightly.

"I appreciate Asagiri's concern, but I'll just listen to A-Xuan's explanation. I trust he won't lie to me."

"."

Where did these cult followers come from?!
Can you please stop being so love-struck?
Meanwhile, the boy carrying his schoolbag was already on his way home.

He held onto his phone until finally a call came in.

He answered the phone.

A voice that was neither familiar nor polite came from inside.

"Hey kid. Time's almost up. Are you still going to pay that girl back? If you don't have the money, don't blame us for not giving you a chance!"

Gen Tsukino watched as the evening sun slowly sank into the west.

He smiled even as he heard the other party's threatening tone.

"You're all ready. You're trustworthy; you've waited until now."

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

"When you're in this business, you have to keep your word. Stop putting on airs. Now that you're all set, I'll send you an address. Come to the place I specify before 8 PM tonight with the money. Just you alone. If you dare bring anyone else, or call the police, I'll make you regret ever being born!"

"Clap."

The call was seemingly abruptly ended in anger.

Gen Tsukino calmly put away his phone and looked up.

Close your eyes.

As he walked down the street with his arms hanging naturally, a sudden gust of wind arose. The trees on both sides swayed in the direction he walked, as if welcoming his every step.

The evening breeze was as intoxicating as strong liquor.

The expression on the boy's handsome face seemed to suggest he was enjoying an upcoming feast.

"It's today."

At the same time, the troublesome young man who had hung up one phone call quickly dialed another.

"Hey? Bro, that kid's taken the bait."

A deep voice came from the other end of the phone.

Short but powerful.

"Very good. Do it neatly, but don't kill anyone yet."

"Yes!"

The troublemaker excitedly hung up the phone, sensing that the day was coming when he would rise from the bottom of this behemoth organization.

He will be like those historical figures who rose from humble beginnings to achieve their own golden age.

He grabbed the baton from the table and pushed open the door.

In the smoky living room, a group of delinquent youths were already prepared. Some were smoking, some were playing cards, and some were already getting drunk before it even got dark.

The troublemaker looked at them and gave a cruel, cold laugh.

"Come with me!"

……

It's all set! It will be available for purchase on the 16th, Wednesday, at noon sharp. I'll probably post a separate announcement to let everyone know when it's released. That's all for now, thank you for your support!
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(End of this chapter)