"Since you're involved with the Hare-Onna, you're bound to encounter these things," Atenbo said. "You could say she's the agent of the gods among humans, and also their sacrifice. Her disappearance follows the natural order—just like how gaining power always cos at a price."
"What if I don't want her to disappear?"
"Then you beco an enemy of the gods." Atenbo's expression turned serious. "Rinji-kun, maybe you're strong, strong enough that no one can match you, but I don't believe you can defeat a god. That's a being from another dinsion. Besides..."
"Besides what?"
"Besides, if you anger a higher-dinsional entity, not only you, but possibly an entire region could suffer."
"..."
Mythology has plenty of examples—like how the Dragon King flooded Chentang Pass when Nezha defied him.
"How big is the area that would be affected?"
"Probably all of Japan."
"How many people live in Japan?"
"Conservatively, about 130 million," Atenbo said. "It's ranked eleventh in world population."
"130 million… that's no small number."
Rinji smiled.
"But compared to the 7 billion people in the world, that number doesn't seem like it would have much impact."
"...What did you say?"
Rinji's calm tone made Atenbo break into a cold sweat.
From the sound of it, Rinji might sacrifice an entire nation just to protect one person.
"Senpai, back then I ran away. Because I did, Uncle Amano died—not just him, even his wife passed away from illness a year ago," Rinji said quietly. "I avoided my guilt. I avoided my feelings. I was like an ostrich with my head in the sand, thinking that if I couldn't see it, I wouldn't feel pain. But I was wrong. When I finally pulled my head out, I hadn't avoided anything. Instead, I caused irreversible damage."
Rinji raised his head, his crimson eyes locking onto Atenbo.
"I won't run away anymore. Hina is my only hope. Even if I have to sacrifice countless others, I will protect her..."
"Rinji-kun, you..."
"That's what I was going to say," Rinji suddenly smiled. "If it were the from back then, I really would've done that. But now… there are people I care about here in Japan too. So, I'll co up with a more balanced approach—to minimize the damage."
"So you won't give up on saving that girl?"
"Yeah, I can't give her up."
"I see. It seems you've steeled your resolve."
Atenbo smiled lightly.
"Although I can't do much in this matter, I'll go ho and look up so references."
"Thanks, senpai."
Rinji stood up and thanked her, then turned to leave the tent.
"Rinji-kun."
"What is it?"
"You rember our little bet, right?" she smiled at him. "I calculated everything this ti."
"...Yeah, you're right."
With a helpless nod, Rinji pulled out his phone.
After dialing a string of numbers, the call went through.
Beep——
"Hello? Kid, this is the first ti you've contacted your old man since coming to Japan. Out of pocket money already?"
The annoying voice that always got on Rinji's nerves ca from the other end.
But since he had to fulfill the bet with Atenbo—and also thank her—Rinji had no choice but to talk to his father.
"Old man, you're in Japan, right?"
"Yep. Watching a fake Rider stage play."
"Knew it. No way you ca to Japan for sothing serious."
"I'm already retired. Goofing off is my main business now," his dad replied in a tone begging to be punched. "So, what's up? Or did you just want to chat? I'm always happy to talk—about your school life, your friends, your girlfriend, or maybe how you felt dressing up as a girl? Oh right, your mom already showed those sports day photos. Hahahaha—"
"Where are you? I'm coming over to beat the crap out of you."
"No need to be so hot-tempered. I was very well-behaved at your age."
"Bullshit. How long did it take you to settle down after I was born?" The veins on Rinji's neck bulged. "I need you to co over."
"Oh ho? Missing your loving father and want to visit?"
"You don't have to co."
"Hm?"
"If you don't show up," Rinji's eyes narrowed, "so of your embarrassing past might end up reaching your old subordinates' ears."
"..."
Silence.
After a mont, his father spoke.
"What embarrassing stuff do I have? Say it."
"What I got from Grandma..."
"What?! I thought I deleted all of that!" His voice finally broke from its calm.
"So are you coming or not?"
"Ah, my dear son, since you personally invited , how could I say no? No need to threaten like that."
"As long as you agree."
Rinji turned back to Atenbo and said, "I have a senpai who wants to et you."
"Oh…"
"If anything happens between you two that I'm too young to know about, as your son I can pretend it didn't happen—but Mom might not be so understanding."
"What do you an?"
"…Nothing. Knowing your emotional intelligence is lower than mine puts at ease."
He hung up and gave Atenbo an OK gesture.
"All set."
"Thanks, Rinji-kun~"
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