A few moments later, the doorbell rang.
Shun moved to the entrance and opened the door to see several packages stacked neatly—his remaining belongings had arrived, right on time.
Kawakami peeked over his shoulder. "Want a hand?"
Shun flashed her a thankful smile.
"Sure. Just grab the lighter boxes—I'll take care of the big ones."
"Calling me weak, are you?" she teased with a smirk.
"Never," he said playfully, hoisting one of the larger crates with ease.
"Just being considerate."
Together, the two of them carried the boxes up to Shun's room. It didn't take long, the silence occasionally broken by light conversation and shared glances. Once everything was inside, Kawakami exhaled and dusted her hands.
"I'll give you some space to unpack," she said, stepping out.
Shun nodded. "Thanks, Miss Kawakami."
He waited until the door clicked shut before locking it. His friendly expression dropped into something colder, more focused.
Opening the heavier boxes first, he began to reveal the true contents: firearms, concealed blades, custom ammunition, smoke bombs, and specialized gear only a top-tier assassin would carry. He handled each item with care, running his fingers over them like old companions.
Most of it he tucked away in secret compartments—under the floorboards, behind false walls, even within the framework of his suitcase. Every piece had a home. Every hiding spot memorized.
After a few hours of meticulous organization, a knock came at the door.
Shun quickly slid the last weapon into a concealed drawer and composed himself before opening the door. Kawakami stood there, holding a small tray with a glass of iced tea and a plate of snacks.
"You've been up here for hours," she said.
"Figured you could use a break."
"You're a lifesaver," Shun said with a boyish grin, taking the tray and immediately biting into a biscuit.
Kawakami peeked inside the room, her eyes scanning the setup.
"Looks nice. I see you already decorated with some posters. That desktop looks top-shelf too. Must've cost a fortune."
Shun shrugged as he chewed. "I like investing in things that matter. And I like my peace and quiet."
She nodded, stepping inside. "Mind if I sit?"
"Go ahead," he said, gesturing to the bed.
Kawakami sat down, hands in her lap while Shun folded the last of the boxes to clear up space. His movements were quick and clean—just like everything else he did. She watched him for a moment, wondering how someone so young could carry himself with such quiet intensity.
"You settle in fast," she remarked.
"I've moved around a lot," Shun replied smoothly. "You get used to it."
She smiled gently, unaware of how close she was to a man far more dangerous than he appeared.
After chatting for a bit about nothing in particular—books, TV shows, and what snacks not to leave out in summer—Kawakami stood up and dusted off her skirt.
"Alright, I'm heading out to do some grocery shopping. Need to restock."
Shun looked up from where he was lounging.
"Mind if I tag along? It'll help me get familiar with the area."
Kawakami blinked, a little surprised. "You sure? It's not exactly a thrilling field trip."
"Still," Shun smiled lightly, "better to know the lay of the land. And besides, carrying bags sounds like a good way to earn some brownie points."
She smirked, amused by the offer and the phrasing.
"Alright, fine. Just don't complain when your arms are sore. I'll be taking the train, by the way—it's the best way to learn the usual routes."
"Got it. Give me a sec to change," he said as he headed to his room.
Kawakami waited near the door, checking her wallet and list. When Shun returned dressed casually but neatly, she gave him a quick once-over. He didn't look like the typical teenage boy… more mature, somehow. She shook the thought away.
They left the house and walked to the train station. Shun walked beside her, quietly observing the route and making mental notes. Once on the train, Kawakami explained the stops and shortcuts with practiced ease. Shun nodded along attentively.
As they walked the busy streets toward the supermarket, Shun's eyes wandered—but not too obviously. Kawakami caught him sneaking a glance at her from behind, and while her first instinct was to glare, she couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.
At the store, they worked like a good team. Kawakami handled the list while Shun pushed the cart and helped grab items off the higher shelves.
By the time they returned home with their bags full, the sun was beginning to dip. Kawakami wiped her forehead. "Whew. I need to sit down for a bit."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Shun said, already taking the bags to the kitchen. "You've done enough walking today."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "You're going to spoil me at this rate."
Shun chuckled. "I'll take that as a good thing."
Kawakami sat on the couch and watched him move around the kitchen with ease, putting away the groceries in their proper places. There was something comforting about the way he handled things—quietly efficient, never needing to be asked.
'He's surprisingly dependable… more than most adults I know, she thought, amused. And he fits into the house so naturally, it's like he's always been here.'
Before she could say anything, Shun called out to her from the kitchen. "How about curry and rice tonight? I make a pretty mean one."
"That sounds great," she replied, and a little spark of warmth lit up in her chest.
As he cooked, Kawakami found herself lingering nearby, drawn in by the smell and the sound of vegetables sizzling. She caught herself staring and quickly turned away, pretending to check her phone.
Shun noticed but chose not to say anything. Instead, he just kept humming softly while stirring the pot.
Dinner was cozy and satisfying. They chatted between bites about school, music, and little things that didn't matter much—but somehow felt important.
Later that night, they both retreated to their rooms. Kawakami paused at her door and looked over her shoulder. "Thanks again… for today."
Shun gave her a relaxed smile. "Anytime, Miss Kawakami."
As she closed the door behind her, she felt an unexpected lightness in her chest.
Tomorrow was Shun's first day at Shuchiin Academy.
=========
The next morning, Shun stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the blazer of his freshly pressed school uniform. It felt surreal—wearing a uniform, heading to school like an ordinary student.
After years of walking the line between life and death, pulling off impossible missions in the criminal underworld was finally able to live a relatively normal life.
Now, here he was: a second-year student at one of the most prestigious academies in Japan.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"It's time to go," Kawakami called.
"Coming," Shun replied, grabbing his sleek black schoolbag. He opened the door to find Kawakami already dressed for the day, looking every bit the professional educator.
"I'm ready," he said with a calm smile.
The two left the house and got into her car. The ride was mostly quiet, save for Kawakami pointing out a few landmarks on the route. Shun listened, taking mental notes as he always did.
When they finally arrived, Shun's eyes lingered on the structure in front of him. Shuchiin Academy stood proudly atop a small hill, surrounded by pristine hedges and a grand iron gate embossed with the school's crest.
The building itself was an elegant blend of Western architecture and Japanese tradition—tall white columns, wide arching windows, red-tiled rooftops, and winding stone paths that crisscrossed a beautifully manicured campus.
A fountain gurgled softly near the entrance, surrounded by well-trimmed roses.
Even from a distance, the aura of prestige was palpable. Students in immaculate uniforms walked with poise and purpose, their shoes clicking softly against the polished stone walkways. Staff greeted each other with respectful nods. Everything about the place screamed high-class, from the luxury cars parked in the faculty lot to the sheer silence of discipline in the air.
As Shun stepped out of the car, heads turned.
At 6'3" with a broad, athletic build honed through years of brutal training, he stood out like a lion among housecats. His refined posture and sharp features only added to the mystique. Whispers began to spread among students nearby, eyes widening as they took in the sight of the new transfer.
Thankfully, his most unique trait was under wraps—his eyes, with black sclera and glowing red pupils, only appeared when he wore his special glasses. Today, they were their more subdued gray, blending in enough not to draw suspicion.
Shun looked down at the folded schedule Kawakami had given him during the ride. His first class was homeroom... with Kawakami herself.
'Great,' he thought wryly.
'A blessing and a curse.'
She could be supportive, sure—but also notoriously strict. Depending on her mood, she could be lenient or absolutely merciless with her grading. Not that Shun was worried.
Fortunately, due to his Hercules method, he is able to remember things and can recall them if he needs to.
Though, he can still forget things if there is anything pointing to said scenario. Shun is simply able to recall and remember them when he needs them or else it will be annoying to remember everything in detail. Still, it would be annoying if she decided to fail him just to keep up appearances.
He sighed quietly and tucked the schedule back into his pocket before walking toward the main building with confident, deliberate steps.
Eventually, Kawakami arrived at the classroom, her heels clicking against the wooden floor as the chatter gradually died down. She stood at the podium, arms crossed and a polite smile on her face.
"Alright everyone, settle down. We have a new student joining us today," she said, glancing toward the door. "He recently moved here from overseas, so I expect you all to treat him with kindness and respect."
She turned to the door.
"You may come in now, Mr. Satsujin."
The door slid open, and Shun stepped inside.
His towering figure immediately drew attention. Standing at 6'3 with a composed yet mysterious aura, the entire class buzzed with murmurs and curious glances. Some students whispered to each other, while others simply stared in stunned silence.
Kawakami gestured toward the front.
"Go ahead and introduce yourself."
Shun nodded and stepped forward, standing tall.
"My name is Shun Satsujin. I grew up in Russia, raised as an orphan. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to learning alongside everyone."
His voice was calm and steady, yet held a subtle weight—like someone used to commanding attention even when they didn't mean to.
Kawakami gave a small nod of approval.
"Any questions for Mr. Satsujin?"
A few hands rose. Kawakami pointed toward one student.
"Miss Kujou, go ahead."
Shun turned toward the girl, raising a brow slightly when she stood up.
She was striking—lighter-skinned than most of her classmates, with soft wavy light brown hair that brushed her shoulders. Her warm brown eyes glinted with curiosity, and her voice was gentle yet confident as she spoke in fluent Russian.
[ A/N: I don't speak russian and simply use Chatgpt for it. So if it sound offensive then I apologize]
"Меня зовут Мария Михайловна Кудзё. Но все зовут меня Маша."
("My name is Maria Mikhailovna Kujou. But everyone calls me Masha.")
She tilted her head with curiosity.
"Если ты вырос в России, почему у тебя японское имя?"
("If you were raised in Russia, why do you have a Japanese name?")
Shun's expression barely shifted as he replied in Russian.
"Это имя дали мне мои родители... перед тем, как оставили."
("It was the name my parents gave me… before they abandoned me.")
Masha's eyes widened slightly, her tone softening.
"Прости... я не хотела задеть."
("I'm sorry… I didn't mean to offend.")
"Всё в порядке," ("It's alright.") Shun replied with a slight shrug.
He added with a small smile.
"Приятно встретить кого-то, кто говорит по-русски. Не ожидал этого здесь."
("It's nice to meet someone who speaks Russian. I didn't expect that here.")
Masha smiled back, clearly pleased.
"Спасибо, сенсей. Я закончила," she said to Kawakami, switching back to Japanese.
("Thank you, sensei. I'm done.")
"Thank you, Miss Kujou," Kawakami nodded, then gestured to another student.
"Miss Yanagi?"
Shun turned toward a girl with silver hair and long bangs that nearly covered her eyes. Her voice was quiet but direct.
"What are your likes and dislikes?"
Shun placed a hand in his pocket, thinking for a moment.
"I like cooking, martial arts, video games, books… and anime. As for dislikes? The usual—liars, loudmouths, and food waste." Yanagi nodded with barely a reaction.
"Understood. Thank you."
Kawakami clapped her hands.
"Alright. Back to your seats, everyone. Mr. Satsujin, you'll be sitting next to Miss Komi—right there by the window."
Shun walked to the indicated desk and sat down. The girl next to him had long, glossy black hair with deep purple undertones that shimmered in the sunlight. She was stunning—her features elegant and doll-like, her aura quiet but powerful.
She glanced at him, then looked away with a sudden glare, cheeks slightly flushed.
"Good morning," Shun said with a friendly tone.
She didn't respond—just huffed faintly and turned away.
'Huh. Cold shoulder. Got it.' he thought with mild amusement as he faced the front and prepared for the day ahead.