While the group reviewed the Bangboo's data at the video store, across New Eridu...
Inside Victoria Housekeeping's manor, the Butler Von Lycaon, Head Maid Rina, and Maid Ellen all sat together, visibly troubled.
"Corin has been missing for over two days now. The client who commissioned her used a fake identity... and those two who attacked me the other day… Looks like Nin-Village has begun their operation."
Von Lycaon broke the silence as he closed his pocket watch with a quiet snap.
Rina's expression darkened. "If Nin-Village made moves on both Corin and you, Mr. Lycaon, it's safe to assume Ellen and I are next. At this point, it's likely Corin has already been taken. What should we do?"
Lycaon didn't provide a clear answer. He just sighed. "Our master is currently leveraging their connections—hoping to soften Nin-Village's stance through the use of… wealth. Let's hope that strategy works."
Nin-Village was known for one thing: money talks. They didn't take risks for free. Every move was a transaction.
So, as long as Victoria Housekeeping's master offered the right price, perhaps a peaceful resolution was still possible.
Truth be told, Lycaon had considered the idea of launching a head-on counterattack. But the power gap was simply too vast.
And with Corin potentially in their hands, a direct conflict could easily spiral into irreversible tragedy.
With battle off the table, they had no choice but to pin their hopes on their master's network—and deep pockets.
...
Later that evening, somewhere else in New Eridu—
In a damp, dimly lit room that looked like a prison cell, Corin slowly regained consciousness—only to find her wrists and ankles shackled in chains.
Her iconic chainsaw was nowhere to be found. The only company she had were two ninjas stationed just outside the cell door.
"N-Nin-Village..." One glance at their uniforms was all Corin needed to recognize them. These were the same people Victoria Housekeeping had clashed with not long ago.
They must have taken her as part of their retaliation.
At that moment, the two ninjas turned around. Seeing Corin wake up, one of them grinned maliciously. "Well, well. You're finally awake. I was just bored out of my mind standing guard. Guess I've found something fun to play with."
He opened the cell door and began walking toward her.
Terrified, Corin immediately curled up into the farthest corner of the cell, voice trembling. "P-please... don't come any closer..."
"Hey! Didn't Master Aka say we weren't to lay a hand on her? She's still being held for transfer to—"
The other ninja tried to stop him, but the leering one wasn't listening.
"This girl was sent here by Lord Oren. Even if I can't touch her, that only matters once Master Aka gets here and moves her. Until then..."
He licked his lips behind his mask and reached out to yank at Corin's clothes.
But just then—creeeak—the door behind them opened.
And with it came a voice cold enough to freeze his blood.
"What… do you think you're doing?"
The second ninja instantly recognized the voice. He jumped into attention, standing stiffly by the cell door.
"M-Master Aka!"
Hearing that name, the would-be assailant broke into a cold sweat. Trembling, he turned slowly to face the newcomer.
Standing in the doorway was a young-looking man. His body was lean, his buzz-cut hair neat and short, and his face—though kind—radiated immense pressure when angry.
Even with that friendly expression, the intensity he carried could silence a room.
His strength was monstrous.
Every true powerhouse emitted a unique aura—a force that crushed the weak by presence alone.
"M-Master Aka... I-I was just checking to see if she was injured—"
He was already trying to twist the narrative.
But how could such a clumsy lie fool the highest-ranking figure in Nin-Village?
"Checking for injuries… And that's why she looks like she's about to break down in terror?"
Red tilted his head slightly toward the cell, eyes locking onto Corin, curled in the corner and sobbing.
Then he turned his gaze on the ninja, now visibly shaking.
"Did you think just because the other Shadows brought her in, I wouldn't have any authority here? You should go ask them who really calls the shots."
"I don't like disciplining my own people," Aka said coldly. "Go to Murasaki and receive your punishment. If you survive, I'll consider the matter resolved. If not… then that's what you deserve."
The ninja knew immediately—he wasn't coming back.
Nin-Village's disciplinary systems were ruthless. Every ninja trained under their banner was an elite, and their punishments matched that rigor.
"...You're both dismissed. I don't want either of you guarding this cell again." Aka waved his hand, sending the two away.
Once the door closed behind them, he walked up to Corin and knelt down beside her. His voice this time was much softer.
"You don't have to be afraid anymore. I'm going to move you to a new location. The facilities there are far better than this. You'll be staying there for a while."
Maybe it was the change in tone, or the calmness he exuded—but after a moment, Corin slowly lowered her hands from her face, tears still in her eyes.
"...Please," she sniffled. "Please don't hurt Mr. Lycaon and the others."
She knew full well that Nin-Village was targeting Victoria Housekeeping—and that the man before her held immense power within the organization.
If he gave the word, maybe... just maybe, they'd call off the entire vendetta.
But that was wishful thinking. Aka wasn't the sole voice of Nin-Village.
"...I'm sorry," Aka said quietly. "That's not something I can promise. But I can tell you this—your three companions haven't been captured yet."
It was the best comfort he could offer.
Aka didn't enjoy using force. If possible, he wanted her to come willingly to the new holding site.
In a place like Nin-Village, where cruelty and calculation reigned supreme— Aka was not a bad man.