Chapter 319: A Thank You from Kyoko

Without saying a word, Haruto walked over and placed his food bag on the table. He took two grilled sausages and some mayo pasta, then turned and headed towards his room.

Kyoko, the little girl, shifted her gaze to her mother.

"Mom...?" Kyoko asked softly.

Kaori, the adult woman, paused for a moment before letting out a long sigh. "Haah... Do you want some, dear?"

"Mm!" Kyoko nodded quickly, her eyes sparkling.

Kaori took one grilled sausage and handed it to Kyoko. "Alright, here you go."

Kyoko accepted the food with a small smile. "Thank you, Mom... and... thank you, Uncle," Kyoko said quietly while glancing towards Haruto, who had just disappeared down the hallway.

Kaori fell silent for a moment, her expression hard to read. She sighed again before turning her attention back to the television.

Meanwhile, in his room, Haruto could only smile slightly.

...

...

...

That afternoon, the atmosphere in Haruto's room remained lively yet calm. The light in the corner of the room glowed dimly, casting faint shadows on the wooden walls. The air was cool, with a breeze occasionally wafting in through the slightly open window, carrying the distinct scent of grass.

Haruto had just entered his room and was taking off the bag slung over his back when the sound of the door creaking open was heard softly. Without needing to turn around, Haruto already knew that two figures had entered uninvited. Their footsteps were so light, almost silent—a clear sign that they were individuals experienced in combat.

Haruto merely glanced at them and nodded his head calmly.

Kakashi, with a serious expression on his half-masked face, looked directly at Haruto. Kakashi's eyes were sharp, as if trying to read what the young man was thinking. Beside Kakashi, Sakura stood with her arms crossed, her brows slightly furrowed as she sensed the tense atmosphere in the room.

"What's wrong? You look worried," Kakashi asked, his tone remaining calm but clearly showing curiosity.

Haruto did not answer immediately. He took a slow breath, then murmured, his voice sounding a bit heavy.

"The Soul Collectors... I'm worried about them."

Sakura tensed, her forehead creasing. "Those bastards?" Sakura asked, her voice filled with confusion and disbelief.

Haruto lifted his head, looking at them with vigilant eyes. "Yes. They might—not, they definitely will attack the City Academy. Even after we attacked their headquarters, it wasn't enough to stop them. Many of their high-ranking members managed to escape at that time, and they certainly won't sit idly by. I'm sure they still have a backup plan."

The room fell silent again. Only the sound of the night wind blowing through the window gap could be heard, rustling the thin curtains hanging there.

Kakashi rubbed his chin slowly, thinking. "So, what will you do?"

Haruto sharpened his gaze. Calmly, he began to explain the entire plan he had devised. Haruto's words flowed smoothly, detailing each step he intended to take. Kakashi and Sakura listened attentively, occasionally exchanging glances as Haruto presented his analysis.

When Haruto finished explaining, silence enveloped the room once more.

Then, Kakashi opened his mouth, his voice slightly heavier than before.

"So... who is the woman they will target?"

That question instantly froze Haruto. For a moment, his eyes widened, but he quickly regained control of his expression. However, in that split second, both Kakashi and Sakura had already sensed something.

Sakura sharpened her gaze, staring at Haruto intently. "Don't tell me you don't know?"

Haruto averted his gaze, scratching his head with a slightly awkward expression. "Well... I only know that the girl is from the City Academy. Bellina never mentioned her name."