Chapter 291: Discussing the Southern District 2

"By the way, what about the Soul Collectors? Were they all destroyed or is there something else that happened?" Kakashi asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, full of inquiry.

Haruto sighed deeply before answering. "Haah... Those annoying police got me into trouble." Haruto rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. "It was the Soul Collectors who made the evil plan. I was just trying to get rid of them. But those police had to go and try to arrest and attack me?"

Haruto shook his head, still feeling frustrated. "That's why I had to leave without knowing what happened to them afterward. But one thing is clear, one of the five Captains belonging to one of the Soul Collector Executives was killed."

Kakashi and Sakura exchanged glances before Sakura asked, "Really? Who killed that person?"

Haruto thought for a moment before answering, "If I'm not mistaken... Ameliana? Yes, Ameliana Monito. The adopted daughter of the previous Head of the Sato Family. So technically, Ameliana is the older sister of the current Head of the Sato Family."

Haruto paused for a moment before adding something that made Kakashi and Sakura freeze in place.

"In other words... our aunt?"

Sakura and Kakashi fell silent for a few seconds before exchanging looks of shock.

"...Our aunt?" Kakashi repeated, as if confirming he hadn't misheard.

"So now we're being chased by our own aunt?" Sakura added, her voice sounding half in disbelief.

Kakashi scoffed cynically. "Good job, Haruto. You really handled this well."

"Hey! It's not my fault!" Haruto quickly defended himself. "Blame that woman for choosing to be a police officer! Besides, isn't it unexpected? The Sato Family adopting someone as family?"

Kakashi sighed, his expression returning to flat. "Well, although it's surprising, it still makes sense. The Sato Family values strength over everything else. So, as long as someone is strong enough, it's not impossible for that person to be accepted as part of their family."

"I guess that makes sense too," Sakura said, nodding her head.

"Hmm..." Haruto stared at the sky, appearing lost in thought.

Kakashi glanced at Haruto before asking, "By the way, what should we do now? The issues in the Southern District have spread widely throughout Fortress City 085. Should we still prepare for the upcoming Sports Festival, or should we just let it be?"

Haruto sighed softly, then looked at them seriously. "We need to stay prepared. We can't let them cause trouble while we're off guard."

Kakashi nodded. "We understand. We'll keep an eye on Kaori and Kyoko."

"Please do, you two." Haruto smiled faintly, although his gaze still hinted at tension.

After that, Haruto turned to leave. "Well then, I'm off now."

Sakura looked at Haruto with a confused expression. "Aren't you going to say goodbye to Kaori and Kyoko?"

Haruto paused for a moment before smiling faintly. "No need. Besides, Kaori doesn't want to see me either."

Kakashi stared at Haruto in silence before finally nodding. "...Alright. See you later. Just let us know if something important comes up."

Haruto simply waved his hand before slowly disappearing from their sight.

Once Haruto was no longer visible, Sakura let out a long sigh. "Hey... we're pretty pathetic, aren't we?"

Kakashi sighed. "You don't even need to say it; I already know." Kakashi glanced at the house, his gaze filled with something hard to interpret.

Sakura also glanced into the house, seeing Kaori and Kyoko sitting on the sofa, watching television in silence.

"Do you think... it's possible for Kaori to forgive us?" Sakura asked in a soft voice.

Kakashi didn't answer immediately. He just stared at the house for a few seconds before finally saying, "... It's not impossible. Sooner or later, it will happen. But when? No one knows."