The Next Day.
The sun had not yet risen, the sky barely lightened with a pale glow, and a refreshing breeze blew against Natsubi Raku's handsome face.
It was 4:30 in the morning, and Natsubi Raku had woken up an hour earlier than usual to avoid saying goodbye to his friends. After all, a half-month separation was always a bit emotional.
Stepping out of Jujutsu High, the faint light fell on his face. He dialed a number on his phone, the one given by Otsuchi Ichitaki yesterday. Although calling someone at this hour might be inconsiderate, he was already awake and hoped the secretary would understand.
Understand that he was up and shouldn't waste the beautiful morning by sleeping.
...
"Beep... beep... beep..."
The familiar sound of an alarm clock rang in Sasada's ears. Half-asleep, he answered, thinking it was his boss, "Boss, what do you need?"
"Sorry, I'm not your boss. I'm the bodyguard your boss hired, Natsubi Raku."
"Natsu... bi Raku?"
Sasada recalled his boss's words from yesterday:
"Tomorrow, a bodyguard named Natsubi Raku will contact you. Escort him to Miss's location."
"Mr. Natsubi Raku, where are you now? I'll come to pick you up."
"No need to trouble you. It's already inconvenient enough to call you so early. Just give me Otsuchi Miku's address, and I'll head there myself."
"Alright."
Sasada hung up and checked the time, realizing it was only 4:41...
"..."
Is this guy serious?
Calling at 4:41.
Are bodyguards this dedicated these days?
Despite the frustration, Sasada sent the address via text and then made another call.
"A bodyguard named Natsubi Raku will arrive soon. Test his strength if possible; we don't need weaklings protecting Miss. I'll explain to the boss. Now, I'm going back to sleep."
...
An hour later.
After running the whole way, Natsubi Raku checked the map for the address and then looked at the mansion ahead. Seeing he hadn't missed the place, he approached the two security guards at the gate.
"I'm Natsubi Raku, here to protect Otsuchi Miku."
"Natsubi Raku?"
The two guards glanced at each other, smirking at his skinny frame, "You're the new bodyguard? Are you even stronger than us? If someone tries to assassinate Miss, how will you protect her with that small build?"
"Rest assured, my strength far surpasses both of you combined."
As soon as Natsubi Raku finished speaking, the guard on the left swiftly threw a punch. He was clearly trained, moving decisively and targeting a vital spot.
"Slap—"
A crisp sound echoed in the quiet morning. The guard who attacked now lay on the ground, eyes filled with confusion. He only felt a sharp pain in his leg and a powerful force flipping him over.
The other guard, witnessing the whole scene, was astonished by the boy's reflexes. This seemingly young kid had terrifying reflexes, managing to dodge and kick over a 150-pound man in one move. What kind of strength was that?
"Do you still need to test me?"
Natsubi Raku stared at the standing guard, sensing he was also ready to attack. Honestly, there was no sense of accomplishment in bullying ordinary people. Even if they were physically stronger, he could use cursed energy to enhance himself.
Besides...
This house felt unusual; there were some "dirty" things inside, not weak either.
It seemed they had never called a jujutsu sorcerer to exorcise curses, resulting in strong cursed spirits forming from accumulated negative emotions.
"No, no need. Your strength is clear. Please enter, Mr. Natsubi Raku."
The sensible guard stepped aside, helping his groaning companion up and clearing the way.
"Alright, though I hit hard, an ice pack will help."
"Understood, thank you."
The guard watched Natsubi Raku enter, swallowing hard and marking him as someone not to mess with, ranking him tenth on the list.
What kind of monster is this?
Why is someone so young so strong?
"Oh, by the way."
Natsubi Raku turned back to the guard at the gate, "Since we're both protectors, how about training together tomorrow?"
He thought: 'How can I live peacefully without stealing some combat skills? If they don't pull out all the stops, they won't have a good half-month ahead!'
"Sure, of course, it would be my honor."
The guard eagerly agreed, curious about what made this young boy so strong.
If he could learn a bit, he'd replace the captain and become the leader himself!
"Great, see you tomorrow."
Natsubi Raku walked inside. The mansion was large but very secure, with a guard every ten meters.
Forget assassins; even a mosquito would have trouble getting in.
Does she really need protection?
"You must be Mr. Natsubi Raku. You're much younger than expected, but beating those two at the gate means you qualify."
A booming voice came from the side. The speaker, standing 185 cm tall, wore a black T-shirt and shorts. His muscular arms were thicker than Natsubi Raku's thighs, giving an intimidating presence up close.
His calloused hands and scarred arms indicated he was the strongest among the guards, having earned his position through sheer strength.
Very strong, without cursed energy, I'd be outmatched, completely different leagues.
Natsubi Raku objectively assessed and guessed he might have been a mercenary before.
The callouses and scars were proof enough. This man was not to be underestimated. Stealing his skills would boost Natsubi Raku's close combat capabilities threefold.
"Hello. Though it might seem sudden, can we spar?"
"Oh~!"
The man, Ito Shuichi, looked at the fearless boy, recalling how he defeated the gate guards. Maybe he had some skills.
Stretching, he said, "Seriously? Any fool can see the gap between us. If I accidentally injure you, breaking a bone or something, I won't be responsible."
"Of course, injuries are normal in sparring. Shall we begin?"
"Hahaha! You've got guts!"
Ito Shuichi called to Murata Shoichi, "Get the guys over here to watch. This kid has more guts than those cowards who never challenge me. This kid dares!"
Seeing your muscles, who would dare...
Murata Shoichi pitied the newcomer. Many were arrogant, but you had to see the physical difference!
Hope you survive...