Seeing Hanakaiin Itsuki voluntarily stay in place, Jason couldn’t help but silently nod in approval.
Indeed, someone who likes milk tea—how bad could they really be?
Instantly, Jason’s impression of Hanakaiin Itsuki improved yet again.
His earlier good impression?
It was definitely not because the guy had invited him for milk tea, or the fact that he willingly handed over three decent-tasting "foods" and one particularly tantalizing "food" after betting and losing.
Onodera walked ahead while Jason and Ryosuke followed behind.
When they reached the depths of the alley, Onodera suddenly pulled a crumpled note out from his pocket with an air of mystery.
Onodera lowered his voice in explanation.
Jason frowned and looked at Onodera.
"Someone contacted me ahead of time!"
Immediately, Onodera began explaining the prior occurrence.
Of course, he concealed his assistance to Ryosuke.
No particular reason.
He simply didn’t want to talk about it.
Helping Ryosuke was purely repayment of a favor, nothing more.
Repaying a favor is repaying a favor—bringing it up felt unnecessarily pretentious.
Hmph, that’s not his style.
"You suspect it was them?"
After hearing Onodera’s explanation, Jason directly asked.
"The Blossom Cherry organization isn’t exactly harmless little lambs. Even if they’re making a move, there are only specific individuals they’d target."
"And ’limited options’ narrows the possibilities."
"Simply put, even if it’s not this group, once we confirm them, what’s left will be our answer."
Onodera spoke with absolute certainty.
Ryosuke also nodded in agreement.
The situation with Blossom Cherry had already been detailed by Hanakaiin Itsuki, leaving them well informed.
According to Hanakaiin Itsuki’s account, Onodera’s analysis of the current situation was the most plausible conclusion.
"Find someone to investigate first."
"Use your usual methods."
Onodera’s eyes immediately lit up; he’d caught onto Jason’s intent.
Compared to the "waiting for the rabbit at the tree" scenario of meeting post-call, letting the target fall into their trap might be much more effective!
"I’ll make the arrangements right away."
"Sir, I’ll report to you as soon as there’s any update!"
Saying this, Onodera hurriedly left.
Only after Onodera disappeared from sight did Ryosuke finally ask.
"Focus on your own tasks—try your best to ’earn’ merit."
Jason advised Ryosuke.
Ryosuke looked at Jason with uncertainty.
"Your mission is to get close to me. Naturally, you’ll gain access to some things that ordinary people wouldn’t know—though for the higher-ups in Blossom Cherry, these matters are not really secrets."
"But they’re still solid contributions."
"These contributions can help you continue to grow stronger."
"I’m also quite intrigued by those body-enhancing potions."
Jason grinned, speaking candidly.
He didn’t hide his interest in the potions.
Or rather, Jason was particularly fascinated by the combination of technology and secret techniques.
If he could get a taste of it, that would be ideal.
"Delivering such reports would make me more trusted by Blossom Cherry’s higher-ups."
"Securing another potion wouldn’t be a stretch."
Ryosuke nodded in agreement.
"Alright, this task is yours."
"Onodera still needs Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform."
Jason said decisively as he strode out.
Unlike the increasingly self-sufficient Ryosuke,
Onodera was an entirely unpredictable variable.
Someone needed to periodically ’keep an eye’ on him.
Of course, Jason wasn’t the right choice for that role.
Compared to him, Hanakaiin Haru was far more suitable.
Not only because of their numbers but also their professionalism.
However, before all that, Jason first bid farewell to Hanakaiin Itsuki—
"Thanks for the milk tea."
Jason expressed his gratitude sincerely.
Compared to other kinds of food, Hanakaiin Itsuki may not seem particularly notable.
But when it came to milk tea, the blend cooked up by Hanakaiin Itsuki was the best Jason had ever tasted.
"Next time, shall we continue?"
Hanakaiin Itsuki asked with a smile.
"You know where to find me!"
Jason nodded immediately.
"Alright, see you then!"
Hanakaiin Itsuki waved in goodbye.
Then the two quickly parted ways from the scene.
Hanakaiin Itsuki returned to the restaurant he had just purchased, the place where he first met Jason. He found it meaningful and decided to renovate it.
At the very least, it had to feel "sweet."
Of course, the spot where he and Jason sat would be reserved exclusively for them.
No other guests would be welcomed there.
Jason, on the other hand, made his way back to "Mask X Machete X Meat."
The "Polar Bear Café" downstairs had once again hung up its "Closed for Business" sign.
Clearly, Hui Lijing was still at the Uesugi Family.
Jason wasn’t worried about this.
The Uesugi Family’s conduct was something he’d seen firsthand.
It was an extremely upright lineage.
So Jason went straight upstairs, dropped his backpack, and dialed Hanakaiin Haru’s number—
"I need your help with something."
Jason got directly to the point about what he needed from Hanakaiin Haru.
"No problem, leave it to me."
Hanakaiin Haru agreed without hesitation, but when it came to Blossom Cherry, this mild-mannered young Onmyoji let out a chilly laugh.
"The ’King of Fighters Tournament.’"