The Demon’s Menu
Chapter 1072: Various Parties in the Separate Courtyard

A massive explosion erupted behind Hanakaiin Haru just before he finished speaking, the powerful blast sweeping the surrounding area and causing everyone’s clothes to rustle loudly.

Hanakaiin Haru’s complexion instantly turned extremely unsightly.

The young man of the Hanakaiin Family felt his face burning with pain.

He gestured with a wave of his hand.

Immediately, several guards hidden in the shadows of the Hanakaiin Family rushed towards the site of the explosion.

Jason, on the other hand, looked back with keen interest.

Ryosuke blinked as he too turned to look behind.

He saw acquaintances.

It was Hui Lijing and He Tai.

He Tai was also holding Onodera in his hands.

Hui Lijing and He Tai seemed to be unharmed, but the bloodied Onodera they were holding was a different story.

What had happened?

Everyone asked in their minds.

...

Onodera tried to keep his composure as he drove the car out of the office building’s parking lot.

After turning out of the block, he parked the car in a corner and rolled up the window.

Then—

"Aaaahhhhh!"

Onodera yelled from inside the car.

His voice was so loud that it became hoarse.

It was as if he was venting all the anger in his heart.

After four or five seconds, Onodera finally stopped.

Panting, panting.

He was gasping for air, his arms resting on the steering wheel, his forehead pressed against his arms.

His eyes could clearly feel the muscles in his arms as they tensed up with the effort of his hands, filling Onodera’s vision with a sense of pressure.

But how could such physical pressure compare to the emotional pressure he was feeling at the moment?

The attack on Ryosuke by ’Hannya’ had happened just this morning.

And in the evening, he was sent to the Hanakaiin Family’s branch residence.

Everything was as he had guessed.

His superior must have been in cahoots with one of the Hanakaiin’s factional heirs.

He had prepared for the countermeasures.

But what he hadn’t expected was that things would happen so fast.

Before his arrangements could take effect, he had to risk his life and head to the Hanakaiin Family’s branch residence.

That’s right!

It was a matter of life and death!

Although Onodera didn’t know the specifics.

Just the order from Yamashita to go to the Hanakaiin residence was enough for him to make an educated guess.

Why didn’t Yamashita go himself?

The other party was a collaborator; it would be more appropriate for them to go.

The answer was obvious—danger!

Uncertain danger!

Potentially lethal danger!

Yamashita was afraid.

So he, the one habitually scapegoated, was pushed forward.

After all, if he died, given his usual performance, no one would speak up for him.

He was all too ideal of a candidate!

"Damn it! Damn it!"

Onodera muttered under his breath.

The fists that were already clenched tightened even more.

Anger blazed like a wildfire, roaring fiercely.

Yet, Onodera forced himself to calm down.

Because he wanted to survive.

Anger at this time was pointless.

What to do?

What to do?

Onodera asked himself.

He thought about who might be able to help him now.

Enemies included.

For Onodera at this moment, anyone who could help him was no longer an enemy.

Firstly, he ruled out Jason and his group.

Not just because he had already schemed against Jason’s group.

More importantly, the pressure Jason put on him was simply too great.

That inexplicable pressure gave him a feeling more terrifying than death itself.

Thus, setting aside Jason, Hanakaiin Haru was naturally excluded as well.

Onodera had seen Hanakaiin Haru’s dossier and knew very well what kind of person he was.

If he chose to surrender now, Hanakaiin Haru would definitely hand him over to Jason.

Thus, Hanakaiin Haru was also a PASS.

When these two options were discarded, there weren’t many left.

Hanakaiin Ue, Hanakaiin Itsuki, Hanakaiin Ra, and Hanakaiin Tōru.

These were the individuals related to this incident, who had considerable say, or were decisive figures.

Of these, Hanakaiin Tōru was naturally the best choice.

But the latter had already stated more than once that he would not participate in the trials of ’succeeding the main house.’

Moreover, Onodera did not believe he could persuade this well-known genius.

So that left only Hanakaiin Ue, Hanakaiin Itsuki, and Hanakaiin Ra.

And Yamashita’s collaborator was among these three.

Hanakaiin Ue was immediately ruled out.

He knew of the other’s reputation for arrogance and conceit.

He wouldn’t give anyone but the Onmyoji a second glance; going to him would just be wasted effort.

That only left Hanakaiin Itsuki and Hanakaiin Ra.

Which one did Yamashita choose?

I just need to choose another...

Wait a minute!

The pondering Onodera suddenly sat up straight.

He understood a person like Yamashita.

Seemingly calm, actually impulsive, quick to anger.

And a greedy coward.

Such a person, when facing the Hanakaiin Family’s trial of ’succeeding the main house,’ how could he maximize his interests?

Naturally, it’s through investing in and cooperating with multiple people!

That is to say, both Hanakaiin Itsuki and Hanakaiin Ra could be Yamashita’s collaborators.

Moreover!

Both might be unaware of each other’s collaboration with Yamashita.

Which means...

My chance has arrived!

Are any of the Hanakaiin branch heirs easy to provoke?

Not just in terms of power, but also the domineering nature of their personalities.

Their mutual obstinance has created an opportunity for me!

As long as I use this incident as a ’bargaining chip,’ I might be able to survive!

With this thought, Onodera’s mouth curled into a smile.

He had found a lifeline.

The previous restlessness and sense of oppression in his heart had slightly diminished, and without even realizing it, Onodera took out a cigarette.