The Demon’s Menu
Chapter 1073: Various Parties in the Separate Courtyard (2)

He needed to make his final preparations.

After going over the entire matter in his mind, Onodera set off.

Meanwhile, as Onodera was departing, Yamashita had already secretly met with another collaborator: Hanakaiin Itsuki.

This was a youth who bore a resemblance to Hanakaiin Haru, albeit with a darker aura in his eyes.

Dressed in casual attire, donning a peaked cap, most of his face was concealed, and except for Yamashita sitting opposite him, no one else around could see his visage.

The individual sitting there maintained a casual demeanor, but Yamashita was extremely respectful.

Yamashita was fully aware of the other party’s tactics.

He dared not be the slightest bit careless.

Unlike Hanakaiin Ra’s ’simplicity’.

Before him, Hanakaiin Itsuki was a person who truly did not blink an eye when taking a life.

For this reason, he candidly disclosed his cooperation with Hanakaiin Ra.

And it was because of this candidness that he gained an opportunity to collaborate with the individual before him.

"Hello, here’s your double sugar and pearl red bean milk tea."

A young server placed the milkshake in front of Hanakaiin Itsuki.

In an instant, the brooding youth’s expression softened.

The young man leisurely picked up the milk tea, stirred it gently, and took a sip.

The corners of his mouth turned upward slightly.

Then, the youth sipped the milk tea bit by bit until it was all gone.

Not leaving a single tapioca ball or red bean, he then lifted his head to look at Yamashita.

"Ra is planning to kill you."

Hanakaiin Itsuki stated bluntly.

Yamashita was startled.

Had he been discovered after all?

"No, no, no."

"You haven’t been discovered."

"It’s just that Ra must have taken advice from Tōru—that old-fashioned guy... tsch."

When mentioning Hanakaiin Tōru, Hanakaiin Itsuki frowned briefly, then let out a sound of disdain.

"Please save me!"

Without any hesitation, Yamashita began to plead for help.

To outsiders, the rank of Section Zero Chief might seem significant, but to the Hanakaiin Family, it truly meant nothing.

The identity of ’Blossom Cherry’?

It was the same.

Thus, Yamashita was well aware of what his fate would be once Hanakaiin Ra harbored the intent to kill him.

Even if Onodera was to act as the sacrificial lamb at the moment, it would be the same.

Ultimately, he would be dug out.

And then, he would be eliminated.

Fearing for his life, Yamashita was trembling at this moment.

Seeing Yamashita’s appearance, Hanakaiin Itsuki laughed.

"Don’t worry."

"Things haven’t gotten that bad yet."

"Would you like some milk tea?"

Hanakaiin Itsuki asked, and immediately ordered another milk tea with extra toppings for himself.

While waiting for the milk tea to be served, Hanakaiin Itsuki continued.

"Ra isn’t going to act personally, he’ll send someone to kill your subordinates, but over the phone, you said you went in person, so..."

Hanakaiin Itsuki’s voice trailed.

Yamashita’s eyes lit up.

"Killing to silence?!"

Yamashita blurted out.

And then, with quick thinking, the Section Zero Chief began to flesh out the plan.

"Eliminate Onodera! Take out everyone who came into contact with Onodera!"

"Stage it as a mutual destruction scene!"

"An explosion would be ideal!"

"I’ll be able to get away cleanly!"

Yamashita muttered to himself.

But almost immediately, the Section Zero officer thought of something and looked up at Hanakaiin Itsuki.

"But by doing so, I’ll lose my value to you."

"Would you help a pawn that’s lost its value?"

Yamashita asked in return, his eyes becoming vigilant.

"No, no, no!"

"How could you be of no value?"

"Firstly, you helped me take out Ra’s men—that’s a task he would only assign to someone he trusts deeply. For Ra, the loss of someone like that would be painful for a long time."

"Secondly, you can continue to serve me, becoming a concealed card in my hand, potentially surprising others at any moment."

"It’s a win-win situation; how can you think you’re useless?"

Hanakaiin Itsuki shook his head, speaking rapidly.

Meanwhile, the youth’s fingers gently tapped on the table.

Thud!

Thud, thud!

The crisp and forceful sound made Hanakaiin Itsuki’s words even more convincing.

The previously on-guard Yamashita instantly relaxed.

Not just relaxed, but also convinced.

Indeed!

I still have value!

As long as I have value, I won’t be abandoned.

At this moment, the shop attendant came over again with the milk tea.

"Your milk tea, sir."

The attendant set down the teacup.

With a smile, Hanakaiin Itsuki picked up the milk tea, stirring while reminding: "Someone’s coming, seize the opportunity."

"Understood!"

With those words, Yamashita hurriedly walked outside.

In fact, he had already seen Onodera’s car.

The location was not far from the Hanakaiin’s detached court.

The beverage shop they were in even had a clear view of the entrance to the court.

Watching Yamashita’s departing figure, Hanakaiin Itsuki sneered.

"A foolish and greedy fellow."

"Except for being a stepping-stone, really of no use at all."

Muttering softly, Hanakaiin Itsuki once again savored the milk tea in his cup.

"So sweet."

"Delicious."

He praised in a low voice.

...

Onodera arrived at the agreed-upon location by car, but he didn’t immediately get out. Instead, he picked up a box from under the seat.

The box was only the size of a fist, and inside was a piece of jade the size of a fingernail.

Every person who joined ’Blossom Cherry’ had one opportunity to receive knowledge or an item for free.

Onodera chose an item.

A shield that can form in critical moments for protection.

This shield could last for 5 seconds, even against the blast from a high-explosive grenade.

All along, Onodera had been reluctant to use it.

Of course, this was known only to himself.

Outwardly, this ’Amulet’ was supposedly used up in a previous mission.

Now, he carefully hung the ’Amulet’ around his neck.

Then, he checked his sidearm.

Although Onodera thought this was needless, who knows what might happen?

He always liked to be fully prepared.

"Hope everything goes smoothly!"

As he got out of the car, Onodera patted his cheeks to put himself in the best condition.

As for the person Yamashita asked him to meet?

Onodera saw him.

Just inside the alleyway mouth, slightly set back.

Standing in the darkness, dressed in black, holding a box in his hand.

Simply getting closer would attract Onodera’s attention to such a person.

"Hello, I am Onodera, representing Commander Yamashita. I have a matter and hope to meet with Young Master Hanakaiin Ra or Young Master Hanakaiin Itsuki. You must be one of their underlings. Please convey my message; the situation is urgent."

As soon as he approached the other person, Onodera said hastily.

To avoid being silenced directly, Onodera tried to make himself appear anxious and sincere.

Of course, there was a hidden message in his words.

He had said, ’I hope to meet Young Master Hanakaiin Ra or Young Master Hanakaiin Itsuki’!

He believed the person before him would understand.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be one of their confidants.

In fact, the other party understood.

After a slight hesitation, he said.

"Wait a moment."

Saying this, the other party took out an origami crane.

This was a form of onmyoji magic, used for long-distance communication.

The origami crane took flight and quickly disappeared from sight.

Onodera watched the direction in which the origami crane vanished, envy flashing in his eyes.

He also wished to possess such power.

Unfortunately, he had chosen life-saving equipment for his first choice.

Afterwards?

Most of the credit was taken by Yamashita.

Detestable Yamashita!

Thinking of this, Onodera couldn’t help but curse in his heart.

And just at that moment—

Thud, thud thud!

Amidst the dragging footsteps, an elderly man appeared from far to near.

Onodera glanced over, then looked away.

It was normal for someone to approach in the street.

However, the person across from Onodera was taken aback.

With the existence of a ’Barrier’, apart from being ’permitted’, no ordinary person would approach this place.

While Hanakaiin Ra’s subordinate was still thinking, Onodera had already noticed the other’s surprise.

Then, Onodera thought of the internal data describing the Hanakaiin Family’s detached court.

Suddenly, Onodera turned and fled.

And just as Onodera turned to run, several grenades were thrown from the hands of that elderly man, landing at the mouth of the alley.

Then—

Boom!