My Young Husband, The Assasin-Chapter 77: The calm before the family war

The atmosphere at the Ishikawa mansion felt tense, with security tightened around the clock.

Despite this, Ryoji appeared relaxed, unfazed by the tension or fear. After all, he was the mastermind behind all the chaos that had triggered a massive war between two major underworld factions—Onibara, led by Kaito Ishikawa, and Hayabusa, led by Renji Ishikawa.

His chest swelled with pride and satisfaction as he realized that he had somehow pitted his grandfather against his grandson. And this wasn't just any battle, but a life-or-death struggle. And, of course, the person who would profit more than anyone from this war was none other than him.

Renji was a better fighter, but he was a pro at getting people to believe an untruth or trick others into giving up their advantage.

The golden hue set upon Ryoji was exceptional. As he basked in the breeze, sipping ocha while a little plate of snacks lay beside him, he took in the promontory of juniper that lay beneath him. This glimmery ocean surrounded him and dotted against the ocean, the boats and stars that shimmered back at him lit under the sag of a cloud. He thought it was beautiful—and especially with Shin next to him. But as Ryoji basked in his happiness, Shin was the reach opposite. He was disturbed but couldn't tell anyone, much less Ryoji.

Shin was the only person in the Ishikawa mansion who knew about Tetsuya's critical condition. As one of Tetsuya's trusted men, he had been assigned to infiltrate the mansion and report everything that happened. Tetsuya's decision had been the right one. Not only did Shin successfully gather intelligence, but he also gained something in return—Ryoji's trust. And Ryoji was the very man Shin wished to kill.

Shin's deep-seated grudge against the bespectacled man was not without reason.

His current appearance was nothing like his fearsome look when he was with Tetsuya's group, where he had a shaved head and a scar over his left eye. Few knew that Shin possessed an extraordinary ability to disguise himself, akin to a ninja.

Shin had inherited this skill from his late maternal grandfather, a ninja clan descendant. Tetsuya knew Shin's unique talent well and used it to his advantage—especially since they shared a common enemy.

When Shin infiltrated the Ishikawa mansion, he used his true appearance—an undeniably handsome young man with pale skin, even paler than Tetsuya's, and jet-black hair. He resembled the Ishikawa family so much that no one questioned his presence. It was no accident — Shin's grandfather had been an Ishikawa, and his features were a striking explanation. This trait ran in the family.

But apart from his looks, Shin's combat abilities were no joke. That was why Tetsuya made him a spy, one of the so-called shadow members who operated behind the scenes. Shin was just one of a handful of them.

"So what's with that look on your face, Shin?" Ryoji said, eyeing him quizzically.

"I was just thinking," Shin said flatly.

"What's troubling you?" Ryoji traced his fingers softly over Shin's cheek.

Shin's face was unchanged. He didn't respond, let alone surrender to Ryoji's touch, which he thought was disgusting. He wanted to break those thin fingers like dry twigs till they cracked.

"When is all this chaos going to end, Ryoji-sama?"

"Very soon," Ryoji said, rolling his arm lazily across Shin's shoulder.

"Everything will fall into my hands," he whispered into Shin's ear, grinning wide. Shin squeezed his eyes shut for a second.

"May I ask you one question?" he said in a monotone voice.

"Of course."

"After this ... are you planning to take over the world?" Shin turned to the side, his eyes deep and solemn.

Ryoji fell silent for a moment before breaking into a pleased smile. "You always know what's in my heart, Shin."

Hearing Ryoji's words, Shin responded with a small, mocking smirk.

Ultimately, when humans become too greedy, they are bound to be destroyed by their greed. That was what awaited Ryoji—Shin was sure of it. His confidence wasn't unfounded. After all, Ryoji was facing two Ishikawas, one of whom was known to be merciless.

Ryoji leaned in, bringing his lips close to Shin's ear, and whispered something—though what it was remained a mystery.

Shin's shocked expression made it clear that Ryoji was planning something. And whatever it was, it wasn't good.

'Damn evil,' Shin cursed in his mind.

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.

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Where there is a beginning, there will always be an end.

Every meeting comes with the inevitability of parting—that is life.

All who live will eventually die, returning to their Creator.

Death itself is a terrifying specter for many, especially those who feel unprepared to leave the world, believing there is still much left to do. Yet, no one can defy the will of fate. When death's time arrives, ready or not, one must surrender as the scythe of the reaper severs the soul from the body, pulling it away from this world.

While most people fear death, Arashi does not.

Arashi, an employee at Asahi Café, willingly threw himself into life-threatening danger for the sake of saving Fujimoto Saki.

Dressed in black with a crimson cloud emblem on the back—the symbol of the Hayabusa faction led by Renji Ishikawa—Arashi now stood as a member of that group. It was not a choice made lightly. He had struck a deal with Renji, allowing him to participate in the attack on Onibara's headquarters, led by Kaito Ishikawa—Renji's grandfather.

This was, arguably, a civil war between Grandpa and Grandson. But blood ties had no business in this struggle — they were simply enemies in the underworld.

A thick, suffocating weight hung over the Hayabusa base. The moment Arashi entered the hall, the air crackled with tension. Each face was set in a grim line; they knew this fight was life or death. The one who survived would be the winner.

Renji had been aware of the risks from the very beginning. That was why he chose not to involve Tetsuya or inform his wife. He feared their sorrow and worry would become an emotional burden, making his focus harder.

If he were to be honest, Renji was under immense pressure. His head felt as if it would split from the weight of it all. After all, the enemy he had to face was none other than his grandfather—the very man who had raised him. Regardless of the old man's hidden motives for doing so, Renji could not simply erase his gratitude for the kindness he had once received, whether genuine or not.

If only his grandfather had not been foolish enough to be swayed by Ryoji's deceit, none of this would have been necessary if Renji hadn't been forced to go up the wall—risking the fall of not only Onibara but of the Ishikawa family itself.

But by this time, there was too much for him to overlook about his grandfather's activities. He had to be stopped, no matter the cost — even if it meant taking his life.

In doing so, Renji would become an unfilial grandson, betraying blood. But he had no other choice.

"If only you were alive, Brother... then perhaps I wouldn't be so lost," Renji thought bitterly, thinking about his current situation.

But he was not the only one concerned about the approaching storm. Arashi felt the same way.

He had changed 50 minutes ago and now sat on the sofa, silently ruminating at the end of the scene. Ryuji sat next to him, keeping him company. But there was only silence — neither of them spoke.

"Oi, Arashi," Ryuji finally said, all goodness and meaning as he looked up at him.

Arashi sighed deeply and looked into Ryuji's eyes.

"Are you sure this is what you want? Do you have no regrets?" he said, his face solemn.

"Of course," Arashi said without a hint of doubt. Not a speck of doubt was evident in his eyes.

It was as if he had already accepted all the risks, including death.

Ryuji's face showed both sadness and unease. Sensing his friend's concern, Arashi gently patted his shoulder several times.

"This is the best thing I can do—to atone for my mistakes and her happiness," he said softly, his eyes reflecting sorrow.

"You deserve happiness, too," Ryuji said, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Her happiness is the only thing that matters," Arashi said as if he were trying to convince himself.

"You're so weird, you know that," Ryuji said, annoyed at Arashi's attitude.

"That's my nickname, after all. Are you worried about me?" It was Arashi trying to break the tension.

"Don't get cocky," Ryuji grunted, glancing away. Arashi let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

"I'm worried about Keiko," Ryuji sighed.

"There's no way I'd let my girlfriend throw herself into danger alone. Even if she's strong, she's still a woman—someone I must protect."

Arashi let out a small laugh at Ryuji's words. So this was what Ryuji looked like when he was in love. He was completely different from the Ryuji he knew. Over the years, countless beautiful women had tried to get close to him, some even openly flirting, but none had ever caught his interest.

For a time, Arashi had even wondered if Ryuji was into men. But it turned out he had simply been waiting for the right person—and that person was Keiko.

"I'm not joking. Why are you laughing?" Ryuji glared at him, annoyed.

Arashi shook his head, chuckling as he patted his shoulder again.

"Oh, so you finally found someone you want to protect?" he teased.

"One that isn't one of those creepy human-shaped dolls that you always hugged and bowed to like a weirdo?"

"The real weirdo here is you. You are very much in love, but you don't want to admit it and would like to bury it, never to see the light of day," Ryuji said.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Arashi's laughter abruptly stopped, and his expression grew sober. "I don't deserve her," he mumbled in sadness.

"Deserving or not, how would you know if you never try? You've quit before you've started. Pathetic," Ryuji scoffed.

"Please name your future son Souta if you ever have one," Arashi said out of the blue, breaking the topic.

"Why the hell are we talking about baby names now?!" Ryuji groaned in frustration.

"Don't you want to have kids with Keiko?" Arashi asked with a playful grin.

"Of course I do. Almost every time we meet, we..." Ryuji suddenly stopped, clamping his mouth shut before he said too much.

"We what?" Arashi smirked and waited for Ryuji to complete his line.

"Argh~" Ryuji groaned, pulling his hair back out of frustration.

Arashi smirked, somewhat amused by the conversation. At the least, it also helped calm his nerves. He was not afraid of dying on the battlefield — it was something he had long since made his peace with.

What truly worried him was the fear that he wouldn't be able to save Saki in time.

'Just hold on a little longer, you spoiled girl. I'll come and save you,' Arashi thought anxiously.

...