He squatted for an entire afternoon, his legs numb, his emotions treasured in memory. As two sets of footsteps approached, Nakahara couldn’t even be bothered to lift his head. “Who’s there?”

There was a slight sensation on his head, and Nakahara was puzzled to find that gravity couldn’t repel the other person.

Ah, it seemed like Kyohei’s power had been weakened.

“It’s you—” He went to look at the other person, and the blue eyes reflected into his were those of a youth.

Hyakki was patting his head under the hood, and the flames of life, purified, became cleaner. Although the core still bore the dark red of a demon, it no longer misled him into mistaking enemies.

The demon was enveloped in a pale flame; as long as it remained under control, it wouldn’t cause havoc.

“Ah…”

He didn’t know what to say to someone he had fought.

“Um…”

Hyakki made a nasal sound and, with the tacit approval of Dazai behind him, communicated with him in a mute manner.

—You’re a human being.

Nakahara’s hair was disheveled, his citrus-colored strands a bit stiff, yet they easily softened in Hyakki’s palm. His blue eyes were dull, his slightly chubby cheeks resembling those of a clueless teenager.

Dazai muttered from behind, “You’re quite good at playing the victim, Nakahara.”

Nakahara, too tired to argue, covered his face. “Are you two here to laugh at me?”

Dazai shrugged. “Who’s laughing at you? It’s Hyakki who came to find you.”

Nakahara had a certain psychological shadow regarding Hyakki.

“You’re not going to chase after me again, are you?”

Hyakki: ?

Unable to understand what the other was thinking, Hyakki pointed to his right leg. Nakahara looked over, his face filled with confusion. He lacked the ability to see through illusions.

Dazai had to step forward and pat Hyakki’s shoulder.

This time, Nakahara clearly saw the truth—Hyakki’s right leg had been restored!

He was surprised. “Why hasn’t one leg been restored?”

Dazai played with Hyakki’s mask in his hand, smiling slyly. “This question is a long story, and it’s somewhat related to you. We might as well have a good conversation about it later…”

Nakahara was about to speak when his gaze met Hyakki’s face directly.

“…”

“…!!!”

Nakahara, with his legs numb, plopped down directly onto the ground, his soul departing his body, forgetting the words in his mind.

Hyakki’s hand didn’t find anyone, so he looked down in confusion.

[Why did he shrink?]

The vibrant flame of life, which should have been burning bright, flattened on the ground like… a pancake. A red bean-filled one.

Daily Persecution of the King of Sheep (1/1).

The three of them walked up the stairs from Leibo Street to the battlefield. Nakahara, in the lead, was sulking and refused to look back at the other two. All he could hear was Dazai teasing Hyakki gleefully.

“Hyakki, I told you there was no need to go out of your way to find him. Next time we order takeout, we’ll specifically call him and make him deliver it as fast as possible…”

“I’m not delivering takeout anymore!”

Nakahara turned around and shouted.

“Oh,” Dazai continued gossiping with the oblivious Hyakki, “and he also works part-time as a deliveryman, newspaper delivery boy, milkman, and so on. This little dwarf has quite a few jobs.”

Nakahara said with some embarrassment, “Earning money myself is better than doing nothing.”

He was disdainful of Dazai.

Dazai flashed a card. “Let me see how much money is in here.”

Nakahara was stunned, quickly checked his pockets, when did his bank card end up in Dazai’s hand?!

“Give it back to me—!!!”

Dazai hid behind Hyakki, making the card disappear with a sleight of hand.

Before the two could get into a scuffle, Hyakki felt around on himself and found a card someone had placed on him. Nakahara snatched it back as quickly as possible, and Dazai grumbled, “Hyakki, I see you’re favoring him!”

Hyakki felt genuinely wronged.

This led to Hyakki finding several other things on himself: bugs, trackers, signal transmitters, etc. They were hidden in the folds of his yukata, in the sleeves, on his belt, and even in the wooden clogs. It could be said that his whole body was equipped with “unnecessary” items.

“Are you a pervert?!” Nakahara shouted at Dazai.

Dazai wiped a cold sweat, instinctual types were too much, and there was no need for reasoning to scold him.

Damn it, he wasn’t a pervert.

“Dazai.” He stuffed the items in his hand into his pocket, not letting him search any further. By now, Hyakki had put his mask back on, returning to a less intimidating state. “Dororo…”

Dazai forced a smile. “Let’s go.”

Hyakki and he stepped onto the stairs, their hearts guided by two flames, lighting their path.

Not far away.

The Pengerei Family was in battle with Rokudo Gaiki.

Like fate, the inevitable story unfolded. The vendetta between Rokudo Gaiki and the Pengerei Family would continue until he was purified of his hatred by the deathly flames of Sawada, no longer seeking to slaughter the mafia.

The orange flames of the Great Blaze soared into the sky, dazzling and bright, the power of life erupting.

Sawada was risking his life to save his comrades!

Hyakki’s fingers twitched.

Guided by him, Dazai, and their shared understanding, he asked, “Did you see what happened ahead in the fight?”

In his heart, Hyakki responded, [Bright and pure… life.]

The world was colorful indeed.