Ryuu Hanma walks through the streets, his massive frame towering over the civilians who dare not meet his gaze. His shoulders are broad, his posture unshaken—a relic of a past era now loose in a world that has long since moved forward.
It has been years since he walked freely among society, and for the first time, he takes a moment to absorb his surroundings. Neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and endless traffic—Japan has evolved. The rigid traditions of the past feel more distant now, replaced with an overwhelming sense of modernity. A world that was once so familiar now feels foreign.
Yet, despite how much has changed, one thing remains the same—the fear in people's eyes as they realize who he is.
With every step, the ground trembles slightly, sending a ripple of unease through those nearby. Murmurs fill the streets, whispers of a name thought long buried.
"Ryuu Hanma... the Beast of the East is roaming free."
His clothes, still the same tattered prison garments, only add to the rumors spreading like wildfire. The words "early release" and "special arrangement" float among the whispers—rumors that someone powerful enough to influence the system had arranged his freedom.
Ahead, Ryuu sees a woman struggling against a robber. He doesn't stop. It isn't his business.
But then—he notices something.
A dog, particularly a husky, clutched in the woman's arms.
Ryuu halts. He watches as the robber yanks at her purse.
"Just hand it over, lady, and you won't get hurt!" the man hisses.
Ryuu sighs and finally walks over, his massive frame casting a shadow over them. The robber doesn't even register his presence at first.
"Rob someone else. Someone who doesn't have a dog."
The robber finally turns around—only to see a giant kneeling down, petting the husky with care.
The man scoffs, not recognizing Ryuu in his adrenaline-fueled state. "Mind your business, old man, before I—"
His fist slams into Ryuu's side. Then another. Then a kick.
Ryuu does not move. He simply continues scratching behind the dog's ears, admiring its thick coat.
The robber grits his teeth and unleashes a burst of fire from his hands, engulfing Ryuu in flames.
For a moment, the fire crackles loudly. But when the smoke clears—
Ryuu stands there, completely unharmed.
Even his prison clothes remain intact.
Recognition dawns in the robber's eyes as he notices the prison garb and unmistakable build. His face drains of color.
"Wait... you're... Ryuu Hanma?" his voice cracks. "The Beast of the East? They said you were—"
The robber stumbles back in horror. "Oh god—what the hell are you?! I burned you with everything I had!"
Ryuu smirks, standing up to his full height. He reaches down and lifts the robber with a single hand, holding him effortlessly in the air.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
He turns to the woman. "You're lucky I love dogs. Get out of here."
She doesn't hesitate. She clutches her husky and runs, shouting her thanks as she disappears into the night.
Ryuu, now alone with the robber, pulls him in until their faces are mere inches apart.
"I don't like repeating myself."
With a casual squeeze, the man's skull is crushed like a grape.
Ryuu tosses the body into a nearby trash can and continues walking, unfazed.
From the rooftops, a small child with short black hair and piercing purple eyes licks a lollipop. His gaze follows Ryuu's every movement.
"Well, the rumors are true. The Beast of the East really is free."
Ryuu stops. He turns his head slightly, his grin widening.
His deep, boisterous laugh echoes through the streets, shaking the very buildings.
"Katashi... you haven't aged one bit."
The boy smirks. "And you still cause a mess everywhere you go."
Ryuu's expression darkens. "The underworld... they're already spying on me, aren't they?"
Katashi swings his lollipop in a slow circle, unfazed. "Business is business, Ryuu. We've missed you since you've been in prison. You know—HE still wants to meet you."
Ryuu exhales through his nose, amused but uninterested.
"HE, you say?" His tone is almost playful. "I don't speak to lackeys. Tell him to stop hiding and talk to me directly. You have a good day, Katashi."
He turns his back and continues walking, ignoring whatever Katashi mutters behind him.
Katashi watches, his purple eyes narrowing slightly. He takes another slow lick of his lollipop before speaking.
"We shall see you again, Ryuu."
For the first time, Ryuu's steps slow just slightly.
"The deal with Haikito is the only reason I'm walking free," Ryuu says, his voice carrying an edge of finality. "And I intend to honor it—for now. Tell your master that interfering with my path to the Academy would be... unwise."
Ryuu's smirk fades slightly, just for a moment. Then, with a small shake of his head, he continues walking, dismissing whatever thoughts had begun to form.
Then, without another word, he resumes his journey toward Osaka.
That same night, deep within a secured interrogation facility, Kenji and the investigation team stand before two battered figures—Daiken and Gajin. The air is thick with tension, the scent of sweat and blood lingering after an intense session of questioning.
Daiken, still recovering from his injuries, lets out a weak chuckle. "You should've killed us, detective. You have no idea what you've started."
Kenji's sharp gaze doesn't waver. "Who gave you the orders? Who do you work for?"
Gajin spits blood onto the floor, grinning through the pain. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
After relentless questioning, Kenji gathers his final report and leaves the room. He walks through the silent corridors of the investigation department, his mind connecting threads between the Beast of the East's release and the growing shadow over the Academy. Both, he suspects, have Haikito's fingerprints on them—though the chairman's true motives remain obscure.
Inside Haikito's office, the chairman stands near his desk, hands folded behind his back as he listens to Kenji's findings.
"No connection to the Assassin's Guild," Kenji states firmly. "They're just underworld enforcers, likely working for someone high up, but nothing ties them directly to the guild."
Haikito hums in thought. "I see... and yet, that doesn't put my concerns to rest."
Kenji raises a brow. "Mr. Haikito, are you saying the Assassin's Guild is still a threat to the academy?"
Haikito's expression remains unreadable, but his words are firm. "Yes. And more than that... I have reason to believe that both the guild and the underworld have taken a deep interest in the academy since the Rei incident."
Kenji stiffens. "That would mean—"
Haikito turns toward him, his piercing gaze sharp. "Yes. Someone who put the contract on Rei could potentially be within the academy."
The thought lands like a stone in Kenji's stomach. The idea that one of their own—someone they work with daily, someone they trust—could have orchestrated an assassination attempt on a student is almost too disturbing to comprehend.
"That's... impossible," Kenji begins, but the doubt is already creeping into his voice. "No one from the academy would—"
"Would they?" Haikito's tone is calm, yet chilling. "There are forces at work beyond what we can see. Some who feel threatened by what Rei represents, others who might view his existence as... inconvenient."
The room falls into silence before Haikito walks toward Kenji, standing beside him. His voice lowers.
"You're my most trusted partner, Kenji. I know the other officials don't trust me, but I need you to investigate who put the contract on Rei. Can I trust you with this?"
Kenji lowers his head slightly, absorbing the weight of the request. A flicker of doubt crosses his mind—who within the academy could have done such a thing? Could Haikito himself be hiding something? The thought lingers, but he pushes it aside. Then, with quiet resolve, he responds:
"Yes, you can, Mr. Haikito."
As Kenji turns to leave, Haikito's piercing blue eyes glow faintly as he watches him.
"Have a good night, Kenji."
