Macho Man Doesn't want a Slice-of-Life

"Lieutenant, it looks like part of the main Shinomiya family is in Tokyo. Their purpose is probably to monitor Kaguya and her personal associates."

"Lady Shinomiya has no real faction. At most, she just holds access to some of the main family's intel."

Rinji stood on a rooftop eating a popsicle. His subordinate's voice came through his phone.

"They're investigating the people around her, including the mansion's servants like Ai Hayasaka."

"I see. Have they looked into the president's connection with her?"

"To some extent, yes. Shirogane's stint as an acting bank president attracted a lot of attention. Some higher-ups have started investigating him too."

"Just warn them off."

He tossed the popsicle stick into a nearby trash can, his expression growing annoyed.

"Tch. I went to all that trouble deleting the president's traces to keep his life normal, and those bastards still can't cooperate?"

"Well, a high schooler serving as an acting bank president is pretty suspicious. They're hoping to find something valuable in it."

"...Whatever. Since I got the president that job, I have to handle the fallout too."

When one person enjoys the spotlight, someone else has to handle the dirty work—that's just how reality works.

"We'll issue a warning to those people. As for the Shinomiya family members in Tokyo..."

"I believe I've made my stance clear before."

"Yes."

On the other end of the line, a man in a black suit stood atop a tall building, looking down.

Below, there were flashing lights—ambulances, fire trucks, and a car burning fiercely in the middle of the road.

"They've been 'dealt with.'"

"Good."

Rinji nodded, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"The Shinomiya main family should just stay holed up in Kyoto. Coming to Tokyo for any reason is considered a direct provocation to me."

"That means they'll have to give up all their Tokyo assets. That's a heavy loss."

"Then let them choose—life or money. They should be grateful I let them live at all."

As he spoke, Rinji walked toward the old apartment building behind him.

"Besides, the president likes Shinomiya, right? Just let them develop naturally. Let them enjoy their youth. If they get dragged into some stupid power struggle over family or corporate interests, that'd be boring... and boring things deserve to disappear."

"Understood. I'll continue tightening security around Tokyo."

"Thanks for your effort."

He hung up, a flicker of sarcasm flashing in his eyes.

They knew he was in Tokyo and still dared to send people here? Did they think as long as it didn't directly involve him, they were safe? Naive thinking.

Unfortunately for them, investigating the president did involve Rinji.

He went upstairs and opened the apartment door. The Shirogane family was sitting inside.

"Rinji, you finished your call?"

"Yeah, had a bit of work to handle. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Not at all... but, Rinji, your expression is kinda scary. Did something happen?"

Shirogane noticed something was off. The moment Rinji walked in, his eyes carried a faint killing intent.

"Oh, just more family crap. I told you before, right? I've got a long-standing feud with the Shinomiya Family. Now that they're acting up again, I need to hit back a little."

"…Is Shinomiya involved?"

"Not at all. Even if I always roast her, I still consider her part of the student council. If something really happened, I'd protect her."

"I see... Conflicts between powerful families really are complicated," Shirogane sighed.

He came from a poor background. Naturally, he had no involvement in the struggles between elite families. But he knew that if he wanted to be with Kaguya, the family barrier was unavoidable.

"Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it. People die over this stuff."

"Eh?"

"Maybe you don't know, but the Shinomiya family had infighting years ago—main house vs branch families. There were real deaths."

"And between you and them...?"

"There were deaths too. One of my uncles committed suicide. The Shinomiyas paid a price for that. This is how cycles of hatred begin."

"..."

"I'll uproot the Shinomiya family completely someday."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

"Rinji, weren't you visiting today to talk about us moving?" Shirogane's dad suddenly changed the subject.

"Oh, right. That's what we're here for."

Rinji had come over today because the Shirogane family wanted to discuss something with him.

After Shirogane spent ten days as acting bank president, he received a salary.

Based on the profits during those ten days, Katahara Metsudo extracted a portion and gave it to him as compensation.

And that ten-day paycheck? It was worth more than ten years of part-time work for the whole family.

With that windfall, the family calmed down and began considering a move.

Their current place was way too cramped—Miyuki and Kei shared a room, their dad slept in the living room, and when Rinji visited, he had to crash in the living room too. It was clearly not a long-term setup.

So they decided to move and wanted Rinji's advice.

They really did treat Rinji like family.

Kei thought for a moment and said, "Rinji-nii, is there any place for rent near your apartment?"

"Near mine...? Actually, there's a place on the floor below me that's vacant. If you're interested, you can move in."

"What about the rent?"

"Not bad. With what old man Katahara paid you, you could live there for fifteen years."

"Then how about we move there? We'd be neighbors with Rinji-nii," Kei suggested. "It's in a good area and close to school."

And more importantly, right next to Rinji's place—perfect for drop-ins.

"Yeah, that's a pretty good idea."

"…I guess it works," Shirogane agreed after thinking it over.

He might have to quit his old part-time job due to the distance, but he could just find one nearby…

"If you're worried about that, I can arrange something for you."

"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"

"Of course not," Rinji smiled. "Because it's my company."

"...Huh?"