Chapter 186: Test of Courage
Night had fallen in Nagano, enveloping the mountains in a blanket of darkness and silence.
The stars shone brightly in the clear sky, far from the city’s light pollution.
Ren had just finished soaking in his private onsen. Wearing a yukata provided by the inn, he strolled leisurely in his luxurious room.
*KNOCK!* *KNOCK!* *KNOCK!*
A loud knock on the door shattered the night’s tranquility, followed by an enthusiastic voice from outside.
"Rokuhara! You in there? Hello, answer me if you’re still alive!"
A second voice, slightly exasperated, tried to calm the commotion.
"Ryōhei, watch your words. That sounds like you’re cursing Rokuhara with bad luck."
(That voice... that guy hasn’t changed, huh.)
Ren recognized both voices instantly. With a small sigh, he walked to the door and opened it. Two young men stood before him.
On the right, a tall youth with short, spiky light brown hair and large, energetic yellow eyes.
This was Yamanouchi Ryōhei, a cheerful, spirited guy always brimming with wild ideas.