Although Rui frowned at their secrecy, she chose to remain silent.
Meanwhile, Akemi entered the master bedroom, carrying the little Shota, Akashi, in her arms. As soon as they were inside, she playfully pinched his cheeks, her voice tinged with mock grievance.
"Akashi, don't you want to live with me? Why did you bring someone here to drive me away?"
Akashi immediately protested, his tone exaggeratedly aggrieved.
"How could that be possible?" he cried. "I'm doing this for your sake!"
Akemi raised an eyebrow skeptically, prompting him to explain.
"You don't know the true identity of the woman outside. She's Tokyo Greatest Thief, the eldest sister of the infamous Kisugi trio—a highly skilled and powerful master thief!"
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a persuasive tone. "If you learn the art of disguise from her and master it, you'll never have to live a life of hiding again. You can disguise yourself as anyone and move freely."
"Otherwise, the organization will keep tracking you, forcing you to stay cooped up inside forever. That would be unfair to you, don't you think?"
Akemi's skepticism softened as she listened to the sincerity in his words. Her heart was moved, and knowing the woman outside was none other than the master herself, she realized his suggestion was reasonable.
Still, a flicker of dissatisfaction lingered within her.
When she had gone upstairs to shower, she had already begun daydreaming about the possibility of living together with Akashi.
No one could understand how thrilling that idea was!
Even if Akashi was now a child, it didn't matter—though it might make things a bit... unconventional.
Still, Akemi couldn't help but look forward to it.
And now, she was expected to live elsewhere, learn new skills, and study disguise?
The reality was a far cry from the idyllic life she had imagined. The disparity left her feeling disappointed.
---
Akemi pursed her soft pink lips, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then what am I supposed to do without you?"
The longing in her tone was palpable, touching Akashi's heart. He smirked mischievously and responded in a teasing voice.
"It's not like you won't see me. Just call, and I'll be there in no time."
He added with a cheeky grin, "And when I do, I'll bring you 'Awei's Eighteen Postures '—the full set, no discounts. One dose to cure all your worries!"
Akemi's face turned bright red at his shameless comment.
"Idiot!" she huffed, pinching his cheek in retaliation. "That's not what I meant!"
Still, she sighed and relented. "Fine. I'll go, but only on one condition."
She turned to him, her expression suddenly serious. "Tell me honestly—what's your relationship with that thief outside?"
Akashi, feigning innocence, adopted the most sincere expression he could muster.
"What else could it be? She's just a good friend! She supplies all my weapons, that's all!"
He shrugged and added nonchalantly, "At most, we plan heists together sometimes."
"Is that so?"
Perhaps it was his earnest delivery, or maybe Akemi wanted to believe him—whatever the case, she bought his story.
"Alright, I believe you," she said, though a hint of suspicion lingered in her tone.
Relieved, Akashi leaned in closer and whispered, "Akemi, listen carefully. That woman outside doesn't know my true identity. To her, I'm just Bacardi, nicknamed Wayne."
"She doesn't know my real name, so make sure you don't let it slip."
Akemi rolled her eyes playfully and teased, "How many girls have you fooled with this 'Wayne' alias?"
Akashi chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
"Well, having multiple identities is useful when you're traveling the world! Just don't blow my cover, okay?"
Akemi nodded reluctantly, agreeing to his request.
---
As for the alias "Wayne," its origin was tied to his organization's codename, Bacardi. The logo on Bacardi bottles featured a bat, which inspired Akashi to adopt the pseudonym "Bruce Wayne," borrowing the name from the fictional Batman—a character unknown in this world.
Thus, most people in the organization who interacted with Bacardi knew him only as Wayne. Very few, including the Miyano sisters, were aware that his full name was Akashi Kushikawa.
——
After whispering to each other, the two finally emerged from the master bedroom.
Outside, Rui was beginning to grow impatient as she waited.
Akemi, holding the young shota in her arms, immediately spoke:
"Miss Rui, thank you for the invitation. I'm willing to go to your café."
Hearing Akemi's agreement, a flash of joy lit up Rui's eyes.
"Welcome~"
She then turned her gaze toward the little shota.
"Little guy, do me a favor and pass a message to Bacardi."
"Tell him that Miss Akemi has been taken to my place as a guest. If he wants her back, your big brother will have to come and get her himself!"
As she realized her plan to ruin Bacardi's chances with the beautiful woman had worked, a proud expression spread across Rui's face.
Unbeknownst to her, it was all orchestrated by the succubus standing innocently in front of her.
Akashi, ever composed, nodded obediently and replied:
"Okay, Big Sister Rui, I'll tell Big Brother."
Rui then turned back to Akemi.
"Miss Akemi, shall we go? Do you need to pack any luggage?"
Akemi shook her head.
"I just escaped here and don't have anything with me."
"It's fine! You're in good hands. Come to my place, and I'll help you get all the daily necessities you need~"
Rui playfully patted her chest, causing it to tremble slightly. The confident demeanor of the Kisugi family's head radiated a heroic charm.
"Thank you, Miss Rui," Akemi said with a soft smile.
—
As they talked, the three of them made their way downstairs and stepped out of the villa.
Rui approached her black Harley motorcycle, ready to take Akemi along.
However, Akemi seemed reluctant to part with the little shota in her arms. Tears welled up as she clung to him tightly, her lips brushing against his porcelain-white cheeks.
A kiss on the left! A kiss on the right!
It was as if she couldn't get enough of him.
Watching this scene, Rui's expression stiffened. Something about it felt off.
'Could I have misjudged this woman?'
'Is it possible she's not Bacardi's woman, but... a shotacon instead?'
Her sharp phoenix eyes narrowed as she glanced at the charming young boy.
'This kid is unusually skilled at handling this situation... but isn't this a bit too perverted?'
Quickly shaking off the thought, Rui turned her head away, choosing not to dwell on the bizarre display.
At last, Akemi managed to tearfully say goodbye to the little shota, Akashi, before climbing onto the motorcycle. She wrapped her arms around Rui's slender waist, still sniffling slightly.
"Little guy, don't forget what I said! Make sure Bacardi calls me!"
With her final instructions given, the Harley roared to life, its exhaust releasing a puff of hot steam.
The two women sped off, leaving the villa behind.
——
But Akashi's tasks for the day were far from over.
In his hand, he held the spare key to the billion-yen safe that Akemi had entrusted to him.
Yes, Akemi had handed over this massive fortune to Akashi without hesitation!
In addition to the 1 billion yen to be secured, there was also Akemi's red Mazda—a car she had used during her time as Hirota Masami.
Naturally, the car couldn't remain in her possession. Keeping it would risk being traced back to her. The only solution was to dispose of it.
Luckily, this wasn't a complicated problem. A bomb had already been installed in the trunk. All Akashi needed to do was drive it to a remote location and detonate it.
Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.
After all, this car held sentimental value—it was where Akashi's first experience as a child riding an adult had taken place, making it unforgettable.
Now, the most he can do is cut the proof that it happened with scissors and cut off a piece of the back seat of the car as a souvenir.