Seven years ago, Nakazawa clan,

"It's finally the young lord's turn, what do you think he is going to awaken?"

"I don't know, but it's going to be something unordinary. The kid hails from that lineage after all..."

People were discussing around the altar as I climbed the steps to touch the orb in the center. I was nervous, but glancing at the nods and encouraging looks from my clansmen, I relaxed and prepared to put my right hand on the jade-green, floating ball of glass.

...

"Naofumi, you seem a bit tensed."

A group of eight people sat at a high place, overlooking the group of youngsters and guards chattering.

At the middle of the seating arrangement, were two men. The raven-haired man who spoke just now dressed in full black. The other wore an imposing blood-red tunic.

On each of their sides, were women and children that respectively shared some resemblance.

"Why wouldn't I be? My boy has to live up to your outstanding daughter, at least." The brown-haired man replied and praised half-jokingly. "Speaking of Mifune, what did you feed her to be this monstrous?"

"That innate skill is indeed a bit scary, Ken." The man closest to the person called Naofumi added.

The middle-aged man addressed as Ken laughed heartily. "Mifune, come and greet father in law." He proceeded to call his daughter to exchange pleasantries.

The eight people on the balcony continued to praise each other in a good mood. However, after a few seconds, instead of the gasps and awe-filled shouts, all they felt was silence.

...

"Hibari?"

"Please help me!"

It had been seven years since my world crumbled. That day after we returned home, I lost both my engagement and my standing.

Mifune Nakazawa. A tiger amongst cats, a dragon amongst lizards.

Seven years ago, her father, Ken, was allowed to figure that betrothing two newborns was not such a thorough decision. Rescinding the arrangement was brazen and caused a few ripples amongst the two clans.

But for the clan hailed as King of the swamp, there was no water troublesome enough for them to compromise their interests. Hundred years of good relationships were thrown in the mud, and even the leaders' friendship died following the discord.

It didn't matter that they were bosom friends because for people of such standing, pride, and face were highly valued.

Hence my current surprise after seeing Mayumi, my "ex-prospective spouse's" older sister. The girl was somewhat different from her aloof and cold sibling, but even with her intense distaste for "nobly" matters, she couldn't have arrived here of her own accord.

Forget the measly abilities she demonstrated in her years at the academy; she would be stopped at the gates after they got her name.

"What's going on, Shin?" I asked, shocked, and confused. "How was she allowed here, and why are you holding her like this?"

"Haa, the cockroach had to show up..." Shin sighed in annoyance. "Why are you always everywhere I go?"

"Is this a trick question? You go out of your way to make life difficult for me." I snorted and replied.

"Tsk! I guess you win that one today. Sadly not every one of us can play around all day and night. I have an important task to finish, so be a good boy and go back to your video games." Shin said dismissively and restrained the girl once more.

"That's rich coming from you." I retorted.

"Are you going to be a pest now? Don't think I can't teach you a lesson with only one arm." The boy menaced with an evil smirk.

"Hibari..." The girl feared a bit and muttered. Even if she never bullied me like the others, I didn't hold her in my heart. Her, and her clansmen.

However, I couldn't watch that evil spawn barbarically take that girl god knows where and remain a bystander.

"Where are you taking her?" I asked him, and I was surprised at myself for sounding threatening. "Why am I not scared of him?" I thought to myself.

"Mind your own business, trash. It was nice to see you." The guy advanced confidently. Mayumi was resigned and ceased any opposition. Her head was down, and she was crying. She was trying not to cause me trouble because she seemed recalcitrant before.

"Release your hand." I took a step diagonally when they passed by and grabbed Shin. I infused a bit of Chakra in my palm when the boy paused. The next instant, his hand had let go of the girl who stared with wide eyes.

"Ouch! Hibari...Now you've done it." Shin gawked in pain before his eyes were redirected murderously.

"You seem not to be as trash as everyone considered, but you're going to regret what's about to happen."

"Did you think you stood a chance against me when you're only a body refiner?"

Shin questioned before he punched. I watched his attack close in on my face in confusion. He didn't put any Mana in that blow, but I felt that I didn't need to dodge.

"BANG!"

"Hibari!" The only other person there shouted anxiously.

"You're going to need to step up a bit for this one, Shin."

I smiled mockingly and said when the boy looked incredulously. His fist was in my hand, and the force even failed to make me recede.