Chapter 326: One Body, Two Souls |
Guided by Asaba Shinichi, the three cars crossed the cross-sea bridge and drove onto the highly developed island.
The island wasn't large; even including the forest in the middle, it was roughly the size of Tokyo's Koto Ward. However, there were quite a lot of people on the island and those heading towards it. Most notably, the vehicles driving in were almost exclusively luxury cars. It seemed to be a well-kept secret, a prime vacation getaway favored by the wealthy.
After driving along the island's main road for a while, they passed a complete array of entertainment facilities—bars, karaoke lounges, luxury hotels... There was even a large shopping mall located right in the center of the island.
However, Asaba Shinichi, who was leading the convoy, showed no intention of stopping at any of these places. Instead, he made a turn midway onto a secluded branch road that extended deep into the woods.
The tree canopy blocked the sunlight, dimming their view. But the moment the convoy emerged from the forest, the scenery ahead instantly opened up.
Beneath the reddish-purple setting sun, clear azure waves gently lapped against the golden stretch of beach.
Up in the tall coconut palms, ripe coconuts swayed with the rustling fronds, looking as if they might drop at any moment.
And just a short distance away, a large white villa stood quietly, half-hidden by the forest.
Asaba Shinichi parked his car right at the villa's main gate, signaling that this was the final destination of their trip.
After being cooped up in the cars for over three hours, they were greeted by this picturesque scene the moment they stepped out. In that instant, even the salty, humid air carried by the sea breeze seemed to be brimming with the scent of freedom.
A few of the more energetic girls couldn't help but want to sprint toward the beach, only to be held back by their calmer companions.
"This entire expansive area is the private territory of the Asaba family, and that villa in the back is where we'll be staying for the next few days. The housekeepers and butlers have already left, so bring your own luggage and pick your own rooms!"
With that said, he shoved his empty hands into his pockets and casually strolled through the villa doors first. Right behind him was Moriya Tsukiko, dragging two suitcases, along with Moriya Seiko, who was trying to help her sister with her assistant duties by struggling to carry a large bag.
Hoshino Gen stretched slightly, then patted Shimizu Yu on the shoulder just as she was pulling luggage from the trunk. When she looked over, he gestured toward the Moriya sisters and said flatly, "As an assistant yourself, you should learn from them. Remember to take some initiative."
Having said his piece, he too walked away empty-handed.
Shimizu Yu blinked. Once she realized the guy was telling her to carry his luggage, she curled her lips and made a face at his retreating back. "You're going to die of laziness!"
Hoshino Rin walked over with a bright smile. "Let me help you, Shimizu-san."
"Eh? Th-Thank you!"
Although there were many people on this trip, there were even more guest rooms in the villa. It was more than enough for all sixteen people to have a room to themselves.
Hoshino Gen chose a room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a clear view of the sea. It was spacious and luxurious, easily rivaling a deluxe suite in a five-star hotel.
After Shimizu Yu and Hoshino Rin helped bring his luggage in, they went to their respective rooms. Left alone, Hoshino Gen took a brief tour of the space before plopping down onto the single-seater sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The setting sun cast a slanted golden glow. Looking out at the ocean bathed in the twilight, Hoshino Gen crossed his arms and allowed his shoulders to relax slightly.
No matter how many places he had visited or how many events he had endured, the beautiful scenery reflected in his eyes remained a potent remedy to slightly ease his constantly tense mind. This was also one of the reasons he had accepted Asaba Shinichi's invitation.
Knock, knock, knock—
At the sound of the knocks on the door, Hoshino Gen did not turn around. He simply said, "Come in," and the door was immediately pushed open.
Asaba Shinichi strolled in with a cheerful laugh. "Well? Are you satisfied with the environment?"
Hoshino Gen ignored him, but Asaba Shinichi merely smiled, unbothered by the cold shoulder.
He sat on the bed in the center of the room, stretching his back as he asked with a grin, "You went out of your way to bring the eldest young lady of the Sasaki family along. I imagine it wasn't just to show your fiancée that you're a good man who strictly adheres to the way of the husband. So, what's the real reason?"
Hoshino Gen raised his left hand. On his index and middle fingers sat two pitch-black rings.
Asaba Shinichi obviously recognized those items. The shadow vicious ghost that dropped this containment vessel had been hunted down and killed by the three of them just over half a month ago.
Therefore, the moment he saw those two rings, Asaba Shinichi understood. With a peculiar expression, he asked, "Are you planning to swap bodies with Sasaki Ayane and use her power to fight me?"
"Close, but not exactly." Hoshino Gen finally turned to look at him. "The function of this containment vessel isn't limited to swapping bodies. Through its ability, it can also achieve the effect of one body, two souls."
"Oh?" Asaba Shinichi instantly caught on, his interest piqued. "In other words, you mean to transfer your soul into Sasaki's body. By sharing a body with her, you'll wield her power, allowing her to experience the application of that strength from the clearest possible perspective."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. I must say, you really are a dedicated and responsible guy." Asaba Shinichi chuckled. "I'm genuinely looking forward to it, though. I wonder just how far seventy percent of Chiyo Guuji's energy can be pushed in your hands..."
Seeing the blazing battle intent in Asaba Shinichi's eyes, Hoshino Gen asked flatly, "Do you want to have a sparring match right now?"
"Heh." Asaba Shinichi laughed and shook his head. "Forget about right now, we're travel-worn. Let's relax a bit first. The girls have all headed down to the coast; shall we go join the fun? Otherwise, that guy Yusuke will hog them all to himself."
"As for our sparring match—" Asaba Shinichi paused to think, then smiled. "Let's do it tonight. Someone will bring dinner over around seven o'clock. How about we treat it as a post-meal workout to aid digestion?"
"Whatever," Hoshino Gen replied neutrally.
With that, he pushed off his knees, stood up, and walked toward the door. "Go play by yourself. I'm going to have a chat with Sasaki."
"Oh? Passing up the chance to admire so many beautiful girls in swimsuits just to spend time alone with your fiancée... You're definitely going to be a good, doting husband in the future." Asaba Shinichi naturally understood that Hoshino Gen's "chat" referred to explaining the "shared body" training plan, but that didn't stop him from running his mouth with such flirtatious remarks.
Already accustomed to his personality, Hoshino Gen automatically ignored his careless words and quickly disappeared out the door.
......