Unlike Shig who was plain-looking, the younger sister seemed to be a different breed of human with her blond hair and blue eyes. Her face wasn’t that mature yet and her features felt more childish compared to Arisu who had the same palette.

Kazuichi and his party members immediately assumed that she was a foreigner or something, but they didn’t ask any of that at all. Instead, the four of them could be seen staring at the girl and then glancing over at Shig who was busy scooping up bowls of rice for everyone.

Meanwhile, the younger sister stayed still on the bed where she was lying down. She turned around and saw Kazuichi. For some odd reason, he found his presence oddly familiar but she couldn’t wrap her fingers around it. Somehow, she also had no idea whether it was her human self or her Hybrid self which was reacting to Kazuichi. Even then, she instantly felt a connection and it made her a bit curious as to who Kazuichi was.

"Suzu, are you awake?" Shig concernedly asked and he got the urge to stand up and go towards him. This was what he did every single time since he was gravely worried for his sister. Then again, he felt like he was more of a bother instead of a concerned older brother, that’s why he stopped halfway when he was about to stand up.

"I’m all right, onii~ thanks," Suzu said, her pale lips forming into a smile while she suppressed the urge to grunt in pain. Her entire body ached, and she was on the verge of getting a spasm. However, she tried not to act as if she was on the verge of death. After all, that would just worry her older brother more.

Besides, there were visitors in their place. She didn’t want to look uncomely to them.

"Hello everyone, thank you for visiting us and keeping my brother company. My name’s Nakashima Suzu. I would’ve wanted to formally greet you with a bow, but I’m bedridden at the moment. As such, I’d only be expressing my heartfelt hospitality while lying down." Suzu greeted in a lengthened manner.

"I’m Takemi Kazuichi, and these are my companions. We’re traveling through Yamanashi Prefecture on our way back home. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Kazuichi called out.

Both Kazuichi and Suzu assumed that the other was polite and proper, when in fact, Suzu was the only one who fit the description. After all, the reason why Kazuichi could respond like that was thanks to the MMORPGs he played during his secluded era as a shut-in. Right now, he was just replication the dialogues in order to portray himself as respectable.

After a brief introduction with everyone, Shig fidgeted in his seat in hopes that Kazuichi and the ladies would play along with his plans. Before they entered their residence, Shig actually briefed them that his younger sister had no idea about his plans. All she knew was that he was checking out something later on, and that’s about it.

If she knew that he’d actually head to the auction in an attempt to get the mysterious blood, she’d have probably chewed him off. Then again, there was nothing Suzu could do to stop her older brother. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

All the more reason why Shig couldn’t outrightly tell his sister about his plan. At most, he’d just hurt her feelings, and that’s the last thing she wanted to happen, right when her sister was on the verge of death.

"Amaya, Arisu, would it be okay if you were to stay with Suzu while we go to the auction?" Kazuichi asked out of nowhere, which came somewhat as a surprise since they initially thought that all of them would be going to the auction together.

"Sure, you got it, Kazuichi." Arisu voiced out after eating her third bowl of white rice. At first, she wanted to reject Kazuichi’s plea. However, she knew that there might be an explanation behind it, and that’s why she agreed in an instant before she could regret denying his request.

Then again, she couldn’t help but feel a little bit worried since Kazuichi was the type to easily get in trouble. It’s as if there was someone constantly throwing him into danger like a protagonist in a novel. "Please come back safely, Kazuichi. We’ll wait right here." Arisu mumbled. Despite her worries, all she asked of Kazuichi was to return safely.

It was understandable for Kazuichi to leave Amaya when they head out to the auction. After all, kids might not be allowed over there. Coincidentally, this was half the reason why Kazuichi advised Amaya and Arisu to stay out on this auction mission.

Amaya was a Canary, so she’d attract the attention of everyone in the auction. Adding to that, Tris couldn’t really protect her younger sister against stronger Hybrids, so it would be rational to leave her in Arisu’s care.

Furthermore, two Hybrids would be more suspicious than one Hybrid and one uninfected entering the auction. Hence Kazuichi chose Tris to be with him when the three of them head over to the auction.

"Don’t worry, we’ll return as soon as we’re done." Kazuichi vaguely responded so Suzu won’t feel any suspicion towards her older brother.

With that out of the way, Kazuichi rummaged through his bag so he could secure the black card he possessed. This black card was his identity, and it boasted unimaginable riches which was virtually impossible to attain during the apocalypse. This was his way through the auction, and it would give him an advantage if he happened to fancy an item.

Besides, a part of Kazuichi wanted to get a hold of the mysterious blood as well. That’s why he was contemplating whether to bid on the mysterious blood after Shig got his hands on some of it.

"It’s settled then. Should we head out?" Shig stood up. It was an enjoyable meal. And now they’re entering a bloody battlefield.

"We’re heading out." Kazuichi greeted, holding onto Tris’s hand as they headed out with Shig.

From inside the Nakashima Residence, Amaya, Arisu, and Suzu waved their hands as a farewell. They prayed for everybody’s safe return.