26. I’m Here to Help You

At the heart of the cruise ship stood a massive arena.

Rows of spectator seats fanned outward in a square formation, encircling a steel octagonal cage at the center.

The thick, rusted bars of the cage twisted together chaotically, exuding a savage aura.

The bloodstains splattered across them made it impossible to tell whether the metallic stench in the air came from rust—or from dried blood.

Though night had fallen outside, the ship remained brightly lit.

The moment President Sakamoto appeared with a microphone in hand, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.

"Welcome, honored guests, to Heaven on Earth! "

Sakamoto’s gaze swept across the audience—these were the elite of the Land of Rivers, the very foundation that allowed a merchant like him to thrive.

Thus, ensuring they forgot all their worries and indulged in absolute pleasure was Sakamoto’s top priority.

In some ways, it was even more important than defeating Gato.

"Tonight, we present to you an unprecedented spectacle!"

"I’m sure you’ve all grown tired of beasts tearing into each other… or slaves fighting to the death."

"So this time, we bring you something you’ve never seen before— a duel between mutants! "

"Enjoy the show!"

As Sakamoto’s voice faded, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the brutal octagon.

From the entrance tunnel, Abu, Sakamoto’s most trusted ninja, stepped forward, dragging a heavy chain.

But what lay at the other end wasn’t a beast—

It was people.

Shiraishi Mori’s parents.

Shiraishi Ao and Yanashima Keiko, freshly turned into ghouls.

Their clothes were tattered, their ankles, wrists, and necks shackled in heavy restraints that clanked with every step.

Just before they entered the arena, Abu spoke coldly:

"Remember. You have one hour. Only one of you walks out alive."

"If not… your son will be taken for experimentation."

At the word "experimentation," Ao and Keiko shuddered involuntarily. The horrors they had endured were still fresh in their minds.

The thought of their son suffering the same fate was unbearable.

"If you don’t die… he will."

Abu smirked, then released the chains and shoved them forward.

Ao clenched his fists, his face twisted with anguish.

"I’m sorry, Keiko… This is all my fault..."

Beside him, Keiko shook her head weakly, her brittle hair swaying. She offered a fragile smile.

"It’s not your fault."

"When the time comes… kill me."

Ao refused. "No. If anyone dies, it should be me."

Keiko stared at the nobles in the stands—their jewels and silks glinting under the lights—then closed her eyes.

"Ao… you’re stronger than me. You have a better chance of saving our son."

Her eyes snapped open, locking onto his.

"Living is the harder path. Don’t make me bear that pain."

"Keiko..."

Shiraishi Ao’s voice faltered. He had no words left.

The audience, growing impatient, began to jeer.

"Hurry up! What’s the hold-up?"

"Where’s the ‘ghouls’? This is boring!"

Abu’s voice turned icy. "Enough. Begin."

Keiko gritted her teeth—

Then her pupils burned crimson.

Eight slender, blade-like limbs erupted from her back, lashing toward Ao like swords.

Ao roared, and from his waist burst a massive, dark-purple centipede, intercepting the attack with a shower of sparks!

The clash ignited the crowd’s frenzy.

"What the hell is that?!"

"President Sakamoto outdid himself—real ghouls!"

"Is this some kind of ninjutsu? Incredible!"

"Kill him! Tear her apart!"

As the audience roared, servers weaved through the stands, taking bets on who would survive.

No one cared about the fighters’ names, their past, or their pain.

The nobles only craved this fleeting thrill.

Ao and Keiko fought desperately, their attacks fueled by agony.

They had considered rebelling—using their newfound power to break free, to save their son and the other villagers.

But even with the Kagune, they were no match for Sakamoto’s forces.

And if they failed, their son would pay the price.

So, after decades of love, they now tore into each other—burning their lives to please the Jashin Cult, all for their child’s slim chance at survival.


---

Meanwhile, in the Dungeon

While the arena raged, Shiki stepped into the prison.

Shiraishi Mori knelt on the ground, his head buried in his hands, utterly broken.

"Given up already?"

Shiki’s voice made the boy snap his head up.

"You—!"

"You’re the one who ate at my house!"

"That necklace… you left it on purpose, didn’t you? Why? To lure me here?"

Shiki adjusted his glasses calmly.

"The necklace was indeed a trap. But coming here? That was your choice."

Mori’s hands clawed at his hair in frustration.

"If I hadn’t come… maybe my parents would’ve—!"

Shiki smiled.

"Their fate wouldn’t have changed either way."

"Luckily, they survived the experiment."

For a second, hope flickered in Mori’s eyes—until Shiki crushed it.

"But now, to keep you alive… they’re killing each other for the crowd’s amusement."

"Killing… each other?"

Mori gripped the bars, trembling violently.

"Why…"

"WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS?!"

He slammed his fists against the cage, but it was useless.

Shiki’s voice remained eerily calm.

"No reason. To them, your parents are just exotic crickets—toys for entertainment."

Mori’s knuckles turned white.

After a long silence, he rasped:

"Then why are you here?"

"To laugh at me?"

Shiki’s smile widened.

"I’m here to help you."