God of Tricksters

Three days later.

Ryoichi was sitting in front of a small temple he built to honor his wife and daughter in his house. There was a shield next to him.

In front of the photo of his wife and daughter, he said, "Dear. I'm going to move on… I'm afraid that I can't meet you easily in the future… I don't even know what I will find after doing this. I might even end up regretting it.

"However, I want to honor the promise I've made as well. I'll keep living on and find a new purpose in my life. I hope that every year I can come back here to tell you about my journey and purpose.

"Darling daughter… I'm going to become the father that you're proud of. I know it won't be easy, but your father won't run from it anymore. Please watch over me… I'll leave this shield to protect you." Ryoichi rose from the floor and put the shield in front of the temple as if trying to use it to protect them.

He had done the same thing to the grave. He used these two shields, hoping to protect them even if he wasn't there.

After saying his goodbye, Ryoichi then walked away while saying, "Then… I'm going."

As he walked, he somehow felt his heart become a bit heavy for a split second as if someone was touching it. It might be because of the state of his heart, but Ryoichi thought it came from his wife and daughter as if it was the only way to say goodbye to him.

With a sad smile on his face, he said, "See you later. Both of you."

…

In the meantime, Rea had also prepared her luggage. Due to the Sword Saint's influence, it was easy for her to leave the country. Unlike Ryoichi, she could follow Theo straight away.

"Are you sure you will go?" Sojuro asked Rea again.

"You have asked that same question 44 times." Rea sighed, feeling a headache just from hearing that question. "Honorable Father wants me to go. Then, I'll do it."

"But you can simply ask him to take it back. Even that Joker won't mind doing it." Sojuro pouted. Even though he had heard the reason from the Sword Saint, he became hesitant again since Rea had always been on his side for as long as he could remember.

"I'll do it… Besides…" Rea paused for a moment, recalling the talk between her and the Sword Saint.

"Do you hate me for sending you away, Rea?" He asked.

"I know that you have your intention to send me like that. But if you don't mind, I'd like to ask what your real intention is…"

"There are multiple reasons. But I can tell you are three of them…" He raised three fingers. "First, Joker is a rising star. I want you to observe that group and see whether it's a good idea to form a real relationship with him and his group or not.

"The fact that he can gather multiple Mythical Rank Experts alone is already astonishing, let alone when those Mythical Rank Experts are the hardest bunch to recruit. There is something in him, and I know that's important.

"It's true that I can eliminate him, but I'd rather have an ally instead of removing a potential threat. I know that he's going to have a little grudge against me, so I want you to keep me informed about the situation. Before he becomes as strong as me, we can simply mend that relationship.

"So, I'll leave the rest in your hand. Make sure that you don't antagonize the people over there and follow his orders. If possible, you can learn from him as well.

"Second, I want you to monitor the movement in the US. There are already several spies there, but the US is currently in the center of the storm. According to my investigation, the Fist Saint and the Death Reaper have begun to move. With Joker as the proof of your identity, your movement will be more unrestrained.

"You can use my identity to scare them. If you have something that can't be solved, you can call me to ask for help. I'll see what I can do from here.

"Last but not least, I want you to have an accidental meeting with this Joker and find out the face behind that mask. Unlike me, who can forcefully remove his mask, your accident is more tolerable. This way, we can learn Joker's real identity.

"For example, you can simply storm inside the bathroom when he takes a bath… Don't forget to cover yourself with a long towel. Or you can go to his bedroom for a sneak attack, no sex is allowed. Just tell him that I'm a traditional person that allows you to have sex after you two get married. He should pull back because he hates me right now. Anyway, that's the gist of it."

The Sword Saint explained it. Though, the real reason was to make Rea experience character development.

"But I'm afraid Joker will push me away since he should have seen through your plan."

"Yes. That's why I'll abuse my authority one last time and add another condition when you meet him tomorrow. I will have you stay in his mansion. Will all this be alright with you?"

Rea thought for a moment and nodded. "I might be a bit uncomfortable with it, but I think this is necessary. What if Joker still hates you in the future?"

"In that case, you inform me about it, and I'll personally come to kill him. I know that the treatment will be worse, and it's going to be extremely dangerous for you… but I know that you're a smart child. You should be able to find a way to blend in."

"Understood." Rea acknowledged his mission and stood up, planning to leave.

"That's right. Before you leave… I mean, tonight…" The Sword Saint stopped her for a moment. "Let's have dinner. Me, your mom, you, and Sojuro. Only the four of us."

Rea had a small smile. "Yes. I'll be looking forward to it."

At this time, they were unaware what they had gotten into because playing with Theo was the same as playing with fire.