It was thanks to his experience with battles in Forthorthe that he could understand her plans. That's why Koutarou was panicking. The most dangerous thing on the battlefield wasn't a strong enemy, but a calm one.
“Aren't you a scary child, boy... To understand that at your age, I'm really glad I waited for you to separate from your friend”
“Damnit!”
If she was just a strong enemy, she would surely use brute force when Koutarou and Clan were together. But that wasn't what she had done. Instead, she calmly waited for her chance. And that's why Koutarou was now in this predicament. Simple fighting power could easily be overcome by waiting for an opening.
“That's why I have something I would like to ask”
The woman lowered her scythe and the tip of it hit the ground.
When it did, the people in front of and behind Koutarou and Kii stopped moving. They kept their distance and surrounded Koutarou and Kii.
...Is she these people's leader...?
Based off of the reaction the strange group showed, Koutarou felt like they were her followers. He couldn't imagine what kind of relationship they had, but if they were cooperating it was a problematic situation for him.
“Could you just hand that girl over?”
The mysterious woman stood in the center of a circle her strange group formed and pointed at Kii with her empty left hand.
“Kii-chan?”
Koutarou carefully watched his surroundings as he answered. He couldn't let his guard down for a moment.
“Yes, that's right. I want that girl”
The shape of her mouth that was peeking out from under the hood changed to a smile. However, there was no friendliness in her smile. If anything, it was freezing cold.
“It's not like I live to fight. If possible, I don't want to fight with you, boy. Neither do you, right?”
They were gentle words on the surface, but it was obviously a threat. It was an old trick, to threaten your target after showing off your ability. It put pressure on the opponent, saying they would be killed if they didn't obey.
“Onii-chan”
Kii grabbed onto Koutarou's sleeve. That action alone was enough to make Koutarou understand her feelings. She was afraid of the woman, and she didn't want to part with him. Koutarou touched Kii's hand and glared at the woman.
“What are you planning on doing with her? It doesn't look like you're here to take her back home”
If she was just going to take back Kii home, there wouldn't have been a reason to attack Koutarou. The previous strike was enough to cut off his arm if it wasn't for the bracelet. She was quite clearly hostile.
“I believe it would be easier for you to hand her over before you hear that reason”
“So you really are planning on killing her”
Koutarou read her intentions based on the woman's behavior and words.
“Oh, I never mentioned such a thing?”
“What an obvious lie...”
“I just want to finish my job with ease. There's no ulterior motive”
Seeing Koutarou's reaction, the mysterious woman smiled again. That smile was enough to convince Koutarou.
Her aim was Kii's life. It didn't look like she was planning on killing her here, but that was her ultimate goal.
Having realized that, Koutarou clearly refused.
“I won't let you have her. She's my precious friend!”
“Onii-chan!!”
Kii's expression brightened. She knew that their current situation was bad, but she was happy that Koutarou hadn't abandoned her. She was also happy that he had called her his friend.