As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld

Chapter 54: The Rats’ Preparations

The Rats moved fast.

Kazune’s bold step toward Arius sent a wave of shock through them, but a few moments later, they realized it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If it was just about being recognized and taken in by Arius, other chances might’ve come.

But the chance to be seen as exceptional and desired by him? That was unique to that moment.

So, Kazune’s fearless move earned her a kind of respect.

She herself was wincing, half-laughing, half-regretting her impulsiveness, but no one else could’ve seized that fleeting opportunity so perfectly.

“Everyone ready?”

At the Rats’ base, all nod at Kazune’s words. No way they’d lag behind here.

“Pfft, you guys are way too serious! Chill a bit, come on.”

Having plenty of spirit was great, but Kazune laughs, saying they’re too intense.

This kind of care, this ease, was something Shuri, the previous leader, never had.

No need to debate which is better—neither approach dimmed their performance.

If anything, Kazune herself has grown in a good way, not burning too hot for the job.

To put it simply, she’s got balance now. She knows where to push and where to ease off, directing the team just right.

No dip in performance—it’s only gotten better.

“Alright, I’ll lay out the plan, so save questions and opinions for after, cool?”

“Got it.”

The briefing starts.

As Arius said, this wasn’t a simple job.

“Investigate Yuri-kun, the boy who collapsed in the alley. And figure out why he was there… You probably guessed, but he’s likely a kidnapping victim. I checked with Mia-sama, and besides exhaustion, his tendons were cut.”

Like Shuri being sold by her parents, beyond a sister’s redemption, there’s “legitimate” human trafficking recognized by law.

But some get people through legal channels, and others don’t.

“So, that means…”

“Yup, exactly. Probably another Family’s work. No way they’d just ditch him in our territory… They’re picking a fight.”

The air around Kazune grows heavy.

She’d take any request from Arius without blinking, but this time, she was ready to investigate with or without it. Same for all the Rats.

“Kill ‘em.”

“Outsiders must die.”

“No mercy.”

Honestly, they were pissed.

The Rats, Towa, Mia—all of them. They didn’t show it to spare Arius worry, but they’d sworn to make them pay.

Serika, especially.

It’s probably her first time recognizing a clear external enemy. She’s struggling to keep her anger in check.

The Snakes, training with her under the guise of combat practice, are getting a lot of sympathy.

But since the Snakes share her mindset, they’re all for it, and the monsters they train against are… well, not fit for display.

“Haha, talk about unity—what is this, some youth drama? Sorry, sorry, kinda killed the vibe. For investigating where Yuri-kun’s home is, per Arius-san’s wishes, we’re not asking him directly or confirming with him.”

“Uh, what?”

“He wants him focused on recovering.”

“Noble.”

“Love that.”

“He’s always making me die of admiration.”

“Gimme more of that, come on.”

“Ten billion points.”

The tense atmosphere vanishes. Some even stand up with such gusto they pass out on the spot.

“Alright, alright, I was the same when he said it, so I can’t talk. That’s the deal, so we’re digging into the group that messed up either way. If we nab their tail, we’ll probably find Yuri-kun’s home too… Sound good?”

“Got it!”

“Cool. Let’s move on.”

They reset and refocus.

The Rats straighten up, listening intently.

“Based on our ongoing investigation of the capital’s Family dynamics, plus info from Mia-sama, there are five factions that could challenge the Arius Family. Sure, if you include reckless small-timers who don’t know our deal, that number grows, but we don’t need to worry about them this time. Naturally, one of the five is the Ugly Duckling.”

The Ugly Duckling.

The air stirs zawari at the name.

“If the Ugly Duckling’s involved, it’s gonna be rough. You know they’ve been gaining power fast since the Eld Family broke up, right? We don’t know why they’ve grown so strong, but they’re definitely a capable Family.”

When the Eld Family dissolved and its members left the capital, the Ugly Duckling rose, a Family—or possibly a coalition of Families—without a formal name, its true nature unclear.

If there’s one thing clear right now, it’s that whoever’s leading the Ugly Duckling holds serious sway in the capital’s underworld.

Even Nelba can’t track their movements, stuck playing catch-up.

If the Snakes were at full strength, it might’ve been different, but now, overpowered and tied to the Arius Family, any move waits until their alliance is solid.

“So, first, we gather info to confirm Yuri-kun’s a kidnapping victim. At the same time, we investigate Families running kidnapping rackets.”

Kazune’s certain Yuri’s a victim.

But there’s a chance he’s part of the Ugly Duckling. They need to confirm he’s just a victim.

That’s how elusive the Ugly Duckling is—enough to make you paranoid about your own allies.

Some Families have already collapsed from internal splits caused by that paranoia.

Kazune even thinks they need to investigate within the Arius Family itself.

“But, Leader? If the Ugly Duckling might be involved, we’re kinda short on manpower.”

“Yeah, tailing key figures is the best approach, I know. But there’s a risk of falling for decoy ops, and setting up double tails stretches us too thin.”

Kazune’s mind flashes to Shuri’s face.

Shuri could do it. Her stealth skills would shine in a situation like this.

They’re no slouches themselves, but Shuri’s on another level.

Her perception, Shuri’s stealth.

Together, they’d easily overcome any manpower shortage.

“Tch…”

She’s always thought it, felt it, even when they worked together. They were the perfect partners.

Knowing that makes her bitter that Shuri’s not by her side now.

Bitter, and pissed at herself for feeling that way.

“Kazune…”

“Don’t say it. I know, we need to ask for her help.”

They could pull it off with the current team.