Chaos Mate ~Revenge In This Chaotic Academy~ - Chapter 55: The One-Eyed Master

Chapter 55: The One-Eyed Master

Entering the family home, we’re immediately led by Mom to the living room.

In the hallway, I’m greeted by black-suited men and a half-naked, tattooed bald guy with, “Welcome back, Young Master Madoka.” I brush them off with a simple “Yeah.”

I don’t like being called “Young Master,” but no matter how much I tell them to stop, they don’t. Seeing their troubled faces when I complain makes me feel awkward, so I just let it slide.

Nee-san loved being called “Lady Suzuka” and looked smug about it. Well, she was their real daughter.

For me, not their biological kid, being called “Young Master” just unsettles me.

We reach a spacious tatami room, and Mom urges us in with a smile.

Fearing a repeat of my takedown, the four others enter silently.

I feel a twinge of guilt for getting floored by Mom in front of them.

A long, low table sits in the room, and I take a seat cross-legged in front of it.

Glancing at Mogami beside me and the three behind her, I offer a heads-up.

“An old guy with a super stern face is probably coming. He’s decent despite his looks, so don’t misjudge him. He looks like a yakuza boss, but… yeah, don’t worry.”

“What was that pause!? That’s not reassuring!!”

Ignoring Motoki’s outburst, I face forward as the sliding door opens. A man in a black yukata, with a deep scar across his left eyelid, enters with Mom. Seeing me, he snorts, sits across, and props his cheek on an armrest.

“Been a while, brat.”

“Yeah, long time, old man. You holding up?”

“I ain’t so washed-up that a kid’s gotta worry about me. So, what’s with the sudden homecoming?”

“Sounds like I only come back with a reason. I’d come back anyway—this is my home. Or what, you didn’t want me back?”

“Geez, your mouth’s as sharp as ever. …And bringing friends? First time for that. What’s gotten into you?”

When Dad eyes the four, especially Mogami beside me, his stern face shifts to a sleazy grin.

“Didn’t think you’d get into girls. Finally becoming a man, huh?”

“What’re you talking about? That makes no sense.”

I shoot him a half-lidded, exasperated look. Mom clears her throat, nudges him with her elbow, and glares. Dad’s face pales, and he shuts up.

Let me say it again: The current head of the Tsubaki family is completely under his wife’s thumb.

Not a patriarch, but a henpecked husband.

“Dear, Madoka’s a high schooler now. It’s normal to be interested in girls. And stop saying that in front of them… or I’ll have words.”

“Sorry!!”

Dad straightens up to apologize, then clears his throat.

“Well, Madoka’s friends are welcome. We’ve got rooms ready—guys and girls separate—so make yourselves at home. If you need anything, ask the young guys around. They look rough, but they’re good at heart.”

Looking at the four, their faces scream they’ll never ask for help.

※

Leaving the living room and heading to our rooms, I climb to the second floor and return to mine after a long time.

Nothing’s changed—desk, shelves, all spotless. Mom or the staff must’ve been cleaning.

On the desk, a photo frame shows a young me with Nee-san.

“I’m back, Nee-san… Honestly, I wasn’t planning to return until I sorted out my feelings.”

As I get sentimental, there’s a knock at the door.

Turning, I see one of Dad’s black-suited men.

“Young Master Madoka, got a moment?”

“Fine, but what’s up? …Don’t tell me those guys already caused trouble…”

“No, no, nothing to do with your friends. Pure coincidence, but Tanimoto-san’s at the entrance, and the boss asked me to fetch you.”

“What… Shishou!?”

I rush out and head to the entrance.

There’s a white-haired man with his left eye hidden under a white bandage. He spots me and smiles faintly.

“Been a while, Madoka. You doing alright?”

“Y-Yes, Shishou! Long time. What brings you here…?”

“Business with the boss. Just stopping by.”

This is my master, Tanimoto Kento.

My sword teacher who visited me at the Tsubaki house, with exceptional combat skills.

The person I’ve admired and respected most since childhood.

With him, I can’t help but drop my usual attitude and speak politely.

By the way, I’ve never beaten him, in combat or anything else.

Nee-san taught me life’s essentials, but Shishou taught me the ways of life-or-death battles.

Dad, standing nearby, sighs and glances between me and Shishou.

“Geez, you never use polite speech with me, but it’s all ‘long time’ with him?”

“Shut up for a sec, Dad.”

“Hey, what’s with that tone!? I’m your father!!”

Ignoring the noisy old man, I invite Shishou inside.

The entrance gets a bit lively, and Mogami comes out of her room.

“…A guest?”

“Yeah. This is my master, who’s looked after me forever. Shishou, this is my classmate, Mogami.”

When Shishou looks at Mogami, his eyes seem to narrow briefly before returning to normal.

“…Nice to meet you. I’m Tanimoto. Look after Madoka, alright?”

“Y… Yes, hi…”

Mogami averts her gaze and hides behind me.

Right, she’s shy with strangers.

…Wait, is she trembling? It’s rare for her to act like this.

Was she intimidated by Shishou’s vibe?

She grips my sleeve until he enters the living room, then lets go.

“What’s up? Was Shishou that scary?”

“No!! …It’s none of your business…”

She looks me in the eye when denying it but looks down, muttering the rest.

Her expression feels like she’s built a new emotional wall, different from before.