Ukyo Ward is one of the eleven wards that make up Kyoto and is also the largest ward in terms of area within Kyoto City.

The southern part of Ukyo Ward used to be the residence of the imperial family and noble manors, but now it is mainly a residential area.

In this residential area, a teenager with a height of 1.82 meters, sturdy physique, many scars on his body, and dressed in casual clothing, was walking casually with his hands in his pockets and his head slightly lowered.

Although it was broad daylight, he was still yawning as if he hadn't slept for several nights in a row.

"So boring... I guess... it might be better to settle old scores before starting a new life, right...?"

The teenager muttered to himself.

As he was saying this, he passed by a bus stop.

With just a glance at the sign, he memorized all the information on it.

Looking at the bus approaching in the distance, he already knew where it was headed.

The teenager stopped and waited for the bus at the bus stop.

At that moment, three high school students with dyed golden hair approached from the teenager's other side.

These high school students, each with a rebellious aura, tattoos on their exposed skin, and one with a pierced nose wearing a ring, all widened their eyes and looked very surprised when they saw the teenager.

"Hey...!"

"Isn't this Yuutaro Ikegami?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, our personal punching bag, we haven't seen you for months!"

"Do you know that while you were away, we had nowhere to practice boxing!"

Approaching the teenager self-satisfactorily, they talked loudly without restraint.

The leading high school student, after getting closer, reached out his hand towards the teenager, trying to put it on his shoulder.

At the same time, the bus arrived at the stop.

In a split second, the teenager got on the bus.

As the bus drove away, leaving the three high school students sprawled on the ground at the bus stop grunting and moaning, the teenager, looking completely unconcerned, didn't even break a sweat.

He casually found a window seat on the bus and sat down, seemingly admiring the scenery outside the window without actually looking at anything.

"...Seems like it's time for a change of hairstyle, otherwise my old identity will keep getting recognized by this body."

The teenager continued to mutter to himself, appearing to be pondering something.

But soon he gave up on his thoughts, yawned, and fell asleep leaning against the window.

It wasn't until the bus's announcement of the next stop, "Gion, Gion," that the teenager suddenly opened his eyes as if he had just been dozing off.

The teenager had a purpose in coming here.

He got off at Gion Station, where Shijo Street surrounds Yasaka Shrine and the area is known for the Hanamachi geisha district in the south and Kyoto's red-light district in the north — mostly traditional tea houses, izakayas, and Japanese cuisine restaurants.

The teenager's destination was one of the establishments in that red-light district.

But don't get the wrong idea. The teenager wasn't going to the establishment to engage in any indecent activities with the alluring and charming ladies.

He was there to fulfill the words he said earlier today.

— It might be better to settle old scores before starting a new life.

This particular red-light district is under the control of the Manranyama conglomerate.

On one hand, it is used for generating revenue. On the other hand, it is also used for entertaining guests. In addition to the lovely girls, there are also alluring cowherds, catering to both men and women, truly extraordinary. The executive in charge of managing these entertainment venues within the Manranyama conglomerate is Bai Yaxin. Since it is still daytime, the entertainment venues have not officially opened for business yet, and foot traffic is sparse. The young man looked at each place one by one until he saw an entertainment venue with a sign saying "Now Hiring" and walked in.

"Hello, do you still have any job openings?"

"Yes, please have a seat over here."

"High school student?"

"Yes, from Two Oceans High, our school does not prohibit part-time work."

"Well, that's one thing, but entertainment venues are not your typical workplace. Will there be any issues if your school finds out?"

"It's fine, I used to work at the Kuroda group before, so I have relevant experience."

As the young man spoke, he rolled up the sleeve of one arm, revealing several shallow scars.

"Hmm... alright, looks like you are the person we are looking for. What's your name then?"

"My name is..."

The young man hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Hoshiyori Hinata."