Black Clover: The Son of Fire Dragon Igneel

"Conspiracy and Enemies"

Kurogane Shizuku was undeniably defeated, even giving her all, she was cut down by Raikiri.

Despite proving her growth and strength, she wept.

Drake understood her frustration; losing to Touka Toudou wasn't the issue; not being able to participate in the Seven Star Sword Festival with her brother was what she couldn't accept.

However, comforting her was Ikki Kurogane's job! Nagi Arisuin was also there as a true best friend; Drake had no place in that.

For Drake, the Okutama trip was crucial. But unbeknownst to him, more than one conspiracy was brewing in the shadows, and he was caught in the crossfire.

…

Shinjuku was one of Tokyo's most bustling areas. Among the forest of skyscrapers, a thirty-story building stood out.

This was the International Magic Knight Alliance's Japanese branch; the branch head's office was on the top floor.

Although it was night, the office was dark. Through the bright neon lights of Shinjuku, a figure could be seen sitting there.

The man who controlled all of Japan's sword masters, the head of the Kurogane family, 〈Iron Blood〉 Itsuki Kurogane.

Before him sat a fat middle-aged man with a fawning smile, resembling the Ebisu god enshrined in shrines.

His attitude was due to their relationship—branch head and subordinate.

The man's name was Akaza Mamoru, the head of a Kurogane branch family.

"Regarding Ikki Kurogane, you say you have a brilliant plan!"

Itsuki Kurogane looked directly at Akaza Mamoru, clearly interested.

"As you know, if this continues, Ikki Kurogane might get a spot at the Seven Star Sword Festival. That would be troublesome!"

It's hard to believe Itsuki Kurogane is Ikki Kurogane's father; he seems like an implacable enemy.

This is because Ikki Kurogane's activities contradict Itsuki Kurogane's beliefs and challenge his methods of managing Japan's sword masters.

Therefore, Itsuki Kurogane would do anything to remove Ikki Kurogane from the sword master world, even if he's his son!

Akaza Mamoru sensed this and saw an opportunity for advancement.

"Head of the family, rest assured! He's just a student; he doesn't know the dangers of the adult world!

Leave this to me, Akaza Mamoru! Ikki Kurogane will never be your problem again."

Akaza Mamoru's plump face showed a suspicious smile.

…

Unlike the Alliance's Japanese branch in the bustling city, this place was in the wilderness, like a villain's hideout.

Like Itsuki Kurogane's office, it lacked light, but this room had a swamp-like atmosphere. Perhaps this was due to the different ki in the room.

A large screen illuminated part of a sofa and the legs of the person sitting on it.

His face was hidden in the darkness, but his visible clothes were clown-like.

Surprisingly, the screen showed recordings of Hagun Academy's intra-school tournament.

Different matches were shown in separate squares, including Touka Toudou, Kanata Toutokubara, Stella, and Drake's matches.

"My, my! Hagun Academy is impressive this year; so many strong individuals.

Thinking about them as potential opponents gives me a headache!"

The clown didn't seem worried. He was confident in his forces.

He didn't know all of their identities, but the two he contacted weren't simple. The most reliable was beside him.

Leaning against the wall, hidden in the darkness, was a tall boy.

He watched the screen, focusing on two matches—Stella and Drake's.

The clown noticed. "The Crimson Princess might be… no, she'll definitely be a target.

I heard you agreed to this operation to see her."

The boy's voice was cold. "The Crimson Princess is too naive! I want to fight another man!"

The clown followed his gaze—a boy enveloped in flames, like Stella.

"The exchange student from Shinryuu Temple, Drake… he's impressive."

"He's strong; he hasn't been serious. Only once…"

The boy seemed to recall something unpleasant and stopped.

The clown, oblivious, said, "Your mock battle with your brother? Strange; his only serious match was with your simple brother!"

The boy said coldly, "I said I have no connection to the Kurogane family!"

The boy's last name was Kurogane; he was Ikki Kurogane's brother. This family's relationships are strange.

A father who sees his son as an enemy, a brother who cut ties with the family, and a brother-obsessed sister… Ikki Kurogane had it rough… he ran away, so it's fine.

The boy's gaze swept over Ikki Kurogane's match; his expression was unchanged.

"So cold!" the clown teased.

The boy didn't want to continue; he didn't like the clown and turned to leave.

The clown remained seated, his gaze fixed on Stella and Drake's matches.

He leaned forward, revealing a stiff, malicious smile.

The boy, though facing away, seemed to see it.

"Clown, I don't know what you're doing, but don't do anything pointless before the 'pre-festival' starts.

I'm a student; I don't understand military tactics. But you're from the Army; you can't act rashly before an operation!"

The clown didn't care.

"But just waiting is boring! It's not fun! I hate things that aren't fun! I'm 〈Pierrot〉; I must always smile. Whether doing good or bad, a clown must enjoy it!"

The boy found this incomprehensible. "You're the same; I don't understand.

Do as you please; don't interfere with me."

The clown was excited. "That's good! If a clown were easily understood, it wouldn't be fun!"

The boy coldly said, "If you interfere, I'll be the first to eliminate you!"

"Don't scare me! I'm a clown; I only do things for 'fun'!"

The boy left without stopping.

The clown moved his fingers, muttering, "Who will come? How will the new puppet perform? This is… interesting!"

__________________

for more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.

For 10$- All advance chapters.