Chapter 1177 Leaving 'So, Joker is stronger.' Rea closed her eyes. She didn't know what to feel right now. The Sword Saint had noticed her heart, so he had expected another movement in her heart after seeing the brother she had seen as her rival was defeated.
After all, the goal that she had chased this whole time was completely defeated by another person of the same generation.
Meanwhile, the Sword Saint looked at Theo and said, "I'm not going to do anything. It's clear that you've won. Take my daughter with you, and if you try to harm her, I don't mind fighting against the Time God as long as I can kill you."
Theo squinted his eyes, finding a loophole in his words. Just like what he said, if he harmed her, he would be dead before he could reach his level. However, it would be different if the opponent was much stronger than him.
"You should know that I'm living a very dangerous life…" Theo replied.
"My daughter has enough ability to protect herself. Besides, she would be able to provide you with some knowledge about Technique." He smiled before glancing at his daughter. "Of course. You can tell all the general stuff. Leave our family stuff alone."
Rea nodded her head. As expected, her father had a reason for sending her to Theo. If not, he wouldn't go all the way to threaten Theo.
"You are surely bold. To send your daughter to a battlefield where she can die at any moment." Theo snorted.
"At the very least, you're going to protect her until you are strong enough to fight me." The Sword Saint smirked. Both of them seemed to have their own plans regarding Rea, while the latter also prepared herself to do this.
Theo then walked to Ryoichi and said, "I'm going to leave the country in three days. I know that you have a dilemma in your heart, so I want to tell you that… I'm not going to force you to come with me. If you accept my offer, come to me before I leave this country.
"I don't mind playing with those who are stopping you from leaving the country." Theo then took out his Skylink. "I'll send you my number, so you can inform me."
"There's no need for that. I have two questions for you."
"Go on."
"Will I still be able to get stronger?"
Theo then pointed at the Sword Saint. "You ask him. He will tell you the same thing."
"…" Ryoichi closed his eyes for a moment and asked, "Will my shield be able to protect something again?"
"I already told you. I need a shield." Theo only stated this, reminding him about Theo's strength. It was clear that Theo's strength was overwhelming because he managed to defeat Sojuro, whose offensive strength was among the best in the younger generation.
"If that's the case… I have two conditions." Ryoichi raised two fingers. "First, I'd like to visit my family grave every year."
"I won't stop you from going." Theo agreed without hesitation.
"Second. Do you think I can get a new shield? I don't think my current shield is enough…"
Theo smirked. "Well, that's the Star Group's specialty."
Ryoichi closed his eyes, pondering everything for one last time. When he opened his eyes, his expression was serious and firm as if he had decided what to do.
"I understand. I'll follow you."
"Good enough. You can take your time to handle all the processes. I believe it won't be that hard to find me as soon as you reach the US. I'll be waiting for you." Theo nodded.
The Sword Saint was listening to their conversation. Just like Theo said, Ryoichi's strength was still great even if he couldn't harm living beings anymore. If he wanted it, no one would bother Ryoichi anymore since the title of the Sword Saint was basically the only thing needed to stop them.
However, the Sword Saint didn't plan to recruit him. After all, Ryoichi should go to Theo so that Theo's group could become stronger. At the very least, it would be hard for the enemies to harm his daughter when she was still with them.
"In that case, it's time for me to excuse myself. Thank you for providing a worthwhile experience." Theo then nodded to the Sword Saint and Sojuro one last time before leaving the dojo. He was already annoyed that he ended up needing to take care of Rea.
'Well, I have plenty of ways to use her identity.' Theo sighed. 'The Sword Saint's daughter title is at least a bit useful. Even if the Griffith Family finds out who I truly am… they will think twice because the fact Rea is there means I have a cooperation with the Sword Saint. Whatever. I'll just see what's going to happen from now on.'
Theo then left without a word while Shinoda felt relieved that there wouldn't be anything wrong with the diplomatic issue.
After they were far enough, Jeff asked, "Are you sure about this? There's going to be a spy within our group. There's no way that woman is going to be loyal."
"I know you're worried about it. Even I don't like where this is going. However, our group is not strong enough to fight the Sword Saint… So, I'll also be using her the way I want to." Theo stated coldly.
"I see. A pitiful woman indeed. I guess I will lend her my mansion."
"Yeah. She won't be near us anytime soon. That's why I think I need to speed up my plan." Theo sighed.
"Your plan?"
"Yeah. In one and a half years, I want to get five more Mythical Rank Experts to complete the group and reach Mythical Rank." Theo smirked. "Do you think I'm too young to do all this?"
"No. You have enough strength to do it." Jeff shook his head. "The faster you get stronger, the quicker my dream can be fulfilled. I'll support all your decisions."
"Is that so?" Theo smiled. "I guess I should start killing some monsters after we go back."
"Indeed. Do you want any help?"
"No. It's fine. I can do it alone." Theo smiled.
"Got it."