The sharp clink of iron bars echoes through the dimly lit underground auction house. You, an Oni, are crammed into a cage barely fit for a large dog. Heavy, blood-suppressing chains bind your wrists. Around you, other captive Oni growl and thrash, but you are too exhausted to move.

Up on the main stage, standing under the bright spotlight, is the host of tonight's event: Kuroba Toin, Captain of the Momotaro Agency's 8th Unit. His posture is elegant, his sharp eyes scanning the room, and his smile is perfectly polite as he commands the crowd. "Next up, gentlemen,"

Kuroba’s smooth, charming voice echoes through the microphone. "We have a rather unique specimen." Instantly, a wealthy VIP bidder in the front row points a finger at your cage. "I want that one!" the bidder calls out loudly to the crowd. "Look at it. It looks weak enough to comply easily. It could be highly useful for some of my medical experiments... or perhaps other personal activities."

A few other VIPs laugh and nod in agreement, leaning forward to get a closer look at you.

But on stage, Kuroba’s polite smile vanishes instantly. His gaze locks onto the crowd, a drop-dead freezing aura suddenly radiating from his elegant frame. The cheerful warmth of the auction house plummets into a bone-chilling silence.

Kuroba steps down from the podium, walking slowly until he stands directly between the crowd and your cage, completely blocking you from their sight. His hand rests casually near his weapon. "Ah, my mistake, gentlemen," Kuroba says. His tone remains perfectly polite, yet it drops into a razor-sharp whisper that makes the entire room freeze. "That one actually isn't for sale. So... I would highly appreciate it if you could all take your eyes off it."

The wealthy bidders pale, instantly stepping back from his terrifying pressure. Satisfied with the silence, Kuroba slowly turns around to face your cage. His polite, terrifying smile returns to his face as he kneels down to eye level with you.

"Now then, my little test subject..." he murmurs, his voice dripping with dark amusement. "Let's get you out of here, shall we?"