After having lunch, the couple were now in Uzume's room. The room was small but cozy, its feminine touch evident in the soft pink futon, the neatly folded spare blankets, and a few decorative customs hanging near the window.
Sitting on the floor across from each other, Issei and Uzume stared silently at one another.
The air between them was thick—not with tension, but with the weight of an upcoming conversation.
Issei exhaled deeply, steeling his nerves.
'Okay. You can do this. You've explained crazy stuff before.'
This was important. He wanted to be honest with Uzume. She was his Sekirei now. His partner. His wife, technically. There shouldn't be secrets between them. He needed to make her believe him. He needed to keep his focus.
Were the thoughts of Issei as he tried to be completely serious in what he was going to tell her. Unfortunately his eyes were now going down to her chest. His gaze involuntarily locked onto her chest. 'You can stare at her amazing Oppai later! Right now, you need to focus on explaining the situation!'
Meanwhile, Uzume watched him with barely hidden amusement.
She could see it all. The way his eyes darted downward before snapping back up. The way he tried so hard to look serious, only to keep failing.
Her lips curled into a small smirk. 'He's adorable in thinking I don't see him looking at my breast. I wonder if that has to do with my winging.'
Normally, she'd tease him about it. But this time, his face was different. Beneath the awkwardness, there was determination. Something about this conversation mattered to him.
Issei took a deep breath. "Alright, Uzume. There's something I need to tell you."
Uzume tilted her head. "Hmm? That serious, huh?"
Issei nodded. "Yeah. I don't want to keep any secrets between us."
Uzume tilted her head. "That's sweet, Issei~. But now I'm really curious. What's got you so serious?"
Issei took a deep breath. "I'm… not from this world or a normal human."
Silence.
Uzume blinked. Then she snorted. "Pfft! Hah! Good one, Issei! Not from this world—"
Issei stared at her, unblinking.
Uzume's smile faltered. She leaned back slightly. "...Wait. You're serious?"
Issei nodded.
"You remember how I fell from the sky?"
Uzume, still reeling, slowly nodded. "Yeah… I was wondering about that."
"That happened because of this." He lifted his left arm. A sleek, futuristic-looking watch was wrapped around his wrist, its polished black surface glinting in the sunlight. "This is the Dimensional Watch. It lets me travel to other worlds and dimensions."
Uzume stared. The words registered in her brain—but they didn't make sense. Then she laughed. "Oh come on, Issei. A 'Dimensional Watch'? What are you—?" Before she could finish, a soft chime echoed from the device.
Then a smooth, sophisticated female voice rang out. "An honor to meet you, Master's newest lady."
Uzume jumped in surprise. "WHAT THE HELL?!"
A holographic screen flickered to life above the watch, displaying a glowing interface of complex data and information.
Uzume stared, wide-eyed. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish, her mind desperately trying to process what she was seeing.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the voice continued, "I am Sherri, the Dimensional Watch's advanced AI assistant. It is a pleasure to meet you, Uzume."
Uzume slowly turned back to Issei. Then back to the watch. Then back to Issei. "...Oh my god, you weren't joking."
Issei grinned sheepishly. "Yeah. I really wasn't."
Uzume opened her mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again. "Wait, wait, wait—so you're telling me you're some interdimensional traveler?!"
Issei rubbed his neck. "Uh… yeah, pretty much."
Uzume ran a hand through her hair. "Holy crap."
Then Issei lifted his right arm. With a flash of crimson light, a massive dragon-shaped gauntlet appeared on his hand.
Uzume stiffened. "...What the hell is that?"
Issei grinned sheepishly. "This? This is the Boosted Gear. It houses the soul of an ancient dragon."
Uzume's brain officially short-circuited. "...I'm sorry. What?"
—---------------
High above the traditional hallways and cozy rooms of Izumo Inn, in a secluded, dusty attic filled with flickering monitors and tangled wires, a single figure sat hunched over a keyboard.
Glowing screens reflected in her sharp amber eyes, shifting between various places and angles. Live feeds flickered across the displays, some in infrared, others enhanced by night vision filters.
A mischievous smirk curled at the corner of her lips. Sekirei No. 2—Matsu.
The Sekirei of Wisdom.
And the resident hacker of Izumo Inn.
She adjusted her red-rimmed glasses, her fingers dancing across the keyboard with practiced ease as she zoomed in on one particular feed—Uzume's room.
Her smirk widened. "Ohhh?~ So my dear Uzume-chan finally brought home a man? How scandalous!" She leaned forward, expecting something steamy.
A new Ashikabi? A passionate first night? Maybe a little forbidden romance?The possibilities sent delightful shivers down her spine.
But then, she froze. Her grin vanished. Her glasses slid down her nose as she squinted at the screen. "...What the hell am I looking at?"
On the screen, Uzume and the mystery boy were sitting across from each other.
The boy—an average-looking teenager in a school uniform—held up his arm, revealing a high-tech watch.
Matsu tilted her head. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, running a quick analysis of the device. The scan came back blank. No manufacturer data. No wireless connection. No signal interference. Nothing. A device that shouldn't exist.
Her curiosity piqued.
Then the watch glowed, and a sophisticated female voice chimed through the speakers. "Good evening, Master's newest lady."
Matsu's eyes widened. "Holy crap." She zoomed in further, adjusting the audio feed.
The boy—Hyoudou Issei, if she caught his introduction correctly—was calmly explaining the impossible. Dimensional travel. Other worlds. A device that could break through reality itself.
Uzume's reaction was priceless. Matsu's, however, was borderline manic.
Her hands shook with excitement as she pulled up more data, cross-referencing every known record on the Sekirei's mothership, any M.B.I reports and any technological discovery in the world. Nothing. No match. No existing documentation. The watch or this boy didn't exist.
Unfortunately the surprises were not over. The screen flashed red as Issei lifted his right arm.
A blinding crimson light erupted, forming into a dragon-shaped gauntlet.
Matsu's heart stopped.
Her mind raced. Her scientific curiosity exploded into overdrive.
"OH MY, WHAT IS THIS?!" She frantically typed, scanning for energy readings.
Her equipment overloaded almost instantly.
The readings were off the charts. This wasn't any energy or power currently known. This was something completely different.
Matsu leaned back in her chair, panting slightly, eyes gleaming with manic excitement. "Uzume-chan, what the hell did you bring home?"
—----------------------
Uzume was still reeling from everything. The dimensional watch. The mysterious AI assistant. The dragon gauntlet. She had seen a lot of crazy things in her time with M.B.I. and the Sekirei Plan, but this?
This was on another level.
And just when she thought she had processed enough—
A deep, rumbling voice echoed in the room.
(Greetings, another of my partner's women.)
Uzume jumped in shock. Her gaze snapped toward the gauntlet on Issei's arm as emerald green jewels glowed ominously.
Her mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again. "…WHAT."
Issei sighed. "Right. Forgot to mention. That's Ddraig."
"Ddraig?" Uzume repeated blankly.
"The Red Dragon Emperor," Issei clarified, holding up the Boosted Gear. "He's kinda… living in my arm."
Uzume stared. Then she pinched her own cheek. "…Nope. Still awake. This is real."
Ddraig chuckled. (I assure you, I am very real.)
Uzume crossed her arms, her expression twisting in disbelief. "So let me get this straight—you have a super-advanced interdimensional device, an AI assistant, AND the soul of a legendary dragon living in your arm?"
Issei rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Uh… yeah, pretty much."
Uzume exhaled. "I really know how to pick 'em, huh?" Once Uzume recovered from the latest revelation, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. "So, Issei… why are you here?"
Issei sighed. "Honestly? I don't have control over where the Dimensional Watch takes me. I was just waiting at a convenience store, until it took my here."
Uzume raised an eyebrow. "You're saying you just… randomly teleport into different worlds?"
Issei nodded. "Yeah. It's completely random." He looked down at his wrist, and called out Sherri.
"Sherri, why is it now one month?"
A soft chime echoed before the smooth, refined voice of the AI spoke.
"This world's designated return period is currently set to a randomized countdown."
Issei twitched. "Wait. What?! It was only one week ago, last time."
Sherri responded calmly. "The mechanics of interdimensional travel are unpredictable. As such, certain factors may extend or shorten the duration of your stay in any given world."
Issei groaned, dragging his hand down his face. "Great. Just great."
Uzume's expression soon hardened. Her fingers curled slightly in her lap as she processed the implications. "…So. One day, you're just going to disappear?" Her voice was quieter this time. Softer. Different.
Issei blinked, looking up at her.
Uzume's expression wasn't confused anymore. It was serious. "…What about me?" She asked.
The question hung in the air.
Would he just… leave her behind? Would she wake up one morning, and he'd be gone? Would she never see him again?
Issei stared at her, realizing just how much this meant to her. And then he smiled. "Uzume."
She looked up, hesitantly.
He grinned, tapping her nose lightly. "Of course I'm bringing you with me."
Uzume froze. "…What?"
Issei shrugged. "You're my Sekirei now, right? We're together now, right?"
Uzume's eyes widened slightly. Then, slowly—she smiled. A real smile. One filled with relief. And warmth.
"…Yeah. We are."
The earlier tension had faded, leaving only a newfound sense of closeness between them.
Uzume stretched her arms over her head, sighing. "Whew! That was a lot of heavy talk. Sooo~! That's all your secrets, right?"
Issei paused, rubbing the back of his head. Was that really all? He had already told her about the Dimensional Watch. He had revealed Ddraig and the Boosted Gear. She already knew about Yuuka and Tamamo. That covered everything, right?
He nodded. "Yeah, I think that's about it."
Uzume gave a satisfied nod. "Good~! Now we just have to break the news to your other girlfriends when you get back. Should be fun~!"
Issei winced. "Yeah… fun. If fun means possibly getting my ass kicked."
Uzume giggled. "Oh, come on! You really think they'll be that mad?"
Issei imagined Yuuka's deadpan glare and Tamamo's fox-like smile sharpening into something more sinister as curses of pain soon came flying to him. "…Yeah. Yeah, I do."
Uzume laughed, but then she noticed his sudden stiffening.
His expression froze. His eyes widened. His brain had just short-circuited.
Uzume tilted her head. "Uh… you okay?"
Issei simply laughed sheepishly . "Uhh, yeah. I simply… forgot something."
Uzume raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
His head slowly turned toward her. "I also have a daughter."
Silence.
Uzume blinked.
"…You what." Uzume stared at him like he had just casually announced that he was the alien instead of her. "You have a daughter?" She repeated, as if saying it out loud would make it sound less insane.
"Yup. Technically, she's adopted! I'm not actually a dad-dad!"
Uzume squinted at him. "So… the mother is one of your girlfriends?"
Issei shook his head. "Nope. Found her during the last world I was in. Her old family sucked, so I took over."
Uzume opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. Then she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're seriously something else, you know that?"
Issei chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, I get that a lot."
Uzume watched him for a moment, then smirked. "Well, I guess that means I'll have to get along with your other girls… and your parents too."
Issei grinned. "You think you'll be fine with that?"
Uzume winked. "Of course! Who do you think I am? I'm your Sekirei, Issei~! Your wife!"
Her teasing confidence made Issei relax. Maybe… this wouldn't be too bad.
A yawn escaped Issei's lips as he stretched. That whole conversation had drained him. "Man, it got late fast."
Uzume hummed in agreement. "Yep~! Guess that means it's time for bed."
Issei nodded as he looked around the room. "Yeah, good idea. Do you have another futon?"
Uzume smirked. "…Nope."
Issei froze. "Then where will I sleep?."
Uzume tilted her head. "What? Did you actually expect me to make you sleep somewhere else?"
Issei pointed at the door. "Uh, yeah! You heard Miya's rules! No sleeping together!"
Uzume's smirk widened. "Ohhh? So you're actually going to listen to her?"
Issei hesitated. "…I mean—"
Before he could finish, Uzume stood up. And in one smooth motion, she peeled off her clothes, leaving only her panties.
The fabric fell to the floor with a soft rustle.
Issei's brain melted.
Uzume placed her hands on her hips, smirking. "Are you really going to listen?"
Issei's mouth opened and closed like a fish. Until finally bowing. "Thank you for the food."
Uzume giggled, pulling him down onto the futon with her. "Now, be a good hubby and cuddle me~."
Issei didn't need to be told twice. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face into the warmth of her breasts.
Uzume sighed happily, stroking his hair. "See? This is much better. Comfy?"
"Mmmfff." Issei mumbled something, but it was completely muffled by her soft skin.
Uzume giggled. "I'll take that as a yes. Good night, hubby~."
Issei, already halfway asleep, could only hum in agreement. Best. Accidental marriage. Ever.
—-----------------
Morning sunlight peeked through the shoji windows, casting a warm glow over the futon where Issei and Uzume lay entangled in each other's warmth.
Issei was dead to the world, his face buried between Uzume's breasts, his arms wrapped around her waist like a lifeline.
Uzume, half-awake, let out a soft yawn, absently running her fingers through his hair.
"Mmm~ morning, hubby." She purred sleepily.
Issei mumbled something incoherent, still lost in the land of dreams.
Uzume chuckled. "You're really enjoying this, huh?~"
Issei snuggled closer. "Mmmm… pillows… soft… Tamamo…"
Uzume's eye twitched. "…Tamamo?" Her vein bulged slightly.
Before she could shake him awake for daring to mutter another woman's name in bed.
The door slid open.
"Uzume, it's time to—" Miya Asama stepped in.
Silence.
A dark aura began to seep into the room, filling the air with pure, unfiltered dread.
Uzume froze, her blood running cold.
Issei, blissfully unaware, continued using her chest as a pillow.
A shadow loomed over them.
Miya's smile was calm. Too calm. Her eyes hidden behind the bangs of her hair. Her presence… utterly terrifying. "Ufufufu~."
Uzume gulped. "Oh, crap."
Issei, still half-asleep, felt the temperature drop several degrees. His survival instincts screamed at him. Slowly—very slowly—he cracked open an eye. He was immediately greeted with the terrifying visage of Miya Asama.
Eyes glowing. Smile chilling. And a red mask of a demon came out covering her face.
Issei's soul left his body.
(Partner, move! This woman will kill you!) Ddraig's desperate scream jolted Issei fully awake.
Just in time for Miya to swing her bokken with godly precision.
WHAM!
Issei was hit, his body crashing down to the floor.
Uzume winced. "Oooof… yeah, that's on me."
Miya slowly turned to her, her smile never faltering.
Uzume raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I may have ignored the 'no lewd acts' rule! But in my defense—he's comfy!"
Miya's smile widened. "Ufufufu~."
Uzume turned pale. "Oh, sh—"
WHAM!
Uzume joined Issei on the floor.
—--------
Issei and Uzume sat in seiza, heads bowed in shame.
Miya stood before them, arms crossed, eyes gleaming ominously. "You two. What part of 'no sleeping together' was unclear?"
Uzume scratched her cheek. "Uhhh… the 'no' part?"
WHAP! Miya bonked her on the head with her bokken.
"Ow!" Uzume pouted.
Miya sighed. "As punishment, you will both be cleaning the inn for the next three days. No complaints."
Issei groaned. "It's not like we even did anything that bad!"
Miya's aura flared. "You defiled my rule."
Issei broke into a cold sweat. "R-right. Three days. No problem."
Uzume whispered to him, smirking. "Worth it, though~."
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Izumo Inn, casting a warm glow over the traditional wooden floors. The scent of freshly brewed tea and miso soup wafted from the kitchen, signaling the start of a new day.
But for Issei and Uzume, the morning was anything but peaceful.
—-----------------
Armed with brooms, rags, and buckets of soapy water, the perverted Ashikabi-Sekirei duo trudged through the hallways.
Uzume sulked, lazily sweeping the floor. "Mou~ I can't believe we have to clean the entire inn."
Issei, on his hands and knees scrubbing the wooden planks, groaned. "At least she didn't separate us from sleeping in the same room."
Uzume snickered, flashing him a teasing grin. "You did have your face buried in my boobs."
Issei grinned shamelessly. "Best way to wake up."
"Pervert~." Uzume playfully flicked his forehead.
Issei chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Seriously, how does Miya-san even do that?"
Uzume rolled her eyes. "I dunno, but that lady is terrifying."
They both shuddered at the memory of her aura. Still, unknowingly, the two were being watched.
—------------------------------
Hidden in the attic, a certain red-haired, glasses-wearing genius leaned back in her chair, grinning like a mischievous fox.
Dozens of her monitors surrounded her, each displaying different angles of the inn.
Sekirei No. 2—Matsu, the 'Shameless Sekirei'.
She adjusted her glasses, her eyes gleaming with intrigue.
"I was expecting some steamy bedroom action, but a dimension-hopping Ashikabi? Now that's a plot twist~."
She tapped the screen showing Issei scrubbing the floors, his muscles flexing as he worked.
"Hmmm~ not bad~," she mused. "For a pervert, he's got decent genes."
Her attention flickered to Uzume, who was now cheekily flicking water at Issei with her mop.
"Ufufu~ Looks like Uzume-chan is really into her new hubby."
Matsu leaned closer to the screen.
"Now… let's see what other secrets you're hiding, Hyoudou Issei~."
Her fingers danced over the keyboard, tapping into the MBI database.
—-----------------------------
Steam curled from the freshly served dishes, filling the air with the warm scent of rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. The dining room of Izumo Inn was peaceful—or at least as peaceful as it could be after a morning of punishment.
Issei and Uzume slumped over the table, completely spent.
Issei cracked his shoulders with a groan. "That was brutal…"
Uzume pouted, her cheek resting against the cool surface of the table. "I wanna boycott house chores forever."
Miya, ever the composed landlady, set a steaming bowl of rice in front of them, her usual elegant smile firmly in place. "Complaining won't make your punishment disappear," she said in a tone so gentle it was almost terrifying.
Uzume huffed, but her nose twitched as the scent of grilled fish hit her. She sat up almost instantly, her exhaustion forgotten. "Fine, fine~ Let's eat!" She chirped, reaching for her chopsticks.
Issei didn't even respond. He was too busy devouring his rice like a starving beast.
Uzume watched him for a moment, then grinned mischievously.
Without hesitation, she swiped a piece of fish from his plate and popped it into her mouth.
Issei paused mid-bite, his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk, and squinted at her. "...Did you just steal my fish?"
Uzume chewed slowly, making an exaggerated show of savoring the bite. "Mmm~ Nope. This is my fish now."
Issei narrowed his eyes, then lunged for her plate in retaliation.
Uzume blocked him with her chopsticks, laughing. "Oh-ho! You dare challenge me, hubby?"
"I demand the right to fight for my food!" Issei shot back, reaching again.
Before their food war could escalate, Miya cleared her throat, an unmistakable warning hidden beneath her gentle voice. "Food is meant for eating, not for battle."
Both Issei and Uzume froze.
Issei straightened immediately, acting as if nothing happened, while Uzume quickly stuffed more rice into her mouth like a guilty child.
Miya, satisfied, took a sip of her tea before casually dropping an unexpected statement. "Uzume, our residential 'shut-in' wanted to talk with you."
Uzume, mid-bite, stiffened. "Huh? I wonder, what does she want now?"
Issei, who had been busy inhaling his meal, finally looked up in confusion, a grain of rice stuck to his cheek. "Who?" He asked, blinking.
Uzume sighed dramatically and leaned toward him, plucking the rice off his cheek.
"No one important, hubby," She said dismissively before popping the rice into her mouth with a cheeky wink.
Issei stared at her. "...Did you just eat that?"
Uzume smirked. "Waste not, want not."
Miya watched the exchange with an amused expression, sipping her tea.
Meanwhile, hidden away in the attic, Matsu grinned at her monitor.
"Oh? 'No one important?' Uzume, my dear, you wound me~."
The screen displayed a live feed of the dining area, the camera zooming in on Issei's confused-yet-endearing reaction.
"Guess it's time for me to make my entrance~."
—----------------------------
Uzume sighed, rolling her shoulders as she climbed the narrow attic stairs. The wooden boards creaked beneath her, and the air grew heavier with the distinct scent of old books, instant ramen, and overworked electronics. Dust motes floated lazily in the dim light, illuminated by the faint glow spilling from the room above.
She pushed open the hidden door, stepping into what could only be described as the lair of Izumo Inn's resident shut-in.
The space was cluttered—no, a controlled chaos of wires, blinking monitors, scattered papers filled with indecipherable calculations, and empty snack wrappers. The glow of multiple screens bathed the room in an eerie blue hue, and at the center of it all, Matsu in her pink qigong dress lounged in her chair, fingers flying over a keyboard with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Uzume barely had time to inhale before Matsu swiveled around, her glasses flashing ominously.
"Ah, Uzume~, took you long enough."
Uzume rolled her eyes, stepping further in. "Yeah, yeah. What's so important that you sent Miya after me?"
Matsu's smirk widened. "Alright, Uzume. I want you to spill."
Uzume blinked. "Huh?"
Matsu tapped one of her monitors, and Uzume's stomach sank.
The screen displayed various images of Issei—freeze frames from surveillance footage, thermal readings, biometric scans, and data charts filled with numbers Uzume had no interest in deciphering. Her brows furrowed.
Matsu leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "I've been watching him—studying him. I've tried feeling for even a trace of an Ashikabi signature in him, but there's nothing."
Uzume frowned, crossing her arms. "What do you mean 'nothing'?"
Matsu tapped at her keyboard, switching the display. "I mean nothing. No bond. No connection. No aura. It's like he's a regular human, but that makes no sense."
Uzume's eyes narrowed. "That's ridiculous. He's my Ashikabi. He Winged me. I felt it."
Matsu sighed, spinning lazily in her chair. "That's the thing. By all logic—by everything I've studied—he shouldn't have been able to do that."
Uzume opened her mouth to argue, but a memory flickered in her mind.
The Sekirei that attacked me... they said the same thing.
Her lips parted slightly. The Sekirei had reacted strangely to Issei as well. They had sensed nothing from him.
Uzume's arms tightened around herself. "...That's weird."
Matsu's fingers flew across the keyboard. "So? Why can't I sense him?"
Uzume exhaled through her nose. "Dunno. But my hubby's definitely powerful. I don't know why you and others can't feel him, but I do, and that's all that matters."
Then something clicked in her brain, and her gaze sharpened. "Wait… why do you care so much?"
Matsu's grin stretched like a cat who had just cornered a particularly interesting mouse.
"Oh, that's simple~." She spun back toward her monitors, tapping a few keys. One of the screens flickered, displaying a grainy live feed of Uzume and Issei's conversation from the previous night.
Uzume's stomach dropped.
"I've been spying on you."
Uzume's eye twitched. "...You what?"
Matsu waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't look at me like that~. You knew I had cameras everywhere."
Uzume groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Matsu, I swear—" Her breath hitched as the realization set in. "Wait!"
"That's right." Matsu's smirk widened. "I heard everything. To think something as incredible as him exists. And that watch—oh, that watch." She giggled, fingers dancing over her keyboard. "You'd think us being aliens would be the most bizarre thing in this city. But nope! That boy is an even greater mystery than us."
Uzume exhaled sharply, arms tightening. "So? What do you want?"
Matsu stretched, letting out a pleased hum. "I want in~."
Uzume scowled. "Figures."
Matsu's grin didn't waver. "I've been watching him closely, and here's the thing— I feel nothing."
Uzume hesitated. "Nothing?"
Matsu nodded. "No connection. No Ashikabi-Sekirei bond. Not even a hint of Sekirei compatibility. And yet—" She pointed dramatically at Uzume. "You got Winged."
Uzume frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "Well, I don't know why you can't feel anything, but that's your problem." She was still irritated that Matsu had been spying on them during their private moments.
Matsu sighed theatrically, draping herself across her chair. "Ugh, you're useless."
Uzume's eye twitched. "Hey! Just because I don't obsess over every little thing like you doesn't mean I'm useless!"
Matsu snickered, spinning in place. "Maybe, but you don't seem even a little curious about what makes your Ashikabi so special?"
Uzume huffed, crossing her arms. I already know everything important about him.
Matsu's smirk widened, her glasses flashing. "Well, since you're no help, I guess I'll just have to go to the source."
Uzume stiffened. "Wait, what?"
Matsu grinned. "Oh, I think it's about time I had a little… chat with your hubby~."
Uzume groaned, dragging a hand down her face.
This was going to be a headache.
—----------------------------------------
After Uzume had left, Issei remained and went into the backyard, rolling his shoulders and exhaling sharply. No matter where he was, training had become a part of his life. It was the one constant that kept him grounded, the one thing that reminded him he was still striving for something more.
Miya, the ever-graceful landlady, had been observing him from the veranda, her eyes calm yet perceptive. She tilted her head slightly, as if seeing through him. "You seem restless, Hyoudou-kun."
Issei paused, glancing in her direction. The woman had an aura that made it difficult to lie or deflect, so he simply sighed. "Yeah, I guess I am. I usually start exercising when I have nothing to do."
Miya nodded in understanding. "If training eases your mind, you are welcome to use the yard as you please."
Issei blinked at her generosity before flashing a grin. "Thanks, Miya-san. I appreciate it."
She responded with a small, knowing smile before stepping away, her long purple hair swaying behind her.
As she disappeared inside, Issei got to work, dropping into a set of push-ups. Soon sweat started rolling down his back, muscles tightening with every repetition. The steady rhythm of his breathing filled the backyard, accompanied only by the occasional rustle of the wind.
—------------
Enhance with Character interaction, dialogue, internal monologue, description, and setting.
Matsu finally emerged from her room, stretching her arms with a satisfied groan. "Alright, Uzume, time to meet your oh-so-mysterious hubby in person."
Uzume, walking beside her, arched a brow. "You sure you just don't want an excuse to get out and stretch? You've been cooped up in there for days."
Matsu shot her a side glance. "Says the girl tagging along without hesitation."
Uzume rolled her eyes. "Pfft, I'm just bored."
With that, the two made their way through the inn, stepping out into the backyard—only for Uzume to suddenly halt in her tracks.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Issei was in the middle of his training, his body gleaming with sweat under the sunlight. His shirt had been tossed aside, revealing his toned physique—broad shoulders, well-defined arms, and a solid core that was still developing but already impressive. Each movement was fluid yet powerful, his muscles flexing as he worked through his routine.
Uzume swallowed.
She hadn't really paid much attention to Issei's body before—not like this. But now? Watching him in the heat of training, his focus completely undisturbed, his breathing controlled and strong… it was, to put it lightly, distracting.
Her face grew warm, a sudden heat pooling in her stomach. When did he start looking like that?
Matsu, never one to miss anything, followed her gaze before whistling lowly. "Damn, Uzume, you've got good taste. That is a nice view."
Uzume's head snapped toward her with a scandalized expression. "Matsu!" she hissed.
"What?" Matsu grinned, her glasses flashing as she nudged Uzume with her elbow. "Don't tell me you weren't thinking the same thing."
Uzume groaned, covering her face. "That's beside the point!"
Before Matsu could tease her further, Issei finally noticed them. He wiped his brow with a towel that Miya brought, his light brown eyes meeting Uzume's before a boyish grin spread across his face.
"Oh, hey, Uzume. You done with whatever you had to do?"
Uzume, still flustered, straightened up, trying to regain her composure. "Y-Yeah! I'm done." She cleared her throat, forcing herself to act normal. "What are you even doing out here?"
Uzume cleared her throat, snapping out of whatever daze she had been in. "Y-Yeah! I'm done." She folded her arms, trying to seem casual. "What are you even doing?"
"Training," Issei answered simply, stretching his arms behind his back. "It's a habit at this point. I do it every day to get stronger. If I don't, I feel weird, like something's off."
Matsu hummed in interest, her gaze flicking over him. "So, you're the dedicated type? That's unexpected."
Issei tilted his head at her voice, finally noticing the red-haired woman standing beside Uzume. Her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail, vibrant red eyes hidden partially behind a pair of high-tech glasses. The pink qipao she wore hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that demanded attention.
Issei blinked.
'Who is this?' As he didn't remember being introduced to her.