Kouh,2nd of December, Tuesday (5 months before Canon)
The morning sun filtered through the leaves of the quiet neighborhood, casting dappled shadows on the sidewalk as Issei Hyoudou and Yuuka made their way down the familiar path to Kouh Academy.
Hand in hand, they walked in relative silence, the occasional chirp of a bird or the distant whir of a passing bicycle were the only sounds that filled the air. And yet, despite the peaceful setting, both of them looked... less than well-rested.
Issei winced as he adjusted his school bag across his shoulder. "Okay, seriously. I think my spine got twisted last night."
Yuuka let out a groan that was far too grumpy for someone as pretty as her. "I don't think I've ever woken up with my neck twisted at a ninety-degree angle before. I swear, my left shoulder went numb for three hours."
"I couldn't even tell which limb belonged to me this morning," Issei muttered. "Someone's foot was on my stomach, Matsu was using me as a body pillow, and I'm pretty sure Yashima drooled on my knee at some point."
Yuuka shuddered. "You got off easy. I had a tail draped over my face and Sakura talking in her sleep about 'Papa being a cuddly Lizard'."
A pause.
Then Issei slowly turned to her. "...A cuddly lizard?"
She nodded with an exhausted expression. "A cuddly lizard."
They both broke into tired laughter, their aches momentarily forgotten.
Their hands remained clasped, fingers laced together with a sense of practiced familiarity. There was no need to look at each other to know they were both thinking the same thing.
Despite the chaos, the awkward sleep pile, and the war that was their living room the night before… this walk, just the two of them, felt peaceful.
"I missed this." Yuuka said quietly, her tone more sincere now. "Just walking to school like nothing's changed."
Issei looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Yeah. Me too."
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Even with a whole army of girls snoring in your room now?"
He scratched his cheek. "I mean… I also missed being able to sleep on an actual bed."
"You mean our bed," Yuuka corrected, her grip tightening slightly.
Issei smiled. "Right. Our bed."
Another moment of silence passed between them before Yuuka sighed, her expression softening. "I'm still mad," she said. "Not as mad as last night, but... I'm mad."
"I know."
"You brought with you how many girls again?"
"I stopped counting after four," he said without thinking—and then immediately realized his mistake. "I mean! That was a joke! A terrible, panicked joke!"
Yuuka shot him a flat look.
Issei laughed nervously. "But I'm serious about you. You and Tamamo. No matter how crazy this gets."
Her expression wavered—just for a second—before she looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "...You better be."
He gave her hand a squeeze. "I am."
They reached the school gates just as the bell rang, the chatter of students flooding the morning air.
Yuuka groaned and rubbed her shoulder again. "Ugh, I need to find a chiropractor."
Issei chuckled. "If you want I can give you a message later."
"You better." Yuuka looks at Issei with a smile at the thought.
They passed through the gate together, a tired but content pair.
—--------------------------
Hana's Store
The streets were beginning to buzz with life as students and businessmen . Near the edge of the commercial district, nestled between a modest café and a quiet bookstore, stood a two-story building with a freshly painted exterior and large bay windows covered in temporary curtains.
The sign above the doorway was blank—for now—but the potential practically radiated from the structure itself.
Standing proudly in front of it, hands on her hips and eyes gleaming with vision, was Misuki, Hana and now—unofficially—the mastermind of Kouh's most absurd startup.
Behind her stood Matsu, wearing her round pair of glasses, her pink dress, and an oversized backpack full of "absolutely-not-illegal" tech and gadgets. Next to her was Uzume, a hoodie tied around her waist, a pencil behind her ear, and a large sketchpad hugged against her chest.
Both women looked up at the building with thoughts.
Misuki turned to them with a proud smile, adjusting her designer sunglasses atop her head. "Welcome to your new office, ladies. The foundation of our new business."
Uzume blinked. "How big are we going to make it?"
"I'm thinking globally, darling." Misuki clapped her hands. "Here's the plan. I think of running two departments, one for fashion and cosmetics and the other for electronics. We will split this store in half. At the moment there's only going to be the three of us but soon we will get new employees. Bottom floor will be the store where we will sell our products. We will start by selling your clothes as it will most likely take Matsu a while to make our first product. Designs, custom tailoring, commissions and whatever your heart desires."
"That's a lot to do by myself." Uzume says.
"I'm sure we will soon get you assistants to help you design. I'll handle logistics, licensing, and taxes. On the second floor you'll have mannequins, sewing machines, fitting booths, lighting, mirrors—the works." Misuki continued, pivoting dramatically, "And it will also be Matsu's private lab. Matsu, I also need you to rebuild this store and make this business cutting edge."
Matsu's glasses glinted. "You want me to make this soundproof and give it better security?"
Misuki beamed. "Just in case we get any pesky little flies running around. I also plan to get Tamamo to make this magic proof. Once the store opens we will get the rest of the girls to help in the sale. Their beauty will surely bring in customers."
"Oh, I like you," Matsu purred. "What should I make first?"
"For now I want you to make one of those phones you told me. But make them at the average standard of the year you were in. Since I'm sure you already had ways to improve it."
"That should be simple for me. How many should I make?
"Make 6 private phones for the family to personally use and 30 to sell."
"Wait, why for us?"
"I want Yuuka and the rest to promote the phones by using them with the students at the school. That should be enough to promote the product. After selling the thirty phones, we should have enough to expand and make more. Now let's get to work," Misuki said briskly, unlocking the door and marching inside. "No time to waste. I want to open this place in a week."
"A WEEK?" both girls said in unison as they entered.
Inside, the building was largely unfurnished—bare floors, exposed beams, and dust floating lazily in the filtered sunlight. But it was spacious. Open. Brimming with possibility.
Uzume walked to one of the large display windows and pressed her hand to the glass, already imagining designs hung behind it. "This is so cool..."
Matsu had already set down her bag and begun unpacking the boxes they left yesterday: cables, a soldering kit, and a sleek black laptop that most certainly did not exist in this timeline.
Misuki clapped twice. "Uzume, start designing and making your clothes. Matsu, I want security cameras, a hidden panic button, and an energy-efficient climate control system by the end of the day."
"Wait, today?!" Uzume shouted.
"Progress waits for no one," Misuki said with a wink.
Matsu grinned, booting up her device. "This is going to be so much fun…"
Uzume looked at both of them and sighed. "I've been conned into working forever, haven't I?"
"Yes," Misuki replied cheerfully. "Now get sketching, sweetheart. The future's not going to dress itself."
—-----------------
On one particular sidewalk, a curious quartet drew more than a few glances from passing neighbors and parents.
At the center of it all, skipping happily ahead in her tiny shoes, was Sakura Hyoudou—her little backpack bouncing on her back, her lunchbox swinging like a pendulum in one hand. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she turned to the woman beside her.
"Yashima-nee! Race you to the corner!"
Yashima, who had been carefully clutching Sakura's hand a moment ago, blinked nervously. "Ah—wait, Sakura-chan—don't run too fa—!"
But the girl was already off, feet tapping energetically against the pavement. Yashima squeaked and hurried after her, her usual quiet demeanor struggling to keep up with her energetic young companion.
Trailing behind them at a more... deliberate pace were Tamamo-no-Mae, Miya, and Miki Hyoudou.
What should have been a pleasant stroll quickly devolved into a passive-aggressive battlefield.
"I think it's important for a child to walk alongside her mother," Tamamo said calmly, brushing a lock of pink hair behind her ear.
Miya in casual wear sipped her tea from a thermos she'd brought along, walking with perfect posture and a serene expression. "Of course. But what defines a wife isn't always a formal ceremony. It's about the bond—the emotional connection—and living together in shared understanding."
Tamamo narrowed her eyes slightly. "You mean the bond you formed over one month while I was left behind in a completely different world?"
Miya smiled ever so sweetly. "Oh, it was a very intimate month. I even made him lunch every day. He told me it was always delicious."
Tamamo's brow twitched. "He said my cooking tastes like heaven."
Miki, walking between them with the seasoned patience of a mother who'd raised a chaos-magnet son, sighed dramatically. "Please, can you two wait until after dropping-off Sakura before declaring war over my son? You're going to traumatize Sakura."
"She's fine," Tamamo said, waving it off.
"I'm fine!" Sakura called back from up ahead, swinging Yashima's hand gleefully. "Yashima-nee said we can play on the way!"
The quiet girl nodded with a small smile, guiding Sakura through an exaggerated arm stretch that made her giggle.
"See?" Tamamo said smugly. "The child is thriving."
Miki pinched the bridge of her nose. "This was supposed to be a calm, healthy morning walk. What I got instead is a walking soap opera."
Miya turned to her, her tone still polite. "Would you prefer I didn't attend future walks?"
"Oh no," Miki said dryly. "You're both coming. This is the best entertainment I've had in years."
Tamamo gave her a sidelong glance. "Mother-in-law, with respect—whose side are you on?"
"I'm on my son's side," Miki declared. "That boy's going to be exhausted trying to keep up with all of you. If you don't solve this civil war soon, he's going to need therapy before his next date."
Tamamo flushed faintly but huffed, brushing invisible dust from her sleeve.
Up ahead, Sakura suddenly cried out, "We're here!"
Sure enough, the elementary school's large front gate loomed ahead, already bustling with children arriving in neatly packed uniforms and chatting in small groups. A few teachers were standing by the entrance, greeting students and parents alike.
Yashima slowed Sakura gently, placing a hand on her shoulder and kneeling to fix her ribbon. "You look perfect."
"Thank you, Yashima-nee!" Sakura beamed.
Tamamo and Miya both arrived at the gate at the same time, neither willing to allow the other to step ahead first. They both kneeled on opposite sides of Sakura, brushing down her uniform and offering matching motherly smiles—with just a hint of competitive edge.
"Do your best in class, sweetheart," Tamamo said sweetly. "Mama will be waiting at home with snacks."
"Don't forget to be respectful to your teacher," Miya added. "And if anyone bullies you… remember, we can deal with them."
"Also I brought you snacks!" Tamamo snapped, refusing to be one-upped.
Sakura just giggled and turned to Yashima. "Can we play again after school?"
"Of course." Yashima said gently, ruffling her hair.
Sakura waved to them all, bright and carefree. "Bye, Mama! Bye Mama-Miya! Bye Yashima-nee! Bye Grandma!"
As she disappeared through the gates, the group stood in collective silence.
Miki exhaled a long breath. "That girl's going to grow up strong… if not insanely confused."
Tamamo smirked. "She knows who her mother is."
"She just called both of you 'Mama'." Miki pointed out.
"I believe that's called winning the daughter." Miya replied serenely.
Tamamo glared.
"Don't start," Miki groaned. "Let's just go get coffee. I need caffeine to survive my family drama."
The two rivals continued walking side by side—still maintaining their elegant facades, still trading occasional verbal barbs—but in perfect synchrony.
Yashima quietly followed behind, hands folded, a content smile on her face as the soft breeze swept through the morning.
—----------------------------------
Kouh Academy
The ticking of the classroom clock echoed louder than it should have.
Issei Hyoudou sat slumped at his desk, pencil in hand, eyes locked on the blackboard—and absolutely nothing was going in.
He stared blankly at the equation written on the board. Something with x's and parentheses. The teacher's voice droned on in the background like static, and every few seconds Issei would squint and try to make sense of it.
'Okay… okay, I know I've done this before.'
He slowly glanced down at his notebook. It was open. Mostly blank. A few numbers were scribbled in the corner, and one of them had been circled so aggressively it had torn the page.
'After a month of living at the inn and working in construction, I can't remember what I learned yesterday here.'
He sighed, resting his forehead against the cool surface of the desk.
"Hyoudou," the teacher barked from the front. "If you're done taking a nap, try solving the next problem."
Issei bolted upright, stiff as a board. "Ah—yes, sensei! Sorry!"
He stood, looked at the board again, and immediately wished he hadn't.
His eyes flicked over the numbers, trying to stall for time, when he caught something on the edge of his desk.
A sticky note, written in neat handwriting:
'The answer is 7x - 4. Master.'
Issei blinked. He nearly wept. Clearing his throat, he recited, "The answer is… seven x minus four."
The teacher blinked, surprised. "...Correct."
Issei sat down slowly. 'Thank you, Sherri.'
The bell rang moments later, and a collective sigh of relief washed over the classroom. Students began shuffling out toward the hallways and courtyard, lunch boxes in hand.
As Issei gathered his things, he was immediately flanked by the dynamic duo —Matsuda and Motohama.
"Yo, Issei!" Matsuda said, slapping him on the back. "You survived math! Barely. Wanna eat with us and look at some of the girls."
"We even saved you a spot next to the window to peek at the girls' in gym class," Motohama said, adjusting his glasses like a tactical sniper.
Issei offered them both a tight, apologetic smile. "Sorry, guys. I promised Yuuka we'd have a private lunch together."
Both boys froze.
"Wait." Matsuda narrowed his eyes. "You're having lunch with a girl?"
"Your girlfriend?" Motohama gasped.
Issei nodded. "Yeah. Sorry."
"TRAITOR!" they screamed in unison.
"ABANDONING US FOR LOVE!"
"You were supposed to be one of us!"
"I still am—!"
"You're eating lunch with a girl. That's the ultimate betrayal!"
They fled down the hallway with mock despair while Issei rubbed his temples and chuckled.
—--------------------------------
A gentle breeze rustled through the budding branches of the plum tree near the courtyard benches. Soft light filtered through the leaves, casting a mosaic of shade and warmth across the stone path.
Yuuka was already waiting there, seated cross-legged on the bench, her school blazer folded neatly beside her. Her long dark hair swayed slightly in the breeze, and she had her own bento box unwrapped and resting on her lap.
When she spotted Issei approaching, she smiled—but then her eyes went wide as she noticed something.
"You brought two bentos?"
Issei looked down at the neatly packed boxes in his hands and laughed nervously. "Yeah, uh… Tamamo and Miya both gave me lunch this morning. I didn't have the heart to turn either of them down."
Yuuka stared at him flatly.
"Hey, I didn't ask for two lunches!" Issei said defensively as he sat beside her. "One of them handed me a box, then the other shoved a second one into my bag before I could blink."
Yuuka snorted. "You're going to end up like a mini sumo wrestler if this keeps up."
"Hey, I've been training nonstop!" he said. "My metabolism's practically on overdrive!"
"Sure, sure," she teased, nudging him with her elbow. "That's what they all say before they find out their favorite pants don't fit."
"I'll have you know these pants are battle-tested."
Yuuka grinned and leaned against him just slightly, enough to make his heart flutter despite the warmth of the afternoon. "Well, if you do start getting pudgy, I'll still love you."
"Really?"
"As long as you don't try to blame me for your weight gain," she said, cracking open her bento.
Issei chuckled and opened both of his.
Miya's box was neatly arranged: rice with pickled vegetables, grilled salmon, and tamagoyaki with perfect cuts. Tamamo's was more colorful, brimming with seasonal fruit, glazed meat, and a cute little fox-shaped cookie in the corner.
Yuuka peeked at both.
"Miya wins on presentation," she muttered.
"But Tamamo wins on surprise dessert," Issei countered.
They ate in companionable silence for a while, occasionally exchanging bites or side-eyeing the plum tree's growing shadow.
Eventually, Yuuka nudged him again. "You know… this is nice."
Issei looked over at her. "What is?"
"Just us. Like this. Not running, not fighting, not dealing with jealous wives."
He laughed. "It does feel… normal."
She nodded, then added with a smirk, "Except for the fact that you've got two bentos made by competing wives and a dragon in your arm scrutinizing your life."
(I do not! But partner, be careful of fatty foods. Just so you know.)
"Ddraig!"
Yuuka burst out laughing.
Issei smiled, watching her, thinking that even if the rest of his life stayed chaotic… these moments made it all worth it.
—------------------------------------------
The sun had dipped lower in the sky. As Issei and Yuuka walked up the familiar path to the front door of the Hyoudou household, they exchanged tired glances—still feeling the residual ache from both a long school day.
"I wonder what they did all day." Issei muttered, adjusting his bag. "Think the girls have settled in with my folks."
"Only way to find out." Yuuka said, eyes narrowing with teasing dread. "They've been unsupervised all day."
"Hopefully they aren't giving them too many problems." Issei reached for the door handle with cautious optimism.
The second the door slid open—
"Darliiiiing!"
A pink blur collided with his chest.
"Wah—!" Issei stumbled back as Tamamo latched onto him, arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Her tails flared with excitement, and her soft cheek nuzzled against his as if marking her territory.
"I missed you!" She purred, peppering his face with rapid kisses. "You were gone all day!"
"I went to school! " He sputtered embarrassed.
Before he could break free, a second body slipped past Tamamo with silent elegance.
"I believe it's my turn," Miya said sweetly, sliding an arm around his waist and planting a graceful kiss on his lips. "Welcome home, dear."
"W-Wait—!"
Yashima, blushing furiously, stepped forward next, her hands fidgeting as she hesitated.
"I—I'm next!" she squeaked, throwing herself into his arms. "I was worried you'd collapse from stress at school!"
"It was fine-." Issei tried to say, muffled now by the shy girl's embrace.
Finally, Akitsu approached, expression blank as ever but arms open in quiet invitation.
"I require my daily hug," she said simply.
Issei didn't even resist as she hugged him, cool skin contrasting with the warmth of the others, yet no less affectionate.
Yuuka stood to the side, arms crossed, watching the dogpile with a blank expression. "You'd think he came back from war, not third-period math."
"I barely survived and was starving." Issei mumbled, face squished between Tamamo's breast and Yashima's shoulder.
"I fed you lunch!" Yuuka protested.
"I was emotionally starving!"
"You're physically suffocating!"
"Worth it."
Eventually, after managing to untangle himself and breathe again, Issei blinked and looked around the room.
"Wait… where are Uzume, Matsu, and Misuki?"
Miya answered. "Still at the store. Your future mother-in-law has very effectively whipped those two into productivity."
Issei blinked. "Wait—seriously?"
"Indeed, we went to go check on them." Miya nodded. "Matsu's been ordered to upgrade the shop's security and climate systems. Uzume is working on her third clothing design today. It's a miracle."
Tamamo chuckled. "I almost didn't believe it when she left this morning with a clipboard and purpose. She's terrifying when she gets in boss-mode."
Yuuka nodded solemnly. "That woman once was an heir to a major corporation but lost it after my shitty sperm donor took over."
"I… feel like I should be worried for Uzume and Matsu." Issei muttered.
Yashima stepped forward, brushing imaginary dust from her skirt. "While they were out, Akitsu and I helped Miki-san shop for groceries. The list was… very long."
"I carried the bags," Akitsu added. "And ensured no one approached."
"And what about Karasuba?" Issei asked cautiously, looking around.
Miya sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "She has done nothing."
Issei raised an eyebrow. "Nothing?"
"She's been asleep since breakfast," Miya said flatly. "Claimed she needed to 'preserve her energy for future battles.'"
"She's been on the couch," Tamamo whispered conspiratorially. "Like a very deadly cat."
Yashima tilted her head. "She snores, but only a little."
A dull thud was heard from the kitchen.
"Shut up." Karasuba's voice muttered, followed by another yawn. "Sleeping. Don't bother me unless something interesting happens."
"…She is like a cat," Issei mumbled.
Miya sighed again, hands on her hips. "Honestly. A guest in this home and she treats it like she owns the place."
—-------------------------------------------
The clatter of pans and the rich aroma of simmering sauces filled the kitchen as Tamamo and Miya worked side by side in unusual harmony. After yesterday's extravagance, they had agreed to keep tonight's meal normal.
"Stir the soup slower, Tamamo-san. We're not summoning a storm." Miya said, glancing sideways.
Tamamo huffed. "I'm just excited! Feeding Issei always makes me happy."
While the two bickered, the scent of grilled fish and fresh rice began wafting through the house.
From atop of the couch, Karasuba's nose twitched.
Her eyes opened lazily, then narrowed as the smells hit her fully. "...Is that salmon?" She mumbled.
With a yawn and a stretch, she stood up. "Smells like it's time for my contribution to this household…"
"Which is what, exactly?" Miya asked sweetly, barely hiding her irritation.
"Eating," Karasuba replied without shame, already sitting cross-legged at the table.
Issei sighed as he watched the chaos from the living room. "Are Uzume, Matsu, or Misuki ever coming back?"
Miki, flipping the home phone from the kitchen doorway, answered with a chuckle. "I just called Misuki. She's staying at the store tonight. Said she's ordering takeout for the three of them and making the girls 'earn their freedom.'"
Yuuka blinked. "That's ominous."
"I'm sure it's fine." Miki replied, chuckling.
—---------------------------------
Dinner passed without incident—well, relatively. Karasuba tried to eat half the rice bowl in one bite, but Miya threatened to make her disappear.
Now, the trio of Issei, Yuuka and Tamamo stood at the door, preparing to leave once again. Sakura could be seen watching magical girls with Gorou and Miki.
"Here," Tamamo said, tossing Issei a black and red tracksuit.
Issei caught the clothes, eyes wide. "I forgot about these. I wonder how much they will weigh the moment I put them on."
As they were about to step out—
Karasuba, leaning against the hallway wall, cracked one eye open. "Where're you all going?"
"Training," Issei answered, pulling his jacket on.
Karasuba smirked. "That sounds more fun than whatever's happening here." Without waiting for permission, she pushed off the wall and followed.
"Don't you have something better to do?" Miya asked with a sharp glance.
"Not really," Karasuba shrugged. "And if I stay here, you'll just make me do chores."
"You should be doing chores."
From around the corner, Yashima appeared, eyes bright. "If you're going to train, I want to come too! I need to improve so I'm not a burden!"
Akitsu silently stepped forward behind her. "I will come as well."
Miya, watching them gather at the door, sighed softly. "Then I'll help Miki with the dishes and bring food to the strays at the store."
"I left some dessert for them!" Tamamo called sweetly.
With that, the front door shut behind them, and a group of unlikely warriors made their way into the night, ready to resume training under the stars.
—-----------------
The moon hung high and silver in the sky as the group arrived at a secluded park tucked between rows of residential buildings and forested hills. Crickets chirped in the distance, and a breeze stirred the grass as Tamamo raised both hands and traced glowing sigils in the air.
"Barrier one: noise suppression," she whispered, completing the first seal with a flourish.
"Barrier two: detection cloaking," she added, another set of runes flaring around the perimeter.
"Barrier three: misdirection—anyone wandering nearby will think this area's under construction."
With a final clap of her hands, the barriers locked into place, shimmering faintly for a moment before vanishing.
"There," Tamamo smiled proudly. "No peeping Toms, or pests will be bothering us tonight."
Issei rolled his shoulders and glanced around. "It's almost too peaceful…"
Yuuka nodded as she started stretching beside him, dressed in her enchanted workout gear. "Let's just get this done before 10pm"
"Hey." A sharp voice cut in. Karasuba stood several feet away, arms crossed, her blade lazily hanging at her side. "How exactly will you be training?" Karasuba asked, tone flat, eyes narrowed.
"Uh— By working out?" Issei answered hesitantly. "Endurance drills, strength enhancement—"
Karasuba clicked her tongue in disapproval and took a step forward, the edge of her sword glinting under the moonlight.
"That's not training," she said coldly. "That's a warm-up for amateurs."
Yuuka tensed, but Issei raised a hand to stop her.
"Look, I get it. You're strong, Karasuba. But—"
She was already moving. Without warning, Karasuba slashed forward with terrifying speed, blade hissing through the air.
Issei yelped, leaping backward just in time—but not fast enough to avoid the gust from the strike, which knocked the breath out of him. The enhanced training tracksuit clung tightly to him, its increased weight dragging on his limbs.
"Are you trying to kill me!" Issei shouted, barely ducking a second swing that shaved a few strands of hair off his head.
"If you can't dodge a blade while wearing that gear," Karasuba replied, "you'll never survive a real fight. You got by with raw power before. But now you need more than that."
Her next strike came low, forcing Issei to twist awkwardly to avoid it. The suit groaned under the strain as his footing slipped slightly in the grass.
"Are you serious right now?!" he snapped, barely regaining his balance. "There's a difference between sparring and attempted murder!"
Karasuba gave him a lazy smile. "I'm holding back."
Tamamo, watching from the sidelines, gave a sharp look as she noticed the silver haired woman not swinging at full force. "She is holding back, actually."
"That doesn't make it better!" Issei growled as he tumbled under another slash.
Yuuka crossed her arms. "Should we intervene?"
Yashima, standing beside Akitsu, shook her head. "This is how Karasuba shows affection. I think."
Akitsu, expression blank, nodded slowly. "She's training him in her own way."
"Her own way involves slicing my head off!"
Karasuba stopped mid-swing and narrowed her eyes. "Then stop whining and fight properly."
A few minutes later.
Issei panted, wiping sweat from his brow. The suit's enchantments were already working overtime, adjusting the resistance level. He felt as if he were moving underwater.
But slowly, despite his complaints and near-death experiences, something changed.
His footwork steadied.
His dodges became smoother.
And his grip on the situation tightened—he wasn't just avoiding the strikes anymore. He was reading them.
Karasuba gave a sharp smile. "Good. Now let's see if you can keep up."
And the sword came down once more.
As Issei narrowly ducked another of Karasuba's sweeping slashes, still cursing under his breath and muttering about "psychotic training methods."
Tamamo calmly turned her gaze to the two observing Sekirei: Yashima and Akitsu.
"You two," she called, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear as her tails flicked in motion. "If you're just going to stand there watching, you may as well train too."
Yashima straightened slightly. "What do you want us to do?"
Tamamo's eyes narrowed as she assessed them both. "What can you do?"
Yashima reached behind her and produced her large war hammer with a grunt, hefting it up with practiced ease. "I usually fight with this. Crushing things until they stop moving."
Akitsu, as usual, stood stoically, her breath fogging slightly even in the night air. "I use ice."
Tamamo nodded approvingly. "Perfect."
She clapped her hands once and several seals bloomed around her, glowing faintly. In a soft shimmer of magic and smoke, multiple copies of Tamamo emerged from her position—illusions made solid, each with just enough presence and agility to move independently.
"Yashima," she said, pointing to the clones now casually circling. "Your task is simple: hit every single one of my clones. But don't expect them to stay still."
Yashima hardened her grip on her hammer. "I-I'll try my best."
She dashed forward as the clones scattered, weaving around trees, over benches, and across the grassy clearing. Her hammer whistled through the air with booming force—but Tamamo's clones were fast, constantly changing positions.
Meanwhile, Tamamo turned to Akitsu.
"As for you…" she raised one hand, letting a small flame bloom in her palm. "We'll be sparring. First one whose element lands a clean hit on the other wins. Fire versus ice."
Akitsu gave a slow nod, her eyes sharp. "Understood."
A rush of frost rolled out from her feet as she raised her hand, icicles rapidly forming and firing toward Tamamo like missiles.
Tamamo responded instantly, a whip of flame arcing from her fingertips, melting the first salvo in midair.
Akitsu didn't let up. She summoned waves of cold wind and crystalline spears, each larger than the last, trying to box Tamamo in—but her fire burned too hot, her speed too overwhelming.
"This is training," Tamamo called, twirling through the air as another icy blast barely missed her. "Don't hold back."
"I am not," Akitsu replied, launching a razor-thin ice blade that was instantly reduced to steam.
Tamamo's feet skimmed the grass as she dodged, her movements fluid like a dancer. "Then you'll have to do more than that."
While they fought in a flurry of steam, flame, and frost, Yuuka, the only one without elemental powers or supernatural strength, stood off to the side.
She glanced from Issei dodging sword strikes, to Yashima playing glorified whack-a-mole with illusions, and finally to Tamamo and Akitsu recreating a battlefield.
"…And here I am," she muttered, sighing as she dropped into a squat. "The most normal person in this group." She began her own routine—sit-ups, push-ups, squats, and running drills. Her determination remained unfazed. No magic. No fire. "Normal or not," She whispered to herself between reps, "I'll still catch up."
—-----------------------------
Two hours later.
Issei lay on his back, gasping for air, his shirt clinging to him from sweat. He didn't know what hurt more—his lungs or the fact that his limbs refused to listen to him anymore.
Yashima had collapsed next to a tree, her hammer now planted into the ground as a makeshift anchor for her body. Her chest rose and fell heavily as she groaned, "They're not clones. They're monsters…"
Akitsu, ever the silent one, was kneeling, her breath sharp and cold as frost clung to her sleeves, sweat trailing down her temple despite her naturally chilly aura.
And then there was Yuuka, standing tall—only a faint sheen of sweat on her brow, barely panting. She rolled her shoulders out with a yawn. "That was a nice workout."
Issei groaned from the ground.
Standing over them were Tamamo and Karasuba, both looking completely untouched, not a single hair out of place.
Karasuba smirked. "Pathetic. But I suppose that's enough for tonight."
Tamamo raised her hand, her eyes glowing. With a gentle motion, she chanted a short spell. The park shimmered, grass regrew, dirt reformed, and all signs of battle and damage vanished as if nothing had happened.
"There," she said with satisfaction. "Wouldn't want anyone asking awkward questions."
Issei slowly pushed himself up. "Remind me… never to spar with either of you… again…"
Karasuba tilted her head. "Oh? But I was just getting started."
He let out a terrified whimper.
As the night air cooled around them, Tamamo clapped her hands together. "Alright, time to head home."
The group, battered but alive, slowly began the walk back under the starlit sky, each of them silently swearing to survive the next session.
—---------------------
After that brutal training session, his muscles ached in places he didn't know he had. The girls, surprisingly, had all insisted that he go first.
"You sure?" he had asked, blinking.
"Yes! Just go already!" Yuuka chimed, pushing him toward the bathroom.
Steam gently rose from the warm bath as Issei leaned back with a long sigh of relief. Now, soaking in the heat, he finally let his mind drift. "Peace at last…"
Click.
The door opened.
Issei turned his head, expecting maybe someone needing a towel—but his eyes widened when he saw Miya step in, clad in only a towel, her usual calm smile on her face.
"Would you like me to scratch your back, dear?" she asked sweetly.
Issei's mouth opened. Closed. Then opened again. His brain was short-circuiting. "Uh—I—yeah, sure…"
Miya giggled softly and stepped into the bath behind him. The steam thickened as she sat down, pressing herself gently against his back. Her towel slipped off in the process, but Issei barely had time to process that as her arms wrapped around him from behind.
"You worked hard today," she whispered, "you deserve to be pampered."
Issei, nose bleeding faintly, just nodded dumbly.
Click.
The door opened again.
This time, Yuuka entered—and her expression went from curious to furious in an instant.
"Miya?! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Miya looked over her shoulder with a serene smile. "Washing my weary husband after a long, grueling day. Is that a problem?"
"Yes! It is when I wanted to do the same!" Yuuka shouted, marching forward and stepping into the bath without hesitation and pressing her naked body against Issei. "Out. Now."
Click.
The door opened again.
Both girls turned their heads—Karasuba stood in the doorway, completely nude and unfazed.
"I felt like bonding with my Ashikabi." She said, stepping into the bath without hesitation. "Especially after giving him the kind of training most wouldn't survive."
The bickering resumed as the three beautiful women began arguing over rights, turns, and appropriate bath behavior.
Click.
Once more, the door opened—and this time, Akitsu and Yashima entered together, both with towels barely clinging to their forms.
"We want to bathe with Issei too," Yashima said cheerfully, stepping in while Akitsu nodded blankly.
"Together," Akitsu added.
The tension paused briefly as the two managed to calm the situation—though that peace didn't last.
Click.
Finally, Tamamo walked in, eyebrows raised in surprise. "I'm the last one? Unbelievable."
All eyes turned to her. Then the arguing exploded again.
"You already live with him—"
"You hog the bed!"
"You're not even technically married yet—"
"You forced him into training hell today—!"
Issei found himself pulled in every direction, soft, bare skin pressing into him from all sides as the chaos escalated.
Steam thickened.
Blood pressure rose.
And then—
Thud.
Issei passed out with a small smile on his face, sliding under the water with a soft splash, steam still rising around him as the girls froze in stunned silence.
"...Oops," Miya murmured.
—--------------------------------
The house was cloaked in silence, the moon casting a pale glow over its roof. Most of the occupants were fast asleep, exhausted.
But not Karasuba.
She stood in the hallway, already dressed in her old Disciplinary Squad uniform, katana strapped to her side, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. A smirk played across her lips as she made her way to the door, excitement practically radiating off her.
"A new world... surely something out there's worth cutting," she murmured to herself, fingers brushing the hilt of her blade.
Just as she reached for the door—
"And where do you think you're going?"
Karasuba paused. Her smirk twitched as she turned to find Miya and Tamamo standing behind her, arms crossed, expressions unreadable but clearly not pleased.
"Out," Karasuba answered plainly. "There might be strong ones lurking around. I'm going to find something fun to fight."
Miya exhaled slowly, clearly exasperated. "Karasuba…"
"We knew you were going to try something like this," Tamamo added, stepping forward and holding out a small charm bracelet. "We can't really stop you. But wear this—at least to suppress your aura. The last thing we need is trouble finding its way back here."
Karasuba raised a brow but took the bracelet, slipping it on without complaint.
"You know the rules," Miya said, tone sharp. "No attacking innocent people. No dragging any disasters back to this house. Or so help me—"
"I know, I know." Karasuba waved a hand dismissively. "I'm not stupid."
"Debatable," Tamamo muttered under her breath.
Karasuba chuckled and gave them a two-fingered salute. "Don't wait up."
With that, she slipped out the door, vanishing into the night—silent, fast, and already scanning for something interesting.
Tamamo and Miya remained at the door for a moment, watching the moonlight.
"She's going to get into trouble." Tamamo said flatly.
"She always does." Miya replied, sighing. "Let's just hope she doesn't level a building this time."