"No…"
"No! Stop!"
Rina threw herself at the pirate's leg, clutching his ankle with all her strength.
"Run!!!"
"Get off this island!!"
"Go find Lord Sasayuri!!!"
Her voice was raw with desperation as she poured the last of her strength into holding him down.
The two children snapped out of their shock at her words and bolted toward the window.
Seeing them about to escape, the pirate's expression twisted with rage. He lifted his other foot and stomped down toward Rina's head.
But instead of letting go, she only tightened her grip.
"Let go!"
He swung his blade at her.
"I'm sorry…"
"Lord Sasayuri…"
Blood spattered across the floor. Rina's body went still—but even in death, her hands would not release him.
"You stubborn wretch!"
Snarling, he raised his weapon again and hacked through her wrists, finally breaking free.
One by one, he pried her fingers from his ankle, and saw ten dark marks burned into his skin where she had held him.
...
Before long, more and more children were herded toward the pirate ship.
"Fifty-five…"
"Fifty-six…"
"Fifty-seven… fifty-eight…"
"All accounted for, Boss. We can set sail," Yide reported after counting.
"You're sure this island only has fifty-eight?" The captain's eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"Of course. Exactly fifty-eight—no more, no less."
"Then set sail!"
At his order, the pirates returned to the ship.
The children were shoved into cramped, square iron cages so small they could only curl up—unable even to squat or lie down.
"Boss, don't put these two in cages. Keep them outside for now." Yide's gaze lingered on Rina's son and daughter.
"Why?" the captain asked.
"Their mother was Rina. They're close with Lord Sasayuri of Inazuma's Tenryou Commission. If someone comes looking, they'll be useful."
"Fine. Tie them up on deck," the captain agreed without hesitation.
...
Narukami Island.
"That should be enough."
Elliot left a restaurant with two large boxes of fried tofu.
Satisfied with his preparations, he headed toward the Tenshukaku in high spirits.
Along the way, townsfolk greeted him warmly.
"Has it started yet? I'm not late, am I?"
Climbing the steps, he saw Zebul and the others had decorated the place into a lively, festive scene.
They were huddled together, clearly watching something interesting.
At the sound of his voice, everyone turned toward him.
"There you are—come on!"
Chiyo ran over with a grin, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.
"How's farming life on Watatsumi?" Zebul teased.
"That guy, Kintai…" Elliot muttered under his breath.
Kintai had clearly told her everything about his stay—without bothering to cover for him at all.
"Sometimes it's good to get back to nature," Elliot replied, scratching his head.
Chiyo pulled him closer, and he realized the group was gathered around the little fox, all waiting for her to transform.
Transforming in front of so many people was enough to make anyone shy.
"Is it about to happen?" Elliot asked.
"Yes—just a little longer. She's working hard," Kitsune Saiguu said knowingly; she'd been through it herself.
Before she could finish, the little fox suddenly burst into a soft pink light. Under everyone's gaze, her fur receded to reveal smooth skin, her fox features shifting into those of a human.
It looked a little uncanny at first, but the change was swift, and the strangeness quickly faded.
In her place now stood a miniature, bare-skinned Yae Miko.
"I… did I do it?" Yae Miko's voice was soft and childlike.
She looked from face to face, then down at her hands and feet, her eyes lighting up with joy.
"Yes!!"
"I can turn into a human too!"
She leapt up naked onto the table, grinning from ear to ear.
Kitsune Saiguu, who had been ready for this, quickly dressed her.
"The little one's finally taken human form. Here—this is your gift for your transformation day."
Elliot ruffled her hair affectionately and handed her an ornate box.
"And this—happy birthday, Kitsune Saiguu." He passed her the second box.
"Bringing gifts now? You're learning," Chiyo teased.
"I brought birthday gifts too!" Zebul said cheerfully, producing a large box.
When they opened it, they found it full of fried tofu—the only dish Zebul could make without risk of poisoning anyone. After a month of practice under Chiyo's watch, she could now prepare it on her own—though probably not in another kitchen.
"Uh…"
"I brought fried tofu too," Elliot admitted, setting down his two boxes.
"…Actually, so did I," Chiyo said, blushing.
They all froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"I'm sorry…"
"Lord Sasayuri…"
In the middle of the laughter, a familiar voice suddenly echoed in Elliot's mind.
He jolted as if struck by lightning, whipping his head toward Watatsumi Island, his brow furrowing.