Ren made his way to Nonko's room, a faint smile playing on his lips. The soft scent of ink and old paper, mixed with a hint of something sweet, wafted from behind her closed door. He knew she was likely deep in a creative trance, oblivious to the world outside. He knocked gently.
"Nonko-san? It's Ren."
A muffled squeak from within, followed by a frantic rustling. "R-Ren-kun?! Just a moment!"
Ren chuckled softly. He could imagine the chaos on the other side of the door: Nonko, probably surrounded by discarded sketches and half-eaten snacks, frantically trying to tidy up. After a few more seconds of shuffling, the door slid open.
Nonko stood there, her hair a charming mess, a faint blush on her cheeks. She was wearing a loose t-shirt and shorts, her usual work attire, and her eyes, though still a little dazed from her creative focus, widened with pure joy as she saw him. "Ren-kun! You're back!" She launched herself at him, a more controlled, but no less enthusiastic, hug than their last encounter. This time, Ren was ready, bracing himself and returning her embrace.
"I missed you," she mumbled into his shoulder, her voice thick with genuine affection.
"I missed you too, Nonko-san," Ren replied, his voice soft. He gently pulled back, holding her at arm's length. "What are you working on?"
Nonko's eyes lit up, and she immediately began to gush about her latest manga project, a fantastical romance with a surprising twist. Ren listened patiently, offering encouraging words and insightful comments, his 'Ticket of Skill' allowing him to effortlessly grasp the nuances of her creative process. He spent the next few hours with her, helping her brainstorm ideas, offering suggestions for panel layouts, and even sketching a few character poses that perfectly captured her vision. Nonko watched him, mesmerized by his effortless talent, her admiration for him deepening with every stroke of his pen.
Later, after a light lunch prepared by Chitose, Ren decided to spend time with the other girls. He found Koyuzu and Yaya in the garden, playing a spirited game of tag among the bushes. Koyuzu, giggling, darted behind a large camellia bush, while Yaya, her cat ears twitching, stalked her with playful intensity. Ren joined in, his enhanced agility allowing him to effortlessly keep up with their boundless energy. He chased Koyuzu, let Yaya "catch" him, and even used his 'Real Illusion' to create fleeting, harmless illusions that made their game even more exciting. Koyuzu shrieked with delight as a phantom butterfly flitted past, and Yaya pounced on an illusory mouse, her tail twitching in mock triumph.
As the afternoon began to wane, Ren heard the faint sounds of sharp, rhythmic movements coming from the inn's small, secluded dojo. He recognized the distinct sounds of Sagiri and Hibari's training. Curious, he made his way there, pushing open the sliding door to reveal the two cousins mid-spar.
They moved with a fluid grace, their movements precise and powerful. Sagiri's kunai flashed, a silver blur, while Hibari's smaller frame darted with surprising speed. Ren, with his enhanced perception from the 'Ticket of Intelligence' and his 'Ticket of Talent' allowing him to instantly grasp complex movements, noticed a subtle difference. Their spiritual energy, usually tightly controlled, seemed to flow more freely, subtly enhancing their speed and strength with each strike. It was as if their bodies were humming with an unseen power, a direct consequence of their burgeoning feelings for him.
Sagiri, mid-lunge, caught sight of him. Her movement faltered for a split second, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Hibari, seizing the opportunity, landed a light tap on Sagiri's shoulder.
"Got you, Sagiri-chan!" Hibari chirped, a triumphant grin on her face.
Sagiri huffed, annoyed at being distracted, but then turned to Ren, her expression quickly hardening into her usual stern mask. "Ren-kun. What are you doing here?"
"Just checking in," Ren replied, a casual smile on his face. "You two are looking sharp. Your movements are incredibly fluid today."
Hibari preened slightly at the compliment. "Thank you, Ren-kun! We've been training extra hard!"
Ren nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Indeed. I noticed a particular shift in your footwork, Sagiri-san. It's almost as if you're anticipating your opponent's next move before they even make it. And Hibari-san, your speed… it's truly remarkable. It's like you're disappearing and reappearing." He paused, then added, "Perhaps if you both focused on channeling that inner flow a little more consciously, you could push past your current limits."
Sagiri and Hibari exchanged a surprised glance. Ren's words, though simple, resonated with a profound truth they hadn't fully articulated themselves. They had felt stronger, faster, but hadn't understood why. His observation, so precise, was unnerving.
"Hmph," Sagiri grunted, but a flicker of respect entered her eyes. "We'll consider your advice, Ren-kun."
Hibari, less guarded, beamed. "Thank you, Ren-kun! You're so smart!"
Ren chuckled, sensing he had made a positive impression. He spent a few more minutes observing them, offering quiet encouragement, before excusing himself.
As the afternoon wore on, Ren found Yuuna floating quietly in the communal living area, gazing out at the garden with a wistful expression. He approached her, his presence a silent comfort.
"What are you thinking about, Yuuna?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Yuuna turned, her translucent form shimmering slightly. "I was just… wishing I could go outside more. It's so beautiful out there." A faint sadness tinged her voice.
Ren remembered his earlier thought about Kogarashi temporarily allowing Yuuna to leave the inn. He had the 'Ticket of Talent' that made him adept at anything he focused on. He focused on the memory, on the concept of a spiritual tether, and on the intricate process of temporarily extending a spirit's range.
"Yuuna," Ren said, his voice firm, "I think I can help you." He held out his hand, and Yuuna, her eyes wide with hope, tentatively reached out. This time, as their hands met, her form solidified, a warm, vibrant energy flowing between them. Ren closed his eyes, concentrating, pouring a small amount of his spiritual power into her, creating a temporary, invisible tether that extended her reach beyond the inn's boundaries.
When he opened his eyes, Yuuna was no longer shimmering. She was solid, tangible, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. "I… I can feel it!" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I can go outside!"
Ren smiled. "Just for a little while," he cautioned. "It takes a lot of energy to maintain the connection, and it's still new. But we can practice."
Yuuna, overcome with emotion, launched herself into a hug, her arms wrapping tightly around him. "Thank you, Ren-kun! Thank you so much!"
Later that evening, after a delicious dinner with all the residents, Ren found himself alone on the balcony, gazing at the stars. He felt a profound sense of contentment. He had spent the day making the women in his life happy, and it was a deeply satisfying feeling.