Ding-ling-ling~~~~
The bell signaling the end of class rang out, and Koneko Toujou swiftly packed up her books and stuffed them into her bag. Without greeting any of her classmates, she slung her backpack over her shoulders and dashed out of the classroom.
That was just how Koneko was. Aside from her fellow Occult Research Club members, she barely had anyone in the class she could call a friend. After all, she wasn't exactly human anymore.
She was both a youkai and a reincarnated devil. Given her personality, she was naturally reserved when it came to forming bonds.
Usually, after school, Koneko would head straight to the Occult Research Club to check if there were any tasks needing her. But this time, she left Kuoh Academy right away—she had requested leave from her club president beforehand.
This had been going on for several days now.
So, after she left the school gates, her president and vice-president quietly began following her.
"Hey, Akeno… Why is Koneko coming home so late these days?"
Rias Gremory, with her long crimson hair and curvaceous figure, tilted her head and asked her best friend Himejima Akeno.
It wasn't that she wanted to pry into her subordinate and servant's private life—she was just curious and slightly concerned.
After all, if someone who used to return home on time suddenly started coming home thirty minutes late every day, any family member would naturally start worrying…
That was basically the situation with Rias as well.
"Ara ara, President, could it be… Koneko might have a boyfriend? Don't you think it looks that way?"
The black-haired girl with a single ponytail—Himejima Akeno—said with a curious glint in her eyes.
"A boyfriend? No way… With Koneko's figure, someone actually confessed to her?"
"President, I'm totally telling Koneko-chan you said that."
"Enough, Akeno! I'm asking because I care about her, okay!"
The two of them started bickering again, until they realized Koneko was about to disappear from view, prompting them to stop and catch up. Today, they were determined to get to the bottom of her strange behavior.
Koneko was completely unaware that her two senpais were tailing her.
She passed by a series of game shops, which made Rias and Akeno even more convinced—did Koneko actually get herself a boyfriend? They knew how much she liked games.
On weekends, Rias often saw her at arcades, playing for hours.
Finally, Koneko stopped in front of a particular shop.
Then—
As soon as she opened the door, a black cat leaped out from inside.
Koneko caught it naturally, as if it was a routine.
"Mmm… Kuro, you really can smell me from afar, huh?"
As if understanding her, the black cat nodded its tiny head and burrowed into her arms, licking her cheek with its small tongue. Even Koneko, who rarely showed emotion, smiled softly.
Lately, she had been passing by this store and, out of curiosity, once walked in. To her surprise, this black cat had jumped into her arms immediately.
Every time since, the cat would leap into her arms at the door, as if it recognized her scent.
She couldn't explain it, but she felt strangely attached to this little one.
Maybe it was because she herself was part-nekomata… That's the only reason she could think of.
She liked the black cat, and didn't dislike the pets in the shop either, so she often came after school to visit…
—Even the president didn't know about this!
Koneko just didn't think it was necessary to tell anyone.
Holding the cat gently, she walked into the shop.
Inside, she saw a man sitting at the counter, playing with some strange creature.
—According to him, this creature's name was Fou…
"Manager Kurosawa, I'm back again"
"Yeah… I knew from Kuro's reaction. Every time you come, she runs to the door to wait for you."
"Meow meow meow meow meow—!"
The cat in her arms got visibly annoyed as soon as the man called her "Kuro."
Why couldn't he pick a nicer name? "Kuro" this, "Kuro" that… It sounded more like a puppy's name!
Seeing her annoyance, Ren gave her a deep, meaningful look.
—Then how about I call you Kuroka?
The cat went silent after understanding the look.
Fine, just call me Kuro then…
Once the cat gave in, Ren turned back to playing with Fou.
"Right, Koneko, Kuro hasn't had lunch yet. Go give her some cat food, will you?"
The moment food was mentioned, Kuro's eyes sparkled. She stared at her sister eagerly.
Koneko nodded and efficiently opened the second drawer to her left.
"Manager Kurosawa, you run such a big pet store… why are there only Kuro and Fou in here?"
As she fed the cat, Koneko couldn't help but ask.
It had always puzzled her—this shop only ever had those two animals. Even now, there were no new pets.
Ren just shrugged and shot her a look.
"This place doesn't sell pets. It sells pet food. See all those bags on the shelves?"
Looking around, Koneko did see quite a lot of them.
She had assumed this was a pet shop. No wonder Ren told her Kuro wasn't for sale.
"Of course, if you're interested, there will be more pets in the future. When it gets too busy, how about working part-time for me? Kuro really likes you."
Meeting Kuro's gaze in her arms, Koneko softened and nodded.
"Mmm… I'll come when I have time."
Ren smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
Meanwhile, a mechanical voice echoed in his ear.
[Kuroka has consumed a Nekomata Bloodline Crystal. Power is increasing…]
[Fou has consumed a Special Jealousy Sin Crystal. Rationality is increasing…]
[Detected pet power increase. Host receives tenfold strength feedback…]