Clang! Clang, clang!
Steel rang through the courtyard as Tenra and Irina traded blows, swords flashing in the afternoon light. They moved with surprising skill for their age—no clumsy swings, no wild flailing. These weren't toy blades, either. Real swords, real sparks, real bruises.
Any ordinary parent would've panicked at the sight of two kids dueling with live steel. But Touji Shidou—Uncle Shidou to Tenra—just watched from the side, calm and collected. Every so often, he'd nod and offer a quiet tip, his eyes sharp behind the gentle smile.
The Shidou family were devout members of the Church. Irina's father looked the part of a mild-mannered priest, but beneath the robes was a seasoned Church warrior. Maybe he wasn't in the same league as the true elites, but for Tenra and Irina, his guidance was more than enough.
CLANG!
A shower of sparks burst as Tenra knocked Irina's sword from her grip. The match was over—Irina slumped to the ground, defeated again.
"Three hundred fifty-six. That's how many times you've lost, Irina." Tenra grinned, stopping his blade just short of her chest.
"Ugh! You even keep count, you jerk!" Irina puffed out her cheeks and glared, frustration written all over her face.
She always swore she'd win next time, but Tenra's streak remained unbroken. Luckily, Irina's cheerful spirit kept her going—any other kid might've given up by now.
"Do you know why you keep losing to Tenra, Irina?" Uncle Shidou walked over, voice gentle. "It's not about talent. Tenra's not more gifted than you. He just works harder. Harder than you, harder than anyone I've seen."
Irina nodded, determination burning in her eyes. "I get it, Father. I'll train even harder from now on!"
She'd seen Tenra's dedication up close—she knew better than anyone how much effort he poured into every practice. She admired him for it, even if losing stung.
A quick glance at Tenra, and a blush crept across her cheeks.
Doesn't matter if you're a little girl or a grown woman—hardworking, handsome boys always catch your eye.
Touji Shidou saw the look and couldn't help but smile. He didn't say a word, just shook his head in quiet amusement.
"Tenra, Irina, snacks are ready!"
Irina's mother appeared in the doorway, carrying two plates of delicate pastries and fresh fruit.
"Mom!" Irina dashed over, all smiles.
"Thanks for the treat, Aunt Shidou." Tenra sheathed his sword and bowed politely.
Irina's mother radiated warmth. She'd always taken care of Tenra, especially after his own mother passed away. She handed out the treats, her smile gentle and reassuring.
They were just simple pastries and fruit, but the flavors were perfect—so much so that Tenra found himself eating more than usual, lost in memories of his mother's cooking.
Watching their daughter and Tenra together, the Shidou couple exchanged a knowing glance, smiles tugging at their lips.
It wasn't just Irina—both parents were fond of Tenra. Mature, polite, driven. Living alone after Tamako's death, yet never losing heart. Hard to believe he was only ten.
The Hyoudou kid next door was the same age, but spent his days folding paper airplanes and playing in the mud. Rumor had it he'd been hanging around a local pervert lately, learning about "oppai comics" and now shouting "oppai!" at every turn—a little lecher in training.
The Shidous couldn't help but sigh. Some kids were born treasures; some, well, not so much.
"Tenra, did you think about what I said before?" Uncle Shidou asked, suddenly serious. "With your talent, the Church would give you special training. You'd go far."
He'd pitched the idea more than once, always hinting at the Church's secrets—the strength of God and angels, the threat of demons and monsters, the Church's sacred duty to protect humanity. Noble, glorious, and so on.
Tenra understood the concern, but joining the Church was out of the question. This wasn't the peaceful era from the late canon. Demons and fallen angels were heretics—if the Church discovered his demonic blood, they'd erase him without a second thought.
"Sorry, Uncle Shidou. I'm used to living free. I don't want to join any organization."
Tenra's refusal was gentle but firm.
Disappointment flickered in Shidou's eyes, but before he could press further, Irina's mother chimed in:
"Darling, save the sermons for the church. Don't pressure Tenra at home. If he doesn't want to join, let him be."
Shidou could only sigh and smile wryly. "You're right. Everyone has their own path. If you won't join, I won't ask again."
He paused, then added, "Actually, because of some Church business, we'll be moving to England soon. If you'd joined up, we could've brought you with us. But..."
Tenra felt a pang. In the original story, the Shidou family left for England around this time. Fate was still following its script, even with him here.
"Uncle Shidou, Aunt Shidou, no matter where you go, you'll always be family to me. And Irina will always be my best friend."
Tenra's words were heartfelt, his tone solemn.
Aside from the Shidous, Tenra barely interacted with anyone else. He was sad to see them go, but joining the Church and leaving Japan was never an option.
"Haha! Well said. You're staying for dinner tonight, no arguments. Let your aunt spoil you a little."
Uncle Shidou clapped Tenra on the shoulder, laughing. If he couldn't recruit Tenra, he could at least feed him.
Tenra smiled, unable to refuse.
With other matters to handle, Shidou left the courtyard. Irina's mother reminded them to be careful training, then returned inside to start dinner.
"Tenra, why won't you join the Church? Don't you believe in God?" Irina asked, her voice earnest. "I'm telling you, God is real! And the angels—so strong, so beautiful!"
Irina wanted Tenra to come with them—wanted to stay by his side. But even as energetic and blunt as she was, she couldn't quite say it out loud.
Tenra smiled, a hint of mystery in his eyes. "God exists, Irina. But he's already dead."
Irina froze, then panicked, clapping her hands over Tenra's mouth. "Don't say things like that! If Father heard you, he'd be furious—even at you!"
Her face had gone pale, her voice urgent.
For a devout believer, Tenra's words were blasphemy—heresy, even. Thankfully, Irina's faith was still innocent, not yet hardened by years of doctrine. She wasn't angry—just worried Tenra would get in trouble.
"Relax. I'll only share this secret with you, Irina. Because you're special. I trust you."
"Wh-what do you mean, special? You're being weird, Tenra!"
"I mean you're special, Irina. And I never realized you could be this cute, too. Hahaha..."
"Ugh! Stupid Tenra, making fun of me! I'll bite you!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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