June 15, 2021 - Tuesday - 6:00 P.M.
Abandoned Warehouse - Nagano Prefecture
Kuroka POV
I could hardly believe what I'd just witnessed. It wasn't a battle—it was an execution. The air still hummed with residual power, the scent of ozone and blood thick in the air. I'd seen strong fighters before, both devils and yokai, but what unfolded before me went beyond strength. It was artistry wrapped in violence.
Aichi's movements were precise, surgical—each strike delivered with elegance and deadly intent. His swordsmanship wasn't just refined; it was transcendent. Even as someone who wasn't trained in the blade, I could feel the rhythm of his combat, a mastery that radiated through every motion. When he finished the last devil by crushing it between two massive slabs of stone, the sheer efficiency of it made my fur stand on end. A horrifying end, and yet... poetic in its finality.
And Riku—his presence was something else entirely. He moved like water caught in a storm, flowing yet unpredictable. Every step, every sidestep, was deliberate, almost like a dance. He didn't even need to open his eyes to dodge the incoming attacks. Then, the moment he unleashed that enormous beam of lightning, I felt it—divinity. Not the faint trace of borrowed holy power, but the genuine pressure of something celestial. It wasn't raw destruction; it was refined wrath.
Both of them had annihilated the servants of a Maou as though it were nothing. That shouldn't be possible. I'd seen high-ranking devils fight—these men shouldn't have been able to do what they did. So what are they really? And this "Celestial" term I keep hearing... what does it even mean? Celestial Families? Their power feels otherworldly, but different from gods or angels. Questions swarmed my mind, but before I could dwell too long, the dome of energy that surrounded me finally began to fade.
Through the dissipating light, I saw them approaching—Aichi and Riku, side by side, their expressions calm yet sharp. Despite their youth, there was an aura about them, a quiet confidence that came only from surviving too much.
Riku was the first to speak, his voice firm but reassuring.
"Problem's been dealt with. You're safe now."
I managed a tired smile, my body screaming with exhaustion. "T-thank you... I'd already accepted my fate before you two showed up. Guess I owe you my life."
Aichi sheathed his sword, his tone calm but focused. "Then we arrived just in time. Now, we would—"
I cut him off with a weak chuckle. "I know what you're about to say—you want answers. And I'll give them. But... can it wait? I'm running on fumes here."
Riku's gaze softened. "Right. You're in no condition to talk. Your mana's almost depleted—I can feel it. If you push yourself any further, you'll collapse completely. Rest for now."
His words carried no room for argument, only quiet assurance. I nodded, sinking slowly to my knees, the weight of eight years pressing down on me. "Finally... some rest," I murmured. "After eight long years..."
Darkness pulled me under. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I let it take me.
Riku's POV
We watched her slip into unconsciousness, her breathing steadying as she fell into what must've been her first peaceful sleep in years. There was a faint smile on her face—a rare sight from someone who had clearly endured too much.
"Eight years without rest..." I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. "How the hell did she manage to stay sane after all that?"
Aichi crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing as he glanced down at her. "Maybe she didn't mean literal rest. More like... she hasn't had a moment of peace. Judging from those devils, they've probably been hunting her all this time."
I knelt beside her, carefully shifting her position so she could breathe easier. "That tracks. Her body's covered in bruises and scars. This wasn't the first time she was cornered."
Silence settled between us, broken only by the faint hum of residual magic still lingering in the air. The warehouse around us was wrecked—cracked concrete, burned walls, blood splatters here and there. It was a grim reminder of how close she came to dying tonight.
Aichi finally spoke again, his tone steady. "What now?"
I exhaled. "I'll take her to Eirin-san. She's the only one who can properly treat her condition."
Aichi blinked. "How exactly are you planning to do that? Eientei isn't exactly around the corner."
A small grin tugged at the edge of my lips as I reached into my jacket. "She gave me a teleportation coupon when I last visited. Told me to use it only in emergencies. I'd say this qualifies."
Aichi gave a faint chuckle. "You and your connections. You sure that thing still works?"
"Guess we'll find out." I lifted Kuroka gently, slinging her over my back with care. Her tail flicked once in her sleep before settling. "I'll handle things from here. You take care of cleanup."
"Got it," Aichi replied. "I'll make sure nothing suspicious is left behind. And Riku..."
"Yeah?"
"Be careful. Something tells me this isn't over."
His words carried weight. I gave him a nod before tearing the small parchment in half. A soft pulse of blue light surrounded me, wrapping both me and Kuroka in its glow. The world began to distort, colors folding in on themselves as the teleportation magic activated.
The last thing I saw before everything blurred away was Aichi standing amidst the debris, his hand resting on his sword hilt, eyes scanning the shadows. Always alert. Always ready.
Then, in a flash of light, the ruined warehouse vanished from sight.
Yagokoro Villa – Tokyo - 7:00 P.M.
The faint hum of teleportation magic faded as I found myself standing in front of the Yagokoro Villa. The familiar sight of its clean white walls and wooden gate greeted me, a stark contrast to the chaos of the warehouse I'd just left behind. The air here was still—calm, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
This villa was one of the few private homes the Yagokoro family maintained in Tokyo, usually occupied only when Eirin-san and Kaguya preferred to stay closer to the capital. I could sense traces of Kaguya's aura nearby, faint but distinct—probably within her own quarters. As for Eirin... she was definitely awake.
I shifted Kuroka slightly on my back, careful not to aggravate her injuries. She was light—too light for someone her size. I could feel every bone pressing faintly through her skin, her breathing shallow but steady.
Knocking on the door, I waited. A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing Eirin-san herself. She looked surprised at first, then her expression quickly shifted to concern the moment she saw Kuroka.
"Riku? What are you doing here—and who is she?"
"You felt that magic surge earlier, didn't you?" I asked, keeping my tone steady.
Her eyes narrowed. "I did. Don't tell me—"
"Yeah. It was her," I confirmed. "Aichi can fill you in on the full report later, but right now she needs medical attention. Urgently."
Eirin-san's usual calm cracked for just a second as she stepped aside, gesturing me in. "Understood. Bring her inside. She's in no condition to wait."
The villa's interior was spotless as always, the faint scent of disinfectant and herbal medicine filling the air. The quiet shuffle of footsteps echoed from deeper inside, followed by the soft clink of metal trays—Eirin's assistant, Udongein, already preparing instruments.
We entered one of the patient rooms. Udongein was quick to act, helping me lay Kuroka down on the medical bed. Her usual playful tone was gone, replaced by quiet professionalism. Eirin instructed us both to wait outside while she performed an initial assessment.
Once the door closed, silence filled the hallway, broken only by the faint ticking of the wall clock.
Udongein leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "So, what happened out there? You don't usually show up like this, and to think you're carrying a nekomata too."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Aichi will send a full report later, but... long story short, she was being hunted. We intervened just in time."
Her brow furrowed. "Hunted, huh? Must've been serious if you came all the way here. Did she at least give a name?"
"She did. Her name was Kuroka."
Udongein tilted her head slightly, her rabbit ears twitching. "Kuroka, huh.... I'll check the database later."
The silence between us stretched again. My thoughts began to drift until another memory surfaced—one I'd rather not ignore.
"Hey, Udongein... about what happened at Eientei a few days ago."
Her eyes flicked to me, then softened with a knowing smirk. "Oh, that? Don't worry about it. It was understandable from your side. Still..." she leaned closer, her voice teasing, "I took one for the team, so you owe me one."
I sighed, but a faint smile tugged at my lips. "Fair enough. Just tell me what you want, and I'll do what I can."
Before she could reply, the door opened, and Eirin stepped out. Her face was calm, but there was a heavy tension in her eyes.
"Sensei," Udongein said immediately, "what are the results?"
Eirin-san crossed her arms. "Not good. She's suffering from multiple bone fractures—at least five major ones that require surgical correction. The procedure will take around five hours. On top of that, she's severely malnourished. Her body's practically at its limit."
I frowned. "That lines up with what she said before passing out. She mentioned finally being able to rest after eight years."
Eirin-san's gaze darkened slightly. "Eight years... that would explain a lot. I can sense the traces of magic depletion—she's been relying on her own energy to sustain herself."
Udongein nodded. "Makes sense. She must've been using her magic to suppress hunger. Now that it's gone, the malnourishment's catching up."
"Exactly," Eirin-san agreed. "But whatever the reason, the surgery must proceed immediately. I've already summoned the few moon rabbits stationed here to prepare the operating room." She turned to Udongein. "You'll be assisting me."
"Hai," Udongein replied promptly.
Eirin-san then looked at me. "And you, Riku... I'd ask for your help too, but you have school tomorrow. It's going to be an extensive operation—"
I interrupted before she could finish. "I'll help. I brought her here, so it's my responsibility to see this through. Besides, if I assist, her survival chances will increase."
Eirin-san gave me a faint smile. "You really don't change, do you? Always carrying more weight than you should."
"Someone has to," I said quietly.
She nodded, her expression softening. "Very well. Both of you, get ready and meet me in the operating room in ten minutes."
"Hai!" we said in unison.
The changing room was sterile and cold, the air filled with the faint scent of antiseptic. I swapped my casual clothes for surgical scrubs, tying my hair back before slipping on the mask. Udongein was already done, adjusting her gloves with her usual efficiency.
"You nervous?" she asked, glancing at me.
"Not really," I said, stretching my hands. "Just focused."
She grinned faintly beneath her mask. "You always are."
We entered the operating room a few minutes later. Eirin-san was already there, hands scrubbed and sterilized, her eyes sharp and composed. The rabbits had prepped the equipment, their movements quiet and precise. Kuroka lay on the operating table, covered in a clean sheet, her breathing shallow but steady.
"Glad you both made it," Eirin said. "Her vitals are stable for now. We can begin as soon as we're in position."
Udongein and I nodded. I took my place near the monitoring equipment, watching the pulse lines flicker steadily. Udongein stood beside me, ready to assist.
Eirin-san's voice cut through the quiet hum of machines. "Riku, you'll monitor the vitals and report any irregularities immediately. Udongein, assist me when needed. Understood?"
"Hai," we both responded.
Eirin-san took a steadying breath, then extended her hand. "Scalpel."
Udongein passed it to her without hesitation. The metallic sound of the instrument being set against flesh echoed faintly. The operation began.
----------
June 16, 2021 - Wednesday - 2:30 A.M.
The operation dragged far longer than I expected. What should've taken five hours ended up stretching into nearly eight. The extent of Kuroka's injuries was worse than we initially thought—several of her fractured bones had punctured portions of her internal organs. The damage wasn't fatal, but it was delicate work; removing each fragment without worsening the tears demanded precision that bordered on surgical artistry.
Even with Eirin-san's skill, it was a painstaking process. Every movement had to be deliberate, every breath measured. If I hadn't been there to help stabilize her vitals and maintain her mana flow, the operation could've easily doubled in time.
When it was finally over, the tension that had held the room hostage began to ease. I leaned back slightly, exhaling a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. My wristwatch read 2:30 A.M.
"Fuck..." I muttered, rubbing my eyes. "It's late. Way too late."
Eirin-san removed her gloves, her voice calm but tired. "My apologies. The procedure took longer than expected."
"It's fine," I said, rolling my shoulders. "But still... that was a long one."
Udongein stretched her arms, a yawn slipping out before she covered her mouth. "That's just how surgeries go, Riku. You should be used to all-nighters by now. On the bright side, Kuroka's going to be fine."
Eirin-san nodded in quiet agreement. "She's right. We managed to save her life, and that's what matters most tonight."
I glanced over to the recovery bed, where Kuroka lay sleeping peacefully under soft white sheets. Her breathing was shallow but steady. For the first time since we found her, she looked calm—almost fragile.
"So," I asked after a pause, "any estimate on when she'll wake up?"
Eirin-san's eyes softened as she adjusted the IV lines beside Kuroka. "That depends entirely on her body. Given her condition, I'd say the earliest would be the day after the Moriya Party. But remember, you said she hadn't had proper rest for eight years. Her body might take its time catching up."
I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of exhaustion beginning to settle into my bones. "Makes sense... poor thing's earned a proper rest." I rubbed the back of my neck and gave a weary sigh. "Well, it's way too late to drive the Universe Ring now. I'll just teleport back home."
Eirin-san turned to me. "That's probably for the best. Don't worry, I'll vouch for your use of teleportation if anyone asks. You've done enough tonight to warrant it."
"Appreciate it," I said, offering her a small, grateful smile. "Then I'll be heading out. Thanks again, Eirin-san. You too, Udongein."
Reisen gave me a lazy wave. "Get some rest, Riku. You look like you'll pass out any second."
"Yeah, yeah," I replied, suppressing a tired chuckle as I made my way to the exit.
Outside, the air was cool and quiet. The faint glow of moonlight painted the villa's garden silver, the wind brushing softly against the leaves. I summoned the Universe Ring, its familiar form appearing in a flicker of light. Taking a seat inside, I focused my mana and began casting the teleportation spell. The magic circle lit beneath me, and with a brief flash, Tokyo vanished.
Nagae Estate
The teleportation completed smoothly, depositing me at the courtyard of the estate. The moment I stepped out of the Universe Ring, fatigue hit me like a wave. I parked it carefully in the garage before dragging myself toward my room.
The halls were quiet—most of the household already asleep. The faint scent of cedar wood and incense clung to the air, grounding me in the familiar calm of home. I slipped into my room, peeled off my clothes, and went straight for the shower. The hot water hit my skin, washing away the remnants of blood, sweat, and sterilizing fumes from the surgery.
When I finally collapsed into bed, the exhaustion was absolute. I barely managed to pull the blanket over myself before my consciousness started to fade.
"Right now... I just need sleep," I muttered. "And I've got P.E. later today. Wonderful."
Sleep claimed me before I could even finish the thought.
Three and a Half Hours Later
6:00 A.M.
The shrill ring of my alarm clock dragged me back from the edge of oblivion. My head felt heavy, eyes burning from the lack of rest. I groaned softly, running a hand through my hair as I sat up.
"Three hours," I muttered, glancing at the time. "It'll have to do."
I was halfway out of bed when the door creaked open. Standing there was Ayabe, perfectly composed as always despite the early hour.
"Riku-sama," he greeted with a bow. "You've returned."
I stifled a yawn. "Morning, Ayabe. Yeah... got back around 2:30. Surgery took a while."
His brow furrowed slightly. "I see. Oyakata-sama informed us you'd be returning late, but I didn't expect it to be that late."
"Yeah, neither did I," I said, stretching my arms. "But it's fine. I still got some rest."
A faint, amused smile appeared on his face. "True. Compared to your schedule back when you were with OG, this is rather tame."
I chuckled quietly. "Can't deny that. At least now I'm sleeping in an actual bed instead of a backstage couch."
He inclined his head. "Shall I inform your grandfather that you've returned safely?"
"Please do. I'll start getting ready for school."
"By your command, Riku-sama."
With that, Ayabe turned and left, his footsteps fading down the hallway.
I stood there for a moment, letting the quiet linger before heading toward my wardrobe. Pulling out a spare uniform, I began changing, my movements sluggish but methodical. The mirror reflected a tired face with faint shadows under the eyes, but nothing a quick shower and a strong cup of coffee couldn't fix.
As I buttoned my shirt, my mind briefly drifted back to Kuroka—her faint breathing, the calm on her face after years of running. At least for now, she was safe. That thought alone made the exhaustion easier to bear.
"Alright," I muttered to myself, tightening my tie. "Time to face another day."
And with that, I stepped out of my room, ready—or as ready as three hours of sleep could make me—to face whatever waited next.
Nagae Estate – Dining Hall - 6:15 A.M.
I had just changed into my uniform when I made my way down the corridor toward the dining hall. When I slid the door open, the girls were already seated—Miyu chatting quietly with Rinko, Mafuyu eating with her usual calm detachment. Their conversation broke off the moment they noticed me.
Rinko blinked in surprise. "Riku, you're here. When did you get home?"
"I came back at about two-thirty," I answered, taking a seat beside them.
Miyu's brows lifted. "That late? What took you so long?"
I set my phone on the table and exhaled. "I had to help Eirin-san with a surgery."
Both Rinko and Miyu froze, repeating in unison, "Surgery?"
That one word was enough to catch Mafuyu's attention. Her chopsticks halted midair as her gaze quietly shifted toward me, unreadable as ever.
"Something happened in Nagano yesterday," I explained. "We ran into a woman who was severely injured—covered in blood, bones puncturing her organs. We brought her to Eirin-san's place. Since her clinic was short on staff, she asked me and Udongein to assist."
Mafuyu leaned forward slightly. "You helped Eirin-san with the operation?"
"I did," I said. "I may not have medical training, but I understand anatomy and precision work. Between the three of us, we managed to stabilize her. Eirin-san handled the critical parts, of course."
Tina, who had been listening quietly, tilted her head. "What kind of injuries did she have?"
"Multiple organ ruptures, fractures across her body. It's a miracle she even made it through."
Mafuyu's eyes softened, just a little. "That bad... and you three still pulled it off."
"It wasn't easy," I admitted. "But she's alive. That's what matters."
Miyu, curious as ever, leaned closer. "Do you have a picture of her?"
"I do." I unlocked my phone and scrolled through my gallery until I found the photo I took before leaving Eirin's villa. "We cleaned her up a bit before I left, so she doesn't look as bad."
I turned the screen toward them. The girls gathered around, the morning light catching their faces as they studied the image. Even bandaged, Kuroka's beauty was undeniable—her pale skin contrasting sharply with her black hair, and those feline features that gave her away.
Rinko was the first to notice. "Riku... those ears and tail—are they real?"
"Yes," I replied simply. "She's a nekomata."
Miyu's mouth fell open slightly. "So she's a youkai... and she's, uh, quite well-developed too."
Rinko shot her a look. Miyu just smirked and shrugged.
Before anyone could tease further, my phone buzzed again. A notification from Aichi popped up on the screen.
Miyu tilted her head. "Who was it, Riku-san?"
"Aichi," I said, scrolling through the message. "He says that later this afternoon, he'll be visiting Hanasakigawa with Eli and Nozomi."
Rinko blinked in surprise. "The student council president and vice-president of Otonokizaka? Why would they come to our school?"
"They want to ask something from you," I said, glancing her way. "Since you're our student council president."
Rinko crossed her arms thoughtfully. "Hmm... me and Sayo-san could probably meet with them. Yukina-san told us we could take the week off anyway."
"Perfect." I started typing a reply to Aichi. "I'll let him know you're available."
The sound of footsteps approached from the hall, followed by Youmu's familiar voice. "Breakfast is serv—oh, Riku-kun, you're back." She smiled faintly. "Looks like Kyoya-sama's prediction was spot on."
I blinked. "He predicted I'd come home late?"
Kazehana, carrying a tray of miso soup, nodded. "He did. He told the rest of us to expect you back around dawn, so we left the estate lights on just in case."
"No wonder the place was still lit when I got back," I muttered, half to myself.
Sakurako, setting down a plate of grilled fish, grinned. "Yeah. It's gonna sting a little when the electric bill comes in, though. Anyway, Riku-sama, what exactly happened in Nagano?"
I leaned back in my chair. "Aichi handed me something... something that used to belong to Tenshi. If you're curious, it's in the garage. Aizawa's probably looking over it right now." I caught the faint spark of curiosity in their eyes. "But before that, let's eat. We've got a long day ahead."
At my words, Kazehana, Sakurako, and Nazuna began serving breakfast with their usual precision, and Youmu—already dressed in her uniform—sat down to join us. Steam rose from the dishes, mingling with the soft clinking of utensils and the muted rustle of early sunlight spilling across the table.
For a while, no one spoke. The quiet was oddly grounding after the chaos of the night before. My body still ached from fatigue, but the warmth of the food, the familiar chatter, the steady rhythm of the morning—it all reminded me that I was home.
Miyu was the first to break the silence. "So... that nekomata woman, what's her name?"
"Kuroka," I said. "We'll need to keep her recovery quiet until Eirin-san gives the all-clear. She's been through enough."
Mafuyu gave a faint nod, as though silently agreeing.
Youmu stirred her soup. "You always get caught up in strange situations, don't you, Riku-kun?"
I let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah, I guess trouble just has a way of finding me."
Kazehana smirked. "More like you run toward it."
"Semantics," I said, faintly amused.
Their laughter lightened the air. For the first time since leaving Nagano, I felt the weight in my chest ease just a bit. It wasn't over—there were still questions about Kuroka—but for now, the world was still simple enough to breathe in.
By the time breakfast ended, the clock had just struck seven. The sun had fully risen, painting the sky in soft gold. I stood, finishing the last sip of tea before setting my cup down.
Hanasakigawa Girls' High School – Class 3-A - 7:20 A.M.
After breakfast, we headed to the garage. The girls stopped short when they saw the Universe Ring gleaming under the morning light. Its body shimmered with an otherworldly metallic sheen, edges traced with faint blue lines that pulsed like a heartbeat. Their faces said it all—shock, awe, fascination.
Rinko ran her hand along the curved armor plating. "This design... it's unreal. It doesn't even look man-made."
"When I told them Tenshi was the one who built it," I thought, half amused, "their jaws nearly hit the floor." I didn't mention the Sakuradite core hidden inside—some things were better left unspoken.
For today, I decided to take the REZVANI. The Universe Ring could rest; Remi's vehicle had just come back from maintenance, so at least transportation wasn't an issue.
We first stopped by Arisugawa Academy to drop off Miyu. Haruna and her group were already waiting at the front gates, greeting us with their usual morning smiles. Miyu waved goodbye and joined them, disappearing into the flow of students. Then it was off to Hanasakigawa.
By the time Rinko and I stepped into our classroom, Kaguya was already there. She greeted us with her usual composed smile.
"Good morning, you two. You look like you didn't get much sleep." Kaguya said as she yawned a bit.
"Something came up yesterday. I'll tell you about it during lunch, alright?"
She seemed curious but didn't press. I sat down, pulled out my notebook, and started finishing the homework I hadn't touched since yesterday. My brain felt sluggish from the lack of rest, but the material was familiar enough. My hand moved automatically, each answer flowing without much thought.
A few minutes later, I heard the faint creak of the door and the quiet shuffle of footsteps—Sayo, Chisato, and Kanon entering the room. I could feel their eyes on me.
Sayo leaned toward Chisato and whispered, "Is Riku-san... doing homework here? I didn't think he was the type to cram at the last minute."
Kaguya chuckled under her breath. "That's not it, Sayo. Riku had something urgent last night. He didn't even get home until two-thirty."
Chisato tilted her head. "He's answering so fast, though... won't he get something wrong?"
Kaguya smiled faintly. "If Riku's focused, he won't. He doesn't miss."
I closed the last notebook with a small sigh of relief. "Finally done..." I looked up, noticing the three girls staring at me. "Oh—Sayo, Chisato, Kanon. Morning."
Chisato smiled softly. "Good morning to you too, onii-sama. Looks like you really rushed through that."
"Something important came up yesterday," I explained. "I had to help Eirin-san with a serious matter. But, here—" I handed my notebook toward them. "Would you mind checking if I got everything right?"
They gathered around, flipping through the pages. I leaned back and watched their eyes dart from line to line. It didn't take long for Sayo's expression to freeze in disbelief. Her hand trembled slightly as she held the paper.
"Unbelievable..." she muttered. "All of them are correct. How did you even manage that so quickly?"
I smiled lightly, careful not to sound smug. "I already knew the topic. You remember I was homeschooled, right? The Nagae's education system is... a bit intense. They made sure I could handle university-level material before I turned fifteen."
Sayo blinked. "I see... I understand now."
Chisato crossed her arms, trying not to look too impressed. "Still, don't make a habit out of it, onii-sama. Cramming suits you less than it does others."
I gave a small laugh. "Don't worry, this was a one-time thing."
Kaguya's voice cut through before Sayo could add anything. "So, what exactly happened in Nagano yesterday? You did say Aichi wanted to give you something."
"He did." I reached into my bag, pulling out my phone, and showed them the picture I'd taken earlier that morning—the Universe Ring, gleaming even in the photo.
"This," I said, "is what Aichi wanted to give me."
Kaguya's eyes widened. "So Tenshi really finished it..."
Sayo blinked. "Wait—Tenshi-san made that?"
"She did," I confirmed. "Tenshi was... eccentric. Egotistical, sure—but also a total motorcycle maniac. She's got an entire garage of her own designs back in Nagano. The Universe Ring was her masterpiece."
Kanon tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "But how could she build something like that? She was so young..."
Kaguya smiled faintly, almost nostalgic. "Tenshi was a prodigy with machines. She had full access to Japan's motorcycle manufacturers—most of them worked with her voluntarily. The Hinanawi family practically oversees the industry. After her death, Aichi took her place."
That little detail caught everyone off guard, especially Rinko. She already knew the Hinanawi had ties to Japan's education department—but hearing that their reach extended to manufacturing too was another story.
Sayo blinked slowly. "So... the Celestial Families basically have control over almost everything in Japan?"
I rested my chin on my hand, giving a half-shrug. "Not everything. We only maintain influence where it's necessary. If a business falls under our watch, we allow full autonomy—as long as they stay within the limits we've set."
Kanon frowned slightly. "And if they don't?"
I met her gaze for a brief moment, my tone even but firm. "They face consequences. Serious ones. Let's just say... no one's ever broken that rule twice."
Sayo leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a raised brow. "I see. Then what about you? I did some digging on the Nagae name, and apparently your clan's in charge of Japan's Department of Food and Agriculture."
That caught everyone's attention. Both Chisato and Kanon whipped their heads toward me, eyes wide. I just nodded casually. Then I decided to drop the real bomb.
"Well, you're not wrong about that," I said, leaning an elbow against my desk. "And the Nagae also happens to own Pantasia as well... well, mostly under my name."
The silence that followed was thick enough to slice through.
Chisato blinked. "You own what now?"
Kanon's voice cracked. "Pantasia?"
Before either could process it further, Rinko stepped in. "It's the biggest bakery chain in Japan. From what Riku told me last weekend, he became the owner after winning a Shokugeki years ago."
Chisato's jaw hit the desk. "HE DID WHAT NOW?!"
Kanon tilted her head, clearly lost. "A... Shokugeki? What's that?"
Kaguya sighed softly, answering before I could. "It's a culinary duel, a tradition at Totsuki Academy. You put something on the line and battle in a cook-off. The winner claims the prize. Judging by Pantasia's existence, I assume Riku won his match." She glanced at me with sharp curiosity. "So, what exactly did you win, aside from the bakery?"
I exhaled through my nose. "Aside from Pantasia... I also won 100 billion yen."
The trio of voices that followed nearly rattled the classroom windows.
"ONE HUNDRED BILLION YEN?!" Chisato, Kanon, and Sayo shouted in unison.
Every head in the classroom turned toward us, startled. Kaguya quickly waved them off. "False alarm. Continue what you were doing."
Meanwhile, I just scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah. But I couldn't take the full amount, so I gave 40% of it—about 40 billion—to Pantasia to fund expansion."
Sayo was still trying to compute it all. "Unbelievable... you won 100 billion yen and gave away 40 billion? That means you still have 60 billion left. If you convert that into dollars..."
Kaguya cut her off with calm precision. "Riku's net worth sits at roughly 380 million USD right now."
The entire group froze. Even Chisato, who never shut up, was silent for once. I could almost hear their thoughts—Okina-sama's "rules" echoing in the back of their minds.
Chisato finally found her voice. "Then that means... you can get at least—"
"Yeah," I interrupted quietly. "And aside from Rinko and Miyu, I already know who the other two are." I met their eyes, steady. "But I'm not telling you—for their own sakes. You'll find out soon enough."
The air felt heavier for a moment, so I stood and stretched, cutting through it. "For now, let's focus. Class is about to start."
Right on cue, the door slid open. Our teacher walked in—except it wasn't our homeroom teacher. It was Kuzehashi Shinoa, our P.E. instructor.
I caught Kaguya's faint grimace from the corner of my eye. She didn't like unexpected changes. I, however, was intrigued.
Kuzehashi-sensei wasn't just any teacher—she was a former Olympic track and field athlete, with medals spanning from bronze to gold. Rumor had it Yuyuko-san personally recruited her to Haneoka.
Rinko spoke first, polite but curious. "Kuzehashi-sensei? You're here early. There's still time before the bell."
Shinoa gave her a lazy grin. "Yeah, I came early to tell Nagae-kun something."
I raised a brow. "Is there something you need, sensei?"
"Yup," she said, flipping through a clipboard. "Got a report from Yuyuko-san. Apparently, Houraisan-san's physical abilities are... a bit below average. Normally, Yuyuko-san would ask me to train her, but this time she specifically requested you."
The entire class turned toward Kaguya, whose expression barely twitched, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of dread.
I folded my arms. "So, you want me to keep an eye on her during class?"
"That about sums it up," Kuzehashi-sensei replied with a chuckle. "Oh, and Yuyuko-san mentioned you should hold back on her."
That one line sent ripples through the class. Confusion all around.
"Sensei," one of the students finally piped up. "What do you mean by that? Why does Riku have to hold back?"
Shinoa smirked, eyes glinting with amusement. "You'll see soon enough." She clapped her hands. "Alright, Nagae-kun, head to the changing room. Meet us at the field once you're ready. Everyone else, change here."
I nodded and grabbed my P.E. uniform from the back of my chair. As I started toward the door, I called over my shoulder—just loud enough for the class to hear.
"Oi, Kaguya! Don't worry, I'll hold back a bit. I don't want Eirin-san hunting me down if I accidentally kill you."
The room fell into stunned silence, followed by a collective shiver from the girls. Even Rinko winced a little, though she was trying not to laugh.
Kaguya's face was unreadable, but her aura said enough—equal parts pride and panic.
As I stepped out into the hall, I could almost feel her glare on my back. But beneath that sharpness... there was something else. Nerves, maybe. Or curiosity.
Either way, this was going to be an interesting class.
-----------
Hanasakigawa Girls High School - Student Council Office - 3:30 P.M.
Rinko POV
Today's P.E. class had been... interesting, to say the least. Kuzehashi-sensei pushed us through the usual drills—sprints, stretches, resistance runs—but this time, everything clicked for me. My timing, my rhythm... even my breathing felt steadier. When Sensei stopped the stopwatch and gave me that rare nod of approval, I nearly couldn't believe it.
All thanks to Riku's tips from last week. Small adjustments, but they worked wonders.
And speaking of him, the real spectacle of the morning wasn't our training—it was his training with Kaguya-san.
From the field, we could hear Riku's voice echoing like a drill sergeant. "Come on, Houraisan! That's only ten laps! Move like you mean it!"
Kaguya-san looked like she was one breath away from fainting. Yet when Riku suddenly stopped shouting and said something to her—something we couldn't hear—everything changed.
Her expression hardened. The exhaustion vanished from her posture. And then she ran. Not a tired jog, but a desperate, fiery sprint, like her pride itself was on the line.
By the time she crossed the twentieth lap, she collapsed on the track. The nurse had to bring her to the infirmary, completely drained. She missed the rest of the morning classes, but Riku stayed behind to jot down her progress report for her. I wasn't sure if that made him kind or terrifying. Maybe both.
Now, hours later, I was sitting in the Student Council office with Sayo-san and Ichigaya-san. The late afternoon light filtered through the blinds, painting long golden stripes across the room. Papers, tea cups, and a half-open file sat scattered across the table. Riku sat by the window, idly tapping his pen against his notebook.
We were waiting for Aichi-san and the Otonokizaka Student Council to arrive.
Sayo-san looked up from her paperwork. "Rinko, you mentioned someone's coming to see us, right?"
I nodded. "Yes. They should be here any minute."
Ichigaya-san leaned back in her chair, glancing suspiciously at Riku. "Then why is he here?"
Riku gave her a calm, unreadable smile. "Let's just say... I'll be needed for this case."
That cryptic answer didn't help. Sayo-san and Ichigaya-san exchanged puzzled looks, but before they could ask more, I turned to him with something else on my mind.
"Riku," I started, "about earlier in P.E.... we all saw Kaguya-san about to collapse. Then, suddenly, she looked like she was running for her life. What did you say to her?"
He chuckled faintly. "Ah, that. I told Kaguya that if she finished the full twenty laps, I'd convince Eirin-san to give her another 'Once-in-a-Lifetime Request.'"
Sayo-san tilted her head. "A what?"
Ichigaya frowned. "Yeah, what's that supposed to mean?"
Riku's expression turned serious. He folded his arms and looked at each of us in turn. "Right... you three don't know. Rinko, Sayo, Arisa—I trust you won't tell anyone what I'm about to say."
The weight in his tone made us all stiffen. Whatever this was, it wasn't something to be taken lightly. We nodded.
He sighed quietly, then continued. "The reason it's called a 'Once-in-a-Lifetime' request... is because both Kaguya and Eirin are immortal."
"Eh?" I blinked.
Sayo-san frowned. "Eh?"
Ichigaya-san's mouth fell open. "Hah?"
For a few seconds, I thought I'd misheard. Immortal? As in... can't die? That was ridiculous.
"Riku..." I managed, "are you sure about that?"
Sayo-san crossed her arms, clearly skeptical. "Come on. There's no way Houraisan-san is immortal."
Ichigaya-san leaned forward. "Yeah, where's your proof?"
"Actually," Riku said, pulling out his phone, "I've got something better than proof. Genji-sama gave me this video when I got back from Stockholm—the same day the Future World Fes Finals began. The reports mentioned explosions in the streets of Nagano. Here, take a look."
He played the video.
On the screen, the scene was chaos. Flames, debris, shattered asphalt—and in the middle of it all, Kaguya-san was fighting a girl with long, snow-white hair and a body wreathed in living fire. They were both a mess of blood and ash, yet neither stopped.
We gasped when the camera zoomed in. The white-haired girl had several gaping holes through her torso. Kaguya's right arm and part of her leg were completely charred black. Their wounds were fatal—no normal person could survive that.
But then, slowly, impossibly... their bodies began to regenerate. The skin mended, the burns faded, and the holes sealed shut as if nothing had happened.
Sayo-san covered her mouth. "What... what is that...?"
Ichigaya-san's face went pale. "That's... impossible."
My heart was pounding. "Riku... what happened to them?"
He turned off the video. "I told you—they're immortal. The white-haired girl is Fujiwara no Mokou. She controls fire and carries the essence of a phoenix. That's what grants her immortality."
Sayo-san swallowed. "Then what about Kaguya-san? Are all Lunarians immortal too?"
Riku shook his head. "No. Kaguya's case is... different. Her immortality comes from something else. As for the full details, it's better you hear it from her directly. It's a sensitive subject."
We all fell quiet. Even Ichigaya-san didn't argue. You could feel the heaviness in the air—the realization that the woman we saw every day in class had lived for... who knows how long.
Ichigaya-san finally broke the silence. "Well... if that's something we shouldn't pry into, we won't. But what about that 'Once-in-a-Lifetime' request? How does it actually work?"
Riku rubbed his neck. "Right. Basically, it's a special promise between them. Kaguya can ask Eirin-san for anything—and Eirin-san will do it, no matter what. She's only supposed to get one per lifetime. I think she used the first one to get every playable retro game that still exists."
Sayo-san blinked. "That sounds exactly like her."
Riku smirked. "Yeah. Then, about six years ago, Kaguya wanted another request because there was a limited-edition console she desperately wanted. But..."
I tilted my head. "But what?"
He hesitated, clearly trying not to laugh. "Well... let's just say she got creative."
Flashback
Third POV
At the busy streets of Akihabara, Riku and Eirin was dragged by Kaguya as she wanted to buy a few games in Akiba. Then she saw a limited edition console as her eyes were beaming in joy. She took the console as she presented it to both Riku and Eirin...her specifically.
"Buy this for me! It's a once in a lifetime request!" Kaguya was holding a limited edition console, but Eirin refused as she reminded her that she already used her request.
"You already used that last year!" Eirin flatly said to Kaguya as she refused. Kaguya then looked at her best friend as Riku only shook his head as he can't do anything. So, Kaguya decided to take matters in her own hands.
Without even thinking, Kaguya grabbed a knife and stabbed herself in the gut, shocking Eirin and Riku as Kaguya went down to the floor.
"What the hell did you do that for?!" Eirin said as she immediately rushed to Kaguya's side.
"I just died! So my life is reset, right?" Kaguya said as she lets out a prideful smile with blood on her mouth.
"Don't do this shit in public, and that's not how it works you idiot!!" Riku reprimanded as he elbow dropped Kaguya even though the Lunarian princess was injured.
End of Flashback
Rinko POV
"And that's what happened," Riku said, leaning back with that smug, troublemaker grin of his.
"THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS!!!" I, Sayo-san, and Ichigaya-san all shouted in unison, our voices overlapping in sheer disbelief.
"I know, right?" he replied, deadpan. "That's what I told her too when she said it. But anyway, since Kaguya went along with what I told her, I've got to hold up my end of the deal. I'll convince Eirin-san to give her another one-time request. Anyway, girls, get ready—they're here."
Right on cue, the door slid open.
Aichi-san walked in first, composed as always, followed by Tōjō-san, who greeted us with a small bow, and Ayase-san—who looked... mentally elsewhere, her eyes unfocused like she was processing a dozen things at once.
I rose from my seat with a polite smile. "Welcome to Hanasakigawa, Aichi-san, Tōjō-san, Ayase-san."
Aichi-san returned the gesture. "We appreciate the invitation. Thank you for taking the time to see us."
Sayo-san crossed her arms, her tone analytical. "So you're the ones Rinko mentioned earlier."
Ichigaya-san, ever direct, tilted her head. "What brings the Otonokizaka student council all the way here?"
Tōjō-san's voice was soft but firm. "We're here to ask you for a favor."
Sayo-san's brow arched. "A favor?"
Aichi-san nodded. "Yes. You see, Love Live is set to begin next month."
"Love Live?" Ichigaya-san echoed.
Riku folded his arms and leaned back against the wall. "It's basically a nationwide idol competition. Think of it like the Professional Band Circuit—but for idols. Whoever wins Love Live gets an invitation to Worlds."
Aichi-san gave Riku a brief, acknowledging glance. "Thank you for the explanation, Riku. Anyway, the problem is with the first-round regulations. Not only do we have to prepare an original song, but the venue of our performance must also be outside our area—and not in any place we've already performed."
I nodded slowly. "If I remember correctly... Otonokizaka is near Akiba, right?"
"Exactly," Aichi-san replied. "All of μ's spring performances have been held in the Akiba area. And now, we've run out of eligible venues."
Tōjō-san stepped in with a knowing smile. "That's when Aichi came up with the idea. The rules say we can't perform in our own area—but they also say we can perform anywhere else within our prefecture."
Aichi-san folded her hands neatly. "That's why we're here. Rinko-san, as the manager of μ's... may we use Hanasakigawa as our performance venue?"
The room fell quiet.
Sayo-san glanced at me, uncertain. Ichigaya-san fidgeted in her seat. It wasn't a small request—hosting μ's meant attention, crowds, logistics. But more than that, it meant trust.
I looked toward Riku. He didn't say anything—just gave a slow, deliberate nod. The message was clear: this choice is yours, Rinko.
I took a quiet breath, meeting the expectant gazes of my fellow officers. Sayo-san's eyes were serious; Ichigaya-san's, wide and hopeful.
Then I turned back to Aichi-san. "As the student council president of Hanasakigawa," I said, my voice steady, "I'll allow you to perform here."
Sayo-san blinked. "Rinko..."
Ichigaya-san's lips parted. "Rinko-senpai..."
Aichi-san's composure softened into genuine gratitude. "Thank you for understanding. Then—"
"On one condition."
The words left my mouth before I even realized how heavy they sounded.
Ayase-san finally looked up, fully focused now. As another student council president, she understood the tone—and the weight—behind those words. She took a step forward, her expression calm but guarded. "A condition? Is there something you want from us?"
"Not from Otonokizaka," I said quietly. "And not from μ's. I want to speak with you, Ayase-san. Alone."
The atmosphere thickened, a silent pressure falling over the room. I didn't break eye contact with her. Her confidence didn't waver, but there was a flicker—something curious, perhaps uneasy.
Riku stood from his seat, breaking the silence with that casual authority only he could pull off. "Let's go with what Rinko says. You got your wish, but for that to happen, she wants to talk with Eli."
Ichigaya-san frowned. "Is there something wrong between them?"
Riku shook his head. "No. More like... she wants to confirm something."
Sayo-san stood, already piecing things together. "I see. Very well. We'll leave them to it. Come, Ichigaya-san."
"W-Wait, you're leaving me behind!?" AIchigaya-san yelped, scrambling to follow them as they exited the room.
Aichi glanced between us, then nodded. "Nozomi, let's give them space."
Tōjō-san lingered for a beat, her gaze flicking between me and Eli. "Aichi... is it what I think it is?"
"Yes," Aichi-san said simply.
Tōjō-san's grin turned wistful. "Alright then. Elicchi, good luck."
Ayase-san gave a small, silent nod.
When the door finally shut behind them, the air changed. The hum of distant chatter from outside faded until all that was left was the quiet rustle of the curtains and the faint ticking of the wall clock.
Ayase-san took a seat across from me, her posture refined yet visibly guarded. The air between us held a quiet tension—not hostile, just heavy with unspoken thoughts. For a while, neither of us said anything. Only the faint hum of the ceiling light filled the silence.
Then, Ayase-san broke it. "Shirokane-san," she began softly, "thank you for allowing us to perform here. Not as the student council president, but as a member of μ's."
I shook my head lightly, smiling. "It's alright. Honestly, it's kind of refreshing to have another idol group perform here besides PasuPare. And please, call me Rinko."
Ayase-san smiled at that, the formality fading a bit from her voice. "Then you can call me Eli as well, Rinko. Since we're both acquainted with Riku, I suppose it's only fair."
"True enough." My tone grew quieter, more deliberate. "Eli-san, the reason I asked to speak with you... it has something to do with Riku."
Her expression froze for a moment. Then, her gaze dropped to her lap. When she looked up again, her eyes carried that knowing sadness—the kind of look only someone who's already played the scene in their head too many times could have.
"So," she said quietly, "he told you about that, didn't he?"
I nodded. "He did. And to be honest, I didn't expect you of all people to confess to him directly."
She gave a small, humorless laugh. "So what now? Are you going to tell me to stay away from him because you're engaged to him?"
"Actually," I said, leaning forward slightly, "it's the opposite. I want you to be with Riku."
"Eh?"
Eli-san's eyes widened, confusion flickering into disbelief. "Rinko... are you okay in the head?"
I chuckled quietly. "I am. And I'm completely serious about what I just said." My tone softened. "Eli-san, be honest with me. You still love Riku, don't you?"
Her lips trembled, and for a moment she didn't answer. Then, her voice cracked slightly. "I... I do. Even after a year has passed, I still can't get over him. I've tried, but... I just can't."
A faint, bittersweet smile crossed my face. "He really made an impact on your life, didn't he?"
Eli-san's shoulders relaxed, her guard slipping away. "He did. When I first met him, I pushed him away—I didn't trust him. But he never gave up. He stayed patient, kind... steady. He helped me face my fear of men, something I'd been struggling with since middle school. He was the first real male friend I ever had, aside from my cousins. No one else ever made me feel that safe."
Her words came softer now, as if she was speaking more to herself than to me. "But over time, things changed. The more I saw him, the more I realized my heart was changing too. I started to notice the way he smiled when he listened, or how calm he looked when everyone else was panicking. Whenever he was around, I felt... grounded."
Her hands clenched slightly. "But when TI10 was about to start—"
"You confessed to him," I finished for her.
Eli-san nodded, her expression distant. "Yes. I gathered every bit of courage I had and confessed. I was ready to accept whatever answer he gave me... but I didn't expect him to reject me. Not cruelly, but calmly. That almost made it worse."
"Riku mentioned he explained his reasons," I said gently.
"He did. He was kind about it, careful with his words, as if he was afraid of hurting me. But even then... the rejection still stung." Eli-san's voice trembled as she continued, "And despite that, I couldn't bring myself to hate him. Even after being turned down, I still loved him. When he said we could stay friends, I accepted it because I thought... maybe that was enough. Maybe friendship was better than losing him entirely."
Her tone broke for a moment. "Everything was fine until Aichi told us Riku got engaged. That was when it finally hit me. The one person I'd been holding on to had already been claimed by someone else. It felt like the world just... stopped."
I stayed silent, letting her speak.
"I was prepared to move on," she said, almost whispering. "But then Aichi mentioned the plan."
"The plan," I echoed. "He told you the rules?"
"Yes." She nodded faintly. "When I read through them, I started to think—maybe, somehow, this was my chance. Part of me wanted to use it to be with him again, to see if there was still a space for me in his life. But another part of me kept telling myself to stop, to move on, to let him be happy with you. And now I'm just... torn."
Her voice broke fully then. "Tell me, Rinko... what should I do?"
For a moment, I didn't answer. She looked at me, eyes glistening with something between hope and despair.
Eli-san looked lost—caught between love and hesitation, her hands trembling slightly against her knees. Watching her like that, I couldn't help but feel a tug in my chest. Her heart was pure, but weighed down by too much restraint. To want something so deeply and still be too kind to reach for it... it was a kind of pain I understood all too well.
I stood up from my seat and crossed the short distance between us. She didn't notice until I gently took her hands in mine. The warmth of her skin startled her. Her blue eyes lifted to meet mine, confusion flickering through them.
"R-Rinko?" she stammered.
I took a quiet breath. "Eli-san... I think you should do it."
She blinked, startled. "Do what?"
"Join me," I said softly, meeting her gaze head-on. "Join me... in Riku's harem."
For a second, silence. Then—
"E-Eh?! EHHHHHHHHHHHHH?! What do you mean by that?!"
I smiled faintly at her flustered reaction. "Exactly what you think I mean. Because I want you to be happy, Eli-san. If you join me and Miyu-chan, you can pursue your happiness again. You'll finally be able to move forward—and Riku would be happy too if you joined."
She froze, eyes wide. "Riku... would be happy?"
I nodded. "He would. He still cares for you, Eli. Even if he doesn't show it in the way you expect. But in the end..." I loosened my grip on her hands slightly. "This is your choice. If you accept, Riku, Miyu-chan, and I will welcome you with open arms. If not, we'll respect that. No resentment, no pressure."
Eli-san's expression softened. "So in the end... I still have to decide, huh?"
"Yes," I said gently. "At the end of the day, it's your decision to make. Just make sure it's something you won't regret later."
Her eyes glimmered faintly, reflecting both fear and resolve. "Something I won't regret..." She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I... I think I know what to do now."
I tilted my head slightly. "You'll do it?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes. For years, I've lived doing what others told me to—following plans, expectations, rules. But now... I want to make a choice that's truly mine. This is my choice."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "I understand. Then I guess we're done here." I turned toward the door. "Come on, let's head out and find Ri—"
The sound of the door sliding open cut me off.
Standing there, leaning casually against the frame, was Riku. His expression was unreadable, but his presence immediately shifted the atmosphere.
"R-Riku?" I stammered. "You're back. Where are Sayo-san and Ichigaya-san?"
Eli-san blinked as well. "And Aichi and Nozomi aren't with you either. Where are they?"
Riku sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, in Sayo's case, Hina showed up and dragged her sister off somewhere. As for Arisa—Kasumi caught her and forced her to go rehearse for their live this Friday."
He paused for a moment, a faint smirk forming. "And Aichi and Nozomi... basically ditched you."
Eli-san shot up from her chair. "THEY DID WHAT?!"
Riku waved a hand lazily. "You can punish them later—or tomorrow. Whichever fits your schedule."
I folded my arms, half amused by his calmness. "You really have a way of dropping news casually."
"Occupational habit," he said dryly. Then his gaze flicked between me and Eli. "Anyway, I take it you've sorted things out?"
I exchanged a look with Eli-san. "We did. Eli-san wanted to tell you something... important."
Riku raised an eyebrow but didn't move, just waited—like he already knew what was coming but wanted her to say it anyway.
Eli-san stood, her hands clenched at her sides. The nerves were clear in her posture, but beneath that, something steadier was starting to form. Her eyes locked onto his, and she took a slow breath.
"Riku..." she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I... about the confession I made to you a year ago..."
She hesitated, biting her lip. The room went still—no wind, no sound, just the weight of her words hanging in the air.
"I—"
Live House CiRCLE – 4:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
The last few hours had been... oddly emotional. I thought Eli would need time—a week, maybe two—before approaching me again about her feelings. But instead, she came straight to me, raw and vulnerable. Despite my rejection a year ago, those feelings had never left her. And the one who gave her the courage to act again... was Rinko.
When Eli said she wanted to join my relationship with Rinko and Miyu, I was stunned for a heartbeat. Yet when I saw the determination in her eyes and the gentle smile on Rinko's face, I knew this wasn't a moment for hesitation. I opened my arms. Eli stepped forward without a second's doubt and clung to me like she'd finally reached home. Rinko watched us quietly—her expression calm, almost proud.
Afterward, Rinko asked if we should arrange a formal meeting between our families. Eli shook her head, saying it wasn't necessary. I remember blinking, confused—until she told me that the Ayase family had already given their approval. Apparently, my victory against Miposhka at TI10 had done more than bring home a trophy.
In the her Russian family's tradition, anyone wishing to marry into their family must first defeat the eldest relative of their chosen partner. In Eli's case, that was Miposhka, her cousin. She explained that my victory over Team Spirit had sealed that requirement. It suddenly made sense why he'd been so genuinely thrilled when I beat him—something I'd written off as good sportsmanship. Guess I owed him a drink... and maybe a long talk when TI11 begins.
Eli then listened intently as I told her about the Nagae tradition—that as part of this bond, she'd need to move into the estate. She accepted it with quiet dignity, promising to speak with her parents soon. I gave her Okina-sama's full plan to show them. Once she left, Rinko and I headed for CiRCLE to check in on the bands before the weekend live.
As soon as we arrived, we heard a loud crash from inside. I exchanged a look with Rinko, and without another word, we rushed in.
What greeted us was chaos. Kokoro, Kaoru, Kanon, and Hagumi were sprawled in a tangled heap—right on top of Misaki, who was out cold. Chairs were overturned, instruments were scattered, and a few lighting cables dangled dangerously near the floor.
I pinched the bridge of my nose before speaking, my voice low and cutting through the noise.
"...What are you five doing?"
That tone alone made Kokoro and Kaoru jolt upright, their faces paling.
"O-O-Onii-chan! It's not what it looks like! I swear, it was just an accident!" Kokoro blurted, waving her hands frantically.
Kaoru followed suit, her usual composure slipping. "Indeed, ani-sama! An unfortunate accident, nothing more!"
Their panic was convincing enough, but I turned my gaze toward Kanon and Hagumi for confirmation. The two nodded rapidly, like frightened puppies caught in the act.
I exhaled slowly. "Since Kanon and Hagumi are backing you up, I'll take that as the truth... for now. But I still want to hear Misaki's version before I decide anything."
Rinko knelt beside the unconscious Misaki and lightly patted her cheek. "Okusawa-san, wake up... come on, wake up."
After a few soft taps, Misaki stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open as she blinked up at us in confusion.
"...What happened? Riku-san? Shirokane-senpai?"
"Glad to see you awake," I said. "Now, care to tell me what led to... this?"
Misaki rubbed the back of her head, grimacing. "Ah... well, Kokoro wanted to try a four-fifty backflip. But the ceiling's, uh... not high enough. She hit her head mid-rotation, crashed into us, and... well... here we are."
I stared at Kokoro, my eyebrow twitching. "And why exactly were you attempting a four-fifty backflip in here?"
Hagumi stepped forward quickly, clearly trying to shield her friend. "It's for our performance at Phoenix Wonderland! We were supposed to practice at Kokoron's place, but she insisted we use CiRCLE instead."
I let out a deep sigh, dragging my hand down my face.
"So, to summarize—you tried to rehearse an aerial stunt, in a cramped live house, without checking the ceiling height."
Kanon winced. "When you put it that way..."
"I'm putting it exactly that way."
The four froze, bracing for judgment. I crossed my arms, my voice calm but firm. "Alright. Given that it was an accident but still reckless, I'm issuing a punishment. Hello, Happy World will be responsible for cleaning the entire live house for the rest of the week."
A collective groan rippled through the group. Kaoru muttered something about "the tragedy of domestic labor," while Kanon just wilted.
But Kokoro... she was oddly still. Almost too still.
"And as for you, Kokoro," I continued, "you're banned from hugging me until next week."
It took about two seconds for the words to register. Then—
"EH?! NO, ONII-CHAN, PLEASE! ANYTHING BUT THAT!" She threw herself at my leg, clinging desperately like her life depended on it. "I CAN'T START MY DAY WITHOUT YOUR HUGS!"
I glanced at Rinko, who covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. I kept my tone even. "This is your punishment. You've been a bit of a loose cannon lately, and this might help you learn some self-control. Until next week, no hugs and no acrobatics. Use the time to reflect, got it?"
Kokoro's shoulders slumped, her eyes shimmering with dramatic sorrow. "Hai..."
Rinko crouched beside her, offering a gentle smile. "It's not forever, Kokoro-chan. Just think of it as a short break to get your balance back."
Kokoro sniffled, still gripping my pant leg. "But I like being off balance..."
Despite myself, a small chuckle slipped out. "Yeah, that's the problem."
Kokoro's usual sparkle dimmed to a faint flicker. She looked like a child whose favorite toy had been taken away. I didn't enjoy punishing her—never did—but sometimes, a bit of restraint was what she needed most. She burned so brightly that she often forgot she could burn herself out.
"Don't look so down, alright?" I said, softening my tone. "Tell you what—if you follow through with what I said until the end of this week, I'll let you pick your next opponent for a danmaku battle."
Her head snapped up. In an instant, her gloomy expression was gone, replaced by that familiar gleam of unfiltered joy.
"Really? You mean it, onii-chan?"
"I promise," I said with a small grin.
"Then I'll do it! No hugs, no acrobatics, I'll be on my best behavior! You'll see—I can do it easy!"
The room, still half in shambles, somehow felt lighter as she said it. Rinko chuckled quietly beside me, her eyes glinting with amusement. I couldn't help but laugh, too.
Misaki blinked at us, clearly lost. "Riku-san, what did you say to her? She was pouting a minute ago."
"I told her she could choose her next opponent for a danmaku battle," I replied simply.
"Danmaku battle?" Hagumi tilted her head. "Yuyuko-san mentioned that once, but I never really got what it was."
"Danmaku battles," I began, leaning against a nearby amp, "are essentially duels fought with barrages of magic bullets. You dodge, weave, and counterattack until one side can't continue. Back in the old days, youkai used them to settle disputes without resorting to killing. These days, we treat them as sport—controlled, non-lethal, though getting hit still hurts like hell."
Kanon's eyes widened. "Remilia-san said you were one of the best. How many wins do you have now?"
"Fifty-seven," I said, matter-of-factly. "That puts me at the top percentage of the Relic Rank."
"Wait," Rinko asked curiously, "there are ranks in danmaku battles?"
"Of course. To keep things fair, everyone's divided by skill level. The ranks go: General, Premium, Ultra, Relic, and Epic. General's the entry tier. Epic's where the monsters sit."
Kaoru folded her arms, intrigued. "And you're in Relic. Second-highest. How does one ascend through those ranks, ani-sama?"
"It's all about the streak," I said. "You climb by winning consecutively. Ten wins to reach Premium, twenty-five more to hit Ultra, and fifty straight victories for Relic. But once you move up, your streak resets to zero. You start over from scratch."
The room fell quiet as the weight of that sank in. Even Kokoro looked surprised.
Misaki frowned. "That's brutal. You work hard to earn your streak, only for it to reset?"
I shrugged. "That's the rule. In danmaku battles, consistency is everything. To reach Epic from Relic, you need a hundred straight wins."
Hagumi's jaw dropped. "A hundred?!"
"That's not all," I continued. "After you hit the hundred mark, you're granted the right to challenge a head of one of the Celestial Families. You have to survive against them for thirty minutes. Only then are you recognized as Epic Rank."
The blood drained from their faces. Kanon let out a weak laugh. "That's... impossible."
Rinko's gaze flicked to me, her brow creased. She knew where I stood—right in the middle of that climb.
Kaoru murmured, "You've already won fifty-seven... you're more than halfway there."
"Yeah," I said quietly. "Once I break a hundred and survive a duel with a family head, I'll officially reach Epic Rank. That would give me the authority to officiate official danmaku matches myself."
Misaki exhaled in disbelief. "That's intense. And once you reach Epic, how do you stay there?"
"By proving you belong," I answered. "You're required to defeat at least three other family heads each year. If you lose twice, you're demoted back to Relic and have to start over from zero."
Hagumi winced. "That's so hardcore... losing just twice sends you back?"
"Pretty much." I gave a dry smile. "There is a faster way to rank up, though it's even worse. Instead of relying on streaks, you can challenge and defeat ten fighters above your rank. If I wanted to skip the streak grind now, I'd need to beat ten Epic-class opponents. That's how I reached Relic in the first place."
The girls looked at me like I had just said I'd wrestled a dragon and won.
Kanon spoke up softly. "To think danmaku battles was that deep... Riku-kun, you mentioned Kokoro-chan already debuted, right? What's her current rank?"
"That, I don't know for sure yet. If I had to guess from her power output and her spellcraft, I'd say she's at least Ultra Rank."
Rinko's eyebrows rose. "That's impressive, Riku. She's still fairly new to it."
"She's got raw talent," I said with a hint of pride. "She managed to shatter two of my barriers in one spellcard. Not many can do that. But her official ranking won't be decided until the August gathering. Until then, she's limited to scrimmage matches."
Kokoro puffed her cheeks. "So I can't have an official match for two more months?"
"'Fraid not. Use the time to practice. When the official season starts, you'll want that experience."
She nodded reluctantly, then brightened again. "Alright! But don't forget your promise, onii-chan!"
"I won't." I smirked, gesturing around. "Now, focus on your punishment. This place looks like a storm hit it. You've got floors to mop and equipment to fix. Rinko and I will be in my office if you need us."
Rinko gave them an encouraging wave before following me out. The door closed behind us with a soft click, muting the girls' chatter and the faint sound of sweeping.
We walked the short hallway to my office. The quiet between us wasn't awkward—just easy. Comfortable.
Once inside, I sank into the chair by my desk while Rinko busied herself making tea from the small kettle by the shelf. The faint scent of jasmine filled the air, grounding me.
She set the cup down beside me. "You've been pushing yourself again."
I looked up at her, smiling faintly. "You always notice."
"It's hard not to," she said, sitting across from me. "The danmaku circuit, the estate, the band—if you're not training, you're mediating someone else's crisis."
I exhaled, letting my head fall back slightly. "Comes with the title, I guess."
Her lips curved. "Even kings need rest, you know."
"Kings don't get punished for skipping nap time," I muttered dryly.
That earned me a small laugh. "Maybe they should."
For a few minutes, silence returned—comfortable again, but heavy with thoughts neither of us voiced.
I broke it first. "Rinko... you really meant it, didn't you? About accepting Eli."
She met my gaze without hesitation. "I did. She's been through so much. Holding those feelings in for that long... it must have hurt. If letting her join us eases that pain, then I'm fine with it."
I nodded slowly. "You're incredible, you know that?"
Her cheeks tinted pink, but she shook her head. "I'm just realistic. Love doesn't have to be possessive."
I just smile at Rinko's words. I'm really lucky to have her as my future wife.