Imai Residence – Outside
July 23, 2021 – Friday – 9:00 A.M.
Rinko's POV
Friday morning sunlight spilled over the quiet neighborhood, warm and soft, brushing through the maple trees lining the Imai residence. The air smelled faintly of rain from last night and freshly baked cookies—courtesy of Imai-san, who had once again underestimated Ako-chan's sweet tolerance.
Our little sleepover had gone as expected—laughter, chaos, and an energetic Ako bouncing off the walls after devouring half a plate of cookies that could've easily fueled an army. Yukina-san had tried to calm her down, but even her commanding voice didn't stand a chance against a sugar-charged drummer.
Now, as we made our way down the street, I found myself smiling at the memory. Yukina-san walked beside Sayo-san, quietly discussing chord progressions for their next session. Lisa trailed just behind, humming something soft and bright. The morning felt peaceful—until we saw her.
Standing a few meters ahead was a woman unlike anyone we'd ever met.
Long, silken pink hair swayed with the summer breeze, cascading down her back like petals from a cherry blossom tree. Her light amethyst eyes caught the sunlight in a way that almost made them glow. The way she stood—graceful, refined, and effortlessly confident—made her seem like she'd stepped right out of a fantasy novel. Even her smile carried a noble air, gentle yet powerful enough to make us stop mid-step.
For a moment, none of us said a word. Even Yukina-san blinked, looking uncharacteristically flustered.
The woman tilted her head, a small amused curve on her lips as she approached.
"Is something wrong?"
Her voice was melodic—steady but kind, the sort of tone that draws people in without trying.
I fumbled for words. "U-uh... no... it's just that..."
Before I could finish, she laughed softly, almost teasing.
"Ah, I see now. You were... attracted to me, weren't you?"
Her tone was light, playful, but it hit all of us like a sudden gust of wind. Ako-chan's mouth dropped open. Imai-san's cheeks turned pink. Sayo-san looked away, pretending to study the pavement. And Yukina-san—stoic, unshakable Yukina—cleared her throat quietly, her ears tinged red.
The woman laughed again, delicate and airy.
"Ufufufu~ Sorry. This tends to happen. I usually keep myself covered up to avoid situations like this."
Imai-san blinked, still flustered. "Are you... famous or something?"
"In Japan, not really," she said easily. "But in China, yes—I suppose I am."
Sayo-san straightened slightly. "China? So, you're a tourist?"
The woman smiled. "Something like that. Oh—where are my manners?" She placed a hand gracefully over her chest. "I'm Ning Rongrong. Pleasure to meet you girls. You can call me Rongrong. I get uneasy when people use my family name."
Her name struck a chord deep in my mind. Something about it felt familiar—like hearing a tune you couldn't quite place. And then, the way she spoke—polite but relaxed, confident yet kind—it reminded me of...
Riku.
Imai-san blinked, still trying to process. "I-I see. Then, I'm Imai Lisa. This one here is Minato Yukina."
Imai-san gestured toward Yukina-san, who offered a respectful nod.
Sayo-san followed suit. "Hikawa Sayo. Pleased to meet you, Rongrong-san."
Then came Ako-chan, predictably dramatic. "I am the magister that dominates the dark realm! I am chaos incarnate—the demon princess, Udagawa Ako!"
Rongrong-san chuckled, hiding a smile behind her hand. "My, what a powerful introduction."
Finally, all eyes landed on me. I clasped my hands together nervously. "A-and I'm Shirokane Rinko."
Her eyes lit up at once. "Shirokane... Rinko?" she repeated softly, as if testing the name. "So you're Rinko, huh?"
That made my heart skip a beat. "Eh? You... know me?"
Ako-chan leaned forward curiously. "How'd you know Rin-Rin?"
Rongrong-san smiled, her gaze warm. "From Riku, of course. We were childhood friends."
That froze all of us in place.
Even Yukina-san's composure cracked for a second. The idea that Riku had a childhood friend—and one this striking—felt like being handed a plot twist none of us saw coming.
Ako-chan, ever the bold one, piped up first. "Ehhh?! You and Riku-nii go way back?!"
Rongrong-san nodded gently. "We do. But as much as I'd love to tell you girls the full story, I really must be going. My father asked me to meet him soon, and I'd rather not keep him waiting."
I quickly bowed. "S-sorry for holding you up, then."
She waved her hand with a soft laugh. "No need to apologize. It's been a delight meeting all of you."
As she began to step away, she turned slightly, her expression turning mischievous.
"Ah—one more thing. Don't tell Riku we met today, alright? I'd like to surprise him myself."
Sayo-san nodded without hesitation. "Understood. You have our word."
"Thank you." She bowed gracefully, the gesture filled with practiced elegance. And with that, Rongrong-san walked off, her long pink hair flowing like silk ribbons behind her until she disappeared around the corner.
The silence that followed felt strange—like we'd all just witnessed something unreal.
Imai-san was the first to speak. "Well... that was something. To think Riku knew someone like her..."
Yukina-san crossed her arms, her brow furrowed slightly. "Hm. And her Japanese was... flawless. It didn't sound like someone who learned it secondhand."
I nodded slowly. "I noticed too. Her accent was... nonexistent."
Ako-chan twirled her drumsticks between her fingers absentmindedly. "She's so pretty though... like, too pretty. You think Riku-nii and her—"
Sayo-san cut her off with a sharp look. "Don't."
Imai-san smirked. "But come on, you were thinking it too."
Ako-chan puffed her cheeks. "Maaaybe..."
Their chatter faded as we resumed walking, the sound of our footsteps crunching against the pavement. My thoughts, however, were somewhere else entirely.
A childhood friend from China. Fluent Japanese. A noble-like aura. And she knew Riku.
That shouldn't have been strange—Riku's past was filled with mysteries and sudden connections. But something about this one felt... different.
A faint chill pricked at the back of my neck, the kind that comes when you sense a shift in the air.
I glanced back down the road where Rongrong-san had vanished. The morning sun still gleamed off the asphalt, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was quietly unfolding—something beyond any of us.
I think... something's happening right now.
And with that uneasy thought lingering in my chest, I followed the others toward the Nagae estate—unaware that today would mark the beginning of something far greater than a simple reunion.
Nagae Estate
Third POV
Morning sunlight spilled over the Nagae estate, its white walls glowing faintly beneath the summer sky. The estate was still—only the sound of cicadas and distant footsteps broke the quiet. Through the main gate came Kokoro and Shinzo, the Tsurumaki twins, each carrying a duffel bag. They looked refreshed from their stay at home, but the faint spark of excitement in their eyes hinted at something else: they knew Riku had something special planned.
He was waiting for them by the front steps, arms folded, posture relaxed yet deliberate.
"Nii, we're here. I brought Kokoro as pro—" Shinzo began, but stopped dead when she noticed who sat beside Riku.
Hakurei Reimu, the Hakueri Shrine Maiden, lounged calmly next to him, her scarlet and white garments crisp even in the morning heat. Her gaze, however, was far from calm. It was sharp, cold—piercing enough to make Shinzo flinch.
Her hand twitched toward her neck nervously. "R-Reimu...?"
The shrine maiden said nothing, only raised a brow as if judging whether Shinzo deserved to still be standing there.
Riku sighed, rubbed the bridge of his nose, then promptly smacked Reimu on the head.
She yelped, glaring up at him. "What was that for!?"
"You're scaring my sister again," he said flatly. "You know she's still traumatized from the last time you tried to 'discipline' her."
Reimu scowled. "Oh please. She's fine. Like hell I care."
"You might not," Riku countered, his tone sharpening, "but I do."
Shinzo relaxed slightly, reassured by her brother's steady voice.
He turned to her. "Sorry I had to call Reimu in, Shinzo. When she overheard what happened yesterday from Marisa, she refused to stay out of it."
The shrine maiden shrugged, clearly unbothered. "I just want to see if there's truth to the rumors—and to see what kind of 'idea' Riku's cooked up this time."
Shinzo's throat tightened. "O-okay... I honestly thought you were here to kill me."
Reimu gave a half-smirk. "I would've, but Riku would probably kill me first."
Riku chuckled quietly. "You're damn right I would."
He looked between the twins. "So, how was last night?"
Kokoro brightened immediately, clasping her hands together. "Papa was so happy that Shinzo came home! He even prepared her own room and everything—complete with her own maid team!"
Shinzo groaned, her face red. "I refused them! I can take care of myself!"
Riku chuckled under his breath. "You're still the same, I see." Then he straightened up, his tone shifting from brotherly to firm. "Anyway, since you both brought your training gear, go change and meet me in the new training room. If you're not sure where that is, ask one of the staff. Reimu and I will head there first."
The twins nodded and split off toward the changing rooms while Riku and Reimu began their slow walk across the courtyard.
The shrine maiden's voice broke the silence after a moment. "You're planning something again, aren't you?"
"Always," Riku replied casually. "You know my current situation, right?"
"The whole 'half-youkai, half-dragon' thing?" Reimu asked, glancing sideways at him. "Yeah. You're a walking contradiction."
"Good. Then you'll understand why I'm doing this. I need to get used to Divine Dividing again—its rhythm, its limits, its resonance with my new body. The last few sessions with Meiling-san weren't enough."
"So you're using your sisters as your test subjects." Reimu snorted softly. "Classic Riku. And where exactly are you leading me? The training room's the other way."
Riku's lips curved into a small grin. "I'm not using that one. I want to try the new chamber built a few months back. Tina used it before I could. I never got to test it myself."
Moments later, they arrived at a set of reinforced metal doors at the far edge of the property. Riku pressed his hand against a panel, and the door slid open with a low hiss. Inside stretched an enormous domed chamber, its walls metallic and unmarked. The air was still and oddly sterile—like standing inside a blank canvas waiting for color.
Reimu's eyes scanned the place warily. "What the hell is this?"
Before Riku could answer, two voices echoed behind them.
"What the hell? This place is empty as hell!" Shinzo's voice carried across the chamber. "Are you sure this is the right room, nii?"
Riku and Reimu turned to see the twins, now in training attire.
Kokoro wore a bright yellow, skin-tight top that exposed a bit of her midriff, black bike shorts, and clean white sneakers. Her golden hair was tied in a high ponytail that bounced with every step. She practically radiated energy.
Shinzo stood beside her in a similar outfit, though her colors leaned toward a darker shade of yellow and black. Her ponytail sat lower, tied neatly above her nape—her stance grounded, her eyes sharp. The difference between them was striking: sunlight and shadow, perfectly balanced.
"You're here already," Riku said, faint amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Yeah," Shinzo muttered. "Kokoro rushed me. But seriously—why's this place so empty?"
"This room's special," Riku said simply. "You'll understand once we begin."
Reimu crossed her arms, clearly skeptical.
Riku continued, his voice calm but deliberate. "The rules are simple. You two will be fighting me. And before either of you complain that it's unfair—it's not."
A flash of light appeared in his hand as a pair of snow-white wings extended behind him, mechanical in shape but alive in power. The Divine Dividing pulsed with soft blue light, its aura rippling through the chamber like a heartbeat.
"This is all I'll be using."
The twins exchanged glances, and Shinzo gave a crooked grin. "So we're your guinea pigs this time, huh?"
Kokoro giggled. "Normally, it's usually you on the receiving end, onii-chan."
Riku smirked. "You're not wrong. But this time, aside from testing my control, I want to see how well you two can fight together. Coordination, instincts, and timing."
Shinzo's eyes sharpened, the fire in them unmistakable. "Then we won't hold back. I don't care if it's a scrim—we're going all out."
Kokoro's cheerful tone echoed her resolve. "Yeah! We're not going down without a fight!"
Riku nodded once, spreading his wings. "Good. Then let's begin."
He raised his hand, pressing a small device at his wrist. The chamber walls lit up with radiant circuitry, and a thin layer of blue light shimmered across the floor.
"Real Solid Vision—activate."
"Real Solid Vision, combat mode—start up. Vision Model Damage, set to Level C."
A monotone, mechanical voice echoed through the chamber. Instantly, the floor beneath them pulsed with light, a deep azure glow rippling outward like waves on water. The metallic walls shimmered, shifting hues until the entire dome resembled the interior of a futuristic construct—smooth, endless, and humming with power.
Reimu squinted as the light intensified. "What's happening?"
Riku raised a hand to shield his eyes, a faint smile curving his lips. "You're witnessing twenty years of work by the Houraisan and Watatsuki families. This—" he gestured to the glowing chamber around them "—is the Real Solid Vision system, or RSV. With it, we can replicate any location imaginable and fight within those environments as if we were there."
Kokoro looked around in awe, her reflection rippling across the metallic floor. "So, it's like a... live simulation?"
"Exactly," Riku said.
Shinzo tilted her head. "Then what was that part about 'vision model damage' we heard?"
"That's where it gets interesting," Riku said, his voice lowering slightly as he turned toward them. "You all play virtual games, right?"
The twins exchanged a glance and nodded cautiously. Reimu, catching on, frowned. "Wait... you mean—"
Riku nodded. "Instead of using our actual bodies, RSV scans our forms and generates exact replicas—down to every detail. We'll be fighting through those projections, not our physical selves. But..." He gave a slight grin. "Any injury or sensation we feel in the simulation translates back into our real bodies as data. That means our minds feel the pain, the fatigue, the pressure. The difference is how much."
He pointed upward as the system's robotic voice continued:
"Vision Damage Scales: Level C—minor numbness. Level B—moderate discomfort. Level A—high stress. Level S—total sensory replication."
Reimu let out a short, unimpressed whistle. "So Level S means you feel like you're actually dying. Wonderful."
Riku smirked. "Pretty much. That's why I set it to C. We're not here to suffer, just to learn."
The twins still gulped, unable to ignore the mental image of what a higher setting might feel like.
The system spoke again:
"Please set up your RSV base."
Four stands rose smoothly from the ground in front of them, each with a faintly glowing interface. Riku walked over to the nearest wall, where a compact device hung in a cradle—something like a bulkier smartphone with arcane symbols carved along its edge.
"This," he said, holding it up, "is the RSV Base. It's your access point. Once you touch it, the system links to your mana signature and creates your profile in the dome."
He pressed his thumb to it, and a small holographic interface lit up with his name, age, and role: Nagae Riku – Combatant.
"Now you try."
The twins and Reimu followed his example, each grabbing one of the remaining bases. The moment their fingers brushed the surface, the holographic light shifted to match their aura. The twins' names appeared side by side—Tsurumaki Kokoro – Combatant and Tsurumaki Shinzo – Combatant—while Reimu's read Hakurei Reimu – Combatant.
Riku gave her a sidelong glance. "You might want to change that."
Reimu raised a brow. "Oh?"
"This is a scrim between me and the twins. You're observing, not joining. Switch your role to 'Spectator.'"
She sighed but complied, tapping her hologram until it changed color. "Fine. But if this thing blows up, I'm blaming you."
"Noted."
The system chimed again:
"Please enter your pods."
From the metallic floor, four pods rose slowly into view—sleek, capsule-like structures with curved glass hatches that hissed open. The interior glowed a soft blue, lined with energy conduits that pulsed in rhythm.
Riku entered his first, settling in like it was routine. "Alright. The system handles everything after this point. Just relax and let it sync."
The twins followed, a bit nervous but eager, and finally Reimu slipped into hers with a sigh.
As the pods sealed shut, faint mist swirled within each chamber.
"Beginning Mana Particle Dispersal."
The voice echoed once more before a blinding white light filled the dome.
When it faded, the sterile metallic chamber was gone.
The four were now surrounded by towering peaks and clouds drifting lazily through the air. The scent of pine and the distant sound of waterfalls replaced the hum of machinery.
"Field Five: Mountain."
A crisp breeze swept through the rocky cliffs, scattering petals from trees that hadn't existed seconds ago. The simulation was so real that even the faint crunch of pebbles beneath their boots felt tangible.
However, the system had scattered them across the terrain—each participant materializing in a different location. Only Kokoro and Shinzo spawned together, side by side near a narrow ridge overlooking a valley.
Reimu appeared alone on a plateau near the mountain's heart. She blinked, taking in the sight, her usual stoicism melting into awe.
"This is... incredible," she muttered, crouching to brush her hand over the grass. It bent and swayed under her touch, reacting like real blades. "To think technology's come this far..."
Above her, the sky shimmered faintly with runic data streams hidden in the clouds—proof it was all artificial. She stood, her eyes narrowing. "If I'm going to see the full scope, I need to go higher."
Without hesitation, she lifted off, floating upward until the terrain unfolded beneath her like a living map.
Below, her eyes scanned the endless valleys and cliffs until she spotted them—Riku at the southwestern edge, standing atop a jagged cliff with his wings faintly spread, and the twins at the opposite side, northeast, just beginning to move.
A familiar thrill sparked in her chest. "There they are."
The system's final command echoed across the simulated sky:
"Battle Start!!!"
The sound rang like thunder, reverberating through the mountains. Wind surged, and the peaceful illusion shattered.
From her vantage point above the clouds, Reimu watched as Riku lowered into a combat stance, his wings flexing with quiet restraint. Across the valley, Kokoro and Shinzo mirrored his readiness, mana swirling around their hands like twin auroras—golden and violet intertwining.
For a heartbeat, the world stood still.
Then, with a single step, the battle between Riku and the Tsurumaki twins began—
a clash of family, skill, and spirit echoing through the fabricated peaks, while high above, Reimu watched with sharp, analytical eyes, witnessing the dawn of Riku's full potential taking shape.
----------
Nagae Eatate - Entranceway
9:30 A.M.
The morning air around the Nagae Estate carried the soft scent of camellias. The estate itself was calm—until the sound of footsteps echoed from the front walkway. Rinko and the members of Roselia stood at the grand entrance, their uniforms crisp, expressions a mix of curiosity and mild fatigue from their night together.
When the door slid open, they were greeted by Kazehana, her posture as precise as ever, her soft smile betraying none of her usual composure.
"Welcome back, Rinko-sama. And to the rest of Roselia as well," she said, bowing slightly. "How was your sleepover?"
Rinko, hands clasped in front of her, gave a small nod. "It was... great, Kazehana-san." Her voice carried a trace of hesitation before her eyes darted around the entryway. "Is Riku here?"
Kazehana straightened, her expression neutral. "Riku-sama is currently in the training dome with Reimu-sama and the Tsurumaki twins."
The girls exchanged quick glances, their brows furrowing in unison.
Lisa tilted her head. "Hold on—twins?"
Kazehana chuckled softly, folding her hands. "Explaining it would take far too long. It's better if you see it for yourselves. Please, follow me."
Curiosity piqued, the members of Roselia followed her down the corridor. The polished floors reflected the faint light of the chandeliers, and the rhythmic click of their footsteps echoed like a metronome through the hall. Eventually, Kazehana stopped before a wide, reinforced door.
Rinko blinked, confused. "Kazehana-san... what is this place?"
"This," Kazehana said, pressing a switch beside the door, "is the viewing room. It connects directly to the new battle dome that was completed last month." The lights dimmed slightly as a massive window brightened to life before them. Beyond it was not a room—but a sprawling projection of rugged peaks under an overcast sky.
Here, the world felt like it had shifted entirely.
Sayo's analytical eyes narrowed. "So... this is the 'battle dome'? You can simulate entire environments?"
Kazehana nodded. "Indeed. The system allows full-scale combat simulation through advanced virtual projection. What you see now is one of those environments. At present, Riku-sama is engaging in a scrimmage against Kokoro-sama and Shinzo-sama."
The group froze.
Lisa's eyes widened. "Wait—Shinzo? As in Kokoro's... dark side?"
A faint sigh escaped Kazehana. "Hai. That's correct. She's been stabilized for the time being, and this scrimmage is part of her full reintegration training."
For a moment, none of the girls spoke. Even Yukina, usually unshaken, looked toward the massive viewing window, her usual calm faltering just slightly.
Kazehana gestured toward the screen. "Look there. The battle's about to start."
The group turned their attention forward just as the digital clouds on the projection began to part. A streak of silver-white light tore through the sky like a meteor descending from the heavens, landing on a rocky peak that crowned the mountain range.
Riku stood at its summit, calm yet commanding. The faint wind caught his coat as the Divine Dividing unfurled across both arms, its luminous wings pulsing faintly with ethereal light. His eyes—sharp, steady, deliberate—swept across the expanse as if weighing the very air for threats.
"Hmm..." he murmured, scanning the terrain below. "Now where are those two hiding?"
A soft laugh rippled through the valley. High, melodic—impossible to mistake.
Riku sighed, a small smile ghosting his lips. "Found her."
A golden blur exploded from behind a ridge, lightning trailing like ribbons of sunlight. Kokoro burst from cover with her signature grin plastered across her face, her energy radiant enough to light the mountainside.
"Found you, onii-chan!" she shouted, voice echoing through the air. "Let's fight!!"
Before Riku could reply, the light dimmed—replaced by a thick, creeping shadow that bled through the rocks behind Kokoro. A tendril of dark mist coiled and condensed into a figure. From within the haze, Shinzo stepped forward, her aura pulsing in stark contrast to her sister's warmth.
"Don't waste time with chatter, Kokoro," she said flatly, crimson eyes flicking toward Riku. "He's strong. We take him seriously."
Kokoro, unbothered by her sister's sharp tone, giggled. "I am serious! But fighting should be fun too, right?"
Watching the dynamic play out, Riku exhaled softly, his smirk widening. Even in perfect sync, the twins were night and day.
In the viewing room, Lisa leaned forward, pressing her hand against the glass. "Sheesh... they look like they're about to blow the whole mountain apart."
Sayo adjusted her glasses. "Given it's Riku-san, that's not an exaggeration."
Kazehana didn't comment. Her gaze remained fixed on the holographic projection, expression unreadable.
Back in the simulated battlefield, the wind picked up, carrying dust and static through the air. Riku raised his right hand; blue-white sparks crackled to life along his forearm as Divine Dividing's wings expanded further, their feathers scattering glowing fragments of mana.
The air itself hummed with pressure.
"Now then..." Riku said, his voice steady, his stance widening. His eyes flicked between the twins. "Let's dance."
Kokoro's laughter echoed like bells. "Bring it on!!"
The mountain field blazed with light. Without warning, Kokoro surged forward like a comet, her laughter carried by the wind. She spread her arms wide, sending radiant beams spiraling outward in sweeping arcs that painted the air in streaks of gold.
Riku reacted instantly—his movements clean, measured, almost effortless. He wove through the light with surgical precision, his silver-white wings flaring as the beams passed within inches of him. Kokoro's attacks burst around him like fireworks, scattering motes of light that danced in the snow.
"Ooh, flashy!" she cheered mid-spin. "Try this!"
Gathering her palms together, Kokoro formed a miniature sun—its brilliance nearly blinding—and fired a condensed beam straight at Riku.
He didn't flinch. Instead, his voice rang out, calm yet commanding.
[Divide!]
A surge of blue-white energy erupted from his arms, colliding with her beam and splitting it neatly in two. The halves fizzled out into motes before fading completely.
Kokoro twirled midair, landing gracefully on a ledge with a cheerful giggle. "That was awesome!"
But before Riku could counter, the light dimmed. The air behind him rippled—silent, sharp, and cold.
Shinzo appeared from the shadows, her eyes glinting crimson.
"Blind spot."
A lance of darkness shot from her hand, aiming for his spine. Riku twisted just in time, the attack grazing his shoulder and sending a jolt of dark energy crackling through his arm.
He exhaled, landing lightly, but Shinzo had already vanished back into the gloom.
Above him, the light and darkness began to twist. Kokoro hovered high in the air, her aura blazing gold; Shinzo below, wreathed in smoke-like shadows. Their voices rang out in perfect unison.
"Double Spiral."
"Let's gooo!!!"
Light and darkness merged into a single vortex—spinning faster and faster until the very air screamed.
Riku braced himself, wings spreading wide as a thin smile curved his lips. "Not bad. Let's take this up a notch, then."
The air trembled as his aura expanded, glowing bright white with a faint azure sheen. Power rippled outward, the snow and rock beneath him fracturing under the sheer pressure.
"NOW, ALBION!"
[Compression Divide!!!]
A massive surge of blue-white energy burst from his core, compressing the incoming spiral and shredding it apart like paper in a storm. The backlash sent both twins tumbling backward, their cries echoing through the hollow peaks.
Kokoro hit the snow first, laughing breathlessly as she sat up, brushing powder from her hair. "Wheee—he's tougher than I thought! As expected from onii-chan!!"
Shinzo landed on a tall rock spire, silent but focused, her crimson eyes never leaving Riku. "His Divide cancels out our spells. We'll need to push harder... He's powerful, but he has limits. I can feel it."
Across the sky, Reimu floated quietly, observing the battle with arms crossed. Her sharp eyes softened ever so slightly.
"No negativity, no malice..." she murmured. "Marisa was right. They've found balance."
A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Now then... let's see if they can handle the second phase."
Back below, Riku hovered midair, his wings fanning out as he cracked his knuckles.
"You're both fast," he called out, "but you're relying too much on synchronization. I didn't expect you to coordinate this quickly, though."
Kokoro beamed, floating beside her sister. "That's because we trust each other! Shinzo is my sister—and I love her very much!!"
Shinzo blinked at her, startled, but the corners of her mouth softened. She nodded.
Then, as if moved by the same thought, the twins joined hands.
The mountain trembled. Golden and black mana swirled around them, expanding outward in an immense ring of opposing energies.
"Twilight Shift!!"
A shockwave tore through the field. The environment warped—half of the mountain now bathed in an eternal sunset, the other half shrouded in night. The trees glowed on one side, withered on the other; rivers sparkled like liquid gold before dissolving into shadow.
Riku's eyes widened. "A reality marble? How in the world—"
Shinzo smirked, her voice echoing between the twilight skies. "You think we've just been slacking? Me and Kokoro have been researching. Watching anime, learning magic theory, experimenting. This spell—"
Kokoro raised a hand dramatically, light bursting from her palm. "—is our masterpiece! Welcome to Twin Eclipse!"
The world had become their stage.
They split apart—Kokoro soaring through the radiant half, Shinzo weaving through the darkness. Riku was caught between them, forced to adapt to two entirely different battlefields.
On Kokoro's side, radiant beams cascaded like falling stars, each shot playful yet lethal. Riku moved like a dancer, gliding between streaks of light that scorched the air.
Then came Shinzo's side—where silence reigned. No wind. No sound. Just the whisper of unseen attacks slicing through the void. Riku's eyes darted side to side, his instincts screaming moments before every strike.
"This is getting interesting," he muttered, his wings flaring again. "Albion, focus the compression output."
[Already adjusting. Don't hold back, partner.]
Riku dashed between the halves of the world, his movements blurring into afterimages. Every swing of his fist tore shockwaves through the dreamlike landscape. With each "Divide," he tried to tilt the balance—but the twins' perfect harmony restored equilibrium just as quickly.
From above, Kokoro's laughter rang out again. "Okay, time for our super twin move!"
"Don't name it mid-battle..." Shinzo muttered darkly.
"Too late! It's already cool!"
Riku's brow twitched. "Oh boy..."
"Shine-and-Shade Buster!!!"
A massive sphere of energy began forming between the sisters—light and shadow coiling together in a pulsing sphere that radiated both warmth and chill. The air crackled as they released it, the entire sky trembling from the force.
The beam surged downward, tearing through the warped world straight toward Riku.
He crossed his arms in front of him, summoning a dense shield of draconic energy. The explosion swallowed everything in white.
From above, Reimu flinched, shielding her face. "What in the world—?!"
The ground shook violently, the shockwave rippling even through the Real Solid Vision dome's boundaries. The viewing room monitors flickered for a moment before stabilizing.
As the smoke cleared, Riku stood at the epicenter—his clothes torn, wings cracked, steam rising from his skin. Despite the damage, he still smiled faintly.
"Well now..." he said, voice slightly hoarse. "To think you'd pull something that strong... I'd say that's at least peak Relic, maybe early Epic rank."
Kokoro and Shinzo hovered a few meters away, both breathing heavily. Their magic auras flickered, their exhaustion evident.
"That's the fifth time he didn't fall down..." Kokoro gasped, her tone half awe, half complaint. "How much energy does he have?!"
"Too much," Shinzo replied dryly, her voice low and steady even through her fatigue. "We'll burn out before he does."
They steadied themselves, the last remnants of Twin Eclipse fading behind them. The mountain reverted to normal, snow and rock reclaiming the battlefield.
Riku exhaled, lowering his guard slightly. "You've reached your current limit. And honestly, so have I."
He flexed his arm, the Divine Dividing's wings dimming. "Using Compression Divide repeatedly drains more mana than I expected."
Kokoro tilted her head, panting. "So... what do we call this? A draw?"
Shinzo crossed her arms, still catching her breath. "A fair conclusion."
Riku chuckled, shaking his head. "No need for that."
Both sisters blinked, confused.
"Because..." Riku smiled, raising one finger. "It'll end in three... two... one."
A mechanical voice echoed across the mountains.
"OVER THE TIME LIMIT! BATTLE ENDED!!"
The blinding light of the collapsing world flickered out, and the jagged mountain range dissolved into motes of blue static. The illusion peeled away piece by piece until only the smooth, metallic floor of the Real Solid Vision Dome remained. For a heartbeat, everything was silent—then the four combat pods re-emerged from the ground with a hiss of pressure. Their hatches opened, and Riku, Kokoro, and Shinzo tumbled out, their limbs heavy, eyes half-lidded.
Shinzo groaned first, her voice a rasp. "Motherfucker... you weren't kidding that we'd feel numb."
Kokoro's voice followed, faint but amused. "I can't move a muscle..."
Riku lay on his back, chest heaving as he caught his breath. "Side effect," he murmured. "Everything that happened in there transfers straight to our bodies. Just... wait a bit. It'll wear off."
The three stayed sprawled on the cold floor, their exhausted laughter breaking the quiet. The once-dazzling dome was now dimly lit, humming softly as its systems powered down.
A pair of footsteps echoed across the space—measured and unhurried. Reimu appeared from the entrance, her shadow long under the fluorescent lights. She crouched beside Riku, peering down at him with a wry look.
"So, how did the twins fare?" Riku said to Reimu who was standing.
"They're good. Too good, actually. Satori showed me Kokoro's debut match. I didn't expect her to improve that much. If we were ranking them now, I'd say... Relic rank, at least." Reimu said as she looked at the twins
Riku blinked, then smiled—a slow, proud curve of his lips. "Relic rank, huh? Guess my little sister's not holding back anymore."
Kokoro beamed weakly from the floor, clearly too tired to move but still happy to hear it.
Reimu smirked at her, though her tone held a thread of disbelief. "I also heard you want to fight Flandre next. You sure you're not asking for a death wish, kid?"
That name alone made the air feel colder. Kokoro's grin faltered for just a second.
Reimu sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You've got guts, I'll give you that." Her eyes flicked toward Shinzo—quiet, still catching her breath beside Kokoro.
Something unreadable passed across the shrine maiden's face. Then, unexpectedly, she stepped closer.
Reimu then bowed in front of Shinzo as the darker Tsurumaki was shocked. "First of all... I want to apologize."
The room went still. Even Riku froze mid-breath.
"W–What? Why are you saying sorry to me?"
Reimu's voice softened, steady but without its usual sharpness. "Because years ago, I tried to kill you. No questions asked. I saw darkness in you and assumed you were the same as every other corrupted soul I'd fought before." She paused, glancing toward the now-empty pods. "But when I watched that battle... I saw something different. You weren't protecting yourself. You were protecting Kokoro. Not out of fear, but out of care. You controlled the darkness instead of letting it consume you. That... deserves respect."
Shinzo just stared, eyes wide. Her lips parted, but no words came. Even Kokoro seemed stunned, her golden hair messy, eyes glistening faintly.
And Riku—who'd seen Reimu stand her ground against gods and demons alike—looked almost amused. "Well, I'll be damned," he muttered under his breath. "Never thought I'd see the day the Hakurei shrine maiden says sorry."
Reimu shot him a look, half warning, half smirk. "Don't get used to it."
With a slow inhale, Riku pushed himself upright. His movements were still stiff, but strength was gradually returning to his limbs. "So, I take it you approve of her now?"
Reimu crossed her arms. "Yeah. She's still rough around the edges, but she's solid. I expect nothing less from a Tsurumaki. You've done well, Shinzo."
The dark-haired twin bowed her head slightly, unsure what to say. For once, the edge in her aura eased.
Reimu straightened, brushing invisible dust from her sleeves. "Anyway, I've got to go. Can't leave Aunn alone too long at the shrine—last time she rearranged the offering plates again."
"Heh, tell her I said hi."
Riku said as Reimu waved lazily over her shoulder as she walked away, her red-white silhouette fading beyond the automatic doors. The dome felt quieter once she was gone.
Riku exhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders until they popped. "Well... that went better than expected."
The twins were still grounded, though. Shinzo rubbed her legs as if trying to convince them to move, while Kokoro stretched her arms with a pained giggle. "I think my soul's still numb, onii-chan..."
"Give it a minute." Riku flexed his fingers, though his hands trembled slightly. "The system syncs every nerve. You'll feel normal soon enough."
The sound of sliding doors broke the moment again. Rinko and the rest of Roselia entered with Kazehana leading the way. They stopped mid-step, eyes darting between the exhausted trio and the still-humming battle pods.
Riku tilted his head, the faintest smirk returning. "You're here for an explanation, right?"
Rinko nodded, speechless for once.
Riku sighed, brushing back his hair. "I'll explain everything later. For now..." He looked at the two most physically capable in the group. "Lisa, Sayo—mind giving me a hand?"
Lisa raised a brow. "You're asking us? What happened to that overpowered strength of yours?"
Riku lifted both hands, showing how they trembled uncontrollably. "Yeah, about that... still can't feel my fingers."
Sayo exhaled through her nose, already crouching beside Kokoro. "Very well. The Tsurumaki twins are light anyway."
"Hey!" Kokoro pouted faintly but lacked the energy to argue.
Lisa slung Shinzo's arm around her shoulder, muttering, "You better not pass out on me."
Shinzo smirked weakly. "No promises."
With slow steps, the group began to leave the dome, the twins being carried out with care. Riku followed behind, his posture straight but weary, the echo of their spar still humming faintly in the air.
For a moment, he looked back at the pods—the silent witnesses of their growth—and smiled to himself.
"Back to full potential, huh..." he murmured, half to the room, half to the ghosts of the mountain they'd just left behind.
And with that, he turned toward the corridor, following his friends into the light of the estate's halls, ready to face the next conversation that awaited him.
----------
OG SEKAI – 5:30 P.M.
The warm glow of late afternoon filtered through the tall windows of the Nagae Estate, painting the living room in soft gold. The atmosphere was calm but heavy with expectation. Riku sat in his chair, elbows resting on his knees, while the Tsurumaki twins occupied the couch beside him—Kokoro as radiant as ever, Shinzo composed and watchful. Across from them sat Roselia, silent and curious, trying to piece together why Riku had called them there.
For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Kokoro, ever the fearless one, broke the silence.
She began to explain everything—from the day Shinzo first emerged when she awoken her magic as the darker side of her heart, to the night she nearly lost her life at Reimu's hands. Her voice trembled slightly at first, but the smile she carried never wavered. Shinzo took over midway, speaking in her calm, measured tone. She detailed how she learned to exist beside her sister, then eventually apart from her, no longer trapped as an alter ego but free as her own person.
The room was still. Even the ticking of the old wall clock seemed to hush itself.
Rinko simply nodded, already knowing most of this story, but the others—Sayo, Lisa, Ako, and Yukina—looked completely frozen.
Ako was the first to find her voice. "So... let me get this straight—you just split in half and now you're two people?"
Shinzo nodded plainly. "In simple terms, yes."
Kokoro giggled, clapping her hands together. "Isn't it amazing? We're really sisters now!"
Lisa leaned back in disbelief. "Amazing? That's one word for it..."
Sayo muttered, half under her breath, "This completely violates metaphysical boundaries."
Riku could only sigh, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. "Told you it'd be easier to show than explain."
Once the twins finished their story, the attention shifted to him. He straightened in his seat, the faint edge of a smile tugging at his lips.
He told them about the battle in the Real Solid Vision Dome—how Shinzo had requested training, and he agreed, on the condition that Kokoro joined in. It wasn't just to hone their strength, but to help them grow together. He admitted he needed the practice too; Divine Dividing was a demanding power, and even for him, complacency meant weakness.
Then came the part that truly caught their attention: the Real Solid Vision system itself. Riku described it in detail—an advanced project jointly developed by the Houraisan and Watatsuki families, capable of recreating any environment and physical sensation with uncanny accuracy. His tone carried quiet pride as he added that the Nagae family received early access to it for testing.
Ako, predictably, lit up like a firework. "Wait, so we can actually use that thing to play NFO? Imagine—fighting virtual bosses in full immersion—"
Riku gave her a flat, deadpan look. "You'd feel every hit. The bruises, the burns, the stings. It's not a game console, Ako."
Ako froze. "...Yeah, no thanks. I'm good with VR."
A ripple of laughter passed through the room, easing the air.
After the long discussion, Kazehana entered quietly to announce that lunch was ready. Everyone followed her to the garden terrace, where the smell of barbecue filled the air. The sound of sizzling meat mixed with the laughter of the girls, and for the first time in a while, things felt normal.
Riku grilled while the others chatted and helped themselves. Kokoro and Shinzo, however, attacked their plates like wild animals—cheeks stuffed, sauce smeared, and absolutely no shame about it.
Lisa nearly choked on her drink. "Are they... competing?"
Sayo folded her arms, muttering dryly, "They're twins. Competing comes naturally."
Riku just chuckled, flipping another piece of meat. "Guess I shouldn't have told them to 'eat as much as they want.' My mistake."
The moment lingered with warmth and laughter. For a little while, the weight of training and reality faded away.
After lunch, Kokoro and Shinzo stood to leave. Both bowed slightly, their identical smiles glowing with gratitude.
"Let's do that again sometime!" Kokoro beamed.
Riku crossed his arms, pretending to think. "If I've got time, sure. But next time, we're adding rules."
Shinzo smirked faintly. "Rules won't save you."
They laughed, and with that, the twins departed. Roselia followed soon after, heading for the studio for Yukina's next guitar lesson, leaving the estate in peaceful silence once again.
Later that evening, the world shifted.
Inside the OG SEKAI, Riku sat alone in his personal room, a dim space filled with blue holographic light and the faint hum of data streams. The desk before him was covered with scattered pages of music sheets, each filled with sharp, restless energy. He'd been writing for hours, lost in the rhythm of his own thoughts.
The door slid open behind him.
Miku stepped in quietly, her turquoise hair glowing under the soft light. "Riku," she said, her voice gentle but edged with concern, "you've been at this for hours. Are you okay?"
Without looking up, Riku continued to write. "I'm fine. Just want to finish these before I take a break. I need more time for myself—and the girls."
She glanced at the sheets and frowned slightly. "You sure about that? These songs... they're different. Darker." She lifted one of the pages, her voice softening. "They sound like pain turned into melody."
He stopped writing, finally leaning back in his chair. "That's because they are. These are meant for what's coming next. I'll use them when I'm back in OG."
Miku studied his expression for a moment. "Are you going to tell the others about this place? About SEKAI?"
Riku let out a quiet breath, eyes on the dim light above. "Johan? Yeah. The others... maybe not yet. Some truths are heavier than they look."
He stacked the papers neatly, the sound of paper against wood echoing softly. "Anyway, I'm done for now. I'll grab something to eat. Feel free to check the songs if you want."
Miku nodded. "Alright. MEIKO's in the kitchen making dinner for Rin and Len. You can ask her for something before she's done."
"Thanks, Miku," he said, standing up and stretching his shoulders.
He made his way down the corridor, passing through digital lights that shimmered like stars suspended in air. The hum of the SEKAI around him was almost like music itself—alive, but strangely peaceful.
In the dining area, he found Rin and Len sitting at the table, eyes wide and hands poised like hawks ready to strike. Behind the counter, MEIKO worked with graceful ease, her short brown hair and sharp eyes giving her the air of someone both warm and intimidating.
"Riku!" Rin called out, waving. "You here to eat too?"
Riku leaned against the counter. "Yeah. Just something light. One fried chicken sandwich and lemon tea, please."
"Coming right up," MEIKO replied with a faint smirk. "And as for you two—one pasta carbonara for Rin-chan, and one creamy clam chowder for Len-kun."
The twins' eyes sparkled as she set their dishes down.
"ITADAKIMASU!!" they shouted in unison before digging in like hungry kids.
Riku chuckled under his breath as MEIKO began preparing his order. For the first time in days, he let his shoulders relax. The familiar warmth of food, laughter, and gentle noise filled the room.
The kitchen was calm in the late afternoon light, golden rays cutting through the wide windows and spilling across polished counters. The faint crackle of oil and the soft rhythm of a knife against the board filled the silence between breaths. The scent of spice, citrus, and grilled chicken lingered like warmth itself.
Riku sat at the counter, elbows resting loosely against the edge, his voice quiet but weighted with curiosity.
"Let me ask you something," he began. "What do you three think of the SEKAI I made? And the Sunflower Mansion—how does it feel to you?"
Rin and Len froze mid-meal, their forks hanging just shy of their mouths. MEIKO, standing near the stove, turned her head slightly, as if tasting the question. The twins swallowed, trading a quick glance before answering almost in unison.
"It feels like home," Rin said brightly. "It looks huge, but it's cozy. Like it's... meant to be lived in."
Len nodded, smiling faintly. "You can feel it, you know? The memories. It's like the walls remember you. You really loved that place, didn't you?"
Riku gave a small, wordless laugh under his breath. "Yeah... I did."
MEIKO wiped her hands on a towel and crossed her arms, a knowing expression softening her tone. "The atmosphere's calm too. Even KAITO stopped being uptight after a few days here."
Rin perked up. "And we get to use your instruments too!"
That drew Riku's attention back. "I'm glad you—wait, what?"
Len chuckled, caught between amusement and guilt. "Maintaining them is our job here, remember? It's part of this SEKAI's balance."
MEIKO let out a small laugh. "Looks like someone's starting to forget his own system." She placed a plate in front of him, her tone playful. "Here. Fried chicken sandwich, spicy—how you like it."
The smell hit him first—fried perfection with a punch of heat. He took a bite, and the crunch gave way to tender meat, flavor flooding through every nerve. The spice didn't burn; it danced.
"This is incredible," he said after a moment, setting the sandwich down. "You've still got it, MEIKO."
"Of course," she replied simply, the hint of pride showing through.
As Riku reached for another bite, Rin nudged his shoulder, almost hesitant.
"What's on your mind?" he asked.
Rin fidgeted, her voice a little softer. "I wanted to tell you this later, but I might as well now... I want to give Rinko a song."
He stopped eating, eyes lifting to her. "A song?"
"Yeah." She looked down at her hands. "She's trying so hard to be someone who can stand next to you. I thought... maybe I could help her get closer to that."
The room went quiet for a beat, save for the faint hiss from the stove. Then Riku leaned back, a small smile tugging at the edge of his mouth. "That's a good reason. Which song?"
"Tokyo Teddy Bear."
The name lingered in the air like a ghost from another time. Riku remembered the long nights spent working on that one—him and his mother piecing together words too honest for anyone else to write. He exhaled slowly, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.
"Has anyone used it recently?"
Len nodded. "Leo/need. About four months ago."
Riku nodded once. "Alright. Do what you need to do."
Rin brightened instantly. "Thank you, Riku! Oh—and I already uploaded it to your phone! Just give it to her later, okay? Come on, Len!"
"Wait, I'm not done—"
But Rin had already grabbed his arm, dragging him out of the kitchen before he could finish his soup. Riku could only shake his head as their voices faded down the hall.
He'd barely returned to his sandwich when a quiet presence approached. Miku stood by the counter, her turquoise hair shimmering faintly in the light, her expression calm but watchful.
"I heard Rin gave Rinko a song," she said.
"She did." Riku raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're planning to give her one too?"
Miku shook her head. "Not for Rinko. For Yukina. I want her to have Migikata no Chō."
Riku paused mid-breath. That song carried weight—a personal one. Miku had written it for Rin and Len long ago, a piece meant to capture love, loss, and everything fragile between.
"You saw something in her," he murmured.
"I did." Her tone was steady, eyes glinting with quiet certainty. "That song could unlock something in her. Ichika tried, but said it was too heavy for their group. Even the others—MORE MORE JUMP, Wonderlands x Showtime, Vivid BAD SQUAD, Nightcord—they all said it didn't fit. But Roselia... they could handle it."
He watched her for a moment, lips curling into a knowing half-smile. "You really think so."
"I know so," she replied simply.
The air shifted then—a faint shimmer as Miku's form glowed for a moment, her outline softening. When it faded, she turned, already walking toward the door.
"I've placed the file on your phone," she said over her shoulder. "And Riku—get some rest in the real world. That's an order."
He gave a short, mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."
And with that, his form began to blur, the digital light wrapping around him until the kitchen faded away.
Back to Reality
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
Riku opened his eyes to the dim glow of his room. The ceiling fan hummed softly above, its rhythm steady against the silence. He reached for his phone on the bedside table—10% battery. Barely enough.
A sigh escaped him. "Almost got booted out again."
He pressed a button on the intercom. "Kazehana, are the girls done with practice?"
In the music room, Kazehana turned toward Roselia. Sayo was guiding Yukina through another set of finger placements, their focus unbroken.
Kazehana pressed the button to reply. "Yukina-sama's guitar lesson might take a bit longer, Riku-sama. Should I tell them something?"
"Just let them know to come to my room when they're done."
"Understood."
He leaned back in his chair and waited, the quiet stretching comfortably around him. To kill time, he switched on his computer and scrolled through the latest news.
The top headline caught his eye:
OG Signs μ's to a Two-Year, $45 Million Contract.
He whistled under his breath. "Not bad at all."
Every major feed was flooded with clips from OG's press conference, fans dissecting every word and gesture. His attention drifted until his phone buzzed again, its soft ring cutting through the quiet.
Hatate's name flashed on the screen.
He leaned forward and answered. "Hello, Hatate?"
The line hummed faintly—just enough silence to feel like the moment before another storm.
----------
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
7:30 P.M.
Rinko's POV
Yukina-san's guitar progress was surprising, to say the least. When she first decided to learn, I think all of us thought it would end in frustration. But as the weeks went on, she took to it with the same sharp, determined grace she gave everything else. Her fingers stumbled less, her chords started to ring true, and Sayo-san—who'd been strict at first—found herself actually smiling while teaching her. Once Yukina-san nailed the basics, Sayo-san immediately started pushing her to the next level. That's just how both of them are.
By the time practice wrapped up, Kazehana-san came by to tell us Riku wanted to see us in his room. It was already six, though, so she suggested we eat dinner first. When we reached the dining hall, Riku wasn't there. Instead, Himekaidou-san greeted us with her usual polite smile and told us Riku had already eaten earlier. So it ended up being just us—Roselia—joined by Tina-chan and Mafuyu-san at the long dining table.
Dinner passed quietly, the kind of comfortable silence that comes when everyone's too tired to fill it with chatter. Afterward, we made our way to Riku's room. Sayo and Lisa looked uneasy, fidgeting at the thought of stepping into a guy's room for the first time. Ako teased them for it, which somehow only made it worse. I knocked lightly on the door, and before long, it slid open.
Riku stood there, casual but sharp as always. "You're finally here," he said, motioning us in. "Come on. There's something I want to talk about."
His room, as usual, was spotless—neat lines, polished furniture, not a single thing out of place. It was impossible to tell that someone as busy as him actually lived here. My eyes drifted toward the corner of the room where Fuyu and Homura were curled together. Fuyu had draped herself over the big white wolf like a cat napping on a mountain of snow.
Imai-san blinked. "Wait... your pets sleep here too?"
"Yeah," Riku said easily. "Homura's got his own room, but sometimes he decides he wants to stay in mine. Especially when Fuyu's around."
Sayo-san smiled faintly. "He really likes you."
Riku's expression softened, a brief flicker of nostalgia crossing his face. "I picked him up when he was just a pup. His mother had passed. Couldn't leave him alone after that." Then, with a sigh, he shook his head. "Anyway, we're getting off track."
Yukina straightened her posture. "Right. Kenzaki-san said you wanted to discuss something important."
"Yeah," he replied, crossing his arms. "While you girls were focused on Yukina's guitar lesson, I was in my SEKAI. During that time, Rin and Miku approached me—they wanted to give something to the two of you. Two songs, specifically."
For a moment, none of us said a word. The Virtual Singers themselves wanted to give us songs? Even Yukina-san's usually stoic face faltered in shock.
Riku kept speaking, pulling out his phone. "They both said they saw something in Roselia—something in particular about you, Rinko, and you, Yukina. Rin left a song for you, Rinko. And Miku left one for Yukina."
Our phones buzzed at once. I glanced down, and when I saw the file that had appeared in my inbox, my breath caught. There it was—a lyric sheet, a melody line, and the title staring back at me.
"Tokyo Teddy Bear..." I whispered.
Yukina-san blinked at her screen. "Migikata no chō?"
Riku nodded slowly. "Those two songs are among their best. Especially Yukina's. That one was written by my mother."
Silence. None of us moved. The words hung there, heavy and electric. Even Ako stopped fiddling with her phone.
Miku-obaa-san wrote that song. The one who built half of modern music culture alongside him. To think she'd written that piece... and now it was being entrusted to us? My stomach twisted in equal parts awe and pressure.
Sayo-san was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure about this? Giving those to us?"
Riku nodded. "Miku said Roselia's the only band that can bring out their full power. She told me Ichika and Leo/need tried to play it once, but it didn't fit their sound."
Imai-san leaned back, eyebrows raised. "Leo/need, huh... so even they couldn't pull it off."
Ako-chan tilted her head. "So does that mean... the song was made for us?"
"That depends," Riku said evenly, "on when you play it. Between that and 'Skyclad Observer,' you're pretty stacked with powerhouse songs right now." His lips curved into a small smirk. "All the more reason for me to go all out against you when I'm back."
A shiver ran down my spine. His tone wasn't loud, but his presence filled the room like thunder just before it breaks. Even the air felt heavier.
He was serious.
He would come back to OG—and when he did, we'd be standing across from him on the same stage. My hands clenched slightly at my sides. I met his eyes, steadying my breath.
"Even so," I said, "we're not going to lose to you... even if we have to use your own songs against you."
The room froze. Sayo-san's eyes widened, and Imai-san's jaw dropped. Even Ako-chan gawked at me, muttering something about how I'd just committed career suicide. But Riku—he just smiled.
"Oh?" His voice dropped into something sharper, playful but edged with challenge. "Then on behalf of OG... I accept."
The air between us shifted instantly. Neither of us spoke, but the tension was thick enough to feel. We stood there locked in a silent clash of wills, like sparks waiting for fuel.
Then—something soft brushed against my knees.
"Fuyu?" I looked down, blinking. The little snow-colored cat-fox tilted her head, golden eyes wide, tail flicking with impatience.
"~Nyaa~," she mewled, pawing at my leg.
Riku sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "You want Rinko to play with you?"
Fuyu nodded—or at least, her version of it, a quick dip of her tiny head.
"Well, there you have it," Riku said helplessly. "She wants playtime. Maybe the rest of Roselia can join too."
Yukina-san's cheeks flushed faintly. The rest of us tried to hide our smiles, the tension melting into laughter. Leave it to Fuyu to defuse what could've been a full-blown stare-off.
Sayo-san tilted her head curiously. "Wait, how did you even know what she wanted?"
Riku chuckled softly. "We've been together for almost two decades. You start to understand each other without words. It's like... instinct."
He waved a hand lazily toward the door. "Go on, before she gets impatient. She's been staring at that toy box since you came in."
I couldn't help but laugh as I bent down to scoop Fuyu into my arms. She was warm and soft against my chest, purring like a tiny engine.
"Alright, alright. Let's go, then."
We turned to leave, still smiling. Lisa teased me about how quickly Fuyu had chosen her favorite, Ako-chan was already planning to take photos, and Yukina—well, she was still quietly blushing, pretending not to look too happy about being invited.
As we stepped out into the hall, I glanced back for just a second. Riku was still standing there beside Homura, one hand on the wolf's fur, the other hanging loosely at his side. The faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips as he watched us go.
For a moment, I caught something in his eyes—pride, maybe. Or something gentler. Whatever it was, it wasn't the challenge from before. It was warmer.
And somehow, that warmth stayed with me as we headed down the hall, Fuyu purring in my arms and the faint hum of Roselia's laughter echoing softly behind us.
Hakugyokurou
July 27, 2021 - Tuesday - 8:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
The night air at Hakugyokurou carried an eerie stillness—soft, fragrant, and heavy with spiritual presence. The lanterns floating in the mist shimmered faintly, their pale light reflecting across the courtyard where ancient souls wandered unseen. This place wasn't chosen by chance. For tonight's summit between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan of China and the Celestial Families of Japan, no other location could match its atmosphere or its danger.
Anyone foolish enough to trespass here would have their soul quietly drawn into the Saigyou Ayakashi, a punishment no guard could replicate. The only way to pass unharmed was by the will of Yuyuko-san herself.
And as for the meeting being held at night? Officially, it was to "set the mood." In reality, it was because both sides preferred to work on their own time—lazy bastards, the lot of them. Besides, Yukari-san was practically nocturnal; expecting her to appear under the sun was wishful thinking.
The Nagae, Hinanawi, and Yagokoro families had already arrived, taking their places within the grand hall under Yuyuko's watchful eye. The Komeiji and Yakumo households were due to appear any minute, and the Hakurei had taken charge of the perimeter, aided by Youmu.
The Houraisan clan was absent—Kaguya and Mokou had managed to take each other out again, locked in their endless cycle of destruction. Both were unconscious for the next few days, leaving no one fit to represent their house.
My fiancées came along tonight. They said it was because they didn't want to leave me alone, though I could tell they were more curious than cautious. Eli, in particular, had wanted to see Hakugyokurou for herself. She insisted on climbing the endless staircase to meet Yuyuko-san in person—a choice she regretted halfway up but refused to admit out loud.
Rei stayed behind with RAISE A SUILEN for an instrument upgrade, and Mafuyu was busy preparing for a mock medicine exam. Despite her upbringing, she was serious about becoming a doctor. Grandfather had already arranged a recommendation to Nishikino General Hospital, with Eirin-san agreeing to personally oversee her training. That girl's stubbornness could move mountains.
The deeper we went into the halls of Hakugyokurou, the stronger the air felt—spiritual energy thick enough to hum against the skin. Eli looked around, eyes wide as if seeing ghosts.
"So this is how Nozomi must feel all the time," she murmured.
Miyu folded her arms, her tone thoughtful.
"It's stronger than last time. The energy here moves differently at night."
Rinko tilted her head, curiosity breaking through her usual quietness.
"Is Nozomi-san really that spiritual?"
Eli smiled faintly.
"Not exactly. She's more superstitious than devout. Works part-time as a shrine maiden, but mostly she just loves her tarot cards."
I gave a short hum.
"So she's basically like Maga, then."
Eli chuckled.
"Pretty much. If Nozomi ever met Magomed, I think they'd spend hours arguing over whose predictions are more accurate."
Rinko blinked.
"Who's Magomed-san?"
"Magomed Khalilov," I explained, keeping my steps even as we walked through the echoing corridor. "We call him Maga. He's known as Collapse on stage—a drummer from Team Spirit. Dangerous on the kit, worse off it."
Eli nodded, her expression soft with memory.
"He's close friends with Yaro, so I met him a few times. He's... intense, but kind and a bit of a loose cannon."
I gave a small grin.
"One of the few guys Yaro ever let in her circle. Besides me and Aichi, of course."
"Riku-san," Miyu said, glancing ahead, "how far is the chamber?"
"We're close," I answered. "Yuyuko-san reserved it for us and—"
Something shifted in the air. Instinct hit before reason.
I moved without thinking—my body cutting through the stillness as I pushed Eli, Rinko, and Miyu to the side as I summoned my naginata. The edge of my naginata caught a flash of steel just before it met my throat. The clang echoed down the hall, sharp and cold.
The figure before me was a blur of pink silk and motion. She pressed the assault without a word, her blade cutting the air in precise arcs. I met her blow for blow, forcing her back just long enough to see her face.
Rongrong.
It had been years, but I'd recognize that stance anywhere. Her aura had deepened—focused. The girl I once knew had honed herself into a weapon. And she has grown up a lot. I'm impressed to how much beautiful she's turned into.
"Girls," I said calmly, never taking my eyes off her, "get out of here. I'll handle this."
Eli's voice trembled between anger and worry.
"But—"
"No buts. It's just a greeting," I said, voice firm.
Miyu caught on immediately. She grabbed Eli's arm and nodded.
"Come on. Let's move before he changes his mind."
The three ran, their footsteps fading into the mist. The faint flutter of paper doors closing behind them left only me and Rongrong, standing in the quiet heartbeat before violence.
She didn't bother with pleasantries—just lowered her body slightly, hand resting on her weapon, and gave the faintest tilt of her head. A silent Ready?
I exhaled.
"If this is your idea of saying hello, then fine—let's talk the old fashioned way."
Rongrong struck first.
Her rapier glowed with a delicate, almost deceptive pink light as she lunged forward, her movements so crisp they could've been rehearsed in a hall of mirrors. The thrust aimed straight for my shoulder—clean, fast, no hesitation. I caught it with the shaft of my naginata, steel grinding against steel as sparks danced between us for an instant before fading into the dim corridor light.
Her form flowed like water—relentless and unpredictable. Every movement connected to the next, like brushstrokes in an unbroken calligraphy. Her blade darted, twisted, withdrew, then returned—each strike perfectly measured to test my defense. But I didn't bite. My naginata whirled in wide, controlled arcs, intercepting each stab, turning her rhythm against her. The confined space made every step count.
The hallway was too tight. My wide swings became short, compact cuts, each one forcing her to adjust, to retreat, to seek a new angle. Her heels tapped against the marble floor, the faint echo of our duel bouncing through the narrow corridor. A mirror near her shoulder cracked from a misjudged parry, shards spilling like frozen rain.
My blade grazed the edge of her dress—barely a scratch, but enough to make her pause. Her eyes narrowed, sharp and intent. Then, without a word, we surged toward each other again.
Furniture splintered under errant strikes. A porcelain vase shattered beside us, flowers and water scattering as though the house itself flinched. She ducked beneath a rising sweep, her rapier flicking upward to slice a line through my sleeve. I retaliated instantly, the butt of my naginata thrusting toward her midsection—but she deflected it with the flat of her blade, her stance never faltering.
Too close. Too damn narrow. The air felt caged.
As if by silent agreement, we disengaged, breathing hard but unbroken, and stepped through the shattered doorway into the moonlight.
The garden of Hakugyokurou opened before us, radiant under the silver wash of night. Rows of white lilies and blooming chrysanthemums shimmered softly, petals trembling in the cool wind. The pond reflected the full moon like a glass eye watching over us. Here, at least, the naginata could breathe.
I took the first step. My weapon sang through the air in long, fluid arcs, cutting patterns of wind and light. Rongrong's rapier answered each motion in kind—precise, minimal, deadly. She didn't try to match my range. She slipped through it, weaving like silk between steel, striking only when my weapon had committed to motion.
Her speed was terrifying.
A faint line of moonlight kissed the edge of her rapier as it darted toward my face. It stopped—just an inch from my eye. Neither of us flinched. I pivoted, spinning the naginata over my shoulder and bringing it down in a slicing counter. The air screamed. She ducked low, the blade whispering over her hair.
Still not a word spoken. Only the steady rhythm of our breathing and the distant song of night insects.
Petals swirled in our wake as we moved through the garden, our clash disturbing the quiet perfection around us. The grass bowed beneath our feet; blossoms tore free, spiraling in the wind like falling snow. The air itself seemed to tense—caught between beauty and ruin.
Rongrong's breathing grew heavier, though her posture never wavered. Sweat gleamed at her temple. My own shoulders ached from the constant motion. She's improved. That much was clear. The lessons she took from Lord Chen Xin weren't wasted—her precision was almost inhuman now.
A wide sweep from my naginata sent a shockwave across the koi pond, rippling the moon's reflection. She sprang backward, flipping gracefully to land beside a cherry tree in full bloom. Before I could press forward, she used the trunk for leverage, springing around it to lunge at me from the side. I turned just in time, blocking her rapier along the shaft of my weapon, the clash sending a bright flare between us.
Neither of us connected. Neither yielded.
It became something else then—not combat, not fury. A dance of restraint and adaptation. Each exchange felt less like violence and more like conversation, each clash of steel a word, each parry an answer.
And then... we stopped.
No signal. No exhaustion. Just silence. Our weapons hung mid-guard, edges gleaming under the moon. The garden held its breath. Petals fell between us, soft as sighs.
Rongrong's gaze met mine—steady, unreadable. There was no hate there. Only recognition.
The wind stirred, rustling the ruined flowers and bending the grass. Around us lay the marks of our duel—gouged earth, fallen petals, broken stems. Yet neither of us bore a wound. Only the faint tremor of spent resolve.
Slowly, I lowered my naginata. She followed suit, letting the tip of her rapier fall to her side. A quiet laugh escaped me, half relief, half admiration.
"It's good to see you again, Rongrong. It seems you learned a lot from Uncle Sword." I said.
Her lips curved into a soft smile. "Good to see you again, Riku."
"Ara ara~ Looks like you're having a moment now~ Ufufufufufu~"
That voice froze us both.
A cold shiver ran down my spine. When I turned, Yuyuko stood just a few paces away, her usual cheerful expression warped into something far more dangerous. A pink, sakura-colored aura coiled around her like mist, her smile sweet—but her eyes promised pain.
"Y-Yuyuko-san..." I started carefully.
She tilted her head, still smiling. "Now, I heard from Miyu-chan that Rongrong-chan and Riku-kun were fighting~ But to think you'd turn my hallway into kindling and make confetti out of my garden~ How bold of you both~"
Her tone was melodic. Her aura was not.
I followed her gaze across the grounds—and my heart sank. What used to be an immaculate paradise now looked like a battlefield. Flowerbeds shredded. Statues cracked. Decorative lanterns lying sideways. Even the koi pond had muddy streaks along the edges.
Yuyuko clasped her hands together, still smiling. "And not just that, my dear Riku-kun—you also managed to break part of my hallway. Hmm?~"
Rongrong and I stood frozen, too terrified to answer.
The air grew heavier as Yuyuko glided toward us, each step sinking like gravity itself. Her aura thickened until neither of us could move—every muscle locked under invisible pressure.
"Well~ If you can't say anything..." She leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with playfulness and menace in equal measure. "Then I suppose I'll just have to punish you both~"
Before either of us could react, Yuyuko spun toward Rongrong, placing her hands gently—but firmly—on the poor girl's shoulders.
"Let me eat you~" she purred.
"W-WAIT, WHAT—?!"
Rongrong's scream tore through the night as Yuyuko opened her mouth impossibly wide, the sound echoing across the entirety of Hakugyokurou like a banshee's wail.
And that was the moment I knew—no amount of dueling experience could prepare anyone for Saigyouji Yuyuko's brand of divine retribution.