Upon returning home, I was immediately greeted by Naoya's peculiar brand of hospitality. As soon as I unpacked my things, she clung to me like a leech. I simply scooped her up in my arms and made my way across the sprawling estate toward my father's office.
"Father. I'm home. I'm coming in."
I opened the door without waiting for a reply, only to be taken aback by the scene inside. My father was surrounded by several Elders seated around his desk. I fell silent, pressing my lips together in embarrassment, while my father let out a weary sigh.
"Ah, Touya. You're back. What brings you here? Did you get some leave? That's good. My apologies, but we are in the middle of a meeting. We'll catch up properly later. As for Naoya... sigh, never mind. Out with you both. I'll call for you afterward."
One of the Elders chuckled heartily before speaking up.
"Ho ho! Why the long face, Clan Head? Is it not a fine sight to see them so close? For the successors of the Zenin to share such a bond is surely a blessing for the clan."
"Well, that may be true... but I'd prefer if Naoya maintained at least a shred of her dignity. Go on, get out for now. I'll call for you later."
I nodded at my father's words, adjusted my grip on Naoya, and immediately exited the office.
"Phew... that gave me a heart attack. Wow... why didn't you tell me, Naoya?"
"Huh? Tell ya what? That Papa was in a meetin'? It's fine, Brother. Even the Elders looked happy seein' how well we get along, didn't they?"
"That's not the point... it looks bad when you're clinging to me like that. Those Elders are the people I'll have to deal with when I eventually become the Clan Head."
Then again... in the original timeline, the moment Naoya was born female, those fossilized Elders wouldn't have even treated her like a human being. The only reason they let this slide with a laugh is because the clan has a definitive, powerful successor like me. I suppose that's a relief. Naoya doesn't seem particularly interested in the seat of the Clan Head anyway.
"Don't worry 'bout it. By the time you're Clan Head, all those old bags will be dead and gone anyway. Now, let's play until Papa calls us. What should we do?"
"I don't know. Honestly, I'd like to rest for a bit. Would that be okay?"
Naoya buried her face in my chest, seemingly contemplating it for a few seconds, then looked up at me.
"Hmm... okay! Get some rest, Brother. Just havin' you back home and by my side is enough for me."
"Oho. Where did you learn to say such sweet things? Let's go lie down in my room, then. Father should be calling for us soon."
Carrying Naoya to my quarters, I set her down on the bed and sprawled out beside her. As I lay there, Naoya rolled over and snuggled into my arms. I closed my eyes, letting her nuzzle against me and take in my scent.
"Sniff sniff... Smelling you after so long feels great, Brother. Your scent always makes me feel so relaxed, I think I'm gonna drift off."
"Is that so? Good. Shall we nap for a bit until Father calls? I've actually been missing my bed quite a lot."
"Didn't miss me? I thought 'bout you every single day."
I could feel her intense gaze even with my eyes closed. I peeked one eye open, meeting her stare as I spoke.
"Of course I thought about you too. I was constantly wondering if you were causing trouble and making Father's head throb."
"What'd ya say?! Why would I be a headache for Papa? I haven't caused a single scene. You're mean, Brother..."
Flaring up in mock indignation, she buried her face back into my chest, pouting. I chuckled softly and pulled her into a tighter embrace.
"Well done. I was just joking. Father's face looked pretty grim earlier, so I thought I'd lighten the mood with a tease."
"Ya better be jokin'. I was almost genuinely hurt. If ya feel bad, hug me tighter."
She burrowed deeper into my arms, and I squeezed her firmly.
"Is this enough? Now, let's rest until Father summons us."
"Mm... sleep well, Brother. I think I'm gonna pass out like this too."
With her tucked into my arms and my eyes closed, sleep took me before I knew it. By the time an attendant arrived to fetch us, the sun was high in the sky, and Naoya was still fast asleep beside me.
"Young Master. The Clan Head is requesting your presence. Please take your time preparing and proceed to his office."
The attendant looked at us with a faint, warm smile before bowing deeply and departing. I tried to slip away gently to avoid waking Naoya, but her eyes snapped open immediately, as if she had some sixth sense for it.
"Naoya, go back to sleep. Father called for me, so I'm going to go have a chat with him."
Rubbing her eyes, Naoya let out a massive yawn and sat up.
"Uugh... I'm comin' too."
"Uh... sure. Let's go, then."
I quickly straightened my clothes, helped her up, and even wiped a bit of sleep from the corner of her eye.
"Ah... I coulda done that myself... Ya don't have to do stuff like that for me, Brother."
"It's fine. It's the least I can do for my sister. Let's go."
As we stepped into the hallway, Naoya quickly linked her arm with mine. Passing attendants widened their eyes in surprise when they spotted us.
"Ah, Young Master! When did you return?"
"A little while ago. Everyone looks like they're working hard."
"It is our duty, after all. Will you be staying long this time?"
"Yes. My leave is for two months. I haven't decided when I'll head back yet. Well, Father is waiting, so we'll be off. Keep up the good work."
"Yes, Young Master. Lady Naoya, we hope you enjoy the holiday."
Leaving the attendants behind, we reached the Clan Head's office. I knocked and entered, finding my father reclining in his chair, already drinking.
"Drinking again, I see?"
"It's my daily routine. So, you're on leave?"
"Yes. Master Tengen apparently granted me two months off. I got lucky."
My father nodded, but then sighed as he caught sight of Naoya practically glued to my side.
"Naoya... actually, forget it. Very soon..."
"Papa! Ya said that was a secret. If ya spill it, I'm tellin' Mama every single place ya hid your booze!"
"Spare me that, at least... Right, Touya. You said two months? I doubt you'll spend all of it here. Do you have a plan?"
"Ah, yes. I haven't set an exact date, but I'll probably return to the school after a month. I have a friend waiting for me."
"I see. We can discuss that later... have you had lunch? What have you been doing since you arrived earlier?"
"Uh... I was napping with Naoya in my room. I was a bit exhausted."
I scratched my head sheepishly. Father let out a dry exhale.
"You look it. You didn't even bother to change your clothes before collapsing, did you?"
"Oh. Right. I forgot to change."
Father waved his hand dismissively.
"Never mind that. If you haven't eaten, join your mother and me for a meal. Everything should be ready."
As if on cue, a knock sounded and the door swung open.
"Lunch is served! Oh, Touya! When did you get here? Your father was in a meeting and I was busy in the kitchen, so I didn't even hear you come in. It's a good thing I made plenty!"
"Haha... sorry. I forgot to come say hello properly. I was a bit flustered earlier."
"No, no. It's fine. It happens. How is school treating you? Have you made many friends over the past year?"
Mother began showering me with worried questions until Father intervened.
"Dear, let's sit and eat first. We have plenty of time to talk."
"Oh, listen to me. You're right. The children must be hungry."
I helped Mother and the attendants set the table, and we sat down for a peaceful family meal. We ate in silence for a while until our hunger was satisfied, then the conversation drifted back to lighter topics.
"Touya. So, how is school? I heard you've been ranked as Grade 1. That would make you almost equal to your father, wouldn't it?"
"School is... well, school. It's a bit of an odd place, but if there are students and teachers, I guess it counts. But how could I possibly compare to Father? I've still got a long way to go. Haha..."
Father, who had been eating quietly, let out a snort and spoke up.
"Don't make me laugh, Touya. I'm certain that if we fought now, I'd be caught within ten minutes. Enough with the humility. You're the one who's going to lead the Zenin."
"No, really... I've thought about it, and I don't think I could keep up with your speed. Unless I were someone like Toji, I wouldn't stand a chance against Projection Sorcery."
Naoya, who had been listening with a sullen expression, suddenly chimed in.
"Course my Brother can beat Papa. My Brother's the strongest there is. Anyway, how's that Toji guy doin'? Is he well?"
"Haha... I appreciate the support, but let's not put Father down. As for how Toji is doing, I'm sure Father knows better than I do."
I looked at my father, who chuckled and shook his head.
"How did you know? I was keeping that a secret from you."
"Oh, come on. There's no way Toji could find a legitimate job on his own after going independent. He'd probably just be shaking people down for pocket change somewhere."
Father cleared his throat and continued.
"It seems you're the one being more disrespectful to Toji. Well, I did pull a few strings to set him up with something. You did ask me to help when his child was being born, after all. And... I still believe. That man is different. It's not just about strength; I feel something from him."
"What do you feel?"
"That if he ever became our enemy, the Zenin Clan would fall. That is what I felt. But no matter how many times I tell the Elders, do you think they'll listen? This family has grown this way for hundreds of years. Touya, if you hadn't befriended him, our relationship with him would be very different right now."
Father really does have a sharp eye. If only there were more people like him in the Zenin clan...
As I nodded, Father added one last thing.
"That is why I'm waiting for you to become the Clan Head. Only then might he consider returning to the family. Tell me honestly. Once you take the seat, you're going to tear everything down, aren't you? You can't stand it as it is now. From Ogi down to the Elders and the rotten rules rooted in this house—the way it treats the weak and women as less than human. There's no way you'll leave it be."
"So you think I'll bring Toji back after I've gutted and rebuilt the clan? Well, you're not exactly wrong."
"Ehh? I gotta see that Toji guy here again? You like him so much, Brother, won't ya stop playin' with me once he's around?"
I gave a wry smile at Naoya's comment and shook my head.
"Toji is already married and has a kid. And where would I even find the time to just 'play' with him?"
Naoya tilted her head with a skeptical look, so Father decided to end the discussion.
"Let's end this talk here. Lunch seems to be over. If you have nothing better to do, why don't you go oversee the training of the Hei and Kukuru units? Having a sparring match with you would be a glorious opportunity for them."
"Uh... sure. I'll do that. I'm bored and have nothing else to do anyway."
Accepting the sudden shift in atmosphere, I stood up from my seat.
"What about you, Naoya? Want to come?"
"Hmm... I'd rather not. Those guys hate me."
My expression hardened at Naoya's words. "What? Why do they hate you? Is it because you're a girl?"
Father let out a smirk. "Pfft... what do you take your sister for? They hate her because she thrashes every single soldier in those units. They've realized they'll never be able to beat her no matter what they do."
"Oh, so that was it? I thought..."
While I was feeling slightly sheepish, Mother stood up as well.
"Speaking of which, Naoya, soon you and your brother will—"
"Mama! I said ya can't tell him! Shh!"
Confused by Naoya's frantic attempt to silence Mother, I asked, "What? Why such a fuss?"
"Huh? Oh, don't worry about it, Brother. You'll find out eventually. C'mon, let's go. I'm goin' to the training ground too."
She began pushing me out of the room. I gave my parents a quick goodbye as I was shoved through the doorway.
"Whoa, whoa! What's with you? Mother, Father, I'll see you at dinner!"
My parents waved silently as I was practically escorted to the training grounds by Naoya.
"You know you're being really suspicious, right? I'm going to find out eventually anyway. Just tell me the truth."
"I ain't tellin' ya. Ya'll find out soon enough, so why should I say it now? I ain't some fool."
She snorted dismissively. I found it absurd, but I didn't press her further. Soon, we arrived at the wide training grounds. The sorcerers in training seemed flustered the moment they saw me.
"Hello. I'm back on leave. Does anyone want to have a sparring session with me?"
I spoke up, but the reaction was lukewarm at best. No one raised a hand; they just looked at each other hesitantly. Scanning the group, I spotted Zenin Jinichi—Toji's older brother. The scar he got on the day Toji left still marred his forehead, and the look he gave me was far from friendly.
"No one? I was hoping to help out a bit... well, that's a shame. Good luck with your training, then."
Just as I was about to turn and leave the training grounds, a voice rang out.
"I... I'll do it! Please, give me your guidance!"
"Hey! What do you think you're doing? I told you not to step out of line."
Ignoring Jinichi's barked warning, the person took a step forward. I studied him.
Looks to be about my age... and he's defying that gorilla Jinichi. I like him.
"What's your name?"
"I... I am Zenin Ranta!"
Ranta. I don't recall the name. Is he a character who appears after the Shibuya Incident? Oh well, whatever. Let's just see what he's got.
"Alright, Ranta-kun. Let's start immediately. Everyone else, could you please clear some space? We need room to spar."
Jinichi and the other soldiers looked displeased, biting their lips as they moved back to create a circular arena. As I prepared myself, I spoke.
"Ready? You can start whenever you're prepared."
"Yes! I'm ready. Here I come!"
At my nod, he lunged toward me. I reinforced my body with cursed energy, intending to simply guard at first to gauge his level.
Wait. What? My body... I can't move.
With Ranta inches away, I flooded my body with even more cursed energy, barely managing to twitch. I forced my hands together to form a sign, summoning Toad. Its tongue shot out and bound Ranta instantly.
"Wow. That almost caught me. Was that an innate technique?"
Ranta, dangling helplessly in the air, gave a weak nod.
"As expected, it didn't work. I was wondering how far I could get against you..."
"On the contrary, I like it very much. That technique is impressive. How old are you?"
"I'll be fourteen soon."
"So you still have room to grow. Your ability will only get stronger with time. Okay. I'll personally look over your training while I'm home. Work hard and become a true pillar of the Zenin."
"Wh... what? Really? It's such an honor!"
Ranta bowed repeatedly in gratitude, then suddenly seemed to remember something. He looked nervously toward Jinichi, who was standing behind him.
"What is the meaning of this, Young Master? Ranta is a soldier and must train with us. Are you saying you're taking him away?"
I smirked at Jinichi's warning tone. "Yes. I think he'd be better off learning directly under me. Why? Do you have a problem with that? If you do, feel free to report it formally to my father. Or, if that's too much trouble, you can try and beat me yourself. Ah, wait... I just remembered. Weren't you the one who got thrashed by Toji without even landing a scratch? Just came back to me now."
My provocation hit a nerve. The veins near the scar on Jinichi's forehead bulged disgustingly. Seeing this, Ranta looked even more panicked.
"Uh... excuse me... I think I'll just—"
"No. Stay right where you are."
As Jinichi took deep breaths to control his rage, several soldiers gathered around him to calm him down.
"Just endure it for now. This isn't the time."
"Yes. If we just wait a bit longer..."
At those cryptic words, Jinichi's breathing gradually steadied as if his anger had truly subsided.
"Do as you please... Young Master. I will exclude Ranta from our unit's training for the next month."
"Jinichi-san... thank you!"
Watching Ranta bow incessantly while Jinichi unexpectedly gave him up, I couldn't help but wonder. Hmm... maybe he's not such a bad person after all? But what were they talking about earlier? I don't know.
"Thank you, Jinichi-san. I'll start Ranta's training tomorrow, so please look after him until then."
The news hit Ranta like a bolt from the blue. He turned back to me, his movements stiff with dread. "Th-Then... you're saying we don't start immediately today? I have to go back over there right now...?"
He looked toward where the soldiers were. Jinichi and the others were already cracking their knuckles, clearly annoyed that he had stepped out of line. Ranta began to tremble as I gave him a bright smile.
"Yes. We start tomorrow, so you should finish today's training with your unit. Well, I'll be off. Good luck!"
I gave a short wave and walked back toward where Naoya was waiting. I ignored Ranta's scream behind me.
"Gwaaaaaah!! Young Master! Hey!"
Naoya's lips twitched as she spoke. "Ya know, sometimes I think there's nobody more wicked than you, Brother."
"Hmm? I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, I doubt they'll be too hard on him. Jinichi didn't look angry at Ranta—he was angry at me. That man hates me just because of Toji. I don't see why I should be all smiles for someone who despises me."
Naoya clicked her tongue and shook her head.
"Suit yourself. Where ya headin' now?"
"Ah, there's a place I forgot to drop by. I'm going to see Maki and Mai."
"Why do ya like those brats so much? I mean, I check in on 'em occasionally 'cause ya asked me to, but..."
I thought about it for a moment before answering.
"Well... they're cute. It's also pathetic how they're discriminated against just for being born as twin girls. Plus, looking at them reminds me of when you were little. Don't you remember? Even when you were tiny, you'd only let me hold or carry you."
"Th-That's! That's just 'cause I liked ya the most since I was a baby!"
"Haha... I know. But why are you walking so fast? Wait for me."
I followed Naoya as she sped off in embarrassment. We soon reached Maki and Mai's quarters. I knocked on the door, but when no answer came, I tried the handle.
"Maki! Mai! Brother is—"
As the door swung open, the person I saw inside was the man with whom I shared a deep and bitter history.
It was Ogi Zenin.