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Chapter 43 Shocking News
🕑 Added 2025-05-21 04:42:26 +0000 UTC9th of December, Tuesday, Morning
The morning sun shone warmly over Kuoh, casting long golden rays across sidewalks still damp with dew. Birds chirped lazily overhead, and the hum of traffic blended with the chatter of students walking to school in groups of twos and threes.
Among them, Issei and Yuuka strolled side by side, their matching school uniforms crisp, their bags slung over their shoulders, and their attention… absolutely not on the road.
“Okay, I pressed this button and now it’s vibrating,” Issei said, frowning down at the sleek red smartphone in his hands. “Is it broken? Did I break it already?”
“You just turned on the feedback setting.” Yuuka said with a laugh, tapping away on her own white model. “Wait—oh! I found the camera!”
They had only received their new phones from Misuki the night before. They were sleek, lightweight, futuristic little things with glowing symbols and smooth displays—but now, walking to school, the two were discovering that neither of them were particularly tech-savvy.
Still, their inexperience didn’t stop them from enjoying themselves.
“Hey, hold still!” Yuuka said with a grin as she leaned in closer to Issei, her long dark hair brushing against his shoulder. She held her phone up and snapped a quick picture. Click!
On the screen, the captured image of the two smiling—his expression awkward, hers playful—looked so clean and vivid it seemed like a still frame from a movie. Every detail, down to the light glinting in their eyes, was preserved perfectly.
Yuuka blinked. “Whoa…”
“What is it?” Issei asked, peeking over her shoulder.
“The quality… It’s insanely good.” She murmured, scrolling through the preview. “This doesn’t look like a normal photo—it looks like we shot it with a professional camera.”
Issei grinned, puffing out his chest. “Well, I guess I am pretty photogenic, aren’t I?”
Yuuka rolled her eyes with a smirk. “You're the type to blink in half of your photos taken.”
Behind them, they didn’t notice right away, but a handful of other students had slowed down on the sidewalk. Classmates from Kuoh Academy—mostly girls and a few boys—were watching them curiously.
Whispers started to ripple.
“Hey… isn’t that Hyoudou?”
“With the new girl—Yuuka, right?”
“Wait… what are those? That’s not a device I’ve seen before…”
“They’re so thin—and that logo on the back! It looks like a… dragon?”
A few students subtly pulled out their own devices and began comparing their flip phones with the one the couple had. Others whispered excitedly, curiosity already bubbling.
Yuuka glanced up and immediately noticed the shift in atmosphere. The way people were watching with genuine interest.
“…We’re being stared at,” she said, leaning in slightly toward Issei.
“Are they looking at us or the phones?” He asked, rubbing the back of his neck as he didn’t think they were doing anything unusual.
Yuuka smiled mischievously. “Both.”
Issei sighed. “Misuki’s plan is already working, isn’t it?”
Yuuka lifted her phone again. Click!
Another perfect photo. She glanced at Issei with warm eyes.
“I don’t mind being stared at,” she said softly, “as long as I’m beside you.”
Issei blushed, looking away with a flustered chuckle. “C-Could you not say things like that before school? I’m emotionally fragile in the morning.”
More giggles. More whispers.
And more photos were shared through the two by the time they reached the school gates.
—-----------------------
Kuoh Academy – School Grounds
The moment Issei and Yuuka stepped past the school gates, hand-in-hand and still admiring the stunning photos they had just taken on their new smartphones, they were met not with the usual quiet murmur of students going about their morning…but with a shouting match.
A large crowd of female students had gathered just beyond the entrance courtyard, surrounding the base of the school steps. Dozens of girls in uniform were all facing one another, red in the face and clearly mid-argument.
Voices clashed like swords.
“He totally two-timed her! You saw that picture, right?”
“Maybe it’s just his sister or cousin!”
“She called him Papa! Are you telling me Issei Hyoudou has a secret child?!”
“Maybe it’s a cosplay thing?!”
Yuuka blinked. “...What is happening?”
Issei tilted his head. “I have no idea, but I feel like I should start apologizing just in case.”
Before they could turn away or sneak past the chaos, one of the girls in the crowd looked up—and locked eyes with Issei.
“There he is! Issei Hyoudou!”
The entire group turned like a flock of hawks that had just spotted prey.
And then came the glares.
A chorus of narrowed eyes, crossed arms, and teeth-gritting silence descended upon him like a heavy curse.
Issei blinked, confused and terrified. “Wha—What did I do?! I haven’t peeped on anything in weeks! I swear I’ve been clean!”
Issei then spots his two troublemaking friends but even they are confused by what is happening.
Yuuka stepped slightly in front of him, her arms folded, gaze sharp. “Alright. Which one of you wants to explain why you’re looking at my boyfriend like you’re about to sacrifice him to the gods?”
A girl with short hair and a headband huffed, stepping forward with righteous fire. “He was spotted walking around downtown on a date with a beautiful woman with pink hair! They looked like a couple! And worse, the little girl with them kept calling him Papa!”
Another girl scoffed. “That’s just gossip. I saw Yuuka out on a date with him two days ago. If he has a kid already, that’s weird, right? He’s sixteen!”
“Exactly!” Said another. “It’s not about the kid—it’s that he’s clearly cheating on Yuuka-chan!”
A chorus of agreement rippled through the group. A few girls were already dramatically shaking their heads.
Issei took a step forward, raising his hands. “Wait! I can explain! It’s not like that—”
“Save it, Hyoudou.” One girl spat. “Just be honest for once and stop stringing people along. Yuuka deserves better than your cheating ass.”
Issei flinched like he’d been slapped.
Yuuka, however, did not flinch. Instead, she let out a tired sigh. Then she stepped forward—her voice calm, her tone sharp, and her gaze unwavering. “You’re all being ridiculous.”
The crowd blinked.
Yuuka continued. “Yes, I went on a date with Issei on Sunday. Yes, Issei went on a date with a woman with pink hair on Saturday, and yes, the little girl with them calls him ‘Papa’.”
A murmur spread across the crowd—half gasps, half confused whispers.
“But before you let your imaginations run wild, let me clarify something for all of you.” She said, lifting her chin slightly. “I already knew about that girl. I chose to be with Issei knowing that he wants more than one partner.”
Dead silence.
A few jaws dropped.
Yuuka’s voice softened, but her conviction didn’t waver. “It’s his dream to have a harem—and I accepted that when I decided to be with him. I’m not being cheated on. I’m not being lied to. So don’t act like I’m a victim when I’m exactly where I want to be.”
The stunned crowd didn’t know how to react.
Several girls stared, mouths slightly open. Others whispered to each other with wide eyes.
“Did she just say she’s okay with Issei’s ridiculous dream?”
“Wait—is she… actually cool with it?”
“That's… kind of mature…”
One girl blurted, “Are you in a poly relationship?!”
Yuuka smiled faintly. “I’m in a relationship with a good man who’s honest about what he wants. And I trust him enough to let that grow.”
Issei looked at her like she’d just sprouted wings. “Yuuka…”
The same girl who had accused him earlier now looked incredibly embarrassed, backing away slightly.
“I… I guess we misunderstood…”
“I didn’t realize she was that cool…”
The tension slowly started to melt, replaced by awkward silence and curious murmurs. The crowd began to disperse in groups as they had to get to their class, most still whispering but with far less venom in their tones.
Some students cast admiring glances at Yuuka. A few boys looked at Issei in awe—one even mouthed "legend."
Issei turned to Yuuka, his voice low and full of gratitude. “That… was amazing. I can’t believe you said all that.”
Yuuka gave him a sideways look. “You owe me another date.”
“Deal.”
She smiled, then blushed and whispered, “Let’s bring protection this time.”
He laughed softly. “I’ll go buy some.”
While most of the student crowd had dispersed—still murmuring in awe or disbelief about the revelation that Issei Hyoudou was not only in a harem relationship but with his girlfriend’s full blessing—three individuals stood frozen in place like statues.
Matsuda and Motohama were still gaping, their eyes wide, mouths agape, expressions stuck somewhere between confusion and despair.
And then there was Aika Kiryuu, arms crossed, eyebrows raised, lips curled into a sly whistle.
“Well, well, well,” she said, “I thought the rumors were exaggerated, but you two just confirmed the entire soap opera.”
A beat of silence.
Then, as if their systems rebooted simultaneously, Matsuda and Motohama’s minds caught up with what they had just witnessed.
“Y-YOU—!” Matsuda shouted.
“TRAITOR!” Motohama added.
Like charging bulls, they lunged forward toward Issei.
“HOW COULD YOU ABANDON US?!”
“YOU NOT ONLY HAVE ONE GIRLFRIEND BUT ANOTHER!”
Issei, wide-eyed, simply sidestepped out of the way at the last second.
Thud!
Both boys tumbled unceremoniously onto the ground in a pile, groaning.
Yuuka looked down at them, unimpressed. “That was just sad.”
Issei raised a brow. “Why are you guys mad at me?”
Matsuda pointed from the ground, his voice muffled into the dirt. “You… you skipped ahead again! You’re not just dating a hot girl at school—you’re dating others outside of it!”
Motohama lifted his head and wailed. “It’s not fair! You used to be one of us! Now you’re just a fucking raiju!”
Issei shrugged, unable to stop the sly grin that curved on his lips. “Hey, don’t blame me. You two just gotta… get good.”
Yuuka smirked beside him. “Oof. Harsh.”
From the side, Aika chuckled and walked closer and pushed up her glasses. “I gotta say, Issei… I always thought you'd die a virgin. But here you are. Not just with a girlfriend—but with two.”
Issei’s smile immediately vanished. “Uh-oh.”
Aika tilted her head as her eyes roamed downward. Her brow furrowed. “Wait a second…”
“Please no,” Issei muttered, backing away.
She narrowed her eyes, then took a slow step forward, arms still crossed. “You’re standing different.”
“I don’t like where this is going—”
“Your posture’s changed. You’re less… twitchy. More smug. And is that an… aura?” She leaned in, examining him like a hawk staring at prey. “Hold on…”
Yuuka blinked. “Wait, what’s she doing—?”
Issei quickly stepped behind Yuuka, using her as a shield. “I didn’t agree to any full-body analysis!”
Aika peered around Yuuka with deadly precision. “You’re hiding something. Something’s different. Oh, oh I see now.”
She snapped her fingers.
“Congratulations, Issei. You're no longer a massive virgin.”
The world went still. It was as if reality itself hiccupped.
Yuuka’s face instantly turned red from ear to ear.
Issei looked like someone had just punched his soul out of his body.
The few students still within earshot gasped and turned slowly, jaws falling open in unison.
Aika, utterly unbothered, clapped slowly. “Good for you, man. I mean, finally. I thought you’d explode from repressed tension.”
Matsuda and Motohama blinked, still recovering on the ground. “...What?”
Motohama paled. “He is what?!”
Matsuda howled, clutching his head. “HE’S LOST TO US FOREVER!”
“NOOOO!”
“THIS ISN’T FAIR!”
“WHY COULDN’T IT HAVE BEEN ME!”
More students were now staring.
Yuuka buried her face in her hands. “I hate your friends.”
Issei groaned. “Why is everything in my life a public event?!”
Aika only smirked, walking past them with a little wave. “Thanks for making this morning so entertaining. I expect more updates.” And with that, she strolled toward the building, whistling.
Yuuka peeked out from between her fingers. “If I murder her, will the school still let me graduate?”
Issei sighed. “Maybe… but I think she’d just haunt us anyway.”
—-------------------------
Tenkūryū Kigyō – Morning
Sunlight poured through the boutique’s wide glass windows, catching the polished counters and fresh floral arrangements placed near the door. The faint scent of citrus and lavender danced in the air.
Miya, sleeves tied back and expression serene, floated from display to display, adjusting garments on mannequins with practiced grace. Tamamo helped fold newly made blouses, her sharp eyes scanning each stitch for perfection.
Yashima was trying to unbox a crate of folded scarves, while Akitsu, ever silent, had already sorted two more crates and was neatly arranging stock in the back wall cubbies. Her movements were fluid and fast—utterly emotionless but undeniably efficient.
Near the register stood Miki Hyoudou, Issei’s mother, donning a sleek black vest over a soft lavender blouse and beige skirt. She familiarized herself with the store’s stock and pricing as she used the computer Matsu set up.
Uzume and Matsu, seated nearby on a pair of fashionably plush stools, relaxing before they get to work. Uzume yawned, still recovering from yesterday, while Matsu was already drafting a list of proposed upgrades for store logistics.
“You’re sure you’re okay working the register today, Mother-in-law?” Tamamo asked, stepping up with a folded stack of patterned skirts in her arms.
Miki smiled warmly as she finalized the morning cash drawer. “Of course I’m fine. I raised Issei. Handling a store register is nothing compared to managing that boy.”
The other women chuckled.
“It’s just rare seeing you out of the house.” Miya said with an amused look.
“Even I need a break from being a housewife now and then. Besides, it’s fun spending time with my lovely daughters-in-law.” Miki says with a smile.
Uzume stretched and smirked. “That’s us now, huh? Feels nice to hear it out loud.”
“I still find it surreal,” Yashima added softly, cheeks pink. “But… in a good way.”
Miki looked at all of them with pride, then said, “Oh. Please remember—someone has to pick up Sakura from elementary school.”
That made everyone pause.
Tamamo froze mid-fold. “...Right.”
Akitsu glanced at the clock. “Dismissal is at two.”
Matsu muttered. “We should’ve scheduled a pickup rotation…”
Yashima blinked. “Who is going to pick her up today?”
Miki clapped her hands together. “I’ve already called ahead and told the school that someone from the family will pick her up. Just make sure someone does.”
“Let’s avoid a ‘forgot our daughter at school’ scandal,” Miya said dryly.
Uzume snickered. “That’s one way to gain the neglectful parent award.”
Miki gave them all a firm but motherly look. “Also don’t go showing off your abilities. Walk in through the front gate like normal human. We don’t need to frighten the regular parents.”
Akitsu nodded solemnly. “Understood.”
“Anyway,” Miki added with a smile, tapping the register screen confidently, “I’ve got the front covered. You all go and be glamorous saleswoman or whatever Misuki drilled into you.”
From the back, Misuki called out while adjusting a display sign, “Brand identity is sacred and professional, thank you very much!”
“Love you too, dear,” Miki replied sweetly.
The morning air filled with laughter again, light and familiar.
—----------------------------------------
Kuoh academy
The low buzz of lunchtime filled the school building—rustling bento wrappers, the pop of soda cans, and the hum of dozens of conversations layered one over the other. While some students congregated in the cafeteria or under shady trees outside, Issei Hyoudou had chosen to eat quietly at his desk, his lunchbox opened neatly in front of him. Rice, grilled fish, pickled vegetables—prepared with care by Miya and Tamamo, and wrapped with a note in Tamamo’s elegant handwriting: “Eat everything, or else. ♥”
Across campus, in a different classroom, Yuuka was similarly seated by the window with her own bento box. She balanced her new white Dragon Wing smartphone against her cup of tea as she texted furiously with one hand while biting into a tamagoyaki.
Issei’s own red phone lit up with a ping.
Yuuka: [Picture Attached] "Look at this! Miki added extra pickles. Tell her I said thank you later."
Issei: [Picture Attached] "Mine has more meat than yours. Jealous?"
Yuuka: "Meat is temporary. Pickles are eternal."
Issei snorted, nearly choking on a bite of rice. Then, with a grin, he tapped the video icon and called her.
On the other end, Yuuka raised a brow, smirked, and answered.
“Hey,” Issei greeted casually, resting his phone upright against his milk carton.
“Hi,” Yuuka replied with a small smirk, her image crystal clear on his screen. “So… is it weird that we can see each other while far away?”
“I like it. Means we can talk face to face even when we are.” Issei says with a grin.
Their banter played out in real-time, the voice quality crisp, with zero lag, and the camera sharp enough to catch every micro-expression, even in the naturally lit classroom.
That alone was enough to draw attention.
Across the room, a pair of eyes peeked up from behind a textbook. Then another student glanced over. Then two more.
Within moments, Motohama and Matsuda were leaning over Issei’s desk, jaws hanging open in disbelief.
“Hyoudou… are you seriously talking with your girlfriend in the middle of class?!” Motohama whispered.
“I thought you two were just sending messages.” Matsuda muttered, already inching closer. “This is next level.”
“Is that Yuuka-chan?!” A third voice called. It was Aika, who marched over without waiting for an invitation and crouched beside Issei’s desk, eyes fixed on the screen. “Oh hey, girl!”
Yuuka raised a hand and waved with an amused smile. “Hello, Aika.”
From the corner, Katase and Murayama joined the crowd, their curiosity piqued.
“What phone is that?” Katase asked.
“Seriously, how’s the video so smooth?” Murayama added, tapping the desk as she leaned in.
Issei grinned and held up the phone like it was a rare Pokémon card. “This, my friends, is the latest prototype of the Dragon Wing smartphone.”
Motohama blinked. “What?”
Yuuka took over, her voice calm and practiced through the camera. If you see behind her you can also notice a group of female students behind her.
“They’re new devices created by my mom’s company. Issei and I are beta testing them for now—trying out the video call feature, camera, software, and signal stability.”
“Wait,” Aika narrowed her eyes, “your mom makes phones now?”
“She opened a store.” Yuuka said, casually brushing hair behind her ear. “Fashion and tech under one brand—Tenkūryū Kigyō. You’ve probably heard of it by now.”
Matsuda blinked. “Wait, that’s the place where all those hot clerks that the town was talking about, yesterday!”
“Yup,” Issei said proudly. “That’s the one.”
More students began circling Issei’s desk now, drawn in like moths to the LED-lit flame.
“What else does it do?”
Yuuka answered smoothly. “High-speed processing, biometric security, long-life battery.”
Issei added helpfully, “You can even play video games.”
Aika narrowed her eyes. “Really? It can do all of that?”
One student asked, “So where can we get one?”
Yuuka’s image tilted her head thoughtfully. “They’re not mass-produced yet. These are prototypes. But if you’re curious or want to sign up for early updates, you can visit my mom’s store. It’s downtown, across from a bakery. You’ll see the red dragon sign Tenkūryū Kigyō.”
“Can the phones be prepaid?”
“Absolutely.” Yuuka replied with a wink.
Issei, now surrounded by classmates who only last week called him a pervert, leaned back in his seat and smiled as his classmates continued asking questions and admiring the phone. His gaze flicked back to the screen, where Yuuka was watching the scene unfold with that same cool, proud smile of hers.
Their eyes met.
And even across the distance, it felt like they were right next to each other.
—---------------------------------
Tenkūryū Kigyō – Late Afternoon
The golden light of the late afternoon streamed in through the boutique’s large front windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. The second day of operations had gone smoothly—perhaps even better than expected. Customers flowed in and out steadily, many of them chatting excitedly about the store’s popularity, the new fashion line, or the mysterious new phones they'd glimpsed on the display case.
Near the register, Tamamo stood with an expression caught between delight and visible frustration as another group of customers approached—drawn in by her beauty, her charm, and her uncanny ability to recommend exactly the outfit they didn’t know they needed.
“I really should go pick up our daughter,” She mumbled.
Misuki, standing nearby with her arms folded and clipboard in hand, didn’t even look up from her notes. “No. You’re too effective at sales. They love you. You’re staying here.”
“But—”
“No.”
Tamamo pouted.
From the back of the store, the faint sound of machinery whirring, rapid typing, and the occasional yelp of exhaustion could be heard from upstairs. Uzume and Matsu were fully immersed in their production work. One was stitching custom jackets while humming some tune off-key, the other muttering about optimization code and prototype circuitry.
“Ugh, I want another break?!” Matsu cried in a mild panic.
Back on the ground floor, Miya finished wrapping a scarf on a display mannequin, dusted off her hands, and turned to Akitsu, who stood quietly nearby, already in her white kimono.
“It’s time,” Miya said gently, a small smile gracing her lips. “Let’s go get our little Sakura.”
Akitsu nodded. “Yes. We mustn’t let her wait.”
Miya stepped behind the counter to untie her apron and gave a nod to Miki. “We’ll be back before dinner. Could you handle things while we’re out?”
Miki, still calmly ringing up a customer with one hand while holding a pen between her teeth, waved with the other. “You two go bond with my granddaughter. I’ve got this.”
Miya chuckled. “Thank you very much.”
—--------------------------------------------
Outside, the wind was light and cool, rustling the leaves of the street trees as the pair walked side by side. Akitsu, ever silent, walked with smooth grace, her expression blank but focused, her steps measured. Miya, in contrast, carried herself like an elegant breeze, hands lightly folded in front of her.
“Do you think Sakura will ever accept us as mothers?” Akitsu asked softly as they turned the corner.
Miya glanced at her companion, her expression thoughtful.
“Sakura is sharp,” She said. “But she’s also kind. From what Issei and Tamamo said, she’s had to grow quickly in her own way… but she’s still a child. What she wants most is to feel safe. Loved. If we give her that, she’ll come to us.”
Akitsu nodded slowly. “I would like… to be a good mother figure.”
“I'm sure you already are.” Miya said with a knowing smile. “You just don’t realize it yet.”
As they reached the school, the gates had just opened, and students poured out in waves—laughing, shouting, waving their arms as parents arrived to scoop them up. A few mothers eyed Miya and Akitsu curiously, their eyes lingering on Miya’s traditional appearance and Akitsu’s quiet aura.
They paid no mind.
And then they saw her—Sakura, a small bundle of energy in her school uniform, a little fox hair clip holding her hair up as she stood near the gate, clutching a drawing in one hand.
She looked up, eyes wide, then grinned brightly. “Mama Miya! Miss Akitsu!”
Miya’s heart swelled as Sakura ran into her arms without hesitation. Miya knelt down to embrace her gently, smoothing back the child’s hair with practiced hands.
“How was school today, sweetheart?” Miya asked.
Sakura proudly held up the drawing. “I made a picture of Papa, Mama, and me!”
Akitsu leaned over to examine it. “You gave him dragon wings.”
Sakura beamed. “Because he looks cool like that!”
Miya chuckled, brushing her thumb along Sakura’s cheek. “A very accurate likeness.”
As the three began walking home—Sakura happily holding both their hands—Miya caught Akitsu looking down at their joined fingers, a small flicker of something warm in her otherwise expressionless gaze.
“You see, you’re good with children.” Miya said softly.
Akitsu blinked. “I don’t understand them well… but she feels easy to be near. Like Issei.”
Miya smiled knowingly. “That’s because she’s our family, dear.”
As they rounded the last corner, with the store sign peeking over the rooftops ahead, Sakura giggled and leaned her head on Miya’s shoulder.
“Is that the store where Aunt Misuki has been working in?”
“That is indeed it. We were thinking of taking you to see your mama, she was quite angry that she couldn’t personally pick you up.”
“Can we all eat dinner together again tonight?” Sakura asked as everyone was having fun at the small table yesterday.
“Of course.” Miya said. “I was planning to make something special.”
“Yay! And I wanna sleep next to Papa again!”
Akitsu glanced sideways at Miya, who returned the glance with a serene smile.
“Oh dear,” she murmured. “I’m sure he would be happy.”
—-----------------------------------
Kouh Academy
The late afternoon sun bathed the school grounds in a mellow golden hue as students began pouring out of the building in clumps, their laughter and casual chatter echoing off the pavement. Among the departing wave, Issei Hyoudou and Yuuka walked side-by-side, their steps leisurely, their Dragon Wing smartphones tucked into their uniform pockets after a day of successful passive marketing.
“So…” Issei said with a grin, “between the morning scandal and the lunchtime tech demo, I’d say today was... productive? No one tried to throw me into a locker for having a harem.”
Yuuka smirked. “Many were interested in the phones. So yes. Very productive.”
Just as they reached the gate, a sudden voice called out:
“Hyoudou!”
The pair paused and turned to see Murayama, Katase, Aika, Matsuda, and Motohama approaching them from behind—each with varying expressions of curiosity, mischief, or in the case of the two boys, barely-contained excitement.
Murayama, arms crossed and eyes narrowed in slight suspicion.
Katase, looking curious, though clearly skeptical.
Aika, grinning like she was moments from dropping a bombshell.
“Are you guys headed home already?” Katase asked, resting her shinai case over one shoulder.
Murayama folded her arms. “We were talking and figured we might… stop by that store.”
Issei blinked. “The store?”
Aika gave a devilish grin. “Tenkūryū Kigyō, right? The place with the new phones, trending clothes, and a suspicious number of smoking-hot clerks?”
“We want to see it.” Matsuda said, eyes practically sparkling.
“Yeah!” Motohama added, wringing his hands together. “The photos don’t do it justice—we need to witness the miracle firsthand!”
Issei gave both boys a flat look. “No.”
Matsuda blinked. “What?”
Motohama gasped. “Why not?!”
“You two only want to ogle the staff and I will not allow that.” Issei said, deadpan. “Only I get to ogle the staff!”
“We’re not worthy, we know!” Matsuda added. “But let us bask in their presence, even if only for a moment!”
“Come on. Don’t hog those beautiful women for yourself. Be a bro!” Motohama added, dropping to his knees. “Where is the Hyoudou who used to crawl through bushes and peek through the kendo girls' windows with us?!”
Murayama leaned in toward Katase. “They’re actually begging in public…”
“I feel secondhand embarrassment.” Katase muttered.
Issei’s eye twitched. “That guy no longer has to peek to see a beautiful woman's breast.”
“Don’t tell them that!” Hearing this Yuuka yelled with a blush and quickly smacked his head.
“Nooo!” Matsuda cried, falling beside his comrade, both now bowing in dramatic unison on the sidewalk.
“The Brotherhood of Perverts has lost its strongest pillar!” Motohama wept.
Issei crossed his arms and looked away.
Aika stepped up next, tapping her chin. “Well, you can’t stop me, Hyoudou. I’m not in your harem and I’m very good at pretending to be a customer.”
Yuuka narrowed her eyes. “So you admit you’re just going to mess with Issei?”
“Of course,” Aika said with no shame. “I wouldn’t miss this chaos for the world.”
Katase and Murayama exchanged looks, clearly unimpressed by the dramatics of the three boys.
“Why are we here again?” Murayama asked.
“I’m kinda curious.” Katase replied.
Yuuka let out a long sigh and rubbed her forehead. “Ugh... fine. Issei, just let them come. It’s not like more customers are a bad thing.”
Issei turned to her, surprised. “Seriously?”
She shrugged. “The more buzz we get, the more my mom’s store grows. And the sooner mom gets rich, the sooner we all benefit. Just keep them in line.”
Motohama and Matsuda perked up like puppies promised treats. “YES! THANK YOU, YUUKA-SAMA!”
Yuuka ignored the title and walked ahead. “Just behave yourselves or I’ll kick you out personally.”
Matsuda and Motohama scrambled after her. “Yes ma’am!”
Issei smirked and started walking ahead. “Alright then. Try not to get yourselves banned for life.”
Aika slipped in beside him. “I’m already planning out which outfit I want to try on.”
Yuuka side-eyed her. “Just don’t try anything on Issei.”
“Oh relax,” Aika said playfully. “I only mess with him for sport.”
Murayama and Katase followed at the rear, talking among themselves.
“I heard the pink haired girl gives styling tips.” Katase murmured.
Murayama nodded. “I heard the kimono lady is a cool beauty.”
—-------------------------------
Tenkūryū Kigyō – Evening
The store doors chimed gently as it opened, allowing the group of Kuoh students to enter. The elegant interior was a blend of fashion displays and futuristic tech, with soft lighting that made the boutique feel both cozy and refined.
The group of visitors—Issei, Yuuka, Aika, Murayama, Katase, Matsuda, and Motohama—barely had time to take it all in before something small and purple-haired girl bolted from the back of the store like a bullet.
“PAPA!!” The small girl leaped forward, arms wide.
“Wait wha—GAH—!” Issei just barely caught her mid-leap, staggering back a step as the little girl clung tightly to his chest.
Sakura, his daughter, nuzzled into him with pure joy, her bright eyes wide and excited.
Everyone behind him stood frozen.
Matsuda’s jaw hit the floor.
Motohama’s glasses slid down his nose.
Murayama looked utterly stunned.
Katase blinked, speechless.
Aika, of course, smirked like she’d just won a bet. “Oh. It’s true,” she murmured. “He does have a child.”
But it didn’t end there.
From within the store, Tamamo, Miya, Akitsu, Yashima, and Miki all emerged in perfect timing—drawn by the voice, the bell, or perhaps their spiritual radar honed from living with Issei.
Each one was stunning in their own unique way. Tamamo’s golden eyes sparkled with interest, Miya’s elegant poise immediately commanding, Akitsu’s icy serenity exuding quiet strength, Yashima’s warmth and softness drawing attention.
“Darling!” The girls quickly rushed to his side as each hugged him wanting to be close after not seeing him for a few hours.
Matsuda and Motohama’s brains short-circuited.
“I’ve died,” Motohama whispered. “This is heaven.”
“No,” Matsuda whispered back, gripping his friend’s arm. “This is his heaven. We’re just tourists.”
But before either of them could go full-pervert mode, Issei shot a glance over his shoulder—a glare honed by countless chaotic battles and powered by a very light touch of killing intent.
Just enough to make both boys freeze.
A trickle of sweat formed on Matsuda’s forehead.
Motohama went pale.
“They quickly stood ramrod straight, being in their best behavior.
Yuuka folded her arms beside them. “Good boys. Now behave.”
Aika snickered as she stepped forward, scanning the store’s layout. “I must admit… this place is impressive.”
Tamamo's expression was warm but watchful as she eyed the newcomers. “Customers, Issei?”
“Classmates that wanted to see the store.” He clarified.
“And these two?” she asked, glancing at the nervous duo of Motohama and Matsuda.
“My friends.”
Sakura tugged on his shirt. “Papa, can I show them my picture?”
“You can show them anything you want, sweetheart.”
Sakura turned toward the group, holding up a crayon drawing of Issei with dragon wings, standing heroically beside a fox-eared woman (Tamamo), and herself on his shoulders. Everyone blinked.
Murayama’s heart melted. “That’s… actually really cute.”
Katase nodded. “She’s talented.”
Aika looked between the picture, the girl, and then at Issei. “You’re way too deep in the domestic life already.”
“Tell me about it,” Issei muttered, patting Sakura’s head.
Yashima stepped forward, offering the group warm drinks in little paper cups. “Please, feel free to look around. We’re happy to assist with fashion or questions on our new tech division.”
Miya offered a serene smile. “We welcome new customers—especially those who are friends with our dear Issei.”
That earned a few nervous chuckles.
As the students dispersed throughout the boutique, browsing clothes and phones, whispering excitedly or blushing around the staff.
Issei turned to Yuuka with a sigh. “Well… that went better than expected.”
Yuuka smirked. “They haven’t even asked if they are part of the harem yet.”
“I’m praying they don’t.”
From the back, Tamamo chuckled. “I give it five minutes.”
—---------------------------------------
The Park – Late Evening
In the center of the open field, a section had been cordoned off by layered concealment barriers—courtesy of Tamamo—to keep any wandering humans or curious spirits from stumbling upon what looked like a supernatural boot camp.
Within the invisible perimeter, the park was alive with focused energy.
At the heart of it all was Issei, decked in his black and red weighted training uniform, his forehead beaded with sweat, his arms shaking—but still moving.
“Forty-six… forty-seven…”
On his back, clinging to him like a tiny, giggling backpack, was Sakura, counting in a chipper voice as she balanced herself expertly with her hat bouncing slightly.
“Forty-eight! Forty-nine! Keep going, Papa!”
Issei grunted, face close to the dirt. “Y-Yes!”
Every breath was a burn, every push a struggle. The custom weights Tamamo had infused into his clothes grew heavier with each session, adapting to his growing strength. And with Sakura’s gleeful cheering from above, stopping wasn’t an option.
Meanwhile, off to the side, three figures sat on a conjured mat under a cherry blossom tree that had bloomed unnaturally under Tamamo’s magic.
Matsu, Yuuka, and Akitsu listened intently as Tamamo stood before them, her three golden tails lazily swaying, her posture regal yet relaxed.
“Magic in this world,” Tamamo explained, “is like breathing in the right environment. You may not be born with it, but here, where gods still walk the Earth, and mana saturates the air, anyone can learn it—if properly guided.”
She raised a hand, and the air shimmered as a small wisp of blue flame flickered to life in her palm, dancing gently.
“It’s not about raw power. Not entirely,” she continued. “It’s about connection—will, emotion, intent. The more in tune you are with yourself and the world around you, the easier it flows.”
Matsu, ever the genius, tapped rapidly on her tablet. “So we’re dealing with a post-divine era system where magic is ambiently accessible due to lingering godly presence. That… tracks. I should’ve felt that sooner, guess Misuki was really overworking me.”
Akitsu’s eyes remained fixed on the flame wondering if she could learn a different element.
Yuuka leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. “So... even someone like me, who’s not born for this kind of stuff... could learn?”
Tamamo looked her straight in the eye. “Especially someone like you. Your bond with Issei has already opened channels most mortals never dream of.”
Yuuka blinked. “Wait. What does that mean?”
Tamamo just smiled slyly. “You’ll see.”
Not far off, in another section of the field, the clash of weapons rang out.
Karasuba, clad in her black Disciplinary Squad uniform, held a wooden training sword with one hand, her strikes graceful, fast—and terrifying.
Uzume in her white battle uniform, wielding her cloth by enlarging and strengthening it, parried her blows with a nervous grin. “Could you not try to kill me during training?!”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Karasuba replied with a smirk, her next strike coming low and fast.
Yashima, nearby with her massive hammer, jumped into the fray, deflecting the blow with raw strength. “Uzume-san, move left!”
“Thanks!”
Though Karasuba was clearly holding back—none of her blows lethal, none fast enough to be impossible—the difference was noticeable. She was stronger. Not just physically, but sharper, more fluid. Her style had matured since her winging.
She was becoming something… far more dangerous.
“Your coordination is improving,” Karasuba said, feinting and pivoting between the two.
“So’s your sarcasm,” Uzume shot back, her footwork smoother now, her strikes more focused. “You trying to be a teacher now?”
Karasuba laughed. “I said you were improving. Don’t push it.”
Nearby, Yashima panted but smiled. “Even your compliments feel like threats.”
Behind them, Sakura called out, “Papa’s at seventy-eight!”
“Seventy-nine—eighty!”
Issei wheezed, his voice raspy but determined. “T-Training… sucks…”
“Do more!” Sakura cheered.
Tamamo clapped her hands once, and the flame vanished from her palm. “That’s enough theory for now. Let’s see if any of you can shape the energy you’ve gathered. Try summoning a basic orb of light.”
Matsu nodded. “Finally, some practical application.”
Yuuka sat cross-legged, palms out, focusing.
Akitsu closed her eyes.
The park shimmered with focused intent.
In that moment—under the stars, with laughter and blades, fire and sweat, teaching and teasing—their strange little family felt more complete than ever.
Finally done. Please comment and tell me if I made any mistakes.
Comments
salv369
Great chapter was hoping to see Rias take on the phone. Also love the chaos Aika bring but I want to see her get tease by Tamamo just to keep her in check.
el relaso 709
por fin la tan esperada reaccion, primero que nada hermano gran capitulo, especialmente la parte de aika, te salio perfecto su actitud de agitar el avispero, en segundo lugar, buena forma de introducir los smartphones de matsu en kuoh, aun asi, yo creo que esto si o si llamara la atencion de ajuka y azazel, por lo demas gran capitulo, realmente me parti de risa por las reacciones de matsuda y motohama, te salieron tal y como imaginaba que serian, sigue asi con el buen trabajo.
