[Gosha Village]
They made their way through the village toward the Mizuki home. Ryuji was surprised by the number of people who greeted Shiranui along the path, prompting him to wonder just who she was. Some were clearly old friends, offering warm hugs and delighted exclamations, which made sense given her long absence. Others, mostly men, tried their luck with flirtatious comments, much to his annoyance, it was wasting their time. Ryuji also noticed several lingering stares directed his way. Seriously, is she some kind of local celebrity?
To clear up his confusion and avoid any future missteps, he finally asked. "Shiranui-san, may I ask who exactly are you? I can't help but feel you're something kind of celebrity, given how many people greeted you."
"Oh, a celebrity?" She blushed slightly at the remark. "Well, I suppose I can't deny it. I am fairly well-known here in the village."
Yukikaze chimed in, her tone brimming with pride. "Well, of course Mom's famous! She's the Phantom Taimanin, after all.
"Ah, because of her illusions, I get that." Ryuji said, nodding. "But what made her so famous to begin with?"
Shiranui decided to share a piece of her history. "Well, you see, I'm considered a highly skilled practitioner of Water Arts. While there are many users, what set me apart was the sophistication of my craft illusions so vivid they felt real, clones that could mirror my movements, even the creation of solid constructs." She spoke with quiet humility, as if stating a simple fact. "My mirages could deceive not just the eye, but the mind and senses. I could create multiple clones, each possessing a fraction of my skill, and form structures most Water Arts users could not. Because of this, I was assigned to a wide variety of missions: infiltration, assassination, even the extermination of demon hordes. Not many Taimanin are entrusted with such a range of operations."
If she was that skilled and powerful, how had she ever been captured? Was it just some twisted logic, like in those hentai stories? He remembered Sato saying once that strong-willed women in those stories often ended up making foolish choices because the plot demanded it. Then again, perhaps the enemy simply held a devastating trump card, or maybe the Incubus King himself had been directly involved, possessing enough raw power to overwhelm even her. He decided to set the questions aside for now; he could circle back to them later.
"You really are impressive." he remarked. "Especially your illusions, powerful enough to hypnotize people."
"Hypnotize?" Yukikaze asked, her brow furrowing.
Before Ryuji could respond, Shiranui gently grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. "Let's keep that particular detail between the two of us, Ryuji-kun," she whispered. After speaking, she didn't let go, instead hugging his arm tightly against her chest.
While having a hot mature woman hugging his arm tightly to chest as he can feel the two soft melon squishing which would make anyone blush. Ryuji showed no outward reaction. His focus remained fixed on her request to conceal her brainwashing ability.
'Is it unnatural for a Water Arts user to develop that kind of skill? Probably, if she feels the need to hide it. But then…' A spark of realization hit him. 'Her aura was different when we fought. Beneath all that malice, I sensed a strong demonic presence, not just intent, but actual energy. I was so caught up in the heat of the battle that I missed it.' His expression stayed neutral, but internally, his attention sharpened. 'I'll need to confirm this with her when I get the chance.'
Then a sharp tug on his cheek snapped him out of his thoughts. "Are you all right, Ryuji-kun?" Shiranui asked, her gaze searching his face. "You seemed distracted."
"Yeah, are you okay?" Yukikaze echoed, her eyes narrowing with scrutiny. "Mom hugged your arm, and you just went completely quiet. You didn't even react."
"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking about something." He waved away their concern with a casual gesture, though he could feel Yukikaze's sceptical stare lingering. As they walked on, he noticed the buildings around them beginning to appear lest, and the once crowded path becomes a quieter one. 'We must be getting close to their house.'
When they arrived at their destination, Ryuji was met not with a traditional Japanese estate, but with a Western-style mansion. 'Sometimes I wonder why people choose this style over a traditional one.' he mused silently.
"So, are you excited to be living in a mansion, Ryuji-kun?" Shiranui asked, watching his reaction.
"Well, it's not my first time staying in one," he replied plainly.
"Not your first time, huh." Yukikaze nodded, as if confirming her own assumption. "You're from a clan, after all, must've grown up in a nice house." In her mind, even though his family had been lost, they would have left something behind for him to inherit, much like how Fuuma still had his family mansion and his sister.
"Ah, no." Ryuji corrected gently. "I lived in a one-room apartment."
Yukikaze looked surprised. "Then what did you inherit? You must have something?"
"Well…" He thought for a moment. "I have this power, and the Sanctuary. Though, to be honest, I don't like either very much. My abilities can be a real headache, and the Sanctuary isn't somewhere you'd want to live for long."
"Eh? Then you haven't inherited anything? Like money, or cool family artifacts like swords or guns?" Yukikaze pressed further. He had to have inherited something.
"Nope." he said instantly. "My father mentioned that all the family wealth and assets had been stolen. The remaining one are in the Sanctuary vaults, but there aren't any worth selling."
Yukikaze fell silent, the last of her assumptions dissolving into an awkward, heavy quiet.
"That's enough, Yukikaze." Shiranui interjected softly, placing a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder. "We can continue this during dinner." Her tone was firm but kind, drawing a clear close to the questioning for now.
As they entered the manor, Ryuji inspected his surroundings. It was a nice place, not extravagant, but comfortable. One thing, however, caught his attention, the noticeable lack of people. "Hey, can I ask… are the two of you the only members of the clan?"
"Yes, that is correct," Shiranui answered simply.
'Just the two of them.' Ryuji noted. But then something struck him. What about the Yukikaze's father? Shiranui's husband? He wouldn't question it aloud, choosing instead to assume he had passed away.
"I'm going to take a shower. Call me when dinner is ready." Yukikaze was already heading up the stairs.
"Let me show you to your room, Ryuji-kun." Shiranui guided him down a hallway.
As he followed her, his eyes wandered around the spacious, quiet home. Yukikaze had lived in this house for years alone after her mother's disappearance. He could empathize with that, being alone in an empty house. It reminded him of his old apartment, the one he'd shared with his father, and how it had felt after his father left.
"This is your room. What do you think?"
"It's very spacious compared to my apartment," he replied honestly, his voice quiet. The sight of the well-appointed room, a real comfy bed instead of an old use one, actual furniture, space to breathe. Suddenly sharpened the memory of his own cramped, solitary apartment. Now he starts to feel self-pity about himself.
Shiranui's perceptive gaze softened. "You don't have to get used to it all at once. Make yourself at home, however that looks to you. If you'd prefer something simpler, just say the word."
"It's fine. It's perfect already." He said, unable to imagine how to improve something that already felt perfect.
"Well, if you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen." Just as she turned to leave, Ryuji stopped her.
"Wait! Let me cook dinner. You just had surgery today, and you've been suffering for years. Please, go relax. Allow me to make the meal. Think of it as thanks for letting me stay."
"But, Ryuji-kun…"
"Please. Let me do this." He gently took her hand in both of his.
Shiranui looked at him. His earnest voice, his softened gaze, the gentle warmth of his hands around hers. How could she refuse? Her resistance softened visibly. "Very well, Ryuji-kun. Tonight, the kitchen is yours."
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[Kitchen]
The kitchen was spacious, as one would expect in a mansion. He had already laid out the ingredients on the counter. Now, the only question was what to make. "Say, Shiranui-san, what would you like to eat?"
"Eh? Well, I'll eat whatever you make."
"Come on, be a little greedy today. I want to spoil you." He smiled, glancing over the ingredients. "I can make Japanese or Chinese dishes. For Western… I know how to make a decent hamburger steak."
"Spoil me, huh?" She blushed at the idea, her gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again. "Then… hamburger steak sounds nice. It's been a long time since I had something like that."
"Hamburger steak it is." he said, already reaching for the ground meat. "Go relax. I'll call you when it's ready."
"Relax…" The word echoed in her mind, and for a fleeting moment, the only form of relaxation she could imagine was sex. Images of herself and Ryuji doing… lewd… things…. A wave of shame washed over her at the direction of her own thoughts. She needs to think something else… Something proper. "I… I'm going to take a bath. Perhaps with Yukikaze." she added quickly, the suggestion of mother-daughter time feeling like a safe, wholesome anchor.
"Alright, Shiranui-san." He gave a simple acknowledgment as he began to focus on the cooking.
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[Bathroom]
The Mizuki girls were in the bath. Shiranui was washing Yukikaze's back and hair. "You've been working hard, Yukikaze. I can feel how toned your muscles are, even in such a petite frame."
"But, Mama…" Yukikaze couldn't help but blush, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. She had always wished for a body more like her mother's, curved, womanly, and strong. But as the years went on, her own figure remained slight and small, especially in a chest area which make her frustrated. "I don't like having a body like this."
"Eh? Why not? It's making you cute." Shiranui said, her voice gentle. She wrapped her arms around Yukikaze from behind, giving her a tender, motherly squeeze. Then, with a playful lilt, she added, "Is it because of Tatsurou-kun?"
Yukikaze flushed. "W-what are you saying!? Why would I care about him!" It was only half-true. Part of her did want to appeal to her crush, but more than that, she admired her mother and secretly wished to emulate her in body as well.
"Oh, you don't? I figured the two of you would have been on a date by now. You were so close when you were little, I even remember you two doing kisses to each other." Shiranui teased, her voice warm with nostalgia.
Yukikaze's blush deepened. She stood and walked toward the bathtub, her mother following close behind."T-that was a long time ago! We were just kids…" she stammered, though the memory made her chest feel strangely tight.
They both stepped into the tub and sank into the hot water until only their heads were visible. Due to her smaller size, Yukikaze settled seated atop her mother's lap, the warm water enveloping them both.
Yukikaze's mind drifted, retracing the events that had led her to this moment. As she did, she kept returning to one key figure who had changed everything, Miyatake Ryuji. She didn't know much about him. At first, she had taken him for a veteran fighter. His composure in UnderEden, his tone of voice, his entire demeanour felt weathered and experienced like Rinko-senpai. But the next day, in that strange place, when he came down the stairs to greet them, he seemed like a completely different person. Casual, almost lazy, utterly unashamed of how others might see him. And then, watching him handle her mother… he had carried himself like someone wise beyond his years. Who was he, really?
"Hey, Mama… what do you think of Ryuji?" she asked, wanting her mother's perspective.
"Ryuji?" Shiranui paused, her voice softening. "I don't know much about him yet, but… I think he is an amazing person. Kind, and caring."
"Eh…" Yukikaze took in her mother's words, but what worried her most was the tenderness in her voice. "Mama… are you in love with him?"
Shiranui flushed, caught off guard. "W-why would you think that? Why would I be in love with… him…" Then she remembered. The closeness, the whispered secrets, the way she'd held his arm. 'Of course, she would wonder.'
"Listen, Yukikaze." she began, her voice growing quiet but firm. "I may act close to him, but I'm not in love. When I was captured… the men there… they abused me. Horribly." Her words tightened, the memory pressing in.
"You don't have to explain, Mama…" Yukikaze cut in softly, not wanting her to relive it.
"Thank you," Shiranui whispered, pulling her daughter a little closer in the warm water. "When Ryuji showed me kindness… warmth… it had been so long since I'd felt anything like it. I think I've become… a little addicted to it. Wanting to be close to him." She paused, her voice growing quieter. "After everything that happened, my perception of men became twisted. That's why I act so close to him, so intimate.
Yukikaze listened, the gentle movement of the water filling the silence between them. She didn't fully understand everything her mother was feeling, but she could hear the ache in her voice, and it worried her. If her mother was this vulnerable, what would stop someone from taking advantage? Men had already flirted with her openly that evening. Any of them might see her quiet longing and exploit it, whether for prestige, influence, or mere possession.
She'd seen it before. Sakura-senpai and Rinko-senpai were constantly approached at the academy, not just for their beauty, but for their talents as their Taimanin. In a village where strength dictated status, many men sought to father strong children to elevate their clan's standing. Her mother, the Phantom Taimanin, would be an even greater prize.
She trusted Ryuji a little, if only because he'd shown no interest during those oddly intimate moments, and because he was an outsider, someone likely unconcerned with clan politics. Maybe he was into men, or just asexual. Or maybe he was simply disciplined, focused on something else entirely. But other men wouldn't hesitate. They would see a famous, wounded Taimanin and view her fragility as an opportunity, a chance to claim not just her body, but her legacy, her strength, her name.
"Don't worry, Mama. I'll be here to take care of you." She turned and hugged her mother fiercely, as if she could shield her from the world through will alone. 'I will protect you. I won't lose you again.'
Shiranui responded, holding her tightly, tears slowly welling up. She couldn't help but feel grateful to have such a wonderful daughter.
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[Dinner Table]
After their emotionally cleansing bath, they felt refreshed, as if a shared burden had been lifted. As they stepped out and dressed, a delicious, savoury scent greeted them, drifting up from downstairs. Following the aroma down, it grew stronger and more tantalizing with each step. When they finally reached the dining room, their eyes widened at the sight awaiting them.
The table was generously laid out, perfectly seared hamburger steaks drizzled with sauce, a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, plates of golden croquettes, and a warm batch of freshly baked cookies. This is not a simple dinner, this looks like a table for a party.
"Oh, you two finished your bath? Perfect timing, dinner's ready. Please, go ahead and start. I just need to clean up in the kitchen first." He gave a small, contented smile before turning back toward the kitchen, humming quietly to himself.
"W-what is all this?!" Yukikaze's eyes were wide, her mouth slightly agape. The sight and smell were almost overwhelming. She quickly took a seat but held back, not wanting to seem rude or overeager.
"Ryuji-kun." Shiranui said softly, her voice touched with disbelief, "I thought you were only making hamburger steaks?"
"I did say I wanted to spoil you, didn't I?" he called from the kitchen, the sound of running water accompanying his words. "Consider this a celebration, your first proper dinner back home."
"Proper dinner…" The phrase lingered with her as she sat down and looked at the hamburger steak. During her captivity and training, she had been forced to eat horrible food. Until the Incubus King took a personal interest in her training. He would bring her to fancy restaurants and have servants prepare high-class meals, but the food always tasted hollow, part of the manipulation to break and control her.
Now, finally free, she felt a genuine eagerness to eat again with her daughter. She cut a piece of the hamburger steak and placed it in her mouth. Flavour filled her senses as she chewed slowly, savouring the taste.
Yukikaze, seeing her mother savour the food, quickly cut a piece for herself and took a bite. The flavour was spectacular, she could taste the rich juice and perfect texture of the meat. Her opinion of Ryuji skyrocketed, and she began to consider the positives. 'Maybe having him live with us won't be so bad after all.'
In the kitchen, as Ryuji cleaned the last of the pans, he let out a quiet sigh of relief. 'They didn't notice.' The idea of a 'celebration' was, in truth, just a convenient excuse. The real reason he'd cooked so much was simpler. He loved to cook, and he'd been stressed. After days of tension and high-stakes encounters, standing in that spacious kitchen, well-equipped and fully stock, had been too tempting. He'd gotten carried away, losing himself in the rhythm of chopping, searing, and seasoning. It was his way of unwinding, even if it resulted in enough food for a small gathering.
'Well, at least they enjoyed it.' he thought, drying his hands. 'And no one has to know it was basically my version of stress baking.'
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Once the kitchen was clean, he joined them at the table. Finally, it was time to taste the results of his efforts. He took a bite of the hamburger steak and, after swallowing, decided to strike up a conversation. "So, what do you think of the food?"
"It's amazing! I never knew you were such a good cook, Ryuji-kun." Shiranui replied, her voice bright with delight.
"W-well, it's fine…" Yukikaze mumbled, still unable to fully admit just how much she was enjoying it.
"Eh, just fine?" He smirked, leaning forward slightly. "But weren't you so excited that you practically rushed to the table?"
"I was just hungry!" Yukikaze shot back, her cheeks warming as she looked away, focusing a little too intently on cutting another piece of her hamburger steak.
Shiranui chuckled softly, her eyes soften at the corners. "It's alright to admit you like it, Yukikaze. I don't think Ryuji-kun will tease you too much." She gave her daughter a warm, encouraging glance before taking another bite herself.
Yukikaze mumbled something unintelligible under her breath, but the slight smile she couldn't quite hide gave her away as she finally took another enthusiastic bite.
Ryuji chuckled softly at her reaction. "So, about tomorrow, since I can start attending Gosha Academy, is there any chance I could borrow something to wear? I don't really have suitable clothes. Most of what I own are t-shirts, jackets, tracksuits, and cargo pants."
"Well, of course you can borrow." Shiranui replied with a gentle smile. "I'm sure my husband's old academy uniform would fit you well."
'Her husband's old clothes? Is that really okay?' He wondered. But if she was offering, he wouldn't refuse. He glanced at Yukikaze, who was quietly enjoying the cookies and croquettes. Since she showed no visible reaction to the mention of her father, he decided it was fine.
"Thank you, Shiranui."
"No problem. Oh, we should exchange contacts. There's a chance you might get lost in the village tomorrow."
"Sure, after dinner I'll grab my…" He paused, realizing he didn't have it. His phone was back in his room, in his own world. "Uh…" This was embarrassing. "I don't actually have a phone."
"Pfft—" Yukikaze giggled. "Seriously? You have a gaming console in your Sanctuary, but you don't have a phone?"
"I lost my phone, okay? You can't seriously think I spent most of my money on that console."
"Considering how old that thing looks, it was probably cheaper than a phone."
"Hey, I got it from my father! There's no way I'd spend money on a console. Besides, it's a PS4! Yeah, compared to the latest one it's old, but it can still play modern games."
"Didn't that console come out in 2013? It's multiple decades old. I'm pretty sure it can't run most modern games, even on the lowest graphical setting."
"What are you talking abou—" He paused, the realization hitting him all over again. 'Right. I'm in the future.' "Ugh, you're right," Ryuji admitted, rubbing his temple as if to soothe the persistent mental whiplash. How did he keep forgetting that?
"Hehe, of course I'm right. I'm an expert on this stuff, after all." Yukikaze grinned, clearly pleased with herself.
Shiranui stayed quiet, letting them bicker like siblings. Watching the exchange warmed her heart. "Ryuji-kun, it's all right. Tomorrow, I'll buy a phone for you."
"No, you really don't have to." Having someone else buy him a phone because he couldn't afford one was just… embarrassing.
"Ryuji-kun," she said gently but firmly, "you've already spoiled us with this wonderful dinner. Let us repay you. Besides, we're a Taimanin clan. Buying a phone won't make even a tiny dent in our finances."
Ryuji hesitated, the stubborn part of him wanting to refuse, but the practical side knew she was right. "Alright," he conceded with a sigh, a faint, grateful smile touching his lips. "Thank you, Shiranui. I'll pay you back when I can."
"There's no need for that." she replied warmly. "Now, after dinner, let's find that uniform and see how it fits."
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[Shiranui's Bedroom]
After finishing dinner and cleaning up, Yukikaze went to her room while Ryuji and Shiranui remained in hers, trying on the uniform.
"So, how does it feel? Does it suit you?"
"It's a little tight at the neck, I might need to leave the top button undone. But other than that, it fits well." He moved his shoulders and arms, testing the give of the fabric.
"I'm surprised it suits you so well."
"Yeah…" Well, it's time to ask the questions that been bugging him. "Hey, Shiranui-san… are you a demon? Or were you in the process of becoming one before we first met?"
She fell silent, caught off guard by the sudden question. "You're correct," she finally admitted, her voice low as she sat on the edge of the bed. "I was in the process of turning. But it stopped… thanks to you."
Ryuji sat beside her. "Really? How does that even happen? With Taima Particles flowing through you, wouldn't that disrupt the process?" Taima Particles were like anti‑demon energy, a purifying force akin to holy power. How could corruption take hold?
"You don't know? It's because of the demon blood inside us that we can even use Taima Particles."
"What?" Wait, how does that work? If Taima Particles were effective against demons, yet originated from the demon blood within Taimanin themselves, wouldn't that mean the power was inherently self-destructive? Did something happen in the past that shape their power to become what it is today?
"If you're looking for an in‑depth explanation… I'm afraid no one fully understands Taima Particles. We know how to use them and control them, but that's as far as it goes. Their true nature is still a mystery."
If no one understand then there is no point to question it. Let focus on the important stuff. He leaned slightly toward her. "Well alright. Still, do you still feel like becoming a demon?"
"No… well, I still feel some lingering demonic presence inside me. But it's slowly withering away."
"Want me to speed up the process?"
Shiranui's heart skipped a beat. Ryuji had already shown her so much kindness, but there was something else eating at her. "Ryuji…" She took a slow, steadying breath. "Aren't you angry with me? I attacked you. I tried to kill you… I even thought about torturing you." She couldn't help but voice the doubt eating at her. "So why… why are you treating me with so much kindness?"
"Hmm? Well, because you already feel sorry for what you did. So I forgive you." She stared at him, confusion still lingering in her eyes. He sighed softly, it was time for a clearer explanation. "Look, Shiranui-san… I'm not entirely right in the head. It's something that happens when you walk the path of a mage." And also a constant danger in his life, but he won't voice that out loud. "Your perspective… your sense of what's normal… it changes." He took a slow breath, his gaze distant for a moment. "I've forgiven people who've done far worse things than what you did. If I can forgive them… then I can forgive you."
It took her a moment to process his words, but the guilt still clung to her heart. Then, her mind flashed to the others, the innocent victims she had killed during her time as a servant to the Incubus King. A choked sob escaped her, and tears welled in her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them. She didn't deserve forgiveness.
Then, she was suddenly pulled toward Ryuji. Her face pressed against his chest, feeling the firm warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek. His arm wrapped around her, holding her tightly against him.
And then… silence.
After what seemed like hours, she felt the tight hug loosen slightly, though he didn't fully release her. "So, do you feel better?"
She didn't answer. She didn't move. She clung to him. Then, her voice emerged, fragile and raw against his chest. "Ryuji-kun… do I deserve to live? After what I've done… do I deserve to keep living?"
“Yes, you do. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption, no matter how far they’ve fallen. Even when the path is painful, you won’t walk it alone. I’ll be here to help you, and so will others.”
She still didn't respond, so Ryuji continued, his voice low but clear.
"And if you still feel you don't deserve to live… then live for those who do. Live for Yukikaze. For Rinko. For Tatsurou. And…"
He gently cupped her cheeks, tilting her face up until her teary eyes met his.
"…for me."
Tears welled up anew, and she began to cry openly, clinging to Ryuji as if he were the only solid thing in a drowning world. "Stay with me… just for tonight."
"I will, Shiranui." he said softly, pulling her into a steady, secure hug. "I will."
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Once she calmed down, she lay on the bed, exhausted from the emotional release. Ryuji changed his clothes into a suitable one, turned off the light and lay beside her. She still clung to him as she drifted into sleep.
In all honesty, he had thought he could finally relax when he arrived at the Mizuki manor. He'd expected problems, sure but minor ones. The kind you see in stories, walking in on Yukikaze in the shower, maybe, or some other awkward, anime-style misunderstanding. Not this.
He can't use his flame calming effect to solve this. It can't affect those who currently under intense emotions. Using his Third Eye he can feel trememndous amount of negativity inside her.
Tomorrow, he would raise the issue with Yukikaze. He needed to involve her, or others close to Shiranui, in her recovery. He couldn't, and shouldn't shoulder this alone. There was a real risk Shiranui might develop an unhealthy dependence on him, mistaking his stability for the only anchor she had.
As Ryuji slowly drifted toward sleep, his mind replayed the day, lingering on the interview. Only now, in the quiet dark, did he notice the omissions. They hadn't asked about his actual status within the Militia, the location of its main headquarters, or the full scope of his abilities.
'Well, I'll handle that tomorrow.' he thought. Right now, he needed to sleep and wake up early, before Yukikaze discovered them like this.