22nd of November, Saturday
Kouh
The crisp air carried the gentle rustling of fallen leaves as Issei walked through Kuoh's bustling streets. Kuoh's streets were bustling with life—couples walking hand-in-hand, children darting between arcade entrances, and office workers hurrying to work or home as the evening approached.
Amidst it all, Issei Hyoudou, wearing a brown coat walked through town with Sakura snuggled comfortably in his arms.
The little girl, wrapped in a warm red coat, kicked her legs excitedly as her purple eyes sparkled with wonder.
"Waaah~! Everything looks so different from home!" She chirped, taking in the unfamiliar sights.
Issei chuckled, shifting her slightly. "Yeah, well, welcome to my town, kiddo."
Walking beside them, Misuki, Tamamo, and Yuuka, also wearing coats, surveyed the town, their breath visible in the cool air.
Misuki's gaze was calm and analytical, taking in every street corner with a business-minded focus.
Tamamo, on the other hand, giggled at the liveliness of the town, watching couples walk past with mischievous amusement.
Yuuka simply stuffed her hands into her coat pockets, looking around with mild curiosity.
The streets were alive with shoppers going from store to store, cozy cafes, and the subtle scent of food from nearby restaurants, to kids going to the arcade to groups of teens chatting outside a bookstore, everything about Kuoh had a sense of liveliness.
Though the reason for walking around town was partly a sightseeing trip, they were also on a mission that was important for Misuki.
Following Sherri's directions, they were heading to a particular building—one that Misuki had requested to Sherri for her to locate.
After a few more turns, they finally arrived at their destination.
A modest two-story building, tucked between a bustling shopping street and a quieter residential area.
It wasn't fancy, nor was it in perfect condition—but it had potential.
Misuki came to a stop, arms crossed as she surveyed the property with a sharp gaze.
Yuuka, standing beside her, tilted her head. "So, this is the place?"
Misuki nodded. "Sherri found it for me. Cheap, but in a good location."
Issei rubbed his chin, inspecting the structure. "Looks… sturdy? But it could use some work."
Tamamo hummed thoughtfully. "Ara~! With the right touches, it could be quite charming. If you'd like, I can place a few enchantments to make it more accommodating."
Misuki ran her fingers along the wooden frame, noting the slightly worn exterior.
"Yes… Some maintenance is needed, but it's not beyond repair. And thank you, dear. That would be great."
Her eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "Now, I just need the right gimmick to sell, but at least I have a foundation to work with."
She tapped her temple, activating her connection to Sherri.
"Sherri, can you locate a reliable group of workers to handle renovations?"
A soft, calm voice responded from Issei's arm.
"Understood, Hana-san. I shall handle all arrangements as soon as we return home."
Misuki smiled slightly. "Good. That saves me some trouble."
Yuuka smirked, hands still in her pockets. "You work fast, Mom."
Misuki shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Efficiency is key to success." Satisfied, she took a step back, looking at the building with a calculating gaze.
For the first time since arriving, it felt like they had taken a step toward building something stable for them to live by.
————————
With business matters settled, the group moved on to sightseeing.
They stopped by local street vendors, where Tamamo happily nibbled on a sweet dango skewer.
Yuuka—who claimed she didn't want anything—was casually stealing bites from Issei's taiyaki every time he looked away.
Issei, holding Sakura on his shoulders, only noticed when his taiyaki mysteriously shrank after every bite.
He squinted at Yuuka. "…Are you seriously eating my taiyaki?"
Yuuka, mid-bite, blinked at him innocently. "Huh? No idea what you're talking about."
Issei simply decided to allow it.
Sakura happily munched on a small anpan, swinging her legs from where she sat on Issei's shoulders.
Tamamo soon noticed what Yuuka was doing and soon locked arms with the boy. The moment Yuuka saw she did the same. Soon a battle was happening as the girls wanted Issei's attention on them.
Tamamo and Yuuka were locked in a silent war, each of them firmly latched onto one of Issei's arms.
To an outside observer, they looked perfectly normal—two beautiful women smiling as they walked beside him.
But to each other—
This was a battlefield.
Tamamo, pressing closer, let out a soft giggle, her voice dripping with mischief.
"Ara~! Walking together like this makes us look like a true family, doesn't it, darling~?"
She gently squeezed his arm, pressing against him just a little more.
Yuuka's eye twitched. "Tch. I'm the girlfriend, so obviously, I get priority." Her grip tightened, pulling him slightly toward her side.
Tamamo tilted her head, smiling innocently. "Fufufu~! And what am I, then, Yuuka-chan~?"
Yuuka's smile sharpened into something more dangerous. "An annoyance."
Tamamo gasped theatrically, placing a hand on her chest. "Oh my~! How cruel! Does that mean you wish for me to let go~?"
Yuuka narrowed her eyes. "Yes."
Tamamo's grip remained unchanged.
Issei, stuck between them, let out a long, suffering sigh. "Can you two not start this in public?"
But it was too late. A group of Kuoh Academy girls passing by had already noticed him.
And then—the whispers started.
"Wait… is that Hyoudou?"
"He's walking with two gorgeous women… while carrying a kid?!
"Don't tell me… he already has a family at 16?!"
"I heard he's a criminal! Maybe this is his secret family?!"
"I thought he was just a pervert!"
Meanwhile the men who caught sight of the scene were experiencing a different kind of suffering.
"He's… got two girlfriend?"
"Two?! AND A KID?! This bastard is living the dream!"
"I don't understand… how…?!"
"How did he do it."
"That man is an absolute legend…"
Issei gritted his teeth, dragging his hands down his face. "Why? Why does this keep happening?"
Tamamo, completely ignoring his suffering, giggled behind her sleeve. "Ufufu~! Word spreads fast, doesn't it?"
Yuuka, also amused, smirked smugly. "At this rate, the whole town will believe you've got multiple wives."
Issei groaned. "I can hear them." He sighed, shoulders slumping. "I hope this doesn't create more rumors…" His prayer was instantly ignored.
Because the rumors had already taken a life of their own.
————————
Despite the chaos of the day, there was still one last stop—Sakura's future school.
The small elementary school building stood nestled between tall trees, their red and gold leaves drifting lazily in the cool autumn breeze.
As they approached the front gates, Issei gently set Sakura down, letting her stand on her own two feet before her soon-to-be school.
He smiled, ruffling her hair. "Alright, kiddo. This is where you'll be learning soon."
Sakura stared up at the building, her small hands gripping the hem of her coat. Her purple eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail.
She didn't speak right away. Instead, she simply nervously nodded.
A quiet, soft acceptance of what was to come.
Tamamo, kneeling beside her, brushed a few strands of hair away from her face with a gentle touch.
"Are you nervous, little one~?" she asked, her golden eyes warm and motherly.
Sakura lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening slightly on her coat.
Then, in a small, but steady voice. "…No. Papa and Mama said I gotta learn, so… I'll do it."
Her tone was quiet, but determined.
Yuuka, standing with her arms crossed, arched an eyebrow. "Good attitude."
Misuki, ever practical, nodded approvingly. "She will begin on the 1st of December. We should prepare her properly—uniform, supplies, the basics."
Issei patted Sakura's head, grinning. "You'll do great, kiddo. Just, uh… try not to start any trouble, okay?"
Sakura shifted slightly, her hands still clinging to her coat.
Then, in a tiny whisper. "Even if… they're mean?"
Issei paused, his smile softening.
He crouched down to her level, his voice gentle.
"Even if they're mean. But if anyone does mess with you, tell the teacher, okay?"
Sakura lowered her head slightly, thinking.
Then—slowly—she nodded.
Yuuka, watching this exchange, smirked slightly. "Look at her trying to be brave. She's really taking after you, huh?"
Issei sighed, standing up again. "Let's just hope she doesn't inherit my bad habits."
Tamamo giggled behind her sleeve. "Fufufu~! But isn't she just perfect~?"
Sakura peeked up at Tamamo, blinking quietly.
Then, after a brief moment. She nodded with a smile, happy to be complemented by Mama Tamamo.
"Fufu~! Such an honest child~!"
Sakura glanced at Issei, then reached out tentatively, tugging at his sleeve.
Issei looked down at her.
"What's up, kiddo?"
Sakura hesitated for a moment, then, in a soft voice. "…Can we go someplace fun?"
Her tiny hands tightened on his sleeve, her expression uncertain, as if worried about asking too much.
Issei felt his chest tighten slightly. 'This kid… she really didn't ask for much, did she?'
His smile softened, and he reached out, gently ruffling her hair.
"Yeah. Let's go somewhere fun."
Sakura's lips curled into a small, shy smile.
Yuuka, watching this, exhaled. "She's quiet, but she knows what she wants."
Tamamo giggled. "That's my daughter~!"
With Sakura's school visit finished, the group wandered through town.
Sakura, as usual, was quiet, her small hands clutching Issei's sleeve as they walked.
She rarely asked for things. The only moment of her selfishly asking for something was when she bravely told Issei that she wanted to be his daughter.
Even when she saw something interesting, she would just stare for a moment, then look away, as if convincing herself not to ask.
That's why, when they passed by an arcade, and her gaze lingered just a little too long, Issei noticed.
He smirked, nudging her playfully. "Hey, kiddo. Wanna check it out?"
Sakura's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly looked down, as if she had been caught. "…I-I don't know… Is that okay?" She asked softly.
Issei ruffled her hair. "Of course it's okay. Let's go have some fun!"
Tamamo clapped her hands. "Ara~! A wonderful idea! I do enjoy modern entertainment~!"
Yuuka huffed, shoving her hands into her coat pockets. "Tch. You're just gonna cheat, aren't you?"
Tamamo smiled sweetly, if her fox ears were visible they would be twitching in amusement. "Why, Yuuka-chan~! Whatever could you mean~?"
Yuuka rolled her eyes.
With that, the group stepped inside the arcade—and Sakura's quiet world expanded just a little more.
The arcade buzzed with life—the sounds of flashing machines, clinking coins, and excited chatter filling the air.
Sakura stayed close to Issei, her small hands gripping his coat, her eyes roaming over everything with quiet wonder.
Tamamo, meanwhile, was already lost in excitement. "Ufufu~! Such a lively place!" She mused, her golden eyes gleaming as she examined a row of game machines.
Yuuka glanced at her suspiciously. "…You're going to cheat, aren't you?"
Tamamo giggled. "Whatever do you mean~?"
Yuuka narrowed her eyes.
And that's when Issei noticed.
Tamamo was holding a handful of arcade tickets—and she hadn't even played a single game yet.
Issei facepalmed. "Tamamo, did you seriously just conjure tickets with magic?"
Tamamo pouted playfully. "Maa~! Why go through so much effort when the prizes are within reach~?"
Yuuka crossed her arms. "You're literally the reason some people believe in 'trickster fox spirits.'"
"Fufufu~! I am a trickster fox spirit~!" Tamamo admitted cheerfully.
Issei sighed. "At least pretend to follow the rules."
Tamamo smiled, offering some of her "earned" tickets to Sakura. "Here you go, little one~! Pick something cute~!"
Sakura blinked, hesitating. "I… I wanna win one myself…"
Tamamo's smile softened. "Oh my~! How admirable~!"
Issei chuckled, placing a hand on Sakura's head. "Alright, then let's start with something easy."
But before that—
The rivalry between Issei and Yuuka had been growing ever since they first visited an arcade in Yuuka's world.
At first, it was simple trash talk over a racing game.
Then it escalated into a full-blown competition.
Air hockey? Yuuka scored five times in a row before Issei even figured out her strategy.
Shooting game? Issei dominated—but only because Yuuka kept getting distracted yelling at him.
Dance Dance Revolution? Tamamo casually dominated them both with a performance that made half the arcade stop and watch.
By the time they moved on to a basketball hoop game, Issei and Yuuka were both breathing hard, eyes locked in silent warfare.
"Tch. Lucky shots, Issei."
"Hah! Admit it, I've got skill!"
Yuuka huffed, tossing the ball. "Fine. But I'm still winning overall."
"Like hell you are—!"
Meanwhile, Sakura quietly watched, clutching her coat as her gaze shifted to a nearby claw machine.
Her fingers twitched slightly, as if she wanted to move.
But she didn't ask.
Issei, catching his breath, turned—and immediately noticed.
Sakura was standing in front of a claw machine, staring at a cute white cat plushie trapped behind the glass.
But she didn't move. Didn't ask. Didn't even try.
Issei stepped beside her, crouching slightly.
"You want it?" he asked gently.
Sakura fidgeted, lowering her gaze.
"…I don't know how to play…" she admitted softly.
Issei's heart twinged slightly.
"Well then." He said, rolling up his sleeves, "Let's win it together, yeah?"
Sakura's eyes widened slightly. Slowly, she nodded.
Issei inserted the coin, guiding her tiny hands to the joystick.
"Okay, kiddo. You just move it like this… yeah, that's right! A little more to the left… now press the button!"
The claw descended, grabbing the plushie—then slipped.
Sakura's shoulders drooped slightly.
Issei grinned. "Again."
And again. And again.
Until— Thud.
The white cat plushie tumbled into the prize slot.
Sakura's eyes lit up, and she slowly reached in, pulling it out. For a moment, she just stared at it, holding it carefully.
Then, she turned to Issei—
And gave him the softest, most beautiful smile he had ever seen."…Thank you, Papa."
Issei's breath caught. His heart clenched. A warmth filled his chest, something he hadn't even realized he'd been missing. He reached out, ruffling her hair.
"Anytime, kiddo."
Yuuka and Tamamo, having watched from a distance, exchanged glances.
Tamamo smiled softly. "Ara~! How adorable~!"
Yuuka, arms crossed, huffed quietly—but there was no denying the way her expression softened slightly.
— — — — —— — — — —
After spending way too much money, winning way too many prizes, and dealing with more of Tamamo's shenanigans, the group finally headed home.
Issei walked beside Sakura, watching as she held onto her new plushie, hugging it close.
He nudged her lightly. "So, did you have fun?"
Sakura looked up at him. Then, without hesitation. She smiled brightly, nodding. "Mhm… I did."
Issei exhaled, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Good."
Because at that moment, nothing else mattered.
Sakura was happy.
And for Issei, that was enough.
— — — — —— — — — —
Takamagahara
In a realm impossible to reach by mortal hands, where only the divine pantheon of Shinto resided. The heavens of Takamagahara stretched infinitely, a land of golden clouds and sacred serenity, where gods and spirits thrived beyond the comprehension of the human world.
And yet—
Within the halls of this celestial domain, where prayers from millions reached her divine ears—
The Goddess of the Sun was in deep thought. Amaterasu, seated upon a platform of radiant gold, her long flowing raven hair shimmering like the first light of dawn, let out a soft sigh.
Her crimson and gold kimono draped elegantly around her, the delicate patterns of the rising sun embroidered along its fabric glowing faintly with divine energy.
Yet despite her celestial beauty, despite her unrivaled divinity, something troubled her. She had been having dreams. Dreams that should have been impossible. Visions of a home she had never stepped foot in—a mortal existence where she was not the revered sun goddess, but instead a woman.
A woman who smiled, who laughed, who… loved. A woman spending her days with a mortal man, teasing him, embracing him, sharing a life that should not belong to her.
And stranger still—
She saw herself with a child. A small, shy girl with soft features, her tiny hand grasping hers, looking up with eyes filled with admiration and warmth.
A daughter.
Her daughter.
Amaterasu's fingers lightly touched her own lips, as if still feeling the ghost of a smile she did not remember making.
"What… is this?" she whispered to herself, crimson eyes narrowing.
She had spent centuries of her life in Takamagahara, her presence in the mortal realm minimal, only ever felt through the prayers of her devoted followers.
But this?
This was not a vision of the future, nor a memory of the past. This was a life she had never lived.
And yet…
The emotions she felt within those dreams. The warmth in her chest, the satisfaction of being held, the annoyance at the other woman constantly trying to steal his attention—
It all felt so real.
The strangest part of all?
The man in these dreams was no one special. He was not a legendary hero, not a revered king, not even a mighty warrior blessed by the gods.
He was simply…
A boy.
A mortal, with a plain, average face, brown eyes, and an obnoxious perversion that constantly made her sigh in exasperation. And yet, in these dreams, she did not shun him. She did not turn away from his antics or cast him aside like some unworthy mortal.
Instead—
She indulged him. She teased him. She loved him.
Even now, as she thought about it, a flicker of heat rose in her chest—one that had nothing to do with the sun's warmth.
Her fingers curled into a tight grip over the sleeve of her kimono. "This is absurd."
A goddess of her stature—yearning for a mortal? Worse—one who was clearly an idiot?
And yet, jealousy twisted inside her.
A deep, nagging resentment that she was not beside him, that she was not the one currently sharing in his life. The mere thought of another woman at his side made her fingers tremble with irritation. She was Amaterasu, the embodiment of the sun, one of the most revered deities of Shinto!
She had no need for such petty mortal emotions!
…And yet.
She had never been able to stop dreaming of him.
"Why is this happening…?" She closed her eyes, seeking clarity, but the answer eluded her.
The only time she had ever created a mortal vessel had been long ago, when she had wished to experience the lives of humans firsthand. But that vessel had perished and those sour feelings sealed.
There should be no lingering connection, no remaining ties to the human world.
And yet, night after night, she found herself returning to these dreams, as if fate itself refused to sever the bond.
"This mortal… who are you to me?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried across the divine halls of Takamagahara, unanswered.
A long silence followed.
Then—
A faint warmth bloomed in her chest again. The same warmth she felt whenever she was near him in the dream. Amaterasu exhaled sharply, standing up from her seat. Her crimson and gold kimono shimmered as she walked toward the edge of the celestial plane, her gaze piercing beyond the divine veil, toward the mortal world. For the first time in centuries, a longing she had never known burned deep within her. And as the sun began to set over the mortal world and her brother began to wake, Amaterasu's lips curled ever so slightly.
"I will find you, mortal." Her fingers brushed over her own lips, recalling the lingering sensation of his touch from her dreams.
"And when I do… you will explain why my heart refuses to forget you."
Even if it was impossible. Even if she had never met him before. Even if it meant breaking the laws of the divine.
She would find him.
Because now, there was one truth she could no longer deny,
She wanted to be in that life. She wanted to be with him. And nothing—no gods, no laws, not even fate itself—was going to stop her.
The Sun Goddess had made her decision.
And Amaterasu's light never faded.