12th of December, Friday (5 months before Canon)
Tenkūryū Kigyō, Second Floor
The quiet hum of a soldering tool, the rhythmic clicks of a sewing machine filled the upper floor of the boutique. Tables were lined with tools, prototype parts, fabrics, half-finished outfits, and open schematics.
Matsu sat hunched over her workbench, a magnifying lens over one eye, her sleeves rolled up and her pink dress wrinkled from overuse. She was surrounded by open phone shells, circuit modules.
Across from her, Uzume worked at a sewing machine, fabric flowing through her fingers as she rapidly stitched together new clothes. Her eyes drooped with exhaustion.
Then Matsu suddenly sat up straight, her eye twitching. "Nope. I'm done." She stood dramatically, tossing her soldering iron aside and raised her arms to the heavens. "I am officially done for the day!"
Uzume looked up, blinking in surprise. "Wait, what?"
Matsu staggered a step away from the table, her hands on her hips. "I've made fifteen smartphones in these last few days. Fifteen! And they all work! Do you know how tired I am?!" Matsu groaned dramatically, throwing herself onto a beanbag chair with all the grace of a falling log. "I need a break! I need a beach! I need a cold beer and Issei rubbing my head while feeding me chocolate!"
"Sounds nice," Uzume muttered as she tied off a seam, her shoulders slumping. "Do you think if we both fake a faint, she'll let us nap?"
Before Matsu could agree to the sabotage plan, the unmistakable sound of high-heeled footsteps on the stairs sent a wave of dread through the room.
Misuki appeared at the top of the staircase, clipboard in hand and a cold gaze. Her eyes locked onto Matsu. "Why are you not working?" She asked calmly, but the edge in her voice was clear.
Matsu, lying dramatically on the beanbag, sat up with a raised hand like a protester mid-speech. "Because I am burning out. I have reached the limits of caffeine and demand rest!"
Uzume hesitated. She was still working… but her pace had slowed. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she was definitely not about to volunteer to make another outfit.
Misuki walked forward, inspecting Matsu's progress on the table. "I only need thirty for the pre-release batch and you're halfway done." Misuki said flatly. "After you finish then you can rest."
Matsu threw up her arms. "No! I'm on strike! No more work! I'm going to melt into the carpet like a stress pancake!"
"I'm calling Issei." Misuki sighed, pulling out her phone.
Matsu sat up slightly. "No! Don't use that against me!"
"He usually gets you motivated."
"I said I'm fried, not frisky!" Matsu wailed. "Even Issei can't fix this. I need time. An actual break. Or else I'll snap."
Misuki arched an eyebrow. "Are you threatening to sabotage production?"
"I'm threatening to die dramatically and haunt this boutique as an overworked ghost."
Behind her, Uzume had stopped sewing. Silently, she raised a hand. "I could use a break." She said quietly, still not turning around.
Misuki slowly lowered her clipboard and stared at the two of them. "Fine," she said, rubbing her temples. "You'll get two hours."
Matsu bolted upright. "Only two hours?!"
"By that time Issei should be on his way here and motivate you enough to keep working." Misuki leaned down, her eyes sharp.
Matsu turned pale. "You're evil."
With that, Misuki turned and descended the stairs once more.
The room fell silent.
—------------------------------
Kuoh Academy, Lunchtime
The classroom buzzed with casual conversation, the clatter of bento boxes, and the low hum of laughter. It was time for the lunch period. Most students had clustered into small friend groups, talking over after school plans.
At her desk near the window, Yuuka sat with her legs crossed beneath her, elegantly chewing a piece of grilled mackerel as she scrolled through her blue Dragon Wing smartphone. Her expression was a mix of focus and amusement.
Issei: [Picture Attached] – Matsuda and Motohama, sprawled face-first on the pavement outside the kendo building, bruised and twitching.Issei: "I told them not to peek. They didn't listen."Yuuka: "They really are Idiots. Glad you kept your promise at not peeking with them."
She chuckled softly, hiding the laugh behind her chopsticks. Her classmates nearby were already used to seeing her smile at her screen—most assumed she was texting her boyfriend, and they weren't wrong.
But then, two shadows fell across her desk.
"Excuse us, Hana-san." Came a silky, polite voice.
Yuuka blinked, setting her chopsticks down as she looked up to see Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima standing over her desk.
The school's top two beauties were smiling, but Yuuka immediately felt the shift in the atmosphere.
Yuuka kept her expression neutral. "Yes?"
Rias folded her arms, her long crimson hair flowing over her shoulders like silk. "We couldn't help but overhear some of the rumors floating around campus. About your new phone."
Akeno smiled sweetly beside her, tilting her head. "The one your mother's company developed? It's caused quite the stir."
Yuuka took a slow breath. She liked Rias and Akeno well enough during class, they were polite, calm, and clearly popular for more than just their looks, but she couldn't shake the way their beauty felt… otherworldly.
Still, she kept her tone casual. "A lot of people have been asking about it. Kind of my fault for promoting it so much."
Rias glanced at the sleek device in Yuuka's hand. "We'd love to take a closer look, if you don't mind. Just to satisfy our curiosity."
Yuuka hesitated. 'Just like Tamamo. Like she's at a higher place than me.' Yuuka thought bitterly, as she stared at Rias's flawless smile. But… this was about the phone, not about her insecurities. With a short sigh, she handed the phone to Rias. "Here. It's still a prototype, but it's already functional."
Rias gently took it and examined the sleek, curved design. "Impressive. It's lighter than I expected."
Yuuka nodded. "High-speed processing, long-distance video call clarity, and enhanced signal reception. Even in places where most devices would fail. At least that's what the creator said about the phone."
Akeno leaned in beside Rias, brushing her fingers across the edge of the screen. "Very sleek. And that dragon emblem on the back is adorable."
Yuuka allowed herself a small smile. "That's my mom's addition. Saying we needed a symbol to create a brand."
Rias glanced up, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "So if I remember from the rumors, you're mother's company is developing technology and fashion under one brand?"
Yuuka nodded once. "Tenkūryū Kigyō. My mother's managing and trying to expand. I'm simply helping with promotion and early testing."
The two girls exchanged a look and then Rias handed the phone back.
"Fascinating," Rias said, her voice cool. "Thank you for humoring our curiosity, Hana-san."
Akeno added with a light giggle, "We'll be sure to visit the boutique soon. Perhaps we'll find something... enchanting."
With that, they turned and walked away gracefully, their departure as quiet and elegant as their arrival.
Yuuka exhaled only once they'd exited the classroom. She stared at her phone for a moment, then muttered, "They're definitely not normal." She didn't say it with fear. Just recognition.
Then her phone buzzed again. Bringing her attention to what Issei just sent.
—--------------------------------
The echo of polished shoes against the pristine hallway floor accompanied the two most admired figures of Kuoh Academy as they strolled side by side. From behind, students peeked around corners and whispered. Some bowed their heads in quiet awe. Most didn't dare approach.
But Rias and Akeno paid them no mind. Their conversation was too focused.
"I couldn't detect any enchantments or traces of supernatural manipulation," Rias said, eyes forward, voice even. "No divine blessings or demonic markings. The phone she showed us… was purely man-made."
Akeno nodded, walking with her hands delicately clasped in front. "I thought the same.. "So small. So efficient. It's remarkable how quickly humans innovate."
Rias's mouth curled into a thoughtful frown. "If this is the new standard for surface technology, the Underworld is going to fall embarrassingly behind in another decade."
"Which is why," Akeno said with a glint in her eye, "I'm getting one."
Rias chuckled softly. "I'm thinking of buying several. One for each of the other members. Perhaps even a few for my parents and brother."
"Lucifer with a smartphone," Akeno said with a musical laugh. "He will probably be sending photos of you in your most embarrassing moments to his friends."
This causes Rias to freeze in her tracks and freak out. "Your right, My brother or the rest of the Satens must never learn of these phones."
Akeno simply smiled. "But I'm sure Sona would tell them if we don't."
"Not if we tell her what might happen if her sister discovers the use of the phones. Come, Akeno let's hurry to the student council.
As they went in another direction, they could hear faint murmurs—the unmistakable hum of school gossip.
A group of girls stood near the vending machine, whispering fervently.
"...Issei has a kid! I swear I saw her call him 'Papa'!"
"But what about Yuuka-san? They say she's okay with it?"
"I heard they didn't just date—they already did it."
"No way! He's a first year! How did he—?!"
Rias blinked once, her calm exterior briefly cracked by surprise. "...Did I just hear that right?"
Akeno's smile grew sharp. "Sounds like our sweet underclassman has been busy."
"Apparently." Rias's tone held no judgment—just surprise.
She paused mid-step, her arms folding under her chest as she leaned slightly toward Akeno. "They're saying he and Yuuka have already… consummated?"
"It wouldn't surprise me, they are a couple." Akeno replied, amusement flickering in her violet eyes.
"And the rumors of a child?"
Akeno shrugged. " The girls from Class 1-B said they've seen her more than once."
Rias pressed her lips together, processing this new information. "Too many rumors," Rias muttered, turning again to face forward. "Who knows which are true? Let's hurry and tell Sona!"
—-------------------------------------
The sharp thwack of bamboo against flesh echoed through the courtyard.
"Owww!"
"I'M SORRY!"
Matsuda and Motohama—were currently being subjected to the full wrath of the girls' kendo club, each strike of the shinai accompanied by another yelp, squeal, or muffled cry for forgiveness. The club members showed no mercy, especially Katase and Murayama, whose expressions were somewhere between righteous fury and sadistic glee.
"This is what you get for trying to peep again!" Katase shouted, swinging her shinai with perfect form.
"I told you—last warning was your last warning!" Murayama barked, delivering a blow that sent Motohama crashing face-first into the grass.
Off to the side, Issei Hyoudou stood with his arms crossed, watching the whole scene unfold with a resigned expression. "Well," he muttered to himself, "I did warn them…"
For a moment, he considered walking away and pretending he'd never seen any of this. But then he sighed—deeply, like a man far too familiar with cleaning up after other people's bad decisions.
"Okay… they've suffered enough."
As he began walking toward the chaos, his presence caught the attention of the surrounding kendo girls. The chatter stopped. Shinai lowered. And then—one by one—they turned to face him like a pack of territorial wolves spotting a third intruder.
Katase narrowed her eyes. "Look who it is. The third pervert."
Murayama stepped forward, her stance ready. "Coming to rescue your friends, Hyoudou?"
Issei raised his hands in the most non-threatening gesture he could manage. "Hey. I didn't do anything. I'm just here to collect their corpses."
"Likely story," Katase growled, gripping her shinai tighter. "You were probably the lookout."
"No, seriously," Issei insisted, still calm. "I've been texting Yuuka the whole time. I even sent her a picture of these two geniuses mid-beatdown. I have timestamps and everything."
The girls didn't seem convinced.
Then—without warning—Katase lunged forward with a swing aimed at his shoulder, fast and deliberate. Murayama followed up with a strike aimed for his ribs.
Issei didn't move.
At least—not intentionally.
SMACK—CLACK!
In the span of a second, Issei's hands moved of their own accord, catching both shinai mid-swing. The bamboo rods shuddered in his grip, completely halted.
Everyone froze.
Even Issei blinked in surprise, his fingers still wrapped around the weapons. "...Huh."
He looked down at his hands. "I was gonna let you hit me, too…"
Katase stared at him, stunned. "How…?"
Murayama took a step back, gripping her shinai tightly. "That speed… you weren't even tense."
Issei slowly let go of the weapons, then reached into his pocket, pulled out his Dragon Wing smartphone, and scrolled for a moment.
"Here," he said, turning the screen around.
The girls leaned in. On the screen were:
A stream of messages between him and Yuuka, time-stamped throughout the last ten minutes.A selfie showing a horrified Issei in the background, with a clearly airborne Matsuda mid-smack behind him.A text reading: "You won't believe what these morons did. Again."
Murayama frowned. "...So you really weren't involved."
Katase sighed. "Damn. I was looking forward to hitting you."
"Honestly? Would've been fair," Issei said. "But… not this time." With that, he walked over to the downed duo.
Matsuda was twitching on the grass, whispering something about heaven and angels.
Motohama was curled into a fetal position, his glasses askew and his dignity fully erased.
"Come on, let's get you two fixed up." Issei muttered.
With no apparent effort, he knelt down, grabbed both of them—one over each shoulder—and stood up effortlessly.
The girls stared in disbelief.
"Wait," Katase muttered. "Are you… carrying both of them?"
"They're not that light," Murayama whispered.
But Issei stood tall, neither boy slowing him down. He casually cracked his neck and turned to leave. "I'll take these dumbasses to the nurse's office."
As he walked off, the girls just stood there—shinai loose in their grips, a little less sure about the world.
Katase shook her head. "Has he always been this strong?"
Murayama replied quietly, "I think the better question is… how many other secrets is that guy hiding?"
—-------------------
The sun hung in the sky, casting long golden streaks across the pavement as Issei and Yuuka walked hand in hand through the streets of town. The warmth of the day was fading into a gentle breeze, tugging lightly at their school uniforms as they made their way toward the now-familiar storefront: Tenkūryū Kigyō.
"So," Yuuka said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, "how long do you think before Matsuda and Motohama try peeking again?"
"Probably right after they recover," Issei replied dryly. "So… next week?"
Yuuka smirked, her blue phone glinting in the sunlight. "Remind me to thank Katase and Murayama for the good photo."
The two shared a soft laugh just as they reached the boutique. The doors slid open with a soft chime, and immediately the warm scents of lavender and fresh fabrics greeted them.
"Welcome ba—oh, good timing!" Misuki's voice rang out as she approached from behind a clothing rack, clipboard in hand. She gave Yuuka a quick kiss on the cheek in greeting, then immediately latched onto Issei's arm. "You, upstairs. Now."
"Wha—okay!?" Issei barely had time to look back at Yuuka before he was dragged up the stairs.
"Good luck," Yuuka called after him, amused.
Upstairs, the environment was starkly different from the polished boutique below. Fabric scraps littered the floor. Half-assembled phones sat in organized chaos on worktables. And in the center of the room…
"...Matsu? Uzume?" Issei blinked.
The two women were splayed dramatically across the floor, limbs limp, hair tangled, their expressions frozen in twin masks of theatrical agony.
"...Are they dead?" Issei asked.
"Exhausted," Misuki answered awkwardly and guilty. "I have overworked them again. I told them to rest. They refused. So now they're protesting life."
"Mmrfghhh..." Matsu groaned from the floor, rolling slightly. "No more circuits… No more light... tell my backup server I loved her…"
"Hubby…" Uzume whined softly, reaching up like she was drowning in a sea of unfinished dresses. "I dreamed of silks. Then they attacked me."
Issei's brows furrowed in concern. He walked over, knelt down, and carefully lifted both women—one in each arm like they were nothing—carrying them over to the large couch in the corner of the room.
"Come on," he murmured. "You two deserve at least this much."
He sat down in the center and gently placed Matsu's and Uzume's heads in his lap, cradling them softly as his hands found their way to their hair, stroking calming patterns along their scalps.
For a moment, the entire room exhaled.
Matsu sighed like a dying computer restarting. "That's… that's better…"
Uzume cuddled against his thigh, eyes fluttering shut. "Don't move. Just be my pillow."
Misuki crossed her arms. "They want a vacation. I've already told them that we're on a tight schedule. We're close to meeting demand, but we're not there yet."
"I get that," Issei said, his voice calm. "But if they can't keep going… I won't force them to. That's not right."
Misuki frowned. "Issei—"
"I'm serious." His tone left no room for debate. "They've already worked harder than anyone. If they say they're done, then they're done. I'll pick up the slack myself if I have to."
His hand continued to stroke Matsu's hair gently.
"I'm sorry, both of you. I really wish I could just stop time and give you a full week off…"
That's when Matsu's eyes shot open. Her glasses gleamed. "Wait. Wait. Wait! You can!" she gasped, bolting upright in his lap. "Issei! The Watch! Use the Dimensional Watch!"
Issei blinked. "...Huh?"
Matsu practically grabbed his shirt. "You have a tool that lets you travel to entirely different dimensions and return thirty minutes later like nothing happened. Don't you see?! We can go to another world, rest for five days straight, then come back and it'll be like we never left!"
Uzume sat up, rubbing her eyes. "...Wait. That… that could work…"
Issei's eyes widened, then a grin began to form. "You're right. I can do that."
Misuki looked between the three of them, then slowly closed her eyes with a deep sigh. "I'm going to regret allowing this, aren't I?"
"Nope!" Matsu chirped. "Because when we come back, I'll have zero stress and peak performance mode activated!"
Uzume raised a fist weakly. "And I'll design twelve outfits before lunch."
Issei laughed. "Alright then. We're going on a vacation."
Misuki, arms crossed and jaw tight, looked over the couch where the excited Matsu and Uzume were still half-drained. "…Alright. I'll allow it. They can't keep working like this—it's bad for their health, and even worse for productivity in the long run."
Issei blinked, surprised by her concession. "Really?"
"But," Misuki continued firmly, her finger raised. "This needs to be discussed with everyone. Tonight. The last thing we need is the rest of the girls throwing a fit because you vanished with two of your wives for a few days without warning."
Issei scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Yeah… no. You're right. I really don't want to come back to an angry Tamamo and Yuuka." Or an emotionally wounded Yashima. Or an eerily quiet Miya. Or worse—a pouting Sakura asking why Papa went on vacation without her.
"I'll let them know and we'll talk about it to everyone at dinner." Issei added, slowly standing up and glancing at Matsu and Uzume again. "You two okay finishing what you can for the rest of the day?"
Matsu gave a sleepy thumbs-up without opening her eyes. "I shall endure until closing… for you, my Ashikabi…"
Uzume groaned. "I'll survive. Just feed me something good after…"
Misuki smiled faintly, then gave them both a look that was part fondness, part discipline. "Don't make me angry again. Finish what you can. Then rest."
With that, Issei and Misuki made their way downstairs.
—------------------------
Tenkūryū Kigyō – Bottom Floor
The storefront was still humming with business as evening crept in. Customers walked between the elegant displays, some trying on clothes, others testing the preview models of the Dragon Wing smartphones.
Near the main display rack, Yuuka, Tamamo, Miya, and Akitsu were working when they noticed Issei descending the stairs with Misuki.
Tamamo's ears would be twitching if they were out the moment she saw her husband.
"Darling," she called, brushing imaginary dust off her apron, "Is everything alright upstairs?"
Yuuka raised a brow. "Did Matsu finally short-circuit herself?"
Akitsu said nothing, but her eyes were already fixed on Issei, expression unreadable.
Miya approached calmly, her long sleeves flowing. "You're usually not summoned upstairs unless something's gone wrong."
Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "It's… not wrong exactly, but we need to talk."
That made the girls straighten.
"Matsu and Uzume are burned out," He explained honestly. "Too much work, not enough rest. They've been pushing themselves to meet the production goals, and it's caught up to them."
Tamamo's eyes narrowed in concern. "Why didn't they say anything sooner?"
"I've kind of been pushing them a bit too hard," Misuki replied for him. "But the situation reached a breaking point."
Yuuka frowned, her hand resting on her hip. "So what's the plan?"
Issei took a breath. "We're going to use the Dimensional Watch. Just a short trip—take them somewhere relaxing for a couple of days. Let them recharge."
He paused, then quickly added, "But we'll talk about it with everyone tonight before anything's decided."
Before anyone could object, Miya's eyes sparkled.
"We could return to the inn!" she said brightly. "Back to our original world. That would be perfect for rest!"
Tamamo smiled. "That sounds nice"
Issei nodded. "It's an option. But let's wait for the family discussion. Everyone deserves a say."
Yuuka gave him a small smile. "That's very you."
He grinned back. "Well… I am trying to get better at this whole harem-family-husband thing."
Misuki clapped her hands once. "Alright, enough sentiment. Back to work for now. The sooner we close, the sooner we can eat and hold our little family meeting."
The girls dispersed back to their stations, the earlier tension gently replaced with a shared anticipation. The day pressed on with renewed energy.
—-----------------------------
Hyoudou Household – Kitchen, Evening
The scent of simmered vegetables, grilled fish, and freshly cooked rice filled the air as the large family gathered around the small table. Plates and bowls were passed back and forth with practiced rhythm. Laughter drifted between bites. Sakura sat between Tamamo and Yuuka, humming happily as she picked at her dinner, while Karasuba silently downed her food like it might run away.
The room was cozy and cramped, filled with too many people for the modest space—but it felt full in the best way. Warmth radiated not just from the food, but from the bonds that had slowly, stubbornly formed over the chaotic days.
Issei, sitting near the center, glanced around the table. Most were finishing up their first servings. He took a breath. "Okay… before anyone runs off for seconds, there's something we need to talk about."
That got everyone's attention. Even Karasuba paused mid-bite.
Yuuka, already guessing where this was going, set down her chopsticks and nudged Sakura to listen. Miki and Gorou looked up from their bowls, curious. Miya's calm smile shifted into something more focused.
"Matsu and Uzume are burnt out," Issei began. "They've been overworking themselves at the store, trying to meet demand. And today it hit a wall."
"Aw, you two worked that hard?" Miki asked with concern.
"We're fine," Uzume muttered trying to not worry her mother-in-law.
"Liar," Matsu deadpanned beside her.
Issei continued, "So, to help them recover, we're going to use the Dimensional Watch. I'll take them to another world for a few days to relax—then return here only thirty minutes later. No time lost."
That got a reaction.
Miki blinked. "You can do that?!"
Gorou looked confused. "Wait, that sounds like actual time travel? Won't that mess with our clocks?"
Yashima gasped. "You're going on vacation?"
Sakura clapped excitedly. "Can I come, too? I wanna go on an adventure!"
Karasuba raised a brow, clearly intrigued. "Tch. Sounds like a decent way to shake things up."
Miya, smiling warmly, clapped her hands together. "Then I'll say it again, why not go back to our world? The inn is still there—peaceful, beautiful. It's the perfect place to rest."
But Karasuba scoffed, setting her bowl down with a loud clack.
"No thanks. I've had enough of that world of weaklings. Nothing to fight. Nothing to kill. I'd rather stay here and train."
Miya's smile froze. Her eye twitched.
"This isn't about you, Karasuba. This is about helping Uzume and Matsu recover."
Karasuba shrugged. "Then go without me."
Before Miya could retort, Matsu raised her hand.
"I… actually agree," she said softly, then turned to Miya with an apologetic look. "It's not that I don't love our world or the inn, Miya—really. The inn is wonderful. But…" Her eyes gleamed behind her glasses. "This is a rare opportunity for me. To explore a world I've never seen. To collect data on a new ecosystem. New materials. Maybe new physics! This is literally a scientific dream!"
Miya blinked at her, the betrayal clear on her face. "You too…?"
Uzume gave a nervous laugh, reaching for her cup of tea. "I mean… she has been wanting to see other worlds since Issei told her where he came from."
"And it worked," Matsu added smugly.
Issei held up a hand to refocus the conversation. "The only problem is—we don't really have a third world to go to."
He turned to Tamamo and Yuuka. "Their world is off-limits. The first time I went there, it almost killed me. I don't think any of us want to go through that."
Tamamo folded her arms, her tails flicking behind her. "Gaia doesn't welcome outsiders. Even you, darling, were nearly erased upon arrival."
"And I've only ever been to those two worlds," Issei said. "So we're out of options… right?"
Beep.
The Watch on his wrist lit up with a soft glow, and Sherri's voice came through slightly amused. "That is incorrect, Master. You do have another option."
Issei raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"The Watch has always had the capability to allow the user to select a random dimensional destination."
"Wait," Yuuka cut in, confused. "I thought it only activated every two weeks?"
"That command—forcing a random jump—only triggers when the user has not initiated one by their own will. If you choose to travel, the system parameters open. You may jump whenever you like."
Matsu sat forward, eyes shining. "So we can just pick 'random' and go somewhere completely new?!"
Issei frowned. "Isn't that dangerous?"
Before Sherri could respond, Karasuba leaned back with a smug look. "Dangerous? Good. Makes it interesting."
"Not helping," Yuuka muttered.
Issei sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Look, if anything can go wrong I don't want any of us to go. But this is Matsu and Uzume's decision and they get to choose what we do."
All eyes turned to them.
Matsu didn't hesitate. "Absolutely yes. Random dimension and destination. Let's go!"
"Uhh?" Uzume hesitated… then caught Matsu's wide, hopeful grin. Her will crumbled.
"…Fine," she mumbled. "But let's pack our stuff carefully, a blanket and extra snacks."
That's when a small hand shot up.
"Papa!!" came the excited voice of Sakura, who was now practically bouncing in her seat.
Issei turned, blinking at his daughter.
"Can I come too?" She asked. Her wide, hopeful eyes glimmered with the unstoppable force of childish joy.
Issei's mouth opened.
Closed.
Opened again.
Every rational bone in his body screamed that he should say no. A random dimensional jump? No information, no preparation, no guarantee of safety? There could be monsters. Dangerous terrain. Sakura was still a child—
But then she hit him with the full power of her innocent sparkling wide eyes.
'No. Don't look directly. It's a trap. A tiny, adorable trap.'
Issei was about to crumble when Tamamo leaned forward with a knowing smile.
"She can come," she said simply.
Issei turned to her in disbelief. "Tamamo?! Are you insane?!"
Tamamo reached over and calmly took his hand in hers.
"She'll be with both of us," she said warmly. "There's no safer place for her than by our side. And besides…"
She glanced at Sakura. "How could you possibly say no to that face?"
Issei groaned in defeat, rubbing his forehead. "This is emotional blackmail."
Sakura squealed and jumped into his lap, hugging him tightly. "Yay! Thank you, Papa! I'll be super good!"
"We'll see how long that lasts…" Yuuka muttered, sipping tea.
Issei sighed, smiling despite himself. "Okay. Fine. Sakura's coming. But she stays by our side the entire time."
Sakura nodded furiously.
Now that the floodgates were open, Issei turned back to the table. "Alright then… who else is coming?"
Every single hand around the table went up.
Yashima raised hers shyly, a soft smile on her face. Akitsu nodded without saying a word. Tamamo had already assumed it was a given. Miya, of course, raised her hand daintily, still hopeful they might change course and return to her inn but any chance to be with Issei is fine.
Karasuba raised hers with an almost predatory grin. "I'm in," The swordswoman said, cracking her knuckles. "Maybe we'll find something strong to fight."
Miya sighed. "It's a vacation, not a battlefield."
"Same thing," Karasuba replied.
Yuuka leaned forward, her eyes flicking to her mother. "Mom, you're coming too, right?"
Misuki, who had been pretending to read over a clipboard to avoid the inevitable question, gave a professional smile. "I think I'll stay. This trip is for Matsu and Uzume's rest, and I—"
"You're coming," Yuuka interrupted. "Don't act like you're not tired. You've been holding this whole business together."
Misuki hesitated.
Yuuka leaned her cheek into her palm with a knowing smirk. "Besides, a new world might give you inspiration. New fabrics, new fashion trends, new tech…"
Misuki narrowed her eyes. "You're playing dirty."
Yuuka shrugged. "Learned from the best."
At that, Issei turned to Misuki, his expression softening. "She's right. You deserve a break, too."
That did it. Misuki could never go against the look of concern that Issei shows her.
Misuki's shoulders relaxed, and she gave a sigh. "Fine. But only if someone else helps me take notes."
"I'll assign someone," Issei promised.
Then he turned to the final pair at the table—his parents. "Mom, Dad. I'd like you to come, too."
Miki blinked in surprise. "Us?"
"Of course," Issei said. "It's been hectic for all of us lately. You two never really got a real break after… well, everything. And it's Saturday tomorrow. No work. No school. No excuses."
Gorou chuckled. "You're inviting your folks on a world-hopping vacation?"
"Yeah," Issei said, smiling. "Why not? It's a family trip."
Miki's eyes softened. "You're really growing up."
"We'd love to come," Gorou said, placing his hand over his wife's. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Or, well… a world."
That earned a collective groan from the table.
"You've been waiting to say that, haven't you?" Miya teased.
"Yup," Gorou grinned.
Tamamo sipped her tea and sighed contentedly. "Well then, darling… looks like it's going to be a full house."
Issei looked around at the now-smiling, excited faces of his entire chaotic family. From lovers to parents to a tiny daughter now curled in his lap.
He exhaled. "Guess we better start packing."
—----------------
In the living room, Uzume was organizing a small mountain of travel bags, her usually laid-back smile replaced with a look of unshakable determination.
"Okay! Large bags for the Sekirei and Issei—small ones for the humans." She said, flicking her ponytail as she folded a fourth set of thick jackets into a green backpack.
She handed a bag to Tamamo, who took it with practiced ease. The fox spirit began arranging survival supplies with efficiency.
"First-aid kits. Sealing talismans—just in case. Sweets for Sakura. And…" She pulled out a cast-iron frying pan with a pleased grin, "One proper pan for campfire cooking. I am not letting my darling eat cheap tin-heated food."
Nearby, Akitsu was quietly wrapping dry food in cooling cloths which she then freezed.
Matsu, despite still being a bit sluggish from earlier, was hunched over her tools one last time, quickly fixing three flashlights with emergency beacon signals.
"In case we get separated in the unfamiliar world," She explained, mostly to herself. "Or trapped in a pocket dimension. Or if we find parallel versions of ourselves. Just… being thorough."
On the couch, Yuuka was folding a small bundle of clothes with surprising care. "I'm only bringing three outfits," she said. "This is supposed to be a break."
"Just don't forget extra underwear," Uzume called without looking up.
Yuuka flushed. "I wasn't going to—!"
From the hallway, Gorou marched in like a soldier with a mission, arms loaded with fishing gear—rods and a collapsible chair.
"Don't judge me," He said with a grin. "If we land near a lake, I'm catching dinner."
"You're bringing all that?" Miki asked from the kitchen doorway, balancing a box of preserved goods— tea bags, instant noodles, and snacks.
"Yup. I wonder what the fish in another world taste like."
"Hopefully they taste good." Miki said, giving her husband a soft smile before turning to Issei. "Make sure your dad doesn't fall into a river, okay?"
Issei, crouched over his backpack, stuffed an extra lighter and rope coil inside while replying dryly, "If he does, I'll fish him out."
"That's my boy," Gorou said proudly.
In the corner, Sakura zipped around the house like a lightning bolt, packing a pink backpack with absolutely zero concept of spatial limits.
"I brought my crayons, snacks, fox plush, my blanket, an extra plushie! Mama, is this enough?"
"You forgot the toothbrush," Tamamo said, catching her daughter mid-spin and tucking a small kit into her bag.
"Oops!" Sakura giggled.
Yashima and Miya worked together checking supplies off a handwritten list.
"Matches, rice, pots, mats, bug repellant, towels…" Yashima read aloud nervously.
Miya nodded as she carefully packed neatly folded yukata. "If we end up near hot springs, these will be perfect."
"Please let there be hot springs," Matsu mumbled from the floor.
As they finished organizing, Karasuba came downstairs carrying nothing but her blade and a pair of boots slung over her shoulder.
"That's it?" Issei asked.
Karasuba smirked. "If it's not on fire or bleeding, I don't need it."
"You're lucky I know better than to argue with you," Issei muttered.
It was nearly midnight.
After hours of prep, laughter, and chaos, the family had turned in for the night.
—------------------------------
Miki and Gorou lay in their bedroom, side by side, into a well-earned rest.
Gorou stretched with a groan and chuckled. "Never thought our son would drag us into his adventures."
Miki smiled as she turned toward him, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Never thought I'd be packing a suitcase while planning to jump to another world." She sighed contentedly. "Still… I'm glad we're going. He wants us there. That means a lot."
—------------------------------
Across the hall, Misuki tucked in beside a small bed where Sakura had already curled up as she dreamt. The child clutched her favorite plush fox and murmured something about riding a dragon made of chocolate.
Misuki lay awake for a few moments longer, staring at the ceiling.
Yuuka's words echoed in her mind. "You're tired too, even if you're hiding it."
She exhaled slowly and closed her eyes.
"Maybe... just a little vacation won't hurt."
—---------------------------------------
Back in Issei's room, things were… a bit more crowded.
It had started with Tamamo, naturally—already dressed in a silken yukata, claiming her rightful place beside her husband with a teasing, possessive grin.
Then Yuuka slipped in with a roll of her eyes, muttering, "If I don't stake my claim, someone else will."
That someone turned out to be Matsu, who arrived next with her glasses slightly askew, looking half-asleep but fully committed to joining the cuddle pile. "Thermal body contact... essential for recovery…"
Uzume followed behind with a blanket and a smile, declaring, "This is the only proper way to fall asleep before a new adventure!"
Yashima crept in shyly, apologizing three times—before Tamamo grabbed her by the sleeve and pulled her into bed with a grin. "If you're coming, then commit!"
Akitsu, as silent as ever, arrived shortly after, clutching her pillow like a soldier reporting for duty.
And then…
Karasuba.
She pushed open the door without so much as a knock, sleepwear nonexistent save for a tank top and shorts.
"What?" she said as all eyes turned to her. "If we're risking our lives tomorrow, I'm sleeping where the energy source is."
"You're calling Issei an energy source now?" Yuuka asked flatly.
Karasuba shrugged. "Proximity boosts. Don't question my methods."
There wasn't a square inch of free space left on the futon. Somehow, Issei had ended up in the center, limbs tangled, his torso acting as a pillow.
"…This is a health hazard," He muttered, his voice muffled by Tamamo's hair.
"Shhh," Tamamo said, nuzzling into him. "You're the one who decided to form a family."
Matsu yawned. "At least you're warm."
Uzume grinned sleepily. "I regret nothing."
"…I can't feel my leg," Yashima whispered.
But then Miya came in wearing a small yukata and slept above his chest. "This is the best." She says content.
Issei simply sighed, resigned.
But as the night deepened and breathing slowed, his gaze drifted to the ceiling, a small smile forming despite his discomfort.
Tomorrow, they'd be stepping into the unknown again.
—------------------------
13th of December, Saturday (5 months before Canon), Hyoudou Household
Issei stood in the center of the room, clad in casual wear. His backpack was slung tight across his shoulders, and his Dimensional Watch gleamed with a soft, ambient glow. Around him, his family shifted with anticipation.
Tamamo was beside him, arms crossed, tails flicking behind her with barely concealed excitement. "No turning back now, darling," She said with a confident smirk. "Wherever we go, we'll face it together."
Yuuka adjusted her pack, glancing around at everyone else. "Can't believe we're doing this after breakfast."
"We brought snacks," Misuki added dryly, clutching her travel bag.
Miki and Gorou stood near the back, holding hands, bags in tow. Miki looked nervous, Gorou more curious than anything. "This'll beat any retirement plan I had," He joked.
Matsu was practically bouncing in place, her excitement eclipsing her exhaustion. "New world, new data, new variables—I'm logging everything!"
Uzume rolled her eyes with a smile. "Just don't forget to enjoy the break part of the trip."
Yashima and Akitsu stood quietly, both calm and prepared—Akitsu with her cold pack slung over her shoulder, Yashima triple-checking Sakura's mini pack.
Speaking of whom—
"Let's goooo!" Sakura cheered, already wearing her pink backpack, her fox plush sticking out the top like a travel companion. "Adventure time!"
Karasuba leaned casually against the wall, sword at her hip. "If something jumps out at us, I call dibs."
Miya chuckled as she tucked a charm into her sash. "Let's hope it's somewhere peaceful… but I'm not holding my breath."
Issei took one last glance around the room. He tapped his watch. "Sherri," he said clearly, "open a portal. Random destination."
The watch beeped once. "Confirmed, Master. Portal opening—stand by."
The center of the living room shimmered.
A sudden whoosh of wind swept through the space as a glowing blue spiral of light bloomed to life, humming softly with arcane energy. The air smelled faintly of ozone and starlight. The portal pulsed like a heartbeat—alive, waiting.
The family stared.
Sakura stared with her eyes wide as she remembered the last time she went through a portal to her new life.
Issei turned back to everyone, his expression steady, if not a little nervous. "We stick together. No one goes through alone."
Tamamo stepped forward first, hand in Issei's.
"Then let's go see what the multiverse has to offer," she said.
With one breath, Issei nodded and stepped forward into the portal—Tamamo at his side.
One by one, the family followed.
Yuuka and Misuki. Matsu and Uzume. Yashima, Akitsu, Miya. Sakura, clinging to her bunny. Karasuba last, with a grin.
And finally, Gorou and Miki.
As the last of their footsteps echoed through the spiral, the portal shimmered once more—and closed behind them.
The house fell silent again.
But elsewhere, in a world none of them had seen before, a new story was just beginning.