The transformation time ended.
Kitahara Makoto turned back into a human and spread his arms, saying:
"Nijika, Ryo-senpai, quickly let me replenish some energy."
"Pfft~"
Ijichi Nijika lightly spat, turning her pretty face away:
"You put on your clothes first!"
"…"
They picked a total of four Eden Fruits. After returning to the cave, they couldn't resist eating two of them. The remaining two Eden Fruits were stored in the poster, and then, led by Togawa-chan, the three directly left the Otherworld.
Because the time spent in the Otherworld this time was very short, when they returned, it was only ten o'clock in the evening.
Ijichi Nijika was clearly impatient. She looked up at Kitahara Makoto:
"Kitahara-kun…"
Kitahara Makoto extended his right hand and gently held Nijika's soft hand:
"Let's go to Nijika's house."
No words were exchanged on the way.
The three soon arrived home.
"My sister hasn't replied to my messages, she's probably out. I can't worry about that much…"
Ijichi Nijika took a deep breath, directly took out the key, and opened the door:
"Let's pay respects to Mom now!"
Yamada Ryo crossed her arms over her chest:
"Do we need a special offering ceremony?"
"I don't think it's that simple…" Ijichi Nijika turned her head and looked at Kitahara Makoto. "Kitahara-kun, let's ask the answer book?"
"Okay."
Kitahara Makoto gently nodded, opened his backpack, and handed over the answer book.
The answer was surprisingly simple.
They just needed to cut open the Eden Fruit and offer it in the Buddha niche.
"I'll get the Eden Fruit."
Kitahara Makoto took out the Kessoku Band poster and pasted it on the wall, letting band Togawa take out two Eden Fruits. Then he cut them open, and a fragrant aroma, acting on both soul and body, quickly filled the entire room.
"Nijika, it's up to you."
Kitahara Makoto stepped back half a step and said softly.
Ijichi Nijika pursed her lips, seriously took the Eden Fruit, offered it in the Buddha niche, then clasped her hands in front of her chest, her expression both nervous and expectant.
Under the gaze of the three, the Eden Fruit's original star-like luster quietly dimmed. A wisp of visible smoke curled up, silently merging into the Buddha niche.
Then, Ijichi-san in the photo quickly 'came to life.' First, she blinked, then her entire body began to move, finally stepping out of the Buddha niche. Her body solidified from a translucent state, condensing into a blonde madam with a dangerous hairstyle.
"…Mom!"
Seeing the person she had yearned for day and night reappear before her eyes, Ijichi Nijika could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she dared not wipe them away, fearing that any slight movement would make her mother disappear.
"Nijika Ijichi, don't cry. You're already an adult now."
Ijichi-san looked over gently, raising her right hand, wanting to wipe Nijika's tears, but unfortunately, she couldn't touch her at all.
"Oh dear, I forgot Mom is already a ghost Madam. I can't wipe Nijika Ijichi's eyes anymore."
"…"
Yamada Ryo crossed her arms over her chest and said in a low voice:
"Nijika finally saw her mother again. Congratulations."
Kitahara Makoto nodded slightly in agreement.
How many people can only meet their deceased loved ones in dreams? If they could bring their loved ones back in ghost form, countless people would surely be willing to give everything for it, right?
Although Ijichi-san was just a ghost Madam and not resurrected, it was enough to make up for the regret in Nijika's heart.
At the same time.
Quiet footsteps suddenly sounded.
Ijichi Seika, wearing only a bathrobe and a face mask, clearly having just finished bathing, quietly appeared:
"What smells so good… Eh? Nijika, how did you get back? And Ryo and Kitahara Makoto?"
It wasn't until she turned the corner of the hallway and saw the ghost Madam floating in front of the Buddha niche that Ijichi Seika's eyes suddenly widened, and she froze in place.
"Mom… Mom?"
The ghost Madam smiled and waved:
"Seika, long time no see."
"…"
Hearing that voice, which only echoed in her dreams late at night, Ijichi Seika, even though she was almost thirty, felt a misty blur quickly well up in her eyes. She excitedly stepped forward, so much so that her bathrobe slipped to the floor.
Kitahara Makoto subconsciously looked over.
So white.
Under the light, Ijichi Seika's skin was snow-white and exceptionally delicate.
Although she was almost thirty, she had never had a boyfriend, nor had she given birth to a child. Her figure management was quite good; she even had abdominal muscles, just like Ryo-senpai.
Unfortunately, there were no undulations; the 'airport' was exceptionally wide… One could only say that she and Nijika were truly biological sisters!
"Sister, quickly put on your bathrobe!"
Ijichi Nijika quickly shouted.
While speaking, she swiftly blocked Kitahara Makoto's front, glaring at him with embarrassment:
"Close your eyes!"
"…"
As she spoke, Ijichi Seika quickly bent down to pick up her bathrobe, wrapped it around her body, and walked tearfully to the ghost Madam:
"It, it's really Mom…"
Ijichi Nijika wiped her eyes:
"Sister, this is a long story. Listen to me…"
A family of three reuniting after many years naturally had endless things to talk about. It was clearly inappropriate for Kitahara Makoto and Yamada Ryo to stay.
So, after greeting Nijika, Kitahara Makoto and Ryo-senpai left together.
"It's already ten-thirty."
Kitahara Makoto checked the time on his phone, his gaze burning as he looked at Ryo-senpai, expectantly:
"It's not safe to go back so late. How about we stay at an inn for the night?"
"No."
Yamada Ryo crossed her arms over her chest and flatly refused.
"I'm so tired, my back feels like it's breaking. I want to go home and get some good rest tonight."
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
There was no helping it. The difference in their physical fitness was too great. If he got a little too excited, Ryo-senpai couldn't take it.
"Alright then, we'll rest today." Kitahara Makoto naturally wouldn't force her. He reached out and took Yamada Ryo's soft hand. "I'll send Ryo-senpai home first."
"…"
After sending Ryo-senpai home, Kitahara Makoto turned and went home with Hana.
No words were exchanged on the way.
It was already eleven o'clock at night when they got home.
After a quick wash, Kitahara Makoto was clearly feeling sleepy due to his biological clock. He went upstairs into his room, didn't even turn on the light, and just lay directly on the bed.
The next second.
A smooth, cool, wonderful sensation immediately filled Kitahara Makoto's palm, jolting him awake and instantly dispelling his drowsiness.
"What is it?!"
Kitahara Makoto suddenly sat up.
"Makoto-kun, it's me."
A calm, indifferent voice rang out.
"Mutsumi?"
Kitahara Makoto turned on the light and looked over in shock. The girl lying on the bed was wearing only a thin nightgown, with light green long hair and beautiful golden eyes, along with an exceptionally high beauty score of at least nine out of ten.
Who else could it be but Mutsumi?
Seriously!
To silently wash up and lie down on a boy's bed, do you really not know how uncomfortable morning sickness is?!
"Why is Mutsumi on the bed?"
Kitahara Makoto couldn't help but ask.
"No, why is she at my house?"
"Still insomnia." Mutsumi sat up and used her fingers to comb her messy hair. "I want Makoto-kun to hold me to sleep, to treat my insomnia."
Kitahara Makoto looked closely and saw that Mutsumi indeed had faint dark circles under her eyes, clearly not having rested well these past two days.
"Even if you want me to help treat your insomnia, why didn't you say something beforehand?"
Kitahara Makoto was quite speechless.
Thankfully, his heart was strong enough; if it were anyone else, they might have had a heart attack!
Mutsumi's voice uncharacteristically held a hint of grievance:
"I sent Makoto-kun a message."
"When was that?"
Kitahara Makoto picked up his phone skeptically and found that he had indeed received a message from Mutsumi, but it was from yesterday. He had forgotten the situation at the time, but in short, he had read it and not replied.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault."
Kitahara Makoto apologized softly, reaching out to rub the top of Mutsumi's head.
Although Hana wasn't home, Kitahara Makoto had left a spare key under the mailbox by the door, and he had told Mutsumi about it before, so it wasn't strange for Mutsumi to enter.
"When you found I wasn't home, why didn't Mutsumi go back?" Kitahara Makoto asked curiously. "Aren't you afraid alone?"
Mutsumi tilted her pretty face slightly, rubbing the top of her head gently against Kitahara Makoto's palm:
"Not afraid. The bed has Makoto-kun's scent, which helps me sleep."
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
Don't say it, your words sound super like a pervert!
"Alright, Mutsumi, next time you come over to sleep, at least turn on a night light," Kitahara Makoto complained. "You scared me just now."
Mutsumi's gaze dropped:
"I'm sorry for troubling Makoto-kun…"
"It's not trouble, I was just scared." Kitahara Makoto rubbed the top of Mutsumi's head like petting a cat. "Nothing else, I'm turning off the light?"
"Okay."
Kitahara Makoto turned off the light and lay down on the bed.
Accompanied by a rustling sound, the sweet and pleasant scent of the girl soon wafted into Kitahara Makoto's nostrils. Immediately after, Kitahara Makoto felt an arm being hugged:
"It's Makoto-kun's scent."
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
He had just showered; he had no scent on him, okay?
Mutsumi rubbed gently:
"Relax."
"…"
Kitahara Makoto's mood was exceptionally subtle.
They had only known each other for less than half a month, yet Mutsumi was bold enough to come over alone for a night raid. Was her affection level too high?
Of course.
It was also possible that Mutsumi hadn't thought so much, and he was just a tool for her to treat insomnia. After all, Mutsumi had always lacked emotions, and her current emotions were probably not much either.
"Mutsumi, good night."
Kitahara Makoto cast aside his jumbled thoughts and closed his eyes.
Playing with a stoic girl would make him lose his qualification as a human, so Kitahara Makoto naturally wouldn't mess around.
"Makoto-kun," Mutsumi whispered, "I want to bungee jump in the Dream World."
Perhaps because her usual emotions were too faint, Mutsumi preferred exciting games that others dared not play, especially high-altitude bungee jumping without any safety measures. The higher, the more she liked it. Her favorite was for Kitahara Makoto to hold her and jump directly from above the clouds.
Kitahara Makoto helplessly opened his eyes:
"I'll tell Hana."
"Thank you, Makoto-kun."
"…"
The night passed without a word.
The next day.
When Kitahara Makoto woke up, the light in the room was already bright. He then felt a slight pressure on his chest.
Looking down, Mutsumi's sleeping posture was not honest. She had somehow moved onto him, and her nightgown was very loose. After a night of tossing and turning, her fragrant shoulders were half-exposed, her skin was fair and smooth, and he could even vaguely see her small chest, which was even more alluring in its semi-obscurity.
"Mutsumi, it's time to get up."
Kitahara Makoto took a deep breath and gently reminded her.
Be careful when you sleep. Do you really not know how terrifying a high school boy who just woke up in the morning can be?!
"Mmm…"
The girl's slender eyelashes trembled slightly, and her eyes opened a tiny slit. Perhaps she was too sleepy, the 'startup' failed, and her eyes closed again. Only her right hand, resting on Kitahara Makoto's chest, began to move.
First, it slid down Kitahara Makoto's chest, landing on his abdomen, then began to gently caress him, like a small raccoon that loves to wash things.
Kitahara Makoto's mouth twitched slightly:
"He was actually being taken advantage of?"
This is a reversal of the natural order!
You are reversing the natural order!
Kitahara Makoto almost couldn't resist flipping over to let Mutsumi know what it meant to play with fire, but thankfully his willpower was strong enough, and he finally protected his qualification as a human.
Taking a deep breath, he was about to gently move Mutsumi off him, when who knew Mutsumi's right hand actually began to explore downwards little by little…
Hey, hey, what are you doing?
Kitahara Makoto was completely shocked.
In all this time, it was the first time he had been taken advantage of and played with by a girl. Even Ryo-senpai hadn't gone this far!
"Stop it now!"
Kitahara Makoto took a deep breath and quickly grabbed Mutsumi's slender arm, pulling back at the last moment.
He really couldn't let it continue, otherwise, his sanity would definitely burn rapidly, and he might end up committing an unforgivable mistake.
He pulled Mutsumi to the side, Kitahara Makoto quickly got up, wiping sweat with lingering fear:
"Stoic girls are indeed too terrifying."
"…"
When Kitahara Makoto went downstairs to wash up, he happened to receive a message from Nijika.
Ijichi Nijika: "Kitahara-kun, have you woken up yet?"
Kitahara Makoto: "Just woke up."
Ijichi Nijika: "Um, yesterday, Mom was talking, and her body suddenly became fainter and fainter, then she was forcibly returned to the Buddha niche. I want to know what happened."
Kitahara Makoto: "I'll ask the answer book."
Ijichi Nijika: "Thank you, Kitahara-kun."
Kitahara Makoto: "I'd rather hear Nijika say she likes me."
"Pfft~"
A moment later.
Kitahara Makoto figured out the answer and sent a message to Nijika.
The reason was simple.
Mainly, Ijichi-san was too weak, so her time for free activity was very short. To extend her activity time, she just needed to be offered a few more Eden Fruits.
After explaining the situation, Kitahara Makoto asked:
"Are we still going to the Otherworld tonight?"
Ijichi Nijika: "Knowing the situation puts my mind at ease. I didn't help yesterday, and my sister was very tired… Let's talk about it tomorrow."
Kitahara Makoto: "Then tomorrow."
"…"
Putting down his phone, Kitahara Makoto went into the bathroom to wash up.
While washing his face and brushing his teeth, he also checked today's daily tasks.
The first two fitness tasks were self-explanatory. The third task was to taste a bottle of plum wine newly released this year, and the fourth task was Tokyo Exorcist.
"…Looks like I'll just have to go with the flow."
Kitahara Makoto relaxed his mind and didn't dwell on it.
Mutsumi woke up at 7:30, and after breakfast, she quickly said goodbye and left.
Kitahara Makoto completed his fitness tasks alone, took out his phone, checked today's schedule, and finding no other arrangements besides micro-film shooting, he simply sent a message to Bocchi-chan:
"Hitori, go to the driving school to learn to drive."
The message was read quickly.
Bocchi-chan: "Um, that… my body is still a bit uncomfortable…"
This was a lie.
Being uncomfortable was false; not daring to see him was the truth.
That night, the accidental [Five Senses Sharing] revealed the secret between Kitahara Makoto and Ryo, causing a great shock and impact on Bocchi-chan's young heart.
Because she had no friends since childhood, Bocchi-chan always kept to herself and had never discussed related topics with others. In short, Hitori's psychological age was actually not mature, and she subconsciously believed that everyone was still a child.
However, two days ago, the sharing revealed that Kitahara Makoto and Ryo had already become adults, which was why she was so shocked.
Kitahara Makoto did not give up:
"We need to hurry up, Hitori also wants to get her driver's license before the summer vacation ends, right?"
Gotō Hitori: "…"
She wanted to.
Of course, she wanted to.
If I could get a motorcycle license, that would definitely be the most fulfilling thing I do this summer, right?
Even Mom and Dad would surely praise me...
Seeing Bocchi-chan hesitate, Kitahara Makoto knew that Bocchi-chan was tempted, and he said decisively:
"I'll wait for Hitori at the Train Station entrance. We won't leave until we meet."
Gotō Hitori: "..."
Seeing that she couldn't refuse, Gotō Hitori could only quickly jump out of bed, walk to the wardrobe, and start choosing clothes.
Twenty minutes later.
Train Station.
"Ki-Kitahara-kun, good afternoon..."
Before Gotō Hitori could even speak, her small face had already flushed red, and she shyly lowered her head to look at her toes.
Just three days weren't enough to completely cool down Bocchi-chan's sense of shame.
"Here, have a drink."
Kitahara Makoto pretended not to know anything and handed her a bottle of juice.
"Thank you..."
Gotō Hitori thanked him softly, taking the drink with a red face.
"Let's go to the driving school early," Kitahara Makoto said casually. "There's nothing much to do today, so we can go through a few more lessons. It's best to finish the theoretical lessons today, and then you can ride a motorcycle."
"Mm-hmm."
Gotō Hitori nodded quickly.
Seeing the train arrive, she quickly followed Kitahara Makoto onto the train like a small tail.
There's nothing much to say about what happened next.
Kitahara Makoto originally wanted to tease her, but unfortunately, Bocchi-chan was still very shy today. Whenever there was a slight disturbance, she would panic and hide like a small rabbit, giving Kitahara Makoto no chance to tease her.
So Kitahara Makoto seriously focused on the lessons, not even returning home for lunch. The two of them simply had a quick meal at the driving school's cafeteria.
In the afternoon, they went through a few more lessons, successfully finishing the theoretical ones. Only then did Kitahara Makoto take Bocchi-chan away from the driving school.
"Now that the theoretical lessons are done, you can book the exam," Kitahara Makoto said, looking at the Hitori behind him. "Which day does Hitori want to book?"
"Th-that..."
Gotō Hitori stammered, unable to make a choice for a while.
Strictly speaking, Bocchi-chan wasn't a procrastinator, but rather an introverted social phobic, so when she was out, she usually did whatever others told her to do, rarely expressing her own thoughts.
Kitahara Makoto mused:
"How about booking the exam for tomorrow?"
"Eh, won't tomorrow be too soon?" Gotō Hitori looked up nervously. "I haven't even looked at the practice questions yet."
"The pass rate is actually higher tomorrow," Kitahara Makoto took a sip of his drink. "Many university students cram for three days before the exam, so there's no need to worry at all."
After a pause, Kitahara Makoto revealed his true intention:
"However, time is indeed a bit tight. If you can't pass it once, you'll have to wait a while before you can re-register... So, Hitori, come to my house tonight, and we'll practice in a dream?"
"Don't come."
Gotō Hitori's little head immediately shook like a rattle drum.
She didn't even dare to look up at people now, let alone stay overnight.
(What if, what if Kitahara-kun comes over for a night raid and takes advantage of me like he taken advantage of Ryo-senpai...)
Gotō Hitori just slightly put herself into the scenario, and steam already started rising from the top of her head.
(No, no, no!)
(Being held in front of the mirror... Ahhh! That would be too shameful!!)
(And, and it's still too early... We're still just high school students, that kind of thing should at least wait until university, right?)
Kitahara Makoto said calmly:
"Since you're not coming over for dream practice tonight, then Hitori will have to work hard on the questions herself."
"I-I know." Gotō Hitori clenched her small fists. "I'll definitely work hard on the questions!"
Kitahara Makoto pondered:
"Tomorrow is a bit rushed, so how about booking the exam for the day after tomorrow?"
"...No problem!"
Gotō Hitori bit her teeth lightly and agreed.
"I noticed before that Hitori actually has severe procrastination," Kitahara Makoto changed the subject. "So, to ensure Hitori passes the exam on the first try, how about we make a bet?"
"Eh?"
Gotō Hitori looked up in confusion, her peach blossom eyes staring blankly through her bangs.
"It's simple," Kitahara Makoto whispered. "If Hitori doesn't pass the exam, then you have to agree to a slightly excessive request from me... like going to a mixed onsen together."
"Eh, eh, eh?"
Gotō Hitori's eyes immediately widened in panic:
"Th-that kind of thing..."
"It's just to prevent Hitori's procrastination, that's all," Kitahara Makoto said earnestly. "As long as Hitori passes the exam, you naturally won't have to go to the onsen together, right?"
"But... but..."
"No buts. If you can't pass the exam two days from now, you won't be able to take the practical lessons, and you might not get your license before the summer vacation ends." Kitahara Makoto seemed to have no selfish motives. "So it's just to encourage Hitori to work hard."
"..."
Gotō Hitori stammered, but eventually agreed.
(As long as I work hard on the questions for the next two days, I should be able to pass the theoretical exam... right?)
Talking all the way, the two unknowingly arrived in front of a supermarket.
Kitahara Makoto walked into the supermarket and casually bought two bottles of plum wine to complete today's daily task.
"Mom really likes plum wine..."
Gotō Hitori pursed her lips, carefully checked the date, and also bought a bottle of plum wine:
"I'll buy it and give it to Mom."
The rest of the way was silent.
Kitahara Makoto and Bocchi-chan parted ways, first going home to put away the plum wine, and then heading to the academy to film a short movie with Anon and Kita.
Night fell in the blink of an eye.
Around eight o'clock, a heavy rain suddenly fell in Tokyo, dispelling the heat of many days.
Kitahara Makoto was reading when his phone suddenly vibrated. It was a call from Bocchi-chan.
"Hmm?"
Kitahara Makoto sat up straight and answered the phone.
The next second.
Bocchi-chan's anxious voice immediately came through:
"Kitahara-kun, Mom just came home from work and told me she saw a very strange windbreaker woman..."