SAK Chapter 9 An Engagement

The lobby doors swung open as the crowd poured out into the bright neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. Among them were Issei, Kanna, and Mina. The evening air was cool and alive with the buzz of cars, chatter, and the flashing glow of advertisements.

Issei and Kanna stepped out first, both with wide smiles plastered across their faces.

“Man, that was awesome!” Issei pumped a fist into the air, his voice full of excitement. “The way Gojira blasted that last Muto—pure hype!”

Kanna nodded solemnly, though her eyes gleamed with unusual brightness. Without warning, she raised her arms and fingers like claws, letting out a low growl. “Raaah. Gojira.” She lunged forward, pretending to chomp at Issei.

He blinked, then immediately played along, crouching and curling his hands like insect mandibles. “You dare challenge me, lizard? I am a Muto, king of the bugs!” He scuttled sideways, clicking his tongue like insect noises.

Kanna stomped forward, mimicking Gojira’s heavy footsteps, before letting out a sharp “SKREEEE-ONGK!” as best as her tiny voice could muster. Her “atomic breath” was an exaggerated hiss as she blew air at Issei’s chest.

Issei threw himself back dramatically, arms flailing. “Aghhh! My exoskeleton is no match!” He dropped to one knee, clutching his side as if mortally wounded, before collapsing in defeat.

Other moviegoers paused on their way out, staring or chuckling quietly at the bizarre spectacle of a teenage boy and a deadpan girl reenacting kaiju warfare in the middle of the sidewalk.

Trailing just behind them, Mina raised a hand to her forehead, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Oh, for heaven’s sake…” She muttered under her breath before calling out louder. “Will you two stop that already?! People are staring!”

Issei froze mid-death pose, looking up with a sheepish grin. Kanna, still standing tall in her “Gojira stance,” turned her head slowly toward Mina, her pout evident even through her usual calm demeanor.

“You’re ruining our fun,” Kanna said flatly, her arms dropping to her sides.

Issei scratched the back of his head, chuckling nervously. “Yeah, Mina, lighten up a little. We were just—”

“Acting like children,” Mina cut in, her voice sharp as her glasses glinted in the neon glow. She crossed her arms, posture stiff. “Honestly, how old are both of you? Carrying on like that in public…”

The energy drained from Issei’s shoulders, his grin shrinking as he sighed dramatically. “Buzzkill…”

Kanna mirrored him in her own way—her cheeks puffed slightly, her lips pressing together in a pout. “Yeah. Buzzkill.”

Mina pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling heavily. “I don’t care. If you want to play kaiju, do it in private. I refuse to be dragged down in your embarrassment.”

Issei and Kanna exchanged a glance, both deflated, their fun effectively stomped flat.

The trio weaved through the bustling sidewalks, shoulder to shoulder amid the throng of people spilling out from bars, arcades, and karaoke lounges.

Issei carried the last of their empty popcorn bag under his arm, gesturing animatedly as he spoke. “Okay, don’t get me wrong—the movie was awesome. The fights? Perfect. Gojira’s roar? Gave me chills. But… they should’ve given more scenes to Gojira and less to the humans. I didn’t come here to watch family drama, I came here to see monsters throw down!”

Kanna nodded immediately, her expression still calm but her tone firm. “Yes. More Gojira. Less humans.”

She mimed the monster’s stomping again, clearly still caught up in the thrill of it.

Mina, walking with her arms crossed and her posture elegant despite the crowd, gave a soft sigh. “You two really have no appreciation. The human storylines give context. Without them, it’s just… noise. Explosions and roars. I actually liked the human parts.”

Both Issei and Kanna stopped mid-step, turning to stare at her with identical looks of betrayal.

“Eh—?!” Issei’s jaw dropped. “Mina, come on! They dragged it out way too long!”

Kanna’s pout deepened. “It ruined the movie. Too many humans.”

Mina adjusted her glasses, unflinching under their judgment. “Some of us value plot, you know. Not just giant lizards punching bugs.”

Issei groaned dramatically, running a hand through his hair. “Man, you’re hopeless…”

“Hopeless,” Kanna echoed, nodding sagely.

The two fell back into step, still sulking, while Mina hid the faintest smile tugging at her lips. ‘They really are like children sometimes…’

Issei scratched his cheek thoughtfully. “Still, even with that, I think I like the old movies more.”

Kanna’s eyes flicked toward him, her calm mask breaking just slightly with curiosity. “Old movies?”

“Yeah!” Issei grinned, his eyes lighting up. “There’s a whole bunch of older Gojira movies. Way before this one. They’re… well, don’t expect them to look as good as this. They’re kinda dated. Guys in rubber suits stomping toy buildings. But they’re classics.”

For the first time, Kanna’s calm tone carried a spark of excitement. “There are more? Many more?”

“Yep. A ton.” Issei chuckled at her reaction. “If you wanna see them, we can watch them at my aunt’s place. She might have some old DVDs lying around. And if not, I’ll just hit Akihabara again. They’re bound to have a collection their that I can buy.”

Kanna’s eyes softened, her voice almost eager. “…I want to see them all.”

Issei smiled at her sincerity. “Then it’s settled.”

Trailing slightly behind them, Mina listened quietly, her lips curving faintly. ‘At least they’re enjoying themselves…’ But her thoughts quickly sobered. She pressed a hand lightly to her chest, remembering everything she’d just learned. The Sekiryuutei. Dragons. Other worlds. Her voice cut through their chatter.

“I’m glad you both enjoyed the movie,” She said firmly, “but we really do need to finish our talk. What I just learned… it isn’t something we can ignore.”

Issei slowed, his grin fading into something more serious. He nodded once. “Yeah. You’re right. This is important.”

Kanna glanced between them, then gave a small nod of agreement.

—---------------------------------

The crowd thinned as they turned down a quieter street. The noise of traffic dimmed, replaced by the softer hum of cicadas and the rustle of trees. Ahead, a small park opened between the buildings—lamps casting pale halos of light across empty benches and winding paths.

“Here’s good,” Issei said, stepping toward the benches near the center. “Private enough.”

The three of them settled there as they found an empty table and bench with all three sitting down. Kanna with a small bag of candy she had saved from earlier, Issei leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, and Mina sitting upright, her expression sharp behind her glasses.

Issei exhaled, rubbing his palms together. “Alright, Mina. What more do you want to know?”

Mina broke the silence first, her voice calm but firm. “I want to know more about this Tohru. Who is she really? Where did she come from? Is she a threat to everyone here? And… I want to know more about your aunt, Kobayashi.”

Issei tilted his head, scratching his cheek nervously. “That’s a lot at once…” But seeing her serious face, he sighed and leaned back. “Alright, I’ll try to explain.”

Kanna looked up at him briefly, then went back to quietly munching her candy, listening all the same.

“First off,” Issei began, “Tohru’s not a threat. She’s… well, she’s intense, yeah, but she’s not out to destroy or conquer anything. What she is, though, is ridiculously protective of my aunt. Like, insanely so. If anyone gets too close to her, Tohru gets jealous. Really jealous.”

Mina frowned slightly, adjusting her glasses. “Protective and jealous. That doesn’t exactly sound harmless.”

“Yeah, well,” Issei chuckled nervously, “She’s more bark than bite… most of the time. My Obaa-chan—Kobayashi—she’s just a regular human. A total workaholic. The kind of person who practically lives in front of a computer. Honestly, she’s the one keeping Tohru in line.”

“Keeping a Dragon King in line?” Mina asked incredulously.

“Yup.” Issei grinned, pride flickering in his eyes. “That’s my aunt. Tohru owes her life to her. She was dying when they first met, and Kobayashi helped her. Ever since then, Tohru’s been serving as her maid, saying it’s her way of paying back the debt. But really? It’s just her excuse to stay close.”

Kanna finally spoke up, her voice quiet but certain. “Tohru is my best friend. She took care of me before I came here. We came from the same place.”

Mina blinked at her, the words echoing in her head. “…Wait.” She turned back to Issei, narrowing her eyes. “Earlier, you said Tohru and Kanna came from another world. Explain, I know about different realms and dimensions—most pantheons don’t live here on Earth—but this sounded different.”

Issei rubbed the back of his neck, his expression torn between sheepish and serious. “Yeah, it is. When I say ‘another world,’ I mean another world. Not a different realm, not a hidden dimension, but an actual place outside of Earth. Another planet, another reality altogether.”

Mina stared at him, her lips parting. “…You can’t be serious.”

Kanna’s calm gaze met hers. “We are.”

Issei pointed at her with a nod. “Exactly. Tohru and Kanna? They’re basically aliens. And Ddraig even agrees. He’s never heard of anything they’ve said about where they came from. Plus they were completely clueless about Earth’s situation when they got here. Like, zero idea about the rules, dragons or even the gods here.”

Mina’s fingers tightened around her knees. The weight of the revelation pressed into her chest like a boulder. ‘Another world… full of dragons… living, breathing proof sitting right beside me.’ Her mind spun with the implications.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, groaning softly. “You’re telling me there’s an entire other planet out there… a world full of dragons. And somehow they just… dropped into your aunt’s apartment in Saitama.”

Issei gave her a sheepish smile, spreading his hands. “Pretty much. Welcome to my life.”

Kanna popped another candy into her mouth, her voice flat but tinged with amusement. “It’s true.”

Finally, Mina exhaled and pushed her glasses up, her voice cutting the silence. “Then tell me—what’s your plan, Issei? I understand now that Tohru didn’t mean to cause all this… but intent doesn’t erase consequences. The chaos won’t just disappear. The supernatural community in Tokyo is still a mess. Youkai, mages, spirits, even lesser kami—they’ve all abandoned Saitama, and now they’re running wild here, hurting people who just wanted to live peacefully.”

Her tone was even, but her eyes shone with the pressure of someone carrying responsibility.

Issei’s smile slipped away. He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “…Yeah. I know.” His voice was quieter now, more grounded. “That’s one of the reasons I decided to help you in the first place. I… feel guilty. Guilty that Tohru caused all this without meaning to. Guilty that my aunt’s quiet little life stirred up such a storm.” He clenched his fists lightly, gaze fixed on the ground. “So I want to fix it. I want to try talking to the ones causing trouble, tell them it’s safe to go back home. That nothing’s going to happen to them. If I can ease their fear, maybe things will calm down.”

Kanna tilted her head slightly, watching him. In her flat, quiet way, she murmured, “You want to fix what Tohru broke.”

Issei gave her a small nod. “Yeah. Someone’s got to.”

Mina studied him for a long moment, the lamplight glinting off her glasses. “And the other reason?”

Issei’s head jerked up. “Eh?”

“You said one of the reasons,” Mina pressed. “What was the other?”

Issei rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks tinged pink. His laugh came out awkward and nervous. “…To get close to you. And… help you.”

The words slipped out clumsily, but they were sincere.

Mina’s breath caught. Heat spread across her face, and she quickly turned her head, hoping the shadows of the park hid the flush in her cheeks. ‘He… stayed because of me? Not just obligation, not just guilt… but because he wanted to be by my side?’

Her heart thumped painfully in her chest, a dangerous mix of embarrassment and something warmer.

She forced herself to regain composure, though her voice trembled faintly as she spoke. “Idiot… you don’t just say things like that.”

Issei grinned sheepishly, scratching his cheek. “Sorry, but it’s the truth.”

Mina drew in a steadying breath, her thoughts racing. Finally, she set her jaw and spoke with firmness. “Issei, you need to understand something. Now that I know the truth, I’m under obligation to report it to my superiors. What you’ve told me—the Sekiryuutei, Tohru being a Dragon King, Kanna being from another world—it’s all too important to keep to myself.”

Issei’s grin faded. His gaze turned solemn as he nodded. “Yeah. I get that. If that’s the best course of action, then… we’ll do it.”

But Mina shook her head immediately, her hand tightening over her knee. “No. That’s just it. It’s not the best course. While I understand—while I know Tohru and Kanna don’t mean harm—my superiors won’t see it that way. They’ll see them as threats. And if they act on that fear, they might do something drastic. They could try to force Tohru and Kanna out. And if that happens… it won’t just endanger them. It will put your aunt in danger. And you, too.”

Her words carried the weight of inevitability, her eyes locking on his.

Issei felt the knot tighten in his stomach. He clenched his fists tighter, the weight of responsibility pressing heavier on his shoulders. ‘If they target Obaa-chan because of this…’ His teeth grit, but then he looked up at Mina, his resolve clear.

“Then we’ve gotta make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Kanna finished her candy, dusting her hands on her skirt, and spoke in her usual calm tone. “We will fight them if they try.”

Mina’s eyes widened slightly at the bluntness, but she didn’t doubt the quiet conviction behind Kanna’s words. Mina raised her hand slowly, signaling for their attention. Her voice cut through the stillness. “There is another option. One that doesn’t involve turning the entire supernatural community into our enemies.”

Issei blinked, leaning in. “Another option?”

“Yes,” Mina said firmly, adjusting her glasses as her eyes glinted in the lamplight. “We go behind the backs of my superiors, the Five Great Clans, and appeal directly to the Shinto faction.”

Issei’s eyes widened. “Wait—you mean Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo?”

At the unfamiliar names, Kanna tilted her head. “Who are they?”

Issei scratched his cheek, realizing how strange it was to explain something so basic to someone so powerful. “They’re… well, the big three gods of Japan. Amaterasu is the sun goddess, basically the leader of the pantheon here. Tsukuyomi is the moon god. And Susanoo…” He chuckled nervously. “He’s the storm god. If legend is to be believed he is the fiercest of the three.”

Mina nodded. “They are the highest authority in this country’s supernatural hierarchy. If we can explain everything to them—Tohru, Kanna, even your position, Issei—we might be able to stop this chaos. They have a vested interest in restoring balance and returning Japan to normal.”

Issei leaned back, arms crossed, letting the idea sink in. “Honestly? That sounds way better than fighting everyone. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to punching my way through mages, youkai, and spirits just to get people to listen.”

In the back of his mind, Ddraig’s voice rumbled like a dragon’s growl. (You will not grow stronger if you avoid conflict, partner. To evolve, you must fight opponents stronger than yourself.)

Issei winced inwardly. ‘Yeah, yeah, I get it. But come on, fighting the entire supernatural community just to make a point? That’s suicide.’

Mina’s voice drew him back. “There’s just one problem.” Her expression hardened, her voice lowering as though she didn’t want the trees themselves to overhear. “The only way to gain an audience with the Shinto gods is to impress them first. That means taking on more missions, making undeniable results, and… usurping the favor of one of the Five Great Clans. Without it, they’ll never see us as worth their time.”

Issei frowned. “So, in other words, we have to step on the toes of people already in power.”

“Exactly,” Mina said. “And those old men won’t take it lightly. They’re old, stubborn, and spiteful. If I move behind their backs, they’ll see it as betrayal and will retaliate. I’d be endangering myself—and maybe you—by even trying.”

Issei’s brows furrowed. His gut twisted at the thought. “Then you shouldn’t do it. If it puts you in danger, it’s not worth it.”

Mina looked at him for a long moment, then smiled faintly—small, but steady. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve already prepared myself for that. This is my duty to restore my clan's honor and standing.” She adjusted her glasses, her tone sharpening. “Plus… I won’t be doing it for free.”

Issei blinked, thrown off. “Huh?”

“If you want me to risk my position, my safety, and the wrath of the clans,” Mina said, leaning forward so her eyes locked directly with his. “Then I want a favor in return. Do you agree with that?”

Issei felt his heart skip a beat, not just from the seriousness of her words but from the closeness of her gaze. His mouth went dry. ‘Why do I get the feeling this “favor” is gonna be way more than I’m ready for?’

Even Kanna, normally unshaken, blinked at Mina curiously, waiting to hear what she would demand.

“But before I tell you what favor I want,” She said, her voice steady but firm, “I need to know something first.”

Issei tilted his head, puzzled. “Uh, sure? What is it?”

“What’s your dream?” Mina asked bluntly.

The question landed like a stone dropped in a pond. Issei blinked, caught completely off guard. “My… dream? That’s what you want to know?”

“Yes,” Mina replied without hesitation. “It’s important. If I’m going to put myself in danger, if I’m going to throw away my security and possibly provoke the Five Great Clans, then I need to know what it is you’re truly aiming for. Not just guilt, not just duty—your dream.”

Issei scratched his cheek, still confused. “I don’t get it… but, if it’s that important…”

He hesitated only a moment, but then his face lit up with a fire that Mina had never seen in him before. His eyes gleamed, his chest swelled, and his grin stretched wide.

“My dream,” He shouted, his voice echoing through the quiet park, “is to become the Harem King!”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

Kanna blinked once, then again. Mina froze, her jaw dropping slightly, her brain tripping over itself.

“…Excuse me?” Mina said slowly, as though hoping she’d misheard.

Issei clenched his fists with fiery conviction, completely serious. “That’s right! Not just some random harem either—I want a beautiful harem full of bishoujo who love me, and that I’ll love back! That’s my ultimate dream, and I’ll chase it to the ends of the earth!”

Kanna and Mina both stared at him in silence.

Mina’s lips parted, her voice dripping with disbelief. “So… let me get this straight. Your great, burning dream… is to have a bunch of women?”

“Not just a bunch!” Issei shot back, pointing at her dramatically. “A true harem! Full of love, trust, and passion! It’s about finding girls who love me, and who I’ll love with everything I’ve got! That’s the life I want to build!”

Kanna’s expression didn’t change much, but the faint twitch of her eye betrayed her thoughts. “So… scum,” She muttered under her breath.

Mina pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling sharply. “Unbelievable… all this time I thought you were carrying some noble burden. And here you are, declaring that?”

Issei puffed out his chest. “Hey, don’t knock it! Everyone else wants to be something boring like a CEO, or a hero, or rich. But me? I want to live surrounded by love, and I’m not afraid to say it!”

The silence that followed was thick. Both girls stared at him, their expressions hovering between exasperation and reluctant… something.

For Kanna, it was a cold realization. ‘If I stay with him… it won’t just be me. I’ll have to share him with others.’ Her hands tightened into fists, her heart tightening with something she couldn’t name. But then she remembered what Mina said. “If—if Issei accepted me as his wife, that wouldn’t mean I’d take him away from you. Or from anyone else who matters to him. He’d still spend time with his friends. With family. With you.” She would still be important to him even while sharing him with a group of women.

For Mina, it was different. Her mind spun with calculations. ‘That means if I do get involved with him, I’ll never have him to myself. I’ll have to share. But… maybe that’s not entirely bad.’ Finally, Mina sighed, brushing her hair back behind her ear. “In a way… I should be glad.”

Issei blinked, startled. “Glad? Wait, what do you mean?”

Mina adjusted her glasses, her eyes narrowing as she leaned closer. “It means I can use that.”

Issei tilted his head, confusion plain on his face. “Use… what?”

Mina’s gaze sharpened, locking onto Issei with an intensity that made him straighten without realizing it. She inhaled once, steadying her resolve, then spoke clearly. “Issei. We should get married.”

“—EHHHH?!”

Issei nearly toppled backward off the bench, his arms flailing as his voice cracked across the park. Even Kanna blinked in visible shock, her jaw parting just slightly.

Inside Issei’s mind, Ddraig’s booming laughter echoed, deep and mocking. (Gahahaha! How bold and direct! I like this girl, partner!)

Issei clutched his head, his thoughts spinning. ‘Marriage?! How did we jump to that?!’ He snapped his head back toward Mina, his voice panicked. “W-w-wait, why marriage?! Why is that your favor?!”

Mina didn’t flinch. If anything, her expression grew colder, more precise, though a faint blush crept across her cheeks. “You simply don’t understand your position in life right now, Issei. You’re the current Sekiryuutei. That means everyone who learns who you are will want one of two things: to use you… or to kill you.”

Issei froze at the blunt truth. He hated how much sense it made.

Mina pressed on, her tone firm, businesslike. “And you already know my situation. I’m working to restore the Tadayuki clan to its former standing. If I marry you, it gives me the foundation and power I need to be taken seriously. The children we’d produce would inherit both your strength and my lineage—they would be far stronger and more talented than me alone. Together, we’d have both power and legitimacy.”

Her words landed like stones, heavy and undeniable.

Issei’s shoulders sagged, his heart sinking. His voice came out low, laced with disappointment. “…So that’s it, huh? You just want to use me.”

Mina looked away, her cheeks coloring deeper. “I won’t lie. I am using you. For your name and your power.” She swallowed, her voice dropping to a softer tone. “But don’t think for a second that’s all it is.”

Issei’s gaze snapped back to her, startled.

Mina pressed her hands together in her lap, her usual composed posture cracking as her ears turned red. “I… kind of like you too.”

The words slipped out with awkward honesty, and she quickly turned her face away, embarrassed.

Issei blinked several times, his jaw dropping. “Wait—hold up. You’re embarrassed saying you like me but not when you talk about marriage?!”

Mina shot him a glare, her face bright crimson. “Marriage is simply a business transaction. That’s easy to say. My… feelings are another matter entirely.”

Kanna’s small hands trembled as they clenched into fists on her lap, her calm façade cracking for the first time. Her chest tightened with a strange, heavy ache she’d never known before—one that burned as Mina’s words sank in. Finally, she couldn’t hold it anymore. Her voice, usually quiet and even, rose with a bite of anger.

“I don’t approve,” Kanna said flatly, her eyes narrowing. “Because Issei is going to marry me.”

The words hit Issei like a thunderbolt. His whole body jolted, his eyes wide. ‘Wait… what?! Kanna… wants to marry me?’

“M–marry you?!” He stammered, his face flushing red. “Since when did you—?!”

But Mina only adjusted her glasses coolly, her expression calm though her cheeks betrayed the faintest blush. “Then there’s no problem. Issei can just marry us both.”

Kanna blinked, her composure breaking for the second time that night. “Both?!”

Issei’s jaw nearly hit the ground. “H-h-hold on, you can’t just—!”

But Mina’s eyes fixed on him now, sharp and deliberate. “Listen carefully, Issei. Marrying me doesn’t come without benefits. Not only will you have me…” She leaned forward slightly, her tone gaining a teasing edge. “…and my breasts.”

Issei froze, his face burning crimson. “W-what?! Why would you—?!”

“Don’t lie,” Mina said firmly, her lips curving faintly. “I know you’ve been staring at them.”

Issei’s defense came out panicked and too honest. “T-they’re just so big and round, I couldn’t help but… I mean, I just wanted to… bury my face in them!”

Kanna’s glare shot toward him, her cheeks puffing in jealousy.

Mina smirked faintly at his fluster. “Exactly. And unlike most, I wouldn’t really mind. Plus I’ll also approve of you having a harem. That’s your dream, isn’t it?”

Issei’s jaw worked wordlessly. ‘She’s… actually serious about this?’

Mina then turned to Kanna, her voice calm but pointed. “And as for you—I wouldn’t disapprove if you also married him. So long as you’re prepared to share.”

Kanna’s lips parted slightly. For once, she looked stunned, her normally expressionless face showing raw disbelief.

Issei, meanwhile, felt his heart pounding, his head spinning. ‘Marry Mina… marry Kanna… have a harem… get to touch Mina’s breasts… live the dream I shouted to the world…’ He slapped both hands to his cheeks, trying to cool the heat. “W-what the hell am I supposed to do here?!”

But Mina wasn’t finished. Her tone softened, though her eyes gleamed with calculation. “And don’t worry about where we’d live. I have a mansion. It’s spacious and peaceful. Perfect for you, your parents,  aunt, and whoever else comes along.”

She leaned back, folding her hands neatly. “So, Issei. What’s your answer?”

The silence stretched. Issei turned toward Kanna, their eyes locking with a storm of panic and temptation. Neither spoke, neither knowing what to say. But the weight of Mina’s proposal lingered in the air, pressing down on both of them.

Finally, Issei slumped back, his voice weak. “…Alright. I agree.”

Mina’s eyes softened, her lips curving into a radiant, genuine smile that made her look almost angelic in the lamplight. “Good. I’m glad.”

She adjusted her glasses, slipping back into composure. “I’ll try hard to arrange that meeting with the Shinto. But I won’t say anything about you two being aliens. That would be too hard to believe. And as for the wedding—don’t expect it soon. I’m not… ready yet.” Her blush deepened, but her voice didn’t waver. “And tomorrow, I’ll come to meet your aunt. I want to get to know Kobayashi and this Tohru for myself.”

Standing gracefully, she pulled out her phone, inputting the directions Issei gave her. With one final glance at the two dragons—Kanna still stiff in disbelief, Issei slumped in stunned silence—she offered a polite bow.

“Goodnight. I’ll see you both soon.”

Then she turned and walked out of the park, her silhouette fading into the glow of Shinjuku’s streets.

Issei and Kanna sat frozen on the bench, the weight of everything that had just happened sinking in like a stone tossed into still water.

“…What the hell just happened?” Issei muttered at last.

—----------------------------------------

Saitama Prefecture

The night air in Saitama was cooler than Shinjuku’s, quieter too with no neon signs, no roaring traffic, just the hum of cicadas and the glow of scattered street lamps. Issei and Kanna trudged up the stairs toward their apartment, their steps heavy with exhaustion after the whirlwind of revelations and… proposals.

Issei rubbed his temples as they reached the landing. ‘Marriage, gods, clans—this day has been nothing but emotional whiplash. I need a break before my brain melts.’

But just as the two were going up the stairs, his nose twitched. His eyes widened. “Wait a sec… do you smell that?”

Kanna froze mid-step. Her head tilted slightly, her nostrils flaring as she inhaled deeply. A faint spark of recognition flickered in her usually blank eyes. “It’s not Tohru. It’s… someone else. Someone familiar.”

“Someone you know?” Issei asked, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

Kanna nodded. “Yes. An old friend.”

Issei blinked, surprised. ‘More friends I don’t know about?’ He gave a nervous laugh, scratching his cheek. “Well, if it’s a friend, then I guess that’s okay. Let’s see who it is.”

—-------------------------------

Together, they reached for Kobayashi's apartment and pushed open the door. The familiar warmth of the Kobayashi’s place greeted them—except this time, someone new was waiting inside.

And that’s when Issei froze, his eyes bulging, his entire body locking up like a statue.

Right in front of him stood a woman—no, a goddess, whose chest seemed to defy both gravity and reason. They swayed slightly as she shifted, the sheer size and softness of them enough to make his jaw drop.

Tears welled in Issei’s eyes as he clutched his chest dramatically. “S-so… beautiful… the most bountiful, heavenly oppai I’ve ever seen…! What a crime—what a tragedy—that I can’t see them in all their naked glory!”

Kanna groaned, facepalming. “Issei…”

Meanwhile, the owner of those otherworldly assets tilted her head, blinking at the strange boy practically worshipping her figure. Her lips curved into a soft, amused smile.

“My, my,” She purred, her voice warm and teasing. “What a cute little dragon boy, giving me so many compliments the moment we meet.”

The woman’s presence filled the room effortlessly. She was tall, fair-skinned, her body an hourglass sculpted by the gods themselves. Long, wavy blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, shimmering like spun gold. Her heterochromatic eyes were hypnotic—her left, navy blue rimmed with yellow and a slit green pupil, her right, green with intricate designs and a yellow slit at its heart.

Twin horns curled proudly from her head beneath a pink cap. A black choker hugged her throat, just above the line of her black tank top that left little to the imagination—her cleavage spilling generously with every subtle movement. Jean shorts clung tightly to her hips, revealing more leg than should’ve been legal, the denim cut high enough to expose the curve of her buttocks. Thigh-high stockings completed the look, clinging to her skin before vanishing into pink shoes.

And, as Issei’s eyes immediately realized with utter reverence—she wore no bra. Her magnificent chest bounced freely, hypnotically, with every subtle shift.

Issei staggered back, clutching his nose as blood threatened to pour. “T-this… this is too much…! My heart can’t take it!”

Kanna, still calm but clearly irritated, tugged at his sleeve. “Stop crying. You look pathetic.”

The blonde woman only giggled, her voice like silk. “Ara~ So dramatic. I like him already.” She leaned forward slightly, resting her hands on her knees so her chest pressed together even more. “I’m Lucoa. It’s nice to meet you, little boy.”

Issei nearly fainted, his soul leaving his body in bliss as he heard that she likes him. Kanna, however, narrowed her eyes. “Lucoa. Why are you here?”

The warmth in the room shifted. Lucoa straightened, her playful smile never fading, but her eyes glimmered with something deeper as she looked at Kanna.

“Because, my dear,” Lucoa said softly, “it’s been far too long since we last met.”

The soft slippers echoed from the kitchen. Kobayashi and Tohru stepped into the living room, towels in hand, clearly having just finished tidying up after dinner.

What greeted them was Issei, on his knees, crying rivers of joy, hands clasped as if in prayer. Kanna, standing beside him, arms crossed, her expression a perfect mix of calm disappointment and mild disgust. And Lucoa laughing softly behind her hand, her ample chest bouncing with each chuckle.

Tohru tilted her head, blinking in confusion. “Eh? Issei, why are you crying? Did something happen?”

Kobayashi’s brow twitched the moment her eyes landed on Lucoa. ‘…Of course. I should have known.’ She crossed the room quickly, her irritation sharp as she pinched Issei by both ears.

“OWWW!” Issei yelped, flailing his arms. “Obaa-chan! Why the violence?!”

Kobayashi leaned down, glaring at him. “Because you disappear all day without telling me where you’re going, and now you come home crying… at those?!” She jerked her head toward Lucoa’s chest, her lips twitching in thinly veiled jealousy.

“Th-those?” Issei repeated dreamily, glancing back at Lucoa’s bountiful curves. His nose threatened to bleed again. “I-it’s not my fault… it’s just… they’re so beautiful…”

Kobayashi’s grip tightened. “Answer me. Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick.”

Issei winced, tears forming for a different reason now. “I just… went out with Kanna! We went to meet my new friend, Mina! And then we went to see a movie!”

Kobayashi’s frown deepened. “A movie? With what money?”

“Obaa-chan!” Issei whined, his face red. “You’re embarrassing me! Especially in front of the beautiful, big-breasted Onee-san!”

Lucoa’s soft laugh spilled out like warm honey. She covered her mouth politely but her eyes danced with mischief. “Ara~ what a cute young man. You flatter me so much.”

Kobayashi’s ears twitched in frustration, and she tugged harder on his ear. “Keep it up and I’ll embarrass you more.”

Tohru stepped in quickly, gesturing to Lucoa with a smile. “Kobayashi, calm down.” Tohru then turned to Issei to explain to him why he was here. “Lucoa is a friend that has come to visit me and Kanna. She was worried since it’s been a while since we last spoke. Oh, and Fafnir dropped by earlier, but he left before you two arrived.”

Unfortunately Issei was too busy rubbing his ear to listen to the last part.

“Ah! Lucoa, you probably don’t know him yet,” Tohru said warmly, her eyes sparkling as she gestured toward Issei. “But this young man here is Kobayashi’s nephew. He came to visit for the summer, and he’s been staying in the apartment next door.”

Lucoa’s gaze softened as she straightened from her teasing lean, her golden hair tumbling around her shoulders as she tilted her head. “Kobayashi’s nephew, hm?” She placed a finger to her lips, her smile faint but knowing. “That explains why he smells like her… and yet not quite. How fascinating.”

Kanna, standing at his side, gave the tiniest nod. “He lives next door with me.” The way she said it carried a quiet weight, almost possessive, though her face remained as blank as ever.

Lucoa’s heterochromatic eyes flicked between Kanna and Issei, her smile deepening into something more amused. “Oh my. So you’re roommates? How cute~.”

Issei waved his hands frantically, his face heating. “W-wait, it’s not like that! I mean, yeah, I’m here for the summer, but I just—Kanna and I—!”

“Fufu~ you’re even more entertaining than Tohru described,” Lucoa said, covering her mouth with her hand. Her heterochromatic eyes glimmered with amusement as she gave a proper bow, her golden hair tumbling over her shoulders. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Issei.”

Issei froze, suddenly shy now that she addressed him directly. He rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks pink. “Ah, uh, n-nice to meet you too…”

Lucoa’s smile widened, her teasing nature coming to the forefront. She leaned closer, bending slightly at the waist so her enormous chest nearly brushed his arm. “Fufu~ you’re so bashful. I didn’t expect to meet another dragon here in this world. How exciting.”

—---------------------------

The clatter of chopsticks and the warm aroma of Tohru’s cooking filled the apartment. Around the table sat Issei, Kanna, Lucoa, Kobayashi, and Tohru, all gathered together as plates of steaming rice, grilled meat, and side dishes vanished steadily from the table. Despite the strange company, the atmosphere was homely, laughter and quiet conversation weaving between bites.

Lucoa, sipping from her tea with her usual unbothered grace, leaned forward slightly, her heterochromatic eyes settling on Issei. “Tell me, Issei, Kobayashi… Do you have dragons in your family bloodline?”

Issei blinked, chopsticks halfway to his mouth. “Eh? Nope, not at all.”

Kobayashi, who was chewing quietly beside him, shook her head. “Definitely not. Our family’s as normal as they come.”

“Hmm.” Lucoa tapped her lips thoughtfully, frowning slightly. “Strange. Then how are you a dragon?” Her gaze sharpened on Issei, her tone calm but carrying genuine curiosity. 

The table went silent for a moment. Issei scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Well… the thing is, I was a totally normal human. But the first day I got here and met Tohru.” His voice faltered, his face heating. “I said I was hungry and…Tohru kinda fed me her tail.”

Lucoa froze, her chopsticks stopping midair. “…She what?”

Tohru beamed, utterly shameless. “That’s right! I thought it would be a great way to feed him.!” 

Lucoa blinked slowly, her usual playfulness slipping into something sharper. “You… fed him your tail?”

Issei nodded awkwardly, rubbing his head. “Yeah, and after that, I… mutated, I guess. Overnight I wasn’t human anymore and woke up as part dragon.”

Lucoa’s eyes widened, her carefree aura faltering. “That’s… dangerous. Usually when humans ingest dragon flesh, their bodies can’t handle the energy. They—” she hesitated, her voice unusually grim— “they explode. Violently.”

Kobayashi stiffened, her chopsticks slipping from her fingers. “Here that Tohru, she knew he could’ve blown up?!”

Tohru tilted her head, confused. “Ehh? But he didn’t! See? Everything’s fine. He’s alive, healthy, and strong.” She grinned proudly at Issei as if this excused everything.

Lucoa, however, pressed a hand to her chest, still worried. “Are you really alright, Issei?”

Issei chuckled nervously. “Y-yeah, don’t worry. I was lucky. The only reason I didn’t go kaboom was because of this.” He raised his left arm and, with a flare of red light, summoned the Boosted Gear. The red gauntlet materialized, gleaming ominously under the apartment lights.

Lucoa’s eyes widened, curiosity reigniting. “Oh? And what’s that?”

“This,” Issei said with pride, lifting his arm so everyone could see, “is the Boosted Gear. It’s one of the Sacred Gears, tools and weapons given to humans by a god in this world. And inside of this one lives an ancient dragon called Ddraig.”

The gauntlet pulsed faintly, the jewel in its center glowing for a moment before dimming again.

Tohru’s eyes sparkled as she leaned closer, practically bouncing in excitement. “Mister Ddraig is a very powerful dragon! Though…” Her ears drooped slightly. “He was cruelly defeated and sealed by those accursed gods.”

Kanna, sitting cross-legged with her bowl in hand, nodded solemnly. “Mister Ddraig is very strong and respected.”

Issei smiled, then tapped the gauntlet gently. “Oi, Ddraig, don’t just sit there. Why don’t you introduce yourself? Show them you’re here.”

The table went silent. Everyone waited.

The jewel flickered faintly… then dimmed again.

“Ddraig?” Issei called again, a little more forcefully. “Come on, buddy, don’t embarrass me here. Say something.”

Still nothing. The Boosted Gear stayed lifelessly on his arm, as if mocking him with its silence.

Kanna tilted her head. “He’s really silent.”

Tohru frowned, her tail twitching. “Is he sleeping?”

Lucoa tapped a nail thoughtfully against her cup, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Or maybe he’s embarrassed. Not every day someone gets praised at the dinner table.”

Issei groaned, slumping over his rice bowl. “Geez, Ddraig… you’re killing me here.” He tried to play it off with a sheepish laugh, but inside, a low rumbling voice stirred.

(Partner…)

Issei’s thoughts sharpened. ‘Finally! Ddraig, why are you being so quiet in front of everyone?’

But the dragon’s tone wasn’t its usual teasing bravado—it was low, tense, and edged with something Issei had rarely heard from him before. (Tread lightly. That woman—Lucoa—she’s dangerous.)

Issei’s eyes flicked toward the blonde dragon lounging gracefully across the table, her mismatched eyes sparkling with amusement as she sipped her tea. Out loud, she was teasing, playful, almost lazy. But inside, Ddraig’s words weighed heavily. ‘Dangerous? You’ve never sounded this… worried. Are you serious?’

(Serious enough,) Ddraig rumbled. (If I were still in my prime… even then, I doubt I could defeat her. That kind of power is not something you provoke lightly.)

Issei’s heart skipped a beat, his chopsticks trembling slightly in his hand. ‘Wait—you? The legendary dragon who fought gods and shook the world? And you’re saying you might not win against her?’

The gauntlet gave a faint, uneasy pulse. (Exactly. Do not underestimate her just because she laughs and shows softness. Even bound to this human form, that one is a force beyond measure.)

Issei swallowed hard, trying not to let his expression betray what he’d just learned. ‘…Just who the hell is she?’

Before he could dwell on it, Kobayashi’s voice snapped him back to the table.

“Issei.” Her tone was sharp, the kind that made him sit straighter out of instinct. She set her chopsticks down and leveled him with a look only an aunt could give. “I’m going to ask you again. Where exactly did you get the money to go to the movies?”

“Eh—!” Issei flinched, scratching the back of his neck as everyone’s eyes shifted toward him. “W-well… you see…” He forced a laugh, his nerves crackling. “I, uh… kinda got a job while I was in Shinjuku.”

Kobayashi narrowed her eyes, suspicion sharp as a knife. “A job. While you were out ‘visiting a friend.’ The one you conveniently spent all day with?”

Issei froze, caught red-handed. “Uh… y-yeah. That’s right! Mina introduced me to the job. She, uh, hired me to do odd jobs for her family.” He waved his hands quickly, trying to look earnest. “You know, carrying things, helping out, that kinda stuff.”

Kobayashi’s gaze didn’t soften. If anything, she leaned forward slightly, arms crossing over her chest. “…Issei.”

He winced, sweat trickling down his temple. ‘Obaa-chan’s glare… it’s scarier than any monster I’ve fought.’

“I’m telling the truth!” He blurted. “If you don’t believe me, then… you can ask Mina yourself tomorrow! She’s coming over anyway, so you can question her then!”

The words tumbled out in his desperation to escape Kobayashi’s scrutiny.

For a moment, the room was silent. Then Kobayashi leaned back, her expression softening only a fraction as she adjusted her glasses. “…Fine. I’ll wait until tomorrow. But I will be asking this Mina a few questions.”

Issei slumped in relief, exhaling like he’d just dodged a fatal blow. “T-thank you…”

But Kobayashi wasn’t done. She picked up her chopsticks again, muttering just loud enough for him to hear. “Beloved nephew or not, you’re not slipping past me so easily. I’ll find out what you’re really up to.”

Issei groaned quietly, stabbing a piece of meat as if it had personally offended him. ‘Why do I always feel like I’m on trial whenever Obaa-chan looks at me like that?’

Across the table, Lucoa watched the whole exchange with a small, knowing smile, her mismatched eyes glinting with interest. ‘So this boy’s carrying more secrets than he lets on… fascinating.’

Finally done, tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. As always this is a commission for Luis. So thank him for allowing me to post this for everyone. And thank you Luis for your suggestions and advice.