SAK Chapter 6 A Heated Exchange

The walk back through the twisting alleys felt strangely anticlimactic. The tension from the plaza had ebbed, replaced by a strange calm. Mina marched forward with the same rigid confidence as always, while Kazetaka, perfectly disguised in his sharp suit and his hair slicked strode ahead as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Issei shoved his hands into his pockets,looking around the empty streets while glancing at Mina. She looked serious and composed, as if mentally cataloguing everything that had happened. 

'She’s definitely the kind of girl who files incident reports.’ He thought. Then his eyes went back to Kazetaka’s shoulders. ‘And he’s the kind of guy who makes life hell for normal dudes just by existing.’

Finally, Kazetaka stopped at a modest two story shop between two tall, gray buildings and took out a ring of keys. “We’re here.”

Issei tilted his head. “Uh… here?”

The entrance was unassuming, a narrow glass door with a faded sign above it that simply read Kaze’s Collectibles.

Kazetaka pushed the door open, a bell jingling faintly. And then—

“Holy—!” Issei’s eyes lit up, his jaw falling slack.

The inside wasn’t just a shop. It was heaven for Issei.

Shelves stacked high with manga volumes, their colorful spines forming neat walls. Rows of figurines from magical girls mid-transformation to hulking mechas with detachable weapons, stood proudly behind glass. Posters lined the walls, depicting anime idols, samurai warriors, and busty demon queens. A glass case near the counter displayed rare game cartridges and limited-edition consoles, each lovingly polished. Even the faint scent of plastic model paint lingered in the air.

To Issei, it was paradise. “To think…” He whispered reverently, “you were one of my people all along.”

Mina blinked, utterly unmoved. “Your… people?”

“Yeah!” Issei cried, spinning dramatically. “We’re Anime fans! Manga lovers! Seekers of figurines and games! This man is a brother in arms!”

Kazetaka smirked faintly, clearly amused by the boy’s reverence. He then went to the store’s main counter. “At least someone here recognizes quality when he sees it.”

Issei practically zoomed to the counter, eyes shining and then got closer to Kazetake. “So—do you sell, uh… special videos?”

Mina tilted her head as she heard what Issei wanted. “Special… videos?”

Kazetaka leaned down, lowering his voice conspiratorially, making sure the Miko wouldn’t listen. His handsome features turned serious as he whispered, “We carry the finest collection of rare and uncensored hentai DVDs.”

Issei’s face lit up like a festival lantern. “No way. You’re serious?!”

“I wouldn’t joke about this,” Kazetaka replied smoothly.

The two men shared a solemn nod, the sacred bond of degenerates silently forged between them.

Meanwhile, Mina stood a few feet away, watching the exchange with increasing confusion. “…What are you two whispering about?”

Issei turned to her quickly, waving a hand dismissively. “Business! Just… business opportunities. Y’know.”

“What kind of business?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Issei said, grinning nervously.

Mina frowned but decided not to press the issue. Still, the way they leaned in close and whispered like smug conspirators made her lips purse. ‘Do guys always act like idiots when they’re together.’

Kazetaka, clearly satisfied, went under the counter and then slid a small brown paper bag across the counter to Issei. “Here. Consider it a gift between new friends and a thank you for saving my business from being taken over by those Oni…” He reached behind him, and pulled out a folded t-shirt. With a smirk, he handed it over.

Issei unfolded it and was confused at what he saw. Staring back at him in bright print was the smiling face of Levi-tan, the beloved magical girl idol. ‘This girl’s really cute but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her?’

“Who is she?” Issei asked the store owner as he had seen her before.

“That my friend is the most popular idol in the supernatural world. She has her own show about magical girls and is extremely liked by the children.” Kazetaka said passionately. 

“Really?” Issei said as he didn’t know this. “Then I will gladly accept this.”

Mina crossed her arms. “Is this really the time to be gushing about t-shirts?”

Kazetaka waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about paying as this is to show my gratitude.”

Issei, already digging through his wallet to pay for the DVDs, stammered, “W-wait, the shirt too? That’s… that’s too much!”

“It’s on the house,” Kazetaka said firmly.

Mina sighed, watching the exchange with thinly veiled disappointment as Issei then wore the shirt. ‘And there go his abs, hidden under that stupid shirt. Wonderful.’

 She turned away slightly, cheeks heating before she forced her expression back into composure. “Well. Since your shop clearly exists and you are a resident of Akihabara, there’s no reason to arrest you. Of course after you dispel the barrier.”

Kazetaka placed a hand on his hip, sighing with relief. “As promised.” He then closed his eyes and focused.

And then after a brief moment, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed outside.

Voices, dozens of them, loud and sharp, carried behind the thin door. As the city was once again alive.

Issei could now hear the bustling streets of a major city. As various shoppers could be heard mingling, with cars honking their horns as they drove, if Issei stretched his ears, he would be able to hear a couple of street performers.

Mina let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly as she finally allowed herself to relax. The tension that had been coiled in her muscles since she entered the barrier seemed to loosen. For the first time since she arrived in Akihabara, she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile and deep down a sense of accomplishment was felt.

“Well,” she said, adjusting her glasses with a delicate push, “this case can officially be considered closed.”

Issei grinned, happy that they were done.

Before Mina could say anything else, the sharp buzz of her phone vibrated from within her pocket. Her expression froze. Slowly, she pulled it free, glanced at the caller ID—then groaned loudly, her entire demeanor shifting from prideful to weary resignation.

Issei blinked at her sudden change. “Uh… you okay?”

“Quiet,” Mina said firmly, lifting a hand to silence him.

Her thumb swiped across the screen, and her voice shifted to something unusually formal. “Hello, Himejima-san.”

Issei tilted his head. The name sounded familiar, but where did he know that name? Why did Mina’s spine stiffened? It clearly wasn’t just some random friend calling to check in.

He couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, but Mina’s face told a story all its own—each passing second made her brows knit tighter, her lips pressing into a thin line. Finally, she said in a clipped, professional tone, “Yes, I’ve resolved the issue. I will return shortly to give my report.”

Another pause, then she added stiffly, “Thank you. Goodbye, Himejima-san.”

The call ended with a soft beep, and Mina lowered the phone, releasing another sigh, heavier than before.

Issei leaned forward. “So is everything okay? You look like someone just assigned you a month of extra homework.”

“You could say that was my boss,” Mina admitted, pinching the bridge of her nose. “They called to check in on me and since the situation here is resolved, I now have to go back and file my report”

“Want me to tag along? To help you explain what hapened.” Issei asked, half-curious, half-concerned.

Her reaction was immediate. “Absolutely not.”

Issei blinked at the sharpness of her tone. “Sheesh. Harsh.”

Mina’s lips softened just slightly. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer. But it’s better if I handle this on my own.”

Inside, however, her thoughts burned like fire. ‘There’s no way I’m letting him come anywhere near the Five Great Clans.’ Her eyes darted briefly to him, watching the boy innocently watch the various figurines. ‘He doesn’t realize what he is. Issei is already strong, if you add him being a Sacred Gear wielder. If they found out, they’d never let him walk free. They’d cage him with rules, leash his power and dictate his entire life. No… not while I can help it.’

“I should be leaving now,” Mina said aloud, her voice crisp again. 

Issei gave her a small nod. “Fair enough. Guess I’ll head back home too before my aunt starts worrying about where I am. If she ever finds out what I did, she’ll… well, let’s just say she won’t be thrilled.” He chuckled nervously. ‘Or she’ll get drunk and make a whole scene… knowing her, probably both.’

Kazetaka, who had been quietly adjusting a display of figurines behind the counter, finally looked up, his sharp gaze still faintly suspicious of Issei but less hostile than before.

“Leaving already?” The tengu asked smoothly.

“Yeah,” Issei said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks for the shirt and… y’know, the other stuff.”

Kazetaka smirked faintly. “Try not to find trouble on your way home.”

Mina gave him a respectful nod. “We’ll be in touch if anything else develops. For now, stay safe.”

The bell above the shop door jingled softly as the two stepped outside, the humid summer air of Tokyo greeting them once more.

Once outside the streets of Akihabara had already returned to their usual rhythm, the chatter of shoppers lining up to big stores, the jingle of arcade machines spilling out onto the sidewalk, and the faint hum of traffic echoing between the tall buildings. 

They then exchanged one last glance.

“Take care, Issei,” Mina said, her tone softer now, almost reluctant.

“You too,” He replied with a small smile. “Don’t work yourself to death, okay?”

They parted ways with the bustling city swallowing them up, each lost in their own thoughts. Mina steeling herself for the burden of the various clan’s politics, and Issei simply wondering how in the world he’d explain any of this to Kobayashi if she asked why he was late.

Issei continued walking through the crowd with his paper bag tucked protectively under one arm, on his chest he proudly displayed his new shirt. His heart was finally beginning to slow down after the chaos of the day.

“Wait.”

Issei blinked and turned around. Mina was standing behind him, her miko robes swaying gently in the evening breeze, her glasses catching the glow of the streetlights.

“Huh? Mina? Did I forget something?”

She stepped closer, her expression calm but her eyes strangely determined. She held onto his new shirt not wanting to let go.

Mina looked reluctant as if thinking of an internal delima. But finally she found her confidence. “…I’d like your number.”

Issei froze. His brain short-circuited. ‘Wait. What. WHAT?!’

The image of every romcom manga, light novel and visual novel he’d ever read flashed through his mind in a dazzling montage. ‘A girl, no, a beautiful girl with big oppai was asking me for my number. Right here. Right now.’

His hands shook slightly as he fumbled for his phone, a goofy grin spreading across his face. “Y-you want my number? Like, my actual phone number?”

Mina tilted her head, bemused by his sudden excitement. “Yes. To contact you.”

‘This is it,’ Issei thought, his heart racing. ‘This is the turning point! My destiny! Finally, I’ve reached the popular phase of high school! Goodbye lonely loser, hello girls actually wanting to talk to me!’

He all but shoved the phone into her hands. “Here! Take it! Input your number, speed dial, whatever you want! I’ll even make a special contact photo if you want!”

Mina’s cheeks warmed slightly at his enthusiasm as she quickly typed her details in, and then searched the number on this phone and recorded it. She then handed the phone back with a small smile. “I’ll call you later. There may be another case soon, and it would be good to have your help again.”

The words hit him like a sack of bricks. His fantasy montage shattered instantly.

“…Oh.” His voice deflated like a punctured balloon. “So it’s… just for work.”

“Yes,” Mina said simply, though there was a faint flicker of softness in her eyes.

Issei sagged, the dramatic slump of a boy crushed under the weight of reality. ‘Of course. She doesn’t want my number because she likes me… She probably just needs backup in case things get crazier. Figures.’

And yet, despite the disappointment, something eased in his chest. He thought of the way she had faced the two battling yokai, how she’d been outnumbered and still stood her ground. If having his number meant she wouldn’t have to be alone next time… then maybe that was worth it.

“Alright,” He said, forcing a grin as he tucked his phone away. “Call me anytime. If you need help and things get bad, I’ve got your back. Promise.”

Mina blushed and gave a small bow, her voice softer than before. “…Thank you, Issei. Truly.”

They stood there for a brief moment in the glow of the streetlights. Then Mina stepped back, slipping her phone into her pocket. “I’ll be in touch. For now, I have to return to my duties.”

Issei nodded. “And I should probably head home before Kobayashi-san calls the cops thinking I got kidnapped. See you around, Mina.”

“See you.”

With that, they parted ways, Mina heading off toward the quiet backstreets while Issei melted into the busy current of Akihabara life.

But as Mina walked away, her fingers lingered over her phone, brushing lightly against his newly added contact.

Her lips curved into a small, private smile. ‘Tomorrow. I’ll see him again tomorrow. Hopefully we can spend the day getting to know each other.”

And for the first time that day, she felt genuinely light.

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

Meanwhile in Kobayashi’s apartment.

Kobayashi stood by the door with Kanna, shoulder to shoulder, both angled toward the peephole like sentries. Kobayashi’s hand rested on the door knob, thumb tracing the metal out of habit. Kanna leaned forward in measured intervals, one eye to the fish‑eye lens, breath fogging the tiny glass before it cleared again.

Tohru hovered a few steps behind them, half in the entry, half in the living room, towel draped over one arm, apron still neatly tied. “Dinner is ready,” She announced in a hopeful singsong voice wanting them to relax and leave the door. “He’ll come back when he’s done with whatever he’s doing.”

Kobayashi didn’t look back. “I’ll eat after Issei comes back.” The reply was flat, almost office‑tone, but the line of her shoulders betrayed the restlessness. She again watched through peephole, checked the warped view of the apartment corridor: a stretch of beige carpeting, numbered doors, an elevator that refused to ding. Nothing but the hallway’s emptiness.

She turned her head slightly. “Kanna, did Issei say anything about where he was going?”

Kanna shook her head, hair sliding across her cheek in a soft dark wave. “No.” Her voice was calm but attentive, the kind of focus she always wore when she decided to wait. “I left with Tohru,” She added after a beat, eyes still on the peephole. “Issei didn’t say anything about where he was going.”

Tohru stepped closer, the towel between her fingers twisting, then stilling. “Like I said Issei can take care of himself,” She said, gentler now, trying to ease their worry. “I doubt he ran into any trouble. He’s gotten a lot stronger.”

Kobayashi’s mouth tugged at one corner—half a grimace, half a reluctant agreement. Stronger. The word rolled around in her head. She set her palm on the door, feeling the cool through the wood. He had gotten stronger since turning into a dragon.

Kanna eased back from the peephole so Kobayashi could look again. “He’ll come back,” Kanna said, her hands folded behind her back whlie she rocked once on her heels, then went still again, listening to the hush beyond the door.

Tohru tried for another smile. “Food tastes best when it’s warm,” She offered, not pressing, simply placing the thought on the table between them.

Kobayashi exhaled, long and thin. The hallway remained stubbornly empty through the peephole’s curve. “I’ll eat when he’s back,” She repeated. Her fingers found the door knob again.

In the quiet that followed, Kanna’s nose twitched faintly, her eyes narrowing at the door. The faint hum of the hallway, the muted clatter of someone’s footsteps—it was enough to make her senses sharpen. She caught it: his scent. Issei. Her heart gave a quiet jump. Without a word, she leaned forward, muscles tensed like a coil ready to spring.

Before she could dart outside, the handle turned. The door to Kobayashi’s apartment swung open with a familiar creak, and in stepped Issei, his face lit by the yellow glow of the entry light. He looked casual, one hand rubbing the back of his neck, but what stood out instantly was the shirt on his chest—a bright, eye-catching print that wasn’t what he’d left with that morning.

“Eh? Ise—” Kanna didn’t finish. She shot forward like a shadow, her arms wrapping around his torso in a tight hug. Issei froze, blinking in surprise as his bag nearly slipped from his grip.

“K-Kanna? Whoa, what’s gotten into you?”

Instead of answering, Kanna buried her face against his chest and inhaled deeply, again and again. The steady sniffing made his skin crawl with confusion. “Wait—hold on! Are you…Haahaha, cut it out your tickiling me? What the heck are you—”

Before he could finish, Kobayashi’s voice cut sharp through the room, her tone edged with something she’d never admit aloud, jealousy as she saw how close Issei and Kanna had become. Arms crossed tightly over her chest, she stood behind Kanna with her glasses glinting against the light.

“Where were you?” She asked, her voice deceptively calm but carrying the weight of impatience.

Issei glanced up, caught between the girl clinging to him and Kobayashi’s cold stare. He scratched his head nervously, offering a sheepish grin. “Ah, well, uh… I made a new friend in Akihabara and, uh, lost track of time. That’s all!”

Kobayashi’s eyes narrowed, suspicion seeping into her gaze. “A new friend?” she repeated slowly, as though testing the words for cracks. “Who, exactly?”

Before Issei could answer, the air in the room shifted. The temperature seemed to dip, a biting chill crawling over the apartment. His shoulders stiffened. He felt it—an aura, dark and heavy, pressing down on him like a predator’s stare. Slowly, his gaze dropped.

Kanna was still hugging him, but the warmth of the embrace had been replaced by something dangerous. From the small body pressed against his chest radiated pure, simmering killing intent. The air around her seemed to vibrate, her long hair lifting faintly in the pressure.

Cold sweat broke out along Issei’s forehead. “U-uh, Kanna? You good there?”

She tilted her head back, and her eyes—once soft, playful—now glowed faintly with an icy edge. Her voice when she spoke was calm, but it carried the bite of steel.

“…Why do I smell another girl on you?”

Issei’s blood ran cold. His heart was hammering in his chest. “W-wait, what?!”

The words echoed in the quiet apartment, and if the chill wasn’t bad enough, it only grew worse when Kobayashi’s glare snapped toward him. Her glasses slipped down the bridge of her nose, revealing eyes sharper than any knife in the kitchen.

“…Another girl?” she repeated, tone dangerously low.

Issei threw up his hands, panic rising. “N-no, no, it’s not like that! I swear!” He pointed desperately at the shirt, tugging it outward for them to see as if the bright print might shield him from their stares. “I just… I met a girl in Akihabara, her name is Mina! We ran into some stuff, and then I, uh, ended up helping her and—long story short—I got this shirt. That’s all!”

Kanna didn’t let go, her grip tightening with quiet disapproval as she kept sniffing like she could catch him in a lie. Kobayashi, meanwhile, crossed her arms even tighter, her lips pressed in a thin line.

“Tokyo is really close to here.” Issei said quickly, words tumbling out faster than his thoughts. “I just… wanted to check it out! That’s all, I swear! Nothing weird, nothing shady—just… just sightseeing! Honest!”

The silence that followed was suffocating. Kanna’s killing intent still rolled off her like a stormcloud, and Kobayashi’s glare pinned him harder than any supernatural fight he’d stumbled into.

Issei swallowed, tugged nervously at the hem of his shirt, and wished more than anything he’d just gone straight home instead of chasing after adventure in Akihabara.

Tohru, who had been quietly watching the whole scene from the side with her hands folded over her apron, tilted her head. Her tail flicked behind her, betraying her curiosity, but then her nose wrinkled as she caught the faint scent of the meal she’d spent the better part of an hour preparing. The steam was thinning, and the food was growing cold.

She cleared her throat lightly. “I’m interested in this story too,” She admitted, eyes narrowing playfully at Issei, “But… perhaps we can let him explain after dinner? It would be a shame to let the food go to waste.”

Issei’s eyes lit up as though she had thrown him a rope while he was drowning. “Y-yeah! That’s right, I’m starving!” He patted his stomach for emphasis, trying his best to look casual even with Kanna still clutching his sleeve and Kobayashi glaring at him like she was about to summon a tribunal.

Both Kobayashi and Kanna exchanged looks, neither of them softening their expressions. Still, they both felt the growl of hunger in their stomachs. Kanna, reluctantly, released his shirt with a final huff through her nose, while Kobayashi pushed her glasses up her nose and muttered, “Fine. But this conversation isn’t over.”

Issei swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “O-of course not.”

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

The four of them sat at the dining table. Plates clinked softly as Tohru set everything down again. Issei’s stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear, breaking the silence. He laughed nervously, scratching his cheek.

“So,” Kobayashi said at last, chopsticks poised but eyes sharp on Issei, “you were saying?”

Issei dug into the food first, savoring a mouthful of rice before answering, using the taste as courage. “Right, right. Well, when Tohru and Kanna left, I decidied to go to Akihabara. It’s so close to Tokyo, so I thought, why not check it out?” He waved his chopsticks loosely, pretending to be casual. “That’s when I met this girl who looked like she was in need of help. I stepped in, gave her a hand… and after that, well, we became friends.”

He avoided their gazes, focusing on the food instead. “We just spent the day walking around, seeing the stores and stuff. That’s all.”

Kobayashi narrowed her eyes, suspicion deepening. She set her chopsticks down with a quiet click. “That’s all that happened?”

Issei coughed into his hand, cheeks coloring. “Y-yeah, I mean… we talked a bit too.”

Kobayashi leaned forward slightly. “And this girl? What is she like?”

Issei’s expression softened immediately, almost without him realizing. His eyes drifted off as he recalled her. “She’s… brave. Like really brave. Confident too. The kind of girl who just charges forward without thinking twice.” A small laugh escaped him. “Though she’s got this bad habit of biting off more than she can chew. Always getting herself into situations way over her head.”

Then, as though a switch flipped, his face contorted into that familiar perverted grin. “And—oh man—she’s beautiful. Like, seriously. With some gorgeous, big oppai.” He punctuated the words with an exaggerated motion of his hands, as though holding two invisible melons.

The air froze.

Kobayashi’s chopsticks snapped in her grip, her teeth grinding behind a polite but furious smile. “Oh, really.”

Kanna’s aura flared again, her eyes flashing with a mix of betrayal and cold resolve. Her tiny hands clenched in her lap. Tohru’s ears flicked at the shift in atmosphere, but she simply sighed and took another bite, as though resigned to the chaos.

Kanna’s thoughts twisted painfully as she stared at him. ‘Tohru was right. Other girls are planning to take Issei away from me.’ She felt a sharp pang in her chest, one that only fueled the quiet storm rising behind her calm expression.

“B-but I promise we’re only friends,” Issei quickly waved his arms to emphasize his point.

Dinner ended in silence heavier than lead. Plates were cleared, but the mood at the table had soured beyond repair.

When it was time to leave, Issei stretched and gave a nervous laugh. “Well, uh… thanks for the meal. Come on, Kanna, let’s head back.” He didn’t notice her stiff movements as she rose, nor Kobayashi’s glare boring into his back like a dagger.

The two stepped out into the hall, leaving Kobayashi and Tohru behind. Kobayashi leaned back in her chair with a low groan, rubbing her temples, her mind still replaying Issei’s foolish grin.

Kanna walked silently beside Issei on the way to their apartment, her aura faint but still cold. Though she said nothing, her mood was clear—she, like Kobayashi, was not happy with how wonderful this Mina sounded.

And Issei, blissfully unaware of the storm he had stirred, rubbed his stomach contentedly. “Man… Tohru’s cooking really is the best.”

The apartment door clicked behind them, and the familiar silence of home wrapped around the two. Kanna slipped off her shoes, turning toward Issei with her calm, steady gaze.

“…Will you play video games with me tonight?” She asked, her voice soft but expectant.

Issei perked up immediately, grinning. “Of course! You know I never say no to that.” He raised his fist in mock enthusiasm, but the movement stopped short when something hit his nose. He sniffed at his shirt, his grin faltering.

“…Yikes.” He tugged at his collar and sniffed again, making a face. “Ugh, I really stink. Guess running around Tokyo all day didn’t do me any favors. I’ll go take a bath first.”

Kanna’s eyes followed him as he walked toward the bathroom. She didn’t mind his scent at all—if anything, it reminded her of him. But as the door shut behind him, a small frown touched her lips. A thought quietly sparked in her mind. ‘If I go to him now… I can stay closer. Maybe even grow our bond stronger.’

—--------------------------------

Steam curled around the tiled bathroom, blurring the mirror and softening the light. Issei sat submerged in the hot water, groaning as the warmth seeped into his sore muscles. He scrubbed at his chest and arms, sighing.

“Man… nothing like this after a long day. I’d rot away without baths.” He leaned back, closing his eyes, the sound of water dripping from the faucet filling the silence.

Then—creak.

His eyes shot open. The door was sliding open.

“Eh—?!” He sat bolt upright. “Wh-who’s—?”

The steam parted just enough to reveal Kanna stepping inside, her expression calm, utterly unfazed. No towel, no hesitation—just her naked body, the light and haze outlining her form like something out of one of his guilty daydreams.

Issei’s brain went haywire. “K-Kanna?! W-what are you doing?! I’m taking a bath! You can’t just—!” His voice cracked as he scrambled to cover himself with his arms. His face burned red, both from the heat of the water and the shock. Kind of ironic considering that this boy did this all the time to the kendo club girls.

She shut the door behind her and walked closer, her steps unhurried. “I want to spend time with you, and I thought this can deepen our bond.” She said plainly, as if that explained everything.

Issei sputtered, waving his hands frantically. “T-that’s not how this works! You can’t just… just waltz in here and—! D-do you have any idea what this looks like?!”

Kanna ignored his panic and stepped into the water, the bath rippling around them. She moved forward until she pressed against him, her arms looping around his torso in a quiet, deliberate embrace.

Issei went rigid, his back against the tile, his heart thundering in his chest. His mind screamed at him to keep control. ‘Don’t look, don’t look, don’t—oh crap, she’s right there! This is bad, this is really bad!’

His perverted nature clawed at him, tempting his eyes to wander, but his survival instincts screamed louder. If Oba-chan or Tohru ever walked in—he shuddered at the thought.

“Kanna…” His voice was strained, almost pleading. “Y-you can’t just—! I… I’m seriously gonna lose it here!”

But Kanna rested her head against his shoulder, her expression unreadable yet calm. “I want to stay close to you,” She whispered, her words steady, her hold firm.

Issei swallowed, his whole body trembling as he tried to force himself into stillness. The hot water, the weight of her embrace, the closeness—everything pressed down on him, both comforting and terrifying.

‘If I get through this alive,’ He thought desperately, sweat and bathwater trickling down his face, ‘It’ll be a miracle.’

The heat of the bath pressed down on Issei like a suffocating blanket, but it wasn’t just the steam anymore—it was Kanna. Every movement of hers, every shift of her body against his, sent his nerves into overdrive.

‘Don’t think about it… don’t think about it!’ He chanted in his head, his fists clenched under the water. But then Kanna moved closer, her cheek brushing against his shoulder, her arms tightening around his torso. Worse, she began rubbing herself softly against him, as if seeking comfort from the contact.

Issei’s eyes bulged. ‘No no no no no—why is she doing this?! This is—this is BAD!’

The blood rushed to his face, his chest rising and falling faster. He felt as though his very core was overheating, his body reacting in ways he desperately wished it wouldn’t. His heart thumped like a drum, sweat dripping down his forehead despite already being submerged in hot water.

“I… I can’t…” he stammered, voice cracking. His vision blurred, the edges of the room spinning. “It’s too much…!”

And then—black.

He fainted, slumping back against the edge of the tub with a splash.

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

When awareness returned, the ceiling above him was different. Wooden beams and the familiar glow of his own apartment greeted him. He blinked, groaning, realizing he was no longer in the bath but lying under his futon.

A shadow hovered above him. “Issei.”

Kanna’s face came into focus—her eyes wide, her hands fanning over his chest with a folded magazine. She was in her pajamas now, hair slightly damp but neatly combed, worry etched plainly on her face. Relief crossed her features as soon as she saw his eyes open.

“You scared me,” She said softly, still fanning him.

Issei groaned again, then froze as a terrible realization struck him. He tugged the futon up just enough to glance beneath. Naked. Completely. His face turned scarlet instantly.

‘Oh no… ohhh no. She… she definitely saw everything.’

He sat up in a panic, clutching the futon around his waist. “I-I need to get dressed! Where are my clothes—”

Before he could rise fully, Kanna pressed a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, pushing him back down. “Don’t. You’ll overexert yourself again.”

“Overexert—?! I just overheated!” He sputtered, his voice squeaking with embarrassment. “I’m fine now, seriously!”

Kanna shook her head, her expression unreadably calm, almost stern. “Stay still.”

He flopped back with a groan, pulling the futon tighter around him. His mind raced in every humiliating direction. ‘Great. Fantastic. She probably got a full view while dragging me out.’

The creak of the futon frame drew his attention back. Kanna slipped under the blanket with smooth, quiet movements, settling beside him. Before Issei could react, she turned on her side and nestled close, wrapping her arms around his torso once again.

“H-hey!” Issei squeaked, his whole body going rigid. “What are you doing?!”

Her voice was calm, almost drowsy. “We should just sleep.”

Issei’s brain went into meltdown. ‘Sleep?! With her hugging me like this?!’

Every nerve in his body screamed at him as he felt the warmth of her pajamas pressing softly against his skin, the rhythm of her breathing steady and unbothered. Meanwhile, his own breathing was erratic, his thoughts spiraling wildly.

Kanna’s arms tightened slightly, her cheek resting against his chest. “Goodnight, Issei,” she murmured.

He lay there stiff as a board, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to his suffering.

‘If I survive till morning without exploding, it’ll be a miracle…’

(Partner you're being pathetic. Just push her down and follow your basic instincts,)

‘The fuck are you talking about I can’t just do that to her! Kanna probably doesn’t even know what she’s doing? She’s pretty innocent.’

(Innocent. Her? Don’t be fooled, this girl is more than aware of what she’s doing. Don’t fall for her innocent act, she is very much a female dragon)

‘You don’t know what you're talking about. Plus even if I do want to do those things, I promised Obaa-chan and I will not break my promise.

(Haaa. Then don’t blame me when you become nothing but a toy to her whims.)

Luckily the talk with Ddraig was enough to distract his mind to fall asleep after all the fighting he did.

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

Morning light streamed softly through the curtains, dust motes dancing lazily in the golden beams. The quiet hum of the city outside was faint, a distant rhythm against the stillness inside the apartment.

Issei’s eyes blinked open, groggy, his mind taking a second to catch up with reality. For a fleeting moment he thought he was still dreaming—until he became acutely aware of the problem.

Kanna’s body was pressed tightly against him under the futon, her arms looped around his torso like an iron clamp. Her breathing was steady and soft, her cheek resting against his shoulder. To anyone else, it might have seemed innocent, even peaceful. But to Issei—wide awake and rapidly turning red—it was pure torture.

‘I actually… slept like this?’ He thought, his mind screaming at the memory. ‘No, no, no—how the hell did I not die last night?!’

But there was an even bigger problem. His stomach twisted with urgency, his body screaming at him in another way entirely. He really needed to go to the bathroom. ‘Great. Just great. Out of all times…’

He looked down at Kanna, still clinging to him with her small but deceptively strong grip. Carefully, painfully, he tried to peel her arms off. Each tiny movement felt like a minefield. One wrong twitch and she’d wake up, and he’d be in for another round of awkwardness.

“C’mon… easy does it…” He muttered under his breath, sweat beading on his forehead. He wriggled, inch by inch, sliding out from her hold like a man escaping a dragon’s jaws. At one point she stirred, tightening her hold unconsciously, and his heart nearly stopped.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he slipped free. He let out a silent breath of triumph. ‘Yes! Freedom!’

But the victory was short-lived. He looked down at himself—and his soul left his body. He remembered that he was absolutely naked.

‘Oh, crap.’

His face burned crimson. “Why… why did I have to faint last night in the bath…?” He groaned to himself, clapping his hands to his face. In a mad scramble, he grabbed his clothes from the small dresser, fumbling with his shirt and pants as fast as possible and left for another room..

Moments later, he stood in front of the mirror, casually dressed again. He tugged down the hem of his shirt, sighing in relief. “Okay. Okay. Crisis averted. No one saw a thing. It’s fine.”

But when he stepped back into his room, he froze.

Kanna was sitting up on the futon, rubbing her eyes with one hand, her long hair messy and tumbling over her shoulders. She blinked at him, her gaze still hazy from sleep. Then, slowly, she rose to her feet and padded across the floor toward him.

“Issei…” Her voice was soft, groggy.

“H-huh?” he stammered, suddenly stiff.

She reached him and, without hesitation, wrapped her arms around his waist in a sleepy hug, pressing her forehead lightly against his chest. “…Good morning.”

Issei’s panic melted into something else. He blinked down at her, caught off guard, then let out a soft chuckle. “Good morning, Kanna.”

His hand hesitated for a moment, then gently patted her head. A faint smile tugged at his lips despite the embarrassment and the chaos of last night. For just a moment, the world outside their little apartment didn’t matter.

Still, as he hugged her back lightly, one nervous thought echoed in his head. ‘If Oba-chan sees us like this first thing in the morning… I’m a dead man.’

Kanna’s arms lingered around his waist for a few moments longer before she finally pulled back, tilting her head with that same quiet, curious expression she always wore. Her voice, soft but intent, broke the silence.

“What are we going to play today?”

Issei blinked, still half flustered from her morning hug, and scratched the back of his head. “Uh… well…” His eyes flicked toward the small shelf where their controllers and games were stacked. “We could play Smash Bros again? Or maybe Mario Kart—”

But then another thought hit him. He glanced toward the window, where a warm morning breeze pushed at the curtains. “…Actually, maybe we could head outside today. Go walk around the park or something. Fresh air, you know?”

Before Kanna could respond, a sharp vibration and a cheerful ringtone broke through the quiet.

Bzzt bzzt—

Issei jumped, fumbling in his pocket. “Ah! My phone.” He pulled it free, the small screen lighting up with the caller’s name.

Kanna leaned forward, her eyes narrowing in confusion at the glowing rectangle. “What is that?”

Issei smiled, holding it up so she could see. “This? It’s called a cellphone. Think of it like… a device to talk to people, no matter how far away they are. Someone could be across the city—or even in another country—and I can still have a conversation with them.”

Kanna blinked slowly, processing. “…Like magic?”

He laughed. “Pretty much, yeah. Modern magic.”

But before he could explain further, his eyes focused on the screen—and suddenly lit up like a kid at Christmas. “Oh! Mina!” He said aloud, grinning ear to ear.

Kanna froze, her expression darkening as her eyes narrowed into a glare.

Issei didn’t notice, too excited as he pressed the phone to his ear. “Hello? Mina!”

On the other end, Mina’s voice came through, sharp yet slightly weary. “Issei, I need your help. Can you come to Shinjuku?”

His posture straightened. “Shinjuku? Uh, yeah, of course. What’s going on?”

There was a pause, then Mina sighed, the sound heavy through the speaker. “…There’s been a murder. We believe it’s supernatural in nature. I’ve been sent to investigate—and if possible, stop the killings before more happen.”

Issei’s cheerful expression dropped instantly, replaced with a rare seriousness. A murder. Not just some street brawl, not just a simple youkai dispute—something darker. His gut twisted. That… that's bad. Really bad.

“I’ll come as fast as I can,” He said firmly, no hesitation in his voice.

“…Thank you,” Mina replied, some of the tension leaving her words. “I’ll be waiting near a café. I’ll send you the directions.”

The line clicked as the call ended, the screen dimming back to black.

Issei stared at the phone for a moment, thumb still resting against the edge, before slowly slipping it back into his pocket. His brow furrowed, thoughts already racing ahead. ‘A murder case… if it’s supernatural, that means whoever—or whatever—is behind it won’t stop easily. This is going to be dangerous.’

The lighthearted air of the morning seemed to evaporate, replaced by a heavy, looming weight. He stood there quietly, already steeling himself for what was to come.

Behind him, Kanna’s eyes remained fixed on him, sharp and unreadable. The name “Mina” echoed in her mind like a thorn, and the unease in her chest deepened.

Issei slipped his phone into his pocket with a heavy sigh, shoulders weighed down by the seriousness of Mina’s words. When he turned around, Kanna was standing right there in front of him, her cheeks puffed into a pout, her arms folded tight against her chest.

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Sorry, Kanna. Looks like I won’t be able to play with you today. I’ve gotta go outside and take care of something important.”

Her expression didn’t budge. Instead, she leaned in, lips pressing into a thin line. “No. You promised to spend time with me.”

The bluntness of her voice hit him harder than expected. He raised both hands, trying to placate her. “I know, I know. But this is really serious. I’ll drop you off with Tohru, alright? That way you won’t be bored—”

“No.” Kanna’s eyes sharpened, her pout shifting into a glare. “You’re just going to spend time with this Mina person. Not with me.”

Issei winced. ‘She’s not wrong… but still…’

“Look, it’s not like that!” He said quickly, waving his arms as if trying to swat away her suspicion. “It’s something really important. She called me because it’s an emergency, not because we’re going on a date or anything! I swear!”

But Kanna didn’t blink. Instead, she huffed through her nose, turning her head away slightly. “…Fine. Then I’ll just come with you. I want to see this Mina girl.”

“Eh?!” Issei’s jaw dropped. “No way, Kanna. You can’t! It’ll be dangerous.”

“I’m coming with you.” She said flatly, her voice as solid as stone, “or else you’re not leaving.”

Issei froze. Her tone was so absolute, so matter-of-fact, that it left him speechless. ‘Why does it feel like I just got checkmated in my own house…?’

He opened his mouth to argue, but a deep, resonant voice suddenly boomed in his head.

(Partner.)

‘D-Ddraig?!’ Issei twitched, startled.

(Listen. You should bring her.) The dragon rumbled, calm but commanding. (This girl is far stronger than you and the miko combined. If there’s real danger, her presence will be your best shield.)

Issei’s brows furrowed, his hand tightening at his side. He glanced at Kanna, who was still glaring at him, tiny sparks of lightning almost visible in her eyes. ‘I know that. But… this is different. A murder scene… what if she—’

(You worry too much.) Ddraig’s voice shook through his chest like a heartbeat. (She can handle it. Far better than you realize.)

Issei stood there, silent, caught between the warning weight of Mina’s words and the steady pressure of Kanna’s unwavering glare. Finally, he let out a long, weary sigh. “Alright. Fine. You can come. But we need to hurry.”

Kanna’s pout melted instantly into a small, victorious smile.

“But,” Issei added quickly, wagging a finger at her, “on the way there, I’ll explain what really happened yesterday. No holding back this time. You need to know what you’re walking into. Plus I want you to completely hide your aura and presence. I don't want you to reveal yourself as a dragon, unless you're in danger.”

Kanna tilted her head slightly, her eyes calm but curious now. “…Okay.”

Issei grabbed his bag and slipped on his shoes, still muttering under his breath. “Man, this is gonna get messy. Hope Mina doesn’t get angry for bringing you with me.”

But when he glanced back at Kanna, already changing out of her pajamas and lacing up her shoes without a shred of hesitation, he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. ‘She’s stubborn as hell… but at least I won’t be going in alone.’

With that, the two stepped out into the morning streets, the weight of the day already pressing down on their shoulders.

Finally done. This was supposed to come out yesterday but unfortunately I fell asleep from how tired I was. Hope you like it. Tell me what do you think Kanna’s reaction will be when she meets her rival. Are you excited for the next fight? Who do you think is killing the residents of Shinjuku? Comment, tell me if I made any mistakes and do say thank you to Luis for this commission.