Hub World, Earth, Japan, Tokyo.
The next day, Tatsuo, Sumire, Mai, Kasumi, and Tio were gathered around the table for breakfast when Tatsuo suddenly raised his head and looked at his mother with an expression that said: "Damn, I forgot again."
"What's wrong, Tatsu-Chan?" Sumire asked after seeing the expression on Tatsuo's face.
"Actually, there are two things I need to tell you, Mom." Tatsuo said after swallowing the eggs that were in his mouth. "First, I didn't get any physically stronger during that training trip to the other world."
"Hmm... That's interesting." Sumire said while rubbing her chin. "Considering how hard you said you trained while you were gone, there's no way that should have happened. I'll have to examine you more closely to see why that was. But we can do that after school today. So, what's the second---"
"I'd be more than happy to examine your body, Tatsu-Kun." Mai said with her eyes sparkling and a bit of drool dripping from the corner of her mouth. "I'll check every nook and cranny. And I promise, I'll be very, Mmm~, thorough."
*Spritz!*
"Down, girl." Sumire said after producing a plastic spray bottle from nowhere and spraying Mai in the face like one would a cat in heat. "Stop trying to seduce Tatsu-Chan before his sixteenth birthday."
Completely dumbfounded, Mai stared at Sumire with surprise on her face. The question, "Did she really just spray me with a spray bottle?" all but written on her face.
"Anyway, what's the second thing you wanted to tell me, Tatsu-Chan?" Sumire asked with a sweet smile on her face as she allowed the spray bottle to disappear from whence it came.
"Oh... Uh... Yeah." Tatsuo, just as taken aback as everyone at the table because of Sumire's new way to stop Mai, said in a dumb tone. "I... *cough* I told Yakumo-Chan about the supernatural last night. I showed her my dragon scales and told her that we weren't exactly human. And uh... I should have asked you before telling her your secret first, sorry..."
For the first time since he had been Rescued, Sumire, Mai, and Kasumi saw Tatsuo lower his head in apology. Though, just that would not have been anything special. None of them thought that Tatsuo thought himself above apologizing for his mistakes. Yet, the utterly embarrassed and fearful expression he was wearing made all four women want to hug him and comfort him.
Not to say that any of them thought Tatsuo was afraid of being punished for his mistake. Instead, they could all tell that he was afraid of seeing a disappointed expression on his mother's face, something that would have been impossible only three months ago.
However, ever since his emotions started normalizing, Tatsuo started acting more like a fifteen-year-old child... When he was around those he trusted, at least. And the expression on his face at the moment made Sumire, Mai, Kasumi, and Tio want to pamper him and tell him that everything would be okay.
And Sumire did just that.
"don't worry, Tatsu-Chan." Sumire said as she disappeared from her seat, reappearing next to Tatsuo and pulling his head into her chest with a loving hug. "It's not a big deal. I've never hid my species before, you know. It's just, there usually isn't a reason to show it off. So, Yakumo-Chan knowing doesn't bother me."
"Really?" Tatsuo asked as he raised his head with slight worry still in his eyes.
"That's right." Sumire said much more enthusiastically than strictly necessary.
"So, then, you're not mad?" Tatsuo asked.
"Not at all." Sumire replied. "In fact, I'm happy that you've taken the initiative to get closer to someone."
Hearing that, Tatsuo smiled. Then, he wrapped his arms around Sumire, returning the hug, which made Sumire squeal happily, Kasumi smile warmly, Tio hide her face behind her hand fan, and Mai start stewing in jealousy.
Meanwhile, Tatsuo smirked internally after seeing the [Notification] that popped up in his head.
{[Notifications]
[Skill], [Acting] has increased in rank from D to C-.}
In most cases, Tatsuo would have never been able to fool Sumire. With her long life and vast experience as the Void Empress, she would normally be able to see through acting skills on Tatsuo's level without an issue. However, Tatsuo took advantage of the way his mother usually fawned over him in most situations. And that lead to a two-step increase in his [Acting Skill].
Yet, Tatsuo was genuinely apologetic for telling Sumire's secret without her permission. But he was not nearly as broken up over it as he portrayed himself to be.
"Anyway, don't worry about that right now~." Sumire said, unaware that Tatsuo's downcast expression was not genuine. "So, what did Yakumo-Chan say when you told her?"
"She asked for time to think about it." Tatsuo replied. "I also told her that if she wasn't interested in delving into this life and learning more about her psionic abilities, we could make it so that the conversation never happened."
"Good." Sumire said while stroking Tatsuo's head gently. "Well, I don't think we have anything to worry about. I bet before long, she'll give you an answer."
"I hope so." Tatsuo replied. "Honestly, I really hope she accepts my proposal."
"Proposal!?" Mai shrieked in horror. "Did you... Did you... Did you... ask her to m-m-marry you, Tatsu-Kun? But what about our promise?"
*Sigh!* x 3
*Giggle!*
Immediately upon hearing Mai's exclamation, Tatsuo, Sumire, and Kasumi sighed in unison. At the same time, Tio could not help giggling at the situation. A moment later, Tatsuo, Sumire, and Kasumi decided to ignore Mai's melodrama. Then, they all went back to eating as if nothing happened.
"Hey! Don't ignore me!" Mai shouted indignantly. "This is important. I need to know if I need to plan an assass---- Ow~~~~~!"
*Bang!*
Mai's words were cut off by the sound produced when Sumire's harisen slammed into the top of her head.
"Tatsu-Chan was right." Sumire said. "First of all, you need new material, Mai-Chan. This promise business is getting stale. Second, no assassinations that have not been approved by me first."
"Seriously, that was the issue?" Tatsuo and Kasumi said in unison.
"Plus, if you assassinate Yakumo-Chan, I'll hate you forever, Mai-Nee." Tatsuo said in a serious tone.
Immediately, the indignity in Mai's expression melted away. Then, it was replaced with dread. Just the thought of Tatsuo hating her made Mai want to start crying. And not the loud, obnoxious crying she does so often. But genuine, heartfelt crying that would show the pain in her heart.
"Well, if you don't do anything like that, we won't have to worry about that." Tatsuo said in a much gentler tone after seeing Mai's expression.
"*Sniff* Okay." Mai said. "I won't. *Sniff*"
After that, the rest of breakfast passed peacefully. Then, Tatsuo and Kasumi left for school.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Tatsuo said as he and Kasumi walked through the apartment building's entrance. "Did you see Ayane-San yesterday, Nee-San?"
"I did." Kasumi replied with a nod and a smile. "She was looking for me while I was on the way to school after we split up yesterday. Luckily, I was able to keep out of her line of sight. *Sigh* I really don't wanna have to fight her. But I know that time is inevitable."
"Plus, I doubt she would hesitate to attack you even if you were in public." Tatsuo added. "From what you told me, she's really all about her mission. Innocent bystanders probably aren't even in her consideration."
"*Sigh* I wish I could disagree with you." Kasumi said while shaking her head. "But for those of us raised in the Mugen Tenshin Village, the clan rules are absolute. What scares me even more is that she might try to kill you, Sumire-Sama, Mai-San, and Tio-San if she finds out I've been living with you. And that would be for no reason other than the fact that I might have told you all about the village."
"Well, I can only pray for the rest of your village if that really happens." Tatsuo said, his expression turning blood thirsty. "Because the Mugen Tenshin Village will no longer exist if they try to take---"
"Tatsuo-Kun." Kasumi said as she grabbed Tatsuo by the hand. "Calm down. It will be okay. I'm sure Sumire-Sama and the others will be okay."
Kasumi's soft tone snapped Tatsuo out of his premature thoughts of violence and revenge. He then realized that Kasumi was looking at him with worry.
"Sorry." Tatsuo said while shaking off any lingering thoughts. "I guess I got a little carried away."
"You really don't have to worry about the Mugen Tenshin Village." Kasumi said soothingly. "I'm sure the misunderstanding between us will be taken care of before things come to that. You have to trust me on this."
'Plus, there is an order in the village that says attacking anyone connected to Sumire-Sama is completely forbidden.' Kasumi thought to herself. 'So, once Ayane recognizes Sumire-Sama, she'll probably leave me alone Alt other. I just hope she recognizes her soon enough. Otherwise, Ayame will be declared a traitor, as well.'
"*Sigh* I will." Tatsuo replied, completely unaware of Kasumi's thoughts or the law the Mugen Tenshin village set in regards to his mother. "I just don't like the thought of anyone attacking the people I treasure. It reminded me of when I saw that bitch, Christie."
"Everything will be okay." Kasumi said. "For now, let's just focus on getting to school."
"Okay." Tatsuo replied, once again shaking his head.
With that, the two continued on their way to their respective schools. Before long, they separated and went towards their own schools. Not long after that, Tatsuo arrived at his middle school. Then, he went about his day as usual.
One thing to take note of was the fact that Yakumo talked to him normally without bringing up the supernatural throughout the day. Also, she did not come to his apartment to learn about audio editing that night, either. Nor did she come over for the rest of the week.
Chiho, on the other hand, was not aware of the conversation Tatsuo and Yakumo had at Tatsuo's apartment. She did bring up something important, though. Something that neither Tatsuo nor Yakumo had been putting too much worry into, unlike her.
"It's almost time for the High School Entrance Exams." Chiho said during the last break of the day. "*Sigh* I'm so nervous. What if I don't get a good enough score to get into the school I want?"
"You're aiming for Yagami High, right?" Tatsuo asked.
"Yeah." Chiho replied. "It's one of the better schools in the area."
"Well, that's where I plan to go, too." Tatsuo replied. "So, it looks like we'll be school mates next year, too."
"Your sister goes there, right?" Chiho asked while wearing a contemplative expression. She then looked at Yakumo and continued. "Your sister and her friends are Yagami students, too, right, Yakumo-Chan?"
"That's right." Yakumo replied. "I'm planning to attend Yagami, as well."
"Then, that means it really must be a good school." Chiho said, her nervousness growing. "I mean, if the two smartest students in our school wanna go there."
"I only chose it because Kasumi-Neesan goes there." Tatsuo replied with a shrug. "It really doesn't matter what school I go to."
"I actually expected you to pick somewhere like Shuchin Academy, though." Chiho said. "I mean, with your mom's status, I thought an elite school like that one would fit you better."
In response, Tatsuo only shrugged. Though, the thought of interacting with the cast of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War was interesting. He thought the antics the School Rumble cast got up to would be more entertaining.
"Like I said, the school doesn't matter to me." Tatsuo replied. "But my only two friends are planning to go to Yagami. So, it seems like a better choice to me."
"I see." Chiho said with a wide smile on her face. A moment later, her expression turned determined. "Well then, I guess I'll have to work hard so we're not separated, huh?"
"Should I help you study, then?' Yakumo asked.
"Would you?" Chiho asked hopefully as she grabbed Yakumo's hands.
"Of course." Yakumo said with a smile spreading across her lips.
"I doubt you actually need that much help, though." Tatsuo said with a shrug. "Your grades have been getting a lot better lately. So, as long as you don't forget what you've learned, you'll be fine."
"I wish I could be as confident as you." Chiho said with a pout. "Not all of us are that smart, though."
"Don't sell yourself short, Chi-Chan." Tatsuo said as he reached out and patted Chiho on the head. "You're plenty smart. You just need more confidence."
Blushing slightly, Chiho reached out and swept Tatsuo's hand away.
"Just because I'm short, don't treat me like a kid." Chiho said.
'Besides, I'd much rather have Maou-San patting me on the head.' Chiho thought to herself as her blush deepened.
Seeing Chiho's reaction and hearing her thoughts, Yakumo looked at her with her usual expression. Though, her cheeks reddened slightly as well. Then, she stole a quick glance at Tatsuo, who was having fun teasing Chiho.
*Ding!* *Dong!* *Dong!* *Ding!*
The trio continued to chat for a little longer. Then, the bell rang, and Chiho returned to her seat. After that, the Classical Japanese teacher, a pretty middle-aged woman, stepped into the classroom and began the class.
'I've noticed, there are so many good looking people in this world.' Tatsuo thought to himself while listening to the teacher. 'I guess it's the magic of an anime/video game world. Well, I'm not complaining.'
After school ended, Tatsuo, Yakumo, and Chiho said their goodbyes before separating, with Chiho heading to the MgRonald's, Yakumo heading home to continue thinking about Tatsuo's offer, and Tatsuo heading towards the subway station to make his way to the Sumiredori Shopping district.
Not long after getting off the train at his stop, Tatsuo found himself entering Restaurant Yukihira while talking on the phone.
"Yeah, Mom, I'm gonna bring some food home tonight." Tatsuo said into the phone. "So, you don't have to cook.... Trust me, this stuff is really good. You'll love it... Okay, see you when I get home."
"Welcome!" A red-haired boy with yellow eyes, Yukihira Soma, said, greeting Tatsuo as he entered the store. "Oh, it's you?"
"You remember me?" Tatsuo asked as he put his smartphone into his pocket. "I'm actually surprised."
"Well, we don't actually get as many new customers as you'd think." Soma replied with a shrug. "But Our regulars keep us busy. So..."
"Well, I guess I'm lucky." Tatsuo said with a smile. "If there were more people that knew about this place, I'd never get a seat. At the very least, I'd have to wait forever."
"Haha!" Soma laughed good-naturedly. "Anyway, there's a seat at the counter. Go ahead and take a seat. I'll take your order in a minute."
"No need, Soma." Soma's father, Jōichirō, said from behind the counter. "I'll take this young man's order."
"You got it, Old Man." Soma replied. He then turned to Tatsuo again. "Well, enjoy your meal."
Nodding in response, Tatsuo approached the bar before taking a seat.
"Long time, no see, Young Man." Jōichirō said while flipping a wok full of fried rice. "You're alone this time? Did your girlfriends break up with you?"
"Nah." Tatsuo said with a shrug and a smile. "I would say they're not my girlfriends, but I get the feeling you would just tease me even more if I did."
"Probably." Jōichirō replied.
"Actually, the reason they didn't come with me is your fault, Sir." Tatsuo said, his smile widening.
"Just call me Jōichirō." Jōichirō said. "I'm not really into all that formality-stuff."
"If you say so." Tatsuo said.
"Anyway, you say it's my fault they're not with you today, huh?" Jōichirō asked, picking up the previous topic. "Did they not like the food or the service?"
"Nah, just the opposite." Tatsuo said, his smile widening yet again. "The food was too good. They were too embarrassed by the sounds they made after eating it to come back."
"Hahahahahaha!" Hearing that, Jōichirō could not help laughing at the top of his lungs. Even so, he did not fail to handle the food in the wok with absolute precision. "Well, that's not the first time I've heard that before. But it never gets old. And it's probably one of the best compliments I could get."
"I thought you'd get a kick out of that." Tatsuo said with a grin.
"Yeah." Jōichirō replied with a grin of his own. "Anyway, what can I get you today?"
With that, Tatsuo put in his to-go order. Then, he watched Jōichirō's every move like a hawk while continuing to chat with him. On top of that, he chatted with the high school and middle school-aged female regulars who saw him last time but did not strike up a conversation with him because he was with two girls.
Eventually, Jōichirō completed Tatsuo's order, put it in to-go containers, and bagged it up before handing it to Tatsuo.
"Well, here's your order." Jōichirō said. "Your total is..."
Tatsuo then paid the total before bidding Soma and Jōichirō goodbye. Then, he left the restaurant and headed for the subway station. Along the way, Tatsuo could not help smiling when he looked at the most recent [Notification] he received.
{[Notifications]
[Skill], [Cooking] has increased in rank from C+ to B.}