Musashi Great War II---------NO------The beginning of the end II

Part2

3rd Person POV

Tugging Saya into her futon, Nora had put her sleeping wear, a green pajama with cats printed all over. He added her favorite plushie, a version of himself and Saya was now napping comfortably. There was a gentle green glow coming from the magatama around her neck and Nora sighed as he saw that.

Leaving the room, the youth walked aimlessly for a while before arriving at Yasaka's room. The kitsune had already been waiting for him it seemed given that she had placed a cup of tea in from of her while she drank one herself.

"Do you think I am being conceited for expecting you to come here?" Yasaka giggled.

"Just a little cheeky, but that is also part of your charm." Nora shrugged his shoulders.

Smiling at that, Yasaka pointed to the teacup.

"Care to join me for one drink?" Yasaka asked.

"That's a phrase not usually heard when you offer someone tea, but rather some sort of alcoholic drink, my fair lady." Nora obliged and sat down facing- no, he sat down beside Yasaka. Their shoulders were close to one another and just by turning their heads, their breaths would hit their faces.

Taking the cup of tea, the youth took a sip and lowered his arm holding the cup. Idly placing it on his lap, the youth remained with his mouth shut. Yasaka saw this and did not press for any kind of conversation.

"...I wonder how things came to be this way." Nora said. "I guess black cats are not lucky cats like Kaa-san said." Nora smiled wryly.

"...in hindsight, it was obvious." Yasaka giggled.

"But I keep winning the lottery..." Nora mumbled.

"...did you seduce lady luck or something?" Yasaka recalled all the times the youth got winning tickets.

It was to the point that foul play was suspected, but even after a detailed investigation by the lottery companies, nothing out of place was found.

"The only lady I have been trying to seduce all this time is you though?" Nora said.

"You are a smooth talker like always." Yasaka sighed.

"Guilty." Nora chuckled.

"Hey, about what Saya said about us..." Yasaka asked.

"I know why you said nothing back at her." Nora spoke. "Kaa-san is aware of everything even if we don't tell her."

"...everything?" Yasaka blushed.

"You left your underwear in my room, what did you expect?" Nora scoffed.

"...so that's why she chased me with a knife in hand at that time." Yasaka nodded in understanding. "Why am I alive?"

"I cleared the misunderstanding. It is not like we have crossed that line after all." Nora muttered. "It is still quite embarrassing that her son had to be the one to tell her that her best friend and him were doing this and that."

"I owe you one for that." Yasaka covered her face, embarrassed about what she just heard.

"...her reaction was, well, unique, so I would like if you don't ask what happened next." Nora looked away.

"...and you went along with what happened?" Yasaka threw a wild question. "Did you...?"

Narrowing her eyes, Yasaka gave the youth a sharp look.

"Are you getting jealous of your best friend now?" Nora asked. "She is technically my mother."

"The fact that you have to add 'technically' before you say mother is what worries me." Yasaka mumbled. "...I am not jealous though."

Looking away, Yasaka snorted.

"Well, there is a lot going on between us. I can't simply deny it and you know it." Nora said. "I can't say what is exactly going on between us either, but I can guess what that pretty head of yours is thinking."

"It is not something I am just 'thinking'. Back then-" Yasaka did not say anything else.

"Saya is... a beautiful woman. She is charming in all possible bases, physically she has a body many women wish they had and men desire. She has charisma and her personality that always leans toward doing the right thing is popular among her acquaintances." Nora muttered. "Any man would fall for her charms. I know that it is why you understand better than anyone those qualities she has that you have those ideas."

Taking a sip of tea, Nora paused to taste the bitterness of his drink.

"However, make no mistake. The reason why our relationship is special has nothing to do with that." Nora said. "It is... complicated."

Sighing, Nora lightly bumped his with Yasaka.

"Yasaka-san... do you think this is my punishment for all the killing I have done? Haha, what a silly thing to say. Forget about it." Nora smiled wryly. "I was just joking."

Trying to laugh it off, Nora was about to stand up when Yasaka pulled him back and hugged him. His face ended up buried in her bountiful chest and the youth ignored his need to breathe.

"There is no way that is true." Yasaka spoke in a gentle tone. "Saya's situation, your situation... it has nothing to do with actions like killing. If you could measure the evil actions someone did and they would receive appropriate punishment, then there would be no need for any law endorsement individuals. Humans and supernatural beings alike would be judged by that unseen force."

Yasaka's hands were warm, and her hug made the youth feel all fuzzy inside. She held him carefully, like the slightest rough treatment could hurt him badly. Her hand caressed his hair and went down his back. She slowly traced the muscles on his back and Yasaka's hands continued to go down until she reached his butt and squeezed it.

"Ettu, Yasaka?" Nora's voice sounded confused.

This was enough to snap Yasaka out of her trance.

"Stupid and sensual Nora..." Yasaka coughed.

Not saying anything back to that, the youth waited for Yasaka to speak.

"...if you could judge what evils you had done, then you surely had to compare it to the good deeds you performed. It would all be weighted in a balance." Yasaka said. "Nora, you have been trying to make up for all the evil you have done all this time. You take in homeless people and offer them jobs and education opportunities so they can pursue their dreams. You took stray animals under your wing and they are no longer starving. I know about how you go to places where disasters strike and you offer your assistance. Food, medicine... manpower, and materials to rebuild. It all comes from your own pocket."

"That's just me using people to test my inventions. I need test subjects to confirm the effects of my concoctions." Nora muttered.

"That is a lie, and you know it is." Yasaka spoke. "I dare you to ask any of the people working with you doing that to see if they share your views."

"I have kidnapped several people." Nora mumbled.

"You are talking about the scientists that were going to most likely be killed because they made huge breakthroughs? Throughout the years I have lived, humans have made moves on such people. Cures to certain medicines that could threaten pharmaceutical companies or technological breakthroughs that could make companies' products turn obsolete and cause them to go bankrupt." Yasaka sighed. "You are taking them under your wing to protect them, even going as far as to take in their families with them."

"They are 90% women." Nora added.

"You punk!" Yasaka put more strength in her hug.

"Yasaka is prettier!" Nora hastily uttered as he felt the 'gentle' hug causing his bones to make sounds.

"Hmph, so you know it then." Yasaka released her vice grip- no, gentle hug.

Sighing in relief, the youth did not have the time to catch his breath.

"You said, prettier... so they are pretty too?" Yasaka giggled.

It was no mistake that Nora's body warned him of a great danger, his senses sharpened to the limit and his mind continuously created possible answers for the same question while giving him the possible outcome. However, the small Nora inside his head was in charge of all that snorted and decided to be honest.

It was the worst possible choice, but the small Nora only had one thing to say about it. The outcome will be the same no matter what he says.

"Indeed, they have a curvy figure and anything they wear looks sexy on them." Nora honestly said.

"You are a real bastard..." Yasaka 'smiled'.

"Anything I could say would make you mad so I might as well just come clean." Nora prepared himself.

"That so?" Yasaka sighed. "Bring them to me next time, it is important to get to know any possible woman you might put your hands onto."

Puzzled, Nora raised his head from Yasaka's cleavage, although the youth got slightly shy when their faces were so close that a paper-thin distance prevented them from kissing. This time, he lowered his chin and rested his head that way on Yasaka's breasts before talking.

"Aren't you going to get angry?" Nora asked.

"Blushing now? How cute." Yasaka smirked. "What is it? Do you want me to get mad at you every time you meet a beautiful woman? I would be full of wrinkles in no time if I did that."

"No but..." Nora mumbled.

"You can be really cute at times like these." Yasaka giggled. "I was originally expecting you to have a harem even before you hoodwinked me into joining yours."

"Hoodwink..." Nora sighed. "Can you call it seduce? You make it sound like I am a bad guy forcing you to do unspeakable things that only an 18+ audience can see."

"Fufu, I think the term seduce fits more a cunning fox like me, don't think?" Yasaka chuckled in amusement.

"Indeed, a temptress like you could have any kind of man she desired with a snap of her fingers." Nora tried to shrug his shoulders, although that only made him push Yasaka's breasts onto his face. "See? Temptress."

Nora used a finger to point at him and while he had tried to make it seem he was complaining, the blissful expression he had was hard to deny.

"Me? A temptress... I cannot deny my beauty but you are more fitting to carry that kind of title. Mister charmer, heartbreaker, playboy... The list could go on longer than that." Yasaka mumbled. "And before you deny it, remember the cat brigade, the Valkyries among many other groups that have close ties with us simply because they were interested in you. Do not forget that the only nekomatas in Urakyoto we had before were Saya and you. Now, we have hundreds of nekomatas all because they wish to be close to you."

"Urgh."Nora grunted. "No, it is just because I am a male nekomata so I am a rare opportunity for them."

"Are you telling me this because you are that dense or because you are afraid I will be angry after the number of women who want you has increased?" Yasaka chuckled. "You underestimate how charming you are. Let me put it like this... do you think Saya is pretty?"

"Indeed, Kaa-san is attractive, her charm stats are maxed at EX." Nora honestly replied. "Of course, Yasaka-san is the same."

Rolling her eyes, Yasaka smiled wryly at the youth adding the last part, although it did make her happy.

"You are a male version of her. You can make 11 women out of 10 to turn their heads if you walk on any street." Yasaka said.

"...11 out of 10, crap, so you are saying ghosts- I mean, stands are also after my meat." Nora mumbled.

"Pffft, haha, I guess you could say so." Yasaka laughed.

"Darn, I must be a dangerous beast then." Nora smiled.

Looking at his somewhat amused and innocent expression as he said this, Yasaka understood that the youth did not take her words to heart. It has been something they have been unable to change. The youth does not accept he is physically charming but rather believes he is capable of hoodwinking others because of his sweet tongue.

"Then if you do not accept my first reason, it has to be the second one. You were afraid of me getting angry at your playboy ways." Yasaka said.

"Er... No?" Nora awkwardly whistled.

"I don't mind." Yasaka sighed. "Youkais have always been quite free-spirited in that regard. Not to mention, if we go into how things in Urakyoto are normally done, Kunou will be the next ruler so we don't have to worry about problems like having too many children who could fight for the position. Although I would appreciate it if you make sure to have a child with Kunou at least."

"Should a woman really be saying that her man should knock up her daughter as well?" Nora asked.

"I trust you will treat my girl well." Yasaka replied. "The only thing I ask is to never neglect your women. If you want a harem, you need to treat everyone appropriately. Not everyone longs for the same thing. The younger ones desperately seek attention but older ones can be happy with you occasionally paying attention to them. The older you grow, the more responsibilities you have so the time you get to spend doing 'nyan nyan' would be reduced."

Speaking in a really frank tone, Yasaka caressed the youth's hair.

"You are the only person I have faith in who could pull off stunts that defy common sense." Yasaka said.

"But, I am not-" Nora tried to speak but was interrupted.

Leaning her head slightly, Yasaka softly kissed the youth.

"Worthy?" Yasaka smiled mischievously after seeing the youth. "You need to have confidence in yourself."

Before the youth could offer another denial, Yasaka leaned again and kissed the youth. The kiss lasted longer this time and before the youth could counterattack, Yasaka pulled back her head. Sting out her tongue playfully, Yasaka then smiled mischievously again.

"Even if you have no confidence in you..." Yasaka hugged the youth with more strength. "You can put your trust in us. You can have confidence in our judgment."

Leaning toward the youth as he tried to deny it again, Yasaka took advantage of his opened mouth and engaged in a sloppy kiss without wasting any time. The youth reciprocated instantly and their tongues began fighting for supremacy.

Neither side wanted to give in the lead, but Yasaka parted their lips. A little out of breath, the woman grazed at the youth tenderly.

"My judgment..." Yasaka panted. "It's not wrong."

Going at it again, Yasaka began kissing the youth passionately, and continued to do so without caring for the presence outside the room. She seemed to be aware of it, but Yasaka did not mind it.

"If you won't listen to my words..." Yasaka parted ways and whispered in the youth's ears in a sweet tone. "I guess I have no other choice other than to engrave it on your body by doing this."

Smiling, Yasaka softly kissed the youth's left cheek.

"Even if you don't acknowledge your charm, your skills, and your accomplishments...." Yasaka kissed his other cheek. "We will engrave on your body over and over like this."

Not allowing even a second for the youth to express himself, Yasaka leaned her body back and pulled the youth with her. As soon as her back was against the ground, she spun with Nora until she was now about the youth and he remained with his back on the ground.

"Do you think I am a bad woman who is taking advantage of a younger guy?" Yasaka asked.

The youth was entranced by Yasaka's bountiful breasts that were inches away from his chest. The kimono trying its hardest along with the enticing black bra. The racy design could be greatly appreciated thanks to the open cleavage that allowed Nora to get a good look, or rather, the fact that Yasaka was using one hand to move her kimono to one side to give him a clearer view. The black semi-translucent material had small flowery patterns and it was quite a choice for someone of her standing who was always busy. Her duties might suddenly require her to have audiences with her people so it made the youth wonder when did the woman get so lewd to do it. The contrasting color with her yellow kimono made it even more noticeable for the youth.

"I am extremely grateful that you are a bad woman who is taking advantage of me." Nora spoke his thoughts without a filter. "In fact, do take advantage of me more. I know you can do better."

Smiling at that, Yasaka was pleased to hear him say that.

"Are you not going to say anything about what I am wearing?" Yasaka asked.

"It's a new one." Nora said.

"Fufu, indeed. I had this one made since it is usually difficult to find this kind of pattern in my size." Yasaka slowly lowered her chest. "Do you like it?"

Doing such a thing made her breast press onto the youth and he gulped. Yasaka was aware that he was extremely pleased even if he did not say anything. She had begun to rest her body on him fully so she would certainly be able to feel his lower half on her lower belly. It was hard not to notice the massive bulge that threatened to escape his pants.

"Woman, just kill me." Nora sighed. "I am suffering here."

Liking her lips, Yasaka pushed her body forward using her feet and pulled back using her left hand. In slow motion, she let their bodies feel each other.

"It is quite interesting though..." Yasaka whispered. "When we were talking about designs, the seamstress handed me a book of options, and there was a particular section that I found quite interesting."

Gulping down, the youth's heart was beating harder but for a different reason.

"There seems to be a whole section with designs that were created especially for you. Indeed, a section dedicated to designs that would make you crazy." Yasaka said. "I heard about how popular it is."

"Shion, that b***t sold me out." Nora cursed. "I knew that she was not trustworthy."

"Heh, if anything, I am surprised that you managed to make her do your bidding until now." Yasaka said.

"She must've been angry because I did not go on that hot spring travel with her." Nora sighed.

"Shion, that b***t." Yasaka cursed. "She did not tell me she was after your body."

"Heh, some friends you are." Nora laughed.

"This is not a joking matter!" Yasaka exclaimed. "Spider Youkais are extremely vindictive and obsessed."

"I guess you need to make me yours before her so you can take the lead then." Nora mumbled.

"I have to- wait..." Yasaka gave it some thought. "Nora..."

"Tsk, you should've just ripped my clothes without thinking about anything else." Nora clicked his tongue.

"Did you plan this?" Yasaka inquired.

"I wish I was that smart. I just took advantage of the situation just now, although I knew she lusted after my body. She is one of the hidden investors of the Nora plushie production." Nora added.

"What a headache." Yasaka grumbled.

"So I won't get eaten today either. What a pity." Nora looked disappointed.

"You... Urgh." Yasaka gave up. "I was only planning to tease you just now! It is because that peeping tom was here too. I am not so shameless as to do that in public."

"...if that's what you want to believe, let's leave it at that." Nora whispered. "But the lower mouth does not lie."

Blushing heavily, Yasaka finally noticed that part of her kimono was wet.

"Urgh, it is all because of you, Asamiya, come in." Yasaka called in the person who was her mother's friend and watched her grow.

An older fox lady... is not what Yasaka saw. Coughing to hide her flushed expression, a captivating young lady entered the room while holding some folders against her ample chest that threatened to spill from the rather unique kimono. White in color and some occasional golden flowery pattern, the kimono had detached sleeves and a side boob cut on each side. Her chest, ample as it looked, seemed to be barely able to not spill thanks to a red string tied around her chest. The blonde hair had a lighter shade than Yasaka's, but she still had long hair held by a hair band placed near the fluffy fox ears. Her golden eyes darted around the room as she seemed to intentionally avoid looking directly at Yasaka and Nora. The youth had taken advantage of the situation and had both hands on Yasaka's rear.

"...who are you?" Yasaka blinked in visible confusion.

She was certain that the presence she felt before and even at the moment was from Asamiya, but the person before her was not an older fox lady. She had a great resemblance, with the thick eyebrows similarly arranged like her. It could not be her daughters, one of them was roaming the world outside while the other had been working in the police department for a couple of years already. Even though she considered the possibility, it was not something that could be done. The presence in front of her was 100% Asamiya, yet-

"*Cough* I apologize for interrupting your relaxation time, but there is a business you need to take care of. It seems the number of residents has grown exponentially to the point that even hotels will be unable to offer them a place to stay." Asamiya professionally explained.

Even the voice sounded a lot more refreshed but it was still familiar to Yasaka.

"Who are those seeking refuge here? Is it caused by the exorcist clans attacking a settlement of Youkais or..." Yasaka immediately entered work mode out of reflex. "Wait, again, who are you!?"

"I am afraid that would make it easier to deal with. We can always get them lodgings in Kyoto if that was the case." 'Asamiya' sighed. "They have gathered after a rather interesting campaign about a new settlement for them that originated from here."

Turning toward the youth at once, Yasaka fixated her eyes on him, but he turned his head away.

"Explain." Yasaka went straight to the point.

"...remember that I got quite the piece of land for me to develop in the Underworld? I kinda made a city there the other day so I was looking for people to live there. I made some propaganda and here we are. I expected at most a few dozen but..." Nora mumbled.

"Currently there are 3004 applicants, Youkais along with some human part of their family in total, and the number is on the rise. I just left before 3 families arrived..." Asamiya added.

"I will get it done, the city is not completely finished but part of it is already functional. A few million people should pose no problem. I already have several people from the devil's side staying there along with Valkyries and other supernatural beings. The number would be higher if I had more facilities, but I still lack people to work there." Nora said.

"A few million, he says..." Yasaka sighed heavily.

"Sorry, I wanted to show the place when it was finished, but I have been delayed severely by the devil faction who dislikes reincarnated devils." Nora sounded somewhat dispirited. "I had planned to take me a year to complete the project but I had to rebuild some facilities due to the nobles hiring people to destroy them."

"...are you ok? Should I help you? I can always-" Yasaka offered.

"It's ok. I already fixed the issue. As long as you get rid of the root of the problem, you can solve any issue in a matters of seconds." Nora smiled.

Understanding what transpired, Yasaka did not ask anymore.

"You should've asked for my help." Yasaka mumbled.

"It was something like a trial from the old fart, Zekram. He would not allow me to have any external help. He just made my enemies feel like they had the chance to do anything to me." Nora nonchalantly said. "He just wanted to see me deal with it."

"I should just turn his apple trees into ashes." Yasaka spoke in a cold tone.

"That won't stop him from being an asshole though." Nora smiled wryly.

"It would feel good at the very least." Yasaka reasoned.

Nora's silence seemed to be an agreement.

"Could you please act your age?" Asamiya walked over and smacked the head of the leader of the west Youkais.

"You are really Asamiya." Yasaka seemed convinced.

"I am annoyed about how you finally accepted it." Asamiya sighed.

"No, but you never used magic to look younger before." Yasaka said.

"I am not using magic." Asamiya replied.

"No, no matter how you look at it, you look to be in your late teens." Yasaka retorted.

Directing her eyes toward one place, Asamiya was offering an easy explanation. Yasaka turned her gaze toward the youth a second time.

"Speak." Yasaka narrowed her eyes.

"...well, do you recall the rejuvenation elixir I had been working in?" Nora did not dare to look at Yasaka in the eyes.

"As far as I recall, it was a potion that Saya had begun working in before, a healing potion, but yours turned somewhat different and you even caused Sirzechs to temporarily turn into a shota." Yasaka said. "Venelana, quite amused at that time, called me at that time to fill me in."

"Tsk, I was sold out again." Nora clicked his tongue. "I need to punish her, maybe if during a massage I-"

"Get to the point." Yasaka smiled. "And stop fondling my ass, this is a serious conversation.

Shuddering, the youth took his hands away, not before giving another squeeze.

"Nora..." Yasaka raised an eyebrow.

"...stupid and sexy butt. You expect me not to give it a good squeeze?" Nora muttered.

"Is that why I got a letter from a Valkyrie called Nur about how much you like to give hers a good squeeze and occasionally spank her? She says that is embarrassing." Yasaka added.

"Did she say that she dislikes it?" Nora asked.

"...no." Yasaka recalled the contents of the letters.

"She is just bragging." Nora said.

"No, I am pretty sure that she... Uh." Yasaka paused for a moment and it was indeed the case. Rather complains, she sounded even a little smug.

"I mean, I don't do things that my girls do not like." Nora mumbled. "I know what the limitations are and when I need to stop."

Nodding at that, Yasaka couldn't find any words to refute. In many ways, Nora was extremely careful about it. His attention to such details was insane.

"I was just looking for a way to extend the life expectancy of the girls." Nora admitted. "Given that the side effect happened when I made that healing potion, I began making an elixir to extend their life using the healing potion as the base. The healing potion was heavily modified as well so you don't have to worry about it causing any strange reaction after I handed many to the Urakyoto personnel."

"You..." Yasaka was not sure what to say. "You really are..."

"I am foolish." Nora said. "You can say it and it would not be wrong. However, I have not given that to anyone. I can't bring myself to."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Yasaka asked.

"No, at the end of the day, I can only provide the means. The choice must be made by them. I cannot selfishly put a chain on them and drag them with me." Nora smiled bitterly. "I do not have that right."

There was something odd with his wording but Yasaka did not push it. If he did not want to share his thoughts, Nora would surely avoid the topic or even flee.

"That does not explain Asamiya though." Yasaka suddenly recalled the main issue.

"Oh... Well, the real reason why I took an interest in that position as an elixir to extend the life and the like was because she drank the same version Sirzechs-san took and she ended as such. I had to run some tests to notice how some people were more susceptible to the effects of the potion and could be affected in different ways. In the case of the siscon Maou, the effects were only temporary, but in her case, the effects will remain the same way so she will not turn back into an older lady... at least not until she lives the same amount of years took her to look like before. That is all a theory though. My actual deduction is that she will remain youthful until the end of her life, which would be the same as the time that took her to get that old. I cannot be certain for now so I have to give her regular checkups." Nora said.

"...well, she could always use magic to look older since it would inconvenience her." Yasaka decided to ignore the explanation since thinking about it would bring her more headaches.

"I am ok looking like this though." Asamiya suddenly spoke.

"What?" Yasaka looked at the, not so older, elder of hers. "You have always been against looking younger until now."

"I was never interested in anyone after my husband died." Asamiya muttered.

"You were not, huh, past tense." Yasaka narrowed her eyes as she felt an incoming headache.

"Indeed, I have cast away my life as a woman and decided to become a mother to my daughters, and when your mother passed away, I also decided to guide you when you needed it." Asamiya said.

Smiling wryly, Yasaka could not deny it.

"However, after I gained this youthful form..." Asamiya mumbled. "I questioned if I should remain the same. My daughters are old enough and you have also grown up to become a splendid woman yourself. I planned to make sure Kunou also grew to be a fine lady..."

"It is not your responsibility, if you want to retire and pursue your dreams, I respect that. I would be lonely, but it is what it is. I cannot keep you-" Yasaka spoke in an emotional tone.

"What nonsense are you saying? I am not retiring. You are a wonderful woman, but you have still a long way to go before you can compare to your mother. I cannot leave yet. I also have to foster Kunou so she can become a woman capable and so she can face any challenge her position would bring her." Asamiya retorted.

"No, but you just said..." Yasaka felt wronged.

" I admit that I was initially against your union with Saya's child. I considered his love to be nothing more than a child's over-attachment to you and perhaps that he had developed a dependence on you after his mother disappeared. It also seemed wrong to make a simple youkai whose words had no weight become the companion of the most popular and influential female youkai in the West. It would be putting a stain on your reputation and above all, it would be a disaster for Saya's child to become the target of the public's opinion when he is so young and had lost his mother." Asamiya explained. "I planned to observe the development of your relationship over the years to see first if his feelings were sincere and if he would get tired of the old hag."

"Oi, I think you crossed the line there." Yasaka became annoyed.

"I am close to doubling your age and I am not bothered by such a nickname. Besides, by human standards, you could be called a hag. You are over 400 years old." Asamiya coldly stated.

"Guh." Yasaka received critical damage.

"Fight on, I think Yasaka is a beautiful young woman." Nora consoled the kitsune.

Sullenly, snuggling onto Nora, Yasaka glared at Asamiya.

"I must admit that... I lost my cool back then after Tamamo no Mae-sama's appearance and said some over-the-top things about him." Asamiya sounded apologetic.

"Heh, so you know that it was wrong." Yasaka snorted.

"I reflected heavily the following days, but I never planned to explain myself since I cannot deny part of me believed that what I said was not wrong." Asamiya admitted. "However, I have to set things right. Yasaka, it was wrong of me to tell you to get together with him since he had such ties with Amaterasu-sama's child and he was blessed by Amaterasu-sama herself."

"Hmph." Yasaka snorted.

"That's why you don't have to worry about increasing the nine-tailed race through breeding." Asamiya muttered.

Coughing, Yasaka whose saliva went down the wrong place glared at Asamiya for saying something crazy.

"Hey, don't c*ck block me like that." Nora complained.

"Now that I have a youthful and attractive body, I am more than capable of carrying that task by myself." Asamiya patted her chest proudly. "Unlike you who used the essence of Tamamo no Mae to have Kunou, I have mated before with a man. It is also obvious I am more than fertile enough to be up to the task. Not to mention, that if he is bothered by me being embraced by another man before... this youthful form is before I had first mated so I am as good as new, but I have the experience."

There was a deadly silence.

"You said it yourself back then, did you not? If I was so interested in making the union happen, I should do it myself. Turning this young again made me recall that and I have decided to take upon the sacred task to bring to life the next generation of nine-tailed foxes." Asamiya voiced.

"Hey, this one is totally your fault." Nora nonchalantly said.

"I take only 50% of the blame." Yasaka glared at the youth. "I doubt this only happened because of what I said. How much have you been rizzing my aide while I was not looking?"

"Hey, stop trying to blame me." Nora complained. "I am innocent. I simply commented that it did not matter if it was when she was looking young or old, she was a charming woman and it was a pity that no one ever bothered in courting her."

"You! Stupid! Womanizer! Cat!" Yasaka grumbled.

...

...

...

After Yasaka went berserk, Nora had to flee. Not before tripping 'accidentally' and falling on top of Asamiya she happily allowed him to bury his head on her chest to 'soften' the fall impact.

"Stupid Yukari, pulling my leg like that." Nora complained about the true culprit.

Looking at the empty hallway and using his ability to confirm that no one was spying on him. Nora coughed.

With a hand on his mouth, he slowly lowered it as the red liquid spilled from his fingertips. The red chunks of meat and pieces of his organs remained on his hand before he created fire to burn it to ashes.

"At least I managed to hold it in." Nora smiled bitterly. "Overworking myself is taking a toll on me."

Leaving those words to be heard by no one, the youth decided his next destination.

"Not much time huh." Nora said.

...

...

...

Sulking as she remained with her back on the ground, Musashi seemed angry that she was now alone.

"Everyone left... they could've left a note..." Musashi mumbled.

"Well, before I left, only Artoria and Kuroka-chan remained. I think they should be fighting somewhere." Nora said.

"Hmm, friendship and rivalry born like this is precious." Musashi nodded and turned toward the youth. "Shall we go?"

"...you expect me to come here for you?" Nora asked.

"It is just a feeling. Sometimes, I just get the idea when you need me for something." Musashi admitted.

Walking toward Musashi, Nora offered her a hand that she gladly took, by keeping her body straight when Nora pulled her up, she was easily back on her feet as well as being stuck to Nora due to the momentum of the pull.

"Is that so? So you know when I want you to be by my side and you come running." Nora said.

"Haha, nothing as convenient as that, although I would love to have an ability like that." Musashi smiled wryly.

"Even if I wanted you to come because I feel like doing something naughty? Would you come even if that was the case?" Nora smirked.

Blushing, Musashi nodded faintly.

"We should test that some time." Nora muttered that and separated from her.

Walking a distance away, he gestured some hand signs with his hands and a torii gate appeared.

"It seems that we will be getting wild." Musashi seriously said.

"This is a separate space I created for this moment." Nora did not look at Musashi in the eyes, he simply spoke with his back turned to her. "...Musashi Miyamoto, Nora Shiki request a duel with you. The terms are easy. Use your best move against me and I will use my best one. A simple exchange."

Not hearing the answer, Nora entered the gate and disappeared, although he was gone, the gate remained as if to wait for Musashi.

"Nora-kun..." Musashi bit her lips.

Shaking her head, she said no more before following after the youth.

...

...

...

"So you came." Nora stood facing the sword woman.

A cloudy sky with windy weather, the top of a large mountain with a large open space, and surrounded by several towering peaks. This was what filled Musashi's vision when she looked around.

"It is still amazing how you can create spaces like this by yourself." Musashi sighed in amazement.

"This is not worth mentioning." Nora shook his head.

Smiling bitterly, Musashi said no more. The youth never considered any of the amazing feats he accomplished something great because he always compared what he could do with absolutely insane individuals. Gods who excelled in their fields were capable of something better, that was what Nora always said. They could do better, they could do it faster. If you guys trained, everything he accomplished would be easily overcome.

"Are you serious?" Musashi asked.

"I am." Nora looked toward the cloudy sky. "Recalling the past, I was reminded that we never got to the point of having a proper duel. Not spars or practices, but a duel with our lives in the line."

"I could never aim for your life." Musashi said in a firm tone.

"I know, but you will be forced to." Nora spoke. "It is because you do not take me seriously that you never dared to use the technique that helped save Kaa-san."

Not giving time to Musashi to think, Nora mumbled something in a low tone and what followed next gave Musashi a combination of awe and trepidation.

Nora's body changed to that of an adult as an absurd amount of ki filled his body and his aura soared.

"This is... my strongest form. Borrowing the power of the planet using my unique magic spell, I can draw in the energy from the ley lines." Nora muttered.

Gulping, Musashi would've blushed from the handsome figure of an adult like Nora if his aura was not making it hard for her to even stand. Noticing this, Nora retracted his aura and Musashi sighed in relief.

"Draw your weapon." Nora muttered. "I can only use this for a short amount of time before my body begins to stop functioning."

"Wait, that's a big deal, stop this now!" Musashi urged.

"Draw your weapon." Nora repeated himself.

Noticing how serious he was, Musashi pulled her katanas. She was somewhat apologetic since her weapons for a serious fight were not in the best shape. She had been unable to request anyone to repair them since everyone told her that they would have to destroy the katanas to make them again since the damage they suffered was too much. However, the quality was of the highest level she had seen.

"...they are a wreck." Nora said. "I guess I need to give you a handicap."

Not bothering to pull any weapon, Nora waved his hand and a tree grew beside him. The youth waited until it was big enough before taking off the branches and holding it like he would a one-handed sword.

"This is the best I can do to make it fair." Nora muttered.

Feeling somewhat insulted, Musashi was about to complain but Nora swung the branch, and the tree was cut in two, vertically. Musashi was unable to follow the trajectory of his attack, she only happened to see the end result.

"Even now, this is unfair toward you. However, any more handicaps and I would truly be overstepping my limits. It would be an insult toward a warrior such as you." Nora said in a hapless tone. "If you think I am playing around..."

Releasing his restrained aura, Musashi felt it hit her like a wave. She managed to remain in place thanks to the fact that she unconsciously stabbed her katana on the ground, otherwise she might've been sent somewhere far. The fact that she could not feel an overwhelming pressure weighing down on her was because Nora was stopping it from happening. However, Musashi could tell that there was a staggering difference between the two.

"Draw your weapon." Nora reminded once again before raising the branch above his head like he was going to swing it downward like a sword.

There was no need for more words... was not exactly it. There were a ton of things that she wanted to say and ask, but Musashi knew the youth well enough. He had given her enough time to compose herself. Taking a deep breath, Musashi heightened her senses to the limit. She did not want to hurt the youth, so she focused on parrying his blow. One sword style would be the best since she could focus all her attention on one blade, but she doubted it would be enough. Her senses were screaming for her to not underestimate the figure in front of her.

She would have to use THAT technique. The number of times she managed to perform it was 1/1000 and that was due to certain situations. It was just a coincidence she managed to perform it, a miracle itself. It was a realm that many wished to reach, the dream of many. At that time, Musashi was able to wield her katana and kill a bishop because she felt like she could do it. It was a moment of life and death with her fate lying on the line while the stakes of losing included not being able to save Saya. They had lied to Nora saying it was not a big deal but it was a close call. The bishops of the Outer Gods all carried 'blessings' from those evil gods and they had trained with those for hundreds of years or even more. They were not foes you could take lightly Fighting them included enduring the myriad of curses they inflicted you with and magic made to protect you from those effects was always lacking. Mind pollution could even change the alignment of some people so it was never easy to fight them. Most of them could not be truly killed either since they had methods to incarnate in other bodies. The use of that technique at that time was what determined what happened next.

She will cut down the weapon and stop this, even Nora would not be unfair and pull a second branch to continue. He could be talked with reason, he was a good guy.

At that time, Musashi greatly miscalculated. Firstly, she considered that Nora was doing this from a simple whim. Wrong. Secondly, Musashi thought her body would be able to listen to her and simply aim for the branch. Wrong. Thirdly, she made a large mistake when gauging their abilities.

There was no warning.

Her body did not react like she expected.

By the time she noticed the branch, it was already really close. Her body instinctively moved. Rather than consider parrying or blocking a blow, her body gave up defense because it knew it was impossible to even stop the attack. There was a slight resistance as she cut the flesh and severed Nora's body in two by sweating her blade horizontally.

It was then that she saw the branch being brought down. Contrary to what she had thought, the branch never touched her. For a plot of a second, she believed to have seen the youth move his free hand and strike her blades, but it seemed impossible to believe. No, the fact that she had cut him was even harder to believe.

"Nine Lives..." Nora's whisper brought her back to reality.

Musashi was shocked to the the shattered pieces of her blades scattered all over the ground and Nora perfectly safe and sound. Cold sweat ran down all over her body and she felt her legs ready to give away. Nonetheless, the sound always comes a beat later. An ear-shattering sound reached Musashi and as she fearfully turned around, the swordswoman saw a hard-to-accept spectacle. Starting from the position she was in, the earth was cleaved in half and it extended further until Musashi saw with her own eyes how the towering peaks from before were gone.

"I was always unsure what kind of gift should I give you for all the help I received from you." Nora mumbled. "However, a swordwoman like you would certainly find interesting the prospect of sharpening your skills. In that regard, the likes of me could never match even an ounce of your talent. I could never develop a technique of my own for you, and neither I could help you create one by constantly fighting. I am not talented... yet, I have gotten pretty good at copying and reproducing techniques. I guess those are the perks of having a good vision."

A small chuckle escaped Nora's lips and Musashi blamed herself for not saying anything but she was still at a loss for words. The inconsistency in her memories along with her shock to see the technique Nora used and the result of that still lingered in her mind.

"This is what I could offer you. A technique I learned from Kasen-san who said that someone taught it to her. I am still too weak to use it so I had to rely on this form for my body to be able to handle it." Nora said. "Nine Lives... It is the technique the Great Greek Hero Heracles had used to slay the Hydra, the walking disaster that regenerated a head immediately after one was destroyed. Only after crushing the nine heads at once was that Heracles was able to claim victory."

There was a hint of respect in Nora's tone as he spoke of that hero.

"A faker like me probably was only able to reproduce a fraction of the technique and it was only after relying on my physical body. I believe that Heracles' Nine Lives must've been even more amazing, but I am afraid that it is the best I could do." Nora spoke. "Musashi Miyamoto, I pray and hope that you can use me as your stepping stone and reach new heights. If it is you, I am sure you will turn this half-assed attempt of mine into a proper technique you can use."

Saying this, Nora formed more hand signs, and the torii gate from before appeared. Without waiting for Musashi to say anything, he left. The Torii gate seemed to be left for Musashi to use later.

She was unsure how much it took her, but Musashi raised her head and noticed that the sky was free of any clouds, almost like they had been blown away.

Many emotions coursed through her mind, however, Musashi could only be impressed.

Staring at the sky, Musashi smiled wryly.

"That was... incredible. Haha, me? You think I have talent? You overestimate me too much, Nora." Musashi sighed. "It doesn't matter what you do, you just simply have to make people speechless, don't you? Nine mountains in an instant."

Clicking her tongue and shaking her head, Musashi spread her arms as she allowed herself to fall to the ground with her front facing the sky.

"The world is such a big place." Musashi grinned. "Yet, I don't see Nora losing against the world. If the world is amazing, Nora will be astounding." 

Looking at the pieces of her katanas, Musashi seemed saddened by their destruction.

"That technique... it was the absolute peak. As expected, Nora is just the best." Musashi mumbled.

The shattered blades, once a gift Nora gave her were scattered everywhere. She had saved Nora's mother thanks to the durable weapons. Briefly, she wondered if Nora was planning to give her new ones.

"...as expected, even if he does, I cannot give up these ones." Musashi nodded and prepared herself to pick up every piece no matter how small. It did not matter if it took her days or weeks.

...

...

...

On the other hand, the youth had long turned back to his normal form. After going back home, he visited Saya momentarily before leaving without letting anyone see him. If they did, they would cry out in horror, as he was trying to keep his body split in two to remain in place. The youth was unable to relax until he used a secretly hidden magic circle in his room to teleport to a special location.

As soon as he did, he found himself in a room full of medical equipment. He shakily walked over to a desk where a syringe with a suspicious liquid remained alone. He took it and immediately used it. Without wasting any time, he pierced his skin with the needle. Aiming at the heart for a faster effect.

He began to cough blood, and the once pristine white room was soon covered in his own blood.

"Hubby!" Tamamo'a urgent voice soon reached the youth. "I hurried as soon as you visited your mother."

In a frantic mood, Tamamo saw the youth and checked his body. There was no visible wound, but he was still coughing nonstop and chunks of meat, no, pieces of his lungs.

"You used that form again." Tamamo mumbled.

After a certain amount of time, Nora got his bearing again.

"...it isn't a big deal. My body is already breaking down." Nora muttered as he wiped the blood from his mouth using the sleeve of his clothes. "Using Link to enhance the shikigamis working in that place or simply to raise their numbers drains my ki greatly. I need to tap into that form to refill my ki pool."

"Hubby... you raised the number of shikigamis again." Tamamo bitterly said. "Controlling dozens of shikigamis is already taxing enough even for the gifted, yet you have been keeping under control over 10.000, your brain..."

"It is not like I am making them perform precise and punctual tasks that require extreme focus. Do not worry." Nora smiled bitterly. "I can make them perform predetermined tasks that do not require me to put much thought into it. Besides, I have long gone past my limits. If my brain suffers from making it work too hard, I will just recover from the damage just like I have been doing in the past years. Nothing new here."

Pulling a handkerchief, Tamamo silently and tenderly cleaned the youth's face.

"...sorry." Nora apologized.

"What for?" Tamamo asked.

"...you don't like when I talk about it." Nora muttered.

"My hubby is a really troublesome man." Tamamo said. "He is always pushing his body to the limit to the point it will break down... yet he doesn't seem to understand that it is not a good thing. Just because you can regenerate, you shouldn't get hurt."

"Are you going to get angry at Musashi? I pushed her to do it." Nora inquired.

"...I am impressed that she managed to harm you in that form." Tamamo spoke. "Judging from your clothing, she split you in two. That is the kind of thing that makes me want to rip her apart."

"That's scary." Nora sighed.

Glaring at the youth like he had taken the sigh out of her mouth, Tamamo snorted.

"If I raised a hand against her, hubby would hate me so that is a big no." Tamamo shook her head. "I will not harm her, but please be more considerate of my feelings."

"...I am sorry." Nora looked down.

"You should've said that you will not do it again, but I guess you will not say something you cannot fulfill." Tamamo sighed. "I fell for a terrible man."

"Having second thoughts?" Nora smiled.

"None <3" Tamamo replied in a sweet tone.< p>

"How did you even use an emoji in- No, never mind." Nora did not pursue the subject any further.

"You ended up using the drug from what I saw." Tamamo said.

"I had no other choice, her attack, those dual slashes were not normal." Nora smiled bitterly. "Musashi is amazing..."

"Could you please stop praising the person who could've killed you?" Tamamo clicked her tongue. "Did she see what happened? It would be better to be safe than sorry and ask that librarian for assistance to deal with her memories."

"It will be ok." Nora smiled wryly. "Despite being jealous, you still care huh."

"Of course I do." Tamamo snorted. "That woman is also precious to you. If something happens to her, you will be sad."

"I would be sad if something happened to you as well." Nora added.

"Of course you would, I am your lovable kitsune shrine maiden type-wife, Tamamo no Mae." Tamamo said.

Smiling in response, the tried to walk but everything spun around him. His body unconsciously fell forward and Tamamo readily held him.

"You should take a rest." Tamamo mumbled.

"...I cannot." Nora stubbornly raised his head. "There is not much time."

"However, if you continue like this, you won't even last until that day." Tamamo spoke in concern.

"I can't say I have something I am confident in, except my ki pool and my stamina. Don't worry, I will not die before that day." Nora said.

Biting her lips, Tamamo was unable to say anything.

"...Kaa-san is getting sleepier more often." Nora sighed.

"As the date approaches, she will lose her consciousness for longer periods." Tamamo added. "Despite carrying the magatama, the best it can be done is to slow down the process. However, the outer god will definitely make an appearance."

"I was only able to delay it huh. No, I guess that for him, he simply wanted to stop it from happening." Nora clicked his tongue. "The preparations are not done yet."

"Even so, you should rest-" Tamaño exclaimed.

"They want to kill her, they want to kill Saya." Nora said. "A lot of people seem to be aware of the incoming threat after what happened with that guy."

"...I see." Tamamo could only reply as such.

"I will not allow it." Nora gritted his teeth. "I will take this matter into my hands, I had decided as such."

With strength enough to shatter his teeth, the youth grinded them together.

"I will take care of Saya Shiki myself. I will make sure she is not a threat." Nora proclaimed. "Yasaka will not go down the path of killing her best friend. Sirzechs will not kill the mother of a friend, Grayfia will not make stupid excuses of always hating Saya so she had to kill her, Azazel will not have to do anyone's dirty work and take the blame for being evil, no one... will do this. Only I have to do it."

"Hubby..." Tamamo looked sad.

"I will surely go to hell for this. Deceiving everyone... Yeah, I am going to cause quite some trouble for everyone, but I have always been a selfish bastard." Nora chuckled.

Shaking his head, the youth smiled at Tamamo and hugged her.

"I cannot rest just yet so I will continue to do this." Nora said. "I know that you have been working hard to suppress as much as you can that outer god."

"My efforts are nothing compared to what you are doing." Tamamo mumbled. "I am just ashamed of my lack of power to buy you more time for you two."

"That is silly. How could blame you when you are giving your all? If you do your best, there is nothing more I could ask of you." Nora smiled. "I am truly lucky to have your support."

The heartful and honest words from the youth almost made Tamamo cry, but she could not do that. He was already going beyond what he could do, adding the burden of worrying about herself was not what Tamamo wanted.

"I need to go and see the kitsunes... I think I am able to solve one issue they have." Nora said.

"Those women asked you to do something for them!? Let me go and teach them a lesson, you can barely-" Tamamo seemed ready to start a Kitsune Great War and not for some ecchi reason.

"Hey now, don't get worked out. I cannot turn down that request since this matter will benefit me too." Nora explained. "I guess they finally decided to wake up those girls. Although, given the nature of what I want in return, I cannot shamelessly appear before them."

Stepping away from Tamamo, Nora patted her head before preparing to leave the room.

"I will work on THAT experiment and then to the fox village." Nora waved at Tamamo and went out through the door.

As she saw him leave through the white hallway filled with numerous doors, Tamamo bit her lips. If he was going down there again... it meant he was going to work on a certain golem project, but he might not be aware that she had seen that particularly hidden floor.

"If you are willing to go that far, as your wife, as your woman, I can only offer you everything I have to the best of my ability." Tamamo whispered. "Let's go to hell together, my dear."

Unaware that Nora was still keeping his eyes on her to stop her from following her, Nora took an elevator that led to a lower floor. As the door closed, he collapsed on the elevator. On each side of the elevator, there were mirrors while the door and the back, the ceiling, and the floor were completely white.

"...you are wrong Tamamo, you are wrong about one thing." Nora held his body as one of the side effects of the medicine he took started. "I saved you so you could live a normal life again because you deserve better. I have no right to drag you to hell with me. So I only bought a ticket to hell and it is for me."

Feeling the pain coursing through his body made Nora want to tear his skin apart, but it was not a problem.

"I am not a brat who will cry from a small bruise, am I? I am a dirty killer, and this is just right." Nora convinced himself. "Did you expect an easy way out? No, you have two reasons why you chose to make potent drugs to heal your body with heavy downsides, one reason is given, but the other one is a punishment for your crimes."

Looking at the hideous appearance in the mirror, Nora saw how he felt like. His body had swelled considerably but was slowly turning back to how it was before. His skin seemed to emit some kind of light and on a closer look, they seemed to be some sort of characters, no, rather, they were runes. Yet, they looked fuzzy and hard to read like they were not really on his skin.

"I don't have to supply any more 'parts' to make the frame, but only focus on the inside so I guess I should finish the spell on the runes. To raise my strength and durability, oh, I think I could add another one to make use of the pain. Store and release later... it will not reduce the pain I feel at all though."

Sighing, the youth pulled out a sharp knife and raised his left hand which was not glowing.

"Concealment needs to be strengthened too..." Nora said.

A second later, the white areas of the elevator were painted in red and the mirror showed an expressionless youth working without flinching like he was used to it.