5

The traditional Japanese-style castle that the pair of siblings called home soon came into view. The main keep, where Onari's family resided, was a large multi-storied palace that still somehow managed to feel cozy. The entire castle grounds were enclosed by walls, and over time, a small town had established itself within these walls. Satoru waited for them at one of the palace's gates.

"Welcome back, young master, young mistress," Satoru greeted them.

"We're back, Oji-san!" Kunou squeaked cutely from Onari's back.

Onari smiled at the ever-loyal servant. The fact that the old Tengu favored him had not gone unnoticed by Onari. That combined with the way he always doted on Kunou made Satoru one of Onari's favorite people outside his family.

"Young master, your mother requested you visit her when you returned."

Onari nodded, "I see. Well, I shouldn't keep her waiting."

Kunou pouted when he let her down, but quickly ran off to play. Satoru bowed to Onari, and went to follow her. Onari inhaled the thick Qi that covered his home. He frowned as he smelled a hint of conflict tinting the usual scent.

He started walking toward where he knew his mother would be, ignoring the glances and whispers that always followed him, even in his own home. Onari knew that there would always be people who didn't like him for his perceived 'disability'. It was just like in his first world, except this time he actually had the means to gain strength and prove those people wrong.

Onari didn't bother knocking on Yasaka's door. He knew she wouldn't mind him bothering her, and she was the one who called for him in the first place. Also, he could sense that she was alone, so he didn't hesitate to walk right in.

Yasaka looked up when Onari entered. Her face was set in the usual mask she wore when she was working, but the slight swish of her tails showed her happiness at seeing Onari. He approached, kneeling in front of Yasaka's pillow throne and giving a slight, respectful bow.

As always, Onari's deferential conduct was what broke through Yasaka's business mask, "Onari dearest, none of that. Haven't I always told you that you needn't be so formal with me? Come here."

"Of course, mother," Yasaka's pout made Onari wince and correct himself. "... Yasaka. It's just a force of habit."

"I'll never understand where you picked up that habit," Yasaka mused as Onari stood to give her a hug.

"Maybe it's just something from my previous life."

"Mmm, so you always say…"

Yasaka's arms and tails wrapped around Onari, pulling him face first into her expansive cleavage. Onari sighed. Whenever his mother hugged him, he was always torn between enjoying the intimate contact, and fighting down his arousal.

"So, what's up, Yasaka?" Onari asked, his words muffled by the perfect tits pressing against his face.

It was Yasaka's turn to sigh, "I'm reluctant to do this, but I feel like you're as ready as you'll ever be. I have a job for you, baby."

That piqued Onari's interest, "A job?"

"One of the Five Principle Clans is having trouble with stray Youkai in their territory. They finally managed to swallow their stubborn pride, and requested help from me."

"Which clan?"

"The Himejima."

Onari grimaced. He knew how stuck up their own asses the Himejima Clan was. The situation must have been bad for them to ask for assistance.

"Those stodgy old men on my advisory council want to use this as a test for you. They even said you had to go alone as well. I shot that idea down as fast as I could," Yasaka continued.

"... Actually, I think I do want to do this alone," Onari said hesitantly.

Yasaka pulled him back to look at him with worry in her eyes. Onari quickly elaborated on his reasoning.

"If I complete the task with assistance, people will just downplay my achievement. Their perceptions of me might even worsen. If I go alone, then anything I accomplish is solely mine. I will finally be able to change some peoples' opinions about me."

Yasaka grudgingly agreed with his logic, "You're… not wrong… Ok, baby, I'll allow you to do this alone. But you have to promise me you'll be safe."

"I promise."