2 Adapting to a new Life

A few days of mostly sleeping later, Yuudai got used to being awake for longer periods of time and gathered his thoughts. The first surprising thing was that he could understand the people around him. Babies should only be able to perceive their environment in a similar fashion as adults when they reach eight months old. He could perceive everything in near perfect clarity, even if his body were still adapting a little to the outside world. Like the mysterious voice explained, he was now in another world that seemed very different and at the same time similar to his old one. Similar because it seems he lived in Japan now. Different since he now lived on the supernatural side of Japan, something that either didn't exist in his old world or he was simply unaware of it. He didn't live in Japan in his former life, but he understood bits and pieces, helping him to grasp his situation and learn the language properly with a little head-start.

His surprising clarity could only be explained by his new race or the boon he received before reincarnating. He was reborn as an Oni, a race of warriors from the faction of Yokai. Since they spoke of factions and since Yokai were a thing, he could deduce that this world probably housed a multitude of mythological beings, some which he knew of from his earlier life. Definitely worthy of some research once he learned how to read this new language or could ask his mother.

His mother was a beautiful woman with long red hair. She has a long white horn on her forehead, it being the most outstanding feature in his eyes. From his past experience he understood that she was strong compared to other people around. But since he didn't see her in action yet, a precise evaluation had to wait.

He wouldn't have to wait too long to start his education however, as it seems the boon he received elevated his status a lot in a certain circle of people in the know. At least this was what he understood from the few words he could make sense of. His boon was as simple as it was versatile. Supernatural beings seemingly harness all kinds of energies and Yokai were no exception. He had nearly immeasurable reserves when it came to his energy levels and as a strong body was necessary to house the energy, he had just that. A stupidly strong body far surpassing a grown adult human and he was just a new-born. For the lack of reference, he couldn't properly describe the limits of his body yet.

Aside from this brute strength in resources and body came other advantages relating to the energy his body held. He could manipulate it to do as he like as if he was it's master. Training the control aspect seemed to be negligible which was a big plus in his book. He could sense the energy everywhere, his guess was that he could sense the whole planet or even farther with enough training. There was a limitation though, since he had to process all this information, which was still far too early for him. Thankfully, his control helped him to keep this ability restricted to a manageable level. At least he was able to stop an unconscious barrier forming around his powers because he was already able to react properly with the mentality of an adult.

Since he couldn't do much for now, he used exactly this ability to find out more about his surroundings and to learn the language at a fast pace. Using a language in reality is the fastest way to learn speaking it properly. For now, he only had the listening-part, but he would manage. He sensed that he was living in an average sized house with a big property, most of the land being a big garden. The garden was full of life and was well taken care of.

Going further he got a picture of the city he was now living in, Kyoto. All kinds of different Yokai were walking the streets and doing whatever Yokai were doing. It was a different view than human cities, but one he enjoyed. The novelty and no discrimination to speak of. Of course, most people were proud of their own appearance. A lot of them had various degrees of animal features and others looked completely different. One kind of Yokai were big flying heads while others resembled mirrors or looked like naked flying woman sitting on a big wheel.

While he was thinking about all the changes in his life, he heard the bell ring and his mother hopping toward the door. Honestly, that was one of the things that really surprised him. A little after his own birth, his mother looked like it was all just an imagination.

"Oh, what a surprise, please come in." His mother exclaimed with a joyous voice.

"Thank you for having me, Tamiko." Another beautiful voice greeted.

"How are you doing Yasaka?" Tamiko asked, while Yuudai was curious. He knew already heard that Yasaka was both his mother's friend and the current leader of Kyoto's Yokai.

"I am fine, the same as always. While the work is seemingly never-ending." Yasaka answered with a tired smile.

They talked further and Yuudai got a glimpse of their visitor. All he could think of was 'oof'. While his mother was already beautiful, Yasaka was still a little above her in terms of appearance. Truly she was a bountiful woman and dressed the part. He lived reclusive in his first life, but he still met his share of good-looking women and if this was the standard of his new world, he was in for a treat. One could not blame him for his thoughts. He dedicated his short life to achieve the peak of his family's martial arts and spent very few times in pleasures such as the opposite sex. He always dreamed of starting his own little family, but it was never meant to be.

Aside from starting his training again and becoming a worthy guardian for the new world he got entrusted, he would try to find a partner that could share his burdens, someone he would spend his life with.

"And who is this cute little guy." Yasaka cooed with a sweet voice while bending over the lying Yuudai inside his crib, earning the second mental 'oof' from him at the view. She seemed like a nice person and he was glad that he trusted his instincts and was born into a faction with a competent leader that cared for her people.

"He really is something." His mother Tamiko commented from behind with a small smile. She would praise him frequently either because of his unique circumstances or maybe just because he was her son.

"I think it's best to keep him a secret for a while. At least until he can protect himself." Yasaka mentioned while trying to get him play with her fingers.

"Who is aware of his existence yet?" Tamiko asked curiously.

Yasaka made some noises while thinking before answering: "As far as I'm aware, only a few of the Shinto Gods, courtesy of Lady Amaterasu babbling, and people close to you. Nurarihyon should have heard some rumours, considering his information network, but nothing too specific."

"I really can't stand this guy, he's probably the least straight forward Yokai I've met yet. I'd rather avoid a conflict with him for now." Tamiko complained with a frown on her face.

Yasaka giggled at that. She was sure Nurarihyon didn't want to oppose her either. She was one of the few Great Yokai, having strength rivalling Devils of the Ultimate Level. But she knew that her friend was just worried about her son.

"But enough of me Yasaka, I heard you met someone you like?" Tamiko inquired with a teasing look as Yasaka gained a small blush.

While the mature Fox-Yokai looked by no means shy, she was still inexperienced. She wanted to have a meaningful relationship and didn't want to get pregnant due a one night stand. As a leader it would send the wrong message, even if Yokai had rather lax views regarding relationships. Her position sent a message to other forces however and appearance was sadly part of the job.

"I am seeing someone, but it is still too early to be sure." She answered hesitatingly. She was left disappointed more than once in the past, because she was seen more of a trophy or was wanted because of her beautiful figure.

"Don't worry Yasaka, you will find the right person before you know it." Tamiko smiled as she gave her a quick hug from behind.

Yasaka nodded before staring back at Yuudai who just opted to play with her index finger for the lack of better things to do.

"Will you be training him yourself?" Yasaka inquired, "We could always have the leader of the Karasu-Tengu supplement his training."

"That was the plan. Your suggestion is welcome, and I will probably take you up on the offer. However, I thought of cashing in that favour of Sun Wukong as well. A few years of training should fit into his schedule." Tamiko smirked at her idea. She helped that monkey out long ago and now was a good time to cash in that favour.

Yasaka laughed in return as she looked at Yuudai and smiled: "You will become a mighty Yokai one day."