Prologue

"Ah, is it alright for me to take this?"

"Ufufu, of course sweetie. Is it your first time around here?"

I nodded and made sure to adjust my cap to block the glare of the sun. The heat was starting to annoy me. "My grandparents couldn't stop bragging about this place and there's an event I have to catch today. So I decided to finally come and check it for myself."

The grandmotherly woman shook her head slightly with a frown but her eyes were filled with amusement. "I'm sorry that old people like us are so stubborn about things." She laughed as she handed me the tour guide.

I huffed, but I had to admit I laughed with her. "They were adamant I had to visit this place, reconnecting with my ancestors, they said." Taking it from her hands and pocketing it, I waved her good bye. "Thanks a lot for this." She merely waved it off.

A glance or two and it was starting to grate on my nerves. I knew it was eye-catching yes, the red eyes and the black hair long enough to reach my back and the military uniform I was proud of. But, have these people have never seen a cosplayer before?!

I wasted precious days of my life, bearing the summer heat just so I can finish these in time for the festival but still! The lingering stares was really starting to piss me off. if you have something to say, say it to my face! God damn it! I didn't make these just for you to stare it, come over and ask me for a picture or something please! Something to make this situation less embarrassing!

I huffed in annoyance, the flintlock jiggling at my expense. I made sure to tighten it around my belt, I don't want it falling out or getting stolen cause of some troublesome kid.

Oddly enough, I can see people tense and flinch as I did. It almost made want me to snap and reprimand them. Honestly, it was just a prop! A prop!

I was cosplaying as Oda Nobunaga, the cute shogun warlord from Fate/Grand Order. I know I put a lot of effort in making it but jeez...

They need to stop being so paranoid, honestly. No, I am not here to shoot up this place, I just want to get to where the event was taking place and show off! I shook my head, the nerve of such people I swear.

My first time in Kyoto and looking around. It was a lot more underwhelming than I had imagined. The streets were bustling with life, sure, but it felt oddly familiar. I remember my grandparents wouldn't shut up about how they brought me here as a baby and how much I loved Kyoto.

It was interesting the first the first few times, but you can only listen to it over and over again before you eventually recognize it word for word. I pulled out the guide I kept in my pocket. I was finally getting peckish after a few minutes of just mindlessly roaming around and I could really go for something to eat right about now.

So, trying to use my brain and my horrible sense of direction. I tried to locate the nearest place to fill my stomach and stay for awhile before the event starts.

"Let's see..." I looked around, looking for anything related to the signs marked on the map at the back. "Ah, there it is." I started walking, making sure to at least pay half attention to make sure I don't accidentally bump into anyone. "So just turn a right here and then a lef-"

Suddenly, I had to hold in the urge to vomit. I stumbled in my steps, my vision swimming. Accidentally, I bumped into a passerby. I clutched at him for support as my knees buckled from underneath me.

Frowning, he didn't hesitate to admonish me. "Hey, watch where you're goin-" His face quickly shifted to concern as he realized how pale and sweaty I was.

'What the fuck was that?' It felt like something slimy and disgusting just washed over me, touching every part of my body, molding it into something else. I felt weak, like something sapped all the strength from my body.

"Are you alright?" I heard him ask but all I could manage was a shaky nod. I gave a slight shaky smile before I finally released my hold on him.

I felt guilty over the wrinkled part of his shirt, my white knuckles showed how tightly I held onto him.

"Y-Yeah...I guess the heat's just getting to me in this thing." I gestured to my cosplay. "I felt light-headed there for a second." I expected him to look somewhat disappointed at my choice of a hobby but all he did was slowly nod with a recognition in his eyes.

"I see, are you perhaps new to spatial transfer?" He asked me, looking at me intently. What. I was confused, is he doing some sort of skit for an ad? or is this some sort of practical joke where everyone is part of?

I looked around for a camera but all I can find was people walking by with a sympathetic look on their faces before nodding at the person I was talking to, he nodded back with a look of 'I'll handle this' on his face.

"T-The what?" I finally gathered my wits and asked, he nodded with a slight smirk on his face. "It can be pretty disorienting for first comers but this place is separated from Kyoto into another dimension to make sure that the mundane world doesn't interact with the Yokai living around here." He explained slowly.

The mundane world? Yokai? Another Dimension? What. Apparently, he didn't notice my panic nor confusion because he just continued, "People who aren't used from teleportation can get sick from being moved from one space to another via magic. It's alright, it happens to everyone."

He patted my back slowly, offering his comfort. At that point I was finally slowly getting color back on my face and the sickening feeling was already disappearing from my gut.

Everyone around him nodded, finding his explanation sufficient before moving on. This, this was too big for a prank or a video game ad or some sort of movie skit. Something, something happened. Something I dreaded to ever happen to me.

I was taken from my world to this one, and worst of all, I don't know if I even gained any sort of power. I could be like Subaru from Re:Zero for all I know.

Looking around, it all but confirmed it to me. People with all kinds of animal features walked around. People of all kings walked past me, fox people, crow people, raccoon people.

There was even a wheel with a head or a woman with a long neck!

Holding back from just having a mental breakdown in public, I showed him the map that the grandma gave me, pointing down at the location called, 'Fox Inn'. "Yeah..." I started slowly, "Does that mean this place is still located in the proper place?"

He took a look before laughing, "That map you have there is for this place anyway." He shook his head, "If you had tried to go that location in the overworld, then you would have arrived at a dead end." He told me.

Great, so if I didn't get abducted from my world. I would've spent minutes of my life in this hot weather looking for somewhere to rest just to arrive at no where. Wonderful, truly making my day even better.

"Though.." He narrowed his eyes and intently looked at the map, "I don't really know if its a good choice to go there right now." He recommended, "Huh? Why?" I asked him.

He shook his head slightly, "I heard that there was a very important guest visiting today so everyone is too scared to go there and mess with someone with so much importance that no one is willing to risk it in case they piss them off ." He explained. I nodded slowly, thankful for his advice.

This was probably the best chance I can get to determining where I ended up at. I didn't know what anime world this is, or if its even an anime world. I just had to get over there and not fuck up and get them to want my head. Fuck. I swore to myself.

"I'll keep that in mind, but I think I can handle myself. I just have to keep my head down and not bring attention to myself." He looked at me weirdly at the last part before eventually just shrugging.

"I guess I was wrong, there IS someone dumb enough to risk it. Suit yourself, don't say I didn't warn you." With that insult and warning, he waved me off and before long, was eventually lost in the crowd. What a fucking cunt.

Sure, he was helpful. Yes, I get that. But that doesn't really give him the right to insult me, I was just risking my life and potentially about to make an important individual want to kill me. Only I can insult me on how I want to end my life!

…Fuck, maybe he was right about something.

I couldn't lie, I was barely keeping my composure as it was and his warning and words certainly didn't help reassure me about my chances but I think it's probably the best choice I have.

The less I have to interact with people, the better my chances of survival are. I'll just avoid the VIP, they should be in a private room anyway! As long as I don't seek them out myself, they should have no reason to meet me!

Yes! It's the perfect plan, and everyone's too scared to go there so I would be alone too! Alone enough to have my breakdown and absolutely cry myself to sleep!

Yes, that'll do perfectly!

Finishing my inner monologue, I finally decided to stop ignoring the reality of my situation.

I. am. fucked.

I don't know anything about fighting, I only made sure to do the required fitness so I don't look hideous if I wanted to try out more risky cosplay but other than that.

I'm a practical potato, a fit one yes, but a potato.

But the worse thing, is probably my mindset. I can't survive if this world is messed up, I don't even know if I know anything about this place! I-I don't think I can bring myself to kill someone in cold blood, I'm a pathetic coward who can't do anything in the face of danger.

It felt so hard to breathe, I don't know if I can do this. What am I even suppose to do here other than mess everything up? What if I can't bring myself to do what's necessary, what if I just CAN'T DO ANYTHING?!

I held my throat as I desperately tried to get myself to calm down and get some oxygen in my lungs.

I don't wanna do this, I wanna go home. I wanna go to my family, I want to be safe, I don't want this responsibility on my shoulder. I don't wanna fail anyone, I don't want to be not good enough. I don't wanna get hurt, I don't wanna hurt anyone. I just want to be safe. I just want to be al-

"Are you alright?" A soft voice asked tinged with concern. The shock finally getting me to take a deep breathe as I swiftly turned around. Golden eyes stared at me worriedly. Something about her was familiar.

Something that made a part of happy and so, so, sad.

I wanted to shout at her for asking such a dumb question. Why would I be alright? Everything I ever had was just stripped away, all those years of building up friendship and my family, ALL GONE!

But all that came out was a choked, "No." She didn't say anything, she just stared at me, and it felt like she was stripping me of everything. I don't know what she saw in me that got her eyes to grow misty nor why she grabbed me in her embrace but I like to think its what gave me a strength to gather my courage.

I didn't know her and she didn't know me. I didn't know her name and she didn't know mine. I don't know what kind of suffering she went through nor does she know what mine is.

But, she understood something about me. Saw something I couldn't see in myself.

And that was enough for me.

After a few minutes, I was the one to break the contact. I covered my eyes with my hat before laughing. "Oh god!" I exclaimed dramatically. "I don't know what caused me to act like that, I'm really sorry for that." I bowed my head slightly.

She didn't reply at first, just staring at me with a sad smile, before finally letting out a short giggle. "It was my pleasure." She waved it off. I didn't know what to say afterwards honestly.

Apologize again? Thank her? Ask her if she wants to go on a date? Thankfully, I didn't have to do anything because someone else spoke up. Saving me from embarrassing myself. 'Ah thank you random stranger!'

'....Wait how long have you been standing there?'

"Ma'am, you're gonna be late." I didn't even notice he was there, It was almost like he blended in the background. He had spiky black hair and sharp black eyes and spoke with a deep tone. "The young miss is already awaiting you."

She nodded. Turning back to me, she slightly bowed, "I'm sorry but I have to go now, I hope we meet again in the future." I smiled before waving her goodbye. I watched her go, making sure to remember her features.

She was wearing a yukata, commonly worn around here, but her facial features were unique. Sharp golden eyes, uncommon golden hair and thick eyebrows. I made sure to burn her image in my mind before turning around and resuming my way to my destination.

I didn't notice it myself, but my steps back then were a lot more confident than what I really felt.

Arriving at the Fox's Inn, I find it completely barren. Not even a single person inside, though I did hear chatter from upstairs. Must be the VIP that the guy warned me about. I waited in the entrance, making sure to take off my boots and putting on sandals.

I also made sure to take off my cap and put it under my arms, there was no reason to wear it indoors and my hair has been feeling stuffy lately. I stood there for awhile, patiently waiting for anyone to notice my presence.

The place was nice and homey, I can see it being packed any other day but for today, it seemed abandoned, not a single sign of activity except for the one upstairs.

The inside contained about six tables accompanied by four chairs, evenly spaced out across the Inn. There were stairs that lead to the second floor, where the sound was originating from and a closed door right beside it.

The door looked old, signs of aging present at the edges. I wonder if that's the storage area?

Leaning over slightly, I can see the counter where food is cooked and a nice looking middle-aged man stationed there.

I waved at him shyly causing him to smile slightly, waving back before gesturing for me to wait. I nodded before sitting at one of the chairs prepared at the entrance. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long.

A series of pitter patters rang as someone hurriedly ran down the stairs. She had the same features as the woman I met on my way here. Uncommon blonde hair and golden yellow eyes, she looked to be around 9 or 10 years old.

If the woman from before didn't look so young, I would've thought this was her daughter. This girl was practically her carbon copy! But just like before, she looked oddly familiar.

The man apparently noticed the noise too as he leaned over the counter and shouted.

"Rina! Don't run down the stairs!" He shouted causing her to yip in surprise, "Sorry Manager!" She shouted back, slowing down. I laughed a little, she was an amusing little kid.

"Hello, how may I help yo-" She started out strong, almost shouting but slowing down as she noticed the flintlock at my hip. I moved hurriedly to reassure her it was fake but before I could, she cut me off.

"I'm sorry, but can you please put your weapon away miss?" She asked slowly, eyes filled with caution and weariness. I shook my head slightly before tapping the flintlock at my side. It was better to show than tell.

I expected it to make a dull and hollow sound. Instead, what came out was a slight ringing tone, causing her to tense even more. But, I wasn't paying attention to her reaction. Because I was too focused on trying to figure out why the fuck it sounded like that.

'What the fuck?!' I shouted, 'This can't be real, this is a fucking replica made up of plastic and blood and tears!' I bit my lip, but I felt it. It was hard, in fact. It shined in the light in a way that only metal can. 'It shouldn't make that kind of sound! Actually, it shouldn't make any sound!' I stood still in shock. 'Wait a minute...' I felt the other parts of my costume..

They were made up of entirely different, fancier and sturdier materials. The plastic gold attached on my costume made similar ringing noises. They were real. They were real gold. The clothes hanged heavily on my body but I felt strong, stronger than anything I ever felt before.

My cosplay, My Oda Nobunaga cosplay. Has completely turned real. My brain rebooted against my will. This, This changed everything. I felt my body flex, muscles that weren't there before rippling as I stressed them to activate.

I had the body of Oda Nobunaga, The Demon King of the Sixth Heaven. A Heroic Spirit.

"Miss...?" I was snapped back to reality at the little girl asking me cautiously. I looked down at her. My Brown, no, my RED eyes watched her intently before shifting to the gun on my waist.

God, I hope I'm not wrong about this. If I am, I don't think I can bear to show my face around here from the utter embarrassment. I wished for it to go away. Oda Nobunaga had shown the capacity that she was capable of summoning multiple guns and fire it remotely.

I just hoped I got the same package.

To my immense relief and awe, I watched as the gun slowly turned into gold particles before it was no longer there. I felt something shift inside of me and focusing on it, I was at a lost of words.

Thousands and thousands, I couldn't even fathom how many there were. I was looking at an armory filled to the brim. I knew I could call upon any number of these, I just need energy to do so.

I felt it flowing through my body like hot molten lead. It was strong and unrelenting, like an inferno burning to give me strength.

I looked back at the girl, Rina, from what I remember the Manager calling her, watching me with wide eyes. She reached for one of the gold particles floating towards her, though all it accomplished was it vanishing in the palm of her hands.

I watched her reaction with a slight smile. She seemed to remember what she was doing as she quickly looked up at me, turning beet red and lowering her head. "Please follow me to your seat!" She hurriedly shouted before dashing off.

I laughed at her expense, something about her was a breath of fresh air. She had such an expressive face, I bet she couldn't even lie to save her own skin. She almost made me forget about my worries.

Following her, she lead me to the table directly in front of the counter. The Manager watched us with a slight smile as I sat down. I noticed her ears were still bright red as she handed me the menu.

I took it while laughing, cause her to brighten further. I stopped and calmed myself, there was no need to tease her even more. Even I was in awe at what I did. Scanning my eyes over the dishes listed before my eyes stopped at a particular one.

"I'll take the Matarashi Dango and the Sencha Tea." Slowly her blush vanished, replaced by a serious look as she wrote down my orders. She bowed slightly, "I'll be back with your order shortly."

She ran to the counter with a pitter patter, before ripping off my orders "Here's the order Manager!" She shouted enthusiastically, it practically made my heart melt from the sheer cuteness.

The man laughed, ruffled her head and took the paper. Taking a glance at it, he nodded approvingly at my choice. I gave him a smug smirk along with a thumbs-up, causing him to laugh. He went to work quickly, moving with practiced ease. I can tell he's been doing this for awhile now.

Though I guess that's obvious with how old he looked. He looked to be around his middle forties already. His blue hair hair already having a decent amount of gray hairs along with the wrinkles building up on his face.

He barely looked around to find what he needed to prepare my order, showing the familiarity he had over his workplace.

Sufficiently impressed, I patiently waited for my order. Hearing the sounds of a chair scrapping against the floor, I turned back to my table to find that Rina had took a seat directly across from me. She fidgeted in place, shoulders slightly hunched over to appear small.

She seemed to be on the verge of asking a question but didn't know how. It was amusing to watch, I couldn't lie. She was confident in dealing with customers along with taking orders and had no hesitation to raise her voice from how she's acted so far with me, the sharp contrast with this nervous girl in front of me was highly entertaining.

Sparing her the trouble, I decided to be the one to initiate the conversation.

"Aren't you needed upstairs?" Deciding to go with an easy topic to respond to, I made sure not to sound accusing in my question. I don't want her to think that I found her presence undesirable.

Seeing the opportunity I decided to throw her, she smiled happily and fixed her posture. "It's fine, mother said it's alright for me to help around while she goes deal with work!" She revealed.

Mother huh? Instantly my mind went to the woman I met last time, she had almost the exact same features as her but Rina looked too old to be the daughter of such a youthful looking woman.

Her older sister perhaps?

Storing that train of thought for later, I decided to merely rest my hands on the table "So your mom is someone important?" I made sure to control the tone of my voice. Well, I already failed what I was suppose to avoid doing.

All I had to do was make sure to not make any of the VIP interested in me, how the hell was I suppose to know one of their daughters is working as the goddamn waitress?

While it's a lot more safer now that I basically got turned into a demi-servant, I don't know these people's place in the hierarchy, they could be the leader for all I know! I just hope I don't make a bad impression on Rina and she doesn't tell on me to her parents to get me killed...

Though...Looking at her, she doesn't really seem to be the type to that. So I guess I can let my guard down. Focusing back to reality, I decided to ignore that little nugget of anxiety-inducing thought.

"Mhm!" She nodded happily. "Mother is very, very important! Other people would always try to get on Mother's good side!" She bragged. Yep, that was enough to confirm it for me. Her mom is obviously someone who's very powerful if her ass gets kissed by supernatural lips.

Of course, this could just be a little child bragging but if she came down from the second floor where all those VIPs were saying. I think I'm in the right here if I decide to believe her.

Deciding to take a gamble, I went for something that can either worsen or soothe my fears. "Then do you need to think I should be on your mom's good side?" She looked surprised by the question, her eyes widening before she looked thoughtful.

"I would say yes because everyone should always be on Mother's good side." She began thoughtfully before looking straight into my eyes. Somehow, in that moment, she appeared far more older than what she really is.

A shiver ran down my spine.

"But you're really, really dangerous."

Those words should've soothe my worries, but I can feel myself tense ever slightly at the silent pressure she was putting out. I cursed to myself silently, this isn't a normal place. What was I thinking?

I'm at Kyoto, the capital of Yokais. This little girl isn't some clueless little kid. This is a monster from Japanese Mythology. For a moment, her form vanished before it was replaced by an animal. Her golden slit eyes staring at me intently as if I'm prey waiting to be eaten.

"I'm dangerous huh?" My face stretched into a grin. It felt wrong, unfamiliar. "And what are you going to do about it?" I taunted, causing her face to harden.

I can feel the urge to pull out my gun grow little by little, I can feel my hands start to sweat. I needed my gun, she was an enemy, MY enemy. Those dangerous thoughts kept increasing over and over as her pressure kept rising.

Before it all vanished as the Manager patted her head. In his hands were my order. She yipped before quickly trying to get rid of his hands as he ruffled her hair. "Hey! What was that for?!" She pouted, looking up at him.

He looked down at her and didn't respond, unknown emotions dancing in his eyes, before glancing apologetically my way. I gave him a small nod to show that I understood and that I didn't take it personally.

But, my body felt hot and I can hear my heart pounding in my chest. My hands were filled with sweat and I was grasping something that wasn't there. I quickly tried to erase the smile on my face, before finding it incredibly hard to do so.

For a moment, I didn't feel like myself.

Rina, seeing how she was ignored, crossed her arms before she grumbling to herself. "I just wanted to make sure she isn't going to make any problems for Mother."

Ignoring her, he set the dishes on the table but not before giving her a reprimanding look that caused her to go quiet. "Here you go." It looked incredibly well made, and I can already hear my stomach start to rumble in hunger. "Careful, it's hot." He warned me.

I let out a snort, I was a heroic spirit now. A literal manifestation of a legend recorded in history. Especially as Oda Nobunaga, playing with fire was her thing. Taking a bite of freshly cooked food shouldn't do anything to me. Well, I at least hope it doesn't.

He looked at me weirdly but I waved it off. "Inside joke." He seemed to accept that reason and didn't inquire further, shrugging as he went back to the counter where he pulled a magazine and started reading.

Grabbing one of them, I slowly brought it to my mouth. However as I took a bite, I noticed that Rina looked somewhat guilt-ridden. I guess she finally noticed why the Manager interrupted our little interaction.

Urging someone to cause trouble just to see how dangerous they can be isn't really the wisest choice if you asked me, though I guess I really couldn't say anything as I went along with it.

No matter how unfamiliar my actions were.

I'll deal with it later, my stomach's killing me and this won't be as good if its not piping hot. I took a bite, finding it still steaming hot but not hot enough to scald my mouth. I savored the taste, the sweetness satisfying the cravings of my sweet tooth and I let out a small sound of happiness.

Rina looked up at the sound before staring enviously as I devoured this tasty snack. Well too bad for her, as I wasn't planning on sharing. Though I noticed that as soon as I swallowed it down, I can feel my already full reserves filling just a tiny bit.

If I wanted to recover this way I would need to at least consume a few kilograms worth of food. But more importantly! I would never gain weight!

Pushing away the plate as I finished my last bite, I find Rina's guilty face staring at me. I had to admit, I faltered at the sight of her misty eyes. I always were weak to children.

Sighing, I gave her a nod to show I didn't mind and forgave her and as if it was an illusion she was back to being all happy and smiles. Her sudden mood change made me feel cheated, she was deadly and cunning, and knew how to use her face to her advantage.

"Anyways, what did you want to ask a while ago?" I asked her, feeling drained. Little kids are hard to deal with, even if they're a monster from ancient mythology. She froze, before nodding.

"I-Is it alright if I see your gun?" She let out timidly causing me to sigh tiredly. 'So that was the only thing she wanted, why didn't you just say so?' Unfortunately, she seemed to take that the wrong way as she quickly panicked.

"U-Uhm! You don't have to if you mind!" She bowed deeply, almost touching the hard wooden table. "I didn't mean to bother you with my request, it's alright for you to just ignore what I said!" She quickly let out before almost slamming her head on the table again.

"Woah, woah, woah kid!" I stood up and quickly stopped her, "I-It's alright, I just didn't expect your request to be something so simple." She stopped almost immediately, looking at me with excited and wide eyes.

"So it's really fine for me to see it!?" I almost sighed again, but complied. I reached inwards and pulled. It felt like grabbing onto a piece of string and tugging and with a fancy little flicker, Oda Nobunaga's flintlock appeared in my grasp.

I still couldn't get over the beautiful piece of artwork it was, and holding it in my hand. It felt comforting and familiar, like it belonged there.

"How does that work?" I snapped back to reality to find Rina looking at the flintlock with an intense glare. "Pardon?" She glanced at me as if I wronged her.

"One moment it's not there and suddenly it is." Her eyes narrowed. "Are you storing it in another dimension or simply a hidden storage?" Uh, well. I don't know how to answer that question, and what was the difference between the two anyway?

But if I had to answer the question, then I guess it's kind of like...a Reality Marble?

The concept of a Reality Marble is one that centers around the materialization and projection of one's inner world onto reality but rather than projecting things out, it keeps things in? That's the most I can presume from the amount of information I currently have.

And so with that, I nodded. Though at her confused look, I obviously didn't explain that out loud. "It's another dimension." I elaborated. Her jaw dropped before her eyes narrowed as if someone offered a treat right in front of her, sending a shiver down my spine.

Quickly, she lunged at me before grabbing onto my mantle with fire burning in her eyes.

"Really?! How did you do it?!" She aggressively questioned, shaking me fiercely. "D-Do w-what?!" Ugh, I feel sick. Please stop shaking me I beg you. Rather than calm down and asked me calmly, she seemed to get more mad. Her face twisted into a primal hunger for knowledge.

"The folding of imaginary space so that it forms a box where you can store materials! I'm having troubles conceptualizing the materialization of theoretical dimensions to the point it becomes solid enough for you to mold into your desired shape!"

"So tell me how you got past that stage!" She demanded, fiercely and loud, causing my ears to ring.

Please stop talking, you're making my head hurt and In simpler terms please! In a way that even an idiot understands, because I'm one-hundred percent sure that's not what I was doing!

Holding my ears just so that her voice doesn't cause my ears to ring as much, I looked at her, very much not amused. She seemed to recognize how she was acting as she hurriedly quieted down and sat back down, shrinking on herself.

I sighed, rubbing my head. "Look, the process all just came instinctual to me and it didn't take me long to just pass it without my knowing." I bullshited, that's what I've been doing so far, and it's what I'll keep doing. "I don't really think I can offer you any help that I imagine you would want and besides, shouldn't your teacher be in charge of explaining this for you?"

I pointed out at causing her to pout in anger, that was obviously a very sore point to her because she immediately rebuked me.

"I already asked her but all she kept telling me was to keep going at it and eventually it'll just click." She whined, "That doesn't even make any sense!" Crossing my arms, I huffed in annoyance.

"Cause your teacher is right." I started with slowly. You owe me for this teacher, please explain stuff properly to your students next time. "Magic is like a muscle, the more you use the stronger it becomes." I pointed out.

And then she looked at me as if I was the dumb one, "Of course I know that." She snorted, "That was the very first thing I learnt and why Mother is adamant I never miss any of my lessons." She bragged, smug smile and a mocking sneer on her face.

Annoyed, I flicked her forehead causing her to head to snap back. Flinching before glaring at me. "What was that for?!" She demanded in anger while tearing up, her forehead slowly turning bright red.

Ah shit, I think I putted too much force in that. Still not used to having Servant levels of strength. I apologized quickly, I really didn't mean to that... "My bad, sometimes I don't know my strength."

She huffed and continued to rub her forehead but seeing how genuine I was, the heat started to slowly disappear from her eyes though she didn't give up the glare she was giving me. "Anyways, if you know then why are you so impatient?"

She stared at me, annoyed and she looked to be contemplating if she should be petty and not tell me anything before deciding to just get it out of the way.

"Well, since you already made one. I thought you could help me out and help me form it faster. Knowing the process someone took is a good basis on forming your own path to accomplish the task." She explained before glaring at me. She was mad, but not at me, she was mad at something else.

"But I guess some people are just born with too much talent." She spat with bitterness, looking away with crossed arms.

Well, shit. Now I kind of felt bad. She genuinely just wanted some help over something that's been giving her troubles but the the thing is, I really can't give any help. I was cheating with Nobu's noble phantasm and I can only store her weapons in there, nothing else.

I was just a faker, someone who didn't put any hard work and was handed a diamond card.

I sighed, this girl was going to be the end of me. Standing up, the chair dragging across the floor boomingly loud in this quiet atmosphere. I stand down right beside her and gave her an awkward one-armedhug.

I wasn't used to such kind of physical comfort, nor was I used in giving them either but I can tell she enjoyed the momentary warmth. Even if it was something we both weren't entirely comfortable with.

I can tell her not being able to accomplish to what seemed like an easy task on her mind weighed heavily on her consciousness. I was like that too, back when I was a small kid. The fear of disappointing your parents, the sheer imaginary responsibility you made up for yourself and the gigantic hurdle you feel you have to pass.

She didn't say anything and I didn't feel the need to bring it up. She slowly relaxed before tensing up and then relaxing again, repeating this a fair bit of times before finally relaxing in my touch. I slowly gave her the gun and she softly took it.

She twisted it, admiring it from every view. The light reflected on it in a way that made her breathless, and I couldn't deny it, it greatly stroked my ego. It was MY weapon after all.

It was my pride and joy that I took with me to my march towards Odani castle along with Monkey. But, huh...? I don't remember that, I don't remember that all...I clutched my head in pain. Images flashing across my vision, too fast for me to properly make out what they were.

Odani castle...? That name didn't ring a bell, I don't know anything with that name...I shouldn't know anything with that name...and Monkey...Who was that?

Hideyoshi. Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

My most trusted retainer, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

.

.

.

"FUHAHAHAHAHA, MONKEY!" I laughed loudly, punching the shoulder of the man beside me. He panicked, his cup almost falling out of his hands. He opened his mouth and went on and on and on about how I was an abusive master and that I should treat him more nicely but I ignored him, he always liked to focus on useless things anyways.

"You would only dare to serve me tea when you want something." I sloshed the cup in my hand around to empathize my words. I took a deep breathe of the fragrance my cup was letting off, it smelled earthy and floral "And one of such high quality too!" I laughed again.

He smiled, but didn't say anything. I took a sip and enjoyed the way it tasted on my tongue. I didn't say anything till my cup was empty and neither did he. I watched the capital expand in front of my eyes, to see it thrive under my rule.

The livelihood of the people, MY people, spread out just for me to enjoy. I looked at the only man worth viewing this sight along with me.

Slowly, the smile blossomed on my face. If I had to describe it, I would say it was soft and breath-taking. If others did so? They would say the gates of hell has opened...they would quickly receive a bullet through their head for their words.

Hideyoshi is an exception, he's the only one that gets to say such words and live to see the morning sun though never unhurt.

I turned to look at the approaching dust cloud from the distance. I knew what that was, knew what it meant and I knew why my blood boiled in anticipation at the sight of it. I turned my attention to him, a question in my eyes.

He nodded and I laughed.

"How many men do you need."

He smiled.

"I only need you to be beside me."

.

.

.

"Miss?" The question snap me back to reality, "Are you alright? I've been calling out to you for a while now." Cha-ch...No, Rina asked me. Concern written all over her expression. I shook my head to clear my head.

It was a vision. No, it was a memory. A memory that wasn't mine, a memory belonging to Oda Nobunaga. I felt sick, I felt like I was intruding into something I wasn't meant to see.

Shaking my head again, I decided to pocket it away for now before nodding to reassure Rina. "I'm fine Rina, it's just...some very old memories." I told her. She seemed reluctant at first before eventually accepting the reasoning with a slow nod.

"What does this crest mean?" I looked at what she was pointing at, the mark of the Oda Clan. my breath got caught in my throat. For some reason, looking at it made me incredibly melancholic. It was my greatest pride and to think it was all but wiped out. But just when I was about to answer.

"T-That is..." the Manager noticed at what she was pointing at before his eyes widened and he quickly went out of the counter and took it from Rina's hands. "Manager! I was looking at that!" She whined but he ignored her, staring intently at it before his head snapped to me.

D-Did he know something? Does he know anyone from the Oda clan? "Where did you get this?" He asked, frozen stiff. I didn't see the problem of telling him so, "It belongs to me old man." That seemed to shock him even more before his brows crinkled in anger and disbelief.

"Do you know which clan this crest belongs to?!" He shouted, almost seeming to reprimand me. His words striking a nerve. In anger, I stood up. "Of course I know the crest of the Oda Clan!"

Rather than calm him down, my words seemed to dump fuel on his rage. "Then you would dare impersonate them?!" Something inside of me snapped. His words lit a fire that threatened to consume my self-control.

"How dare!" I shouted, face twisting in anger "I am Oda Mizumori, a proud member of the Oda clan!" The words came quickly from my mouth against my will. I noticed him scoff, obviously not believing me. That served to anger me further. "And I will not stand such insults ape!"

I wasn't actually a part of the Oda clan, I just received the body of Nobunaga, but the sheer disbelief and the dismissal he had thrown at me. Something inside me, no. I, refused to let him get away with his words.

A part of me roared to make him pay for such a slight against me but the more rational side, the one that's not influenced by Oda Nobunaga knew he was in the right to be so disbelieving.

The Oda Clan has been dead for hundreds of years, and here I come, bearing it's crest and name. I understand his reasoning but it did not mean it didn't make me mad. In his mind, there was not a single reason why I could be part of the Oda clan.

His face, likewise, twisted in anger, "I personally killed the last member of the Oda clan died! You cannot possibly be an Oda!" He roared, his words making my blood cold. I had hoped there were still some alive, a family that I can try reconnect to.

I snarled, summoning another gun and pointing it at him causing him to flinch and tense up, "You son of a bitch!" My voice tinged with sorrow and anger that was both mine and wasn't. "How dare yo-"

"M-Mizumori?" My head quickly snapped to Rina, her fear taking most of the heat inside of me. "W-What's the Oda clan and why are you so mad the Manager won't believe you?" The Manager also seemed to remember she was there, his face turning aghast that he had shown such a side to the young girl.

"Rina.." I started slowly, my voice thick with emotions. "The Oda clan...It was my family, a place I personally belonged. A place I can call my home." I swallowed deeply. "I was mad that he didn't even dare consider that I was, but I know now." I snapped my head back at him, a fire burning in my eyes.

"I will not allow this murderer to walk free." I spat with anger. He looked ashamed, the anger leaving his body as he seemed to get a few years older. He didn't spoke up, knew that there was nothing he can say to save him from my wrath.

My finger slowly curled, wanting to just get it over with before Rina blocked my view. "What are you doing!?" I quickly pulled my hand back, "I had almost shot you!" She seemed to know it as well, judging by her shaking as she fearfully stared at me with resolute eyes.

"T-The manager may have done it, but I'm sure he had good reasons!" She looked at him, hopeful. "You do, don't you?" Her voice was coated in desperation, the man looked pained. He glanced my way before slowly nodding.

"One of the Oda clan members have gone crazy from his power." He started slowly, voice thick with emotions. "By the time I had gone there, he was the only one standing. He had killed every single one of them, raving on and on about how he was going to finish what Oda Nobunaga had started and unite the world under his rule." He confessed, on the verge of tears.

I felt the strength leave my body as I collapsed on my chair. I ignored Rina's worried expression. My Oda clan wiped out, betrayed by its very own people, by its own family. My eyes grew clouded. I was the only one left, and if I didn't get sent here, the Oda clan would have died forever.

I looked at the manager, his frame tense, almost expecting me to continue with what I wanted to do but I just felt tired. I just wanted this to be over with it.

"I'm sorry for bringing up such memories." I told him sincerely, bowing my head. He looked shocked. I didn't really understand why, I had threatened to kill him because he had avenged the Oda clan. It made sense on why I should apologize.

"It's okay, I understand. It's just that...to meet a living Oda is..." He trailed off but I knew what he meant, it broke me a little inside as well. What I would pay to meet a family member right now, even if they weren't mine originally. I thought bitterly.

It was then the realization kicked in, this wasn't a human being. This was a Yokai, creatures that can live for thousands of years. The fact that he looked this old. I thought with a heavy heart.

He has personally seen and known just how great the Oda Clan was, maybe he had even meet the Oda Nobunaga of this world.

I nodded to show my understanding, causing him to let out a sigh of relief. He bowed deeply, shame still lingering on his shoulders "I sincerely apologize again for my words. I didn't mean to insult you."

He apologized again, causing me to let out a huff. "I get it already, you can stop now. You're getting annoying." I stated, annoyed, causing him to let out a small brittle laugh.

I was rash and rough with my words but I noted that he looked lighter, his shoulders before always seemed to hold some sort of burden. He must be glad to know that a member of the Oda clan still lives on and he hadn't personally erased the clan.

Rina let out a sigh of relief as she noticed we were no longer at each other's throats. She clapped her hands, getting my attention before looking at me with a gigawatt smile.

"So, you're name is Oda Mizumori huh?!" Rina shouted enthusiastically as she looked up at me. Yes, that's my name. Don't wear it out. I'm sure Nobunaga wouldn't mind if I branded myself as part of the Oda clan, I was her now after all and it was also now a way to honor the now-dead Oda clan.

"Since I know you're name now, it makes sense that you should know mine!" Rina explained as if it made perfect sense. Well, it did but all I did was grab her nose and shake it lightly. I made sure not to put a lot of strength in that one.

"Silly I already know you're name." Rina pouted before shaking her head adamantly to disengage my hold on her nose, "Nope! That's not my name at all!" 'Rina' stated before looking at me with a mocking sneer that got her a flick in return.

"Ouch!"

She stuck her tongue out at me and I just huffed, giving up. This kid just had too much energy. "What's your name then?" 'Rina' nodded with a happy smile, obviously happy with her victory over me.

"It's Kuno-" She was cut off by the Manager as he quickly covered her mouth with a panicked expression, "Young miss, how many times have I told you that it has to remain a secret!"

"It's fine, you're too anxious Manager!"

"It's not anxiety if there actually is a threat young miss, I have told you this many times!"

"Blegh~! It's fine. Mizumori isn't part of the mean guys that wants to hurt Mommy, and besides do you have that little faith on a member of the Oda Clan?"

"W-Well no but-"

"You worry too much!"

Kunou jumped on him as she started tugging on his hair, though while his face was set into anger, he didn't bother hiding the happy smile present on his face.

But I wasn't listening nor paying attention. Kuno, Kunou. It all clicked, why that woman back then was so familiar. Why 'Rina' looked like a carbon copy of her. She was Kunou, a nine tailed fox, and the daughter of the leader of the Yokai faction, Yasaka, the envoy of Amaterasu.

The woman that I met on the way here.

I was in Highschool DxD. A world filled with beings representing the concept of Dreams and Infinity and a teenager with a libido that surpassed anything in existence that has one of the most powerful god-slaying tools in existence.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!

That meant, in this instance. Yasaka is currently upstairs, dealing with a matter that was crucial to the society of the Yokais. And I was currently down here, talking with her daughter.

Double fuck!

I wanted to ask the leader of the faction if she wanted to go on a date, that's so embarrassing! I don't know if I'll be able to look her in the eyes when we meet next time! I twisted around in shame, I hope I didn't make such a bad first impression on her!

"Mizumori, what's wrong?" Rina, no, Kunou asked as she watched me make a fool of myself. Hurriedly, I gathered my composure before coughing into my hand. "Nothing!" I waved my hands in a panic. "Nothing at all!"

Her eyes narrowed before letting it go causing me to let out a sigh in relief. She went back to admiring it before posing and making shooting sounds with her mouth causing me to laugh. She was utterly adorable, no matter how deadly she actually was.

I grabbed my now lukewarm cup of tea before drinking it to parch my dry throat and got into thinking.

Highschool DxD was a fairly light-hearted show, focusing more on fan-service and comedic timing but...I thought bitterly, this isn't a tv show.

This was a world where every single Mythology under the sun is real, where Humanity is nothing more than entertainment to gods. Even back in the show, you were nothing if you didn't have a Sacred Gear. Tools given to humanity by God to at least give them a fighting chance.

Fat load of shit it did, all it accomplished was making Humanity an even bigger target to monsters. Who thought it was a good idea so that it can be stolen by others anyway?

Sure, it allowed humans to fight back against the supernatural. But it required them to somehow find out they have it in the first place, use it to its full potential and unlock the balance breaker, and they somehow have to accomplish that without being killed by people gunning for them.

No. All God did was condemn people to be harvested like cattle. Devils, in their pursuit to fix their low population count, developed the Evil Pieces. A way to attach a chain to humanity and turn them into devils.

And not soon after, the Angels followed suit, making the Brave Saints to turn religious followers into Angels. The only silver lining here was Fallen Angels have never bothered to go through with this project.

I bit my lip, that was another problem as well. Azazel, while being the least threat to me, can either be my greatest ally or my worst enemy. He was smart and cunning, knowledgeable enough to decipher God's work and create his own brand of Sacred Gear.

Though it wasn't comparable to an actual one, the fact that he was able to accomplish it showed the sheer intellect the man possessed. A long drawn out battle is enough for him to think of something to use against me and kill me.

But if I played my cards right, I can turn him onto my side. Azazel doesn't care for anything except to keep researching sacred gears and while I don't have one myself, it should be alright for him to research my noble phantasm.

Hopefully, it should be enough to get him interested and make him reluctant to go through with getting rid of me before he has the opportunity to research something he hasn't seen before in his thousands of years life.

But while on the topic of Sacred Gears, the thirteen Longinus were also going to be a drag: The Boosted Gear, capable of doubling the user's power twice every 10 seconds. Dividing Gear, halving the opponent's power and adding it your own every 10 seconds. Dimensional Lost, capable of producing a mist that creates an alternate dimension. Annihilation Maker, making any monster limited only to the wearer's imagination.

The Boosted Gear I can easily write off, along with the Dividing Gear. I knew who both of the wielders are and while the other might seek to fight me when he figures out I exist, the other is nothing more than a man who can only think with his dick.

As a woman, I'm definitely not going anywhere near that man. Especially that dreadful dress break, the power to completely shred all clothing, though it also seemed capable of breaking apart magic.

My clothes were a noble phantasm granted to Oda Nobunaga but I don't wanna risk it, I'm not sure if it'll automatically fix itself or be gone forever and I don't wanna lose any advantage I may have over a dangerous world.

Dimensional Lost and Annihilation Maker both belong to the Hero Faction, and while Dimensional Lost has a lot of mobility, I think I can easily put him down with a well-placed bullet. Annihilation Maker CAN give me trouble but it's severely limited by just how bland its wielder is.

I'll only consider it a threat if it falls onto the hands of someone else.

But there was one that I was absolutely afraid of, Sephiroth Graal. A golden cup with an ability to control over the spirits of the death, capable of bringing them back to life or modifying a soul.

It has the most potential to fuck me over in the hands of the enemy and the most potential to supercharge me if she's on our side. The problem is that she was currently held captive by the Tepes clan, a clan of really racist vampires before being given to Rizevim Livan Lucifer who'll used it to bring back an army of dragons and to get rid of his weakness to the Holy Energy produced by angels.

Currently, she's my biggest counter. She can fuck me over in a lot of different ways as long as she gets even the slight touch on me. I didn't know if she can take my powers away or completely erase my personality.

And if that happens...I shivered slightly, best case scenario is that Oda Nobunaga takes over, worst case? I turn into a vegetable.

"Mizumori?" Exiting my train of thought, I looked to find Ri- Kunou holding my Tanegashima with a hesitant look on her face. "Can you teach me how to shoot this?" She shly asked, holding the gun tightly.

I stared at her before glancing at the Manager. He had a very complicated expression on his, emotions fighting each other. After a while, he gave me a very, very reluctant nod causing me to be shocked beyond belief.

Just how much trust did this guy have in me to let me handle teaching a little kid how to shoot a gun. She was a nine-tailed fox sure but she was still a kid for Christ's sake! And how do you know I didn't have malicious intentions!

I don't, yes, and you have a very high opinion of the clan I'm from but please be more careful in the future! Not everyone can be as nice as me.

I don't know why she suddenly decided to want to learn it but, in her eyes, there was something I couldn't understand there. It seemed like she wanted to prove something, something to herself and also, to confirm something with her own eyes.

Letting out a tired sigh, I turned back to Kunou, who now seems to be on the verge of tears. Probably seeing how uncomfortable I was with this, deciding to just be done with it, I gave her a slight nod. The bright smile that blossomed on her face lessened the apprehension I felt about this.

I put my cup of tea down, standing up as I put on my hat. I didn't even know if there was a place around here where I can teach her and I definitely didn't know where people won't be bothered by the sounds we were going to make.

Apparently, the manager had the same thought as me as he sighed and moved out of the counter. Going to the front door, he closed it slowly before locking it. He twisted around to give me a reluctant gaze.

"I'm trusting you to keep quiet about this." He spoke with a firm tone. "Because it won't just be me in the end that you're gonna betray." He didn't say anything more and gestured for us to follow him.

Kunou seemed surprise to act him this way, I guess she always thought he was just a nice and elderly Yokai, causing me to shake my head. In a world filled with war and conflict, getting to grow older was a privilege granted to the strong.

He lead us to the closed old door I saw when I came in, the one that was right beside the staircase leading to the second floor. I can hear the volume increase as we got closer, the noises clearing up to almost sound like shouting.

I wondered what was going on up there.

My attention was brought back by the manager pulling out a key and unlocking it. He hesitated slightly, glancing at me before steeling himself and stepping forward. I couldn't see anything as we watched him vanish in the darkness.

Moments later, the lights finally turned on and I felt my breath get caught in my throat. It was a wide room, the floor being tatami mats and had a very ancient vibe. It felt like something you can find in a museum, especially with all the old-looking artifacts present.

But...what really caught my attention, was the gigantic mark of the Oda clan present at the end of the room. This, this was...

I glanced at the manager, the questioning burning in my eyes. He slowly nodded. "When the Oda clan fell apart, I tried to make sure to keep most of the remnants." He walked to the wall bearing the Oda clan's crest, rubbing it melancholily with a sad frown on his face.

"This used to be a part of the building where Oda Nobunaga rested when he interacted with the Yokai living in Kyoto." He gestured to the other items laying on the floor. "And the rest here are the items I was able to gather over my lifetime."

I couldn't speak.

My heart throbbed painfully in my chest. I knew these feelings weren't mine, neither was this body nor this mind. But, it hurt. It still hurt to think about this. "Mizumori?" I looked down to find Kunou staring at me worriedly. "Are you alright?" Her eyes watching me with concern. "You're looking really pale."

I never noticed but my hands were clenched tightly, my knuckles turning white from effort. I quickly loosened the my grip and tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"Y-Yeah, I just didn't expect to see the resting ground of my ancestors, get it? Resting? fuhahahaha!" I laughed dramatically, closing my eyes to add to the effect. Squinting slightly, I can see Kunou's concerned look slowly turning into annoyance.

But all the manager did was watch me with a sad smile. What an infuriating man.

Getting back in track, I stopped laughing and glared at him. He seemed to remember just what were suppose to be doing as he slid open another door, this time to what appeared to be a gun range.

"You can practice here, this place is sound-proofed enough that no one will hear the gunshots." He explained but I ignored him in favor of looking around.

There were targets set in the distance, all differing from the range it was set in. It was spacious enough where you can have a mean jog around the premise and be exhausted.

I also noticed the noise mufflers placed on a small rack before I dismissed it. Something told me I won't be needing it. Overall, it was a very impressive place.

I turned to look at the Manager who had a satisfied expression on his face, "What do you think?" His voice was annoyingly smug, I quickly looked away. "I guess its alright." I spoke blandly.

"Alright?!" He questioned, sounding offended. "This is where Oda Nobunaga himself practiced using the targets you are about to use." His voice grew louder. "This was built as a present for him by the old leader and it's merely an alright?!" He was full blown shouting now.

I blocked my ringing ears, "Alright! Just keep it down!" You're talking to the manifestation of Oda Nobunaga you know jeez...I can probably spit into a cup and sell it online and at least someone will buy it.

Looking at Kunou, I can see that she also blocked off her ears but her expression was resigned. Looks like this wouldn't be the first time he'll be this loud, what an energetic personality.

The manager took a deep breath to calm himself down before crossing his arms grumpily. Kunou quickly ran over and tried to cheer him up but he was stubborn.

What a childish old man sheesh. Clapping my hands, I got Kunou's attention as she turned to stare at me. I beckoned her to come closer and as she did, handed her my Tanegashima.

She looked up at me confused but I had already made up my mind. "Shoot, I won't teach you until you've fired the gun." I commanded. Her eyes widened and she nervously glanced at the gun I had set into her hands.

"That's too dangerous for the young miss!" The manager protested, I quickly shot him a look of annoyance but it did nothing to deter him, "The young miss is merely just a child, she isn't ready for this." He worriedly looked at Kunou. "She could hurt hersel-"

"Enough Manager!" Kunou shouted, glaring at him angrily. She clutched the gun tightly to the point where I was concerned she might just break it. "I can do it." She whispered slowly. She looked at the gun she was holding before looking up to stare at me. "I can do it."

"Ah good, that's the look I want to see." Her eyes, while slightly nervous, was confident and firm. She was sure she could do it. "Go." I pointed at the furthest target and while the manager tried to protest, he was shot down by the glare directed at him by Kunou.

She went over and I watched as she took a deep breath. The manager came up beside to watch but his eyebrows were furrowed in worry. "Are you sure this is safe?" He whispered to me quietly.

I shot him another look of annoyance. "Yes, it's not like she's dumb enough to point the gun at herself so stop asking." The manager didn't look satisfied with my explanation but resigned himself to just watching anxiously.

I turned back to Kunou with an observing eye, her gun was raised too high, her posture was all wrong, if she pulled the trigger now the knockback will knock her off her feet or hit her shoulder and hurt her.

That's if she's a normal person anyway. She was a mythical beast from Japan Folktale, there's no way she can be weaker than an adult male even as a kid.

The kick will probably just stagger her a little and her shot wouldn't even come close to the target. But this was how I learned and this is how she'll learn.

It's better to experience it first-hand before you start learning the theory, otherwise you might just freeze up and all that hours you spent studying theory all goes down the drain. A hands-on approach is the best way to start with.

But wait...I never learnt how to do this. I clutched my head as a sudden dizziness hit me full force, causing me to almost fell over. The manager was able to catch me in time just before I hit the floor. "Are you alright?" He asked worriedly.

I shot him a thankful look before taking a moment to compose myself. "Yeah." I gave a slight smile. The sudden dizziness already fading as I took deep breathes. "Just a slight headache is all." He didn't seem to completely believe it but he let it pass. I took a sigh of relief from that.

How was I suppose to explain that I was scared of getting my personality replaced by a Japanese warlord that's been dead for hundreds of years, oh and also he was actually a she.

For now I just seemed to be getting her memories, but I don't know when I'll stop being me and start being someone else entirely. The uncertainty chilled me to the core. I scratched my head at that thought.

Ignoring it for now, I refocused back on Kunou who had finished her preparations. Her breathing was calm and collected. Her pupils sharpened to sharp slits. She reminded me of an animal that was getting ready to pounce.

Slowly her finger curled to press the trigger. But there was something I had failed to take into account. My gun, Oda Nobunaga's gun, was a Noble Phantasm. A weapon of a Hero powered solely by their myth and legends. Even the weakest of Noble Phantasms were ten times stronger than the peak humanity can make.

I didn't know what rank Nobu's was but with her entire legend revolving around her use with them, I wouldn't dare rank them low. A shiver went down my spine and I quickly tried to stop her.

"Wai-" I was too late. The air went still before a deafening clap hit me all too soon. My ears rang as the temperature skyrocketed.

And I watched as a red beam of death teared through everything that went in its path: gravels were melted, stones were erased and the air itself screamed as it ignited. It hit the target sooner than I could even blink.

It disappeared, there was no other words to describe it. There wasn't even any resistance, one moment it was there and the next, it was gone. The beam continued its course and I watched as it impacted the metal outer walls surrounding the target range.

There was no describing the sound it made as they both fought, one trying to endure and the other trying to continue its course. The metal groaned in agony as it bubbled and melted from the sheer heat it was outputting.

Cracks span against its length and just when I feared it would break through, a shimmering purple light came into existence. Covering the metal walls like a protective barrier.

Hundreds of Japanese symbols crawled across its surface in a hypnotizing pattern. The beauty of it took my breath away and as it flickered in and out of existence as it tried to contest against the laser, I feared it might not hold.

But my worries were for naught as the beam finally started to die down. The walls seemed to grow brighter and that's when it clicked, it was absorbing it. Turning its energy into fuel to power itself.

Soon the beam dissipated, leaving nothing behind but the cracked, bubbling metal where the beam initially hit.

"Kyaa!" Kunou was launched from the knockback and I shook myself out of shock and awe at what I had witnessed. I hurriedly moved to catch her but I witnessed something that left me speechless.

A blue blur caught her just before I could. The manager now sported sharp claws on both his arm and legs. His blue hair grew wilder, turning into something you wouldn't find out of place on a wolf. My eyes prickled to points. I couldn't even see how fast he was going.

My blood boiled at that thought of ever going against him, and I felt disgust for even thinking of going against the kind old man. "Young miss are you alright?!" He shook Kunou who's eyes were wide open. Her hair was disheveled but she had a huge smile on her face.

She didn't look like someone that just got traumatized from what she witnessed, she looked like a kid who had just been given a new toy for Christmas.

She quickly turned to look at me, "What. Was. That!" She hurriedly escaped the manager's grasp before running to me excitedly. "That was so cool!" She grasped the Tanegashima tightly. "Is this a magic weapon?!" She asked me, awe in her eyes.

I was still collecting myself from that what just happened. I looked at destruction it had brought: Gravel nothing more than liquid paste, the ugly mark it had left on the metal walls. A shiver went down my spine. Calling such a thing a magic weapon seemed like a major understatement.

I had thousands of such weapons and one day I would learn how to fire all of them at the same time with nothing but a single thought, the ultimate noble phantasm of Oda Nobunaga. The feared Three Line Formation. It sent a shiver down my spine.

I clapped both my cheeks to calm myself before nodding to Kunou who had been waiting for my answer. "Yeah, I made it myself." It was technically the truth, I made a prop of it and if it turned real? Semantics. Her already wide eyes grew even wider, if that was even possible.

"You made this yourself?!" She looked back down at the weapon capable of mass destruction and death in her grasp with such an awe-filled gaze that I couldn't help but feel embarrassed and worried.

"What. was. that."

The semi lighthearted atmosphere was shattered by the manager's growls. He looked furious as he slowly stomped his way towards me. His expression set into a mad snarl.

"You let her fire such a thing?!" He spat before grasping my shirt to lift me up. "What were you thinking?!" He snarled, his mouth so wide open that I couldn't help but notice how sharp his fangs were. And they scared me.

I didn't know if my new abilities as a Heroic Spirit can protect me if he ever decides to sink his teeth in my throat. With nothing but a single flex of his jaws, it could spell the end for me.

I hurriedly shook off his tight hold on my clothing to distance myself from him, my unnatural strength still surprising me "What's your deal?!" I shouted back, feeling defensive. "It's not like she was hurt!" I pointed out.

I didn't know that's what it was gonna do, how was I suppose to know it was that powerful?

He shook his head, face stiff in an aggravated frown. "You don't understand a thing." He spat. "Do you even know what just happened?!" He pushed me slightly causing me to grunt.

"No I don't, so why don't you actually explain it?!" My voice grew thick with anger. He just shook his head. "No one got hurt so what are you so upset about?!" The way he was acting was starting to get on my nerves.

I didn't do anything wrong so why was he getting so damn mad at me for no reason?! Rather than calming down, my words seemed to only serve to make him angrier.

"Do you see that?!" He pointed at the still bubbling molten metal, it showed no signs of cooling down anytime soon. Further enforcing the strength and heat the beam contained.

"This place was enchanted by the strongest seal makers we have to make sure that nothing can destroy the walls of this place, this was the perfect practice target. And the perfect shelter," He poked me aggressively with his sharp claws, not enough to pierce through my clothing, but I don't know if that's because he was controlling himself or it was the enchanted fabric.

"And your gun almost broke through it like nothing. A wall made up of our strongest metals and the combined effort of the strongest clan of seal masters. Nothing but Paper Mache "

"What if she had pointed it at herself?!" He roared, "What if she had misfired it huh?!" He took a deep breath, staring pointedly at the growing shame in my eyes. "What would you have done?"

His words extinguished the fire in me. I was furious with the way he acted and his sharp words hurt way more than I would like to admit, but I couldn't say anything to disprove his points.

If Kunou was simply normal girl, her arm would've been taken off her body from just the knockback alone. And if she had actually hurt herself, I...I don't know if I'll be able to forgive myself.

How could've I been so dumb? My purpose was to lay low and not invite unwanted attention to myself, and instead I risk the live of the daughter of a faction leader.

I bit my lip in anger at that thought, I should've known better, should've seen better, should've learned how to use it properly before handing it to a child.

I bowed my head in shame, I couldn't dare to look at him in the eye. He looked at me with a complicated expression on his face. Anger and a want to forgive me fighting in his eyes.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before raising my head to look me in the eyes. "As long as you understand." He gave a sad reassuring smile. "Just don't let it happen again." He sighed softly, his form reverting back to normal.

Kunou looked between the two of us with a complicated expression, shame in her eyes. Her knuckles white with how tight her grip was.

She spoke up nervously, "So...I can't keep it?"

The manager and I looked at each other before I quickly looked away. I didn't want to be the one to destroy her hopes and crying children were my weakness. The manager sighed at my antics before his face grew firm. Having made up his mind, He slowly walked up to Kunou, who increasingly grew more nervous as he came closer.

He kneeled down before he put his hands on her shoulder. Kunou looked at the ground, not meeting his eyes as her hold grew tighter. "Young miss, you've seen just how dangerous it is." He whispered quietly. "You know we can't let you keep it."

Kunou bit her lip as her eyes grew misty, "B-But I can handle it. Please! I need this!" The manager faltered slightly, her desperate voice affecting him. "And what would you even use it for?" The manager pointed out, "To destroy lives?" His eyes narrowed. "To kill people?"

"No!" Kunou shouted, horrified, "Then what?!" Kunou didn't say anything, she just bit her lip as tears started to fall down her face. The heat from the manager's eyes softened before he sighed deeply, appearing much older.

"Please, just tell me young miss." He desperately asked. Kunou looked up at him before turning to look at me. My heart ached at the sight of her red eyes and the desperate expression on her face.

She seemed to be trying to tell me something but I don't understand. I had no reason to go against the manager, especially just after what I did and she knew that. She looked absolutely heartbroken, her tears falling even faster.

The manager sighed as he started to swipe her tears. "If you understand, please give it to me." Kunou took a step back from the manager's hands. She stared straight into my eyes again and I finally broke from the helplessness in her eyes.

"H-Hey." I finally spoke up. Hope seemed to reignite in Kunou's eyes as the manager turned to frown at me. "M-Maybe it would be for the best if she keeps it." I stuttered, "Just incase y-you know?" The manager's frown deepened as he stood up.

"Did you not understand a single thing I said?" He spoke, his tone underlying with anger. I faltered slightly at his tone before I strengthened my resolve, I glared at him slightly before speaking up, my tone firm. "There might be a day where she might need it."

The manager's eyebrow rose sharply, "A day where she might need to take a life?" He pointedly questioned. His question took the momentum I had been building up as I tripped, "N-No but when she might face an enemy she can't beat?" It came out as more of a question than a sentence, and he knew that.

"And so you want her to kill them instead." He stated, tired. "N-No!" I took a step back, my hands raised defensively. "I just want her to be prepared!" That seemed to be the wrong choice of words as the anger intensified in his eyes.

"Prepared to take a life?" I grimaced before I glared at him, "Can you stop bringing it to that?!" I walked up to him and shoved him slightly, "Do you have so little faith in her that you expect her to so easily take a life?!" I roared. The manager flinched, his expression twisting in anger and sadness.

"I just don't want her to know the feeling of murdering someone, why is that so hard to understand?!" He bellowed in sadness and anger. I grew silent. Shocked by his admission, I have never once considered that thought.

I grimaced slightly, my mind being invaded my memories. I quickly shook my head before focusing back on the situation at hand, he took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself. His frame shaking from how much he was holding himself back.

I glanced at Kunou who looked like she was about to start crying again as she looked at the Manager with sadness and shame. I quickly tried to rack my head for a solution before it finally clicked.

"How about if I teach her how to use it?" I proposed, Kunou quickly snapped her head towards me so fast that I was concerned she could've ripped it off. The manager stared at me in confusion, his anger dissipating. '"Huh?"" They both spoke up at the same time.

"I wasn't actually planning on staying here in Kyoto for that long." I confessed, I was actually planning on getting out of here as soon as I can and trying to look for my family. Highschool DxD took place somewhere in the modern era so I was hoping my family would still exist here.

They might not recognize me but I think it'll help me resolve all this issues I'm facing with myself. "But I can stay long enough just for Kunou to get the basics learned and teach her how to use it." I explained.

"This'll stop you from worrying too much about her killing someone and," I bit my lips as I looked away. "If there comes a time where I think she might kill someone, I'll do it myself."

Just that admission made me feel disgusted, but a darker part of me was eager for the chance of killing an opponent. The manager had a complicated expression on his face. He understood just how much it took me to admit I would bloody my own hands if it ever came down to it.

"I.." He started, staring deep into my eyes before he slowly shook his head as he bowed slightly, "I'm sorry I had to ask this of you." He was ashamed but would not stop me.

Cause it's the only way he'll ever accept Kunou being able to keep it. "Y-You don't have to do that Mizumori, I'll give it back okay?" Kunou came up to me and tugged on my coat.

Her eyes misty as she looked up at me. I didn't say anything and settled for patting her head. I shook my head as I kneeled slightly, "I had already made my decision, don't you think it's a bit mean to try and take it back when I've already decided?" I smiled slightly in mirth.

Before I could react, Kunou jumped into my arms, crying. "Thank you Mizumori. Thank you so much." I sighed softly, "You have the blessing of being taught by an Oda like me, you should be grateful for being able to become my student."