Chapter 32: Prelude of the Next Mission

(Authors Note:

Aight, I already have a world for MCs second mission, and it's Genshin.

I already plotted out how he could get stronger there so it's locked in.

Also do continue suggesting worlds, but I already have a plan for Tensura, Overlord, Kimetsu, and JJK so don't suggest them anymore.

Do suggest some good Accessories too, I'm having trouble filling MCs accessories slots as all the ones I am thinking of are a high rarity, and need some weak ass accessories too, well you can also suggest op accessories if I like them and haven't thought of it I will add it.

Well, this chapter reveals a little stuff about MC.

I'll slowly reveal what made MC a hater and a hikikomori.

Anyway, in one or two more chapters the Genshin Arc will start.)

(Dante POV)

Standing outside Cover Corp's building, with my Gojo skin active, I slowly approached Mari.

Her impatience was evident as she alternated between checking her phone for messages and scanning her surroundings to see if I had arrived.

"Hey girlie~," I said, impersonating a certain ginger guy.

Without even glancing in my direction, Mari replied curtly, "I'm sorry, I'm waiting for someone. If you're looking to pick someone up, I suggest you try the park near the salon. It's just a few minutes' walk to the right."

With a chuckle, I stood beside her, without saying anything, wanting to see how she would react.

She then glared at my face for a few seconds before replying in a clearly annoyed tone, "Look here, mister. While I do agree you're quite good-looking, I don't care. So could you kindly leave me alone? Please, just go before I lose my patience."

"I can't have Onii-chan misunderstanding anything," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible.

Though I couldn't hear her, Great Sage was able to read her lips and convey her words to me.

As I locked eyes with her, a red aura slowly enveloped Mari as she transformed into her Vtubing avatar, Nakiri Ayame.

A katana then materialized in her hands as she backed away, assuming an Iaido stance.

"Last chance, leave me alone or I'll hit you hard." She said with a gaze that told me she was serious.

With a shrug, I reached for my phone to remove my skin, but before I could do so, I saw Mari reverse her katana and perform a quick draw, aiming the back of her blade at my body.

*Swish*

Accompanying the sound of the wind, her Katana simply phased through my body.

She then jumped back a few times after her attack missed, getting back into an Iaido stance to make another attack.

But before she could launch another strike, I quickly deactivated my skin and said, "Whoa there, tiger! Chill. Why are you so aggressive?"

With a look of confusion, Mari tilted her head adorably and asked, "Onii-chan?"

Teleporting a few inches in front of her, I asked in a jovial manner, "It's been a while, Mari-chan. How have you been?"

After getting a good look at my face and confirming it was indeed me, Mari dropped her stance.

A reddish-black aura then leaked out of her body as her transformation was undone.

"Hmm, what was that handsome guy transformation?" my sister quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"And seriously, 'Hey girlie'? What kind of conversation starter is that? No wonder you are still single," Mari added, her voice laced with mockery.

With a shrug, I replied, "I did tell you I awakened a strong ability, didn't I? It's just like your transformation, an Epic skill that turns me into an anime character. Though for now, that's the only transformation I've got."

Summoning my phone, I swiftly loaded the Gojo skin once again, reveling in its familiar appearance.

"I really like this form. I'm quite handsome, aren't I?" I teased Mari with a chuckle.

"Hmm, just so-so," she replied after another glance at my face.

"I like your regular face more," she mumbled under her breath, a comment I chose to ignore.

The both of us then entered the building as Mari led the way to the room she was staying in.

Changing the topic, I interjected, "Oh, by the way, I saw Kronii the other day."

"There was a robbery at a jewelry store in Shibuya. I was just about to step in and flex my powers, but she swooped in and stole my chance," I explained with a hint of joy.

"If she stole your spotlight, why do you sound so happy?" Mari asked with raised eyebrows.

"Well, I got to see Kronii in real life, yeah? Why wouldn't I be happy? Although, I might say that I liked her real face more than her avatar. Her blue eyes and pink hair were splendid," I said, observing Mari's expression shift to a blank, Noh-mask-like state.

"I see, well good for you." She replied monotonously as she quickened her walking pace.

Shifting into a more serious tone, I asked, "So how are Mom and Dad?"

She tensed up for a moment before replying in a bitter tone, "Still the same. Still pretending you don't exist."

"I see, so the normal then." With a nonchalant answer, I shrugged it off as it was expected.

As we reached her room, we both stepped inside.

Taking a seat on the sofa, I turned to face Mari, adopting a serious tone.

"About staying here, I'll be honest with you. I'm not entirely sure about it," I informed her.

"Is it because they're here?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Nah, it's not about that. It's because of my ability," I quickly clarified.

"It's just that I need a lot of freedom to develop my power. Staying here means I'll have to contribute and it might restrict my freedom," I explained, maintaining eye contact with her.

"I'll come to visit from time to time, don't worry," I assured her with a confident smile.

"Can you remove that transformation? I want you to look at me with your real eyes," Mari replied, her voice strained as she closed her eyes and clenched her teeth.

As the transformation faded away, our eyes met in a silent, timeless gaze, locked in a moment that stretched into eternity.

With a heavy sigh, Mari responded, "It's not fair. Seriously, I actually planned to tie you up and keep you here, see?"

She pushed the pillows aside, and I couldn't help but shiver as she pulled out a couple of chains and a lock.

"But, you know what, Onii-chan? Even though I really, really, really want to chain you here so you would stay beside me, I can't. I can't do it when you finally regain that shine in your eyes," she confessed with a teary and bitter expression.

"If only you were still the same shut-in brother, I would definitely chain you here with me," she mused with a chuckle, resting her head on the headrest of the sofa as she released the chains in her hands.

"Just be safe ok? And make sure you visit from time to time." She said in a defeated tone.

"Yeah, I will," I replied.

After our serious discussion, I spent the entire day in Mari's room.

We talked about random topics, reminisced about old memories, and simply enjoyed each other's company.

It was our first meeting after three long years, and we cherished every moment of it.

As the day came to an end, I bid Mari farewell and continuously teleported until I was back to my room.

Now lying on my bed, I felt my phone vibrating, prompting me to take it out.