-139- Stay here for me

Akabane Tenzen committed the atrocity of wiping out the clan and departed with the six automatons he had created.

Akabane Raishin, driven by the desire for revenge, embarked on a journey of training under Hibari.

Akabane Nadeshiko had been disassembled by Tenzen and turned into a doll.

As for Rozen, he was also about to elevate himself in pursuit of uncovering all truths.

Who could have foreseen that the four siblings who used to play and bicker in the dojo would one day transform into this?

The once four siblings have truly fallen apart.

But life is destined for separations.

One thing is certain: the road must be traveled, and people must move forward.

And that's it.

Therefore, Rozen didn't dwell in sentimentality. Holding his blessings and wishes for his newfound family in this world, along with the miracle he still believed in, he was determined to carry on unwaveringly.

Of course, there was more to the changes than just this.

In Karyusai's mansion, Rozen experienced another change, most noticeably with Yaya.

After the night of the clan's demise, the girl who used to intensely despise Rozen now clung to him like a koala.

"Because Yaya is Nuragami's doll!"

This phrase became Yaya's mantra as she meticulously cared for Rozen.

When he say meticulously, he mean it literally—every tiny detail was taken care of.

For instance...

"Did you brush your teeth today? Leave it to Yaya! Yaya will make sure to clean every bit of stain from Nuragami's mouth!"

"Have you eaten your meal? Does it suit your taste? If not, please tell Yaya! Yaya will prepare the most sumptuous dishes for you!"

"Let Yaya handle your bath as well!"

"And also..."

In this manner, it was as though Yaya had completely stripped Rozen of his autonomy, ceaselessly bustling around his room.

Gradually, Yaya's actions became more extreme.

For example, she stored away the clothes Rozen changed out of.

Or took the leftover dishes he hadn't finished and licked them clean.

She even used the bedding he slept on.

And during his recovery period, Yaya took away the wooden puppets he used for training, smashing them into pieces using "Kongouriki," declaring that they were no longer necessary since she was there.

Thus...

"I can't take it anymore! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻"

Rozen finally flipped the table in frustration.

Ultimately, Rozen went to Karyusai Shouko, visibly exhausted, seeking help. It was the first time he lowered his head to the puppet craftsman he had once despised, asking her to examine Yaya and check if something was truly wrong with her.

Unfortunately, Rozen encountered a different outcome.

"Yaya has decided to become Nuragami's doll!"

On the day that marked the end of January, Yaya declared this to Karyusai Shouko.

Karyusai Shouko appeared entirely unsurprised, and she smiled with a hint of amusement at the bewildered Rozen.

"Congratulations on fulfilling our agreement and successfully obtaining the 'Moon' doll from the 'Setsugetsuka' series, little boy."

Karyusai's words left Rozen speechless for a moment.

Ultimately, it was Yaya's voice that snapped him back to reality.

"Starting today, Yaya officially becomes Nuragami's possession."

Yaya, as if anticipating a bright future, flashed Rozen a brilliant smile.

"Don't hesitate to use Yaya however you want! Nu~~ra~~gami~~ (kyun)"

These words left Rozen torn between laughter and tears.

When had Yaya turned into this?

Though Rozen once wished for dolls from the 'Setsugetsuka' series, he never imagined it would come to this. Obtaining Yaya and even transforming her into what she was now.

Rozen truly wanted to say:

"Can I take back my decision?"

Rozen almost instinctively made this request.

"No."

Karyusai Shouko decisively refused.

If a third party were here, they'd surely be shocked to the point of dropping their jaw, right?

Everyone covets the highest-grade dolls but lacks the means. Now, the creator is giving them away for free, and someone doesn't want them. Yet, the creator won't allow it, insisting on it?

How could this situation shatter common sense like this?

Rozen felt helpless.

"At least let Yaya go back to how she used to be!"

Compared to the current Yaya, the previous Yaya might have been extremely defiant, but she never posed a physical or mental danger like this.

At this rate, would he be devoured by this malfunctioning doll?

Just thinking about it, desperation crept into Rozen's tone.

Yaya had a huge objection.

"That's too harsh! Yaya is sincere!"

"It's because you're too sincere that it's frightening!"

"Nuragami also used Yaya before, right? Didn't you fill Yaya up? And left Yaya craving for more!?"

"What filled you was magical energy! And I never left you craving for more!"

"I do! Yaya can prove it to you!"

"What proof... What are you taking off? Don't you dare undress!"

Ignoring his still unhealed injuries, Rozen lunged at Yaya, who was trying to take something off from beneath her kimono. They began to wrestle.

However, with Rozen's frail constitution and injuries, how could he win against Yaya, who possessed "Kongouriki"?

In no time, Yaya had Rozen pinned to the ground and even applied a joint lock, causing him to thump the floor in pain.

Karyusai Shouko paid no heed to any of this, continuing to smoke her pipe while speaking nonchalantly.

"Since it's been decided, starting today, the ownership of Yaya is yours. Whether you want to abandon her or use her, it's up to you alone."

Karyusai's response was surprisingly straightforward.

"Thank you for taking care of me, Shouko. Yaya will be happy."

Yaya immediately released Rozen, sat on the floor, and arranged her fingers in a triangle shape in front of herself, offering a tearful bow.

This touching scene, however, resulted in Rozen's complaint.

"She's acting like a daughter getting married, it's enough."

The etiquette Yaya was demonstrating was akin to what a bride would do.

Yet, Rozen finally looked at Yaya directly.

"Are you really serious, Yaya?"

Rozen sought one final confirmation.

"Yes!"

Yaya ceased her mischief, replying resolutely instead.

From Yaya's gaze, Rozen saw an unwavering determination, as if she had resolved to break through every wall in her path.

Given that...

"In that case, I will issue you your first command as a puppeteer."

Rozen gave Yaya an order.

"Yaya, stay here for me."

With just one sentence, Yaya was left utterly dumbfounded.

Because...

"Because now, I will leave this place, and I won't be able to take you with me."

This was Rozen's decision.