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ghostvampiregalgazerock · 6 months

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Can we just have some peace, please? (Ace x Nami)

Before reading this story! I will have a few OCs introduced for my One Piece fanfics! My first one is Sheik! (Not Sheik from the Legend of Zelda lol! She has her red eyes because I think it looks so cool and would be cool to see a One Piece character with red eyes as their natural eye color!{except Imu} But her name for short is Sheilah. She goes by Sheik since she has a tomboy personality and you will understand why when I write about her one day. I imagined her years ago when I started watching the series, and I was new to OCs. I was addicted to crossover fanfics so maybe that's why. But I cross that out now with new ideas as I am back to writing fanfics of One Piece.) She is the sworn younger sister to Ace, Luffy, and Sabo! I mean come on! The ASL brothers having a little sister would be so cute! Then my next one is Kiara! She is the love interest to Sanji who came with Sheik to have an adventure and to be close to Sanji. (She ain't a yandere, and Sanji likes her back. You know our cook. Sanji deverses a girl tbh.) If you are curious what she looks like, she has long ash brown hair and blue eyes. To imagine what their voices sound like, Sheik's voice will be Megumi Hayashibara from the Japanese audio and Jamie Marchi for the English dub. For Kiara, her voice will be Kikue Inoue from the Japanese audio and Laura Bailey for the English dub. Also I will have our favorite princess Vivi in this as an official Straw Hat because why not! Also I ship her with Luffy because they look cute together. My opinion who I want to ship and people love to ship Nami with any guy or girl. (except the worst characters and god no not underage characters. Not even Nojiko well she is older than her but that's her adoptive sister! I can't stand even pseudo incest even with Luffy and Ace.) I chose Ace with her because that man is a hell yeah. ANYWAYS ENJOY THE STORY!

Day 1

“Ah!” Nami sighed tiredly as she stretched her arms out while she was working on a new location on her map at her desk. “I think that’s enough for today.” Nami said to herself as she put her pen down. She decided to work in her room instead of her desk at the library today if she wanted to take a nap later since she was on the lookout last night.

“Yo.” Her crewmate/boyfriend Ace said as walks into their room. “Ah! Ace!” Nami smiles happily as her boyfriend walks into their room, closes the door, and locks it behind him. He smiled at her happy reaction. “I was only gone for like 2 hours, and you are acting like you haven’t seen me in a week.” Ace said as he walks over to his girlfriend. “It felt like it.” Nami said as her boyfriend wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“Maybe that’s what happens when you work too much.” He said as he then kissed her on her cheek. “Where were you at?” Nami asked. “Oh, Zoro and I were working out, and Franky helped me fix my Striker’s engine.” Ace said. “Sokka.” Nami said. “And you?” He asks while he kisses the tip of her nose, causing her to giggle. “Adding a few new locations we visited on the map that I’m working on.” Nami said as she took her glasses off before setting them on her desk. “Oh, let me see.” Ace smiled as he looked over his girlfriend’s shoulder to see the map she’d been working on.

“Oh sugoi. This is really going to be the greatest map the entire world will see.” He smiled. “Hontoni?” Nami asked while kissing his cheek. “But, you are missing one location…” Ace said. “Ehhh? What are you talking about?” Nami asked, all confused. “The location you are missing is…Bed-land!” Ace exclaimed as he picked his girlfriend up in a bridal style from her chair, causing her to squeal and giggle as her boyfriend took her to their bed. He drops her gently on top of the bed, causing her to bounce slightly on it. It wasn’t long before Ace joined by crawling on the bed to be on top of his girlfriend.

“And the adventure to bed-land continues.” He said seductively. The orange-haired navigator smiled seductively at her boyfriend, who was smirking before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss on the lips. The Fire Fist Pirate wraps his arms around her waist while still kissing his girlfriend. Nami then wrapped her legs around his waist as she was now in a tongue-dominant battle with Ace. Nami interrupts the battle as she chuckles seductively before she rolls her boyfriend over to be on his back on top of the bed. She smirked as she was now on top, straddling her boyfriend’s waist.

“Oi oi. Seems like you want to top me that bad.” Ace smirked. “You have a problem with that hot stuff?” Nami asked seductively. He chuckled seductively as he admired his girlfriend on top of him. As he felt hard against his sweatpants, poking against the crotch of her shorts. “Did I ever have a problem with it ever since we have been together, kitten?” He asked seductively as he placed his hands on her butt before groping them. Nami smirked before slowly lifting her t-shirt. Ace smirks as he sees her orange lacey bra peeking under her shirt as she was-

“WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU SHITTY COOK?!” “DO I HAVE TO REPEAT IT?!??! YOU IDIOTIC MOSS HEAD!!!” Nami stops midway through, taking her shirt off as she hears the usual outside their room in the hallways. Nami’s and Ace’s facial expressions changed to be annoyed at the scene. “Really?” They both grunted, annoyed at what was happening that interrupted their moment together.

“WAIT YOU TWO SHOULDN’T FIGHT IN THE HALLWAY!!!!” They heard Usopp’s voice outside the hallway. The couple were hoping that they would listen to Usopp. “GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!” No luck before they could hear the chef and the swordsman of the ship beating each other up. “Those guys…” Nami snarled as she was this close to getting up and smacking the boys’ asses for interrupting her time with her boyfriend. “I will join-“Ace paused as he heard the fighting stop all of a sudden. “They stopped?” Nami asked, all confused and surprised at the same time. They flinched as they heard another fight outside of their room.

“SHUT THE HELL UP YOU TWO!” Ace and Nami recognized that voice. It was Ace’s sworn little sister, “Pirate Warrior” Sheik. “I’M TRYING TO HAVE A NAP AND YOU TWO HAVE TO DO IT OUTSIDE OUR ROOMS WHILE WE ARE TRYING TO RELAX AFTER A LONG DAY!! I EVEN CAN’T STAND YOU TWO WHO ARE PLAYING LIKE DUMBASS CHILDREN EVEN WHEN IM NOT NAPPING! IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN I WILL THROW YOUR ASSES AT A STRANDED ISLAND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!” It was then quiet after Sheik slammed the door shut to her bedroom.

The couple stood there quietly to know what was going to happen next. “It’s finally over.” Ace sighed relieved. “Ah, thank goodness.” Nami sighed with relief. “I’d rather have my sister put us in that stranded island.” Ace said. “You tell me. I can find us one right now.” Nami said. Ace smirks at her. “Look for one later after we have some fun.” Ace said seductively as he groped her ass again. Nami smirked as well. She began to take off her t-shirt entirely before throwing it somewhere in the room. Ace admires her in her orange lace bra, which comes in a set that he got for her from their travels.

“Is there more?” he asked as his hands moved to the button and zipper of her shorts. He unbuttons them before unzipping them and sliding them down, revealing her matching orange lace underwear. He smirked seductively before he looked up at his girlfriend, who had the same look on her face as him. Ace is very lucky to see her panties, which Brook said when the couple started going out.

“Look all you want. But it won’t be long.” She said seductively as she leaned down, grabbed the bottom trim of his tank top, and slowly lifted it, revealing his abs along with the scar on the center of his chest that he had gotten from the Marineford war. Ace smirked before hers crashed his lips. He then began to make his hand go to the back of her bra before unclipping it as he was now on top of her again, and his top was now off.

Day 2

Nami giggles with Sheik, Kiara, and Vivi while walking back on the Sunny after they shopped in town. Usually, Robin would join them, but she was with Chopper shopping for books. “I’m gonna show Luffy what I got. Also, I’m gonna give Karoo his bath.” Vivi smiled happily. “I will see you girls at dinner.” Vivi said as she walked away. “Yeah!” The girls both said at the same time. “I will take my leave, but I have to wash up early because I want to help Sanji with dinner.” Kiara said as she began to walk away. “Quite alright. See you at dinner, Kiara!” Nami smiled. “Oi Kiara! Tell that boyfriend of yours to have his arguments with Zoro somewhere else that isn’t outside our rooms!” Sheik said. “I will tell him that!!” Kiara agreed before walking off.

“Also, before I write to Arua and go do training with Zoro, then wash up for dinner…” Sheik said as she saw Ace lying on the grass near the ship’s pillar with his hands behind his head and his hat on top of his face, along with his legs crossed. “Time for my daily routines as a sister to annoy her brother before his girlfriend, aka my future sister-in-law, sees him.” Sheik said with a teasing smirk. Nami giggled happily under her breath when Sheik called her future sister-in-law. She does that to Vivi since she is dating Sheik’s and Ace’s sworn brother Luffy and Kiara since Sheik is dating Kiara’s brother Arua, who’s a doctor in the Revolutionary Army. The girls have been like sisters to each other for a long time while sailing the seas together.

The Pirate Warrior arrives before Fire Fist, who is sleeping peacefully. Nami watches from a small distance. “Oi. Are you alive?” Sheik asked as she nudged her foot against Ace’s hip. The dark hair took his hat off of his face, and he looked at his sister with an annoyed expression yet with a pout. “I’m still alive. The hell you want?” He asked with a yawn. “Nothing just wanted to annoy you for fun.” Sheik teasingly smirks. He rolls his eyes at that response. “Of course you do.” Ace said. Sheik giggles devilishly before her brother just smiles. He chuckles as he then elbows her ankle as payback. “Oi oi.” She said while laughing and trying to keep her balance.

“Alright, you sneaking ass rascal, let me be in peace before my lady comes.” He said while he put his hat back on his face and got back to his comfortable position. “Yeah.” Sheik said. She looks at Nami, who is smiling throughout the whole thing. “All yours.” Sheik mouthed it out before walking away with a smile.

Nami smiles as she walks over to her boyfriend. She arrives before him and sets her shopping bag down on the ground. She smirks as she gets on top of him by straddling him yet quietly. “Do I get my hello kiss from my boyfriend after his girlfriend was shopping all day with the girls?” The Cat Burglar asked as she moved his hat out of his face. Ace wakes up to see his girlfriend on top of him. He smirks to see her in this position. “Never said you can never have one.” He said as he sat up before he leaned up to give her a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Is this what you have been doing all day while I was shopping with the girls?” she asked as she tucked a strand of his dark hair behind his ear. “Well, the boys and I hit town as well to go eat somewhere, and Sanji had to get a few things for dinner. So we got here early so Sanji could do preparations for tonight’s dinner.” Ace said. “Sokka.” Nami said.

“And you? Seems like you have fun.” He said with a seductive smile as he looked at her new top, which was a baby pink halter bikini top with small white flowers on it. “I did. Café first and shop. But when the girls were distracted, I did my usual Cat Burglar business on a few nobles.” Nami smirked as she held up a golden ring with a family crest on it, which she grabbed out of the pocket of her pants. Ace chuckles at his girlfriend’s actions.

“Still your old self, and that’s one of my favorite things about you. Sneaky and sexy at the same time.” The dark hair pirate said as he placed his hand on her lower back and his other hand on her bikini. He places his pointer finger on the front of her bikini before he slightly pulls it down, having her cleavage be revealed…a bit more.

Nami smirks at her boyfriend’s actions. “Easy there hot stuff. We aren’t in the room yet.” She said as she grabbed her boyfriend’s chin to have him look up at her. The dark-haired pirate smirks again as he stares at his orange-haired partner. “Can’t be sneaky and sexy with my girl?” He said seductively. Nami chuckles as she wraps her arms around his neck. “Well-“

Nami sniffed her nose as a weird smell came in. “What’s that smell?” she asked. Ace sniffed his nose to smell the weird scent. “It smells like…OH GOD!!” Nami yelled out disgustingly as she covered her nose. “What the!!” Ace yelled before he coughed rapidly. The smell was now horrible, and it came into his lungs.

“What the hell is that coming from?” Nami asked while she was covering her nose. “I swear to God, if Luffy grabbed some meat out of the garbage again, his ass is mine.” Ace said while covering his nose and his hat. “How does even Vivi kiss him if he eats that from the garbage?” Nami asked while covering her nose. “Who knows.” He said.

“Yosh yosh, perfect to get rid of the pesky insects to help my Pop Greens grow for the next battle.” A familiar voice was heard somewhere outside. “Not again…” Nami said, annoyed, as she realized who it was. The Strawhats sniper was up in the garden patio using a spray to keep away the bugs from his plants, yet he smelled really bad.

“Oi Usopp! Do you have a less smelly spray that isn’t killing our noses?” Nami asked, all annoyed. “Oi oi! I didn’t create this stuff, and even when I try to wear my face mask, it still bugs me.” Usopp yelled as he stopped what he was doing and looked at his friends from the patio. “Makes sens-!” Ace was interrupted by a tremendous noise that caused the ship to shake, to the three pirates’ surprise, and also caused them to bounce a bit but land back in their place.

“What the?!?!!” Nami asked, all surprised. “Ahhhh!!!!!!! Shit!!!!!!!!! I DIDN’T EXPECT IT TO BLOW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Usopp yelled out as he ran into his Factory. The couple stood there dumbfounded at what just happened.

“The hell just happened?” Ace asked. “Don’t know and don’t care.” Nami said. “Good point.” He said as he looked at his girlfriend’s chest. He smirks at it as he remembers earlier when the ship rocked, causing her breasts to bounce. “Nani?” Nami asked her boyfriend, who wasn’t saying anything. He smirks still while looking at her breasts. “Oi oi. My eyes are up here, Fire Fist.” Nami said with a smirk as she held his chin to have him look up at him.

“I kind of want to see more of that action in the bedroom before dinner.” He smirked. She smirks like a cat at what he was talking about. “Would you like to see more of it if I show you the other bikinis I got today?” She asked seductively as she played with a strand of his hair. He chuckled softly yet devilishly.

“Oh!!” She squealed as her boyfriend picked up and held her over his shoulder as he stood up. “Then what the hell are we waiting for?” Ace asked as he used his other hand to pick up her shopping bags. Nami giggled, and her boyfriend takes to their bedroom.

Day 3

“Hmmm.” Ace grumbled as he was reading a book. “What’s wrong?” His girlfriend asked who was sitting on the floor next to him while picking her fresh tangerines and putting them in a basket. “Call me a dumbass, but this book that Robin recommended to me…this story doesn’t make me any sense.” Her boyfriend said. The couple decided to hang out outside by Nami’s tangerine tree since it was a lovely day outside.

Nami giggles that her boyfriend calls himself a dumbass. “Oi oi. I was joking.” He said while blushing, embarrassed since his partner was laughing already. “Hey, I didn’t even call you one yet, and there’s no need to get embarrassed about it. I just laugh because you are funny.” She said as she put her tools before she gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.

“But tell me what on Earth you are reading that doesn’t make sense to you.” She said as she took her gloves off. “The whole thing.” Ace said as he closed the book, but he didn’t care. He lost his place if it didn’t make any sense to him before he handed it to his girlfriend. Nami examines the title, and it was called ‘Lost Heart in the Bottom of the Sea’. She chuckles as she remembers reading this book before. It is a romance story, and of course, she finished that book.

“Did she recommend it to you so you can say cheesy lines from that book to make me swoon but will make me laugh my ass off instead?” She asked as she set the book down on the floor. Ace pouts and realizes that might be true. “Seems like it and the love lines are cringeworthy.” He answered.

Nami just laughed at her boyfriend’s answer. “I thought she gave me that book to impress you since you read it.” Ace said. “How is that gonna impress me? You have already impressed me ever since we met.” Nami said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh really? How did I do it?” He asked with a smirk as he pulled his girlfriend into his lap, causing her to giggle. “I’m not telling you.” She teased. “Oh, you like to play it that way, eh?” He smirked as he dipped her while he began to attack her neck with kisses. “No, ah!! Ah ha ha ha!!!” She squealed as her boyfriend kissed her neck. He stops as he begins to chuckle against the crook of her neck.

He lifts his head up to look at his girlfriend, who is now smiling at him. Ace admires how beautiful Nami is. Really beautiful. The most gorgeous girl he met in the seas. “Do you know you are the most beautiful girl of the sea that I have ever met?” Ace said. “Oi, stop it.” Nami giggled shyly. “I mean it, and I’m not saying it from whatever the hell I was reading.” He giggled before he leaned down to give her a k-

“AAAAHHHH!!!!!!” The couple jumped in surprise as they heard a scream, but Nami hung on to Ace still. The scream sounded familiar, and it was the ship’s doctor, Chopper, who ran in and hid behind a flower pot, all scared. “What the? Chopper!!” Nami asked, all surprised, while she was still holding on to Ace. “Robin, that’s scary!!” Chopper cried.

The ship’s archeologist, Nico Robin, comes in as she is giggling. “Ah gomen ne Chopper. I didn’t mean to give you a fright, but you picked a hard hiding spot to find you at.” Robin says. “What happened?” Ace asks. “Robin used her powers to find me while we were playing hide-and-seek, and this technique she used was terrifying!!” Chopper cries. “How?” The couple asks.

“Like this.” Robin said. “DON’T LOOK!!!!” Chopper cried. The couple looked at the other side before their faces turned white as they saw an eye on the wall. “GGGGYYYYAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!” Nami yelled as she held on to her boyfriend tightly. “W-W-W-WHAT THE FUCK?!?!” Ace yelled out in shock before the eye disappeared. “Gomen ne gomen ne.” Robin said. “WHY ARE YOU SO INTO CREEPY THINGS?!?!” Nami cried as she held on to her boyfriend tight. Robin chuckles. “I’m guessing it’s just her thing.” Ace said while still creeped out and holding on to his girlfriend.

“Oh by the way Ace, how’s the book going that I gave you?” The archeologist asked as she changed the subject. “Take it back. I think cheesy romance novels aren’t my thing and didn’t get it.” Ace said as he was in a calm state. He picked the book up and handed it to Robin, who used her devil fruit powers to grab the book.

Robin just chuckles at how he describes the book as she holds it. “Sokka. I will leave you two alone. Hey Chopper, how about a game of checkers with tea and sandwiches before we wash up?” Robin asks. “Yeah!” Chopper exclaims happily as he walks away, leaving Robin and the couple alone.

“What’s up with that girl?” Nami asked about her friend. “Well you know her better than me. But as I got to know her more, she’s clever but has quite a mysterious mind.” Ace said. “Yeah.” Nami agreed with her boyfriend.

“But enough of that. Do I get a kiss still?” Ace asked while he looked at his girlfriend. Nami chuckled softly as she looked at her boyfriend, who was lovingly smiling at her.

“Who said you can’t get one?” She teased as she kissed him.

Day 4

“Hurry up!” the navigator whispered as she dragged her boyfriend to the ship’s bathroom by hand. “I’m coming, I’m coming.” Ace told his girlfriend as he followed behind her.

Nami walks into Sunny’s shower with her boyfriend. “Bath or shower first, kitten?” Ace asked as he was about to turn on one of the faucets but wanted to know which one he was turning on. “Hmmm. Bath.” Nami answered. “Good choice.” He smirked as he kissed her temple before he walked over to the tub.

Usually, they would use their personal shared bathroom to shower and/or bathe together. Franky built a great bathroom with a good view of the ocean for them.

But they were having a water problem there, and the only shower/bath they could use was the main bathroom. Franky would fix it right away but didn’t have the proper pipes and had to go into town to an island they stopped by to get more supplies and relax from the seas for a bit.

Kiara told Nami it’s fun to make love in Sunny’s bathroom, and she did it with Sanji when their bathroom had the same problem. It was perfect when everyone was asleep, so Nami thought it was the perfect time since everyone wouldn’t bother them, and Ace agreed.

“As usual, both sneaky and sexy at the same time.” The freckle-faced pirate smirks as his girlfriend locks the door behind her while he turns the faucets for the bath. He admires her wearing a short orange towel wrapped around her body, revealing her bare shoulders, legs, and cleavage. Her hair is in a low ponytail, yet it is messy. She looks like a model who stepped out of a magazine from a shower photoshoot.

Nami chuckles seductively as she looks at her boyfriend, who is by the tub with her hands still on the knob of the door. He was wearing a loose black bathrobe revealing his chest along with his scar and his bare leg sticking out of the slit of his robe. His hair was in a loose low ponytail with a few strands loose, making him look like a sex God to her.

“I may be the famous Cat Burglar but I have that personality that you described me right now when I’m not doing the job.” She smirked seductively like a cat.

He smirked seductively as he stood up and made his way towards his girlfriend. He placed his hands on her hips, and his thumb stroked them before they lowered to her thighs, which weren’t covered by her towel.

Nami chuckles seductively, “Easy there hot stuff.” She wraps her arms around his neck, and her finger strokes his exposed collarbone. He chuckles seductively, the same as her, “Your fault that you are irresistible my little kitten.” He had his hands travel to her ass under her towel.

She chuckles as he gropes her ass, and his face is now closer to face, and his forehead rests on top of hers. “You too, as well.” She said as her hand traveled to the tied knot of his robe before-

“Toilet! Toilet! Toilet! There you are! Hai~!” They flinched, annoyed, as they heard a familiar voice singing outside the shower room. It was their captain and Ace’s young brother, Monkey D. Luffy. “Seriously?” Nami asked, all annoyed. “That little…” Ace grunted all annoyed that his brother’s singing interrupted his moment with his girlfriend.

“Why isn’t he using his own bathroom in his room?” Nami mumbled quietly yet annoyed. “The usual Luffy couldn’t hold it when he sneaks in the middle of the night for a snack…” Ace grumbled, annoyed. “Didn’t Franky give him a mini fridge?” Nami asked. “Have you met my brother?” Ace asked and reminded her what Luffy had always been doing. “I can’t believe I forgot that.” Nami said, all annoyed.

“Ah! That hit the spot!” They heard Luffy’s voice when the toilet flushed and the door to the toilet opened. “Please don’t come in. Please don’t come in.” Nami begged quietly for him not to come in since he was…as usual…an idiot. He isn’t a pervert, just a nosy asshole that Nami thinks of what he is.

“Eh? Is someone in there?” Luffy asked as he came by the door to the showers. The couple flinched by surprise. “How the hell did he hear me whisper?” Nami asked quietly. “Leave it to me.” Ace said to his girlfriend quietly. Nami stepped aside from the door as her boyfriend let her go.

“The hell, Luffy?” Ace asked, all annoyed, as he unlocked the door before he opened it. “Oh, Ace! What are you doing here in the middle of the night?” Luffy asked. “I forgot to shower, that’s all.” Ace said. “I swear that I also heard Nami in-OOOWWW!!!!!!!!” Luffy whined in pain as his brother pinched his nose and stretched it due to his devil fruit powers.

“Do you have to be nosy about what Nami and I do behind the door, which is just couple stuff? I didn’t nose with you and Vivi behind the door. Also, the door would be open, meaning it’s empty. The door would be close, meaning one of us is in there, meaning we want privacy. Have you also heard of knocking?” Ace asked. “I’m sowwy!!” Luffy complained. Nami chuckles at the interaction between her boyfriend and their captain, who are brothers.

The crew supported Nami and Ace’s relationship as a couple based on how happy they were together. They were the same with Vivi with Luffy and Sanji with Kiara. The couple was nervous about telling the crew since they were on the same crew. Nami was the nervous one, but Ace was confident about it since he knew a few people from his travels who were a couple and on the same crew. Luffy said he was happy for them and wanted them to be.

“Hai hai! I got it! I got it!” Luffy whined, his nose still stretched out due to Ace pinching him. Ace lets go of his brother’s nose, and it goes back to normal. Luffy rubs his nose while pouting. “Always remember that. Now off to bed or get more midnight meat in th-” “Oh?! MEAT!!!!!” Luffy exclaimed happily, with his eyes sparkling before he rushed out of the bathroom to the kitchen again. “He’s fast…just for meat…” Ace said, surprised, while he watched his brother run off. He then closes the shower door before locking it.

“Is he gone?” Nami asked as she came behind her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Based how on quiet it is…coast is clear.” He smirks as his girlfriend’s hands travel to the tie knot of his robe before she unties it. He smirked as the front of his robe came undone.

“Shall we proceed?” he asked as he turned around and looked at his girlfriend, who had her signature cat smirk again. “We shall.” she said as she now wrapped her arms around his neck. Ace chuckled seductively before he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her passionately. He then worked his hands to undo her towel, and she did the same to his robe.

Day 5

Nami yawns tiredly while she sits up before she stretches her arms. “Didn’t get enough sleep last night, I see.�� her boyfriend Ace says as he lies down next to her at the Crow’s Nest with his arms behind his head. “I’m just tired.” Nami smiles. “From last night?” Ace asks, chuckling teasingly. Nami then smirked when her boyfriend mentioned what had happened the previous night.

The couple went on with each other in the ship’s washroom before sunrise. They decided to go back to their rooms at around 3:30 a.m. when one of their crew members could take an early shower. Then, it was too late for them to go to sleep, so they slept in together before noon.

“That and…well…mostly that of what you just said.” Nami smirks. Ace chuckles seductively. “Come here, you.” He said as he pulled his girlfriend down by the waist to lay on top of him. She squealed as she lies on top of her boyfriend.

(A/N - Their crow’s nest is inside, but let’s imagine Franky made a second one like the old-school style ones and the Going Merry had)

The couple decided to go to the Crow’s Nest to enjoy the view of the sky together and relax. The clouds were slowly parting away, showing beautiful blue skies. The breeze was gentle, not too cold or hot.

“Oi oi. I would love to have some fun with you, but another time.” Nami said as she looked down at her boyfriend. “I just want to snuggle you. I don’t want to go rough on you if you are tired from last night.” Ace said with a soft smile.

Nami smiles before she gives her boyfriend a sweet peck on the lips. She then rests her head on top of his chest, hearing his heartbeat with his arms wrapped around her waist. “I can never say no to snuggles from you.” She says happily. Ace smiles as he kisses his girlfriend’s head.

The couple lay there while Ace held her in his arms, making her feel loved, comforted, and safe. The couple closed their eyes as they were snuggled in each other’s arms, enjoying the moment of peace and q--

“AAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” They open their eyes, all surprised and startled by someone shouting. “The fuck?” The couple both said at the same time as they sat up. “COME ON BABY~!” They recognize that voice as the ship’s musician, Brook.

“What has stardom done to him?” Nami asked, all annoyed. She loves his talent with music but gets annoyed with his loud singing as a rockstar when she is trying to relax or work. She’s alright if he’s playing his violin since it’s more peaceful and gentle than a loud guitar.

“New things, I believe…but I want to smash that lovely guitar of his when I’m trying to nap or work.” Ace growled quietly. “I agree.” His girlfriend growled quietly with him. “Yohohohoho!!!” The talented skeleton laughs happily. “Now, what the hell is he laughing about?” Ace asked. “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” Nami said, all angry, as she was about to get up and yelled at the skeleton to shut up.

“Hey Brook! Robin and I are going to play hide-and-seek in the island’s forest and also shop there! Do you want to come?” They heard Chopper’s voice. “Hontoni?! I’d be honored!!” Brook said happily.

“Arigato Chopper…” the couple said quietly as they finally got peace and quiet. It was a perfect day for that. Luffy and Vivi were in town having lunch. Kiara and Sanji were in the kitchen making tonight’s dinner for the Strawhats. Sheik went to town just to be alone. Zoro was taking a nap on Sunny’s head. Usopp and Franky were in town shopping. Jinbe went into town to be alone as well, like Sheik.

“Finally, peace and quiet,” Nami said. How does Zoro sleep through the noise?” Ace asked. “He’s a deep sleeper.” she answered as she lay back down on the floor with her boyfriend, who still had his arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand behind his head.

“Aren’t you one too, babe?” Nami asked her boyfriend. “Well yes, but some days I’m not.” He answered while slowly rubbing his girlfriend’s back. “You have been doing good at not sleeping in front of me, so I don’t mind if you fall asleep out of nowhere,” she said.

“Really? I have been doing it from not sounding like I’m bored with you. I only do it when we are relaxing and snuggling.” Ace said. “I know. But it’s still funny and cute at the same time when you do that.” She smiled. “You and your sweet heart.” He chuckles softly as he kisses the top of her head, causing her to giggle.

Day 6

“Hold on…” Nami chuckled happily as she buried her face in the crook of her boyfriend’s neck. “Hold on to yourself, kitten.” Ace smiled at his girlfriend. Nami giggled against his neck as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he had his arm around her waist.

It was date night for them, and they decided to have it at Sunny’s aquarium room. Both dressed nicely, and Sanji made them dinner and dessert. After dessert, they decided to sit on the aquarium booth couch, with Nami sitting on top of Ace’s lap while they were having the last of the champagne.

Well, Nami…she was enjoying it too much. Ace was slightly drunk but a bit sober since he only had a few cups of champagne, and his date had more than a few cups.

“You want to go lie down or stay up more?” Ace asked his girlfriend. “Eh?” Nami slurred as she looked up at him. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes squinting a bit. “Why ask me to lie down? The night is still young.” The navigator said with her head slowly wobbling.

Ace smiled at his girlfriend, who was affected by the amount of alcohol she drank. “You sure, kitten?” He asked while he looked into her eyes. “100% and too early to end date night.” She giggled before she leaned in and kissed him passionately on the lips.

The Fire Fist pirate smirks against the kiss and enjoys it. She was right. Why the hell end date night early? He did care about her and made sure she was okay.

Perfect for them without anyone interrupting them. Luffy and Vivi were on a date somewhere in the island’s town. Sanji and Kiara were having their date at the Sunny as well. Sanji, Luffy, and Ace thought it would be a fun triple date night with their girls but decided to have alone time from each other but promised they would. Sheik, Chopper, and Robin were in town to see a show. The rest of the boys, Zoro, Franky, Jinbe, Usopp, and Brook, were in the Sunny having a drinking contest at Usopp’s Factory. So their peace isn’t disturbed finally—just them.

“We could continue date night in the bedroom if you want.” He mumbled against the kiss. Nami chuckles against the kiss when her boyfriend mentions the bedroom. “Well now that you mention th-“

*BOOM!!*

The whole ship shook from the loud sound. The couple pulled away from their kiss as they stood there, all surprised to know where the noise was coming from. “Now what?” Nami slurred, all annoyed, before she let out a small hiccup. Yep…She had too much fun with the alcohol.

The couple would stay at one of the hotels on the town’s island. But they were all booked up since the island is a really popular place to stay. The crew was right to stay in the Sunny since they were going to be on the island for a while due to upcoming storms and to keep away from the Marines, World Government Agents, and/or Bounty Hunters.

“AOW! Super gomen ne!” The shipwright cyborg Franky comes into the room, lifting his arms up and pressing his forearms together. “What the hell happened, Franky?” Ace asks. “One of Usopp’s inventions goes off again, and it causes an explosion.” Franky smiles shyly.

“Again?!” Nami asked, all angry. “I’m gonna kick his ass.” Nami said as she was about to get up from her boyfriend’s but stumbled as she stood up. Ace managed to catch her in his arms as he stood up. “Oi Nami?! You alright?” Franky asked, all worried. “She’s fine, just too much champagne on date night.” Ace assured the kind cyborg as he carried her bridal style in his arms. “Ah got it.” Franky said with a relieved smile before he left the room.

“Can you take me to Usopp so I can kick his ass?” Nami asked her boyfriend before she let out a hiccup. “Don’t worry about him love. We can continue date night in our room with a nice hot bath.” He said as he was about to walk out of the room with his girlfriend in his arms.

“What about the champagne? It would be romantic to have champagne in our bath.” Nami said with a seductive smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck before she let out another small hiccup.

Ace chuckles at her small hiccup. He finds it cute because it sounds like a small kitten, and it suits her really well since she acts like a cat as well. No wonder she got the title the Cat Burglar. Not only is she sneaky and attractive, but she does act like a cat. Here’s how her boyfriend sees her as definitely a cat.

Ace thinks of her as seductive and passionate about getting him to be in bed. But she can also be like a sweet kitten when she makes those kinds of noises: sneezes, squeals, and/or is clingy to Ace when she misses him.

That explains why he also calls her ‘kitten’, and she loves that nickname he gave her. She decided to give him one as well to suit his powers and mostly how attractive he is. ‘Hotshot’, ‘Hot stuff’ and or ‘hottie’. He liked it when she called him those nicknames. He teases her if she calls him a ‘hot head’ based on his powers, and he gets angry most of the time. She just laughed and asked why she would call him that when he was being such a kind gentleman to her.

“Kawaii~.” he said lovingly as he took his girlfriend to their bedroom. “Shut up.” She scolded him before she let another hiccup, and her cheeks flushed. He chuckled again at her embarrassment. He loves to see her like that, and he does love to tease her.

Day 7

*🔞 BE PREPARED👀*

“Ah! Ace…Ngh!” The orange-haired navigator moans before she gasps with delight as she feels her lover’s tongue in her folds. The dark-haired pirate smirks as he thrusts his tongue in and out. His eyes were slightly closed, and his hands groped her thighs.

The crew decided to stay at a cottage inn, but they got their own cabins. It was perfect since they heard this place wasn’t fully booked anymore. They decided to stay there as they needed a break from staying in Sunny. They considered it their home, but they needed a break from the seas, and the storm was coming soon. It was perfect for Ace and Nami since they got the place to themselves.

The couple decided to have another date in town by walking around town and doing other stuff. Nami took him shopping at a lingerie store, and he enjoyed seeing his girlfriend in different sets of lingerie. They then ate at a few restaurants, one for lunch and then dinner. They also walked by the beach, each other holding hands.

Now, back at their own cottage, lying naked in bed, kissing each other and their bare skins touching each other. But Ace decided to take his kisses…somewhere else. Her moans were music to his ears at this moment, making him want more of her. Her legs had his head between his face and were resting on his shoulders. She was lying back against the bed, feeling like she would come any moment as her lover devoured her.

“Ace…I’m…I’m…Ah~! Aaa…” She moaned as she felt his lips gently brushing against her folds before it was his tongue again. “Ace…I’m…gonna…” Nami said between gasps as she felt like she was going to come.

She then didn’t feel his lips or tongue anymore on her clit. She heard him pant to catch his breath. He looks up at her, panting as she is tiredly pouting that she didn’t get come. He smirks at her as he licks his lips.

His girlfriend looked so sexy, with her naked body covered in sweat and her beautiful orange hair fanned out against her pillow yet slowly getting damp from her sweat with a few strands sticking to her forehead.

To Nami, her boyfriend looked like a sexy beast with his bare muscles covered in sweat. His dark hair was a mess and damp from his sweat, with a few strands sticking to his forehead.

“You wouldn’t let me finish…” She moaned out. He chuckles seductively. “Settle kitten…” He said as he sat up on his knees, and her legs were now over his shoulders. He smirked as the tip of his hard cock was pressed against her folds, preparing to enter.

Nami smirked seductively as she stared at her lover, who looked the same as her. “This is the best part.” He said with soft pants. “Always has been ever since we went out…” She said as she got comfortable for her lover to take her.

“As always…” He chuckled seductively before he-

“HOLD ON SANJI!!!!! THIS FIGHT AIN’T OVER!!!!” “OI LUFFY!!!!!!!! GET BACK HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!” “YOUR ASS IS MINE MOSS HEAD!!!!!!!!” “THE HELL YOU SAID CURLY BROW!!!!!!!!!!”

The couple stood there annoyed in bed now as they were about to make love… when they heard four assholes who happened to be Ace’s little brother also, his captain, the gentleman cook, the hot-headed swordsman, and even the timid sniper outside of their cabin. What’s even worse, they could hear it outside from their bedroom window, meaning they were right by their bedroom.

“You have got to be…” Ace grunted, all annoyed under his teeth. “…fucking kidding me…” Nami finished her boyfriend’s sentence while everyone was annoyed as well.

“Even at our…” Nami grunted, annoyed under her teeth. “…perfect timing together…” Ace finished his girlfriend’s sentence as well.

“Why aren’t Luffy and Sanji with the girls?” Nami said, all annoyed. “My little sister is taking them to see a live show with Chopper, Brook and Robin. And I can’t believe those assholes said no to it.” Ace growled against his teeth. “Can they do it somewhere that’s not near our cabin?” Nami growled angrily. “Clearly not when they are blind idiots.” Ace growled still.

Ace moves Nami’s legs off his shoulders as she rolls to the other side. She then sits up before getting out of bed, grabbing her boyfriend’s button-up shirt that was on the ground that he had stripped off. Ace grabs a throw blanket that was on the end of the bed. He wraps it around his waist.

Nami then opens the nightstand’s drawers to grab her Clima-Tact. “Ah, Nami!” her partner Zeus, who was in the baton, says happily. "Shut up and do your job.” Nami growls angrily at her partner as she holds her staff up close to her face. Zeus gulps all nervous at his master.

Nami usually puts Zeus, who’s part of her staff, in the drawers when she gets intimate with Ace. She finds it weird like he’s staring at them. Also… he can be a pervert sometimes if he’s bored.

“Shall we?” Her boyfriend asked who was by the window. He saw his four crew mates fighting outside. One member was their captain, who also happened to be Ace’s brother. “Open it.” she said as she arrived before the window next to her boyfriend.

Just then, the Fire Fist pirate opened the window before he and his girlfriend kicked their crewmates’ asses. The fight between the four men stopped as they were knocked out by Ace’s signature power ‘Fire Fist’ and Nami’s Zeus Mace. They also knocked them out with their other fighting abilities.

“Aaaaaa…” The four male pirates grunted in pain and were on the ground, all beaten up by the couple.

“WILL YOU FOUR ASSHOLES SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! YOU KNOW WHAT BIG PAIN OF ASSES YOU ALL BEEN EVER SINCE WE WENT OUT!!!!! WE EVEN CAN’T DEAL WITH YOUR GODDAMN CHILD PLAY BEFORE WE STARTED GOING OUT!!!!!! IF YOU FOUR DO IT OUTSIDE OUR CABIN OR ROOM AGAIN YOUR ASSES WILL BE THROWN IN SOMEWHERE IN THE SEAS!!!!!” The couple yelled out before they closed their window and then the curtains.

“God, those four.” The couple sighed, annoyed, as they walked back to their bed. “Weren’t those your crew mates, Nami?” Zeus asked. “Shut up.” Nami said as she put her baton back in the drawers, to Zeus’ annoyance, as he was still part of the baton.

“How did you deal with them before I joined?” Ace asked as he sat on the bed. “Beat their asses, but it was exhausting. How did you deal with Luffy before you went to the seas?” Nami asked her boyfriend. “Oh, you know he’s a pain in the ass, but he is my brother. Yet brothers can be a pain in the ass still.” Ace said as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Nami chuckles at her boyfriend. “Hm? What?” Ace asked as he looked up at his girlfriend. “Nothing.” She said while she made her way toward her boyfriend and stood before him. “Nothing? Then what the hell are you chuckling for?” The dark-haired pirate asked. “I’m teasing. You are just cute based on how you talk about your siblings.” She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He smiles softly at his girlfriend. “You are the same as well when you mention your big sister.” Ace said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

She giggles as she leans down to kiss her boyfriend on the lips. “Do you know how much I love you?” she mumbles against the kiss. “Yes, and I feel the same about you a lot.” He mumbles against the kiss. The orange-haired navigator chuckles against the kiss before she then sequels happily as her boyfriend pulls into the bed. He pins her against the bed and kisses her neck as she giggles.

He chuckles befanden looks down at her sm,iling at him. Ace smiles down at her as well. “You are so beautiful.” he says before giving her a sweet kiss on her soft lips. Ace pulls away and looks at her. “I wish I could run away with you somewhere quiet.” The dark-haired pirate said. Cat Burglar smirks at him, and her boyfriend mentions that.

“Will thank your little sister for mentioning a stranded island the other day to Sanji and Zoro. I found one the other day that’s not too far from the island. Our only 24/7 for the week of peace and quiet. Don’t worry about the crew, Franky and Jinbe said we will be in this island for awhile due to the Marines and weather. So it will be just you and me for a whole week.” She smirked. Ace smirks at his girlfriend seductively.

“You and your talent with navigation is incredible.” He smiled as he gave her a peck on the lips. “Well, kitten…” He said he unbuttons the top that his girlfriend was wearing before slipping off of her completely. He smirks at her naked body. The blanket around his waist comes off, making him completely naked as well.

She smirks at his hard cock, standing tall. He smirks at her as he sits on his knees on the bed before he brings his girlfriend’s legs on top of his shoulders as he positions himself between her legs.

“Shall we proceed?” He asked seductively. She smirks seductively back at him.

“Give it your shot, hot stuff.”

Finally done! I'm surprised this one is long!!! Well it's funny to see what they have to deal with for 24/7 on one ship. I have been busy and distracted. Sorry this feels a bit rushed and slightly ran out of ideas! But be happy to make more of them in the future when I have time! :)

#portgas d ace #nami #cat burglar nami #fire fist ace #one piece nami #one piece ace #nami x ace #ace x nami #nami/ace #op nami #op ace

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itsuki-minamy · 1 year

Text

"AYAKA – SIDE STORIES 01": BROTHERS

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

* List of Chapters

BROTHERS 01: YANAGI YUKITO & KURAMA HARUAKI

From Yukito Yanagi's experience, there were quite a few people who had the fixed idea that "raising children in an orphanage is a pitiful existence".

In particular, the older you get, the more likely this is to happen. The reason why he dare not call it prejudice is that there is sympathy and concern, and there is not much discrimination or condescending sentiments.

It's a little different if you just say it's an admission based on precise facts.

Yukito, who left the island where he was born and raised as a child and lived in an orphanage, realized early on in his life that perfect happiness is not often found in this world. At the same time, he naturally came to understand that there was no such thing as pure unhappiness.

The orphanage was a mixture of happiness and unhappiness.

Of course, the environment in which the enrolled children were born and raised is quite harsh compared to general world standards.

Father abuse. Disappearance due to financial bankruptcy of the parents. Abandonment of the mother. Accidental death of all relatives who only helped.

The children who came under such circumstances have wounds in their hearts that will never heal.

A slightly older boy at the same institution had a habit of urinating on the bed even when he became a high school student. He had an older sister who never made eye contact with him. Some of them left the institution before graduating from high school because their violent behavior towards others was notorious.

They were all carefree to a greater or lesser degree, but that does not mean that they were depressed or lamented by their misfortunes.

They were all working hard to overcome the handicap of the absence of family and live a full life according to their age.

Although commonly misunderstood, children in institutions are guaranteed a certain degree of financial freedom.

In addition to his monthly pocket money, he received a small gift at Christmas and, although it was not expensive, he was given a New Year's gift at the beginning of the year.

Also, the use of pocket money was basically voluntary for the kids, unless it was for some very odd purpose, and they were free to save it up and buy slightly expensive items like gaming hardware.

In the shared space of the institution where Yukito was, there was a fairly comprehensive collection of the latest game consoles, software, manga, etc. purchased by the children who were enrolled with his pocket money.

Yukito once invited a classmate to the institution where he lived, but the boy...

"Well, I have lots of toys to play with."

He had mixed feelings when he heard him mutter with envy.

From Yukito's point of view, more than any toy, he would be happier to go home and spend time with his family at night. He remembers feeling vague and almost frustrated, and when he consulted the most trusted Yu-nii-chan in the facility…

"But you know, Yukito."

Brother Yu twisted his body from his study desk, turned around and said in a soft voice.

"Maybe there are childlike circumstances that Yukito doesn't know about. Just because you have your own home doesn't necessarily mean it will lead to happiness."

Yu-nii-chan, who looked intellectual with his silver-rimmed glasses, was a second-year high school student. He was the facilitator for the children at the facility.

"We often tend to think that we are the only unlucky people in the world. You have to be very careful there."

It's not like he was 100% convinced by what he said, but because it was Yu-nii-chan, whom he respected, who reprimanded him, Yukito was able to accept the feelings he had at the time.

And he was shocked that Yu-nii-chan was an adult after all. When he grew up, he honestly wanted to be like Yu.

However, after that, he naturally distanced himself from that classmate. He doesn't even remember his name now.

Yukito Yanagi lifted his upper body from the bed and stretched once. He stood up, rubbed his eyes, opened the blinds and looked outside to see a cloudless blue sky.

It hasn't been that many days since he came to the Ayaka Islands, but most of the time it was clear and sunny like this. He still doesn't understand many things, but he has no doubt that this is a place where the weather is nice.

Normally, he would have been able to wake up in a good mood, but the noise in the middle of the night woke him up, so he couldn't deny that he was lacking sleep. But when he looked at the clock on the table next to his bed, it was already eight.

Unlike when he was at the facility, he didn't have a set time to wake up, but the habits he had cultivated over the years were firmly ingrained in Yukito.

Besides, he didn't want his roommate, Momoko Amamiya, to think of him as spoiled.

He doesn't care about the other roommate.

After getting dressed, when he went out into the hallway, another roommate besides Momoko Amamiya, who was the cause of Yukito's lack of sleep, was lying on his stomach.

Sagawa Jingi.

He was the one who invited Yukito to this mysterious island, and now he is Yukito's teacher. Just in case. Yukito squatted down with half-hearted eyes and silently looked up at the strange art object, which didn't even move. This teacher went out alone at night, drank a lot and then went back to drinking with his bad friends. He woke him up to the sound of them making a lot of noise.

The others seem to be on their way home at dawn.

Currently, only one person, Jingi, is lying on his back in the hallway in a strange posture with only his right hand stretched out.

(Are you breathing?)

As expected, he was a bit worried and looked at his face.

(You're not dead, are you?)

At that moment, Jingi's arm trembled. Yukito was startled, Jingi looked up slightly.

"W-Water..."

He spoke as a person lost in the desert. Yukito sighed, went to the first floor sink, filled a suitable glass with water, and headed back upstairs to Jingi.

He dared to put the glass at a distance that his hand might or might not reach. Squatting down and looking at the strange insect with observant eyes, Jingi managed to grab the glass, his fingertips trembled and his arms stretched out as hard as he could.

Purupuru.

His fingers moved at different angles.

Jingi's face changed seven times with a desperate expression. Eventually, however, he wore himself out and returned to the same position.

"Gu~"

After a while, a nice snore came out of his mouth. Yukito sighed and stood up.

He thought from the bottom of his heart that he would never want to become that old.

On his way from the second floor to the first floor, he could already smell the fragrant smell that stimulated his appetite. He could also hear the sizzling sound of something getting cold.

Yukito headed for the kitchen, the source of the sound and smell. The door was open, so he looked inside.

Momoko Amamiya was cooking on a frying pan as she softly sang.

She moved her shoulders from left to right for a while, and when she finished singing...

"And in the potato~♪"

As she made the comment, she scraped up the contents of the pan with a spatula and poured it into the blue bowl.

She always seemed to be smiling happily, but she was in a particularly good mood this morning. Even when Jingi came home in the middle of the night and made a fuss, she didn't seem to wake up, so he guessed that she's the type of person who can sleep soundly once she goes to bed.

It was a bit awkward to watch in silence, so when he tried to talk to her...

"Uh..."

Momoko turned around and said:

"Oh, good morning, Yukito-kun."

She said the morning greeting. Her voice was slightly inverted. She must have been embarrassed that she sang without realizing Yukito was there, and she tilted her head awkwardly.

"Oh, good morning."

He wanted to insist that he wasn't spying on her, but he didn't have a good way to convey it.

He breakfasts at the dining room table.

All of Momoko's home-cooked meals gleamed in the soft morning light. Tofu and Iwanori seaweed (harvested on the island), miso soup, freshly cooked rice, perfectly cooked salmon fillets, and potato salad with sautéed bacon and onions (excellent!)

Not only did it look great, it tasted great, but he couldn't eat in peace.

The reason was simple. The awkward atmosphere that had been created between Momoko and Yukito had continued for a long time, and he couldn't really enjoy breakfast. Yukito was wondering how Momoko was doing, and Momoko was also curious about Yukito.

"Ah, the rice is very delicious."

Like Yukito, she thought that she was telling her true feelings, but somehow her voice sounded like she took it for granted.

Momoko too.

"Oh, thank you."

Although she looked happy, she couldn't hide the "Did I make you worry about me?" expression.

Yukito is not good at interacting with people. It is a so-called communication disorder. So it was common for institutions and schools to have this type of situation.

It was the first time Momoko and Yukito were so awkward, so he was confused. Then he suddenly realized the reason.

At the same time, he clicked his tongue in his heart.

(Because Jingi-san isn't here.)

He didn't want to admit it, but if Jingi was there, he would talk to her, including things she didn't need, so there was a side of him that had a gap.

It hasn't been that long since he came to the island, so he hasn't had many chances to come face to face with Momoko.

(What should I do?)

He thought of ten patterns of conversation clippings in his mind. As a result of the examination, four of them were caught up in the following conversation, two were excessive self-talk, the other three were somewhat inappropriate topics to talk about in the morning, and the last one was nonsense.

As a result, he chose to remain silent. Momoko, on the other hand, seemed to still be trying to make conversation with herself.

But then he said...

"Mo-, Momoko-san, I, my head, want..."

As he held out his hand in front of her, Jingi stumbled into the dining room like a zombie, plopped down on his own chair and fell forward in disappointment.

"Jingi-chan! Wait a second? Are you alright?"

Momoko ran to him and began to take care of him.

"I'm going to get you water and medicinal herbs right now, okay? Oh, I told you not to drink too much!"

It was only a little, but he could see the sense of relief that she was able to finish the exchange with Yukito.

No.

It could just be Yukito's jealousy and preconceptions.

He had just finished eating, so...

"Thanks for the food."

He curtsied politely and tried to take the plates to the kitchen. He tried to leave that place.

"Uh..."

Momoko looked at Yukito. After...

"...Yukito-kun. What do you want for lunch?"

That was what he heard.

Yukito replied.

"Anything will be fine."

He thought it was cutting speech.

He regretted his attitude towards the person he was indebted to, but Yukito had some reason to behave that way.

For some reason, Momoko always asks what he wants to eat after every meal.

At first, he was frustrated and frantically searched for the answer, but gradually it became a nuisance. Yukito is not a picky eater. None of the children in the institution complained about the food they were served.

That was why he was grateful to eat whatever Momoko cooked for him.

Being too careful is really painful.

(I wonder if I'm not good "here" too.)

Suddenly, negative emotions arose that made him sick.

At that moment, a strange gelatinous thing crossed in front of him.

Yukito was startled for a moment and then immediately realized it.

(Mitama?)

There are many strange things on the Ayakashima Islands that are not found on the mainland, and this Mitama is one of them.

The size of a fist. It's just faint, but it looks like it's glowing. Also, Yukito could hear them muttering something under their breath.

The Mitama shifted while rolling in the air. Yukito unconsciously chased after the Mitama. The Mitama finally entered the living room as he made a playful little noise.

Yukito followed slowly, making sure not to catch up with the Mitama. Before long, the Mitama crossed the room and slowly began to float towards the sky through the open window.

Yukito went to the window frame and opened it. With the clear sky in the background, the Mitama became smaller and smaller.

When he looked closely, there were many other Mitama floating and they were about to flow in the same direction.

(There is something there?)

However, he didn't have the curiosity or the perseverance to go out of his way to chase after it. He tried to leave the room, but somehow he got curious and looked towards the Buddhist altar where the portrait of his father was placed. He hesitated for a moment about what he should do, but for the moment, he nodded towards the picture of his father, who had a very bright face.

He only looked at his father's face.

He couldn't remember anything in particular.

It was the same for this family, Momoko and Jingi. Although he was a child, he should have lived with everyone for a considerable period of time, but he did not feel any special emotions.

To be more precise, he only remembers a little bit, he has a memory like that, but it doesn't connect with intense emotions.

Maybe he is a colder person than he thought.

It was the same when he saw his father's portrait placed on the Buddhist altar. Exceptionally sad and nostalgic. He couldn't help but feel that this house is where he truly belonged. He remembered feeling uncomfortable somewhere like when he was on the premises.

Even if he suddenly went to another place like when he was brought to that island, he wouldn't feel so much pain.

Yukito let out a small sigh and left the room.

He thought from the bottom of his heart that he is not good at interacting with people, but he was too easily influenced by people.

Or maybe it's because he's not good at interacting with people.

Either way, it's easy to get carried away. Yukito thought idly as he soaked in the hot water of the public bath.

It was the first time in his life that he entered a public bath in broad daylight. The exterior and interior of the building were old, but the bathroom was beautifully polished and filled with a refreshing clean feeling.

Brilliant sunlight streamed in through a large skylight, illuminating the mural of cherry blossoms.

He let out a sigh of relief. So...

"What's wrong? You're so old even though you're a kid."

Jingi Sagawa, who started to enter the bathtub with his feet up, called out to him with a smile. And when he plunged into the milky white water up to his shoulders...

"Haa, it's hot, it's hot. Hot water is good. My lifespan is really getting longer~"

He walked past him and said words that sounded like an old man.

"......"

Yukito silently stared at the person who had half-heartedly put him into that public bath. Jingi, who noticed that look, pouted his lips.

"What? It can't be helped! The best thing for a hangover is to take a bath during the day."

"Then go alone! Don't involve me."

"Okay. There's no need to worry. You don't have anything to do, right?"

Jingi calmly stirred the hot water with his hands like water on a frog's face. Yukito was confused by those words. Indeed, Yukito, who is currently on spring break, has nothing in particular to do other than the training that Jingi has imposed on him as a connection to his veins.

"What is this?"

The voice that he tried to object to was weak.

To be honest, it is undeniable that he had nothing to do. Otherwise, no matter how forcefully he was invited, he probably wouldn't have followed.

(And I'm a bit uncomfortable with Momoko-san right now.)

If possible, he wanted to avoid a situation where Jingi would go out and be alone with Momoko at home. Jingi didn't care about Yukito's condition at all.

"This place is a natural hot spring. And yet, there aren't always many customers, so I wonder if the business is doing well."

He turned his neck a little. It's true that there were no other customers at the time, Yukito thought for a while and then said:

"No, I'm not particularly familiar with that either, but it's usually the public baths that get crowded, don't you think? But, it's past noon, right?"

"Oh, no, actually. After all, I basically just come here hungover."

Jingi laughed unapologetically. Yukito made a disgusted face.

"You're a really bad adult, aren't you?"

"Don't praise me like that, don't praise me."

"I'm not praising you!"

"Hahaha." Jingi turned and laughed. Yukito sighed. If you try to reason with this person, you will run out of physical strength. It may be fair to ignore it moderately.

At the moment, he is supposed to be a teacher.

At that moment, Yukito noticed that Jingi was looking at him with a different expression than before, so he cautiously asked.

"What?"

"Well, I brought you here, but are you okay with taking a bath with people?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"No, I thought a guy like you would absolutely hate these kinds of naked places."

"...Well, not bad at all."

Yukito looked away and answered, being careful not to be self-deprecating on purpose.

"Sometimes I can't say that because I grew up in an institution."

"......"

After being silent for a while...

"Momoko-san was worried about you. During breakfast today, she thought that she said something that offended you. You were in a bad mood at the end, weren't you?"

Yukito was surprised and turned his gaze to Jingi. He said slowly:

"Something happened?"

"......"

"Tell me if you don't mind. I am your teacher after all."

With his hands wet with hot water, Jingi stroked Yukito's head. The droplets traveled down Yukito's forehead and cheeks.

Yukito was a little annoyed by his behavior that seemed to be tolerant, but in reality he wasn't very sensitive, but he didn't take his hand away.

Maybe Jingi brought him here on purpose to make time for just the two of them.

"It's not an exaggeration to say that something happened."

After making that introduction, Yukito slowly spoke about his own feelings. Jingi listened quietly as he looked up at the ceiling.

"That's why I get to eat all the delicious dishes that Momoko-san makes. Even so, every time I'm asked what I want for the menu, I'm like…"

Yukito couldn't help but stammer at that. Jingi listened silently.

"Do you want to stop being treated like a customer all the time?"

Yukito was silent for a second, then nodded slightly. After giving a big yawn...

"Yes! In fact, I felt that way too. Momoko-san worries too much, right?"

Yukito once again shook his head weakly.

"But Momoko-san also has a reason for doing that. That person, above all, I feel sorry for you."

"Eh?"

Jingi smiled at Yukito.

"Although it was my master's last will, I sent you to the mainland alone when you were a little boy, and suddenly called you back, right? It's not like I, Haru-nii, or Inou-san don't have that kind of of feeling, but Momoko-san is the kindest."

"...That's right."

"I'm sure you had a proper life there, but I thought I could have taken it away from you."

Yukito sighed deeply.

It seems there are several things he didn't understand.

(Is that why you thought that I could spend a comfortable time on this island?)

Jingi said with a sensible face.

"Well, you should tell Momoko-san how you feel right now. If you can't do that, you're still a kid, right?"

He tried to admire Jingi for the first time, but...

"Eh?"

Jingi peered into the tub.

"Ahahaha, you are definitely still a child!"

He laughed so hard that he stopped. Yukito turned bright red and twisted his body to the side.

After leaving the public bath, Jingi had washed hair and a bright face.

"Well, I'm going to play with my friends again!"

He gestured with his finger and left. Yukito let out a sigh with a slight amount of admiration mixed with the great amazement.

(That person is living like a playboy in a period drama.)

Or a college student on a long vacation.

Yukito had no choice but to go home alone. He was a little nervous about seeing Momoko alone, but maybe he should tell her how he feels as soon as possible.

He is frustrating, but his advice never fails.

Momoko was making a big mistake.

(I was at that facility...)

At that moment, Yukito realized that he was near the irrigation canal that had been attacked by the Aramitama the other day. It seems that he took a slightly wrong direction while he was walking while he was thinking. He reflexively steeled himself.

He was afraid of meeting an Aramitama again, but he was more afraid of losing control.

But, there is no perfection.

No one can protect you or stop you.

Yukito quickly got out of the irrigation canal.

Before he knew it, he was in a place he had never seen before. He seemed like he was completely lost. In front of him, dense trees grew, and the path he had been walking up until now continued there.

He didn't remember going through a forest like that, so he had to turn around. When he was about to turn back...

"That is...?"

Yukito suddenly noticed that many Mitamas were floating around him, moving towards the forest in front of him.

Each of the Mitamas fluttered, moving gently up and down, and happily flowed into the forest like children riding in a flowing pool (that's what Yukito saw).

(Maybe...)

Yukito thought. The Mitama that he saw at home this morning may have also flown in this direction. Thinking about it, he began to wonder what was in store for him. Yukito made up his mind and followed the Mitama and the others into the depths of the forest.

At first, the path was quite paved, but the undergrowth gradually increased, and before he knew it, there were no clear tracks left. It wasn't that he couldn't walk or anything, but that a narrow path that could only be described as an animal trail stretched through the trees in a zigzag pattern.

At first, Yukito advanced timidly, looking back to keep track of the way he had come, but gradually he began to take a bolder and bolder step.

In the morning, the depression that he was feeling faded away as he progressed, and instead, a faint feeling of happiness and an uplifting feeling that made him want to ignore it gradually filled his heart. At first he thought it was the cool forest air that made him feel this way, but then he realized it.

(I see. I can sense the presence of a particularly strong lifeguard here on the island.)

Yukito knew that he had special senses that normal humans don't have. The sensor detected it.

(If I remember correctly, Jingi said that the lifeline flows underground on the island and vitality comes out of it...)

In Yukito's words, how would he describe it?

The density of life is dense.

The Mitamas, who were taught to filter out of the lifeline in the same way, increased in number more and more, and were circling around Yukito like a group of fireflies.

They were all fluffy, swaying and having fun.

Yukito felt a little uneasy that he wouldn't be able to go home if he didn't come back soon.

He doesn't know why, but that forest is full of life. He could feel the same kind of presence in some shrines and trees even in the city, but the level of concentration was completely different.

In the city, it's like a powdered soup diluted dozens of times, but here it's thick and strong like porridge boiled to mush.

And he feels so comfortable in that peculiar space that he felt a little bloated. To be more precise, within that feeling of joy, there is also the anxiety of opening doors that should not open in order.

He may not really be able to come back.

(By the way...)

Yukito remembered.

At that moment, he felt that kind of excitement and fear at the same time.

That happened on a trip he took with everyone at the facility. It was summer vacation. They stayed in a national lodge in the mountains, played table tennis and bathed in hot springs. There were staff at the facility, there were children of the same generation, and there was Yu-nii-chan, whom he adored.

The event occurred on the last day. When he was playing in the water in the river bed, he got into a fight with one of the children from the institution over a trivial matter. Yukito felt that he was being mean to him, but the other person probably didn't have much malice.

It was a common fight between the children.

Emotional shocks that inevitably occur in institutions with several children. A piece of everyday life that is insignificant. The only thing that was different from the norm was...

There was an uncontrollable creepy power latent within him. Before he knew it, the river water suddenly rose up and swallowed the other boy, who was in agony unable to even scream in the water.

Yukito, who was stunned, finally realized that the abnormal phenomenon was caused by him, and in overwhelming fear, he tried to free the boy.

Luckily in the midst of the misfortune, the column of water dispersed and the boy fell helpless to the surface of the water before he lost his life. For better or worse, it was a series of events that happened because the check on power wasn't working.

After that, a nightmarish time with no sense of reality passed. Ambulance with flashing red lights.

The police rushed. Adults coming and going. Children crying.

Yukito was questioned many times by the people around him about what had happened, but he was unable to answer any of the questions.

Partly because he was still in the lower grades of elementary school, he didn't fully understand what had happened in the first place.

And before he knew it, he was back at the institution. Yukito came to his senses and first tried to apologize to the other boy. Just to be sure, he underwent a full examination at the hospital, but no significant abnormalities were found and he heard he was resting in his room.

However, he was interrupted by a boy in the middle of the hall.

It was Yu-nii-chan.

Yu-nii-chan stopped Yukito and said:

"Yukito, you should stop."

"Uh, but..."

"Even if you go, it will have the opposite effect. That child..."

Yu-nii-chan hesitated for a moment.

"Now he's scared."

After a while, Yukito realized what Yu-nii-chan didn't say.

What is the child afraid of?

None other than Yukito Yanagi himself.

"......"

Yukito realized that tears were welling up at the corners of his eyes.

"Yu-nii-chan? Are you afraid of me, Yu-nii-chan?"

Yu-nii-chan slightly averted his gaze from him and then responded with a laugh.

"Haha. Yukito is Yukito. There is nothing to fear."

Yukito bit his lip and nodded as he thought.

Yu-nii-chan is an adult.

He is so good at lying that he cares about people.

After that, Yu-nii-chan and the people from the facility treated Yukito very well, looking fair. If the frightened children acted to drive Yukito out, he even liked it.

However, Yukito had already stopped opening his heart to those around him. If he disturbed his emotions, he might hurt someone important again. If the teacher in the facility or Yu-nii-chan were to suffer damage, he could never forgive himself this time.

And what was even scarier was...

(I feel comfortable with this flow of power. If I let my guard down, I feel like I'll be swallowed as is.)

The sensation was strange to him. The Mitama around him was constantly increasing and it was already like a great current. He had the feeling that the further he went, the closer he got to a place out of this world.

Momoko made a big mistake.

(At first, I didn't have a place to live on that institution. That's why I didn't resist coming to this island at all.)

No maybe...

In the first place, his own place may not be anywhere in human society. With a strange mix of frustration and joy, Yukito advanced further into the depths of the forest.

Somewhere in his heart, he vaguely thought that he might not come back.

(If that's the case, then that's fine.)

He wasn't weird or sad or scary.

And suddenly his vision widened. There was a gap between the trees, a small open space in the woods.

Yukito stiffened his body. It was not because of the impressive vitality, nor because of the countless Mitamas that continued to circle around the place with joy.

Because there was an unexpected client. Sitting quietly on the mat in the center of the venue. As he hummed, he pulled out a bottle and a bag of candy from a bag.

"Ah?"

The person immediately noticed Yukito's appearance.

"Hello, Yukito-kun."

He waved his hand in a happy and smiling voice.

"Are you taking a walk too?"

Yukito was speechless. Intuitively, he approached the image of meeting in isolated and unexplored territory.

(Walk?)

That person is...

Kurama Haruaki, Yanagi Makoto's former disciple and Sagawa Jingi's classmate, called out to Yukito with a smile.

"You can come too. Today is really a good day for a picnic, right?"

"......"

Yukito came closer as if he was fascinated. He really felt like he had been charmed by a fox or a raccoon dog.

As Yukito sat on the edge of the rug, Kurama excitedly poured the warm liquid from the bottle into a glass.

"Take this, it's tea."

He continued speaking.

"Do you want sweets too? Do you want crispy and delicious fries?"

Yukito looked at the delicate and neat face of a woman in Kurama, and then said:

"Oh, no, thank you. I'm fine with just the tea."

He finally murmured his thanks to him and received the tea. He was completely detoxed.

He took a sip of the tea into his mouth, and when he somehow felt comfortable, he sheepishly asked a question.

"Umm, Kurama-san, what are you doing here?"

"Ah?"

Kurama, who was looking at the soft light coming through the cracks in the trees, smiled and bowed his head.

"Eh? What are you saying...? I'm taking a walk... Just like you, right?"

"Oh, yes."

Yukito nodded vaguely. Kurama nodded.

"This is a place where life flows well. I like it too, and sometimes I come here to bathe in the forest. Come to think of it, my master used to walk here a lot. Fufu, you can't fight blood. It's very good."

Kurama looked very happy.

"......"

Yukito finally understood.

At first, he thought that Kurama had gone before him for some reason to help or warn him.

But not.

(This place, which I have entered with all my might, is nothing more than an easy daily path for Kurama-san.)

Kurama's next statement made it confirmation.

"If you don't mind, can I show you the deep end?"

"......!"

Something that had been stubborn inside Yukito suddenly melted away. He let out a wry smile involuntarily. The tragic feeling that he had thought that he might not be able to come home now was ridiculous. He was sure that he must have been walking on a promenade that was the size of a hiking trail, as if it were the end of the world.

"No."

Yukito shook his head with a giggle.

"I'll stop. Today..."

"Yes?"

Kurama tilted his head curiously.

Then he spent some time with Kurama. He drank another cup of tea and took some sweets with him. At first, the vitality he felt was excessive, but as he chatted with Kurama, he changed to a moderately comfortable level.

Yukito felt his feelings calm down slowly and silently. Before long, he helped Kurama put the mat away and walked with him to the entrance of the forest.

At that moment...

"Speaking of which, what about Jingi?"

Kurama asked.

"Yes. Well, I'm fine. That person isn't a proper adult, so it's a big deal."

"Yes."

Kurama seemed worried. They reached the exit of the forest faster than he expected.

(I see... I didn't go into the forest at all.)

He thought deeply.

The sun was still high when they came out of the woods. Thereupon, Yukito parted ways with Kurama, who had other business to attend to, and headed straight home. Strangely, unlike him before entering the forest, he was able to return home without hesitation.

When he got to the door, he met Momoko who was sweeping.

"Ah, Yukito-kun."

Momoko looked at him as if she saw Yukito's expression. Yukito took a deep breath.

(Alright.)

He talked to himself and smiled.

"Momoko-san, I have a little story to tell you."

Anyway, he thought of telling her little by little what happened while he was away from that island.

Momoko relaxed her shoulders and smiled as if she had sensed something.

"Yes. Well then, why don't we have a cup of tea? There are delicious rice crackers, would you like?"

"...Yes!"

Yukito followed Momoko through the front door. He noticed that his shoulders were weaker than when he left.

BROTHERS 02: KURAMA HARUAKI & JINGI SAGAWA

An Aramitama was crying.

While spinning like a tornado, he would swing his eight arms and destroy whatever he hit.

It was like a storm of malice that cut fields, felled trees and stone walls. The constant roar of the wind sounded like a scream of agony.

Poor thing.

Kurama Haruaki feels helpless pity for the supernatural beings that wreak destruction.

A block of stone was blown by the wind from the Aramitama, brushed the hem of his hunting clothes and hit the railing behind him. Steel railings were smashed into dogleg shapes and stones were smashed to pieces. With that behind him, Kurama stepped forward.

"Oh, pathetic vitality that has become stagnant and polluted. I will exorcise your suffering."

And Kurama crossed his arms.

"Between heaven and earth, empty and endless, move and finally come out."

The Aramitama turned to him.

Red eyes glued to the raging wind widened. The vitality that floated in the surroundings moved towards Kurama as if it was drawn to him. It became the current of the atmosphere, the wind, and began to revolve around Kurama.

An Aramitama has no intelligence. However, instinctively, the Aramitama recognized Kurama's vitality as "something that makes it difficult for him to exist". Extending his eight arms, the Aramitama rushed towards Kurama with the force of a hurricane.

The golden fan was flung open.

To hide his mouth, Kurama turned his fan forward. The gold-rimmed key shone faintly in the sunlight. Kurama swung the fan from right to left, like a good dancer dancing for a moment.

The Aramitama's charge drifted far to the left.

Caught by the hand of an invisible giant, the Aramitama began to spin around Kurama as if he was being forced. He stretched out his eight arms and struggled to grab hold of Kurama's body, but was never able to escape Kurama's path.

Kurama kept dancing. He was also spinning on the spot, pulling his legs, stretching his arms, and swinging the fan constantly.

Kurama was now producing a large tornado. When he turned, the atmosphere changed, and the wind from the Aramitama turned into a tornado entangled in a tornado. The eight arms that were in front of Kurama gradually lost their strength, and began to sway as if they were responding to Kurama's fans and enjoying dancing in the wind.

"Nothing is called the beginning of heaven and earth, existence is called the mother of all things."

When Kurama chanted that spell, the entire tornado began to glow pale gold. The flowing vitality eliminated the Aramitama's stagnant vitality and he was about to eliminate it. Aramitama himself, as if pleased by this, extended his eight arms and pointed them towards the sky.

A golden glow enveloped the Aramitama.

Eight arms stretched out into the sky, the red eyes caught in the center turned into golden bubbles and melted in midair. Like a receding wind, the golden bubbles rose up in a tornado and were sucked into the heavens.

Before long, Kurama stopped dancing.

Nothing was left behind. You couldn't even feel the sway of a gentle breeze. A veil of tranquility fell everywhere.

Kurama raised his face.

His usual calm expression had returned. He closed the golden fan with a snap and returned it to his pocket.

As if on cue, a young man jumped from the railing of the embankment.

"Hey, Haru-nii. Are you done?"

Jingi waved his hand slightly with his usual sloppy face. Kurama let out a small sigh and looked up as if to reproach him for such an act of kindness.

"You're too late, Jingi. I finished everything."

"Ok, then, originally it wasn't a job two people could do."

"That's right. It's a job you should do alone."

When he said it without hesitation, Jingi was unable to answer and remained silent. Kurama slowly climbed onto the bench, one step at a time, a smile on his face.

"In the first place, you're the one who said that you wanted to appease the Mitama because you needed money, so why did I come earlier?"

"No, well, that's... a lot happened. I helped an old lady who was in trouble on the road."

"Hmm. Where is she from? I have to say hello later."

"......"

Kurama was smiling. It wasn't that he was angry. He has been seeing his brother like this for over ten years. It's not that kind of relationship that will make you angry, shocked or abandon him.

But where it must be pressed, it must be pressed.

Upon reaching the embankment, Kurama tapped him on the shoulder.

"But don't worry, Jingi. You still have work to do."

"What is it...?"

Kurama turned around. A desolate field stretches there. Fortunately, it was fallow land, so there was no crop damage.

"It must be hard for the people in this house to clean up after themselves. Please help me with that, Jingi."

"......"

Jingi made a very unpleasant face. He knows this because they have known each other for a long time. The act that this younger brother hates the most is none other than "work". In particular, he thinks that he would be better off dead than doing simple, tedious, persevering work like cleaning up afterward.

Of course, Kurama doesn't care about such things. If you want compensation, you have to work for it.

"Then please, I'll give it to you, Jingi."

"Oh, I'm coming!"

Shouting as if he had given up, Jingi went down the embankment. Kurama nodded in satisfaction when he saw her back.

++++++++++

"This is the last time!"

He threw the large stone caught in the field back into the original river bed and it collapsed on the spot.

His entire body was drenched in sweat, and while he was out of breath, Jingi wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had already taken off his jacket and was only wearing a T-shirt. He covered the areas that could be covered with the pulse patching technique, but all other areas were manual labor. His entire body creaked, telling him that he would definitely have muscle pain tomorrow.

"Haru-nii! It's over, damn it!"

Still crouched, Jingi turned his head and looked toward the bench. Under the sky that was turning redder, Kurama was sitting calmly on the edge of the bench.

"Yes. Thanks for your hard work, Jingi."

Kurama, smiling and drinking tea, looks like a jizo or something. In fact, all around him were rice, vegetables, sake and other offerings, in other words, gifts from the islanders. Kurama, who has appeased many Mitama as the priest of the Kasen Shrine, is very popular among the islanders, and even if he passes through the path, he will receive things.

Standing up and starting up the embankment, Kurama lifted the teapot next to him.

"Would you like some tea? Tomi-san in the back made it for me. I have some for you."

"No, it's okay, I'll have this drink."

Jingi took the four-sided bottle, put it directly into his mouth, and began to drink. The sweet alcohol slid down his throat and his insides heated. He let out a breath and sat down on the spot.

"Ah, I'm tired... or rather, Haru-nii, if you're just looking at me here, please help me."

Kurama smiled slightly.

"I can't do that. It's a devotional job, so I can't get my hands on it."

"If that's the case, there's no point in being here. You should have waited somewhere warmer."

"My brother is working for the first time in a long time. Isn't it your brother's duty to watch over you?"

Jingi sighed quietly. If he was someone other than Kurama, he would have simply pointed out, "You shouldn't be watching, you should be helping". But this brother says it from the bottom of his heart. Look at Jingi with the affection of the family, not with duties and responsibilities.

Precisely because he knows that, Jingi didn't raise his head to Kurama.

Kurama brought his mouth close to the teacup and then looked inside. He looks like he ran out of tea. Kurama suddenly directed his attention to the bottle Jingi was holding and handed him a cup of tea.

"One for me too."

That was fine, Kurama is fresh mouthed. Jingi smiled wryly and tipped the sake bottle.

"Okay."

Totto-totto-, the teacup was filled abundantly while making a pleasant sound. After waiting for the sake to settle down, Kurama took it to his mouth. The white throat moved up and down two or three times, and Kurama let out a satisfied sigh.

"Yes. I like it, it turns me on."

"Is that so? Are you cold?"

"Oh, of course. It's still time for hot sake to be delicious."

Suddenly, the brothers' eyes met. They didn't need words. They nodded to each other, rose to their feet at the same time, and began preparations for withdrawal.

He returned the teapot and teacup to Tomi-san in the back, and for some reason, it was decided that the reward would go to Jingi. It was rare for Jingi to do this kind of simple job, but for some reason, when she got close to Kurama, he turned like this.

"Come on."

Kurama was walking down the sidewalk with Jingi, clutching a four-sided bottle in one hand. His face was slightly drunk, and he had been repeatedly hiccuping for a while now. If other people were doing the same, they'd be sloppy drunks, but when his brother's drunk, there's a happy atmosphere.

"Hey, Haru-nii. It's dangerous, come a little closer."

"Hmm? Oh, that's right. Fufufu, thanks, Jingi."

Kurama smirked as he staggered closer to Jingi. He should have been reasonably strong against alcohol, but it might be because he drank the sake from the teacup in one go. When he was worried about whether he could reach his destination safely, Kurama suddenly took something out of his pocket.

He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Haru-nii, that..."

"Oh, this? Fufufu, it's alright. Chatarou and Yako chose it. Are you jealous?"

"No, it's just a cell phone, right? Everyone has one."

"Is that so, isn't it? Oh, my, this is so easy to operate!"

"That's because it's for children. It's the first time I've seen a twenty-year-old wearing something like this..."

"Well, it's better to be easy than hard, isn't it? Well, that's it... What are you trying to do?"

Kurama stopped, turned his head and began to think. After that, he suddenly turned his cell phone towards Jingi, pointed at the messaging app.

"Hey, Jingi. What's that red thing in the upper right?"

"What? It means you have unread messages. What's that?!"

"Is incredible?"

"Haru-nii, you didn't reply! Look at this, you've been receiving confirmation messages from Chatarou many times!"

"Chatarou, ah, that's right! I was thinking of telling Chatarou that his job was done! Great, do your best!"

With a bright expression on his face, Kurama patted Jingi's head. Although he was weak, he was willing to accept it.

Kurama looked at his cell phone again. He blinked several times with his eyes wet with alcohol and, for some reason, crouched down with the sake bottle at his feet.

"Well, if you want I'll show you. Click here... then..."

"......"

"Press the white area, then... "F" "O" "R" "C" "H" "A" "T" "A" "R" "O" "U"..."

"......"

"Hmm? Hey, okay? How can I make the "letters" smaller?"

"Don't worry! Lend it to me!"

Jingi grabbed Kurama's cell phone and sent a message to Chatarou at high speed. "I'm done with my work, so I'm going out for a drink. Just do it right away."

No matter how you flip it, it's a line Kurama is unlikely to say, and Chatarou will probably get confused, but that's not what Jingi knows.

"Yes, it's over! That's enough, don't use your cell phone!"

When he handed back Kurama's phone, he clapped for some reason.

"Oh, that's amazing! I'm sorry, Jingi. After all, you are a reliable little brother."

"Oh, I'm not at all happy to be praised for something like this..."

"But is it okay? Maybe it's too soon and it won't arrive properly?"

"Eh?"

Kurama crossed his arms and thought. He's always been fluffy, but now he's twice as fluffy because he's drunk.

"If you go too fast, you might make a wrong turn or get stuck somewhere. I'm starting to feel uneasy. Would that message get lost?"

"That's not going to happen, what are you saying?"

"Hmm. Just in case, let's send it by another means."

Kurama didn't seem to have heard Jingi's words at all. He put his cell phone in his pocket and took out something else in his place. It was a note on Japanese paper and a brush.

He scribbled something on a notepad and tossed it into the air. Concentrating on the fluttering notes, Kurama signaled at a speed that didn't draw attention.

"Humanity, earth and sky! Each one of us, the arts and crafts of our husbands, return to your roots!"

A localized tornado erupted, entangled the memo and propelled it into the sky. The note flew over his head like a bird into the sky at breakneck speed.

Looking at the stunned dedication, he nodded in satisfaction.

"With this, I should get to Chatarou properly. Come on, Jingi."

Looking at Kurama's back, who began to walk quickly, Jingi replied weakly.

"No, you don't need a cell phone, you..."

++++++++++

Izakaya "Usagi" has many advantages, but the biggest one is that you are free to bring your own food.

Of course, there is a fee per seat, but still, it's cheaper to bring as many snacks and sake as you want, and if you pay for the ingredients and technical fees, the owner, Azuki Mitarai, will cook you a decent dish. In Ninoshima, where there are many people engaged in agriculture and fishing, it was truly a dream shop.

That's why Kurama and Jingi visited "Usagi".

"Oh, Kurama-sensei! That's weird!"

"Sensei! Thank you very much for the other day! Thanks to you, my wife is fine!"

"Sensei! Have a drink! It's my treat!"

As soon as he entered the store, the customers welcomed Kurama at once. Kurama greeted with a smile, responded to the handshakes and gratefully accepted the alcohol and food they offered him. It was also nice not to show unnecessary restraint or concern, and it was one of Kurama's virtues.

Kurama, who was in high demand, was finally given a seat at the table in the center of the store. On the other hand, Jingi delivered the offerings received from the residents to Mitarai.

"Azuki-chan, I beg you to do this. Keep it nice."

"Okay, but I'll take the exact price. The bill won't be paid this time."

"Huh? Well, that's it, hahahaha..."

"Don't fake it by laughing."

Unlike Mitarai, who had a calm look, Jingi's gaze wavered.

Kurama thought with a drunken head. (My brother is in trouble.) Then it was his brother's turn.

"Okay, okay, I've got this place. Let's pop, pop!"

The interior of the store exploded.

"Oh, Sensei!"

"Are you sure you want me to do that...? We didn't do anything."

"But that's what Kurama-sensei said. I'm grateful here..."

Kurama tilted his head. He really didn't understand why everyone was so upset. It occurred to him that his comments were interpreted as "treat everyone".

Jingi noticed the same thing and rolled his eyes and said:

"Wait, wait, you cheeky bastards! Why would Haru-nii buy from you?"

"Of course it's fine! Everyone's portion is also my present!"

Jingi opened his mouth wide and the drunken guests cheered.

"Uooooooh, as expected of Kurama-sensei! Higher humans are different!"

"Sensei! Bring as many bottles of sake as you can! Sensei, I'll order it for you!"

"Sensei, I will follow you forever!"

"Sen-sei! Sen-sei!"

Kurama laughed and waved to the applause that rained down. Jingi said bitterly as he sat down across from Kurama.

"Hey, Haru-nii! Are you alright?! Even the Kasen Shrine can't afford it!"

"Well, that's good. It's a celebration of devotion to work."

"No, I just happened to work today, and it's not like I'm going to get a job."

"Oooh?! Did you hear that?! Looks like Jingi is going to get a job!"

"What?! That devastating dedication!"

"Jingi's Dedication?!"

"A worthless dedication!

"Stay in line there. I'll hit you one by one!"

He got angry and kicked his seat, but the same number of sake bottles as the number of guests were pushed, and they were thrown back to their seat. The sake cups were lined up in front of Kurama, and they poured one after the other without worrying about spilling.

"Come on, Sensei! First of all, come over here!"

"Yes."

For now, Kurama held the sake cup in front of him high.

"Good luck then."

"Cheers!"

He didn't remember much after that.

He only remembered the hands of the owner who brought the food, his expression of devotion as if he had swallowed a sour bug, how he toasted each time a new customer arrived, and how many people asked him for advice, but his drunken head closed. But he couldn't quite understand, and when he repeated "I see" and "I see", the conversation somehow went smoothly.

Before long, those hours had passed, and when the only people sitting at the table were Kurama and Jingi, he suddenly said:

"How is Yukito-kun?"

"Eh?"

Jingi, who was drinking chuhai, looked at Kurama with dark eyes. Up to that point, he's been drinking gallons. "Ah...", he let out a voice that sounded just like he remembered it, and Jingi laughed out loud.

"That reminds me, I heard you met him the other day. Somewhere in the woods. I don't know what to do, but please tell me, thank you."

"Thank you? What?"

"Well? He mentioned that he was able to get home thanks to you. He got lost?"

Kurama thought with a drunken head. It is true that he met Yukito during a bath in the forest, but he didn't think he was lost. All Kurama knows is that they had tea together and had a good time chatting.

Jingi then slammed his body against the back. Suspending the handle of the cup with just his little finger and turning it (Kurama thought it was dangerous, he shouldn't do it), he said without looking at anyone.

"Well, is it okay for me to be his teacher? Isn't it better that I be Haru-nii? You have two apprentices of the same age."

It's not like he's complaining. Jingi is not that kind of person. He was just expressing a question that had just popped into his head.

Indeed, Kurama thought. Jingi isn't necessarily qualified as a hookup master. Little serious and irresponsible, living from day to day. No matter how much a person likes Jingi, he can't deny that he is given such an evaluation.

But Kurama smiled and shook his head.

"That's not true, Jingi. Luckily, you're fine as his master."

Jingi looked at Kurama. He had a look as if he was asking, "Why?"

Kurama closed his eyes thoughtfully and answered.

"Of all of us, you are more like his master than anyone. You are similar in his ugly parts, but you are also similar in his amazing parts. That is why you are perfect for Yukito-kun, my master's son."

"......"

"Aka and I probably won't be as good as you. We won't be able to open Yukito-kun's heart. That's why he's okay with you, Jingi."

Jingi gasped slightly. It must have been because his head was half asleep. Kurama didn't quite understand who he was talking about.

He just took a small breath and laughed.

"Then. Well, if Haru-nii says so, I will remain his master in silence."

"Yeah. That's fine. That's fine."

It was then that he lost consciousness for a moment.

Before he knew it, Kurama was being shaken by someone. When he opened his eyes and looked over there, he seemed to be the owner's face. With a slightly concerned look on his face, he shook Kurama's shoulder.

"Sensei, Kurama-sensei, we're closing the shop. Damn those guys, they made him drink until he was like this..."

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry, Mitarai-san. It's alright, I'll prepare..."

"Hmm? Are you going to walk along the river bank?"

For some reason, while drinking canned chuhai, Jingi, who was sitting in front of him, asked curiously. Kurama smiled wryly. Sleeping for a moment, his thoughts woke up a bit. The difference between Kurama and Jingi is that he likes sake, but not enough to drink.

"No, it's the end of the day, Jingi. Go home properly for today."

"...Yes."

Seeing his younger brother nod more obediently than usual, Kurama smirked and reached for his kariginu's chest.

He serched and serched.

He serched again.

Kurama then looked at Jingi. With a troubled smile, Jingi's expression suddenly clouded over.

"Jingi."

"What's happen?"

"Apparently, I lost my wallet. I think it was when I faced the Aramitama."

"Eh?"

The matter seemed problematic. If Jingi said the same, he'd probably be cussing, "Liar, you runaway bastard!" There was no way the famous Kurama could do such a thing. Before long, his gaze remained on Jingi's twitching face, as did Kurama.

At that moment, Kurama, with a completely innocent smile on his face, said to Jingi:

"Then please take care of me, Jingi."

"Even so, you really listen to what Sensei says, you bastard. To think that he would just go looking for his wallet."

Mitarai muttered something like that as he cleaned the shop.

To his credit, Kurama was allowed to wait inside the shop. Although it is spring, the nights are still cold. It was a political consideration that he couldn't throw at a celebrity who was still drinking sake, but Kurama didn't notice that and grabbed the cup of tea he had just drunk with both hands.

"Yes. He's a reliable little brother."

He said it sincerely and drank the tea.

BROTHERS 03: JINGI SAGAWA & AKA IBUKI

Human beings have certain qualities that they are born with, each has its own position and is designed to fit where they should.

"Mochi is a rice cake", "Society is a puzzle that compensates for unevenness", "Everyone is different, everyone is good". No matter who you ask, you'll probably come across one or two of those idioms.

Taihei Makita believes that there is some truth to this mediocre view of society.

But at the same time, there are people in this world who are truly extraordinary, people who cannot belong to the "professional", and there are tasks that only they can do. Makita also knows that such a person exists.

For example, Aka Ibuki, the head of "Ayaka Security", is one of them.

++++++++++

He still couldn't sense anything disturbing in the lights of the distant downtown area.

However, the reason why he seemed like this is because Makita has no spiritual qualities. A keen sense, due to a special practice or innate constitution, the possessor can see the flow of spiritual energy before it solidifies and manifests, what the local language calls "Ki".

How would you like this scene?

He wondered what the representative of "Ayaka Security", Aka Ibuki, sees.

Saying nothing, Ibuki took a chocolate bar from his pocket and chewed on it. It hasn't been long since he started waiting in that alley on the outskirts of town, but the garbage can next to him was already full of packing scraps.

Ibuki stuffed things into the spaces between work and daily errands. Since he was a child, he's always been a big eater, but lately he's been much hungrier than normal people.

He is not a giant like Makita. His physique wrapped in a suit is rather slender. As for where the food disappears, it probably becomes Ibuki's "abilities" and physical drive, in other words, the heat of the fight.

A strange scream was heard from the direction of the city center. A bestial roar was mixed with an unpleasant metallic sound.

"An Aramitama, it has materialized. Let's go there."

"I understand... Boss, I'm coming."

When Makita, who received the report, looked at him, Ibuki gave a slight nod and began to walk towards the light. His whole body began to feel strange. It was a high-pressure life force that glowed in the surrounding air like a mist of heat.

"Ayaka Security" is a security company whose service area is Ayaka and Ichinoshima Islands. That is their official position, but in reality they are a group of armed exorcists whose mission is to exterminate the materialized psychic disorder "Aramitama" and minimize the damage.

The distant screams began to mix with the shots, and then those driven to shoot appeared.

Hovering over a two-story building on the outskirts of the city, a huge "snake" with a thick body that looks like the trunk of a large tree, with two arms twisted like a rope. It has a mask-like head with a gigantic eye that splits vertically.

The members of "Ayaka Security" surround the squirming "snake" and chase after it. A team of about 10 people, focused on young people in their twenties. They are armed with large and small firearms such as pistols, rifles, and machine guns. It is a weapon that is sophistically approved for use under the guise of "a tool used in festivals held on the island". All bullets have undergone goryo exorcism and have a spiritual impact.

However, the anti-personnel firearms did not do much damage to the giant "snake". The "snake" rushed forward with increasing speed, as if it hated the hail bullets that were hitting its entire body. It was an impulse that tried to crush Ibuki who was standing in front of him.

Ibuki took out a large pistol from his pocket and fired casually.

The bullet landed on the "serpent's" forehead and its huge head was knocked off.

Ibuki's weapon, itself, was nothing compared to the firearms his subordinates possessed. However, the power of the bullets fired from there was incomparable. It is the difference in ability between the subordinates who use weapons imbued with the power of magic and Ibuki, who is a powerful magician.

In succession, two, three more bullets fired by Ibuki hit his torso, scraping the flesh of condensed vitality, and the "snake" soared into the sky as he raised an anguished voice, and then, eyes shining at Ibuki. He recognized Ibuki as his enemy.

A gigantic sickle head turned towards Ibuki, and his entire body was bent with terrifying power. In the next moment, it came out like a spring.

A fierce smile appeared at the corner of Ibuki's mouth. As he took a low stance and stomped his feet firmly on the ground, the vitality that enveloped his entire body began to emit a strange glow. In other words, he himself was a monster comparable to an Aramitama. The "snake" roared and jumped on another monster that appeared in front of him, opening his jaws. He was already too close for a gun. A poisonous fang like an iron spear would pierce through Ibuki's body at that moment. The pistol grip was hammered into the forehead of the "snake".

A strong blow like an iron hammer broke the mask of the "snake", the face of the exoskeleton with a single huge eye.

Ibuki uses a pistol to apply his own technique to the bullets and shoot them from a distance. If you are within range of realistic fists and legs, it is more effective to hit with meat.

Second shot, third shot and more. With each punch, Ibuki made a big swing and threw his grab, elbow, left fist, left and right knees with all his might. Furthermore, he plunged deep into the frightened

Aramitama, placed the pistol in his right hand on his chin in a boxing manner, and fired rapidly. When the magazine was empty, he dropped the pistol and hit the head and entire body of the "snake" with both fists. His rough appearance is exactly like a devil.

Makita gave instructions to the members who were chasing the "snake" and had them surround the demon and the "snake" from afar. If that happens, there is nothing they can do. Originally, the purpose of that mission was to drive the giant Aramitama away from the city and guide him to that place where his "boss" could wield all of his power.

An Aramitama up to a certain scale can be dealt with by members with the provided firearms. However, it's hard to deal with something that has grown to a monstrous size, like that, unless it's a real caster.

Although "Ayaka Security" prides itself on being Ikki Tousen, it is essentially a one-man team focused on and working to support the powerful magician Aka Ibuki. If you compare it to a Guso puzzle, Aka Ibuki is a gigantic distorted and sharp piece. He is irreplaceable.

"Oh, it's decided!"

One of the bloodthirsty members raised his voice.

A barrage of fists and feet strengthened by supernatural art finally shattered the "snake" mask. A gigantic eyeball the size of a melon, Aramitama's core was exposed and rolled out of the half-destroyed skull. If that is destroyed, the Aramitama will no longer be able to maintain his body, and it will become a stagnant life force and disperse.

But...

Another eyeball appeared behind the giant eyeball.

"There are two cores...!"

Makita and the members were amazed, and Ibuki also took a retreat stance as a precaution.

The first eyeball of the "snake" formed a new skull with a thick vitality in the air.

The torso, like the trunk of a large tree, fell apart. It was originally made of two "snakes" twisted together like a shimenawa.

(This is bad...!)

In a head-on fight, Ibuki never loses, but the separation of the Aramitama in front of him was completely unexpected.

He started a two-on-one battle against the two-headed "snake". Just as Makita feared, the two coordinated snakes played with Ibuki, who was superior in strength. As Ibuki's eyes warned against one of the "snake" heads, the other ate from the side.

A living fist struck one of his long torsos, and the other, unharmed, became entangled.

Makita ordered the members to take cover, but the firepower was insufficient, and moreover, the line of fire was limited so as not to hit Ibuki, who was fighting with the "snake". It could not be called a decent force. There was no place for ordinary people to enter the vast arena of spiritual warfare.

As the armed members struggled to get their hands on it, Ibuki was quickly outnumbered. Originally, it is a style that consumes a lot of physical strength and is not suitable for long duration battles. Even as he did that, Ibuki's attacks were muffled and his defenses were weakening. At some point, he would receive fatal damage.

Not that there was nothing they could do. It would not be impossible to forcefully intervene in this battle between the devil and the "snake" to break the deadlock. But that puts some members at risk of injury.

"You can go. I'll stay a while and become a decoy."

The member who spoke earlier, Furin, told Makita.

"There are many people who can replace us, but there is no one who can replace the boss. Make no mistake."

"No, no, you are irreplaceable human resources."

Makita smiled wryly as if to fool his inner thoughts, but he had to make a decision immediately.

Finally, the fangs of the "snake" grazed Ibuki's shoulder, it didn't seem like a fatal blow, but his stance collapsed and his next move was delayed. On the other hand, the "second snake" had already built up strength in preparation for the next blow.

"Come on!"

As Furin jumped, something flashed overhead with a sharp sound.

Next, the head of the ''snake'', which attacked Ibuki, was flipped over by a great force and fell backwards. Fine droplets smelling of alcohol fell on Furin's head.

"What is this... alcohol?"

"Alright."

A young man approached from the street. He raised one hand in a nonchalant tone and held a long can of commercially available chuhai in the other hand.

"Jingy...!"

"Hey, why are you here?"

Both Furin and the other members, looking somewhat relieved, called out to the man in the chuhai.

To Ibuki Aka's "younger disciples", Sagawa Jingi's face was familiar.

"When I was drinking in town, it seemed like there was some kind of chaos around here... so..."

As he spoke, Jingi climbed up on the wall next to him and sat cross-legged.

"Haha, I came to see you."

"Hey, if you're just kidding..."

Controlling the wind forest, Makita said:

"Please give your support to the boss."

"Well, it's alright. This brother will do his best~♪"

Jingi tipped the can over and spilled the contents on the ground in front of him.

No, the spilled liquid floated as if it had lost gravity just before hitting the ground, turning into a spongy transparent sphere. It is the effect of the moisture manipulation technique, which is Jingi's specialty.

As he did so, the two-headed "snake" regained its stance and attacked with a beast-like siren scream.

Responding to the simultaneous left and right attacks, Ibuki turned towards the head approaching from the left and punched out with his fist from the front. A blow that entered the center of the monocular, the impact shattered the "snake's" skull, and hard eyeballs protruded from the back of his head.

Another "snake" head attacked Ibuki's empty back. A fist-sized transparent mass hit the side of his head. It wasn't as fast as a bullet, and it wasn't as powerful as Ibuki's fist, but with just the right amount of power, it accurately hit the opponent's nose.

The time gained by Jingi was less than a second. That was enough for Ibuki to regain his balance.

Ibuki, who turned towards the remaining head, grabbed the center of the "snake's" head with his fist as before and pulled it out of the skull.

The life energy that made up the body of the "snake" that had lost its two cores quickly dispersed, and the yorishiro that was left in midair fell with a thud. It's probably something like the amulet you're dealing with in Ichinoshima Shrine It is a keyring with two bells attached to a small shimenawa.

"Well done, big brother. Congratulations!"

Jingi lightly clapped his hands and Ibuki loosened his grip as he undid the technique. His breathing was rough and his fatigue was dark, but his expression remained calm.

"But maybe you're trying too hard. Let's take it easy."

Jingi jumped off the wall, walked around after the fierce battle, picked up the Aramitama cores one by one from the ground, muttered something, and tossed them into empty chuhai cans. Then, for some reason, a handful of eyeballs were sucked into the small spout of the empty can. As if to check the contents, Jingi waved the can to his ear and heard the sound of small things rolling and a low moan.

"Wow, is this the same guy?"

Jingi picked up the "snake" yorishiro from his feet. A small shimenawa, wriggling like two entwined worms, jingling bells.

"Maybe it's because I used the shimenawa as a yorishiro... the veins of the two Aramitamas got entangled and their lives will be lost. Well, there's more than I can handle..."

"Jingi, I'll take care of that here."

As Ibuki extended his right hand, Jingi suddenly frowned and stared at his hand.

"No. I'll take this guy to Minoshima and make him calm down."

When Jingi mentioned the name of the place, the atmosphere of the place stiffened for a moment. The employees of "Ayaka Security" secretly looked at Ibuki's complexion.

After a short pause, Ibuki jerked his chin toward the path home.

"Do what you want."

Jingi smiled and nodded, then began to walk briskly. In contrast to Ibuki's behavior, which would intimidate even his direct subordinates, Jingi had nothing to defend. He is a unique respite from the sibling relationship.

"Well then, big brother and everyone, see you later."

Jingi slipped past the employees and walked toward the city. Just as he thought, he came running from a few steps away.

"Almost forgot! Big brother, pay for the chuhai you used in the technique just now, pay! 200 yen! 200 yen!"

"You're a child!"

Beside Furin, who reflexively retorted, Makita smiled wryly. Ibuki's expression also seemed to soften a bit.

"Makita."

Prompted by Ibuki, Makita took his wallet out.

"Here. Liquor fee plus attendance fee. Thank you very much."

"Oh, you have a million tickets! I love you, Maki-chan!"

Jingi waved the 10,000 yen bill he was holding between his fingers and literally danced away.

"Thanks big brother! Let's all play again!"

"It's not "Let's play again". We're working."

"Hahaha..."

As Jingi slipped past the employees, he stepped into the darkness, jumped, and disappeared.

"Damn... as usual, he's an iffy guy."

"He's hanging out anyway, so he should work at "Ayaka Security"."

"Ah, regardless of personality, he is reliable as a fighting force."

"What do you think? He can't be a team player, right?"

As the main members of "Ayaka Security" said, Makita warned them with a wry smile.

"Don't say that. He must have his own way of thinking."

So...

"No, that's not true, Makita-san."

"He only moves with immediate glue!"

"Haha, is that so?"

While laughing, Makita looked at Ibuki.

Ibuki stared thoughtfully into space as he rubbed his right hand, but after a while he pulled a chocolate bar from his chest and began to nibble on it.

Makita shrugged slightly and began to instruct the members to stand down.

++++++++++

Human society is a puzzle. While each other's distortions complement each other, they come together as one.

But Jingi Sagawa is not a piece by any means. Like water, like smoke, it seems to fit anywhere and doesn't fit anywhere. He slips through a small gap and drifts off again.

There are extraordinary people in this world, and there are duties that only these people can fulfill. Taihei Makita knows that such people exist.

Ibuki's "little brother", Sagawa Jingi, is probably one of those people.

Makita, who is an ordinary person, has no way of knowing what kind of duties he will carry on his shoulders.

BROTHERS 04: AKA IBUKI & YUKITO YANAGI

"The sea train is not moving?"

Yukito Yanagi stood still in the Ichinoshima Station building with a puzzled expression on his face.

"It sure is windy today."

In contrast to the puzzled Yukito, Sanji Inou nodded calmly.

"Um, when are you moving in?"

"Well, it's impossible today, isn't it?"

A reluctant driver said rudely.

Yukito became increasingly worried and looked in the direction of Yukito's current home in Ninoshima. The island's shadow isn't far away, but if it's separated by the sea, Yukito won't be able to reach it on his own.

He had heard that the sea train was easy to stop, but he didn't think that even on a sunny day, strong winds would stop it.

"What shall we do? The ship..."

"If you ask, there will be places that provide it, but you shouldn't force yourself to cross the sea on a windy day. Stay in Ichinoshima today."

Inou said that lightly. For 15-year-old Yukito, not being able to go home today was a big deal, but seeing Inou's calm smile, his shoulders relaxed as he wondered if he would be forced to find a way to get home.

Today, Yukito came to Ichinoshima at Momoko's request. It was a simple mission to deliver the botamochi made by Momoko to Inou and buy a special ham from a store in Ichinoshima. Since he came to Ayaka Island, he has always gone out with Jingi, but this morning he went out to have fun, so Yukito is alone. He felt a little uneasy, but he remembered that he had been taken there before, and he was able to get to the town hall without any problem. Inou welcomes Yukito when he visits, treats him to tea, and accompanies him to a renowned butcher shop that sells delicious ham.

He had finished his errands without a hitch and all that was left was to go home.

Yukito followed Inou out of the sea train station building.

"Well then, you should come to my house. However, I'm sorry I can't have dinner with you today because I have a dinner plan..."

"No! All I need is a place to sleep."

"But..."

It seems that Inou can't bear to let Yukito eat alone. He turned his gaze as if he was thinking, fixed his eyes on a corner of the busy Ichinoshima street and exclaimed: "Ah!"

"Aka-kun!"

As he followed Inou's gaze in shock, he saw a tall, thin young man in a suit across the street.

Aka Ibuki. The second disciple of Makoto Yanagi, Yukito's father. He currently heads "Ayaka Security", a special security company that deals with the Aramitamas on the island of Ichinoshima, while also fighting on the front lines himself.

His eyes are sharp and he wears a terrifying atmosphere that seems to be not solid. In fact, Yukito knows that he has a weapon hidden in his pocket (it's a special anti-Aramitama weapon, and although seems to have obtained permission from the city, it's still dangerous).

Yukito has a strong revulsion towards Ibuki's way of eliminating the Aramitama. In addition, there is also a feeling close to fear from having witnessed that incident.

Yukito flinched, but Inou smiled and moved closer to Ibuki. Yukito reluctantly did the same.

"Aka-kun, are you at work?"

"Yes. I'm about to head back to the office after completing my patrol."

"Are you free after this?"

"As long as no Aramitama appears, that's it for today."

Yukito had a bad feeling about the way Inou was speaking.

"Umm, Inou..."

"If you don't mind, can you have dinner with Yukito-kun today and let him stay the night? He was in trouble because the sea train stopped and he couldn't return to Ninoshima."

Yukito hugged his head.

Inou, who had been kind enough to say so, scratched his head and said, "My house is fine, but I can't bear to leave him alone late at night."

Ibuki's gaze turned to Yukito.

(Say no.), Yukito prayed in his heart. It's not that he hates Ibuki, but he's kind of scary and awkward. Even now, he remembers feeling suffocated. Ibuki was too high a hurdle for Yukito, who hadn't trained well in interpersonal relationships.

"You guys are like brothers, but you haven't been able to talk much since Yukito-kun came back, right? Because Yukito-kun is always monopolized by Jingi-kun."

Although Jingi is a troublesome guy with a high degree of uselessness, he now deeply felt how calm he was. Ibuki looked at Yukito for a few seconds with a blank expression that he didn't know what he was thinking. As soon as he said "Come on.", he turned on his heel.

Frowning, Sanji Inou looked at him with a smile on his face, as if to say that he was happy, and waved his hand saying, "See you later."

Reluctantly, Yukito followed Ibuki.

"I'm counting on you, Aka-kun.", said a relaxed voice behind him.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"I don't mind."

He was worried that he was angry at the way he was speaking, but Ibuki gave Yukito a sidelong glance and blurted out more words.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Eh?"

"In the dinner."

He seems like he really wanted them to have dinner together.

"I, anything..."

"...Right. Then I'll search the store properly."

Ibuki nodded to himself.

"I'll go back to my office. Yukito, please wait in the restaurant."

"Yes."

He once went to GOZ, a restaurant apparently owned by Ibuki. The "Ayaka Security" office seems to be in the same building where GOZ is located, so after parting ways with Ibuki once in the elevator, Yukito went to the restaurant alone.

GOZ was a store with a high threshold for Yukito, and after hesitating for a few seconds to work up the courage to open the door, he opened from the other side.

"Oh, you really are here."

A muscular brown-skinned man (he thinks his name was Makita) who showed his face from the other side of the door smiled brightly at Yukito.

"I just got a call from the boss. Aka-kun is coming, so drink some juice and wait for him."

"Thank you."

As he entered the store, the eyes of the four men and women sitting in the front boxes, dressed in outfits similar to Ibuki's and wearing red "Ayaka Security" armbands, turned to Yukito.

"Oh! That kid is Yanagi-sensei's son? It's dangerous."

A long-haired man in a threadbare suit got up from his seat and approached Yukito.

Furthermore, a beautiful woman leaned forward and tried to look at Yukito's face.

"Hey! He's cute! Is he around the same age as Ibara-chan? Ayakai!"

"Hey guys, don't do anything to surprise him."

A serious-looking young man in glasses scolded them both.

"...Sorry. Nice to meet you."

A young man with bangs long enough to hide his eyes greeted him silently.

When Yukito was puzzled, not knowing how to respond, Makita smiled brightly.

"I'm sorry, Yukito-kun. They are employees of "Ayaka Security"."

Furin was the man with long hair, Kanezaki was the beautiful woman, Mizutani was the man with glasses, and Onden was the man with long bangs.

The four of them (especially Furin and Kanezaki, who seemed to have bright personalities) seemed to want to talk to Yukito more, but the shy Yukito hesitated and went to the counter where Makita was. Makita laughed and opened a bottle of cider for Yukito. He poured cider into a glass filled with ice and there was a refreshing sound of bubbles popping.

Yukito sat down at the counter and thanked him for the glass of cider.

"Since you are the boss's younger brother, everyone is very curious about Yukito-kun."

"Brother..."

"Ah, I know. They're not related by blood. But, Yanagi-sensei's three disciples were all Yanagi-sensei's children, so it felt like they were brothers. Actually, Yukito-kun is probably an only child, but I can't help feel that he is the youngest."

None of them clicked. Ibuki and the others were like older brothers, and Yukito was thought to be the youngest, and he was the only son of a man named Makoto Yanagi.

"We're both Jingi's classmates. So when I was in elementary school, I often heard Jingi talk about Yanagi-sensei, his older brother, and his younger brother Yukito-kun. It felt like family proud."

Kanezaki smiled. Unable to imagine it, Yukito tilted his head vaguely.

"He's Yanagi-sensei's disciple and I get along with him because he's a future connection, right?"

Furin laughed. It was easy to imagine how he would get carried away, and this time Yukito nodded vaguely.

"But it's true that he loved his family, the Yanagi clan. He must be very happy that Yukito-kun has returned to the island. It seems that when he was a child, he loved them so much that he would protect their happiness. "

"Haa... I see, what is it?"

Yukito bowed his head again at Mizutani's words. He couldn't help feeling that he was getting "love" in a bad way even though he meant it with "love".

"Yes."

It was Makita who accepted the contract with a brilliant voice.

"Jingi is such a guy, but I'm very happy that Yukito-kun is back. And so is my boss."

"Ibuki-san?"

"Yes. It's hard to understand, but the boss is also happy about Yukito-kun's return. He has that kind of personality, and well... a lot has been going on, so it's hard for him to go see Yukito-kun on his own. Therefore, today, let him indulge you and eat expensive meals."

"No, not that..."

"Hahaha, it's filial piety to treat your older brother."

When Yukito was confused, the restaurant door opened.

"Ah boss! Good job!"

Looking at the person who entered, Furin straightened his posture and said that. The other three also shouted, "Thank you for your hard work!"

Expressionless, Ibuki slightly raised his hand in response and looked at the other people. He doesn't think he's angry, but his deadpan expression is intimidating.

The employees of "Ayaka Security" must have gotten used to Ibuki, so Kanezaki casually asked, "Boss, what are you going to eat with Yukito-kun?"

"...I thought of some candidates, something like "Arcane Ciel"."

A commotion broke out among the employees.

"Arcane Ciel?! That restaurant on the top floor of the most luxurious hotel in Ichinoshima?!"

"If you want to decide on a proposal, go there! Is that right?! The steak looks really delicious!"

Seeing Kanezaki and Furin raise their voices, Yukito broke out in a cold sweat and approached Ibuki.

"Ah, that's too high a threshold...!"

At Yukito's appeal, Ibuki raised his eyebrows, "I see."

"So, what about the "Grand Feast"?"

"Grand Feast?! It's totally a party place, isn't it? The giant roast turkey over there is so delicious they say you have to make a reservation two years in advance for Christmas!"

"Maybe I can get in at this time of year, but isn't it hard for two people to go together? Let's go together?!"

Mizutani calmly retorted from the side of Kanezaki and Furin, who were once again in shock, saying, "Guys, don't get in the way where the brothers come in."

Yukito's cold sweat increased and he shook his head.

"Um... if you could just ask at a store that wasn't so important!"

Makita laughed and sent a boat to help.

"Boss, you're too enthusiastic. He's only fifteen years old, so we have to make it a place where middle and high school students can eat comfortably."

Hearing Makita's words, Ibuki made a serious face.

"Is that so?"

++++++++++

The charcoal grill placed in front of Yukito made a small creak.

Ibuki grabbed the raw meat with tongs from the plate placed next to it and put it on the net. There was a nice sizzling sound and the fragrant smell of burnt sauce wafted through the air.

In the end, it turned out to be yakiniku.

It seems that everyone in "Ayaka Security" often goes to eat that "Gyouen". The security personnel were relieved to learn that they had settled into a reasonably secure restaurant, but a yakiniku restaurant was unfamiliar to them. Or better...

"It's my first time at a yakiniku restaurant."

Ibuki slightly raised an eyebrow as he remained expressionless.

"...Oh, really?"

Yukito was raised in an orphanage. He didn't have many opportunities to eat out. As he was looking curiously at the meat dripping with juices and being roasted in front of him, Ibuki yelled, "It's about time."

"Oh, yes."

When he tried to pick up the colored meat with his chopsticks and put it on the plate with the sauce, he said: "Wait!"

"That's too salty. You should dip it in lemon instead of sauce."

"Yes."

He wondered what that was next to the sauce dish, but it turned out to be a dish with lemon juice. As Ibuki instructed him to dip it in lemon and put it in his mouth, the refreshing taste of the meat spread out. It has a strange texture and is delicious.

He said, "Hey, hey.", as he felt the heat of the freshly roasted meat, and Ibuki replied, "I see."

Ibuki's expression was still deadpan with the usual sharpness, but he felt that his eyes had softened a bit. As he was looking at Ibuki's face through the smoke billowing from the charcoal stove, he told him, "The next one is cooked too."

"These are ribs. Dip them in the sauce and eat them."

"Yes!"

"The roast was also cooked. This is also a sauce."

"Thank you."

"Skirt Steak, Cooked"

"Yes, thanks."

"Rice is here too. Eat it with meat. Refills are free."

"Yes."

"Growing children should also eat vegetables. This grass is lettuce. Wrap the meat in plenty of sauce and eat it."

"Hm."

"This is a hormone. This one is also cooked."

"......"

He had run out of time to respond.

Without letting go of the tongs, Ibuki roasted the meat one after another. When Yukito's eating rate couldn't keep up and his chopsticks no longer reached the top of the net, Ibuki used his chopsticks to throw more and more ready-to-eat meat onto Yukito's plate.

The kalbi, tenderloin, flank steak, and hormones were delicious, but he felt like he was slipping away.

"Ah, umm, let me grill the meat next time. I've always had Ibuki-san take care of me, so…"

Rather than be considerate, it was an offer to at least control the pace of the cooking, but Ibuki firmly shook his head.

"No need. Yukito, focus on eating."

Ibuki still clung to the tongs, but while he took care of the meat that was always scattered in the net, he didn't neglect his own meals at all. He ate meat, rice and drank twice as fast as Yukito. Also, he called the store clerk and placed an additional order.

"Special Kalbi, Pork Tuna, Thick Sliced Beef Tongue, Bone-in Kalbi, Pot Pickled Brisket, Roasted Short Rib, Rump, Yukgejang all on two plates and one raw."

"Guh..."

Involuntarily, a frightened voice came out.

"Oh, it's too..."

"Don't stop"

"It's not that..."

"Also, rice for two."

"Uh..."

He was desperate to eat the meat offered to him one after another, and he forgot about the tension of being alone with Ibuki halfway through.

Yukito walked out of the store with a stomach that looked like it was going to burst.

"Thanks for the food..."

"Yes."

Ibuki must have eaten a lot more than Yukito, but he didn't seem to be sick to his stomach. Yukito looked at Ibuki's toned abdomen, wondering what was going on with that person's body.

"So, shall we go?"

He planned to stay at Ibuki's house today. However, Ibuki's legs headed for the building where the offices of GOZ and "Ayaka Security" were located. When he opened the door to the building, Yukito bowed his head.

"Are you going back to GOZ?"

"No, my room is next to that store."

"Eh?"

When he unintentionally let out a surprised voice, Ibuki looked at Yukito and smiled a little.

"Don't worry. I only have the bare minimum, but I don't have trouble sleeping. If you're hungry, go to GOZ and eat something."

"No, I'm not hungry anymore for today..."

It was a painful level of satiety. He even felt that he would be fine if he didn't eat anything for the whole day tomorrow.

Yukito let out his voice because Ibuki lived next door to GOZ, in other words, just below the "Ayaka Security" office, and it felt like he really only saw the house as "a place to sleep". Therefore, it was much like Ibuki to live a life dedicated solely to exterminating the Aramitama. They boarded the vintage elevator in the multi-tenant building and descended on the fifth floor. A bright voice could be heard from the other side of GOZ's door, and he could sense that the members of "Ayaka Security" or other customers were making a fuss, but Ibuki turned his back on them and opened the door at the back of the room runner.

Ibuki's room was as drab as he had said and as Yukito imagined.

The only furniture is a bed, a couch and a simple coffee table. There was not a single cooking utensil in the small kitchen. He had a feeling that this person was running a restaurant so that he could hire Makita to cook his daily meals.

"Yukito, use the bed."

"Uh, no, I'm the one staying here, so I'll be on the couch..."

"Can you put a child to sleep on the couch? Sleep in a suitable place and grow up."

Perhaps, before this person, Yukito could still be a five-year-old somewhere.

When he suddenly thought about it, well, until he was five years old he lived in the same house as this person, like a family.

After taking a shower and brushing his teeth with a toothbrush he bought, he couldn't spend any more time in the empty room (it was impossible with Ibuki's personality and Yukito's skills to enjoy chatting) and he went to bed early.

Lying on his side as if to protect his belly from his swollen meat, Yukito stared at the couch. Ibuki was lying on his back on the couch and covered himself with a blanket. His long legs dangled over the edge of the couch.

"Yukito."

Ibuki yelled with his eyes closed. Yukito flinched a bit, wondering if he had been caught spying on him.

"Yes."

"Are there any drawbacks to living in Ayakashima?"

"No. Momoko-san is kind, Inou-san cares about me, and Jingi-san is a careless and troublesome person who always drinks alcohol, but... as my teacher, he teaches me various things. I think I'm living a much more pleasant life than I thought."

Kurama's name was consciously not mentioned. Yukito, who has only been on the island a short time, doesn't really understand the enmity between Ibuki and Kurama, but he does know that there is an extraordinary animosity between them. Kurama also lived as brothers in the past, but the distance between Yukito and Ibuki wasn't close enough to ask such a thing.

"It's alright then. If Yukito is alright, I'm sure my master will be happy."

Ibuki said that quietly, lying down with his eyes closed.

It's not like Yukito's feeling of weakness and fear towards Ibuki that he felt that day when they first met disappeared.

++++++++++

For Aka Ibuki, hospitality meant feeding him.

Ibuki has never flattered others. He therefore, he does not know how to please others.

However, rice is the source of human energy and the source of the body.

For Ibuki, giving it was the best expression of goodwill and a proof of respect.

"Eat."

He decided to have breakfast at GOZ. It's not cool, but it's made by Makita, so it's nice that it's flexible.

He placed a hamburger in front of Yukito. Ibuki ordered three thick burgers with cheese and tomato sandwiched between them.

Ibuki grabbed his own slice of the burger by pressing down on the bun and squashing it up and down. When he looked to the side of him, Yukito couldn't handle the tall burger and half collapsed as he ate it with all his might. It may be that he has little experience eating not only yakiniku but also burgers.

"Makita. Two full plates of fried chicken."

When he placed an additional order, for some reason, Makita gave him a concerned smile.

"Um. Is that for the boss?"

"Since there are two plates, one plate is for Yukito."

Yukito widened his eyes and looked at Ibuki.

"Ah, Ibuki-san, I still have the roast meat left over from yesterday..."

"What are you talking about? That's not true."

While thinking that he was the one holding back in a strange way, he signaled to Makita, "Let him eat the freshly fried stuff." Makita gave a slight shrug and headed for the counter.

For some reason, Yukito let out a low voice, "Hieh..."

He knows that Yukito has a feeling of rejection because of his way of doing things that he deviates from the principle of connection.

He has no desire to be understood.

It was unfair to Yukito, but he should learn and grow from Kurama's side. Yukito is the legitimate successor of his father, his teacher.

The most Ibuki can do for Yukito is to feed him when he visits him like this.

After breakfast, he took Yukito to Ichinoshima Station with Makita.

"Come back when you feel like it."

"Yes..."

Yukito, who was wobbling with his arms covering his stomach for some reason, he was put on the sea train and fired.

As he looked at the tail of the train in the distance, when he was thinking that he could treat him well, Makita muttered to his side, "Maybe I should have given him stomach medicine..."

#ayaka #yanagi yukito #jingi sagawa #amamiya momoko #kurama haruaki #ibuki aka #inou sanji

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