SAK Chapter 15 The Five Clan Heirs (Patreon)

Far above the smoke and ruin, the barrier sky shimmered faintly, its red hue reflected in the sleek glass of Tokyo’s skyscrapers. The night wind howled between the towers, carrying the distant echoes of explosions and lightning.

On the rooftop of one such tower, its lights completely blacked out, an assembly of figures stood in silence.

Their silhouettes were monstrous, their auras heavy enough to warp the air itself. Some bore the shapes of men, others of beasts, and some shifted between the two, an assembly of Youkai long thought extinct or scattered, their presence cloaked from mortal eyes.

Below them, Ginza burned. The streets glowed with fractured light and chaos as what remained of the Oni rampaged through the broken barrier.

A tall figure in the center leaned forward, resting clawed hands on the ledge as he watched the carnage unfold with bored detachment. His eyes gleamed faintly under the moonlight—cold, silver, and ancient.

“Most of the Oni we released have already fallen,” One of the Youkai said, his voice a low growl. “They were supposed to break the wards and unseal the Onryō. Instead, they were obliterated.”

“Typical,” Sneered another, a slender woman with pale skin, her mouth filled with too many teeth. “Even after we captured and enhanced them, they were too stupid to follow orders.”

“Enhanced?” A deep, sardonic laugh rippled through the group. “You mean corrupted. They were little more than beasts.”

The first Youkai flinched, turning toward the source of the voice.

Sitting upon a throne of obsidian stone at the far end of the roof, his body framed by the moon, was a towering figure.

His skin glowed faintly blue, his long, dark hair flowing like ink over his shoulders. Twin horns jutted back from his forehead, and faint marks etched across his face and arms, glowing faintly beneath the surface. His eyes were piercing gold, filled with power and contempt.

Even sitting still, his presence dwarfed all others.

This was Otakemaru, the Demon God of Mount Suzuka. One of the Three Great Oni of myth. A being who had once challenged gods and emperors alike, sealed away twelve thousand years ago for his crimes.

And now, he was free.

The Youkai around him fell silent immediately, their bodies bowing instinctively. None dared speak without permission.

The blue-skinned Kijin leaned forward on his throne, his golden eyes scanning the scene below. The firelight reflected across his skin like a living inferno.

“So…” he said softly, voice like grinding stone. “This… is the performance of the Oni of today?” His tone dripped with disdain. He rose slowly to his feet, his towering frame casting an inhuman shadow over the gathered Youkai. “Pathetic.”

The word echoed like a curse.

Otakemaru’s gaze darkened, his aura expanding with a low hum that made the entire building groan beneath him. “After twelve millennia of imprisonment… I awakened to this? Weaklings squabbling in the dirt, defeated by priests?”

No one dared answer.

His eyes flicked toward the burning district below, his expression twisting in disgust. “Once, the Oni of this land devoured kingdoms. They burned cities and defied gods. The name of the Youkai struck terror into humanity. Now look at you…”

He turned sharply, his glare falling on the trembling Youkai kneeling before him. “Tell me—who allowed this rot to spread? Who is responsible for this decay?”

The silence was suffocating.

Then, one of the Youkai, a birdlike creature with crimson feathers, spoke up nervously. “L-Lord Otakemaru… it is the fault of the current Youkai leader. The Nine-Tailed Fox… Yasaka, who governs Kyoto under the watch of the Shinto gods. It was she who brought peace. She who commands the factions to coexist with humans.”

A low murmur of agreement rippled through the others.

“Coexistence…” hissed another. “She chained us like beasts in a cage of treaties and diplomacy. She—”

“Silence.”

The single word from Otakemaru froze them all. His gaze was enough to crush the air around him.

He lifted his hand, and a faint shimmer of energy pulsed around it, his aura rippling like a storm contained within flesh. “Peace,” He said softly, almost to himself. “Coexistence. How far the mighty have fallen.”

He turned his golden eyes toward the city again, watching as the remaining Oni were exorcised by bursts of light and fire from below.

“Disgusting,” He spat. “That the children of my kind now kneel to gods and bow to the vermin they once hunted. You’ve traded fear for comfort, blood for obedience.”

He clenched his hand into a fist, and the air cracked like thunder. “The humans, our food, walk freely, while the gods who should have burned long ago are worshipped. The Youkai of today… have become no better than the mortals they once tortured.”

The others bowed lower, trembling as his killing intent swept through the rooftop like a storm. The weaker ones could barely breathe.

Finally, he lowered his hand, his expression cold once more.

“I see now that my resurrection was wasted on a world of weaklings,” Otakemaru said, turning toward the skyline. “But that will change.”

He stepped forward, the air bending beneath each footfall. His gaze sharpened toward the distance, far beyond the burning horizon.

“Mark my words,” he said, his voice carrying like thunder through the city. “The age of false peace will end. I will raze this land to ash and carve my vengeance upon the gods who dared seal me. I will show these complacent creatures what it means to be feared once more.”

He paused, his golden eyes narrowing with faint amusement.

“And when the time comes… even Yasaka will bow before the Demon God of Mount Suzuka.”

The assembled Youkai bowed deeper, their voices trembling as they answered in unison.

“Glory to Lord Otakemaru.”

The blue Kijin turned back toward the burning horizon, his expression unreadable.

—--------------------------------------------

Issei exhaled slowly, the back alley was completely ruined, as the buildings surrounding the small shrine were destroyed with shattered windows and broken walls. While the sacred fox statue laid in perfect condition. Smoke drifted lazily from the cracked ground where his fight with Akami had carved deep scars.

At his feet, the petite red Oni laid unconscious. Her breathing was ragged but steady, her expression no longer twisted by madness for now but who knows if it would return when she wakes up.

Footsteps approached from behind.

Issei turned just as Mina and Kanna emerged from the dissipating smoke. Mina’s once-neat hair was streaked with soot, her kimono torn at the shoulder, glasses cracked at one corner—but her posture remained strong. Kanna, in contrast, looked as unruffled as ever, though faint traces of lightning still danced around her fingertips.

Mina’s eyes widened as she saw the red Oni. “That’s…” She stepped closer, adjusting her glasses. “I recognize her. She was the one who attacked Akihabara—the leader of the Iron Horn group.”

Issei nodded grimly. “Yeah.”

Kanna blinked softly. “She’s hurt.”

Issei crouched down beside Akami again, brushing debris away from her face. “Not as much as she could’ve been. She fought like she wasn’t herself at all.”

Mina approached, her expression tightening when she felt the lingering curse energy. “What happened?”

Issei sighed. “She… wasn’t in control.” He looked up at Mina, eyes serious. “She was stronger than before, way stronger. And the whole time, between attacks, she started fighting whatever took control of her. She kept twitching, trying to talk… trying to stop herself.”

Mina inhaled slowly, absorbing this. “Did someone place a curse on them.”

“What do you mean?” Issei asked.

“Whatever happened to them,” Mina said, kneeling beside the Oni, “it amplified their demonic energy. Makes the victim feral, animalistic while boosting their raw strength. It didn’t look like the regular state of rage of an Oni . It’s external and forced.” She touched Akami’s hand briefly, frowning at the heat in her skin. “Were they being controlled?”

Kanna tilted her head. “Like puppets.”

“Exactly,” Mina replied quietly.

For a moment, the three of them stood in silence.

“I want to help her.” Issei said with determination in his eyes, shocking Mina.

Mina quickly straightened, her tone shifting. “But Issei… these Oni are criminals. They were Yakuza even before this incident, they were violent. And tonight… many Onmyōji died because of them.” She shook her head. “Even if we undo the curse on her, she’ll be imprisoned. Or executed. Plus we can’t save the others as some have already died.”

“I know,” Issei said softly.

Mina paused. “Then why…?”

Issei’s answer came without hesitation.

“Because she tried,” He whispered. “Even while the curse was eating her alive, she tried to fight it.” His hands curled into fists. “She didn’t want this. She didn’t choose this. And if she can still cling to herself even for a second… then she deserves help.”

Mina’s breath caught.

Kanna nodded quietly. “Issei wants to save her.”

Issei looked between them, eyes steady. “Please, Mina. Can you do it? Can you help her?”

Mina hesitated, as she was unsure she could even do something about this. “I… I don’t know if I can. Purifying a curse this deep takes time.” She gestured to the ruined shrine. “If the other Onmyōji see us protecting an Oni responsible for all this, they’ll kill her on sight. And then they’ll try to imprison us and brand us traitors.”

“…I know,” Issei said. “That’s why we won’t do it here.”

Mina arched a brow. “Then where? We can’t move her openly. The entire district is crawling with exorcists and clan enforcers.”

Issei looked thoughtful for only a second… then turned toward Kanna.

“Kanna.”

The white haired dragon blinked. “Yes?”

“I need a favor.” Issei stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Turn into your dragon form. Hide your presence. And fly her back to our apartment.”

Mina’s jaw dropped. “Issei—!”

But he continued, undeterred. “You’re the only one who can quickly carry her safely. Plus you’re the only one who can avoid detection.”

Kanna stared at him for a moment, measuring the seriousness in his eyes.Then she nodded once. “I’ll do it.”

Mina dragged a hand down her face. “This is insane. Completely insane.” But she didn’t say no. Instead, she exhaled sharply. “Fine. But Kanna, watch her carefully. If she wakes up and loses control before we get there—”

“I’ll stop her,” Kanna said simply.

Mina nodded reluctantly. “Good.”

Then Kanna inhaled deeply… and transformed.

A soft white glow enveloped her frame and in a heartbeat, a massive white dragon stood before them, fur soft and shimmering like fresh snow. She now sprouted four bull-like horns that gleamed under the moonlit barrier, and her long tail swept the ground with quiet grace.

Issei’s jaw dropped. “Kanna… that’s…”

Mina stared, speechless. “So that’s your true… incredible…”

Kanna’s dragon form tilted her head bashfully, letting out a small rumbling purr.

Issei lifted Akami carefully and placed her onto Kanna’s back. The dragon lowered herself gently, ensuring the Oni wouldn’t fall.

“Kanna,” Issei said softly, resting a hand on her fur. “Thank you.”

She nuzzled his hand with her snout. “I’ll keep her safe.”

Issei stepped back as Kanna spread her wings. Her body shimmered—and vanished entirely, cloaked in perfect invisibility.

A gust of wind swept the courtyard.

And then she was gone—soaring silently toward Saitama, carrying the corrupted Oni.

Mina watched the empty sky, pinching the bridge of her nose. “This is going to cause me so much trouble…”

Issei grinned faintly. “Sorry.”

She sighed. “…but it’s worth it if it’s for you.”

He blinked. “Huh?”

Her cheeks reddened faintly. “N-never mind. Let’s go see the others before someone notices we’re missing. I think the fight has stopped and I’m gonna have to report that the shrine is secure but the one attacking this place got away. Hopefully they don’t question us further.”

Issei laughed softly.

And together, they ran back into the ruined streets of Ginza.

—-----------------------------

Kobayashi Residence, Saitama

The apartment was unusually quiet.

Lucoa lounged on the couch in her usual carefree sprawl, flipping lazily through channels with a hum. Tohru stood in the kitchen, cleaning up the dishes she left earlier; her tail swayed happily every time she thought of Kobayashi. Kobayashi herself sat at the low table, sipping coffee and waiting anxiously for news.

Tohru was the first to sense something approaching, her dragon instincts prickling as her ears twitched. She froze mid-wipe.

“Something’s coming,” She whispered, eyes narrowing as she went to open a large window.

Lucoa sat up slightly, blinking. “Hmm? I think it’s Kanna?”

Kobayashi placed her cup down, alert. “Are they back?"

A heavy whoosh swept over the apartment—soft, like the beating of enormous wings muffled behind magic.

Then—

A white blur entered through the window that Tohru opened.

Kobayashi’s breath was caught as this was the first time seeing her dragon form. “K—Kanna…?” Kobayashi whispered.

Because there, standing an impossibly elegant dragon, whose fur glowed faintly under the light.

And draped across her back was an unconscious red-skinned Oni woman.

Lucoa’s jaw dropped so hard it almost hit the floor. “Oh my. Whose this?”

Tohru flailed as panic rapidly overtook her excitement. “K-Kanna! You can’t just kidnap people! Kobayashi told me that we aren’t allowed to do that!”

Kobayashi was very close to fainting. Her face had gone pale as chalk.

Kanna lowered herself gracefully and allowed the unconscious Akami to slide off her back with surprising gentleness. Then, in a flash of light, she transformed back into her human form. She brushed her dress off casually.

Tohru rushed over, leaning in like a mother hen. “K-Kanna! W-what happened?! Are you hurt?! Who is this?!”

Lucoa floated over with calm curiosity and poked the Oni’s cheek. “Huh. She’s pretty cute.”

Kobayashi shuffled forward, still trying to comprehend the scene in front of her. “Kanna… where did you… WHY did you…? Explain. Right now.”

Kanna blinked once, then gave her usual straightforward answer. “Issei asked me to bring her.”

Three women froze in sync.

“…What?” Kobayashi whispered.

Kanna nodded without hesitation. “This Oni is cursed. This one fought Issei and he defeated her but he said that she wasn’t in control and he didn't want her to die.”

Kobayashi was still confused as she didn’t understand what this girl had to do with anything. “Kanna what’s going on? You guys left in a hurry and didn’t explain anything to us.”

“We went to Ginza because a group of Oni started to cause problems. We and various others were sent to contain and stop them. The fight in Ginza is over. And the shrine we were sent to protect is safe. Mina and Issei stayed behind to report everything to the other Onmyōji. But they said we need to hide her until Mina performs purification as she is currently cursed and not in control of her actions.”

Lucoa clapped her hands, beaming. “Oh, purification magic! I can help if she needs extra divine energy.”

Tohru added, “I can blast her with fire until the curse burns away!”

“No fire!” Kobayashi and Kanna said at the exact same time.

Tohru wilted.

Kobayashi rubbed her temple, exhausted. “Just… just to be clear. She’s not going to wake up and destroy the apartment, right?”

Kanna shook her head. “No. I will sit on her if she moves.”

Lucoa giggled. “That would work.”

Tohru pointed nervously at the Oni. “So she’s… really the one who attacked you guys?”

Kanna nodded. “Mina said she is the leader. Akami.”

Kobayashi looked at the unconscious Oni, then at her quiet, dragon.

“Kanna… Issei really asked you to bring her here?”

Kanna’s expression softened slightly. Just a small bit.  “He wants to save her. So I helped. I wanted to bring her to our apartment but I don’t have the keys and decided to bring her here.”

Kobayashi sighed deeply, shoulders slumping. She loved that boy. She really did. But if Issei kept doing things like this, she was going to die at thirty. Finally, she waved her hand tiredly. “Okay. Fine.”

Lucoa smiled brightly. “I’ll prepare a futon in the spare room.”

Tohru hurried to assist. “I’ll get restraints!—I mean soft pillows! Soft ones!”

Kanna simply picked Akami up gently, as though carrying a sleeping cat.

Kobayashi pressed a hand to her forehead. “Issei,” she muttered under her breath, “you are grounded for a month… maybe two… if this causes a mess.”

But deep down, she already knew. If Issei Hyoudou saw someone suffering, he was going to try to save them. Even if the whole world opposed him.

—-----------------------------------------

The distant crackles and the soft groans of injured exorcists remained as Issei and Mina made their way through the ruined streets. The barrier still flickered faintly overhead, shimmering like a bruised sky struggling to remain intact.

Issei kept glancing around nervously. “So uh… Mina… is it really okay for me to come? I thought you didn’t want the Five Principal Clans to, you know, know I exist.”

Mina sighed softly as she stepped over a broken stone lantern. “I did want that. But many saw that you arrived here with me and that plan died on the spot.”

Issei winced. “O-Oh… yeah. Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Her tone was tired, but not angry. “Just… don’t reveal anything about yourself. No mentioning the Boosted Gear. No mentioning the family of dragons in your apartment. And no taking off your shirt to ‘prove’ anything.”

Issei’s eyebrow raised in confusion. “Why would I take off my shirt—?”

“And,” Mina added, turning to face him, “even if they insult you, threaten you, or irritate you… please stay calm and don’t do anything dumb.”

“Why would I get mad? I’m pretty chill,” Issei said with a smile.

Mina stopped walking. Turned her head. Gave the slowest, deadest stare he had ever seen.

“…I’ll stay calm,” Issei corrected immediately.

Mina resumed walking with a tiny, relieved sigh.

—----------------------------------------------

As they approached the gathering point, the devastation gave way to a small camp of Onmyōji.

Dozens of exorcists filled the open plaza. Some sat bandaged against broken walls. Others knelt in circles performing healing chants. A few leaned on shattered staves while arguing about the reconstruction.

It was far more varied than Issei expected. Some wore modern tactical uniforms with spiritual sigils embedded into the armor. Others wore traditional robes in clan colors. A handful looked like regular civilians holding sacred artifacts and prayer scrolls.

But the atmosphere changed the moment Mina stepped into view.

Issei heard it instantly. 

Heads turned. Whispers sharpened like daggers. Mutters grew quiet and poisonous.

He understood now why she asked him to stay calm.

Everyone was whispering about her.

“There she is…”

“The cursed child.”

“The Tadayuki wench…”

“Why did she return?”

“I thought they disbanded her clan…”

“Is she using outsiders again?”

“Who’s that boy with her?”

“Some civilian? Or another rogue asset?”

Issei’s fists tightened. ‘They’re talking about Mina like that…?’ He wanted to step forward, wanted to glare, shout, defend her but Mina placed her hand lightly on his wrist and shook her head once.

“Remember your promise,” she whispered.

Issei glared but swallowed hard and nodded.

They reached the center of the plaza and now Issei understood why everyone gave the middle such a wide berth.

Five people stood there. Five young exorcists in immaculate condition compared to the rest. Their auras were sharp, polished, and unmistakably powerful. The Five Heirs.

The next generation leaders of the Five Principal Clans.

Mina stiffened almost imperceptibly. Even she, composed, analytical, and confident, straightened her posture in their presence.

Issei glanced at each of them, and Mina quietly identified them in a low voice only he could hear:

Genbu Dōmon, Heir of the Dōmon Clan. A petite, extremely polite girl dressed in yellow with turtle motifs everywhere, scarf, earmuffs, even her backpack. Her silver hair framed her face with bangs and a single ahoge bouncing at the top.

She bowed lightly to every injured exorcist who passed her.

Ōryū Nakiri, Heir of the Nakiri Clan, The second heir stood tall, arms crossed, blonde hair spiked and golden eyes sharp.

Confident and calculating. The type who took one look at you and already evaluated your strengths and weaknesses.

He looked startlingly similar to the boy Issei saved earlier.

Issei blinked. “Huh… guess they’re related.”

Suzaku Himejima, Heir of the Himejima Clan

Issei’s breath caught. He didn’t know why. He’d never seen her before. Not in person.

But the elegant woman with long black hair, red eyes, and a red-and-white miko uniform felt… strangely familiar. Like a face he’d seen before but her Oppai looked similar to a girl that had the same impressive size.

She bowed gently to a wounded exorcist, healing them with a touch.

‘Why does she look so familiar…?’ Issei wondered.

Seiryuu Kushihashi, Heir of the Kushihashi Clan. A bespectacled young man with gray hair, composed with noble features that pissed Issei off. He wore a blue blazer despite the battlefield environment, and he organized the injured with calm authority.

“Don’t let his kindness fool you. His wood manipulation spells are the strongest in two centuries.” Mina whispered. 

Byakko Shinra, Heir of the Shinra Clan. Finally, a tall, muscular young man with a shaved head stood proudly with tiger-like ferocity in his eyes. His presence radiated wild heat.

“That one… maybe don’t talk to him,” Mina warned. “He’s impulsive.”

As they approached, the heirs turned and fixed their gazes on Mina.

Instantly, the whispers intensified.

“Why did someone so useless come?”

“What is she planning?”

“Do you think that everything that happened here came because of her curse?”

Issei’s jaw clenched. He felt anger bubbling in his chest for the first time that night. But he swallowed it down, hard. ‘Mina asked me to stay calm. Mina trusts me to listen. Mina needs me to not make things worse.’ So he breathed… and stayed silent.

Mina noticed and her expression softened. She whispered, just for him. “…Thank you.”

The heirs of the Five Principal Clans had been focused on their discussion about what had happened on their end and the wounded, coordinating the other exorcists, and restoring the barriers until they noticed Mina approaching them and turned toward her

Suzaku Himejima was the first to notice. Her red eyes lit up softly and with a gentle smile that radiated warmth. “Mina-chan.” She said gently, “You’ve returned. Are you hurt?”

Mina blinked, caught off guard by the kindness. “Ah… yes, Himejima-san. I’m unharmed.”

Before Mina could say more, Genbu approached her with her ahoge bouncing with every movement. “Tabayuki-san, I apologize for calling you back into the field during your day off. We were spread thin across the district because of how sudden this happened. Did you experience any difficulty fighting the Oni?”

Mina’s lips tightened with a weary sigh. “I was busy defending one of the Inari shrines, alone, I might add after defeating several dozen Oni and saving your Onmyōji who… pathetically needed assistance.”

Genbu flinched at her tone. Suzaku smiled sympathetically. Seiryuu nodded gravely. Ōryū raised an eyebrow, impressed. Byakko grinned, clearly entertained.

Several nearby Onmyōji flinched.

“Regardless,” Suzaku said, placing a hand over her chest, “thank you for protecting the shrine. We owe you for that.”

Mina nodded back respectfully, despite noticeably grinding her teeth at her politeness.

But then the five heirs finally noticed the boy standing just behind her.

Issei froze as five powerful gazes zeroed in on him simultaneously.

Ōryū Nakiri was the first to speak, stepping forward with a sharp, assessing gaze. His voice was firm, bordering on confrontational. “Mina. Who is this boy? And why is a civilian here?”

Mina without missing a beat and without blinking spoke clearly. “He is not a civilian. This,” She said, pointing to Issei, “is the newest member of the Tabayuki Clan. And my fiancé.” She said the last part with a blush.

You could have heard a pin drop. As it was complete utter world-ending silence. The heirs collectively froze. The surrounding Onmyōji stared as though the sun had suddenly turned purple.They all stared directly at Issei.

Issei, who did not expect his engagement to be announced like a news headline, turned bright red. “Oh uh… yeah…” He muttered, scratching his cheek. “That’s… uhh… me.”

Suzaku gasped softly in delight, hands clasping in front of her chest. “O-oh my. Mina-chan… congratulations…!”

Genbu lit up instantly, her ahoge bouncing like a happy antenna. “A f-fiancé? Mina-san, this is wonderful! I am so happy for you! What is he like? How did you meet? How long—?”

Mina’s eye twitched and felt her soul leave her body for a moment.

Seiryuu adjusted his glasses, calmly studying the two. “Interesting. Since when did this occur? The Five Clan Heads know nothing about this arrangement.”

Mina crossed her arms defensively, glaring. “My marriage is not a decision that the Clan Heads need to approve.”

Ōryū hummed. “Oh? Bold of you. And who are you?”

Issei bowed politely, doing his absolute best not to panic. “H-hello. I’m Issei Hyoudou. It’s nice to meet you.”

Byakko scoffed and stepped forward, looking Issei up and down with a grin. “So you’re the fiancé, huh?” he said. “You don’t look like much.”

Issei blinked. “Uh… thanks?”

Then without warning or hesitation and without any common sense. Byakko threw a punch straight at Issei’s face.

But the punch from the physically strongest of the Five Heirs was stopped. Because Issei simply raised his hand and caught it effortlessly.

Byakko froze. His eyes widened. Then a giant grin spread across his face. “Oh, ho ho ho! Now that’s interesting!”

Seiryuu exhaled lightly. “Impressive… Shinra-san’s strength is not easy to stop.”

Ōryū looked genuinely surprised. “Huh. So you’re not completely a helpless civilian. I wonder where he is from.”

Suzaku tilted her head, impressed but worried. “Please don’t hurt each other.”

Genbu clapped at the display. “Wow! You’re so strong, Hyoudou-san!”

Issei, meanwhile, was panicking internally. ‘Ddraig, what do I do?!’

(Pretend it’s normal, Partner. Do NOT flex.)

Mina smacked Byakko on the back of the head. “What the hell are you doing?! Who punches someone without warning?!”

Byakko pulled his fist back, grinning like a tiger. “I like this guy! Hey, Hyoudou! Wanna spar?”

Suzaku hid a small amused smile behind her sleeve.

“No,” Mina answered instantly.

Issei laughed nervously. “Uh… maybe some other time—?” But he was soon surrounded by the five as they started to rapidly fire question after question.

“Where are you from?”

“What’s your training?”

“What kind of spells do you use?”

“Do you have any rare talents?”

“Can you spar me later?”

“WHEN is the wedding?”

Issei started sweating. “Uhh—uhh—uhh—”

Suzaku suddenly stepped closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “If you really are Mina-chan’s fiancé…” She leaned in closer. “What do you love most about her?”

Mina’s soul left her body again.

Issei, however, the shameless pervert of Kouh answered without hesitation. “Well… I really like her big oppai.”

The silence lasted three entire heartbeats.

Mina turned red from her neck to her ears. Suzaku let out a soft gasp behind her hand. Genbu squeaked.  Seiryuu choked on his own breath. Ōryū blinked twice, actually stunned. 

And Byakko burst out laughing so hard he nearly fell over. “BAHAHAHAHA! I like this guy!”

Mina finally snapped. “That’s enough!” she shouted. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Issei blinked. “Huh—?”

She grabbed him by the sleeve, dragging him backward.

“The situation is resolved. You’ll contact me tomorrow. Goodnight!”

Suzaku called after them warmly. “Have a safe trip home, Mina-chan! Please visit me one day!”

Genbu bowed deeply. “Please come talk with us soon!”

Issei waved awkwardly as he was dragged away. “S-sure! Nice meeting you all!”

Byakko cupped his hands around his mouth. “I’m gonna fight you soon, Hyoudou!”

Ōryū smirked. “Don’t let her boss you around too hard.”

Seiryuu bowed politely. “We look forward to speaking again.”

Byakko yelled, “HEY ISSEI! FIGHT ME LATER!”

Mina, still beet red, muttered under her breath as she pulled Issei around a corner.“I hate all of them. I hate all of them. Why did you say that? Why did Suzaku ask that? Why does my life hurt—?!”

Issei just smiled helplessly.

—-------------------------------------

The moment Mina yanked Issei around the corner, her grip tightened like an iron vice around his wrist. She marched with the speed of a berserker on a holy crusade, her steps pounding the ground hard enough to intimidate small spirits.

Issei, dragged at 1.5x human walking speed, offered a timid smile. “Uh… Mina? You’re walking a little fast—”

“QUIET.” The command hit him harder than any Oni club.

They cut through a narrow alley where the buildings continued to be destroyed, sparks still crackled from broken charms. 

Issei swallowed, trying to match her furious pace. “I-It’s not like I said anything bad, right? I just answered Suzaku’s question honestly—”

Mina stopped so abruptly he almost crashed into her back. She spun around, her cracked glasses glinting.“Why,” she hissed, “did you think that was an acceptable answer?! In front of Suzaku, in front of Genbu, in front of every exorcist in Tokyo—?!”

Issei straightened. “I mean… she asked what I liked about you. And, uh—” His mouth curved into the world’s guiltiest smile.“—I really like your big oppai.”

Mina’s face turned so red it could have powered a lightbulb for fifty years straight. She slapped a hand over her mouth—part outrage, part reflex—whirled around to scan their surroundings, then dragged him again at triple speed. “Stop. Talking,” she demanded, voice trembling with mortification. “You’re making it worse.”

They resumed their furious march.

The barrier overhead flickered, dissolving piece by piece as the Onmyōji lifted the isolation zone. Streetlamps flickered back online. The air warmed. Normal sounds began to bleed through—distant cars, laughter from a late-night café, the hum of city life.

But Mina was still too busy dying internally to notice.

Issei rubbed his wrist gently as he followed behind. “…So are we still engaged or—?”

Mina nearly tripped over her own feet. “I— YES— I MEAN— NO— I MEAN— ST–STOP ASKING!” Her cheeks were now a dangerous level of crimson. Even her ears glowed red.

Issei jogged after her again. “So that’s still a yes, right?”

“YES BUT DON’T SAY IT LIKE THAT!” She stomped forward.

Issei blinked, realizing she had unintentionally confirmed it three times now. He grinned softly. “I’m happy.”

Mina froze.Just—froze. The fury in her shoulders softened, sagging slightly. She didn’t turn around, but he could see her hands curling nervously at her sides. “D-Don’t say it like that either…” she muttered, voice much quieter.

—----------------------

They stepped out of the final remnants of the barrier. And the world changed instantly.

The scorched pavement turned into polished sidewalks. The shattered buildings blinked back into spotless glass towers. The fire-touched air returned to the clear nighttime breeze.

Suddenly the streets of Ginza were alive again as normal civilians walked everywhere.

Neon signs glowed. Restaurants buzzed with diners. Fashion stores lit up the sidewalks. A tired salaryman trudged toward the subway, loosening his tie. A couple held hands while window-shopping. Tourists took pictures under bright store signs. 

And not a single one knew that minutes ago, a war had been raging only meters away. If anything, the closest hint of trouble was someone complaining about a sale ending.

Issei blinked at the sudden noise. “Whoa…I will never get used to this, it’s like nothing happened.”

Mina finally released him. “Of course. The barrier conceals all supernatural disturbances from civilian perception. To them, the district never changed.”

Issei watched a group of girls chatting as they passed by a lamppost that had been a smoking crater moments earlier. “Man… this is surreal.”

Mina marched across with a vengeance.

Issei hurried after her. The train station finally came into view. 

“Mina… I’m sorry. Really. I didn’t want to embarrass you. I just… said what I felt.” Issei exhaled.

Her steps faltered. She didn’t turn around. But her shoulders… relaxed.

“…You’re impossible,” she muttered, softer now. “But… thank you. For being honest. But,” she added quickly, clearing her throat as she walked again, “next time, please don’t reveal my… assets… in front of the clan heirs. Say something romantic. Like my inner strength. Or my eyes. Or how I bravely defended the shrines alone because everyone else is incompetent—something NORMAL.”

Issei grinned. “Oh. That’s easy. I love your eyes too. And your strength. And the way you trust me. And—”

“Stop. Stop right now.” She hurried into the station, face pink.

Issei then put a hand over his heart. “I promise. I’ll only talk about your oppai in private.”

“THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT—!!”

People on the sidewalk turned at the outburst.

Mina immediately covered her face in mortification, then grabbed Issei by the sleeve again.

“Train. Now. Before I jump into the nearest river.”

Issei laughed—and followed her toward the station.

They stepped onto the escalator, side by side now just walking. The world around them quieted, giving them a rare moment of peace after an exhausting night.

Issei leaned a bit closer. “Does that mean you forgive me for the oppai thing?”

Mina didn’t even hesitate. “No.”

Issei blinked. “Oh.”

She faced forward again, her long lashes lowering slightly behind her cracked glasses. “But…” she said, voice softer, “I’m not mad anymore.”

Issei couldn’t help the smile spreading across his face.

Mina noticed from the corner of her eye. And she looked away quickly, pretending to be fascinated by a poster advertising discounted soba bowls.

The escalator carried them downward, the fluorescent lights overhead humming softly. The adrenaline of the battle was fading. Fatigue seeped into their limbs, grounding them in reality again.

Mina exhaled, a quiet sound—neither angry nor embarrassed now. “…Tonight was a disaster,” She muttered, though without venom. “Cursed Oni. Clan heirs. And you telling Suzaku Himejima that you love my chest. Plus it’s not over considering that I now have more work to do in purifying that Oni.”

Issei winced. “Okay, yeah, when you say it like that—”

“—but…” She cut him off, surprising even herself, “I’m glad you were there. Truly.”

Issei blinked. “Wait—really?”

She nodded once, still staring forward as if making eye contact would kill her. “If you weren’t, I… I don’t know what would’ve happened. I’m… grateful.”

Issei looked down at her hand at the way her fingers fidgeted slightly, brushing the hem of her sleeve. She was uncomfortable being this vulnerable, but she said it anyway.

The escalator reached the lower floor with a soft click, and they stepped off.

A warm gust of air swept through the underground hall as a train approached.

Issei scratched the back of his head. “Hey, Mina?”

“…What now?” she asked, already bracing for another embarrassment.

Issei smirked. “You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

Mina stopped walking. She turned. Stared at him.

For three seconds, she merely froze. “YOU— YOU— YOU CAN’T JUST SAY THINGS LIKE THAT,” she sputtered, voice breaking, cheeks going nuclear red.

Issei laughed.

Mina covered her face again. “I swear, Hyoudou Issei, one day I am going to purify you so hard—”

“Eh?!”

“—with legal purification techniques—” she added quickly, realizing what she’d just said, “—to remove your pervertedness! D-Don’t misunderstand!”

Issei grinned. “I didn’t say anything.”

Mina marched forward, muttering curses under her breath.

The train arrived with a soft chime. The doors slid open with a soft ding, and a late-night train greeted them.

Mina walked in first, her steps noticeably slower now. The adrenaline that kept her sharp all night was fading like mist, leaving the exhaustion of battle written across her posture.

Issei followed, watching her from behind.

They chose a seat by the window. The train lurched forward, and lights from the underground stations flickered past like fireflies.

For a few long moments, neither spoke.

Issei leaned back, letting the tension in his shoulders melt. His whole body ached from punching, dodging, and running. He glanced sideways.

Mina sat stiffly at first, hands neatly folded on her lap, eyes focused on the empty aisle. But he could see it, the subtle tremble in her fingers, the faint waver in her gaze.

She was tired and trying—desperately—to hold herself together and not fall asleep.

“Mina,” Issei said softly.

She blinked, turning just slightly. “Hm?”

“You can relax now. It’s over.”

She hesitated. “…Yes,” she whispered. “I know.” Her voice cracked, barely noticeable, but there.

Issei smiled gently. “You did amazing today.”

Mina tried to hide her face behind her hair.“…You did too,” she murmured.

He chuckled lightly.

The train dipped into another tunnel. The world outside the window turned dark except for their faint reflections in the glass.

Mina let out a slow, tired breath. And then her head began to lower.

Issei blinked, surprised, as she first leaned slightly—hesitating—then slowly rested her head on his shoulder causing him to freeze.

Mina realized the contact after a second and stiffened but only for a moment. “…Sorry,” she whispered, voice small. “I didn’t mean to…” She trailed off.

Issei shook his head softly. “It’s fine. Really.”

Her shoulders loosened.

She stayed like that. Her hair smelled faintly of incense. Her breathing slowed as the tension she held for hours finally began to slip away.

Issei didn’t move or speak. He simply let her rest, warmth spreading across his chest.

‘She works so hard… more than anyone realizes.’ He glanced down at her.

The train swayed gently, rocking them like a cradle.

He looked down at her, whispering softly. “Sleep. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

Mina mumbled something unintelligible… then relaxed fully against him, drifting into soft, dreamless sleep.

Done with the final chapter of this month. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. If you know who the main villain of the arc is, good for you. This commission was brought to you by Luis. So be sure to thank him.