"...!!"
With a twisted expression, Yan clutched his neck as blood sprayed out, collapsing to the ground in a miserable heap. Even as he fell, he shot her a vicious glare, his eyes bloodshot.
Yet even so, his command took effect. The numerous artillery units in the distance, having received his voice order, erupted with blazing light. Missiles poured forth like rain, streaking across the sky toward Gai's position.
"!"
At that moment, Inori stepped forward, vaulting over an obstacle and rushing into the battlefield. Void energy gathered across her entire body as she leapt high into the air—arriving directly before Gai. Correcting her inverted posture midair, she raised the Void gun in her hands and fired toward the artillery positions.
Bang!
A barrier-like radiance burst from the muzzle. The light expanded outward, forming a hemispherical dome over the area. Its surface shimmered with prism-like facets, refracting everything within.
Bang!
The laser shells struck the barrier in front of Gai and were instantly reflected. Within this prism-filled space, the beams refracted and ricocheted endlessly—until, at a perfectly calculated angle, they shot back toward the Shogun's main control vehicle!
The Shogun glanced at it and vanished in a flash of lightning, leaving behind only the bewildered GHQ soldiers and their mechs.
Boom!!
The next instant, a towering explosion erupted from the ground. A violent shockwave, accompanied by scorching heat, swept across the land, sending hair flying and forcing everyone to squint.
After firing that shot, Inori lost her balance slightly as she fell toward a nearby rooftop. The Shogun appeared directly below, catching her—only for Inori to crash straight into her arms. The impact was strong enough that Inori's face buried itself into the woman's ample chest. The two of them toppled to the ground together, with Inori ending up on top.
As the explosion faded, Inori slowly regained her senses from the softness against her face. Subconsciously, she took in its faint fragrance before lifting her slightly flushed face and looking at the woman beneath her, who was holding her.
"Mio..."
Taking advantage of their position, Inori shifted slightly, now straddling the woman's waist as she gazed down at her from close range.
"You... what were you doing just now?"
The woman beneath her glanced meaningfully at her own chest and asked in a low voice.
"...Smelling you."
Inori answered bluntly.
"Haa... you little pervert."
The Shogun pressed her lips together softly. Her legs clad in black stockings drew together in a subtly alluring motion, the heels of her shoes scraping lightly against the ground with a crisp sound. She looked up at the girl on top of her with a faintly reproachful yet cute expression.
"Mm... if Mio wants to call me that, then I am a little pervert."
Inori did not deny it. She simply nodded blankly and leaned close to whisper by the woman's ear. True to her usual expressionless style, she spoke without any obvious embarrassment.
The Void gun she had casually discarded beside her dissolved and returned to Daryl Yan's body. By now, he had already been carried away by technicians from the truck.
"...Don't do that."
Feeling the warm breath against her ear, each exhale sending a faint tingling through her body, the Shogun turned her gaze aside and spoke softly.
"...Is it not allowed?"
Inori lowered her eyes and whispered gently by her ear.
"It's not that I dislike it, it's just..."
"Mm... as long as you don't dislike it, that's enough..."
Hearing that, Inori let out a small sigh of relief and did not press further. She slowly rose from atop her and sat beside her in a relaxed, duck-like posture, casually brushing aside the Shogun's slightly disheveled hair.
"Haa..."
The Shogun subtly suppressed the faint blush on her face and stood up quietly. She retrieved Musou Isshin and returned it to her chest, then cast a small sideways glance at the girl who had just been on top of her.
On the other side—
Gai had returned to the ground. Looking at the completely annihilated Third Squad, he said nothing more. Turning his gaze, he saw the rescued hostages and allowed himself a faint, relieved smile.
Thankfully, not a single hostage was missing. Aside from a few injuries, there were no serious casualties. The mission could be considered a success.
"Gai... we owe this to you."
Sextant, standing beside him, praised him as he looked at the scene.
"No, the credit belongs to Mio, Inori, and everyone else. I merely came up with the plan."
He smiled lightly.
"You're right... every member is an essential part of Funeral Parlor."
Sextant also smiled faintly, adjusting the monocle over his right eye.
[O blooming wildflowers...]
[Ah... please, tell me...]
[Why do people hurt one another and fight?]
A soft, ethereal voice—gentle like a warm current—echoed throughout the city now rekindled with hope.
As the morning light rose, its glow draped the girl sitting on the rooftop's edge in a faint golden veil as she sang.
Her voice was like magic, healing the hearts of those present. Those who had narrowly escaped death began to smile again, warmth returning to their expressions. Everyone listened, gazing up at the singing girl.
The Shogun quietly sat beside Inori, listening to her song. It was a melody she had often heard before bedtime—but this time, it felt different. Had Inori altered it? And toward the end, the lyrics faded, leaving only her gentle humming.
"The melody... is a bit different from before..."
She lightly nudged the girl's shoulder as she spoke.
"Mm... to match the moment... I improvised it."
Inori stopped singing and turned to her, her expression calm yet filled with a gentle warmth. A faint smile lingered in her eyes.
"...Do you like this version?"
Inori placed her hand over the back of hers and leaned closer as she asked.
"...Mm."
The Shogun nodded slowly as she looked at her.
"It is very beautiful."
She added teasingly.
"Everyone is smiling... it's beautiful."
Inori lay back in her arms, tilting her head to watch the people below. Closing her eyes, she spoke softly, savoring the moment.
Tap... tap...
Footsteps sounded from behind.
"...?"
She turned to look and saw Gai approaching. He stopped before her and extended his hand with a smile.
"Welcome, Mio, to Funeral Parlor."
He said.
"..."
Seeing this, Inori tactfully rose from her arms. Mio stood up and walked toward the man, extending her hand to meet his.
"...My thanks."
She replied politely.
At that moment, Inori glanced downward and saw the members of Funeral Parlor all smiling as they waved up at them—Ayase, Tsugumi, Dayun, Sextant, even the somewhat disdainful Argo, and many others.
"..."
A faint smile formed at the corner of her lips as she looked back at the Shogun.
Perhaps... you were right, Mio.
...
That same night—
"S-school?!"
"Mm..."
Hearing the girl's words, the Shogun showed a mix of disgust and distress as she plopped down onto the bed. The expression on her face was exactly like that of a child unwilling to go to school, leaving Inori both helpless and indulgent. Holding their newly issued school uniforms, she felt a little awkward.
"Is this... truly necessary?"
The Shogun looked up at the girl in front of her as if seeking confirmation.
"Mm..."
Seeing her like this, Inori revealed a complicated expression, but still nodded with some reluctance.
"I... haa..."
The Shogun's heart sank upon hearing it. Turning her gaze away with clear unwillingness, she remained seated in her light purple homewear.
"Mio..."
Inori slowly sat beside her, setting the uniforms aside as she gently placed a hand on her thigh.
"Why must I... attend school?"
She asked in dissatisfaction.
"...Because as students, we can better conceal our identities."
Inori answered.
"...We?"
The Shogun turned to look at her.
"Mm... don't worry, Mio... I'll go with you."
Inori showed her the newly issued student ID. It bore the name "Inori Yuzuriha," along with her photo, date of birth, and other information.
"You're going too?"
She asked.
"Mm..."
Inori nodded again.
"..."
Why would she, a being who was practically a god's child, need to go to school?! She was nearly five hundred years old!
She was no longer a student—let alone a high schooler!
Even if attending school was only for the sake of concealment and she didn't actually need to learn anything, it still felt incredibly strange. If it were Ei, would she make her go?
No... she probably would.
[I think it's quite good. After all, the Shogun has never attended school before. It wouldn't hurt to experience being a student and enrich your life. And—]
[You've reached the age for schooling. Because you are my child, and due to your special background, I did not arrange formal education for you like Ayaka from a young age. But now, the time has come.]
No!!!
Those words echoed in her mind like a devil's whisper. Even though that person was not here, why could she hear it so clearly? Or was she just imagining it?
Still... there was a high chance she really would say something like that.
Makoto might speak gently on her behalf, but... Ei would definitely make her go.
"Mio? What's wrong?"
Seeing her complicated expression, Inori asked with concern, gently stroking her cheek.
"Inori..."
"Mm..."
"This vessel does not require something as meaningless as school."
She folded her arms slightly, closed her eyes, and spoke in a serious tone. Despite her words, the way she looked only made her seem more adorable.
"...Mio, do you really dislike it that much?"
Inori asked softly, rubbing her hand.
"Mm... there's no need. Staying at home is more peaceful, and avoids unnecessary trouble."
She nodded.
"...But..."
Even so, Inori felt troubled.
"Say no more... this vessel will not waste time on meaningless things. My decision is final~!"
Thump!
The Shogun stood decisively—then immediately flopped face-first onto the bed, turning her back toward Inori. Her long, silky hair spread out behind her, some strands brushing against Inori's hand.
"..."
Inori stared at the clearly sulking woman for a moment, then glanced at the uniforms before climbing onto the bed. She reached out and gently touched her shoulder.
"Mio... you're like a child..."
A fond smile curved at her lips.
"...I am not."
The "child" refuted quietly, then fell silent.
"If you're not, then come to school with me?"
Inori suggested again.
"Not going..."
She refused immediately.
"...It's not that scary. I'll be with you. We'll be in the same classroom. During lessons, I'll keep looking at you, so nothing will happen. We'll go together and come back together... wouldn't that be nice?"
As she spoke, Inori slowly leaned down from behind, wrapping her arms around the soft body in front of her. Pressing close to her ear, she spoke in a gentle, soothing voice.
"That will not do... 'school' is the enemy of 'Eternity.' As the executor of Eternity, one must eliminate all elements that are unfavorable to it. Hmph... one must not be careless."
She rejected again, this time reciting a series of incomprehensible lines, as if chanting some kind of self-hypnosis. At the end, she even let out a cute little huff.
"..."
Inori paused, lowered her gaze in thought, then spoke again.
"Then... could you go with me?"
She asked, slightly cunning.
"..."
As expected, there was no response.
"I'm a little scared to go to school alone... so could Mio come with me?"
As she spoke, Inori tightened her embrace, as if trying to melt the soft beauty into her body, indulging in her warmth.
"Mio... going to school alone... I'm scared..."
Pressing close to her neck, Inori deliberately softened her voice, letting it tremble with vulnerability that stirred a protective instinct.
"Alright, alright... this—haa... this vessel will go, then."
She finally relented, unable to resist any longer.
But wasn't going to school a violation of Eternity?
Yes... it was a contradiction of Eternity...
She really didn't want to go!
"Mm... thank you, Mio."
A faint smile appeared on Inori's lips.
"Honestly... you've got quite the tricks, Inori~!"
She turned her head and complained helplessly.
"Mm... I'm very cunning. And also a 'little pervert.'"
Inori teased her by reusing her earlier words.
"...Haa."
Feeling herself being held in that embrace, the Shogun let out a quiet sigh.
She really was too soft-hearted.
...
After that, it was about time to sleep.
Inori, whose body was covered in injuries, was made to lie down first beneath the covers. The Shogun looked out at the brightly lit Tokyo cityscape—towering buildings glowing with neon lights—and let out a quiet sigh. She stood and drew the curtains, blocking out the glaring lights and electronic displays.
She then returned to the bedside and gently patted the slightly drowsy girl beneath the covers.
"Does your body still hurt?"
She asked with concern.
"No... thanks to you, Mio."
Inori obediently shook her head.
"If I hadn't taken the initiative, would you have just endured those injuries in silence?"
She complained.
"Mm..."
The girl nodded cutely.
"Pfft..."
The Shogun couldn't help but smile fondly, reaching out to pinch her cheek.
"Mio, aren't you going to sleep with me?"
Seeing that she showed no intention of changing clothes, Inori asked in confusion.
"You're injured all over. You need proper rest. If I stay beside you, it might disturb your sleep. That would not be appropriate."
The Shogun explained.
"It's fine..."
Inori puffed her cheeks in protest.
"No. Tonight, you sleep alone."
When it came to something for her sake, the Shogun would not compromise.
"Mm... then what about you?"
She asked.
"I'll go to the next room. There's another bedroom, isn't there?"
The Shogun pointed toward the small adjacent room.
"Alright... won't you be scared?"
Inori asked with concern. She knew the woman before her couldn't sleep alone—she needed someone beside her, or she would have nightmares.
"It's fine. This vessel has its own methods."
She smiled, not wanting her to worry too much.
And as for having someone sleep beside her... she had already picked a candidate.
Though whether it would work or not...
It should be fine.
After all, she had only entered once before.