In the Middle of the Pacific Ocean – 10:30 P.M.
Riku's Room
Riku's POV
Several hours had passed since I helped Mafuyu with her piano practice, and now I was back in my cabin — the hum of the plane's engines faint in the background — reviewing the aftermath of the Future World Fes.
Mafuyu's performance earlier kept replaying in my mind. Her playing had been... elegant, precise, and emotionally restrained — the kind of precision that came from years of self-discipline. She'd claimed to be self-taught, but that was hard to believe given how refined her technique was. In truth, her skill level was comparable to Rinko and Reona. The only glaring weakness she had was speed. Fast-paced compositions threw her rhythm off. I gave her one of my favorite high-tempo pieces — a particularly demanding arrangement — and told her to start slow, then gradually accelerate as she grew comfortable. To my surprise, she picked it up fast. She just needed more stamina and control.
When I'd finished guiding her, the plane was already preparing for takeoff after refueling and resupplying. The logistics crew reported that all provisions were restocked, and per my request, the food order had been doubled. That gave me an idea.
With Ran-san and Youmu's help, I arranged a small feast to celebrate our victory in the Future World Fes. By dinner, the long tables in the dining compartment were filled with dishes — from rich beef stew to handmade sushi, roasted salmon, and an absurd amount of dessert. It was meant to be a modest party. Naturally, Yuyuko-san demolished nearly half the spread before anyone else had a chance. Thank god I made extra — I should've expected that.
Now, back in my room, I scrolled through the news on my tablet, reading through the latest headlines. Unsurprisingly, the announcement of TI (The International) being held in Japan had already gone viral worldwide. Showbiz, entertainment and news outlets worldwide had gone crazy about it.
I skimmed through the updates on the competitive circuit, particularly the roster changes of the pro bands gearing up for the upcoming Summer Tour. Team Secret had made massive shifts — dropping iceiceice from their lineup and bringing in Resolut1on as their new drummer. Meanwhile, YapZor had stepped down due to ongoing health issues, replaced by W_Zayac as their bassist. They'd also recruited Crystalis, a guitarist from Entity, to complete their new formation.
That led me to Entity's side — they'd just picked up Pure, a guitarist from Russia who'd apparently left his former band after a heated dispute. Typical. Musicians' pride can be as volatile as stage lights. Beyond those changes, most of the other pro bands remained steady. It looked like the Summer Tour was shaping up to be one hell of a season.
After finishing the updates, I turned to my actual work — sorting through the files that Nitori had sent me earlier in the day. They contained the latest financial reports on the project I'd commissioned before we left Stockholm. Both Nitori and Takane were overseeing the engineering side, and judging from the detailed notes, they'd been working nonstop.
I paused when I saw a line item that mentioned additional support from Yuugi Hoshiguma.
Of course, hiring a powerhouse like Yuugi meant a heavier bill. My eyes scanned the total expenditure: roughly $600,000.
I exhaled through my nose and leaned back. "Not that deep," I muttered. With the bet winnings and my share of the Fes prize pool, I'd still be comfortably ahead.
Then my screen pinged.
New messages.
I opened my inbox — messages from Reimu, Marisa, Miyoi, Sanae, Yuugi, and even Keigo — all congratulating me for winning the Future World Fes. Each one was in their own style: Reimu's was brief but sincere, Marisa's was loud and teasing, and Keigo's message carried his usual professional tone laced with quiet respect.
Two names, however, made me pause: Aichi and Kaguya.
Both messages were short but heavy — they wanted answers. Answers that I wasn't ready to give. Not yet. When the time came, and when they were ready, then I'd tell them everything. For now, I'd let them wait a little longer.
I exhaled and closed the message tab.
Once my digital housekeeping was done, I moved on to the list of groups that Yukina and the others had chosen to perform at CiRCLE for the upcoming showcase. Sayo's choice immediately stood out — she'd picked Crychic, a band known for their haunting vocal style.
However, that plan had fallen through. Just recently, Crychic had abruptly disbanded. No warning. No explanation. It was clearly something personal within the group, and I knew better than to pry into another artist's private matter. With their departure, their slot was reassigned to RAISE A SUILEN.
Then there was Lisa's choice. She'd gone with Peaky P-Key.
That one had genuinely surprised me.
"A DJ group, huh?" I muttered aloud, tapping the screen. "Didn't expect that from Lisa."
A few quick swipes brought up their member profiles.
"Let's see... Yamate Kyoko... Sasago Jennifer Yuuka... Shimizu Esora... wait — Esora?"
My brows rose slightly.
"I didn't expect her to be in a DJ group. She's always been an incredible dancer. Guess she's pulling double duty as their choreographer too. And... Inuyose Shinobu..."
I stopped reading. That name. Shinobu.
Memories came flooding back like a reel of flashing lights and spinning turntables.
It was 2018. I'd just left OG.
It had been months since my parents and Tenshi's deaths — months of silence, confusion, and trying to find meaning in the chaos that followed. Yuyuko-san had been the one to reach out and talk me through it, insisting that I keep moving forward, that I don't let the grief consume me.
I needed to escape the weight of who I was — Nagae Riku, the prodigy. I didn't want that name, not then. I wanted to learn something new, something unrelated to the world that reminded me of loss.
That's when I stumbled into the world of DJing.
I remember asking Grandfather if he knew anyone who could teach me — anyone who wasn't afraid to call me out when I messed up. To my surprise, he introduced me to Inuyose Dennojo, one of the most respected DJs of his generation. A legend in his own right... and, apparently, Grandfather's childhood friend.
Dennojo-san agreed to train me, on one condition — that I started from scratch, as a complete beginner. No fame. No name. Just another kid learning the ropes.
From October to January, I studied under him relentlessly. Beat mixing, vinyl scratching, rhythm layering, BPM synchronization — every skill, every technique, he made me master it with precision. The man was strict, but he admired determination when he saw it.
He once told me, "Music doesn't care who you are, kid. It only cares about how honest you sound."
Those words stuck with me.
By February, Dennojo-san gave me a final test — to perform one of his most complex tracks live. The tempo transitions were brutal, the rhythm shifts unpredictable. It took weeks of rehearsal, but I nailed it on the final attempt.
He laughed afterward, saying I reminded him of his younger self. He even joked about pairing me up with his granddaughter, Shinobu.
I declined instantly.
He found that funny too.
But that night didn't end there.
Flashback – February 28, 2019
A familiar tension filled the soundproof room, the faint hum of amplifiers setting a quiet pulse through the floor. Across from me stood a small girl with her hands clenched into fists, her expression a mix of fire and nerves.
"I challenge you!" she declared, her voice sharp and unwavering despite her size.
I blinked, unsure whether to laugh or take her seriously. "Excuse me? Why would you want to challenge me?"
"My grandfather said your skills on the turntable are the same level as mine, even though you're a beginner." She jabbed a finger at me, eyes shining with pride and defiance. "I want to be the judge of that."
I glanced over at Dennojo-san, who was leaning against the wall with his arms folded, the faintest smirk curling his lips. He didn't even say a word—just gave a slow nod.
"Well," I sighed, stretching my fingers, "your grandfather said yes... so let's do it. Best of one. My flight leaves tonight, so let's make it quick."
"Fine," she said, squaring her shoulders.
The moment the beat dropped, the air changed. The two of us stood side by side, the flicker of neon lights reflecting off our turntables. I'll admit, Shinobu had rhythm—her tempo shifts were clean, her beat layering was crisp—but there was still hesitation in her transitions. I let instinct take over, letting the bass flow through my hands, scratching in harmony with the rhythm until the room itself seemed to pulse with energy.
Minutes later, the music faded out, and silence filled the space once again.
When I looked over, Shinobu was kneeling on the floor, hands limp at her sides, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"I... I lost..." she whispered.
Dennojo stepped forward, his tone patient yet firm. "Shinobu, don't let that dishearten you. Use this loss as a starting point to get better. Remember—failure is part of the process."
She bit her lip, then slowly nodded. "I... I understand."
When she lifted her head again, the look in her eyes had changed. The frustration was still there—but now it was mixed with resolve.
"You may have beaten me," she said, stepping forward and offering her hand, "but I won't just mope around and do nothing. I'll become better... and one of these days, I'll beat you."
I couldn't help but smile. "I'll be looking forward to it."
We shook hands. Dennojo-san chuckled softly behind us, that knowing, satisfied laugh of a man who'd seen this scene play out countless times before.
End of Flashback
"Hmmm..." I leaned back in my chair, scrolling through the last few reports on my tablet. "Been a long while since I've seen that little girl. I wonder if she ever made good on her word."
It had been six years since that day, and if Shinobu's name was now appearing beside a professional DJ unit like Peaky P-Key, then I suppose she did. The memory left a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. Funny how small moments end up shaping entire paths.
I exhaled and went back to reviewing the rest of the selection list.
Rinko and Ako had chosen Leo/Need—a band from Miyamasuzuka Girls' Academy. The name of that school already stirred something faintly familiar; it was the same academy Mafuyu used to attend.
From the files, their lineup was simple yet balanced—Hoshino Ichika, Mochizuki Honami, Tenma Saki, and Hinomori Shiho. Four childhood friends who built their sound around nostalgia and friendship. In a way, they reminded me of Afterglow. Different styles, same heartbeat.
But what caught my eye was their collaboration with a Virtual Singer. A synthesized performer, seamlessly integrated into their live sets. I tapped the note icon beside the name, and when the details appeared, I froze.
"...That can't be a coincidence," I muttered. The voice data was eerily familiar—one that shouldn't exist in this world so casually.
For a moment, I debated digging deeper. But I stopped myself. Some questions didn't need immediate answers.
I scrolled further down to Yukina's choice. She had picked Poppin'Party. No surprise there. For the past year, Yukina had been quietly keeping tabs on Kasumi and her band, observing their progress like a mentor waiting for her pupils to bloom.
They'd improved—a lot—but Yukina was right. They still had a long road ahead. Yet, the fact that she still believed in them was enough for me.
"If Yukina trusts them," I murmured, closing the tablet, "then I'll trust them too."
With that, the roster was settled.
Leo/Need
Peaky P-Key
Raise A Suilen
Poppin'Party
Roselia
Five bands in total. All of them women. I couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle. "An all-girls lineup... guess fate really has a sense of humor."
The hum of the engines filled the room, a low and steady reminder that the plane was cutting through the vast darkness of the Pacific. I rubbed the bridge of my nose, fatigue finally catching up to me.
The digital clock on my desk blinked 10:57 P.M. The day's work was done, the reports were filed, and the bands were locked in. My body begged for rest, but my mind—ever restless—kept turning. Thoughts of Mafuyu's hesitant smile, Shinobu's defiant gaze, Yukina's quiet confidence, and even Kasumi's unshakable optimism swirled together in my head like half-finished melodies.
"Tomorrow's gonna be busy," I muttered, pushing away from the desk. "Better not run on fumes again."
As I stood, the soft vibration of a message came through my phone. Another round of congratulations, this time from one of the staff members who'd helped coordinate the Future World Fes logistics. I sent back a quick thank you and powered the device off.
When I turned toward the window, the night sky stretched endlessly outside. The stars above the Pacific glimmered faintly against the black water below—like city lights from a world upside down.
A strange calm washed over me.
No crowds, no deadlines, no performances—just the hum of the jet and the quiet certainty that tomorrow would bring its own set of storms.
I laid down on the couch beside the window, letting the steady rhythm of the engines lull my thoughts into stillness. My last conscious thought before drifting off was of Mafuyu, sitting before the piano earlier, her fingers trembling slightly before finding their strength again.
"Music really is her safe place," I whispered to the empty room. "Guess it's mine too."
And with that, sleep finally took me—soft, weightless, and deep.
Several hours later
Haneda Airport Runway - Tokyo, Japan
May 22, 2021 - Saturday - 6:30 A.M.
3rd POV
After a long night in the air and two connecting flights within a single day, the private jet carrying Riku and the others finally touched down on the Haneda Airport runway. The soft screech of tires meeting asphalt was almost drowned out by the faint chatter inside the cabin—everyone had just finished breakfast moments before the descent.
As the plane rolled to a halt, the first rays of morning light spilled across the windows, painting the cabin in hues of gold and silver. One by one, everyone rose from their seats. Kyoya led the way down the aisle, followed closely by Riku, Mafuyu, and the rest of the girls, who still wore the faint sluggishness of early morning on their faces.
At the foot of the boarding stairs stood a man dressed in a dark suit, his posture sharp and his head bowed. Behind him waited two sleek black buses, spotless and humming faintly in idle.
"Welcome back, oyakata-sama," the man greeted as Kyoya stepped off the plane.
Kyoya's voice was calm but carried weight. "Yes, I have returned, Eiji. And so has Riku."
Eiji lifted his head slightly, his expression softening when his eyes met Riku's. "Welcome back, Riku-sama. And congratulations on your band's victory in Stockholm. We watched the finals—it was nothing short of spectacular."
Riku gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, Eiji-san. Glad you enjoyed it. Since you're here, I take it everything's been prepared?"
"Yes," Eiji replied without hesitation. "All arrangements have been made for your return. The guest rooms are ready, and the staff has been briefed."
Kyoya folded his hands behind his back. "Good. Have the luggage brought to the estate immediately."
"It shall be done," Eiji said, snapping his fingers.
At once, several men in black suits emerged from the shadows near the buses, efficiently gathering the luggage and loading it into the storage compartments with practiced precision. Not a word was exchanged among them—only the steady rhythm of movement, smooth and silent.
Riku boarded the second bus, the one reserved for the band members and Mafuyu. The air inside still carried traces of breakfast coffee and fatigue. He glanced around and saw some of the girls half-asleep, their heads leaning against the window or each other.
"I see some of you are still a bit drowsy," he remarked, the corner of his mouth curving faintly. "Get some rest. We've got a bit of a drive before we reach my place."
That one word—home—snapped a few of them awake.
Kasumi straightened in her seat, her curiosity instantly outweighing her sleepiness. "Wait, we're going to your house, senpai?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah. My grandfather arranged it before we left Stockholm. For some of you, it'll be your first visit."
Tomoe leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Ran, how big is Riku's house anyway?"
Ran gave a small, knowing smile. "It's not the house you should be asking about, Tomoe—it's the land."
Himari blinked. "The land?"
"Ask nii-san," Ran said, glancing toward Riku with a smirk.
Riku let out a quiet chuckle. "It's better if you see it for yourselves."
Lisa turned toward Rinko, her voice laced with curiosity. "You've been there before, right?"
Rinko nodded softly. "A few times. It's... hard to describe with words."
"Do you visit too, Kokoron?" Hagumi asked, turning toward Kokoro.
Kokoro smiled brightly. "Of course! I used to visit onii-chan every week back then!"
Kanon, who had been quietly observing, tilted her head. "What about you, Kaoru-san?"
Kaoru brushed a strand of hair behind her ear with dramatic ease. "Only a few times. Chisato and I went there whenever we needed his help before ani-sama left for France."
Chisato sighed, though a faint smile curved her lips. "I wanted to disagree with Kaoru, but yes. We've both been there. But a word of advice to everyone—be ready for what you're about to see."
Rokka looked over at Chu², curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "What about you, Chu²-san?"
Chiyu leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms with a small, smug grin. "Iku's home is practically a second home to me."
Riku turned to her with an amused look. "Exactly. And your room's still the same as you left it. You can redecorate if you want."
Masuki raised an eyebrow. "Wait—you have your own room there?"
"Why not?" Chu² shrugged. "Iku and gramps never minded."
Riku chuckled lightly. "The house is big enough for everyone to have their own room if they wanted. So yeah, Chu² having hers makes perfect sense."
The chatter in the bus slowly picked up again, a blend of laughter, half-awake questions, and sleepy amazement. Outside, the cityscape of Tokyo gradually gave way to quieter outskirts. The road widened, lined by ancient trees and winding paths that seemed untouched by time.
After several minutes, the bus slowed as they approached a towering black gate. Etched into its surface was the gleaming silver insignia of a great oarfish—the crest of the Nagae family.
"This is the entrance to the estate," Riku said, his tone even.
The bus came to a stop. For a moment, no one spoke as they watched the massive gates creak open. The sound was deep and deliberate, like a temple bell announcing something sacred.
As the convoy rolled forward, the view ahead unfolded slowly—a sprawling stretch of land that seemed to go on forever. Manicured gardens, shimmering koi ponds, and clusters of traditional structures blended seamlessly with modern architecture.
Hina's voice broke the silence. "Riku-kun, how long until we reach the main house?"
Riku checked the digital dashboard. "At this pace, about ten minutes."
Ten minutes later, the main mansion came into view—and silence once again filled the bus.
It wasn't just a house. It was a fortress of heritage and history, its sheer size making even the luxury estates of Tokyo look small in comparison. The sunlight reflected off its tiled roofs, casting gentle glows over the courtyard's stone paths.
Himari's jaw nearly dropped. "Ran, you said Riku's house was big... but you didn't say it was this big. And it took us ten minutes just to get from the gate to here!"
Riku gave a faint smirk. "That's because the entire land we traveled through belongs to the Nagae family."
Lisa blinked. "Wait... are you serious?"
Before Riku could answer, Kyoya stepped in, his tone calm yet proud. "Riku isn't exaggerating, Lisa-kun. This land was granted to our family by Empress Meishō herself as a token of gratitude for the Nagae's contributions during the Sengoku era. The other Celestial Families received territories across Japan as well—each entrusted with overseeing a region. The Nagae, alongside the Saigyouji, were given dominion over the Kantō region."
The group fell silent, absorbing that piece of history. Even for those used to fame and spectacle, standing before something so old, so steeped in legacy, was humbling.
Kyoya glanced toward the grand entrance. "Now, let's head inside. Riku and Mafuyu have guests waiting for them."
At that, both siblings exchanged brief, curious glances. Neither had been informed of any visitors.
The massive wooden doors opened before they could ask, revealing a line of butlers and maids standing in perfect formation on both sides of the polished marble corridor. Every one of them bowed deeply in synchronized motion.
At the center of the line stood a young woman with silver hair tied neatly into a bun, wearing a dark uniform trimmed with white. Her presence alone carried quiet authority.
Riku recognized her immediately.
Ayabe. His personal aide—efficient, sharp, and utterly reliable.
She stepped forward, her expression calm but her voice tinged with relief. "Welcome home, Riku-sama. Mafuyu-sama. The household has been eagerly awaiting your return."
The two siblings exchanged another look—this one more curious than before. Whatever awaited them inside the estate, it seemed their peaceful morning was about to get a little more complicated.
"Welcome back, Oyakata-sama. Welcome home, Riku-sama, Mafuyu-sama."
Ayabe greeted them with a respectful bow, his posture as sharp and refined as ever. The years had not dulled his precision; he remained the epitome of discipline and loyalty to the Nagae household.
Riku smiled faintly. "Good to be back, Ayabe. It's been a while."
Ayabe nodded. "Indeed, sir. There is someone waiting for you—he arrived a few hours earlier. He's in the living room right now, having a conversation with Mafuyu-sama's guests."
"Someone waiting for me?" Riku raised an eyebrow, curious. "I see. Then let's not keep him waiting."
They followed Ayabe through the long corridors of the mansion, their footsteps echoing softly across the polished marble floors. The vast interior of the Nagae residence seemed even more radiant under the morning light—ornate paintings lined the walls, each depicting fragments of the family's history, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted faintly through the air.
As they approached the living room, faint laughter and English chatter reached their ears. When they stepped inside, the group was greeted by a lively scene—a man in his early thirties with short brown hair and an unmistakable air of charisma sat on the couch, speaking animatedly with three girls about music, rhythm, and stage presence.
Riku instantly recognized him. "You're early, Dendi."
The man turned around, his grin widening as he spotted Riku. "Well, I made an early reservation!" he said, his voice light-hearted and warm, though colored by a distinct Slavic accent. "Can't miss what you're putting out in three days, right? And congrats on the win, my boy!"
Riku chuckled as he met him halfway, and the two exchanged a firm fist bump—an unspoken greeting that carried years of camaraderie. "You just couldn't resist showing up ahead of schedule, could you?"
"Hey," Dendi laughed, giving Riku a playful tap on the shoulder, "anticipation builds excitement. You of all people should know that."
Turning toward the others, Riku gestured to him with a smirk. "Everyone, this man is Danil Ishutin—though the world knows him better as Dendi, the first-ever TI champion and currently the leader of B8."
Gasps and murmurs of awe followed immediately. Even those who weren't deep into the professional music scene had at least heard of Dendi—the man was a living legend, known not just for his legacy in the guitar and his influence in music, but for his boundless energy and eccentric charm.
Dendi gave a courteous bow and greeted them in fluent, albeit accented, Japanese. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you all. Riku has told me quite a lot about your talent and potential. If what he says is true, then I'm very excited to see you perform live. Just remember—no pressure, alright? Music is meant to be fun. That's how it stays real."
He flashed a grin before glancing toward the dining area. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I heard there are nuggets waiting somewhere—and well, a man has his priorities."
The room erupted with small laughs as Dendi sauntered off, whistling casually. Riku just sighed, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "Classic Dendi. You can take him anywhere in the world, and he'll still find chicken nuggets."
Arisa tilted her head. "Is he... always like that?"
"Off the stage? Absolutely," Riku replied. "But once he picks up a guitar, he's a completely different person. That man can turn a simple melody into a full-on masterclass."
He turned toward Mafuyu then. "Now, Mafuyu, would you mind introducing your friends to everyone?"
Mafuyu nodded gently, stepping forward. "Of course. These three are my friends."
The first girl, pale and quiet, hesitated before speaking. "I'm... Yoisaki Kanade."
Before she could say another word, Kokoro suddenly appeared in front of her with a spark of pure enthusiasm. "Wow! You're so beautiful, Kanade! Your hair's so silky and soft!"
Startled, Kanade froze—her eyes wide—and immediately darted behind Mafuyu for cover.
Mafuyu sighed softly, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "As you can see... Kanade's not exactly comfortable around strangers. Especially when they're too energetic."
Misaki placed a hand on her hip and shot Kokoro a look. "You scared her again, Kokoro. Say you're sorry."
Kokoro blinked, then gave a sheepish laugh. "Okay, okay—sorry for startling you, Kanade! I just couldn't help it. You're adorable! If it's alright with you, can we be friends?"
Kokoro extended her hand earnestly. Kanade, still trembling a little, peeked from behind Mafuyu before shyly taking Kokoro's hand and giving it a light shake.
"S-sure," she murmured, her cheeks faintly pink. "And... sorry for running away. I'm just not used to people who have that much... energy."
Kokoro beamed. "It's alright! I'll go easy on you next time."
The other two girls smiled warmly at the exchange.
"I'm glad Kanade made a new friend already," one said, stepping forward. "I'm Akiyama Mizuki. Pleasure to meet you all."
The third girl bowed lightly. "Shinonome Ena. It's nice to meet your acquaintance."
Riku smiled at their polite introductions. "I'm Nagae Riku—Mafuyu's half-brother. It's an honor to finally meet the friends who've stood by her. I've listened to your music before, by the way."
Kanade blinked, surprised. "You have? What do you mean?"
Riku crossed his arms with a faint smirk. "You're 25-ji, Nightcord de."
The three froze. Kanade's eyes widened, panic washing over her face as she instinctively stiffened. Riku noticed her trembling, and before she could retreat again, he reached out and gently placed a hand atop her head. His touch was calm, reassuring—almost like a quiet pulse of warmth.
"Hey," he said softly. "It's fine. I'm not judging. I just wanted to say your music... it's honest. Painfully, beautifully honest. Don't lose that."
Kanade blinked, her expression softening. She gave a tiny nod, her face flushed with a faint pink hue. "T-thank you..."
From the corner, Mizuki whispered with a grin, "Wow... he managed to calm her down faster than Mafuyu. That's impressive."
Riku chuckled lightly, hearing it. "You could say I've had plenty of practice."
Kyoya, who had been quietly observing, leaned toward Ayabe. "He's got his mother's gentle hand. Even without saying much, he knows how to reach people."
Ayabe nodded. "Indeed, Master Kyoya. It's... remarkable."
Riku then turned to the girls again. "Alright, everyone. Take some time to familiarize yourselves with each other. You'll all be staying here for a bit, so make yourselves at home. I'll be having a quick talk with Dendi."
He gave them a casual wave before walking toward the adjoining lounge where Dendi had disappeared. The faint sound of conversation, laughter, and the smell of freshly fried food trailed in from the other room.
----------
Several hours later.
Japan Celestial Cemetery — 2:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
After leaving the girls to explore the mansion, I caught up with Dendi in the lounge to talk about something that had been lingering in my mind since he showed up earlier. I asked him who else would be joining him in Japan. He leaned back on his chair, half-grinning, half-serious.
"Just a few old faces," he said, tapping his fingers on the table in rhythm with the background music. "People who've earned a little peace. Figured they could use some time away from the noise."
That was Dendi for you—always surrounded by legends, yet never losing that sense of humility. After we wrapped up our talk, I noticed Ayabe in the distance, guiding the girls through the mansion halls. He was giving them a full tour of the estate, explaining which wings were open and which were off-limits, ensuring that no one, especially Kanon, would get lost. He had also begun assigning rooms for everyone. Judging by the chatter and the sound of laughter echoing faintly through the corridor, the girls were settling in nicely.
Meanwhile, I had a different obligation—one that weighed more quietly on my heart.
I found myself at the Japan Celestial Cemetery, standing before the iron gate that guarded the resting place of those whose names carried divine legacy. The air was crisp and still, untouched by the bustle of the living world beyond. Cherry blossoms had begun to fall gently around us, scattering petals across the stone paths like soft tears of remembrance.
Mafuyu walked beside me, her expression calm yet curious. This was her first time visiting this sacred ground, and it showed in her cautious steps and the subtle awe in her eyes.
"This place feels... different from other cemeteries," she murmured.
"It is," I replied quietly. "This is where members of the Celestial Families are laid to rest. Every headstone here bears the name of someone connected to the divine lineages—people who shaped our world from the shadows." I glanced around, sensing the faint hum of the bounded field surrounding the cemetery. "There's a ward here, too. A barrier that detects anyone with ill intent. Grave robbers wouldn't last five seconds beyond the gate."
Mafuyu nodded, her gaze wandering across the tranquil scenery. The rows of gravestones were arranged with near-sacred precision, each engraved with intricate celestial sigils. The faint sound of wind chimes echoed from somewhere in the distance, soft and mournful.
After a few minutes of silent walking, we arrived before the Nagae Family's gravestone—a tall, black monument etched with gold kanji, standing proudly among the others. Below the crest lay a plaque bearing the names of those who had passed from our bloodline. My eyes fell upon the familiar ones near the center—my mother's and father's.
I knelt before them, brushing a stray petal from the plaque's surface. "I'm back... Mother, Father."
For a moment, the air seemed to still entirely. My reflection wavered faintly against the polished stone. "I wanted to tell you—another tournament's done. I won the Future World Fes again. Five times now. The crowd was wild, and the stage burned brighter than ever." I exhaled slowly. "You would've loved it."
A quiet smile tugged at my lips, though there was an ache behind it—one that never truly faded. Winning had always been my way of speaking to them. Each victory, another letter written in sound instead of words.
Then I turned toward Mafuyu. "Mother... there's someone I'd like you to meet. Someone I think you'd remember."
She stepped forward, her usual composed expression softening. She bowed deeply toward the gravestone, her voice calm yet trembling faintly. "I'm Asahina Mafuyu... or rather... Nagae Mafuyu."
The way she said it carried weight—like the name itself was still settling within her heart. I could feel her unease, that fragile blend of acceptance and disbelief that came from learning one's roots were entwined with the divine.
Sensing it, I gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take your time," I said quietly. "I'll give you a moment alone. There's someone else I need to visit."
She nodded silently, her gaze lowering as I stepped away. The sound of the wind filled the space between us, carrying the faint whisper of her voice as she began to speak softly to the family she'd only recently discovered.
The path ahead led me deeper into the cemetery, where the trees grew denser and the light dimmed beneath their canopy. It took a few minutes of walking before I arrived at another gravestone—one carved from sky-blue marble that shimmered faintly under the afternoon light.
Hinanawi Family Grave.
I stood before it in silence. This was where Tenshi's body rested. Her soul, however, resided within me.
Kneeling before the gravestone, I brushed away the fallen petals that had gathered on its surface. "You'd probably scold me if you were awake," I muttered softly. "Seeing me here, being all sentimental." A faint, amused sigh escaped my lips. "You'd probably tell me to stop moping and get back to training or something."
The silence that followed wasn't empty—it was full of presence. Even if she couldn't respond, I could almost feel her quiet amusement echoing somewhere deep within me.
Then, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. I turned around, my hand instinctively resting against my pocket out of habit. What I saw, however, froze me in place.
A young man with striking blue hair and crimson eyes stood a few meters away, accompanied by nine girls—all of them wearing formal attire, their expressions composed yet curious. The man's gaze locked onto mine, widening slightly in surprise before softening with familiarity.
"Aichi..." I breathed out his name.
To be Continued...