Japan Celestial Cemetery
May 22, 2021, Saturday — 2:00 P.M.
Third Person POV
The gentle breeze carried the faint scent of lilies and wet stone through the quiet expanse of the Celestial Cemetery. Sunlight filtered through the cloud layer above Tokyo, breaking into pale shafts that painted the marble headstones in uneven light. The place was as silent as memory itself—until two familiar figures met between the graves.
"So, you've come to visit her… Riku."
Aichi's voice broke the stillness. Calm, but heavy with something unspoken.
"Yes," Riku replied after a pause, his gaze lingering on the gravestone ahead. "It's been a long while… Aichi."
For a few moments, neither spoke. Only the rustle of the trees and the whisper of wind against stone filled the silence. It wasn't the kind of quiet that comforted—it was the kind that reminded you of distance.
Riku let out a small sigh. "How've you been?"
"I'm doing great," Aichi said with a faint smile, his usual gentleness returning. "And congratulations on your win. I know I sent a message earlier, but I wanted to tell you in person."
Riku nodded in appreciation. "Thanks. I'm glad you did." His tone softened before he added, "Now, if you don't mind… would you introduce your friends over there?"
Aichi turned around, and nine girls—each distinct in presence and color—stood a few steps behind him. Riku recognized two faces among them.
"Ah, right." Aichi gestured lightly. "Girls, if you may."
The first to step forward was full of sunshine itself.
"I'm Kōsaka Honoka! Second-year student of Otonokizaka Girls' High School! Nice to meet you, Riku-san!"
Her cheerful tone almost startled the quiet air around them. Her energy felt infectious—reminding Riku faintly of Kokoro's boundless enthusiasm. And then the realization hit him: she shared the same name as his late grandmother.
"Honoka… huh." His eyes softened for a fraction of a second before he composed himself again.
Next came a girl with blue hair tied neatly behind her back. She bowed formally, posture straight, words careful.
"I'm Sonoda Umi. I'm in the same year as Honoka."
Riku inclined his head slightly. The air around her screamed discipline and grace—someone raised to be proper.
Then another voice, softer, nostalgic.
"It's been a long time, Riku-kun."
He smiled when he saw her. "It has, Kotori. It really has."
Honoka blinked, confused. "You know Kotori-chan?"
"Both of our mothers were childhood friends," Riku explained. "How's Harumi-san doing, Kotori?"
"My mother's doing great," Kotori replied, though her eyes lowered briefly. "But she's still a bit down that her friend isn't here anymore."
Riku's expression dimmed, a flicker of pain passing through his gaze. "I understand." Then he shifted, his tone returning to light conversation. "So, you, Honoka, and Umi are second-years. What about the others?"
A red-haired girl stepped forward, her posture reserved, almost wary.
"Nishikino Maki… first year."
Her guardedness reminded Riku of someone who'd built a wall for comfort, not arrogance. He gave her a thoughtful look. "So, you're Akio-san's daughter."
Maki blinked in surprise, taken off guard. "You know Papa?"
"Your father and mine were friends back in the day," Riku said, smiling faintly at the memory. "I remember him visiting my home once. He used to work under Eirin-san before going independent."
"I—I see…" Maki's voice faltered as she twirled a strand of hair nervously.
The introductions continued.
"I'm Hoshizora Rin! Pleasure to meet you, nya~!"
Rin's ears almost seemed to perk up when she spoke, her energy a bright contrast to the cemetery's calm.
Then came a girl half-hiding behind her—shy, voice trembling.
"K-Koizumi Hanayo… and, um…"
"Yes?" Riku asked gently.
Hanayo took a deep breath, then quickly pulled out an autograph board and pen. "C-Can I have your autograph?! I'm a fan of OG!!!"
The sudden outburst froze the group. A moment later, Riku broke into quiet laughter. "Sure, why not? Anything for a fan."
He signed the board neatly, his name flowing like a streak of lightning across the surface. When he handed it back, Hanayo clutched it to her chest like a sacred relic.
"Thank you very much! I'll treasure this forever!"
"Well, that happened," another girl muttered dryly, stepping forward with confidence that bordered on theatrical. "Anyway, I'm the universe's number one idol—Yazawa Nico!"
Riku raised a brow. "Big words from someone that—"
He stopped as he noticed the tick mark pulsing on Nico's temple. Her fists clenched.
"Got a problem with that?!" she snapped. "Wanna scrap?"
He stifled a smirk. "Don't take it seriously. You're an idol, right? Calm is part of the performance."
"Hmph!" She turned her head away, pouting.
A taller girl stepped up next, carrying an easy maturity. "Well, Nicocchi's height aside," she said playfully, earning an annoyed glare from Nico, "I'm Tōjō Nozomi—Otonokizaka's Student Council Vice-President. Third-year student, same as Nicocchi and Elicchi."
Nozomi offered a gentle bow. Riku nodded back, though his gaze briefly lingered—just long enough for him to mentally note that she could easily rival Arisa, Himari, or Rinko in… certain departments. He kept that thought firmly locked away and moved on.
Then came the last of them. A calm, confident girl with striking blue eyes and blonde hair that shimmered in the light.
"I'm pretty sure I don't need to introduce myself," she said with a knowing smirk.
Riku chuckled. "No, you don't. Good to see you again, Eli."
They stepped forward and embraced—a brief but sincere hug. The gesture caught a few of the others off guard.
Umi muttered under her breath, "How shameless…" while Honoka tilted her head, confusion written all over her face.
"Do Riku-san and Eli-chan like each other?"
"Honoka!!" Umi's voice cracked in horror.
Both Riku and Eli pulled apart, startled by the sudden implication. Eli's cheeks flared pink as she hurried to explain, her words tumbling out faster than usual. "Y-you misunderstand, Honoka! Riku and I are just good friends. That's all. And besides," her tone softened, "Riku already has someone."
Aichi raised an eyebrow. "Really now, Riku?"
Riku gave a small, honest smile, his eyes wandering toward the horizon. "Yeah. I'm just… waiting for the right time. And she understands my situation."
Aichi folded his arms, letting the weight of that statement settle. "I see." His tone carried both curiosity and quiet respect.
The group fell silent again, though not in tension this time. The wind stirred between them, brushing against the graves, carrying whispers of the past.
For a brief moment, Riku looked toward the headstone again—the one he had come here to visit. His expression gentled. Whatever words he wanted to say stayed behind his lips.
Aichi watched him, sensing the gravity beneath that stillness. They'd both lost things that day—different people, but the same kind of hole in their hearts.
Some distances, no matter how many steps you take, you never really close.
And yet, standing there under the pale afternoon light, Riku looked at the friends before him—old and new—and thought that maybe, just maybe, he was closer than before.
The stillness of the cemetery had begun to ease, replaced by a sense of quiet familiarity among the group. The girls of μ's had grown more comfortable around Riku, drawn in by his calm presence and easy confidence. For a moment, it almost felt like an ordinary afternoon—friends talking under the pale spring sun.
Then Riku turned to Aichi with a thoughtful look. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot to ask. I heard from Youmu that you're a manager of an idol group?"
Aichi smiled, his usual modesty showing through. "Yeah. Right now, I'm managing the school idol group μ's. They might not be big names yet, but…" He glanced at the girls behind him with quiet pride. "I can tell they'll make it to the top one day."
Riku crossed his arms, an amused grin tugging at his lips. "Is that so…? I wouldn't be surprised if they make it to Worlds."
The reaction was instant.
"Riku-san, that's too much even for us!" Hanayo squeaked, waving her hands frantically. "Just winning Love Live would already be a miracle!"
"Wait, what's Worlds?" Honoka blinked, her curiosity piqued.
Nico sighed, folding her arms like a teacher addressing an eager student. "It's the biggest idol competition in the world, Honoka. Every October to November, idol groups from across the globe compete to determine who's the greatest. South Korea and China dominate every year."
Umi frowned slightly. "Then what about Japan?"
"Japan?" Nico gave a wry smile. "We barely make it out of the qualifiers. The farthest any Japanese group has ever gone was the second round of the group stage—just one win shy of the main stage." She shrugged. "But I heard the rules are changing this year."
Riku nodded. "Your sources are solid, Nico-san. This time, whoever wins Love Live will represent Japan at Worlds—in San Francisco."
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
The nine girls shouted in perfect unison, startling a few crows from the nearby trees.
Nico's eyes widened. "So that means… if we win Love Live… we'll have to perform against him?!"
The sudden change in her tone sent a chill through the group. Hanayo's face went pale, her hands trembling slightly.
Rin noticed first. "Kayo-chin? Who's 'him'?"
Hanayo swallowed hard, voice barely above a whisper. "The greatest idol of all time… Faker."
"Faker?" Honoka repeated, puzzled.
Riku stepped in, his tone measured but firm. "Lee Sang-hyeok—stage name Faker. A South Korean idol signed under T1, one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in Asia. He's the leader and center of T1's idol group, and he's often called the greatest Center in the world. Three-time Worlds champion—in 2013, 2015, and 2016. They call him the Demon King for a reason."
The mention of that title alone carried weight. Even the wind seemed to pause.
Riku continued, his gaze steady. "If you want to be the best idol group in the world, you'll have to go through him. As they say… all roads lead to Faker."
The air thickened with pressure. But beneath that weight, Riku could sense something flickering within the girls—not fear, but determination. The kind of quiet fire that only surfaces when someone refuses to back down.
He smiled faintly. "I can see it in your eyes—you're not the type to quit, even when the odds look impossible. That's the spirit I like to see. And for the record, you're the second idol group I've met since coming back to Japan."
Nico perked up. "Second? Who was the first?"
Riku smirked. "Does the name Pastel✽Palettes ring a bell?"
Hanayo gasped. "You mean the idol band that's rising in the charts right now?!"
"Yup," Riku said with a casual shrug. "I'm sure Chisato will give you some solid pointers if you ever meet her."
Nico frowned, tilting her head. "You say her name way too casually…"
Riku chuckled. "It's a given. Me and Chisato are childhood friends, after all."
Rin's curiosity sparked instantly. "Then… is Chisato-san the one you like, Riku-san?"
Riku blinked once, then let out a small laugh. "No. Me and Chisato are more like siblings. I treat her as my little sister—it just works for us that way."
A new voice interrupted from behind.
"So this is where you were, nii-san."
The girls turned toward the sound. Mafuyu approached slowly from the stone path, her hair moving with the soft wind. She had just finished visiting the Nagae Family grave, her expression calm yet distant.
Riku turned toward her. "Mafuyu. I take it you finished things there?"
She nodded quietly.
Aichi looked between them, confusion plain on his face. "Riku, who is she? And why did she call you 'nii-san'?"
Riku gestured for Mafuyu to join him. "Aichi, meet Mafuyu—my half-sister."
Aichi froze. "Your… half-sister? What? How? When?"
Riku sighed and stepped closer, lowering his voice so the girls couldn't hear.
(whispering) "That's… not something I can explain without a family head present. It's complicated."
Aichi raised a brow. (whispering) "That scandalous?"
Riku gave a dry smile. (whispering) "You have no idea. Do the girls know about it?"
(whispering) "Only Kotori does," Aichi replied quietly.
Before they could continue, Nico called out from behind them. "Oi! What are you two whispering about?"
Riku straightened up. "Something related to what we truly are."
Umi tilted her head. "What you truly are? Aichi, what does he mean by that?"
Aichi opened his mouth to respond—but before a single word escaped, Riku's expression shifted.
It happened in a blink.
His pupils narrowed. His instincts screamed. The world seemed to slow down.
"Get down!"
Riku vanished from his spot, reappearing in front of the girls in a blur of motion. His left hand extended forward as his other arm pulled Mafuyu close. A translucent barrier of energy shimmered to life around them—just as a sharp crack split the air.
BANG!
The bullet struck the barrier dead-on. The impact rippled through the field like a stone hitting water—then, with a soft hum, the bullet disintegrated into glowing dust, leaving nothing behind.
The girls screamed, dropping to the ground in panic. Aichi's eyes widened in horror before his instincts kicked in.
"Sniper!" Riku barked, scanning the direction of the shot. His voice carried command and precision. "Everyone, stay low!"
Mafuyu tightened her grip on his sleeve, eyes wide but steady. "Nii-san—"
"I know," Riku muttered, gaze cold as lightning flared faintly around his body. "They're targeting me."
Aichi moved closer, summoning a thin veil of aura around the group. "You think it's them?"
Riku's eyes narrowed toward the distant tree line. "Yeah… it's not random. Whoever fired that shot knew exactly where I'd be."
A silence heavier than stone settled over the cemetery. Even the birds had gone quiet.
The girls of μ's, still shaken, huddled close behind the barrier. Umi gripped Honoka's wrist tightly, her heart pounding. Maki stared at the faint glow of Riku's shield in disbelief, while Nico, for once, was completely speechless.
Riku exhaled slowly, his voice low but steady. "Everyone… don't panic. You're safe as long as you stay behind me."
Lightning crackled faintly along his arm, his barrier pulsing once in response to his energy. A faint spark leapt across the grass as his senses stretched outward—feeling, listening, calculating.
Somewhere, hidden among the trees, the faint echo of a rifle bolt being drawn back reached his ears.
He smiled grimly. "Looks like someone just made a fatal mistake."
The wind picked up again, carrying the first hint of storm.
The girls tensed, their breathing uneven as they pressed close together. Fear rippled through the air. Even without saying it, the uncertainty of who or why gnawed at them.
Aichi's eyes hardened. "You can sense it, can't you?" Riku asked.
He nodded. "It's been a long time since I've tried sensing from this far, but…" Aichi dropped to one knee, pressing his palm against the earth. His eyes slid shut, his breathing deep and steady. A subtle wave of energy rippled outward, distorting the grass and earth around him like a soft vibration under water.
For a moment, silence reigned—only the faint hum of the barrier could be heard. Then, his eyes snapped open, a glint of precision flashing across them. "Two o'clock direction. The sniper will move in two minutes."
Riku nodded. "Good." His right hand reached into his coat, retrieving a violet spell card glowing with a faint pulse of electricity. "Time to use something I learned from Eirin-san."
The card dissolved into a bow of luminous energy, its limbs etched with golden lightning. Riku drew an arrow that crackled violently in his hand, the sheer energy making the girls instinctively step back.
The sky responded to his will. Clouds darkened as if the heavens themselves bent to his call, the light dimming until the sun vanished behind a shroud of black. In its place, a full moon appeared—unnaturally bright and radiant against the sudden night.
"What's happening?" Nico's voice trembled. "Why did it suddenly turn dark?"
Riku said nothing. His gaze lifted toward the moon, eyes burning with quiet resolve. Lightning traced his arm in spiraling arcs as he drew the bowstring back until it hummed with strain.
"Moon and Thunder: Celestial Rain!!"
The arrow shot upward, splitting the air with a resonant crack. It vanished into the moon above, and for a heartbeat, silence returned. Then, the night screamed.
From the heavens, hundreds of arrows made of pure lightning rained upon the distant sniper's position. Each impact shook the air with divine fury, the thunder echoing across the land like the roar of gods. A flash of white light engulfed the area—and just as swiftly, the world calmed.
The darkness receded. The moon faded. The sun returned, as though nothing had ever changed.
Riku lowered his bow, letting it dissolve into sparks. "That should do it."
He turned toward the group. "I'll check who it was that tried to snipe us. Mafuyu, can you bring Aichi and the girls to the estate? I'm sure they're eager for some answers."
Mafuyu nodded, her tone soft but steady. "Of course. Just be careful, nii-san."
Riku gave a single nod and began to rise into the air, the faint shimmer of electricity lifting him effortlessly. With a burst of light, he shot forward, vanishing into the horizon like a streak of thunder.
The field fell quiet once more, the hum of his magic fading into the wind.
Umi's voice broke the silence. "Aichi… what just happened? And how can Riku-san use lightning?"
Aichi hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the spot where Riku had vanished. His expression was calm, yet his voice carried a hint of weariness. "There's something I've been keeping from you all. I was planning to tell you after the Love Live finals, but… I suppose I can't delay it any longer."
Nozomi's tone softened. "You've been hiding something from us?"
He exhaled slowly. "I'll explain everything once we reach the Nagae Estate." He turned to Mafuyu, who was already preparing her spell. "Let's go."
A gust of wind swirled around them, carrying a faint trace of Aichi's energy. The group began their quiet journey back toward the estate—uneasy, yet bound by trust.
Far away, Riku cut through the sky like a spear of light. The city below blurred past him, rooftops and streets fading into streaks of color. Then—he saw it. A thin column of smoke rising from a rooftop near the edge of town.
He descended fast, boots hitting the surface with a dull thud. The acrid smell of scorched metal and smoke filled the air. His eyes quickly swept the scene—his spell had hit its mark, but not fatally.
Amid the scorched debris, a small body lay motionless near the edge of the roof. Riku's steps slowed.
A young girl. No older than ten.
Her short platinum-blonde hair was disheveled, her small frame covered in a dark green and black outfit that looked more like a military uniform than anything a child should wear. Wisps of smoke curled from her clothes, and beside her lay a sniper rifle almost as tall as she was—sleek, modified, and lethal.
Riku crouched beside her, inspecting the weapon first. The design was familiar. "A McMillan TAC-50," he murmured under his breath. "Heavily customized for long-range precision. Way too heavy for a child." His frown deepened. "What are you doing with this, kid?"
He examined her pulse—faint but steady. She was alive, though traces of magical resistance flickered across her aura, like static clinging to her skin. Riku sighed in relief. He'd held back instinctively, but even now he couldn't shake the unease curling in his chest.
He looked down at her small hands—calloused, bruised, marked by training far too harsh for someone her age. There was no mistaking it. She wasn't an ordinary child.
"She's trained," he muttered. "Whoever sent you… didn't care how young you were, did they?"
His jaw tightened as anger quietly stirred beneath his calm exterior. He despised it—the idea of children being turned into weapons. No matter the reason, no one that young deserved to hold a gun this deadly.
He glanced around the rooftop, searching for clues. The sniper's perch had been carefully chosen, with clear sightlines across several kilometers. Whoever trained her had taught her precision and patience.
"This wasn't random," he thought grimly. "You were sent here for someone specific." His gaze hardened. "For me… or for them."
After a moment of silence, he carefully slung the sniper rifle across his back and lifted the unconscious girl into his arms. She was light—too light.
Riku sighed again, this time quieter, almost weary. "Let's get you somewhere safe."
With a low hum of power, arcs of lightning wrapped around him once more. The air crackled, and within a flash of light, he vanished from the rooftop—leaving only a faint shimmer of ozone behind.
As he soared back toward the Nagae Estate, his thoughts remained heavy. Whoever had sent a child to kill him wasn't just ruthless—they were sending a message. And if that was the case… then this was only the beginning.
----------
Nagae Estate – 2:30 P.M.
Thirty minutes had passed since the incident at the cemetery. The air around the Nagae Estate felt heavier than usual—tranquil on the surface, yet carrying an undercurrent of unease. The sprawling courtyard, normally serene beneath the mid-afternoon light, was quiet as Mafuyu guided Aichi and the members of μ's toward the main entrance. Their expressions reflected confusion and exhaustion, though curiosity glimmered faintly in their eyes.
Just as they reached the steps, a faint crackle of lightning split the air above them. A streak of light descended from the sky, slowing into the familiar figure of Riku as he landed gracefully before the estate's entrance. His coat swayed lightly from the descent, the faint hum of residual magic still pulsing from his fingertips.
Youmu was the first to rush toward him. "Riku-kun! You've returned—wait…" her eyes widened slightly as she noticed the unconscious child in his arms. "Who's she?"
Riku's tone was calm but firm. "I'll fill you in once we're inside."
Youmu nodded immediately, recognizing the gravity in his voice. "Understood."
They entered the estate without another word, their footsteps echoing softly along the polished wooden floors. As Riku stepped into the living room, the air seemed to shift. Waiting there were the familiar faces of the band girls, Yuyuko, his grandfather Kyoya, and the recently arrived group from Otonokizaka. Conversations halted the moment they saw him.
Kyoya, ever the composed patriarch, set down the teacup he had been holding. His piercing gaze fell upon the young girl cradled in Riku's arms. "So you've returned," he began evenly. "And who is the young lass you're carrying?"
Riku's reply was as blunt as it was chilling. "Someone who tried to one-tap us."
The words froze the room. For a brief moment, silence dominated—broken only by the faint ticking of the clock against the far wall. The cheerful air that often lingered around the estate dissolved into something much tenser.
Rinko was the first to speak, her voice quiet yet trembling with concern. "Are you okay, Riku? This is the second time someone's tried to assassinate you this month."
Aichi's eyes snapped toward him, disbelief painting his expression. "Wait—the second time?"
Riku nodded grimly. "The first attempt was in Stockholm. They failed." His voice carried no boast, only a weary acceptance that this had become his reality.
Kyoya's sharp eyes narrowed. "Hmm. Youmu," he said suddenly, his tone commanding. "Take the girls somewhere else for now. Riku and Aichi will remain here."
Youmu bowed respectfully. "Understood, Kyoya-sama."
The girls exchanged uneasy glances but obeyed without question, following Youmu down one of the long corridors that branched deeper into the mansion.
As soon as the doors closed behind them, Kyoya gestured toward the two guards by the entrance. "Take the girl to the infirmary," he ordered. "I want every piece of information we can gather about her—background, origin, magical composition. As for her weapon, lock it in the armory under maximum seal protection."
"Understood, oyakata-sama," the guards responded in unison. They carefully took the unconscious child from Riku's arms, one carrying her toward the medical wing while the other retrieved the rifle to secure it.
The moment they were gone, Kyoya turned his full attention to his grandson. "Now then," he said quietly, "tell me everything that happened."
Riku exhaled softly, setting his gloves aside before recounting the events. "Mafuyu and I went to pay our respects at the family graves. After I left her to visit Tenshi's resting place, I ran into Aichi and his friends. While we were talking, I felt a distortion—a magical fluctuation that didn't belong. That's when I realized someone was trying to snipe us. With Aichi's help, I located the source and cast a spell to incapacitate the shooter. When I reached the site, I found that girl—unconscious, injured, but alive."
Kyoya listened silently, his fingers steepled under his chin. The faint glint in his eyes suggested deep calculation. "I see," he murmured at last. "But something doesn't add up. I examined the rifle earlier. Its effective range shouldn't have reached you at all."
"That's because the bullet was imbued with magic," Riku explained, leaning back slightly. "Dense energy, and dangerous. When I arrived, I could still feel the residue—thick, heavy, and unnatural. That magical presence came from the girl herself. I could sense it clearly."
"Ara…" Yuyuko's soft voice carried an edge of concern. "Then this complicates things. If what you say is true, the question now becomes—who in their right mind would send a child to carry out such a task?"
Kyoya's expression hardened. "We'll find out soon enough. For now, speculation will get us nowhere. Let the investigation reveal what it will."
"I suppose so," Aichi admitted, though his gaze lingered on the direction where the girl had been taken.
A pause followed before Yuyuko's gentle voice broke through again. "Aichi-kun, you seem troubled. I can tell there's something you wish to ask."
Riku met his friend's eyes and answered for him. "It's about your sister, isn't it?"
Aichi nodded slowly. "Yeah… it's about nee-san. That day during the finals—how did she appear? She was supposed to be gone, and yet… she was there, even if just for a moment."
For a second, Riku hesitated, weighing his words carefully. He remembered Tenshi's voice in his dreams, her request to keep Aichi from despair—and how she trusted him to reveal the truth when the time came. Now, that time had come.
"Tenshi unknowingly embedded a fragment of her soul into me before she died," he began softly. "Over time, that fragment began to restore itself. She eventually recovered enough to awaken—and she's been living within my mindscape ever since."
Aichi's eyes widened slightly, his composure wavering. "But how? Tenshi was never proficient in soul-based magic…"
Yuyuko smiled faintly. "Tenshi told us a few days ago that she learned soul magic from one of Patchouli's books—the same one Marisa had been using."
"From Patchouli-san…" Aichi's voice trailed off. His brows furrowed in thought. "Then how did she appear during the finals? That moment… when the song ended, she appeared beside you, smiled, and then faded away…"
Riku gave a light, almost guilty smile. "That was partly our fault. Tenshi wanted to perform with me—just once. She knew the risks. To manifest herself, she used up most of the energy she'd gathered over the years. I agreed to let her do it, knowing she'd be exhausted afterward." He looked down briefly, his tone softening. "She burned through about sixty percent of her soul energy that night. She's been in deep sleep since then, recovering."
"How long will she sleep?" Aichi asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"The Dragon God told me she'd awaken by early September," Riku replied. "So it's not too long."
Aichi took a deep breath, relief flickering through his expression. "That's… good. I'll wait. I just want to talk to her again."
Yuyuko's gaze was gentle yet firm. "And you will. But remember, Aichi-kun—you'll need Satori's help if you wish to see her. Don't attempt to contact her alone."
He nodded silently. "Understood."
Kyoya rose from his seat then, stretching his shoulders slightly. "Riku," he said, "do you still plan to go to CiRCLE today?"
"I was planning to," Riku replied. "But after what happened… I might postpone. Why do you ask?"
Kyoya's lips curved in a knowing smirk. "Nothing pressing. It's just something I think you'll want to see yourself."
Before Riku could question him, the side door slid open and Youmu reappeared, her expression professional as ever. "Kyoya-sama," she reported, "everyone has been relocated. Mafuyu-san and her friends are in her quarters. Dendi-san is at the golf court. Poppin'Party, Roselia, and RAISE A SUILEN are in the studio rehearsing. Hello, Happy World and Afterglow are in the gaming room. Lastly, Pastel*Palettes and μ's are practicing together in the open studio."
"I see," Riku said, nodding. "Thank you for the update, Youmu."
Aichi turned toward him with a small smile. "If you're up for it, why not come see μ's practice? Maybe you could help them. I'm sure your insight would be invaluable."
Riku folded his arms thoughtfully. "That's not a bad idea," he admitted. "But I imagine they're still waiting for answers—about what they saw today. About what we really are."
Yuyuko, who had been quietly observing the two, rose from her seat with a serene expression. "So they saw you cast a spell," she remarked lightly.
Riku's tone turned apologetic. "I had to, Yuyuko-san. Someone would've died if I hesitated."
Her expression softened. "I understand. You did the right thing. In that case," she said with a small smile, "I'll come along. If they're going to learn the truth, it's best they hear it from all sides."
Aichi nodded gratefully. "That would help. Thank you."
"Don't mention it," Yuyuko replied gently.
And so, the three of them—Riku, Aichi, and Yuyuko—made their way down the hall toward the open studio. The sound of distant melodies and soft laughter echoed faintly through the corridors, clashing with the tension that still hung in their minds. Whatever awaited them next, one thing was certain—the line between the ordinary world and the supernatural had already begun to blur.
Nagae Estate – Open Studio
Riku's POV
The echo of synchronized footsteps and rhythmic claps filled the open studio as we arrived. The sunlight filtered gently through the tall glass panes, glinting off the polished floor where μ's were rehearsing under the watchful eyes of Chisato, Maya, and Eli. Every move was sharp yet earnest—full of energy, but still rough around the edges.
When Hina noticed our arrival, she immediately waved with her usual infectious grin.
"Riku-kun, you're here!" she called, her voice as bright as ever.
I nodded, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "I can see that you're all getting along quite well."
Chisato turned gracefully toward me, her posture effortlessly poised. "Indeed we are, Riku."
I crossed my arms, taking a moment to study μ's. Their determination was admirable, but it was clear they still had much to learn. "So? As professional idols, what's your opinion of μ's?"
The school idols froze. Even from across the room, I could see the tension ripple through their expressions. Every single one of them waited for Chisato's verdict as though their dreams hung by a thread.
Chisato gave a small, knowing smile. "They are still inexperienced," she began, her tone both gentle and honest, "but I can sense potential. If they stay true to themselves and continue to grow, they will undoubtedly achieve great things. With proper guidance and time to develop, I wouldn't be surprised if they went on to win Love Live someday."
Aya clasped her hands together excitedly. "Like Chisato-chan said—they just need a little push. Hopefully one day, μ's and Pastel*Palettes could have a collaboration event!"
Hina laughed, spinning once in her spot. "That would be boppin' great, Aya-chan!"
Their enthusiasm was contagious. Even I found myself chuckling softly before shaking my head. "Then I suppose there's no reason for me to involve myself."
Before I could say anything further, Nico spoke up, tilting her head with her usual mix of curiosity and attitude. "I appreciate the advice, Chisato, but… who are you?"
Actually, she wasn't pointing at Chisato—she was pointing at Yuyuko-san, who stood beside me with that serene smile of hers.
Yuyuko placed a finger to her cheek, pretending to ponder before speaking in her airy, melodic tone. "Ara~ I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Saigyouji Yuyuko, matriarch of the Saigyouji family, principal of Hanasakigawa Girls' High School, and—more importantly—Riku-kun's aunt."
She smiled kindly at the group, though her words carried a dignified authority that made even Nico hesitate to speak. "I'm here to address any questions you may have about what happened earlier today."
I added, glancing briefly toward μ's, "Before anything else, please know that Yuyuko-san is here because of Celestial Family custom. Whenever topics concerning us are discussed, one or more of the family heads must be present—to ensure information doesn't slip into the wrong hands."
Nozomi's brows furrowed slightly. "But why? I mean, this is your home, Riku-kun. Isn't it safe here?"
Yuyuko chuckled softly, though her expression held quiet seriousness. "It's always better to be cautious, Nozomi-chan. Even in a safe place, one must remain prepared. Our world isn't as simple as it seems."
Umi crossed her arms, taking a steadying breath before asking, "Very well, then. How… how did Riku-san use lightning like that?"
"Hmm…" Yuyuko tapped her chin playfully. "That's a rather long story. Why don't you all take a seat? You'll want to be comfortable for this."
One long explanation later…
4:30 P.M.
When Yuyuko finished explaining, silence filled the studio. The air was thick, heavy with disbelief.
Aichi and I exchanged glances before turning back toward μ's, who looked as though their minds were spinning from everything they'd just heard. Only Kotori seemed composed—unsurprising, considering she already knew.
Finally, Umi spoke, her tone steady but uncertain. "So… Aichi is a Celestial, and Riku-san—and the rest of you—are youkai?"
Aichi and I replied in unison, "Yup."
Nico blinked twice, her voice rising. "Then why didn't you tell us earlier?!"
Aichi sighed, his usual calm returning. "Tell me honestly—how would you have reacted if I told you I wasn't human from the very start?"
Nico paused, realizing the weight of that question. "...Touche." She turned toward Kotori. "And you—you knew this whole time?"
Kotori hesitated before nodding. "Well… I found out by accident. When Mom and I visited Riku-kun's mother a while back, I saw Riku-kun fighting someone outside… and he was using lightning. Kyoya-sama spotted me, and—well—he explained everything afterward."
Umi looked between them. "Does it… bother you? Knowing they're not human?"
Kotori smiled softly. "No. Actually, it's the opposite. I feel safe around them."
Her words carried a quiet warmth that eased some of the tension in the room.
Maki folded her arms thoughtfully. "Does my father know as well?"
I gave her a small nod. "If your dad and mine are really close—as I believe they are—then yes. He probably knows."
Rin raised her hand like a curious child. "Ne, Riku-san! Is lightning your power, nya?"
I couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm. "Well, I do use lightning, but my real ability is something else entirely—something I call 'reading the atmosphere.'"
"Reading the atmosphere?" the girls echoed almost in unison.
"Exactly. It means I can sense and interpret the flow of energy, emotion, and even the intent within an environment. It helps me make calm, calculated decisions. I can also apply it in combat—by reading the atmosphere around my opponent, I can predict their movements ahead of time."
Maki whistled softly, impressed. "A very useful ability indeed. Every tactician or leader would kill for something like that."
I nodded. "True. But that's not all. If I can read the atmosphere, I can also manipulate it to my will. Storms, lightning, typhoons, even the very pressure of the sky—if I wanted to, I could summon them."
Nozomi raised an eyebrow, half in awe, half in disbelief. "That's… terrifying. But if you have that kind of power, why not use it?"
I chuckled dryly. "Three reasons. One: I don't want Reimu to beat my ass. Pissing off the Hakurei shrine maiden is something no youkai or celestial in their right mind enjoys. Their numbers might be small, but their power more than makes up for it—and trust me, I don't fancy finding myself on the wrong end of that stick.
Two: we vowed not to misuse our powers for selfish gain. We only use them when lives—ours or others—are in danger.
And three…" I smiled faintly. "I just don't see the need. I'm not interested in world domination or fame. I'm content with how things are. The world can turn as it always does—I'll just walk alongside it."
Honoka, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly brightened. "Then what about you, Aichi-kun? What's your power?"
Aichi rubbed his chin, smiling. "I manipulate the earth. Like my sister, I can shape the land as I wish. A single snap of my fingers can cause an earthquake—or create new terrain entirely."
Honoka's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can you show us?! We already saw what Riku-san can do—I want to see yours too!"
Umi crossed her arms but nodded in agreement. "As much as I hate to admit it… I'm curious too."
Aichi looked toward me with a silent question in his eyes.
"Go ahead," I said, raising my hand slightly. With a snap of my fingers, the ground beneath us shimmered with a soft blue glow. Ten wooden training dummies emerged from beneath the floor, rising neatly in a line.
"This open studio," I explained, "is designed as both a rehearsal and training ground. The walls are reinforced and completely soundproof. Don't worry about collateral damage. There are cameras around for monitoring, so feel free to go wild, Aichi."
Aichi stepped forward, his expression calm and unwavering as he approached the training dummies. The air around him began to shift—growing dense, charged with something ancient and sacred. He slowly raised his hand, and in that moment, space itself seemed to tremble.
Out of thin air, a sword of radiant orange light materialized in his grasp. The blade shimmered with a faint, fiery aura that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat.
Yuyuko's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Ah… The Sword of Hisou. So, the blade finally acknowledged him—now that Tenshi has passed on."
"Yuyuko-san," Hanayo asked softly, gazing at the weapon with wonder, "what is that sword?"
"That," Yuyuko replied, her tone carrying both reverence and melancholy, "is the Sword of Hisou. The treasured weapon of the Hinanawi Family—passed only to its rightful successor. It's said to possess the power to cut even the gods in half."
I nodded, my gaze fixed on Aichi. "Unlike Tenshi, who favored keystones and earth manipulation, Aichi prefers the sword. He's one of the few swordsmen capable of matching Youmu's speed and precision."
Aichi exhaled slowly, lowering into stance. The dummies suddenly twitched, then began to move toward him, mechanical limbs shifting with fluid, deliberate motion.
Rin gasped. "Those things move, nya?!"
"Yup," I replied, smirking slightly. "It'd be boring if they were stationary. My grandfather came up with the moving feature to make training more… interesting."
The advancing dummies didn't faze Aichi in the slightest. His focus was absolute—his breathing controlled, his posture perfect. Then, his eyes sharpened.
Aichi's voice rang clear and commanding.
"Scarlet Flame: Higanbana!"
The blade ignited with a burst of crimson fire. The temperature in the room spiked, and the faint scent of burning ozone filled the air.
In a single, fluid step, Aichi vanished from his spot. The Sword of Hisou cleaved downward, slicing through the first dummy with graceful precision. Without missing a beat, he pivoted, flames trailing behind him like ribbons as he struck the next target—then the next—each movement seamlessly transitioning into the next, like a dance performed by fire itself.
The girls watching stood frozen, mesmerized. His strikes weren't wild or brutish—they were refined, each slash echoing with discipline and artistry.
Eli whispered under her breath, her eyes wide. "Aichi's footwork… it's so precise… so fluid."
Umi nodded, her analytical gaze fixed on him. "And not a single breath wasted. It's like he's… dancing with the flames."
Maya, studying the movement with her usual sharp eye, spoke next. "Riku-san, his movement looks similar to what you used in Stockholm."
I smiled faintly. "They might look similar, but they're different in principle. My Flow of the Thunder Dragon uses the momentum and weight of my naginata to shift positions between strikes. Aichi's Higanbana depends entirely on his own body strength—his arms, legs, and balance. Every step he takes channels both his will and his flame into one."
As the final dummy neared him, Aichi's form blurred once more. The last swing was silent but devastating. He halted mid-stride, blade poised diagonally at his side, fire crackling faintly along its edge.
The dummies all remained standing.
Kotori blinked. "The dummies are still up… Did something go wrong with Aichi-kun's spell?"
Yuyuko chuckled knowingly, folding her arms. "The Sword of Hisou doesn't cut physical forms directly. Its true power lies in what comes after."
Right on cue, faint glowing lines spread across the dummies' wooden bodies. A second later, one by one, they erupted into fiery red bursts, blooming in the shape of spider lilies—Higanbana. The pattern spread in sequence until all ten ignited, the last flame curling beautifully around Aichi before fading into motes of light.
Chisato smiled, impressed. "It's the same as your spell, Riku—only yours ends with a dragon."
I chuckled softly. "Yeah… Aichi's flames always carry that elegance. Mine's a little more destructive."
While I exchanged words with Chisato, I noticed μ's crowding around Aichi, their curiosity and excitement spilling over as they praised his performance. Even Aichi—ever composed—looked slightly embarrassed by their admiration.
Then, the rhythmic sound of approaching footsteps drew my attention. One of the men in suits entered, bowing respectfully before handing me a set of papers.
"Riku-sama, Yuyuko-sama," he said formally. "Oyakata-sama requests your presence at the infirmary. We've gathered information on the girl—and she's regaining consciousness. These documents contain her background."
I took the papers with a nod. "Understood."
Turning to Aichi, I called out, "We got something. The girl's awake—and grandfather's calling for us."
Aichi's expression immediately shifted to focus. "I'm coming with you."
Naturally, the others wanted to follow, especially μ's, but I had to put a stop to that. "Sorry, everyone. This summons is from my grandfather. It's better if you stay here."
They exchanged reluctant glances but understood.
Before leaving, I turned back to the suited man. "Keep an eye on the girls while we're gone. If they want to go anywhere within the estate, escort them personally."
The man bowed again. "Understood, Riku-sama."
"Be careful, Riku," Chisato said gently.
"I will," I assured her. "Thanks."
With that, Yuyuko-san, Aichi, and I left the studio. The moment we stepped into the corridor, the sounds of the rehearsal faded behind us, replaced by the calm hush of the estate's marble hallways.