The night had only just begun, and Yuki's room glowed softly under golden lights.
She stood in front of the mirror, dressed in an elegant gown that shimmered every time she moved. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly. Her lipstick was carefully applied, her lashes curled, and a faint blush warmed her cheeks. She leaned slightly closer to the mirror, tilting her head.
"I am now cute enough," she murmured to herself with a small smile. "It's time for the concert, or I'll be late."
On her bed sat Honokage, watching her quietly.
She turned toward him, hands lightly lifting her skirt's edge.
"Hey, Hono-kun. How do I look?"
Honokage's expression softened.
"Very beautiful."
There was no teasing in his voice. Just honesty.
He paused before asking, "By the way… you left Astra at Sai's dojo?"
Yuki nodded casually. "Yes. He'll stay there for some days and train with Sensei."
Honokage folded his arms slowly. "Okay… fine."
Yuki narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why are you asking about him?"
He smiled faintly. "Just wanted to know."
Yuki glanced at her watch and stiffened. "Ah! It's getting late. I'm going!"
She hurried out of the house.
Honokage smirked lightly. "Go ahead. I'll come to the concert to see you."
She suddenly stopped mid-step.
"Ehh…? You're coming too!?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I?"
Yuki didn't answer. She ran out through the gate, entered the car, and it drove off.
Honokage disappeared in a quiet teleportation.
---
Inside the moving car, Yuki stared at her phone, reviewing lyrics and breathing exercises.
*He's coming to see my singing…*
Her heart tightened slightly.
*If I make a mistake… he might get disappointed. No. I must give my 100%.*
She looked out the window. The streets were alive. Some people recognized her car and waved excitedly. A few even shouted her name.
The concert hall was already buzzing.
Backstage, Yuki sat with the other idols, discussing the program, adjusting microphones, checking cues. The air was filled with perfume, nerves, and anticipation.
Then the lights dimmed.
They stepped onto the stage.
Music began.
Yuki's voice rose clear and bright into the hall. She sang with everything she had—every late night of practice, every sleepless rehearsal, every doubt she buried deep inside.
Among the crowd, Honokage stood silently.
"She really sings beautifully," he whispered.
Minutes passed.
The final note echoed.
They bowed.
For one long second—
Silence.
Yuki's heart pounded violently in her chest.
*Did I fail?*
Then suddenly—
The entire hall exploded into applause.
Cheers roared like thunder, shaking the walls. Clapping grew louder and louder until it felt endless.
Yuki's eyes widened.
A bright smile broke across her face as she gave her iconic pose, shining under the spotlight.
Afterward, they stepped down and began signing autographs. Fans lined up, faces glowing with admiration.
---
Later, Honokage met her outside.
"You liked my song?" she asked immediately.
"Too much."
Her smile turned radiant. She nearly jumped—then suddenly stiffened.
"…Ah."
She shifted slightly.
"I think… I wore a dress that's too tight. I need to reach home fast or it might tear."
Honokage's smile faded into concern.
"Don't worry. I'm here."
He glanced at the massive crowd.
"I can't teleport you from here. They'd think I'm not human."
He took her hand firmly.
"Come with me."
Yuki blushed deeply. "H-Hey! Don't hold my hand in public! They're watching!"
Fans nearby noticed instantly.
"Kyaaaaa!"
A random girl squealed, "Look! The way he's holding our idol's hand! I'm melting!"
Honokage's face went completely deadpan as he started running.
"Let's enter the car first. Your fans won't let us go."
They rushed inside and shut the door. The car began moving.
Yuki exhaled slowly. The tightness eased.
She leaned her head against Honokage's shoulder and closed her golden eye.
"Phew… Thank you, Hono-kun."
"That's just my duty."
She didn't respond.
She had already fallen asleep.
Honokage noticed and went silent. He gently patted her head.
A faint memory crossed his mind—Yuki practicing alone in her room late at night, repeating the same line again and again, refusing to sleep.
He lowered his voice.
"I will be yours forever."
The car stopped at her house.
"Sir, please take madam off the car," the driver said.
"Of course."
Honokage carried her in his arms and brought her inside.
---
At Sai's dojo—
Astra lay on the floor, arms and legs spread wide, crying dramatically.
"Hell nahhhh! Sister left me with a psycho Sensei! Helppp!"
Sai leaned down, eyes faintly glowing.
"Well? Didn't I say I would train you when you were a child? Remember?"
Astra rolled across the floor. "Leave me alone! I can train myself!"
"And why shouldn't I train you?"
Aoi folded her arms. "Oh come on. Don't disturb him. He's a pretty kid."
Her tail gently patted Astra's head.
He sniffed.
Sai looked bored. "So now you're defending him?"
Suddenly—
The dojo door opened.
Wano entered, holding a small pink slime in her hands.
"Greetings."
Sai leaned back lazily. "Why are you here, Mrs. Queen Snake of the Forest?"
His gaze shifted to the slime.
"And what is this squishy special-edition creature?"
"I am a slime," it replied calmly.
Sai blinked. "It talks? And why is it pink and female-sounding?"
"Because I am female. And pink."
She jumped down from Wano's hands and looked around.
Wano spoke, "Is President Blu awake? I need to speak with him about her."
Aoi gasped. "Wait—Blu returned?"
Sai frowned. "Even I don't know."
Astra stopped crying instantly. "Uncle Blu? Wasn't he gone for six whole years?"
Wano smiled. "He has returned. Didn't you know?"
Sai sighed. "He didn't even inform anyone. Not even Yuki or Honokage."
Astra stared at the slime.
"Oi!"
Uraka turned. "Yes?"
"Are you the blue slime from that isekai world who builds kingdoms and fights demon lords?"
Uraka blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"I watched him on TV!"
Sai sighed deeply. "Why does he think this pink creature is from Tensura…"
Then Sai leaned close to Astra.
"Whatever. From tomorrow—your training begins."
Astra froze.
"Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!!"
Aoi facepalmed.
Wano quietly left with Uraka.
---
On the roadside under the moonlight—
"Don't worry," Wano said gently. "Until morning, you'll stay with me. Then I will speak to President Blu."
Uraka nodded.
After a few steps, Wano asked softly, "Why did the people of planet Ajuba exile you?"
Uraka's movement slowed.
"It's… an odd reason."
She looked up at the sky.
"My planet was filled with slimes. Many of them were extremely strong. I was not as strong as they were."
Her voice became quieter.
"They called me useless. Even though… I was the smartest among them."
Wano listened carefully.
"I am the only slime who can transform into a human."
Wano stopped walking.
"You can become human too?"
"Yes. Just like you are a Snake Queen… but can take human form."
Wano's eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
Uraka sighed softly.
"As I said… I was the smartest slime on my planet."
There was no pride in her voice.
Only loneliness.
Wano's expression softened.
"It is a crime… to exile someone that intelligent."
Under the silent night sky, the pink slime walked beside the queen of the forest.
Both of them… carrying their own quiet burdens.