"Huh?!"
Completely unexpected that Mitsuba would make such a request, Amei subconsciously exclaimed.
And Michikatsu beside her seemed to have anticipated this, his silent face showing no shock, only letting out a soft sigh.
"W-wait! Little Sister Mitsuba! H-how could I and Master Yoriichi possibly..."
"Amei, this is precisely for the sake of my elder brother."
"Huh? For Master Yoriichi?"
"Exactly!"
Placing her hand on the shoulder of the excited Amei—whose face had instantly turned red—Mitsuba looked directly into her flustered eyes and began her earnest deception.
"Amei, you don't know this, but my elder brother is naturally withdrawn and antisocial.
Clearly already of advanced age, yet he always loves to hide alone in deserted mountain caves, living that kind of primitive life like a wild man eating raw meat and drinking blood.
Neither considering himself, nor considering the family, nor considering this good younger sister who constantly cares about him...
Amei, tell me, is this the kind of life a normal person should lead?"
Listening to Mitsuba's emotionally vivid account, Michikatsu beside her silently raised his hand to cover his eyes.
"That... doesn't seem like it..."
"Exactly!"
Taking advantage of Amei not noticing, she fiercely glared at him, then continued with tear-filled eyes:
"Elder brother indulging his behavior like this truly makes this younger sister hurt to see it, pained in her heart... so Amei, I need your help."
"Huh? M-me?"
"Exactly! Taking advantage of this opportunity, we can finally make my elder brother—who normally only knows how to squat in caves being antisocial—properly step out of his cave!
Let him properly experience the wonders of the outside world, reigniting his beautiful expectations for a new future life!
And all of this precisely needs your help, Amei!
As the first human friend elder brother made after leaving his cave! I believe! You certainly can, and certainly are willing to undertake this arduous responsibility!
Just as elder brother helped you before! You too will eventually help elder brother move toward a new beginning!"
"I-I am willing!"
A single round of deception directly deceived Amei into compliance. Mitsuba looked at the sense of mission that suddenly emerged on her face and nodded with satisfaction.
"Excellent, that's the spirit."
Her tone becoming light and cheerful once more, Mitsuba glanced at her elder brother beside her who was only covering his eyes in silence, the corners of her mouth rising slightly.
"Well then, I'll go talk to the old man about the house matter. Amei, I'll leave my elder brother in your care from now on. You must do your best!"
"V-very well! I will do my best! Take care, Little Sister Mitsuba!"
Thus, from this day forward, Michikatsu and Amei also moved into this town together.
Honestly, Mitsuba's original intention in wanting Michikatsu to help Amei resolve her family difficulties was simply because she saw in Amei's family circumstances something that might help Michikatsu change his inner self.
So she wanted to use this opportunity to let her elder brother comprehend it himself.
Mitsuba guaranteed that at that time, she hadn't thought much further ahead at all.
Until this morning, when Michikatsu—as a demon—regardless of the blazing sun high in the sky, personally escorted Amei to this town to find her...
Truly speaking, when she personally saw her elder brother appear at the dojo entrance with that stern face, Mitsuba's heart was genuinely shocked.
Incredible...
Her cold elder brother, could he actually have such considerate moments?
It was also in this instant that thoughts further developed in her mind.
Perhaps, this young woman named Amei could actually help her elder brother make even more changes?
Mitsuba was never one to hesitate.
Or rather, when she was human she was always hesitating, but now she completely wouldn't hesitate anymore.
Whatever she thought of, she would immediately do.
Since Michikatsu could show some slight difference toward Amei, then find a way to let these two continue interacting, maintaining and even expanding upon this "difference"!
If, in the end, a satisfying outcome for both of them could be achieved, that would be for the best...
"..."
Time slowly passed, and with Michikatsu and Amei's arrival, the Centenarian Dojo gradually became more lively.
In order to repay Amei's rent, Michikatsu also became a swordsmanship instructor at the Centenarian Dojo, just like Mitsuba.
Due to the extremely high popularity Mitsuba had accumulated in the town over the past five years, Michikatsu's arrival as Mitsuba's elder brother was instantly welcomed by the neighbors.
One could even say, welcomed somewhat excessively.
"Oh! Today it's also young Master Michikatsu going to the dojo alone? Where's little Mitsuba? Why didn't she come with you?"
"She went out to play."
Extending his hand to actively help Uncle Kudo—whose roof was frequently damaged by crows dropping stones—steady his ladder, Michikatsu—also now wearing a keikogi—replied in a flat tone.
"Hahaha! I knew it! It seems ever since you, her elder brother, arrived, little Mitsuba has been frequently running out to play!
Oh my~ with such a mischievous younger sister by your side, young Master Michikatsu must have quite a headache normally, right?"
"No, Mitsuba is actually surprisingly sensible and worry-free..."
"Speaking of which, that's true! Young Master Michikatsu, you don't know this, but in the past, disputes in our town were basically resolved by little Mitsuba and Keizo. Those two are the 'guardian deities' of our town..."
*[Guardian deities, huh...]*
*[As expected, compared to this worthless elder brother of mine, no matter where Mitsuba goes, she always earns the trust and respect of those around her...]*
"Oh my~ isn't this young Master Michikatsu~ Today you're going to the dojo alone? Why didn't I see your wife?"
*[Wife? Could she be referring to Amei?]*
"My apologies, Miss Mouri. Amei and I are not husband and wife. We are only temporarily living under the same roof due to certain reasons..."
"Eh~ really? In that case, tonight..."
"Ah! Young Master Michikatsu! My roof is already repaired! Thanks for the help!
Didn't you tell me earlier that the dojo would be very busy today? Hurry and go! Don't let those children wait too long!"
"Mm... thank you."
Knowing that this enthusiastic Uncle Kudo was deliberately making an excuse to help him leave, Michikatsu nodded gently. No longer paying attention to the alluring woman who had suddenly approached him, he quickened his pace toward the dojo.