On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred And Fifty-Two – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

I watched the large room, on a par with the size of our whole house back in Nishimorioka, as it started to seem small, so crowded with people it was. Bro’s house sure is something. But then, ours is hardly modest. Wow, to think this day would come. I mean, I had thought bro was rich after Las Vegas, but… to reach this level. As his beloved little sister, I was feeling a twinge of pride in my chest, and my eyes felt hot. I’m here. I’m finally a part of everything. Taking part in important events, together with everyone…

“You can sit with us, Tsukiko-chan. Unless you want to sit with some of Aki’s other girls?” mom was saying to the beautiful, slightly otherworldly woman who bro had somehow brought back from the dead. I’m so happy though. Bro may never let go of the guilt of those who died in the first battle of Kyoto, but now that Eri’s healed and Tsukiko-chan is back, at least his worst sorrows are over with.

“I do not mind sitting with you.” she said softly, and my mom squealed in delight.

“Oh that’s so adorable. Hana, this is a battlefield, our battlefield! You too, Nagi... oh, is that a bit forward of me? Maybe I should call you Nagi-san…”

“No, it’s fine. After all…” The woman who looked like a pretty older version of Kana-chan said with a charming little laugh. “…our children will be getting married. There’s no need for excessive formalities.” She looked over fondly at where Kana-chan was, along with Marika-chan, Keomi-chan, two sisters I didn’t recognise, as well as one girl who looked a little out of place. Sana-chan, right?

“Yes, we, the mother-in-law group, have a role to fulfil!” mom said enthusiastically. “The alcohol is out, ready to drink, and we have juice and tea for the younger party. Food is almost ready, and snacks are on hand. Our fight is to make sure this party, to celebrate Aki’s talk show, goes well!”

“You’re not a mother-in-law, Emi…” auntie sighed. “Unless you are letting little Ai marry her brother. Then you might know how I feel.”

Wow! My face flared red at her tired, exasperated comeback to mom. No, no way! Me and bro totally aren’t like that! Mom laughed too. “Now come on, Hana, don’t be like that. Though…” she turned to look at me, and I shook my head, mortified. “Yes, there’s no way. Aki and Ai are totally normal. Just… very close. Now, setting that aside…” she turned back to Tsukiko-chan. “Your parents, we’ll have to get to know them too. How do you think they will react?”

“It is hard to predict. Our relationship was not one of parents and child, I am afraid. They treated me more as an object of worship, so…”

Turning away from that sad conversation, trusting that my bro could sort everything out if given enough time, I looked over at Shiro, who was with her friends. That odd American girl who kept claiming she was Japanese, Suzu-chan, was there, a lollipop in her mouth as always. That hair though. It’s so classic it hurts. It must take her hours and a lot of hairspray and styling wax to get it so perfect…

“Man, Aki has all the luck. The girl to guy ratio is awfully high here.” My bro’s friend Yasu-san was saying, looking around.

“Sure, but they are either on the young side, or already taken. So just suck it up.” Another man, Shugo-san, slapped him on the shoulder reassuringly.

“I won’t hear that from someone dating a hot teacher!” Yasu-san howled, before turning to an older woman who was sitting with their group, dressed in a rather smart blouse and business-like skirt. “Console me, Karen-chan! You know the pain of being single, right?”

“That’s a little hurtful, Yasu-san.” Karen-chan said, and I screamed internally. It’s no wonder you’re single! You can’t say that to an older woman. Though she looks great for her age. Wait, are you flirting with her? If so, you need to work on your game, my bro’s way smoother than… damn, when did calling my bro a virgin loser turn into my being proud of his charm?

“He didn’t mean it.” Aimi-chan, the short woman with the large chest giggled. “Besides, I’m pretty certain you could get a guy easy enough. A good-looking woman like you, stable job, good wages…”

“Yes, though the promise of no overtime except in exceptional circumstances was a lie.” Karen-chan sighed. “The difference is, yes, my bank balance is healthy at least.”

“Please stop embarrassing me, Yasu-kun.” Hisano-chan, his cute younger cousin said with a sigh. Today she was in a pastel blue dress with a long skirt, her hair done tidily in braids. She looks cute in glasses. Glasses do suit a certain sort of girl. Oh no, I sound like a dirty old man. Bro must be rubbing off on me…

Dad and uncle were hanging around the booze with Kana-chan’s father and the handsome one of my bro’s friends, Hayato-kun. They were talking boring business, so I decided to give them a wide berth. Besides, if I sit with dad, no booze for me!

No, the most interesting group was as always, the group of my bro’s girlfriends. Especially today, as in addition to Shaeula’s friend Ichika-chan, who seemed to be an ordinary, if rather cute, university student, and seemed a bit ill at ease, we had another couple of guests. It’s stuff like this I was missing out on being stuck in Nishimorioka. Don’t worry Yae-chan, Rika-chan, in a few months you too can follow your dreams!

“It’s my day off. I wanted to spend it sleeping.” Another pretty young woman yawned. “The Detective is always making me work long hours. I’m sick of it. Maybe there’s some job opportunities working for Oshiro-san?” Apparently she was a policewoman. But even she was eclipsed by the other guest, who I had met just yesterday. She tilted her head curiously, the golden coins in her hair jingling and chiming, as she asked a curious question.

“So you are a defender of the peace? A Way-Warden, then? A noble calling.”

“A what now?” the policewoman, Usui-chan, said, confused. “Oh, I get it, she’s one of you, right?” She rolled her eyes at Shaeula, who snorted some laughter.

“Indeed-indeed. You are quite correct. This is Princess Ffionnan of the Seelie Court, and most-most noble visitor. Do please excuse her curiosity and lack-lack of knowledge. She is not-not as versed in the ways of the mortal world as I!” Shaeula stuck out her modest chest as she boasted, only for Eri to puncture her pomposity.

“You’re hardly an expert, Shaeula. You’ve just been here a bit longer is all. Your knowledge is a bit biased towards Akio’s tastes and what you’ve done together.”

As the other girls laughed, Hinata-chan finding that especially amusing, her bodyguard, the quiet Kazumi-chan covering her own smile with a hand, Shaeula started to protest. Strolling over, I sat down, as there was a good view of the large projector screen that had been set up so that we could all watch my bro.

“Yeah, you’re always saying something odd, Shaeula.” I teased. “But you’re still adorable.” I turned to Usui-chan. “So yeah, this one’s having her first trip to the Material today. Apparently it was just her as it put that Chinese girl to near-exhaustion moving her over. That slutty fox wanted to come too, but fortunately she missed out. I think she’s still bothering Shaeula’s parents, right?” And my bro’s Astral body is still there, too. At the nod from her, I continued. “So, how was it, Princess? Suitably impressed? Ready to scale up that investment?”

“I have seen many interesting things.” Ffionnan grinned, eyes bright. “Through I still am not quite sure what you mean by watching your brother. He is not here. Some sort of magic mirror? The magic carriage that brought us here was very luxurious, I would like one for my own. And this mansion is rather humble, but it seems high quality…” as she continued talking, I frowned. Humble? Guess she is a Princess after all then, to me this place is a palace! I remembered what Shaeula said, that I would have to help her if Ffionnan caused any trouble, though if it came to that all we had to do was protect everyone, as she would wear out the power that had sent her here quickly if she exerted herself. No, not letting that happen. If my bro comes home to a trashed house and injured friends and girlfriends he’d be devastated…

“All right then.” Dad spoke loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. “I believe it is due to start, so if we could all be paying attention?”

The projector was turned on, and suddenly the screen lit up. Ffionnan clapped her hands in amusement, watching keenly, and I settled down to watch too, eager to see just what my bro would say, and how he’d look, in front of the world…

********

“So, you’ve stated in a prior interview that your ideal man is Oshiro Akio, the hero of Britain. Won’t your fans be heartbroken to hear that, Kanzaki-chan?” one of the presenters asked, and I rolled my eyes. I knew it was going to be this, when I read that magazine article back in Nishimorioka.

“Oh no, my boy Aki is so sinful, charming idols now!” mom gushed, embarrassing me, and auntie too. “Ai, do you think Aki will scoop her up as well?”

“It’s a dangerous thing to say…” Suzu-chan said suddenly, her blue eyes hard. “Even a hint of a relationship is taboo to idols. That’s why I’m always pure and without any scandals!”

“Sure, that’s why you’re squatting in Aki’s spare house.” Shiro snorted. “But whatever, that’s good. I don’t want you bothering Aki.”

“Yeah, now I’m pissed off.” Yasu-san complained. “You know how I love the forty-eight! We’ve seen them in Akiba a number of times, right? You get it, right Shugo-kun?”

“Don’t rope me into it.” He protested.

As the idol, who was pretty, if not my favourite from that particular group continued calling my bro a classic Japanese hunk, which even made me blush, I looked to see Eri grinding her teeth. If she was in her cute cat form, she’d be lashing her tail, ears flat against her skull…

“I prefer Red and White.” Kana-chan said sourly, and Hisano-chan agreed.

“Yasu-kun, please stop being embarrassing. I don’t think that an idol is anything special, compared to the girls here already. Besides, it’s just all talk. Suzu-san here…” she frowned, not being overly comfortable at calling a girl she didn’t know by her first name, though the blonde girl wouldn’t give any family name so we had no choice. “…is right. It’s just a talking point. No, it might be true, but if she did start dating anyone, never mind someone as suddenly high profile as Akio-san, it’d be the end of her career. Male idol fans are ruthless.” She shuddered.

“Maybe so…” Hayato-san said, thinking. “We’re…” he looked at the other adults in the room and changed his phrasing. “…people with slightly more niche hobbies than others, so we know how trashy the most rabid otaku can be, but do you think Akio-kun would stand for that now? I think he’d hit back. But…”

As they discussed the idol, she continued to talk up my bro, before the moment we had all been waiting for arrived, as my bro and the woman who was Shiro’s friend, Arisu-san, came out. I wasn’t the only one surprised.

“Simply gorgeous. That red dress…” dad said, drawing a funny look from mother, forcing him to reply defensively. “It is true. She carriers herself with excellent poise and grace and is unmistakably beautiful. You agree, Junpei, Izumi-san?” The two men were smart enough to feign disinterest, and I held in a giggle at seeing a slightly different side of dad.

“Yeah, Arisu is insanely beautiful. Not as good as me…” Shiro grinned, stretching, her slim yet buxom body in her tight t-shirt making me think my bro was a lucky dog. “But then, aside from Tsukiko, who is? She doesn’t lose to anyone else, and being honest, her attitude makes her ten times hotter. Nobody does ice queen like she does.”

“Should you be talking about her like that, boss?” Suzu-chan laughed. “If she hears you she’ll get mad. Besides shouldn’t you have eyes for someone else?”

“True.” Shiro agreed, but it was the young-looking Keomi-chan who spoke first. She was accompanied as always by the silent Hotene-san, the two of them having become closer since their near-death experiences in Kyoto.

“Big brother Akio-kun looks handsome, right Kana-chan?” she gushed cheerfully. “I bet you noticed, you’re always looking at him. How far have you gone, have you kissed?”

I’m glad she’s largely recovered. I hear Haru-chan helped with her light. She’s not here today, apparently she had work. A shame, I like her a lot… Kana-chan obviously felt the same for her cousin, as despite her annoyed expression, I could see happiness in her brown eyes. “Of course I’ve kissed…” she looked at her parents, face a little red. “I’m not a little girl. Next you’ll be asking me if I’ve held hands…”

“I’m jealous, Kan-Kan.” One of the sisters with her said, using a cutesy nickname, and one that I was going to love teasing her with later, and judging by the expression on Eri’s face, she had the same idea.

“Yes, me too.” The other sister agreed. They looked like high schoolers as well, my age maybe, or a year younger perhaps. Not bad looks either, and very similar, if not twins, then certainly they could pass for them. “We missed out on all the fun at the start, since you picked Keomi-chan. But now we get to take part. Us Shirohebizumi shrine maidens have to stick together!”

“You only did it as a part time job…” Kana complained. “Besides, it wasn’t all fun and games.” As the introductions on the TV were continuing, Kana sighed. “Yeah, I’ll be honest, he looks really good dressed up like that. I always said I would have a rich, hot older guy to take care of me. I got all that, Izumi Kana keeps her word.”

“Shame about the other girls, eh Kan-Kan? But what can you do?” the first sister giggled again, before she was shushed, as the next question was asked of my bro and Arisu-san.

“Their relationship, huh?” I said, into a sudden silence. There was a tension in the air, especially from Shiro, who was watching intently.

“We’re good friends. Arisu-san and I are simply that.” My bro said, and as Arisu-san agreed, though making it sound colder than it was, Shiro relaxed.

“Damn, worried for a moment there. I don’t know what I’d do if Aki decided to say he liked her then.”

“Why?” Eri said acerbically. “I thought you were on my side at first, not wanting to share, but now you go along with all of Shaeula’s schemes.” At those words Hinata-chan snorted a laugh, and Eri looked at her until the younger girl looked away, flushed. “That’s suspicious too.” Eri continued. “So, I’d have thought you’d have been pushing for her. I have to admit she’s beautiful, and very talented too, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, you’d think.” Shiro agreed. “It’s not that I love sharing, but… I have no choice, do I? He’d never get rid of you for me, would he Eri? Let alone the others. So if I have to share, I’m going to take pride in sharing the best there is. But Arisu… uh, I’m confident I can hold my own against anyone, but if Aki was interested in her… she’d have him eating out of her hands in no time.”

“That’s a cute side of you we don’t often see.” The quiet girl wearing glasses, Hina-chan said, amused.

“Yeah, I know it doesn’t suit me.” Shiro pouted. “But… oh well, I think we’re safe!”

The adults were drinking, and when dad wasn’t looking I snagged a beer. Mom and auntie saw and merely smiled at me, urging me to be sensible, and I cracked the ring pull, taking a swig. Bitter. But not totally unpleasant. Besides… other than final exams, I’m a free Tokyo adult now! I deserve a beer.

There were the usual safe questions about Akio’s girls next, and he freely admitted to eleven. That made my dad sour, and he wasn’t the only one, uncle and auntie looking a touch aggrieved, but they were resigned to it now, at least, and despite their grumbles, so long as Eri was happy, we all knew they’d support us.

“I see everyone is accounted for. No surprises then?” dad asked, having been through it just as we had.

“Not for now, we had a talk with Akio last night.” Motoko-chan said. She was sitting very properly in seiza, as was Natsumi-chan beside her, though Hinata-chan was much more relaxed, legs lounging out much like how I was sitting. “He will properly consider his own feelings, the feelings of others, and our feelings, without letting his misconceptions about things like arrangements and political gain sway him.”

“Yes, he should pick from the heart.” Natsumi-chan agreed, though her face was red.

“Last night, huh?” I said, looking at Hinata-chan. “While I was out at an important event, you were… you did, right?”

Hinata-chan nodded, giggling. “Yes, I am the same as the others now. Except for poor Kana and Tsukiko. Though Akio will open his arms at any time.”

“It’s a great failure as a bodyguard.” Kazumi-chan spoke up ruefully. “I should have died rather than allow Hinata to be deflowered before her marriage, but…”

“Oh, stop being so dramatic. That only applies when I don’t have parental consent. Even the Three Grandfathers wouldn’t criticise me. Besides, you know I’m going to marry Akio. From now on, you’ll stay by my side as always. Though you might need to look away a few times.” She flushed a rosy pink with a radiant smile.

I rolled my eyes. Yeah, Hinata-chan is totally cute, funny and rich. No wonder my bro wanted to do her. But… it makes me feel a bit awkward, since she’s younger than me. Oh, come to think of it, Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan are too. They don’t feel it though, unlike Hinata-chan…

I was then snapped out of my thoughts by an incredibly rude question from the male host, accusing my bro of twisting the laws to favour himself. I wasn’t the only one who was angry.

“That’s rubbish.” Karen-chan said. “And I would know. The amount of work I’ve put in even though I’m not a part of the Ministry… sure, some of the terms are favourable, but not just to Akio-kun, but for all the Chosen. There’s only one thing he did through true self-interest…” she looked over at the girls.

“Yes, even the agreement to protect listed Territories does not-not benefit Akio, in fact it is quite-quite the hindrance.” Shaeula agreed. “With our strength and numbers we could easily defeat most-most Territories we come across. As for what you mean, Karen… that is not-not self-interest, but merely Akio trying to please us.”

“And you think that’s not self-interest?” Karen-chan exclaimed, and I agreed with her. Yeah, you’ll never convince any of them, Karen-chan. Best let it go.

“Don’t let them bully you, Karen-chan.” Yasu-san said gallantly, though for some reason it made my eye twitch in annoyance. “I agree. Akio-kun’s a selfish dog! Eleven! Eleven! Why, I…” he launched into a long rant about unfairness, though he did at least pepper it with a number of compliments for Karen-chan, which made her smile a little.

“So, I think Akio-kun needs to…” he paused, realising that a great deal of girls, including his cute cousin, were glaring daggers at him.

“I guess you’d better shut up now, Yasu-kun.” Aimi-chan said, handing him a glass of whiskey. “Shut up and have a drink, and you can flirt with Karen-chan later, if you enjoy humiliation. Sorry about him. Again.” She winked at Karen-chan, who laughed and took her own glass of amber alcohol.

“It’s not terrible to get a bit of attention.” Karen-chan snickered. “But my standards are pretty high. Everyone who knows Akio-kun thinks the same nowadays. Comparisons are the enemy of joy.”

“This interview has raised some interesting points.” Kana-chan’s dad said, frowning. “I’ve never had a proper explanation of just how these Gods choose. Now my Kana is a Chosen…” the girl in question nodded proudly. “…and I believe your daughter is the same. It seems unusual.”

“Father!” Kana-chan said, annoyed. “Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. There’s a reason we don’t much talk about it. You should be thankful Akio thinks so much of me he’s willing to help me out. It wasn’t easy, and…” she swallowed, nervous. “…I know it’s a heavy responsibility. But I took it knowing that. I’m sure you’re the same, right Aiko-chan?”

“Wow, yeah one hundred percent, Kana-chan! I’m not sure why we weren’t Chosen in the first place, but my bro can work miracles. As for there maybe being a second wave…” I glanced at Shiro, figuring the fiery girl inside her would know. She didn’t disappoint.

“Nope, those who missed out won’t get another chance, barring intervention from someone like Aki. It’s a once and done thing.” Shiro said confidently, no doubt what she had heard from Tan. “But even without a Favour, that’s not the end, is it? Everyone here knows Aki’s Chirurgery and training can make the ordinary extraordinary.”

“Yes, Ichika…” Shaeula said to the nervous girl beside her. “I believe you should stop-stop avoiding my kindness and accept the Chirurgery as well. And since you do so worry about your finances but are too-too stubborn to accept more money from me, you should work for us too. Even if it is only when you can spare the time.”

“I second that, Konoe-chan!” Yasu-san agreed. “It’d be good to have more beautiful girls around the place that aren’t Akio-kun’s harem. It’d soothe my soul, and you’ll solve your money worries, it’s a win-win!”

“Oh do be silent.” Shaeula pursed her lips. “If you scare Ichika off-off I shall be most displeased. Ignore the fool…” Shaeula continued. “I am your friend, I would not-not do you wrong.”

“It’s very lively.” Ffionnan said, and Asha, who had been quiet as usual, nodded.

“Yes, it does take a little getting used to, but then it was just as loud and ribald during the celebration at the Spring.”

“So, Arisugawa-san is lying? Though her answer on income disparity and the inherent unfairness of life was brilliant. I know that well.” dad complained. “If that is the case, then does that not mean that eventually these new gifts will dwindle away to nothing? Is that not a disaster?”

“Yeah, the idea is to end up with only one or a handful remaining.” Shiro said sadly. “Aki’s laws and planning is all geared towards either preventing that, or making sure it’s us that ends up as the last group standing. Which is why I’m so pissed off at those jerks interviewing him. Arisu must be about ready to murder them. She’s not known for her patience.”

“Does that mean that there’s a chance for my little Eri?” auntie Hana asked, and Eri sighed.

“Come on mother, are you as much of an idiot as those interviewers?”

“Don’t talk to your mother like that…” she snapped, but Eri refused to back down.

“I will if you keep being stupid. Divine Favours don’t just fall out of the sky. But if Akio finds one that’s suitable, or even can be suitable with a little work…” Kana-chan nodded at that, looking proud. “…then of course he’ll give it to me. Or Hinata-san, or maybe even one of his friends, or you other shrine maidens. Maybe even you, mother, if it fits. The point is, it’s one in a hundred thousand, and Chosen die every day.”

“Even me?” auntie said, surprised.

“It makes sense.” The Seelie Princess Ffionnan mused. “Consider it like treasure.” She grinned, running a hand through her tinkling hair. “When you find a beautiful treasure, do you let it lie where it is discovered, or do you take it, keep it close, and if you must give it away, wouldn’t you hand it to friends, family, a lover? He is a pragmatic man. It is why I believe we can work together. He’s brought such clashing personalities as Primal Forest, that weasel Shaetanao and the inscrutable Morioth together, to say nothing of me… it seems this mortal is quite the fool, annoying his betters. In the Court, he would be hung on the great Tree at the centre of the Court, to repent his sins. That or his head would be spiked on the Twilight gate as a lesson to rude idiots.”

I wasn’t the only one to laugh at that, and it lightened the dark mood. “Look, auntie. You should know by now my bro is thinking of the best for everyone. But he’s always going to put us first. Everyone here is either family, a friend or an ally…” I looked at Ichika-chan. “…so stop being silly and accept Shaeula’s kindness. My bro’s a soft touch and I know he sees you as a friend too. So anyway… yeah, we know what’s really going on. The public might be fooled by Arisu-san’s words, but we have our own expert. This was a lottery, the prizes are already given out, by my bro, Shaeula and the others have found a way to gather up some lost and discarded prizes, and even create their own. So we’re all lucky.”

“Well said.” Dad praised me, draining his glass of whiskey. “I do not find everything Akio has done praiseworthy, but his loyalty to family and friends is hard to fault.” Wow, dad praised you again, bro! There’s one for the history books. No, I suppose it is happening more often.

“I hardly find that a thing to be surprised over.” The fairy Ffionnan said, an expression of puzzlement on her face. “Is it not natural to grasp what treasures one can, and keep power and wealth for oneself?”

“Mortals are strange creatures, I still-still struggle sometimes.” Shaeula laughed. “They have many rules and obligations, which do not-not make sense to me. Such as their obsession with the solitary nature of their marriage. At least now-now that is done with.” She puffed out her chest, well satisfied. “But in Japan, there is an expectation that greed is not-not encouraged, that the nail which sticks up-up will be hammered down. But Akio is too-too big a nail now, any hammer will be the one to break.”

I nodded. “Yeah, bro has been working hard to make sure. Though he couldn’t have done it without the help of you girls.” I looked at Hinata-chan, Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan. “So thanks. And… thanks to Eri I guess, for being so understanding?”

My best friend frowned, scowling at me, and though she was annoyed, I was happy, as Eri showing her open feelings in front of so many people including some she didn’t know well was something I could barely have imagined a few months ago. “Sure, I’m a very understanding girl. I hope when you finally get a boyfriend, Aiko, he’s just like Akio!”

As we bickered, my bro and Arisu-san continued to talk. When bro was asked his type, everyone froze, eyes sparkling, only for Arisu-san to deliver a withering putdown. Mom burst out laughing, as did I, and everyone else had to chuckle.

“Damsel in distress, huh? I don’t think that’s entirely true.” Kana-chan said. “I mean, sure, he did save me from trouble a few times, but…”

“No, I think she’s got my bro pegged.” I chortled, highly entertained. “He’s always had a bit of a hero complex, ever since he was young and he saved us from that dog. From what I can tell, it’s only got worse since.”

“It’s true.” Ichika-san, the quiet friend of Shaeula said quietly. “He saved me three times now. Twice from thugs, then… he solved all my worries. At the time, I didn’t understand why. I thought it was another trap. I didn’t trust people then, and I thought… why would anyone risk himself for me?” She let out a long sigh, before looking at me and Eri. “At the time, he said he had a childhood friend and a sister who were precious to him, and if they were in the same situation, he wouldn’t want anyone to just walk on by.”

I hoped I wasn’t blushing, but my face felt hot. Meeting Eri’s eyes, we both smiled. Yeah, that’s my bro.

“I mean, I’m glad you weren’t hurt, Ichika-chan…” Yasu-san said. “A cute girl like you is a treasure, we can’t let bastards hurt you.” As Ichika-san looked a little surprised at the compliment, Yasu-san then ruined his momentarily good impression. “But I mean, why always Akio-kun? If I had superpowers, then I’d certainly have stepped in!”

“Oh, would-would you now?” Shaeula grinned, and her eyes had narrowed. Wow, I think you’ve pissed Shaeula off. I’ll say a prayer for you, Yasu-san.

I wasn’t the only one worried, as his cousin, Hisano-chan spoke up. “Yasu-kun, stop being so annoying. It doesn’t matter how strong you are, it’s all about personality. It still has to be scary, fighting…” she looked at Keomi-chan, and the silent Hotene-chan, who looked down, troubled.

“Besides, at the time Akio saved you for the first-first time, Ichika, he was weak. Pathetically so. In fact…” Shaeula grinned at Yasu-san. “You are now stronger than he was then. Even Hisano is. The perfected Chirurgery offers many-many strengthening benefits. Akio did not-not start strong, except for his heart. If you wish to be strong, then simply challenge your limits.”

It was then my bro, bold as brass and quite unlike how he used to be, called out that he’d take someone out on a date tomorrow. Kana flushed red like a tomato, so we immediately knew he meant her. I grinned, and she shrugged, clearly embarrassed but happy. Yeah, that was a smooth, gutsy move bro. Your sis is proud of your growth!

“I’m owed a date! I’m… I’m his girlfriend aren’t I? The most normal one too! We’ll do fun things like go to a café, go shopping, hit an arcade… then maybe do something a bit more adult. Not that!” Her flush deepened, nearly purple now. “He’s getting quite enough of that. No, I’m like a reset, a cooldown for him right now. He needs some girls that aren’t high maintenance!”

“Kana, you’ve finally grown up.” Nagi-san, her mother, smiled fondly. She then turned to my mom and auntie. “It’s a complicated feeling, isn’t it?”

“I can hardly wait until little Ai starts dating. I want Emi to know how we feel!” auntie insisted.

“I’m so jealous!” Keomi-chan squealed. “I want someone to sweep me off my feet too!”

“If you grew up a little and stopped pigging out on cake like a kid you’d probably have more chance.” Kana-chan complained. As the conversation continued, Kana-chan being teased gently, my bro was being asked now about idol groups and similar pointless facts, and I thought back to what we had been talking about before the fun distraction. I’ve heard something important I want to talk about. “Hey, fun as it is teasing Kana-chan, I have a question. If my bro was so weak back then… how did he even beat you, Shaeula?” I asked, and she looked embarrassed.

“I admit it, I too was quite-quite weak.”

“Yes, I had heard you were an arrogant, useless failure.” Ffionnan said unhelpfully. “Rumours are just that, it seems.”

“No, I was useless indeed. I have some-some excuse. My skill, Kin Bonding, it does drain me the more-more kin I hold. And Akio had slain many-many then, Grulgor too. And the Kamaitachi I was given as guards, they were-were the runts of the litter, pathetic in comparison to others, though now-now they have grown, as have we all. But Akio still won me by showing mercy, mercy I would not-not have given in his place. So…”

“I think what Shaeula is trying to say, Yasu-san…” Karen-chan said gently. “…is that being jealous is no good. I get it. It’s easy to look around and see everyone else succeeding, and feel left out. I know it well.” She took a swig of her beer, thinking. “But to say Akio-kun achieved simply because he was given these powers… powers that apparently weren’t that impressive to start with.” She winked at Shaeula who nodded, grinning. “All you are doing is making yourself feel bad. Akio-kun, even if he had no powers, and he saw Ichika-chan getting harassed…”

“He’d have stepped in.” I said, as did Shiro at the same time. We exchanged glances and Eri and Shaeula both agreed. As we talked about my bro’s idiot nature, but one we wouldn’t change, even if Eri and the others worried that would lead to more girls falling for him, I shook my head. Yeah, bro sure is an idiot. But… he’s always thinking of us. It makes me happy.

“I get it. I do!” Yasu-san grimaced. “Akio-kun’s always been like that, I guess. He was even nice to our princess here, when she demanded we work for free. He’s a soft touch. But… man, when we were all single, we could share each other’s pain. Hayato-kun was always going to get a girl, though I never knew he’d scoop up cute Hina-chan. But Shugo-kun and Akio-kun… I feel betrayed!”

“That’s why you don’t have a girlfriend.” Hisano-chan sighed. “Girls can smell desperation. If you just relaxed and were more confident in yourself, then you’d be fine. I mean, you’ve got a stable job now, and everyone here is someone important, right?”

“I’m being lectured by my cousin. You’ve changed too…” Yasu-san said. “Everyone who comes into contact with Akio-kun does, it seems. Don’t be getting any ideas though, Hisano-chan! I won’t let Akio-kun have you!”

“I’ve not changed. It’s Kana-san who has changed.” She muttered, but Kana-chan shook her head.

“No, I’ve not changed at all. I’ve always been this way. The difference is you don’t feel threatened or inferior to me anymore, Hisano-chan. You’ve finally realised you’re somebody too. Somebody who has worth and others value.”

“See, Kana-chan here agrees with me, you’ve changed Hisano-chan! I’m not sure if it was for the better though. I like the shy cute Hisano-chan who stayed away from boys and only talked to me…”

As she rolled her eyes at his stupidity, the questions on TV had moved on. Shiro was glaring daggers at those who questioned Arisu-san’s evidence of betrayal, and her eyes sparkled as my bro shot that down fast. There was just one issue though…

“My bro is totally giving Kanzaki-chan the wrong idea. I don’t think he even means to.” I sighed, rubbing at my head. “Aren’t my bro’s mental stats like thousands? Why does he keep making the same mistake?”

“From what we understand, Resilience tries to stop personality change as much as possible. Otherwise people would become someone else as their thoughts sped up, changing day by day, week by week.” Shiro said. “Obviously there are still changes, but the core remains the same.”

“Yes, that’s why Akio is still himself. Though people can still change. Through experience. And these past few months, we’ve all had a lot of amazing experiences. And there’s more to come. For years and years and years. For forever, maybe.” Eri said, and auntie nodded, tears in her eyes, looking at her fondly.

“My little Eri has become so strong and mature.”

The atmosphere was lighter after the tense questions for Arisu-san, so we watched as he talked about Princess Eleanor and Princess Mikasa. The quiet Tsukiko-chan then spoke. “The Princesses of the Six Paths. Two sit here, and two more he knows. Two more to come. I can hardly believe it. When I received the visions of those who must be protected, one of them my very own dear friend, I felt despair. The chances of survival, of averting disaster were so slim, yet…”

“Yet Aki’s gathering us all up, and crushing our problems. Must be rough though. I know you’re wondering just when Yukiko is going to fall for Aki too.” Shiro glanced at Eri. “Our bossy childhood friend here knows Aki better than anyone, and she worries over it too.”

“Forget about that!” Keomi-chan said loudly, eyes bright. “Whoa, amazing! Big brother Akio-kun can do that? Look, Hotene-chan, that’s so amazing!” Everyone paid attention to the screen, where my bro was creating an illusion of Kanzaki-chan, one that could even talk. The voice sounds off though…

“Yeah, that’s like totes super amazing.” Sana-chan said. I didn’t really know the girl, but she was apparently the daughter of one of my bro’s workers. She was in full on gyaru fashion, which was a step beyond the gal fashion of Rika-chan and Yae-chan, but she didn’t look terrible. Not my scene at all though. Bro would have a fit if I did my makeup like that. Dad would kill me too… “Don’t you think so, Karen-chan?” she finished.

Seems like they are quite close. An odd combination. “Nothing Akio-kun does surprises me anymore.” Karen-chan agreed. “But that’s us, we know him. I think the watching public, they’ll be amazed. But…” she frowned. “…not everyone is pleased. Some of the questions have been a bit pointed, the way that interviewer brought up his ethnicity… it’s something that those who don’t like Akio-kun will latch onto.”

Yeah, bro’s pretty mad, now I see it… I narrowed my eyes, just as the presenter was annoying again, and my bro lost his patience, brilliant light shining on the screen.

“And he’s still a little careless.” Karen-chan sighed, watching. “Getting provoked like that. Power is strange and frightening. We only trust it because we know him, and we know you all.” she glanced at the girls fondly. “But say it wasn’t Akio-kun there, but some unknown man… and thinking there are others like that out on the streets…”

“Yes, it’s terrifying.” Ichika-chan agreed. “I’m not the bravest person, but… if any man with bad intentions can do that… how could we ever feel safe again?”

“All the more reason to not-not be foolish and accept my offer.” Shaeula pressed her. “Ichika, grow alongside us, gain the strength to allay your fears.”

“It’s why we’ve moved. Though we can’t abandon the shrine either. Thankfully.” Kana-chan said, glad the teasing my bro’s declaration to the world had caused was swept away by these distractions. “But I’ve seen the plans. In fact, I have to work on them.” She laughed, a touch self-deprecatingly. “The Favour of Kṣitigarbha is really well-suited for working underground. And it has good synergy with Grulgor. Oh well… the faster we build the underground tunnel between here and Shirohebizumi the better, I suppose. Though I’m scheduled to work on the factory first. Ixitt sure is bossy.”

“I am proud of you, Kana.” Her father said, and he looked it. “You have finally grown up, and are acting like an adult. Though it is early for you to have a job, I would have liked you to finish your education first…”

“I’m not going to be too mature. If I’m not fun, flighty Kana, then Akio will be confused. But yeah, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Akio’s too hard to go after, so we’d be the next logical targets. It’s happened before. I may be a Chosen, but I’m not that good at combat. I’m hardly helpless, but…”

“Yes. That is why we must all-all grow stronger.” Shaeula declared again. “Akio believes there are likely others out there that rival him. Not including such as yourself, Princess.” She nodded at Ffionnan, who shook her head.

“I am no weakling. But that light… it is strong and fast. I would be injured, certainly. Though against such brutes as Duke Formor, or those with impossible power such as the Queen…”

“Yes, I am not-not convinced there will be many that rival Akio in the mortal world, but it is far-far better to be humble than arrogant.” Shaeula said, which caused a few of us to look at her disbelievingly. “It is true!” she continued defensively. “Hence why we are talking all possible measures. But we all-all owe it to Akio to do our best. I shall not-not tolerate being his weakness, and those that wish to walk alongside him must understand that. Mistakes have been made…” Keomi-chan and Hotene-chan looked upset, and Shaeula moderated her tone. “I do not-not blame you, no more than Akio does. But we must-must learn from that failure. We have learned. We have the capacity to grow. There are more avenues yet to exploit. Be it Chirurgery, Cultivation…” Daiyu smiled at that. “…levelling, learning new elements, improving skills, better equipment… wealth and security.”

“I believe that learning martial arts would be advisable.” Motoko-chan agreed. “I would be more than happy to teach everyone Tsumura…” Her eyes narrowed suddenly, the words the presenter on screen was speaking cutting her off. What the hell? You can’t say that to my bro? You bastard!

“Such shocking insolence.” Ffionnan observed. “Should you be allowing a commoner to slander your chosen consort that way?”

Shaeula shook her head, amber eyes narrowed coldly. “No, we should not-not. Hinata…”

“I know. That worthless fool. I will crush him and FujiTV too to make a point. I don’t care how much it costs, nobody gets away with talking about Akio like that!”

“Please calm down.” mom said. “I hate seeing my Aki being accused like that. It’s not a fair question, but… honestly, do you think that the public won’t think the same thing? People are shallow. That said, I do approve of teaching that jerk a lesson!”

“Way to lose my respect there mom.” I sniggered. “But yeah, what’s so wrong with getting paid for helping people? The rich always get more, that’s just the way of the world.”

“Arisu-chan is very angry.” Suzu-chan giggled, watching, her blue eyes guileless and entertained. “He’s poked the hornet’s nest, right boss?”

“Yeah, the fact that they are live on TV is probably the reason she’s not crushed him to a bloody mess. No, that’s not fair.” Shiro amended. “Arisu has calmed down a little lately, now her situation has improved. But not enough to get me to risk angering her.”

“I have to take this call.” Hinata-chan said, her phone ringing. My bro had said he was calling someone, and it seemed like it was Hinata-chan. “Those jerks.” Hinata cried after picking up. “Grandfather will be complaining to the station, I’ll get grandfather Itsuki to as well! The sheer nerve of them!”

“Calm down.” Natsumi-chan said, as did her silent bodyguard Kazumi-chan. That was echoed by mom and Karen-chan, as well as Usui-san, who was merely enjoying some good alcohol, watching us silently, letting her hair down after a hard day at work. “There’s no point getting angry. They can hear us…” Natsumi-chan pointed at the TV, and Hinata-chan blushed. Damn she’s cute. Even cuter today. My bro may be snatching young girls, but at least he’s got good taste…

“We’re viewers too, we can write in and complain, right?” Yasu-san was saying, annoyed. “Shugo-kun, Hayato-kun, you’re with me, right? Aimi-chan, Hina-chan… we’ll write a complaint letter so furious the heavens will tremble!”

As Hisano-chan tried to calm him down, I smiled. They are friends after all. I’m glad to know even my bro managed to make good ones when he left home. My bro was speaking on TV, and Hinata was listening intently.

“I’ll do that.” Hinata-chan promised. “And quickly too, I don’t want to miss anything. Arisugawa-san is rather fiery. I almost feel sorry for those fools. Not that it’ll stop me destroying them. Oh… by the way, Kana says she’s embarrassed at you calling out to her on live TV, but she definitely wants that date.”

“I do, but… please, everyone can hear! I’m dying! How will I manage at school tomorrow?” Kana-chan cried out.

“Love you! Goodbye!” Hinata-chan said cheerily, before turning to her bodyguard. “Kazumi, you know where those documents are? I moved copies of everything useful to the mansion in advance. I guess I’m far-sighted.” she boasted proudly.

“Yes, I know. I’ll get them.” As Kazumi-chan raced off, Hinata-chan was bombarded by curious gazes. Meanwhile, Arisu-san was crushing the presenter to a bloody mess, verbally, at least.

“I would have warned him…” Suzu-chan giggled. “She’s really angry.”

“So, what are you talking about?” Eri asked, curious. “What documents does Akio want?”

“It’s simple.” Hinata-chan shrugged. “Akio’s a soft-hearted man. I don’t hate it, I do sometimes wish he’d be a little more selfish though. Why do you think he’s making money? The first reason is obvious.” Hinata looked at me, and then at Eri and our families. “He wants you to have a good life, comfortable, able to do whatever you want. He’s achieved that.”

“Yes, I feel ashamed taking support from my son, but… Akio was right. It does not matter who achieves the goal, so long as the family is protected.” Dad praised my bro again. Maybe you should say it to his face more? Wow, no, that’s not it. I’m guessing he can say it because bro isn’t here. Men.

“So then, what’s the second reason? It’s simple.” Hinata-chan asked.

“Territory, of course.” Shiro muttered. “It’s like your shrine, right Kana?”

Kana-chan nodded. “Yeah, it’s become a lot easier to train there ever since we signed it over to Akio. So… he wants to consolidate as much of the land under his Territory as possible.”

“Because as the Territory improves, it becomes ever more integrated with what we see as reality.” Shiro pointed out, and I was once more impressed by her knowledge. Tan’s knowledge, I guess. Really, I don’t get how that works, sharing a body… especially since Shiro seems a bit like Eri and Shaeula, eager to jump my bro at every opportunity…

“So yes, he needs the money, but it’s hardly greed.” Hinata-chan said as Kazumi-chan returned, having faxed over the documents. “So of course, being kind-hearted, yet also not an idiot, who knows there’s a limit, he planned to offer healing to those in need, every time he did it for gain. To soothe his conscience. Of course, this was planned back when everything was still secret, but now it’s out in public…”

“Yeah, shit. It’s why I can’t stay mad at Akio-kun, despite the fact he’s rubbing my face in his conquests.” Yasu-san sighed. On TV, Arisu-san was ruthlessly crushing the anchors, while Kanzaki-chan, the famous idol, was clapping and smiling. Ugh, I thought she was putting on an act before, but I’m seriously worried she might be won over by my bro now. Wait, why am I worried? I’m the only one who gets to enjoy this! There’s one more thing though…

“Cheer up.” Karen-chan said. “Comparing yourself to Akio-kun is like poor workers like me comparing myself to Hinata-chan here. That way lies disappointment, as I said earlier, it’s just the thief of joy. Although…”

“Yes, I think you get paid pretty decently, Karen-chan.” Sana-chan laughed. “Even my deadbeat dad has totes changed. He thinks he can move to a new place soon, one that doesn’t totes stink of sad and lonely.”

“Company housing.” Hinata-chan laughed. “Factory first, then securing the Shrine and this estate. After that, the next construction problem is knocking down the old buildings on the land my grandfather bought and building clean, modern housing complexes. So yes, no sad and lonely, only nice, clean and environmentally pleasant. After all, we can’t be upsetting our Dryad, or other Fae visitors, can we?”

“I appreciate it. Akio promised he would make the world bloom, both worlds.” Asha touched her belly, and mom’s eyes sharpened. Uh…

“Oho, I smell a profit.” Ffionnan rubbed her hands together gleefully, golden hair beads and ornaments clinking.

“Yeah, you’re a wise woman, Karen-chan.” Yasu-san said. “So… uh, you like… well…”

“Spit it out.” Shugo-san laughed.

“So, you fancy a drink after this? My treat.” Yasu-san said, and Karen-chan looked him up and down.

“You know I’m a Christmas cake, right? Past my best.” she said, a touch of irritation in her tone.

“That’s not true.” Yasu-san shook his head. “I think you’re a bit down on yourself too, Karen-chan. Look in the mirror. You’re still damn hot. Your rack is something special… uh…”

“Trust Yasu-kun to blow it at the end there.” Aimi-chan laughed, and Hina-chan pushed her glasses up, frowning.

“Yes, though somehow that’s reassuring. Besides…” she narrowed her eyes, as Karen-chan was silent, before her frown turned into a smile.

“You know, you are Akio-kun’s friend. When I used to stand outside my flat after work, his eyes would always stray to my chest, and I’d catch him blushing as he saw my bra through it. It was kind of cute. Now… well, who can compete with what he already has?” she laughed. “Honestly, I’m grateful to Akio-kun. He saved me in the worst times of my life. Guess I’m a damsel in distress too. But I’m also a realist.” She chugged her beer. “I’m happy on the side-lines. I want to see how this all ends, but unlike you younger girls, I’ve not got the confidence to step in so deeply. So I’ll get my enjoyment from supporting you all. I like my new job, no matter how I grumble, and… it’s not about the money. I get it. Why Arisu-san is ripping that guy to shreds… uh, whoa, that guy’s a moron. Trying to blame them for stirring up religious tension after London is just so shitty… anyway, where was I? Yeah… I think Akio-kun’s happiest now he’s finally his true self. Like you said, he’s had a need to be a hero since he’s young. Even his name, right?”

“Yes, I’ve got excellent taste! Akio, bright hero.” Mom said, giggling. “Mothers always know best!”

“Now he gets to fulfil that dream. It’s no wonder girls fall for him, Yasu-kun.” She changed her manner of address for the man. “But not everyone he saves will feel the need to cling to him. And not every girl needs a saviour. I’m past thirty now, but… honestly, when I look in the mirror, I’d believe I was in my early twenties. Chirurgery really is amazing.”

“Yeah, but you have to look good to start with.” Yasu-san said, and unlike normal, he wasn’t being crude. “Sorry about the comment, but… you have a rocking body, you know?”

“Oh god, you were just doing so well…” Aimi-chan covered her face in despair.

“I’m more than just that, I hope.” Karen-chan laughed, seeming not to care. “But it’s nice to be appreciated. I’ve had bad luck with men. So yeah, I could use a drink after this. I’ll let you take me out, Yasu-kun. But bear in mind, I’m not an easy woman. Whether I’m interested in Akio-kun or not, he’s the man who sets the standard.”

“Yeah, I get it. Jealousy’s an ugly thing. But my heart and soul screams out at the unfairness of monopoly. Maybe I’ll start my own harem…” he looked at me then, and winked.

“Eww, no. Dream on.” I scoffed. “Just for that, I’m going to tell my bro Hisano-chan’s a good catch and he should snap her up.” As that girl blushed at my joke, though my keen eyes picked up that her expression was complicated, I turned to Karen-chan. “Sure you should be going on a date with this loser?”

“A date? It’s just two working adults in the same company hitting a bar or two, it happens all the time as adults.” Karen-chan said. “But then, how else do people get to know each other better?”

“I see.” I was about to say more when our attention was back on the TV. “Damn, Arisu-san’s taking over?”

“As well she might. They are finished!” Hinata-chan laughed. “Grandfather texted me. Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama want to tighten our grip on the media anyway. How do we fancy a TV station of our own? Anyone want to be on TV?”

“Oh, me, me!” Suzu-chan laughed, hand raised.

“Seriously though, while we would have to keep some key programming, making it the official channel of Japanese Chosen-related news, propaganda and so forth might just work… so we’ll have more job openings and room for promotion. Maybe you should go for a presenter role, Karen-chan?” Hinata teased. “Though Akio would hate to lose your secretarial skills.”

“No way, I saw her first!” Yasu-san howled. “If she’s on TV, other guys will hit on her!”

As everyone laughed at Yasu-san’s desperation, Shaeula pressed Ichika-san. “You worried about money, and about how-how you could be a friend without giving back. Well, here-here is a chance, no? Your study, it is not-not entirely divorced from such, no?” As Shaeula tried to persuade the reluctant girl, Shiro suddenly looked sick.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concerned, and Shiro pointed at the screen. “Arisu… she… no, there’s no way. No, Shaeula, this is an emergency! Arisu could make a good Fae… she absolutely hates lies. It is what she didn’t say that worries me…”

“I see. Yes, she did not-not reject Akio. Why would she? There is no-no…” Shaeula began, but Shiro cut her off.

“No, you’re totally missing the point here!” Shiro panicked. Eri was grinning broadly, greatly enjoying it, probably relishing Shiro feeling how she felt often, but Shaeula didn’t seem to get it. “Arisu… if she seriously falls for Aki, we’re in trouble! She’s the one woman we shouldn’t be confident about facing! She’s got it all. Looks, charm, intelligence, a great talent… she’s famous… oh damn, I feel sick…”

“Relax, it’s not like you can say anything for certain.” mom said comfortingly, though I did catch the sparkle in her eyes. “She just said she was friends with Aki, didn’t she? And you said she doesn’t lie, so she has no interest right now.”

“Yes, but hasty decisions! That means she’s at least thinking about it!” Shiro shouted, and I thought that if my bro could see her flushed, teary-eyed face right now he’d probably whisk her off to bed straight away. Wow, she’s got a completely different expression to normal. It’s the gap. The gap makes it cute.

“Bad luck, boss. I’ll have to cheer for you both!” Suzu-chan laughed unhelpfully, sucking on another lollipop, enjoying the chaos. On TV they had moved into talking about some basic Chosen stuff, like types of monsters, which would have riveted me before, but now I had experienced it myself I wasn’t that interested.

“Do you think this is the right format for this?” Hinata-chan asked, and Tsukiko-chan answered.

“The time for secrecy is passed. Now it is all about managing it. Is that not why you are considering taking this TV station for your own?”

“That and to crush those idiots that slandered Akio.” Hinata admitted. Behind us the arguments between Eri, Shaeula and Shiro was intensifying, while Yasu-san was cosying up to Karen-chan, flattering her outrageously. Most of the others were enjoying the chaos, while others were watching the TV. I glanced over at it, the talk show winding down. For us, it’s just been a fun TV show, seeing my bro and Arisu-san… but I wonder how the public will take it? I hate seeing people talk shit about my bro, but I’m not enough of an idiot to believe that there won’t be haters and trolls.

“For me, I am disappointed I never got to speak about the charity concert more. A… friend of mine is appearing. I would ask that you, the viewers, look forward to it, but be gentle. She believes herself a shining star of the idol world, but reality is often cruel.” Arisu-san said, and Suzu-chan opened her mouth in surprise.

“Boss, boss, stop fighting! Arisu-chan’s telling everyone I’m a shining star! And to watch me!”

“Yeah, I think… that’s not quite right.” Shiro said quietly. “But now I’m even more worried. Arisu would never have said that before. Ugh, my head hurts…”

It was then Kanzaki-chan dropped a bombshell that froze everyone. “Oh my, now I’m curious!” mom said, and I shook my head. Yeah, way to be unhelpful mom. That’s one question that should never be asked…

My bro’s girls froze. Sure, Tsukiko-chan didn’t seem too concerned, nor did Asha, who was touching her belly again. The others, however… yeah, I can see sparks flying. Eri’s particularly competitive about this, Kana-chan too…

Fortunately, it was Arisu-san who came to the rescue again. Her quip about the destructive power of my bro’s girls if they all got pissed off was too close to home, and Shaeula was first to laugh, and soon the tension died down as we all giggled happily.

“Close call there.” Hayato-san said. “See, Yasu-kun, harems are more trouble than they’re worth. Best stick to one good woman. That should be enough for you.”

“I guess so.” He muttered. “I’d stay out of it if I was you, Hisano-chan.” he said to his younger cousin, who snorted, amused and slightly peevish.

“It’d be fine. I’d know I wasn’t the prettiest, I’m not a fool. But don’t worry, I was only teasing you because you were being annoying. I’m indebted to Akio-san for giving me confidence, that’s all…”

As everyone talked, my bro asked Kanzaki-chan if she could get me backstage at an AKB48 concert, and my eyes lit up. I knew it bro, you’re the best!

As the credits rolled, I looked around the room, at everyone who had been brought together by my bro. There were our families, bro’s harem, his friends, those he’d helped… Yeah, this was fun. And I get it. This is what bro wants to protect, what motivates everything he does. And me… I want to protect it too. And now I can. I’m here, standing beside him at last.