CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: GEEZER

Toshio Perspective

Beginning of June, Friday

I was airborne, soaring through the skies on a private jet, my heart racing with anticipation and maybe just a hint of anxiety. The faint hum of the engines was a comforting backdrop as I leaned back in my plush seat, staring out at the endless expanse of blue below.

I was heading to Kumamoto to find the sword master my old sensei had mentioned—an opportunity to refine my skills and learn from someone who could teach me a distinct sword style.

I was flying by plane because one, it was far. Two, I wanted travel records just in case. Three, I wanted to see the travel pass Grayfia gave me when we set up my bank account in action. It basically let me travel anywhere I could pay for within Japan even though I was a minor. Very convenient.

I thought back to Akeno, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief just a few hours before. When I’d reminded her about my trip, the way her face had fallen for a moment tugged at my heartstrings.

She pouted, her lower lip jutting out in that adorable way I’d come to recognize, and before I knew it, I was lost in thought about how much I’d miss her this weekend. Sure, we’d gone on countless dates since I’d kissed her beneath the stars, but the thought of leaving her behind felt heavier than I expected.

"Are you sure you can’t change your plans?" she’d asked, her voice light but with an underlying hint of disappointment. I had assured her this trip was important, and she’d quickly shifted to a supportive mode, promising me all the fun she’d have while I was away. It was a testament to her character—always the playful temptress, but also a genuinely caring person who wanted me to succeed in my journey.

I remembered how she always greeted me in the morning with a hug and a kiss, regardless of whether Rias was watching or not. Just thinking about it sent a thrill down my spine. I could still feel the warmth of her body pressed against me, and I chuckled softly at how she’d take every opportunity to sit a little too close to me.

I was grateful for those fleeting moments of intimacy, playful banter, and the tentative touches that seemed to ignite a fire between us both.

But there was a part of me that hesitated, a nagging tension hovering in the back of my mind. I had a strong desire to push our boundaries further, particularly after what we’d shared that night under the stars and the ORC the day after.

Hell, Shinjūka had encouraged it. But the thought of Rias and her situation weighed heavily on me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that exploring my relationship with Akeno could place me in the middle of something complicated with Rias. Her situation was really difficult as it is. I wanted to be selfish, but I couldn’t bring myself to be, because I cared about her.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed those thoughts aside. I wouldn’t let my worries ruin this trip or my time with Akeno. I had a mission: to find the sword master, see if he’d train me, and return with new knowledge to share with Akeno and the rest of the ORC.

As the plane began to descend, I felt the excitement bubble up within me; I was ready for this next Chapter of my journey, and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited me in Kumamoto.

XXX

Rias Gremory Perspective

It was hard to keep my mind focused as I sat in my study, paperwork strewn across the antique desk like a chaotic battlefield. I was meant to be reviewing contracts for the upcoming week, but all I could think about was Toshio.

His departure this morning had left a strange emptiness inside me that I couldn’t shake, and the more I tried to concentrate, the more I felt a sense of longing and unease creep in.

When I’d seen him and Akeno together in the mornings, in class, at the ORC, the way she’d clung to him, I felt a rush of jealousy. Not of her being with him, but the freedom she had to be able to.

I hated it.

I had done my best to create distance from him since the incident with Ghom, after that conversation with my brother and Grayfia, fearing what would happen if I let my feelings surface. Not afraid of Toshio seeing them, but letting myself feel them. It was most certainly a defense mechanism to protect myself. I couldn’t just be friends with Toshio.

But watching Akeno so freely express her affection, and Toshio responding with a smile that lit up his face that I used to be able to see directed at me, felt like throwing salt on an open wound. I had thought my feelings were under control, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to deny that I wanted him closer to me again.

And yet, the weight of my engagement to Riser hung like a storm cloud, making every thought of pursuing Toshio seem reckless. My brother, and later my father, had made it clear that a relationship with him was unacceptable. Plus he was human, bound to die soon after my life was just beginning.

And as much as I loathed the idea of being bound to a man I didn’t love, my duty as Gremory heiress loomed over me like a shadow, demanding my compliance. I wouldn’t marry Riser, I just didn’t know how to get out of it yet. Luckily I still had time.

I sighed heavily, resting my forehead in my palm. The truth was, I missed him. The laughter, the moments we shared, and even the way he’d looked at me with that simple, honest gaze made my heart ache. I needed to speak to him, to clear the air that had grown thick between us since the day of the incident. But what could I say that wouldn’t endanger him? That wouldn’t make the distance any more awkward? That wouldn’t make me feel even worse?

"Rias?" Akeno’s voice broke through my spiral of thoughts, pulling me back to reality. "Are you alright? You seem... distracted."

I managed a half-hearted smile as I met her eyes. "Just lost in thought. What is it?"

She stepped further into the room to pour me some tea, her expression shifting to mild concern. "You’ve been working for hours without a break. You should probably take a break, otherwise you’ll get wrinkles~," she joked.

"Thank you, Akeno," I replied exasperatedly, pushing the papers aside. "I suppose I could use a break."

The truth was, I couldn’t afford to let myself spiral further down this path of distraction. I needed to focus on my duties, to prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead. But even as I resolved to ground myself, a small part of me yearned for something more than just duty and obligations, something beyond races.

And as I kept thinking about Toshio, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a way to bridge the gap and reclaim the bond we once shared before it was too late.

XXX

Akeno Perspective

The moment before Toshio reminded me that he had to leave for Kumamoto, I felt a strange mixture of excitement and tension at the prospect of another date. I had spent the entire morning daydreaming about our possible plans, imagining all the ways we could explore this new connection we’d forged together. But now, with him away, the emptiness loomed larger than I’d anticipated. I’d never missed a man before. Let alone to this extent. I was already dreading the coming summer break.

I busied myself in the ORC clubroom, trying to keep my mind off him, but every little thing reminded me of our time together. The way he kissed me, the warmth of his hand in mine, the way he seemed to genuinely enjoy our banter—it all played like a beautiful film on repeat in my mind. I wanted to reach out for him, to feel that heat again, but he was miles away.

Rias hadn’t returned yet after stepping out for a contract, which only added to the sense of isolation. I took a seat on the couch, absentmindedly arranging the tea service for when she did arrive. I knew I should probably reach out to her—see how she was feeling about everything—but I couldn’t shake the feeling of tension that had settled between us since Ghom’s death.

When the door finally opened, I looked up, expecting to see Rias. Instead, I saw Kiba, who had donned his usual charming smile. "Hey, Akeno! Would you like to train with me today? I’d like to work on that dodging exercise again."

I nodded, forcing a smile despite the hollowness I felt. "Sure. That sounds good. I’ll try not to zap you too much." I giggled.

"You know Akeno, you’re kinda scary when you say things like that," Kiba said with a sheepish smile.

"As long as you dodge, it won’t be problem now will it?" I gave him my ’innocent’ smile that promised pain if he was too slow. It would be a good distraction.

We sparred on occasion, which was really me just hurling lighting bolts at him to improve his speed, dodging ability, and spatial awareness. We teleported to the underground training facility at the Gremory peerage house.

As we began to spar, I found my thoughts wandering back to Toshio. I missed the way he challenged me, the way he pushed me to explore my own boundaries. And despite our playful teasing, I knew I was ready to fully embrace this connection we shared.

But there was still uncertainty nagging at the back of my mind. I wanted to trust him fully, show him my wings. But a small part of me still couldn’t. What if he reacted poorly? Thought I was a hybrid freak? Another monster like those other fallen angels. That didn’t sound like Toshio at all, but my mind couldn’t give it up.

Physically, I wanted to push things further. Focus on how he felt against me versus how he made me feel inside. But I knew I had to be patient, to give him space while still embracing the playful teasing that had brought us this far.

And wow, he was such a tease. He made me cum a few times just from outright denial. It wasn’t fair!

As the thought struck me, my lightning clipped Kiba’s arm, causing him to grunt in pain. I couldn’t help but feel a thrill go through me, me licking my lips a little.

"Sorry Kiba, but you need to be faster than that~." He reset and recovered quickly, ready for more.

As I played with Kiba, I realized something deeper was also at stake. The tension between Rias, Toshio, and myself wasn’t just a simple love triangle; it was a complicated web of politics and emotions that needed to be navigated carefully.

I could see it in Rias’s eyes, the way she struggled with her own feelings. She wanted to be with him but was denying herself. I respected her even more for it, because I wouldn’t be able to hold myself back.

And yet, I couldn’t help but feel eager for the next time I saw Toshio. I wanted to show him just how much I cared, to remind him that he was never alone in this world. I wouldn’t let fear, uncertainty, or my history hold me back.

As Kiba struck forward for the first time, I quickly dodged his attack, my heart racing with determination. "Let’s see just how far we can push ourselves today," I said with a giggle.

XXX

Kuroka Perspective

I laid on the large lounge chair in the sitting nook above the front door, watching the golden hues of dusk paint the sky through the huge window, and the tranquility of the moment settled around me like a warm blanket.

Yet, beneath that calm surface, my thoughts were a chaotic swirl centered on Toshio. He had told me he designed and built this cat paradise nook just for me. Knowing how much thought he put into made me feel funny things that I wasn’t ready to identify.

And despite his human status, he never ceased to surprise me. He understood I wasn’t just some ordinary cat; in fact, he treated me as an equal—like a roommate, not a pet. Of course, there was no way he knew who I really was.

That’d be impossible. Even my dear Shirone didn’t know what I looked like in cat form. Part of my evidence that he knew was that the furniture in the nook was big enough for a full-grown person to relax, despite the area only allowing a small creature access through a small wall tunnel.

Toshio took care of me, pampering me with delicious food and the chocolates I hoarded like treasure. I couldn’t help but relish those moments when he would cuddle with me at night, his warmth enveloping me, making me feel protected and cherished. It helped that he had a delicious body that was growing by the day. I often peeked when he would be getting dressed. He was impressive in several ways.

What shocked me most was how much I enjoyed it when he kissed the top of my head. The act should have felt repulsive, given that I’d only let my dear sister Shirone ever give me that kind of intimacy. Yet, with Toshio, it felt different. It was endearing in ways I struggled to articulate.

The way he moved through the world, so determined to learn and grow stronger, fascinated me. His magical practice was unlike anything I had ever encountered. He was delving into intricate spells, dabbling in magic more advanced than what I had thought possible, pushing boundaries I had never dared to explore.

I watched him train and experiment with magic in silent awe, and a part of me wondered if he might one day be compatible with senjutsu or touki. The thought sparked a flicker of excitement within me—perhaps I could teach him some of these techniques one day.

I heard a familiar distant ring suddenly. I quickly transformed into my normal form, clothes absent as I continued to lounge in the nook Toshio had built for me.

I answered my interdimensional cell phone.

"Vali, what a surprise, nya. Call for work or pleasure?" I absent-mindedly played with my left nipple, causing it to stiffen.

"Enough, Kuroka. I have a new lead on a new potential member of the team. Bikou the monkey youkai. I need your help recruiting him. He knows Youjutsu like you, so he may see more value joining by being able to learn from you." Vali started, basically demanding it from me.

"I’m leaving tonight to head over to China to see about recruitment. I’ve given Azazel a good enough excuse for him not to question my absence."

"That sounds like an awful lot of work..." I pouted, "don’t you think it would be more fun to make kittens instead?" I half-teased. I had been trying to get Vali to make a move for a while, as he would make very strong offspring. Though I’d given up at this point, it was still fun to tease him.

"No. Meet me at the usual spot." He hung up after that. I sighed. I stood up and stretched my arms up, arching my back, doing interesting things to my boobs I’m sure. Too bad Toshio wasn’t here to see it.

"Duty calls," I grumbled. "But, I think I’ll have some of that delicious chocolate Toshio made just for me before he left," I happily chirped to myself. He was quickly becoming my favorite human.

XXX

Toshio Perspective

I stepped off the bus, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant murmur of nature. Kumamoto was more picturesque than I anticipated, with its rolling hills and clusters of quaint traditional houses. But I had no time for sightseeing. My mind was set on finding Yamamoto Katsunari and learning from him.

I glanced around, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I approached a small group of locals gathered near a vendor selling sweet rice cakes. Their chatter was lively, and I caught snippets of their conversation mingling with the gentle breeze. Clearing my throat, I approached them.

"Excuse me," I began, "I’m looking for Yamamoto Katsunari. Do you know where I might find him?"

The group turned to me, their friendly faces morphing into expressions of interest. One older gentleman with a kindly smile and twinkling eyes stepped forward. "Ah, Katsunari? You mean the old caretaker of Reigando Cave? Just follow the path north from here, and you’ll find it in no time. He’s usually there, tending to the grounds."

"Thank you!" I replied, relieved I didn’t have to search long as I nodded appreciatively to him and the others.

Following their directions, I made my way up the winding path, anticipation bubbling within me. Soon, I caught sight of the entrance to Reigando Cave—a small tourist attraction that seemed to bask in the tranquility of its surroundings. The area felt steeped in history, as though the weight of Miyamoto Musashi’s legacy lingered in the air.

As I approached, I noticed an old man sweeping leaves off the stone pathway. He was lean and weathered, his gray hair wild and unkempt, and his skin tanned from years spent under the sun. His sharp eyes, dark and unreadable, flickered with an odd glint of mirth as I drew closer, and I felt a strange energy radiate from him, despite his apparent frailty.

"Excuse me!" I called out, unsure if he could hear me over the rustling leaves. "Are you Yamamoto Katsunari?"

He paused, setting his broom down and turning toward me with a grin that crinkled the edges of his eyes. "Of course I know him. He’s me!" His voice was gravelly but carried a warm, mischievous undertone.

I snorted at the reference. "I was hoping to find you. My sensei and old dojo master sent me to learn from you as a student."

"Is that so?" He examined me with a scrutinizing gaze, as if weighing my worthiness. "Most come here as tourists. Are you sure you’re not just here to gawk at the place?"

"No, I’m serious," I said, holding out the card my master had given me. "I need to refine my skills and learn a sword style. Basic kendo isn’t enough."

Yamamoto took the card, squinting at it closely, and then looked back at me, the earlier playfulness replaced with a newfound intensity. "Ah, I see," he said, his expression shifting. "You’re one of those students, then. You’ve defeated that young brat, huh?"

I blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

He waved a hand dismissively. "Let’s just say the young buck has a way of sending the best of his students my way. If that kid ever lost a kendo duel to one of his students and they asked for something silly like a sword style, he would send them to me. Here you are."

I couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of honor and confusion. "So... you will teach me?"

Yamamoto scratched his scraggily beard, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "If you can prove you’re worth the trouble, brat. I don’t take on just anyone."

"What do I need to do?" I asked, determination fueling my desire to learn.

His expression turned serious. "Let’s see how you fare in a duel. Think you’re ready for that, brat?"

I nodded without hesitation, adrenaline pumping through my veins. "I’m ready."

"Good," he said, a hint of a smile creeping back onto his face. "Follow me. This will be a fun little test."

As I followed the old man up the steps of Reigando Cave, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This was it—my opportunity to train under someone who was a true sword master. I resolved to limit the reiryoku I’d use, as I didn’t want to hurt the old guy. The dim light filtered through the cave entrance and tree tops. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was stepping into a world filled with history and secrets.

Yamamoto Katsunari paused near the entrance and rummaged through a nearby pile of equipment. I watched him with keen interest, wondering what he would pull out. Then, with a flourish, he lifted two shinai—one for each of us. He tossed one toward me, and I caught it instinctively, feeling the familiar weight settle comfortably in my grasp.

"Now, let’s move outside to the courtyard. I just swept this!" he said, his voice gruff yet jovial. There was an inexplicable energy about him, as if he thrived on the chaos of combat. As we stepped out onto the courtyard, the air felt fresh, charged with the promise of our impending duel.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation rising within me. I gripped the shinai tightly, adrenaline starting to course through my veins. "So, what’s the plan?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite my excitement.

Yamamoto smirked at me, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Let’s see what you’ve got, squirt. Attack me."

I narrowed my eyes at his challenge. Before I moved I used Observe.

{Name: Miyamoto Musashi, Legendary Swordsman

Condition: Physical prime, excited

Threat Level: SSS

Level: ??

Race: Human (Lost Sacred Gear Holder)

Sacred Gear: Sealed Edge of the Immortal Duelist

Descriptive Insight: A relic of an era long past, hiding sharpened steel beneath layers of dust and eccentricity. Though he acts the part of a disheveled hermit—rambling, unbathed, and content to be mistaken for a lunatic—his soul still remembers the rhythm of perfect combat. The Sealed Edge of the Immortal Duelist stores every duel he’s ever survived and improves his abilities accordingly, each movement polished by time into effortless precision. The act makes most overlook him by design. }

My eyes widened once I realized who this was.

"Well shit," I murmured to myself.

"Well, are you just going to stand there gawking, or are you going to attack me?" The old man beckoned me closer, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes as he added, "I don’t have all day! Oh wait, I do!" A hearty laugh escaped him, echoing through the courtyard.

I couldn’t help but smirk at his eccentricity. He might look like a relic of the past, but there was a sharpness to him that seemed to defy his weathered appearance. This was my chance to prove myself. I readied my stance, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Now knowing who he was, I wasn’t holding back.

With a burst of speed that pushed the limits of my physique, I launched myself at him, my shinai slicing through the air with precision. But just as I thought I’d caught him off guard, the old man’s expression sharpened, and he deflected my strike effortlessly, as if I were a child swinging at a dojo master.

"Is that all you’ve got?" he laughed again, his voice booming with a playful challenge. "You’ll have to do better than that!"

A rush of frustration welled up inside me. I couldn’t let him get the better of me so easily. As I pivoted to change my attack angle, I was overwhelmed by an aroma—a pungent mix of sweat and something else that made my stomach churn. I nearly gagged as I realized it was him. My next attack died as my hand shot to cover my nose.

"Damn man, when’s the last time you took a shower?!" I yelled, trying to plug my nose.

The old man paused, a look of genuine contemplation crossing his face. "That’s a good question," he said after a moment, scratching his beard, looking at the sky. Soon after, he shrugged. "Eh, I can’t remember. I never bathe because I don’t want to be caught unawares."

I rolled my eyes, still covering my nose. "Ever heard of deodorant or body spray?"

He chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "What’s the point? I’m not out here to impress anybody or woo women."

With a sigh, I took a moment to gather my focus. I closed my eyes momentarily, channeling my Reiryoku to my nose in a futile attempt to create a filter. It kind of helped. Why hadn’t I thought to do this with Ghom? I really wished there was a wisdom stat I could increase.

Steeling myself, I jumped back to create distance as I prepared for another attack. This time, I would outsmart him and test his speed. I lunged forward again, swinging my shinai with everything I had, shifting my momentum as I darted around him, trying to find an opening. Yet, no matter how fast I moved, he deflected or parried my strikes with impeccable timing, as if he’d already predicted my every move.

In frustration, I activated my runic Shunpo, the air crackling around me as I blurred into motion.

"You’re a quick one, aren’t ya?" he said, widening his eyes a little, but that crazy grin never left his face. Still, the old man didn’t move his feet. No matter how fast I accelerated, I couldn’t land a hit.

Realizing I had to change my tactics, I began to use momentum shift, bouncing around him in a flurry of attacks. It was always exhilarating, but as his arm began to move faster than I could perceive—almost beyond the limits of my trained reflexes—I knew I was in trouble.

With his other hand, he cupped his chin and nodded his head, all while blocking or parrying my every strike. It was absurd!

"Alright, I think that’s enough," he finally said, and before I could brace myself, he struck—one precise jab to my shoulder that I couldn’t even see or register. Pain shot through me as I felt my shinai slip from my fingers, and in the next heartbeat, I was sent sprawling back a couple dozen feet, hitting the stone ground hard, rolling across it.

Dazed, I blinked up at the sky, the world spinning around me as I struggled to regain my bearings. "Damn it," I muttered, rubbing my shoulder where he’d hit me. This wasn’t how I’d imagined my first encounter with a legendary swordsman would go.

As I pushed myself up, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and determination. I had to get back up, to prove that I was worthy of this training. "Is that all you’ve got, old man?" I shouted, though the words tasted bitter on my tongue.

"Ha! You wish, brat!" he called back, laughter ringing through the air as I steadied myself. I’d be damned if I let him get the better of me that easily.

I groaned, rolling to my side and pushing myself up on my elbows. When I looked up again, he was standing above me.

"I hadn’t even seen him move! That was the fastest I’d seen anyone move in this world by far! Ghom didn’t even compare!" I thought in mild shock.

I was suddenly grateful for the nose filter that kept my senses from being overwhelmed by the old man’s... distinct aroma. The legendary swordsman was standing over me, his wild hair fluttering in the breeze like a tattered flag. I couldn’t believe the speed gap was that large.

"Not bad, kid," he said, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "I can see why that other guy lost."

After taking a moment to collect myself, I stood up, brushing the dirt off my clothes. "So does that mean you’ll train me?"

He looked at me with an expression that was equal parts bemusement and amusement. "Nope!"

I blinked, confused. "What? Why not?"

He shrugged, leaning on his broom that he definitely didn’t have a second ago, as if he had all the time in the world. "Because I don’t have what I want."

"Okay, what do you want?" I asked, half-expecting some profound answer about the meaning of life or the path to true mastery of the sword, or money. He looked like he could use some.

The old man crossed his arms and grinned. "Such a secluded man such as myself, I don’t get out much! Or ever! So I’ll make ya a deal. Bring me a used pair of panties, and I’ll teach you. Bonus points if they’re sweaty!"

I actually face-faulted. Seriously? I stood immediately. "Are you serious?!"

His laughter bounced off the courtyard stone, echoing like a mischievous imp. "Like a devil defending its pride! Say you’re not one of those, are ya?"

"I’m human," I replied flatly, my brain scrambling to process this bizarre exchange.

He chuckled again, seemingly amused by my reaction. "Good! I wouldn’t have trained you if you were anything else." I was suddenly grateful I hadn’t accepted Rias’ offer. I was open to it in the future, but now that I saw what a human was capable of, maybe I didn’t need to.

I sighed, trying to wrap my head around the situation. "Alright, I have to go back anyway. I’m from Kuoh, and I have school on Monday."

"Kuoh, eh? You trying to beat those devil brats out there or something?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. How did he even know about them? He just said he never got out...

I shook my head, trying to suppress a scowl. "No."

"Then what’s your motivation for becoming stronger?" he pressed, his expression shifting to genuine curiosity.

I hesitated, considering his question. "It’s twofold: to remove evil where I find it, like slaying demons, and also to protect those I care about with my life."

"Stupid reasons," he grunted almost immediately, an unexpected bluntness that caught me off guard.

"Excuse me?" I sputtered. "What do you mean?"

His grin widened. "The best reason to fight is because you enjoy it! Everything else can follow after that."

I pondered his words, a strange flutter of realization stirring inside me. Did I enjoy fighting that much? I had always thought of it as a necessity, a means to an end. Power for protection. But maybe he was right. Maybe I needed to find joy in it like Zangetsu did, not just fight for the sake of others.

"Is it alright if I come back during school breaks? Like summer break in July?"

"Hmm, in 53 days? Sure."

"How’d he know the exact amount of days..." I thought, now a little weirded out.

The old man started to walk away, his wild gray hair bouncing with each step. "I’ll see you back whenever. But don’t forget about those panties!" he yelled back with an angry tone, quickly switching back to laughter coloring his voice.

I stood there for a moment, deadpan, staring after him as his figure disappeared into the building at the mouth of the cave. "He was serious about that, huh?" I muttered to myself, shaking my head in disbelief.

With a sigh, I looked around and then leapt away with a runic shunpo, the absurdity of the situation still nagging at my mind. I could feel the weight of my mission and the responsibility I carried, but I also felt a shift within me. I had a goal now, a reason to embrace my power beyond just survival and protecting.

As I flashed back toward the bus stop, my thoughts drifted back to Akeno. The warmth of her body against mine, the way she had looked up at me with those mischievous violet eyes. I couldn’t help but smile at the memory.

This trip was short lived, and I was looking forward to being back home. But now I was eagerly anticipating my trip back here to learn from such a strong human.