A/N: Hi! As promise here is chapter 76 and chapter Chapter 27.
No more words need to say! Please enjoy both chapters!
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Yasaka and Nurarihyon exchanged a glance. Then Yasaka spoke, tone gentler now. "Then, may I ask... Do you come here as allies? Or will you merely watch from the sidelines?"
Nurarihyon added, his voice lower and more serious. "Where do you draw the line? Will you only step in if another crisis like the Kokabiel incident arises?"
Before Alice could answer, Hajime spoke up, with an unwavering will. "We will stand by this world. Because our path was all about moving forward. Like our Captain says Trailblazing means bringing change. Even just by being here, we've already changed the fate of this world. So if trouble comes, we won't turn our backs to you and to this world."
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Hajime glanced toward Amaterasu, who was still hiding beneath Yasaka's tails. "Whether what we did leads to a brighter future... I honestly don't know," he admitted. "But no matter where that future leads, we'll take that step together."
Amaterasu shifted slightly, peeking out with narrowed eyes. Her voice, though quiet, carried intent. "Then tell me this, Nagumo Hajime. As one who bears the strength to slay a god… what is it that you truly seek? Why did you do what others deemed impossible?"
Hajime blinked at the sudden question, caught off guard by her. Then, his lips curved into a wryly smile. "I never wanted to become a godslayer."
His gaze moved toward Alice, lingering for a moment. "Back then, I was just a normal student. I didn't know anything about magic, gods, or this kind of power. I am just a normal boy you can see everywhere that got caught in something bigger than he could understand. The only reason I chose to kill a god..... was because a god took something precious from me. Someone I couldn't afford to lose."
Alice's hand found his hand under the table, fingers curling gently. The warmth of her touch comforted him.
"I fought because if I didn't... I'd lose her forever," Hajime said, his voice dropping to a low, heartfelt murmur. "When I finally won… I didn't feel proud. There was no triumph in slaying a god. I never wanted that title. All I ever wanted was to protect the people I love. That's still true now."
At those words, Amaterasu's scared form softened. She moved from behind Yasaka, her eyes watching Hajime more intently.
Yasaka and Nurarihyon exchanged glances again, this time more thoughtful. Hajime's sincerity had clearly left an impression.
Nurarihyon tilted his head slightly. "That god… the one who you fought. Was he the reason for your infamous title?"
Hajime nodded. "Gilgamesh. He wanted to use Alice as a catalyst to bring back Enkidu. To have him descend into the mortal world once more.... just so he could fight him again."
He glanced toward Alice, their hands intertwined, showing protectiveness behind it.
"In our world, Alice is known as the most powerful Hime-miko. Her spiritual capabilities are strong enough to call a god.... but at the cost of her life..... I couldn't let that happen. So I did what I had to. I challenged him.... To take her back."
Alice gave him a smile, one filled with gratitude and pride. She squeezed his hand in return.
Amaterasu blinked slowly. "Then all that power... it came not from ambition, but from love?"
Hajime gave a nod and a soft smile. "Yes. Not just to protect her but to make sure I'd never lose her again."
Yasaka glanced at Nurarihyon, her expression thoughtful. A subtle smile curved her lips, warm and approving.
"You'll find allies in the Youkai Faction, Nagumo-sama," she said, her tone more personal now. "And perhaps… even long-standing friends."
Nurarihyon raised his cup in silent agreement, offering a brief nod.
Amaterasu leaned forward at last, her presence now fully open. "Then on behalf of the Shinto Pantheon and this nation... I, Amaterasu no Okami, welcome you, the Trailblazers. As friends. As allies. And when the time comes, we will stand beside you."
Her words were resolute, wrapped not in ceremony but in conviction.
Hajime blinked once, caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice. Beside him, Alice and Anisphia also froze for a moment before sharing a glance. A soft smile bloomed between them, wordless but full of meaning.
The three offered a respectful bow across the table.
"Thank you, Amaterasu-sama," Alice said with heartfelt grace. "We are honored and grateful."
Amaterasu turned toward Sagiri with a nod of recognition. "Then... you, daughter of the Ameno clan. Step forward."
Sagiri stiffened slightly at the sudden attention but rose, bowing low. "Yes, Amaterasu-sama. I await your guidance."
"You shall serve as the envoy and official liaison," Amaterasu said, her tone calm but resolute. "Between the Shinto Pantheon, the Youkai factions of Kanto and Kyoto, our nation... towards the Trailblazers. Your role will be to ensure our bonds and promises are upheld."
The silence around the table grew heavy with surprise.
Sagiri's eyes widened. "I… I am honored, but... why me?"
Yasaka offered a warm smile. "Because you understand both tradition and change. That's rare."
Nurarihyon chuckled lightly, swirling his tea. "And because, frankly, someone needed to make a decision that wasn't stuck in a century-old scroll."
Sagiri slowly lowered herself back into her seat, her hand unconsciously clutching at her chest. "Then... I will do my best. I won't fail this task."
Amaterasu's lips curved into a big smile. "That's all I ask."
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Anisphia clapped her hands with a bright grin. "Congratulations~ You just got promoted by a goddess. That's gotta be worth, like, five medals or something, right?"
Alice chuckled, offering a warm smile. "It'll be our pleasure to work with you, Sagiri. Truly."
Hajime gave a small sigh through his nose and nodded. "You've been with us since the beginning in this world. So… working together officially? That'll make things smoother."
Sagiri looked between them, her shoulders stiff at first—but slowly, a tiny smile tugged at her lips. "I… suppose you're right. I might be inexperienced, but I'll do my best. Please take care of me."
"Welcome to the team!!" Anisphia squealed before throwing her arms around Sagiri in a bubbly, unrestrained hug. "We're gonna sparkle through this together!"
Amaterasu finally let out a breath, the tension in shoulders visibly lifting. She reached out and grabbed a cookie from the tray Hajime's group had brought. One bite in, and her eyes lit up with genuine delight.
"Mmm~ Now this is a taste of diplomacy I can get behind. If Trailblazers bring this kind of peace offering, then I approve~." She took another bite, cheeks puffed with satisfaction. "Also, having you as our envoy, Ameno Sagiri, who someone they know and trust, will make things easier in serving as both bridge and safeguard for our two factions. And seriously, this cookie—divine~."
Yasaka sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "...Amaterasu-sama, please. At least pretend to uphold some decorum."
Still, she turned to Sagiri, her tone softer. "The Ameno Clan has long been respected in both mystical and mundane circles. As granddaughter of the current matriarch and her likely successor your presence sends a message. One of trust and intent."
Nurarihyon nodded in agreement, a chuckle bubbling in his throat. "That serious, by-the-book attitude of yours reminds me of an old friend of mine. Don't overdo it, girl. You'll have the support from all sides."
Sagiri took a breath, steadying herself as all eyes briefly focused on her. "I… will do my best. For both sides."
As the meeting drew to a close, the formal air lifted and slowly disappeared. Everyone seemed more at ease now, their postures relaxed, smiles more genuine.
Alice turned to Amaterasu, Yasaka, and Nurarihyon with a graceful nod. "On behalf of our Captain and everyone aboard the Astral Express, thank you for this meaningful dialogue. We're honored by your trust."
Amaterasu waved lazily, still chewing on a cookie. "No need for stiff words now~ I'm officially off duty."
Yasaka sighed. "Amaterasu-sama…. at least wipe the cookie crumble on your cheeks."
Nurarihyon simply chuckled, shaking his head. "Let her enjoy the moment."
Hajime let out a long breath, visibly relieved the meeting was over without divine lasers or a full-scale incident.
Anisphia nudged him with a playful grin. "Oh my? Not even a little disappointed that Amaterasu-sama didn't try to marry Sagiri off to you?"
Hajime stared at her. Flat. "...Do you want to be left here?"
Sagiri blinked rapidly, cheeks turning red. "A-Anisphia-san?! That's not funny!"
Meanwhile, Amaterasu midway through yet another cookie suddenly froze. A loud cough burst out as she choked, quickly turning her head away with a stiff expression. A single bead of cold sweat trickled down her cheek.
"Amaterasu-sama?" Yasaka blinked twice, visibly startled.
"Hohoho! What kind of scheme are you planning this time, Amaterasu-sama?" Nurarihyon let out a delighted wheeze, eyes twinkling like a grandfather watching his favorite chaos unfold.
Sagiri went rigid. "W-Wait... you're not seriously thinking that, right?"
Alice's voice sharpened. "You're not serious."
Anisphia's mouth fell open. "You're actually considering that?!"
Hajime let out a long breath, visibly bracing himself. "...You're not planning that, are you?"
Amaterasu pursed her lips and tried to whistle innocently but all that came out was a faint puff of air.
Silence. Heavy, chaotic silence.
Then, Hajime slowly let his head drop to the table with a soft thud. "Why... does this always happen to me?"
Amaterasu, still awkwardly avoiding eye contact, mumbled under her breath, "Well… if Ameno Sagiri were to marry you, it would solidify the connection between our factions… and maybe... ensure my continued existence around you…"
The room froze.
Sagiri's soul practically escaped her body. "W-What did you just say?!"
Alice coughed hard on nothing but air. Anisphia's mouth dropped open. Yasaka gasped. Nurarihyon leaned back and laughed so hard he nearly tipped over.
Hajime slowly turned to face Amaterasu, expression blank. "You tried to set me up with Sagiri… to avoid dying?"
Amaterasu tried to whistle again. Another pitiful puff of air escaped.
"I can't believe this…" Hajime muttered, hand over his eyes.
Amaterasu raised her hands, cheeks flushed and brow slick with nervous sweat. "W-Wait! Hear me out, please! It's not just about protection! I mean yes, maybe a little. But also—I saw how you care for your companions! That love! That loyalty! You even killed a god for them! That kind of devotion is terrifying in the most beautiful way!"
Amaterasu gestured toward Sagiri, who was still frozen in disbelief. "Ameno Sagiri is no less beautiful than your companions! She's a national treasure! Comes from a well-respected family! And most importantly—she's sixteen, unmarried, and has a future as bright as the sun! So… maybe the match isn't so unreasonable, right?"
That did absolutely nothing to calm the room.
Sagiri looked like her mind had blue-screened. Alice and Anisphia had gone completely silent both wearing the kind of dead-eyed stare usually reserved for unspeakable trauma. Yasaka hid her laughter behind her sleeves, while Nurarihyon was wheezing with delight.
Between fits of laughter, Nurarihyon said, "Well, she's not wrong. Sagiri Ameno is a fine choice. Strong and very capable."
He lifted his teacup with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "And the Ameno Clan still holds serious weight on both magical and political fronts."
Amaterasu nodded so fast it was borderline dangerous. "Exactly! This wasn't some random divine whim! I put real celestial-level strategy into this!"
Alice let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose before glancing at Sagiri. "So… what do you think, Sagiri-san?"
Sagiri blinked, trying to compose herself. Her fingers toyed with the edge of her sleeve, eyes briefly dropping to the table as she searched for the right words.
"As envoy of our nation and faction... I will do my best to fulfill this duty with sincerity," she began, lifting her head just enough to meet their gaze. "I will serve as the bridge between our people. That much, I promise."
But then, a faint blush bloomed on her cheeks. Her gaze darted toward Hajime, then away just as fast.
"A-As for the other thing... that, um, relationship matters... I've never really thought about it seriously. Not until now." She fumbled for breath, then glanced again at Hajime, this time with a bit more courage. "But I don't think I'd hate the idea. I mean… Nagumo Hajime is dependable. A bit blunt… but he's kind. Strong. Honest. And..."
She hesitated before mumbling the last part in a whisper, "...maybe kinda cool. Just a little."
Hajime blinked, visibly stunned. He turned his head slightly, rubbing the back of his neck as his expression tilted somewhere between panic and awkward modesty. A faint red crept up his ears.
Sagiri gave a small nod, steadying herself once more. "So for now... I'll put that aside. It's not the right time. But maybe… I'll think about it again someday."
Amaterasu's eyes twinkled with glee as she clasped her hands together, practically bouncing in place. Her entire demeanor shifted to one of childlike triumph, like she'd just watched her favorite romance plot finally unfold before her eyes.
"That's more than enough for me!" she cheered, swaying with a grin that radiated divine satisfaction. "Blessings granted~!"
Alice's expression was difficult to read. Her usual grace gave way to a twitching smile, caught somewhere between neutral diplomacy and sheer disbelief. "This entire situation is spiraling beyond comprehension."
Anisphia didn't even try to hide her reaction. She stared blankly at the table, one eye twitching with mild existential pain. "…I should've just kept my mouth shut…"
Both girls exchanged a look, then glanced at Hajime who looked ready to walk straight into the sea.
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After the meeting, Hajime's group was escorted out of the shrine by a group of curious shrine maidens, their steps light with the buzz of not so hidden gossip trailing behind them. As planned, the four intended to explore and enjoy Kyoto for a day before heading off to the seaside town Azazel had mentioned. A short break, a breath of fresh air.
Or at least, that was the plan.
The atmosphere between them, however, had turned into something... strange. The aftershock of Amaterasu's dramatic matchmaking attempt still clung to the group like leftover incense smoke. Hajime and Sagiri hadn't said much, but the tension—no, awkward energy—was as obvious as the stares they kept trying not to exchange.
Alice, walking with practiced elegance, looped her arm around Sagiri's with a sweet but unmistakably mischievous smile. "You'll be staying with us tonight. We have… a lot of things to unpack."
Anisphia immediately claimed Sagiri's other side, grinning like a fox. "Questions. Advice. Tactical support. Maybe a full psychological breakdown. Oh, and teasing. Definitely lots of teasing."
Sagiri didn't protest. In fact, she looked like her soul had left the building hours ago. Her cheeks remained pink, her expression frozen somewhere between resignation and panic. She clearly had no idea what emotional plane she was even standing on anymore.
A few paces behind, Hajime watched them; Sagiri flanked by Alice and Anisphia like two overly enthusiastic older sisters preparing her for battle. He let out a long, suffering sigh.
"I swear… I'm blaming Noah for this. Somehow. This has his fingerprints on it."
"Hajime!!" Anisphia's voice rang from ahead. "If you keep sulking back there, we'll leave you behind! Pontocho Alley isn't gonna explore itself!"
Hajime looked up to see Sagiri looking completely done with life, Anisphia cheerfully waving like they hadn't just traumatized a girl, and Alice giving him a calm, knowing smile that somehow still said 'good luck.'
He scratched his cheek, then chuckled softly.
"…Well. I guess this kind of chaos isn't so bad."
"Alright, alright! I'm coming!" he called out, jogging to catch up with the trio that was somehow already dragging him toward another unpredictable detour in life.