Chapter 7: Bro, You Weren't Actually Being Kept, Right?
Speaking of opening a shop, Hachiman remembered an anime he had watched as a child called Horror Pet Shop.
It was about a protagonist running a shop. At the time, Hachiman thought the store was amazing—basically, the products sold would conveniently take care of the customers as well.
Some customers would even call before they died, yet the shopkeeper would happily say, "Huh? Didn't I tell you not to XXX? Bye-bye, see you next time."
Honestly, Hachiman's inspiration for opening a store came from there. He thought running a shop would be more fun than being a teacher.
However, Hachiman considered himself to have some morals. Besides, he couldn't open a bloody shop in the place where his little sister lived. Komachi would stay here at least until she finished college, and this shop would serve as a good way to pass time.
So choosing the type of merchandise was important. Horror pets were out of the question—at least not at the start.
It was better to start with protective charms, and maybe let the Yomi group deliver some fun items.
After setting up the shop, it was nearly noon. Hachiman called Komachi and was told the opening ceremony was over and she was playing outside.
After giving her a short instruction, he returned to the North Wing.
The black-suited men had already dispersed. Kitakou Kanako wanted to stay behind and suggested protecting Komachi, but Hachiman refused.
Komachi's protection was still handled by the Yomi group. It wasn't that leaving Chiba meant nobody followed her; Hachiman simply didn't want Yomi members doing menial chores.
Now, the only person left in Hinata Manor with any connection to the committee was Negami Hikko, the doll craftsman. The helicopter pilot had long been replaced by someone from Yomi.
Entering the room where Negami Hikko worked, Hachiman found that Moe's repair was nearly complete. To his pleasant surprise, Moe's surface material had been reinforced—once dressed, she almost looked indistinguishable from a human.
Seeing Hachiman arrive, Negami Hikko hurriedly stood up and proudly introduced his results.
In short, without majorly modifying Moe, her performance had improved significantly, and her surface material now closely resembled human flesh.
"Well done," Hachiman said happily. "How much longer?"
"Not much longer. It'll be done today."
Hachiman thought this was one good thing after another, heartily encouraged Negami Hikko, and cheerfully left.
Until the sound of the helicopter returned, Hachiman resumed his old practice and started creating charms.
During this process, he realized making charms had become much simpler.
Even before returning, though he no longer needed to carve, he still had to carefully spend time crafting charms strictly following mythic intentions and prepare them as carriers.
Now, with multiple abilities working together, it was extremely easy.
Under Horus' Eye, compatibility restrictions vanished. Any material was ready-made. How to use it, where to use it—everything was clear under the right eye. A glare from the left eye became a protective aura against all evil.
Moreover, natural celestial phenomena provided power, life-and-death cycles enabled revival, and the "Arrow of the Sun" could cure infertility. The options had expanded.
Hachiman first threw an anti-evil charm around his Everything Shop. He slapped his hand on a door pillar. In a flash of thunder and lightning, the protective aura was complete. As he walked inside, the airflow confirmed this as his domain.
If a magician—especially an onmyoji who liked using spirits—tried to mess around in his shop, even accidentally releasing something dangerous, the anti-evil aura would immediately eliminate it.
This wasn't Hachiman wanting a fight. But in any capital city, there were always people trying to cause trouble. Using a charm to neutralize them was simple and efficient.
For the remaining time, he casually made whatever charms came to mind. Before Komachi returned, he was satisfied to see his display shelves no longer empty.
Having done all this, he walked to the New Wing parking lot, having already heard the helicopter returning.
Upon arrival, he saw the helicopter landed and the girls chatting and stepping out one by one.
They looked a bit excited. Even Kuroneko's face showed undeniable joy.
Hachiman understood: taking a helicopter to school and back was a bit showy, and the first time doing it could satisfy one's vanity.
Unfortunately for him, his first helicopter ride had been anything but glamorous. He had been thrown out with a parachute pack by the Fist Demon Evil God.
Even after graduating from Yomi, he'd flown in one for a KO mission—no time for sightseeing.
Sometimes he reflected that becoming a God Slayer and acting recklessly had a lot to do with his time in Yomi. The Fist Demon Evil God was the best teacher and the worst; learning from him was almost a death sentence every time.
Hachiman hadn't seen this "chuunibyou" for a while and wondered who he was tormenting now.
Standing at the New Wing entrance, the girls soon noticed him. Their wild excitement from just getting off the helicopter had subsided.
Polite children, they greeted him individually and recounted the opening ceremony's events.
Komachi, however, spoke less, clearly preoccupied.
After a short while, the girls ran into the New Wing, leaving Komachi lingering—unusual, since she usually ran fastest.
Hachiman asked, "What's wrong?"
"Um… is what Miss Maeda said true? About Dad and Mom…"
Finally, she asked. Seeing her hold back for so long, Hachiman felt her frustration on her behalf.
"True or not, they're still our parents." Hachiman tapped Komachi's head. "Remember, even if the sky falls, it won't hit your head."
"Oh…" Komachi touched her head, still slightly conflicted. "But it still feels weird."
"There's nothing weird about it," Hachiman said. "Our family's business isn't for others to gossip about. Did your friends say something?"
"No, they encouraged me. They said I was just guessing."
"That's right," Hachiman smiled, patting her head. "Your friends believe you. What's there to worry about? Go back to your room and rest. Tonight, you'll eat on your own—don't bother me, I've got things to do."
Komachi thought for a moment, then relaxed her expression.
Then she suddenly asked, "Brother, you weren't actually being kept, right? Ayase told me even with money, these things couldn't be gotten."
"What do you think?" Hachiman teased. "You didn't just start thinking that now, did you?"
"Hmph! I'm not telling!" Komachi made a face and ran off in a flash.
Hachiman laughed, watching her thunder down the hallway, shook his head, and walked back.
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