A few days later, after testing and adjusting to Daizyujin's power so it no longer strained his body, Kouga decided it was time to reveal his trump card to Theresa and Himeko. The three of them stood at the edge of the island's beach, the waves gently lapping at the sand.
With a powerful call, Kouga summoned the five Guardian Beasts. Their colossal forms shook the earth as they roared and merged, assembling into the towering figure of Daizyujin. The giant warrior stood proudly against the horizon, its massive frame gleaming in the fading sunlight.
Theresa just sighed, arms folded across her chest, her expression flat. "...You know what? I'm not even surprised anymore."
Beside her, Himeko had already fished a flask from her coat and taken a swig—only to nearly choke on it as she looked up at the behemoth. "You've gotta be kidding me…"
Theresa glanced back at Kouga, curiosity flickering in her eyes despite her tired tone. "Alright, fine. What's so special about this giant tin can of yours?"
Kouga tilted his head, utterly calm. "Well… rather than just a robot, Daizyujin is the physical incarnation of the Ruling God of the five tribes."
Silence.
Theresa froze mid-blink.Himeko spat out her drink in a spectacular spray.
"Wait, wait, wait—a god?!" Himeko yelled, eyes wide.
"Yeah." Kouga shrugged casually. "Right now he's just part of my power, though. I haven't granted him his will yet. And, honestly… he hasn't even reached his final form."
Both women turned to him slowly, staring as if he had just confessed to casually owning the apocalypse.
Himeko rubbed her temple. "You are one terrifying guy, you know that?"
"Anyway," Kouga said, ignoring her remark, "that's all I can show you for now."
With a single gesture, Daizyujin shimmered and dematerialized, the giant's form breaking into streams of light before being absorbed back into Kouga. The beach fell silent once more, leaving only the sound of the waves.
Back at Himeko's residence, Kouga noticed something unusual—whenever he and Kiana crossed paths, she always avoided his gaze. At dinner, she finished her portion quickly, mumbled an excuse, and darted back to her room without so much as a word.
Kouga glanced at Mei, who wore a thoughtful, suspicious look. Over the past week, Kiana had been locking herself away more and more, ignoring Bronya's attempts to drag her into video game duels. Bronya had shrugged it off—less competition for her—but Kouga and Mei couldn't help but worry.
Once Kouga rinsed his bowl and set it in the sink, he quietly followed after the white-haired girl. Reaching her door, he knocked softly.
"Kiana, can we talk?"
No answer.
He tried the knob and was surprised to find it unlocked. Pushing it open just a crack, he peeked in—and froze.
Kiana was sitting on her bed with her nose buried in a small brown book, brows furrowed in deep concentration. The title was hidden from his angle. Curious, Kouga stepped inside.
"What are you doing?"
Kiana jumped like she'd been electrocuted, sending the book flying. Kouga caught it midair, glanced at the cover, and raised an eyebrow.
"Beginner's Guide to Winning a Boy's Heart? Really?"
Kiana's face went crimson. She scrambled off the bed, snatched the book from his hands, and held it to her chest. "S-Shut up! What are you even doing here?! Don't you know it's rude to barge into a girl's room?!"
"I'm sorry," Kouga said gently. "I just… Mei and I are worried about you. You've been acting different lately."
Kiana bit her lip, cheeks still blazing. For a long moment she fidgeted, then whispered, "I… I don't know how to deal with guys, okay? Himeko gave me this book to help."
Kouga blinked. "You know… call me old-fashioned, but isn't it usually the guy who makes the first move?"
That hit her like a slap. Kiana looked down, her shoulders sagging. "So… you don't wanna be with me, huh?" She forced her head up a second later with a too-bright grin. "It's fine! Totally fine. That just means I get Mei-senpai all to myself, right?"
Kouga's chest tightened. It was obvious she was hiding behind that smile.
"I'll just go snuggle Mei-senpai in the kitchen now. See ya." She brushed past him, every step heavier than the last.
"Saturday," Kouga said suddenly.
Kiana stopped. "Huh?"
"I've finished my training. So this Saturday… let's take a break. Just the two of us."
Her eyes widened. "…Are you… asking me out?"
Kouga rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping onto his face. "You could think of it that way, yeah."
For a moment Kiana just stared. Then her entire face lit up like the sun. "Y-Yes! I mean—of course! I can totally do that!" She bounced on her toes, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Good," Kouga said, relieved. "Then it's a date." He turned to leave—only to feel someone tug on the hem of his shirt.
He turned back to see Kiana, her hand clutching his clothes, determination glinting in her eyes.
"I think," she said softly but firmly, "we should seal it. You know—if we're serious."
Kouga blinked. "…Seal it?"
"Close your eyes."
He hesitated, then obeyed.
A second later, something soft and warm pressed against his lips. His eyes snapped open just in time to see Kiana's flushed face right in front of his, her lips trembling against his.
Then she pulled back, dazed, both of them frozen in silence.
Kiana suddenly regained her composure, shoved him lightly out the door, and slammed it shut.
Through the wood, Kouga could still hear her muffled squeal of excitement.
He stood there for a long moment, blinking.
"…Huh. Guess I've got a date now."
With that simple thought, Kouga turned and headed back to his room, his expression unreadable—though a faint, almost hidden smile tugged at his lips.