It has already been a year since that incident—one that was entirely too unwilling for Naoya—where the care of the twins was forced upon him, and incidentally, Ogi's wife was also placed under his protection. Having entrusted the care of the twins to their biological mother, Mari, Naoya's days have become somewhat peaceful, though still smeared with the usual asceticism and bindings.
Then, one day. Summoned by his father, Naobito, Naoya hurled words of confusion at the man who was laughing heartily with a sake cup in hand.
"Enter the Technical College? That's stupid. What kind of whim is this?"
"No, well, it seems Gojo's kid is entering the Tokyo school this year, you see?"
"Satoru-kun is as willful as ever. Being the strongest isn't something you 'do'."
"Well, Gojo is that brat's sole stage. He can push through any unreasonable demand. The combination of the Six Eyes and the Limitless is nastier than the Hollyhock or Chrysanthemum crests. There is hardly anyone who wouldn't bow down."
"He's the strongest by birth, Satoru-kun. Unlike me. I'm envious. But how does what you just said become a reason for me to enter the Technical College?"
"The old geezers are saying that if Gojo's Special Grade is enrolling, a Zen'in Special Grade can't afford to lose, you see?"
"Are they idiots? It's weird to compete over that. Have all the grandpas gone senile?"
"Now, don't say that. Even if there's no meaning in competing, there is a different meaning in you attending the Technical College."
"Is that so? It's fine here, isn't it? I can study anywhere."
"But social connections won't work that way, will they? ...Since the Imperial Match of the Keicho Era, the relationship between the Zen'in and the Gojo has been cold. If you form a friendship with the Gojo boy, perhaps good changes will visit both families."
"I see... No, wait a second. If that happens, do I have to go to Tokyo?"
"Well, that's how it is."
"What about taking care of Maki-chan and Mai-chan? Are you leaving it all to Mari-san alone?"
"There is no oversight there. Leave it to me. You should head to Tokyo ahead of time and prepare for your enrollment a year from now. That will be sufficient."
"I'm anxious. There's always something during times like this. You're plotting something, aren't you? Something worthless."
"Gahahaha."
"Don't laugh to glaze over it, you shitty old man."
"Haa-hahahaha."
"Hey, listen to me. Spit it out, you old raccoon."
-----
And so, that exchange happened just the other day. Preparations for moving were completed in the blink of an eye, and Naoya, sent off to Tokyo along with the twins, was now facing a brother and sister dressed in dirty clothes.
Veins popped visibly on Naoya's temples, but the bindings of 'Gentleman' and 'Promoting Good' imposed upon his body did not permit him to fly into a rage.
He let out one huge sigh. Massaging the space between his eyebrows, Naoya made an effort to form a gentle smile and called out to the boy in front of him.
"Hey there, boy. Do you know Toji Fushiguro? Do you know where he went?"
"...Shitty dad hasn't come back since the day before yesterday."
"I see. Wait a moment, I'll make a phone call. —Hey, you idiot, where the hell are you!? Pachinko? Or horses? Boat racing? Whatever it is, come home. You won't come back? Then I guess we'll all go to Vegas at the end of the year without Toji-kun."
Immediately after saying that and starting to hang up, a muscular giant of a man who slightly resembled Naoya appeared along with a gust of wind via instant movement.
—Toji Zen'in, now Toji Fushiguro.
He is Naoya's cousin, and for whatever reason, the peerless monster of Heavenly Restriction chosen by Naobito as the 'guardian' for Naoya's lodging in Tokyo.
That leg strength, moving instantly 2km from the neighborhood pachinko parlor, could truly be called peerless strength worthy of the name 'Physically Gifted'. ...Though the reason for activation was truly pathetic.
"—Yo, I'm home."
"...Do that from the start, Toji-kun."
"I forgot. Was it today?"
"I called you the day before yesterday, didn't I? You remember, so don't make excuses. If you want to go to Las Vegas, try to remember things a little from now on."
"Yeah, yeah. ...So, we're doing a 'Binding'? What a pain."
"Don't say 'yai yai', you're an adult. Hurry up and listen, we're 'Binding'. In exchange for taking care of us from now on, I'll pay you 10 million yen a month. Plus, I'll throw in a lavish Vegas trip at the end of the year based on performance. In return, sorry Toji-kun, but I'll have you stop hunting anyone other than curse users."
"It's a pain after all, make it 30 million a month."
"...I don't mind. If it's that much, I'll pay it. So, do we 'Bind'? I'm ready."
"Oh, no complaints then. Man, unearned income and Vegas! Sounds good."
"Don't break it, okay? It's a 'Binding', you know? You understand?"
Naoya floated a bitter smile that seemed to say 'Is this guy okay?', his words for once matching his expression, but Toji, to whom that expression was directed, waved his hand with a truly light tone, brushing Naoya off lightly.
—Since the 'Black Flash Self-Destruction Incident' that was shocking for both parties, it has been several years since Toji, his 'self-esteem' slightly filled by the 'eyes of respect' from Naoya who tried to chase after him even by setting up ridiculous bindings on himself, had been training Naoya. Even through events like Toji's marriage, his departure from the clan, and the bereavement of his wife, the relationship between Naoya and Toji had continued like an inseparable bond.
It is merely a charm point that most events involved Naoya paying money.
"I know, I know, don't worry. ...Right. Uh, what was it again."
"You're the one who named him Megumi-kun, right? And this one is Tsumiki-chan."
"Right, that. You guys, we're going to eat sushi in Ginza on his dime."
"Eh..."
"Is... is that okay?"
"I don't mind. Don't hold back, it's just sushi. We're going to live in the same house from now on. ...That's right, I haven't said my name is Naoya yet. Sorry about that. This here is the older sister, Maki-chan. Mai-chan is the younger sister. They're twins. Tsumiki-chan is the same age, right? Nice to meet you. And for Megumi-kun, she's an older sister, huh."
"I'm Maki."
"I'm Mai."
"I'm Tsumiki! Look, Megumi too!"
"Y-Yeah. I'm... Megumi Fushiguro."
"What good kids. A huge difference from the parent. I want to make Toji-kun drink the dirt off their claws."
"Idiot, my education is just good."
"That is absolutely not the case, Toji-kun."
While having such a conversation, their figures walking together—well, except for Tsumiki, the facial features were similar enough—didn't look entirely unlike a family.
—Naoya came, and they went for sushi.
—Naoya bought clothes for Tsumiki at mezzo piano while raging at Toji, and bought Gekiranger pajamas for Megumi at Toys "R" Us.
—Immediately after returning home, Naoya, fuming even more, pulled documents out of a dusty shelf, made phone calls, and it was decided that the four of them would attend a private kindergarten starting tomorrow.
Even though he was angry enough that steam was practically coming out of his head, those strangely kind actions became memories of the 'first day' that remained strongly in the young minds of Tsumiki and Megumi.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]