The end of Kaito's second week brought the first tangible fruit of his labors: payday.
He collected the envelope after his Friday shift—thin, but heavy with meaning. Actual yen, earned through grease and mortal toil.
Reina handed it over with ceremony. "Thy first spoils of war, valiant recruit! Spend it wisely on potions or armor upgrades."
Haruka, wiping counters nearby, smirked. "Or, y'know, normal stuff like food."
The shift had been grueling—weekend crowd thicker than usual. But a new face had lightened it unexpectedly.
Sora Nakano.
She'd appeared mid-week, timidly applying after Kaito offhand mentioned openings during lunch. "I… need pocket money," she'd whispered on the rooftop. "Mom works double shifts, and the bullying… makes school supplies hard."
Reina hired her on the spot—"A new ally for our quest!"—and today was Sora's first training shift.
Petite in the oversized uniform, glasses slipping down her nose, she fumbled orders adorably. Kaito guided her gently at the register, Haruka showed fryer tricks with competitive flair.
"You'll get it," Kaito assured during lull. "Precision comes with practice."
Sora blushed. "Th-thank you, senpai. Everyone's so nice here…"
*This one,* he thought, *is fragile porcelain. Yet resilient. Worth guarding.*
Home by eleven.
Sayuri waited in the kitchen light, wearing a pretty casual sundress she'd bought with her own recent overtime—soft floral print, thin straps, hem fluttering mid-thigh. It hugged her curves in ways her work clothes never did.
Akari and Yui were up too—rare family gathering.
"You're home!" Yui launched a hug, in cute pajamas: oversized anime tee and ruffled shorts, twin tails loose.
Akari leaned in doorway, arms crossed, in tank and shorts. "Survived another week, drama king?"
Kaito held up the envelope. "The first tribute."
Sayuri's eyes lit. She took it gently, counting. Tears welled. "Kaito… this is more than I expected."
He straightened. "It is but the beginning. This household shall know abundance."
Yui squealed. "Onii-chan's amazing!"
Akari ruffled his hair—tsundere mask cracking. "Not bad, idiot."
Celebration: instant cake from the convenience store, shared on the couch. Laughter, stories—Kaito's sanitized work tales, Yui's school gossip.
Group hug formed naturally—Sayuri pulling him close, Yui clinging to his arm, Akari joining with mock reluctance.
Bodies pressed warm and soft. Sayuri's sundress thin, breasts against his side. Yui's small frame nestled. Akari's toned leg over his.
Tension sparked—lingering from his night with Sayuri, new awareness of the sisters.
He extracted himself carefully. "I require rest for tomorrow's battles."
Upstairs shower: hot water washing grease, mind replaying hugs.
But trouble brewed.
Monday brought retaliation.
Kaito walked Yui partway to school as usual. Near her gate, the three bullies from before waited—with reinforcements. Five now, led by the stocky second-year, face bruised ego.
Sora was there too—cornered again, bag clutched.
"Well, well," the leader sneered. "Hero's here. And with little sisters in tow?"
Yui froze. Sora whimpered.
Kaito stepped forward, aura darkening. "You dare escalate?"
The leader cracked knuckles. "Teach you to mind your business."
*Vermin. Time to educate dramatically.*
The fight erupted.
Leader charged first—fist swinging wild. Kaito flowed like shadow, centuries of battlefield dance guiding him. Sidestep, elbow to solar plexus—boy doubled, gasping.
Second lunged from blind spot. Kaito spun, minor strength gripping arm, flipping him over shoulder into soft grass. Impact thudded; boy groaned.
Third and fourth attacked together— one high punch, one low kick. Kaito dropped low, sweeping both legs. They crashed in tangle.
Fifth hesitated, pipe from bag raised.
Kaito's eyes flashed crimson. "Drop it."
Mind trick pulsed—boy paled, weapon clattering.
Leader recovered, roaring tackle. Kaito met him head-on—minor buff absorbing impact, hands clamping shoulders. Knee to gut, then precise throw sending him skidding across pavement.
All five down, moaning, defeated without serious harm.
Onlookers filmed on phones. Whispers: "Who is that guy?"
Yui stared in awe. "Onii-chan…"
Sora trembled, tears flowing. "You… saved me again."
Kaito straightened uniform. "No subject of mine shall be harassed."
Haruka arrived late to the scene, breathless. "Heard the commotion. You okay?"
He nodded. "Minor skirmish."
She eyed the groaning bullies. "Minor? You wrecked them."
School buzzed all day. Teachers questioned—Kaito claimed self-defense. Bullies silent, intimidated.
Lunch: rooftop sanctuary. Haruka, Sora, even Yui joining briefly.
"You're like a real protector," Sora whispered, offering homemade cookie as thanks.
Haruka smirked. "Careful, Sora-chan. He's got that hero vibe going."
Work shift: story spread. Reina dramatized: "Our knight vanquished five foes!"
Sora, on second shift, clung near Kaito. "I'll work harder… to repay you."
Haruka competed harder, brushing close. "Don't hog all the glory, hero."
Home: Sayuri waited in worry—heard via Yui. Hug fierce in her robe.
"My brave boy," she murmured.
Akari punched his arm lightly. "Don't get expelled, baka."
Yui worshipped silently.
Kaito collapsed into bed.
*Enemies crushed. Allies strengthened. Tribute flows.*
The conquest accelerated.