"Done."
Chizuru dusted off her hands as if she'd just handled something trivial.
Then she turned to look at Cloud's "shocked" face, wearing a smug "I'm awesome, praise me" expression.
"So? Mr. Tourist, am I a qualified tour guide or what?"
"Qu-qualified," Cloud's mouth twitched. "Just... maybe a tiny bit violent."
The night grew deeper.
The sea breeze turned chilly.
The two stood on the empty road, staring at each other, the atmosphere once again awkward.
Finally, Cloud broke the silence.
He clutched his stomach and leaned "weakly" against the lamppost, speaking in a voice dripping with "tragic protagonist" energy:
"Sigh... tonight was just too intense."
"Street racing, gang fights—my little heart as a law-abiding citizen just can't take it."
"Plus... it's so late now, the trains have stopped, and I'm an out-of-towner who doesn't know anyone here... I might have to sleep on the streets tonight."
His performance was absolutely Oscar-worthy.
Chizuru nearly burst out laughing on the spot.
She was clever enough to see right through his act.
Lost? Sleeping on streets?
You're a descendant of a "Three Sacred Treasures" family—would you really end up like this?
Who are you trying to fool?
But...
For some reason, watching his "shameless" act, she didn't find it annoying. Instead, she found it rather funny... even cute!
A bold idea suddenly surfaced in her mind.
"Fine, fine!"
She sighed with theatrical helplessness, wearing an "I must be cursed" expression.
"Since your driving wasn't too bad today, this lady will be generous and let you stay one night."
"But let me be clear!"
A mischievous gleam entered her eyes.
"My family's rules... are very strict. Don't go wandering around, and don't say anything stupid."
"Don't worry! My lips are sealed!"
Cloud immediately thumped his chest in guarantee.
And so, on a quiet Tokyo night.
A red Ducati slipped silently, ghost-like, into an ancient and solemn shrine.
Chizuru Kagura, sneaking around like a thief, led a strange man through the grounds and tiptoed into her "boudoir"... the guest room next door.
...
The next morning.
When the first rays of sunlight filtered through the ancient wooden windows into the room, Cloud slowly opened his eyes.
He stretched, feeling refreshed.
He'd slept exceptionally well last night.
The entire shrine was enveloped in a pure, peaceful atmosphere that seemed to cleanse the soul, causing the power within him—which often grew restless due to absorbing Orochi's essence—to become much calmer.
He pushed open the door and walked into the courtyard for some fresh air.
And then...
He saw a vision so beautiful it would make any man lose himself.
In the courtyard bathed in golden morning light, a stunning woman in traditional white shrine maiden robes was quietly sweeping fallen leaves with a bamboo broom.
She looked almost identical to Chizuru Kagura. But her aura was completely different.
If Chizuru's beauty was like fire—passionate, bold, bursting with youthful vitality.
Then this woman's beauty was like a deep pool—serene, gentle, radiating classical grace.
Her every smile and frown carried an innate refinement and elegance befitting nobility.
Those same bright phoenix eyes held none of Chizuru's playfulness or competitiveness—only lake-like depth and tranquility, as if capable of seeing through all worldly matters.
She was like a piece of warm jade, an elegant guqin melody, inspiring admiration from afar while deterring any improper thoughts.
She was the current guardian of the "Yata Mirror," head of the Kagura clan, Chizuru Kagura's twin sister—Maki Kagura!
[Ding! Target character Maki Kagura detected! Owner of one of the Three Sacred Treasures—the Yata Mirror!]
[Power Rating: SS]
[Bond Potential: SSS]
[System Commentary: Warning! Warning! "Perfect Wife" detected ahead! Host, please stay calm! Yes, she's beautiful, has great presence, and seems very "gentle"—but she's hard to pursue! And terrifyingly powerful! Please... control your eyes and hands!]
Cloud: "..."
He felt like his system was becoming increasingly... "humanized"?
Just then, Chizuru bounced out of her room.
"Sis! Sis! Look who I brought home!"
Like a little fox presenting treasure, she ran to Maki's side and pointed at Cloud, proudly recounting last night's "thrilling" experience.
Of course, in her embellished version, Cloud had transformed from a "thick-skinned mooch" into a "mysterious expert with incredible driving skills who stayed cool under gang pressure."
Maki listened quietly to her sister's story, maintaining a gentle smile like spring breeze throughout.
Her deep, seemingly all-seeing gaze fell upon Cloud.
Unlike Chizuru's "aggressive" probing.
Maki's gaze was soft, accepting—like moonlight, silently and completely seeing through Cloud's "disguise."
She said nothing.
But Cloud had a distinct feeling: before this woman, all his secrets lay bare.
This woman...
Was far more terrifying than her carefree-seeming younger sister!
Her power was so formidable that even the system acknowledged it!
...
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