Chapter 1

(Kaede’s POV)

I am truly blessed to give birth to such a beautiful child; a single year has passed, but Jin-chan’s adorableness just gotten stronger.

Though his horns haven’t grown yet, I can finally see his hair growing, but what makes me even happier is that he has the same hair color as me! But not only that, a stroke of black can also be seen at the left side of Jin-chan’s head

Just seeing it makes me want to scream in joy!

As for his eye, he has the same eye color as Yajiro-san and Okaa-sama, yellow golden irises with red gleaming pupils.

Kyaaa! Jin-chan’s eyes looks strong like his father’s!

To be honest, as a Miko, I should be training right now, but I just can’t help myself from watching my baby boy’s sleeping face while he sleeps inside his crib!

[Kaede] “Jin-chan, you look adorable today as well. Fufu~”

Beside, Okaa-sama isn’t here right now; she is too busy praying to the gods for good harvest this year, so she won’t be nagging at me today.

As I thought of those words, I relax my arms on the crib’s railings as I sit on a nearby chair.

I really want to wake you up so I could hug you and kiss you all over, but I don’t want to wake your cute sleeping face, so I’ll just endure until you wake up, Ok Jin-chan?

[Kaede] “I can wait no matter how long, since Okaa-sama isn’t here right now, she won’t know anything about me skipping my prayers. Fufufu~”

[?] “Hoo~ I never knew that you’ve become so brave Kaede-san, I’m somewhat impressed.”

[Kaede] “Hiik…”

I was about to scream, but even so, I quickly covered my mouth; I don’t want to wake Jin-chan up…but still…

[Kaede] “O—Okaa-sama…wha—what are you doing here, aren’t you supposed to be at the mountains praying right now?”

Why, why is Okaa-sama here!?

[Shiranue] “Ara Kaede-san, haven’t I told you that my task would be brief.”

Okaa-sama is smiling, but her eye isn’t. The red part of her eyes is starting to glow! Eeek!

I stood up and tried to run away to the other room, but for some reason my legs wouldn’t move.

But why?

No, I do know why my legs aren’t moving!

It because I don’t want to leave my precious baby boy around with a 4 feet, over aged demon! I…must take him with me and run!

[Shiranue] “Kaede-san, you’re thinking about something rude, aren’t you?”

[Kaede] “Huh!? How…how did Okaa-sama know what I was thinking…ah.”

[Shiranue] “So you we’re thinking something rude and it’s even about me.”

[Kaede] “N—no I wasn’t…”

Eeek! She…she is getting closer! My body just keeps trembling that I can’t move at all, but I need to save Jin-chan at least!

Suddenly, Okaa-sama is already in front of me, her hand strikes at me in an incredible speed.

[Kaede] “Huh?......Hyaaaa!”

At first I thought she would hit my head, so by instinct, I covered my head with my hands. But that wasn’t Okaa-sama’s aim at all.

[Kaede] “O-Okaa-sama, my…my chest…”

Okaa-sama is grabbing my breast with her right hand. Owie!

[Shiranue] “Kaede-san, I could have sworn that I taught you on how to respect your elders, but it would seem that you have forgotten that.”

[Kaede] “Fo…forgive me Okaa-sama, but my breast…please let go of my breast, Jin-chan’s favorite milk is stored in there…so please.”

But even though I told that to Okaa-sama, she still didn’t let go, more like her grip is getting stronger.

[Shiranue] “So if I let you go, would you start your prayers?”

[Kaede] “Y—yes, I’ll do my duties properly, so please spare my baby’s milk.”

[Shiranue] “I see, then I guess it could be helped.”

Phew…Okaa-sama finally let go of my chest, but then she gets even closer to me.

Hmm? I thought it’s finally over! I closed my eye while covering my head.

[Kaede] “………………….huh?”

I wasn’t hit on the head or my chest getting painfully grabbed.

I reluctantly open one eye to check on what is happening, but as soon as I did…

[Kaede] “*Gasp!* O—Okaa-sama, what are you doing!?”

If I have known that this would happen, I would happily give Okaa-sama my body for her to torture.

[Shiranue] “Jin-bou, I’m sorry did your idiot Okaa-san wake you up?”

Okaa-sama is now cradling my awakened Jin-chan in her arms! That isn’t fair; I was supposed to do that when he wakes up!

[Shiranue] “Ara, your still here Kaede-san? Aren’t you supposed to be doing your duties now?”

[Kaede] “Aaauuw…”

[Shiranue] “Come on Jin-bou, you’re idiot Okaa-san will take long, so why don’t we have a walk in town together with Oba-sama?”

Nununuuu, Okaa-sama is hugging Jin-chan all to herself…wait, does that mean all I have to do is get started with prayers and if I did it perfectly and quickly, then I’ll be able to come back to my Jin-chan quicker!

[Kaede] “Okaa-sama, I’ll start right away!”

After saying so, I quickly ran out of the house and ran up the hill’s stairs that lead to our rural shrine and start my duties.

I have no idea for how long I cleaned and prayed in the altar, but now I’m headed back home to have some quality time with my Jin-chan!

[Kaede] “I’m home…oh, Yajiro-san welcome home dear.”

[Yajiro] “Yeah, I’m home Kaede.”

And now Yajiro-san is home early, this day couldn’t get any better!

Hm? This is weird; Okaa-sama should be back from her walk by now.

[Kaede] “Um…Yajiro-san, where is Jin-chan and Okaa-sama, are they not home yet?”

[Yajiro] “Hm? Oh, they were here when I got back home, so they should be sleeping inside Okaa-sama’s room.

[Kaede] “What!?”

I quickly ran towards Okaa-sama’s room and just like what Yajiro-san said, they’re both sleeping peacefully.

Okaa-sama is on the corner of the futon sleeping sideways, while rubbing Jin-chan’s tummy!

[Kaede] “Th…that isn’t fair…I wanted to do that…auuu…”

How could this happen to me, right after I perfectly prayed for the gods without a single mistake, they didn’t bless me with this beautiful chance.

[Kaede] “Jin-chan…auuuu, Kaa-chan wants to sleep with you to.”

The next day, the people in town came to my house and thanked me with vegetables due to the rain that came perfectly when the weather was hot.

I’m happy for the offerings, but if the gods will give me a reward, why didn’t they just give me more time with Jin-chan!?

(Kaede POV=END)

(Danzou’s POV)

I am Danzou, a Byakko-Youkai that lives here in Akai Shima.

But more than that, I’m a Shinobi that serves under the great Samurai General Yajiro-sama.

I have been severing him for more than 120 years now, and as those years goes by, my loyalty and friendship is not deterred.

After escaping our home land due to the Demi-Human Eradication Treaty, most of the shinobis back then retired.

But as for myself, I owe Yajiro-sama from not only helping the people from escaping, but for saving my wife as well.

If it’s not for him, my dear wife would not be with me right now, nor would I gain a lovely daughter.

Speaking of offspring, Yajiro-sama and Kaede-sama finally gained a child for their own.

I have heard that the Oni-clan have a very small birth rate, so after all of those years for being the only Oni here in the island, along with Hime- Miko Shiranue-sama, one more Oni is finally born.

Honestly, what makes me happy is the fact that their son and my daughter was born on the same month, only 5 days before their son came.

That must be fate giving me as well as Yajiro-sama some sort of signal. Especially to Yajiro-sama, he was particularly happy when he heard it and forced me to drink Sake with him for hours.

And when Shiranue-sama heard that as well, who was surprisingly with us drinking that day, congratulated me with a gentle smile.

I could fell Shiranue-sama’s genuine feeling of happiness.

As I recall, Shiranue-sama was also the one who helped with my wife’s labor, I truly owe a lot to Yajiro-sama and his family.

4 years has passed since the birth of my Daughter Yuina, and I am now doing my usual duty in protecting Yajiro-sama while crouching from the roof of Yajiro-sama’s Dojo.

[Yajiro] “Alright, just a few more swings and we’ll start with the basics.”

[Students] “”“Yes Sensei!”””

Usually, the students should be practicing indoors, but from what Yajiro-sama said…

[Yajiro] “Since the weather is nice, why don’t we go practice outside? Being cooped up in here while having such a nice day is pretty gloomy, right?”

As usual, his methods are quite relaxing, but that wouldn’t mean that his students are taking it easy though.

[???] “Otou-san! I want to practice too!”

While all the students are swinging their Shinai vigorously, a small voice came out of the Dojo’s door.

[Yajior] “Hmm? Oh, Jintetsu. Finally got away from your mother, huh?”

[Jintetsu] “No, Oba-sama took her to read something. Okaa-san was dragged crying.”

It was Jintestu-Bou-chama, he jumps out of the door steps while having an adult sized Shinai tied to his back.

With his small steps, he ran towards his father while taking the Shinai on his back.

[Jintetsu] “So can I practice with everyone? I promise I’ll follow what you say.”

He then raises the hand that is holding on to the Shinai to his father while smiling.

Yajiro-sama, who is smiling when he saw his son’s determination, kneels down and pats his son’s head.

[Yajiro] “Sorry son, but you are still too young to be doing this.”

[Jintestu] “But Otou-san, I’ve been watching you a lot. I think I can do it if I tried hard enough.”

Looks like Bou-chama truly wants to practice, though he is still young, his eyes have such the determination. To think a 4 your old would show such eyes, I’m quite surprised.

Showing such passion, Yajiro-sama could help but smile even more.

[Yajiro] “Jintestu, I know you very eager to learn how to use the sword, but your body isn’t ready to handle such vigorous training.”

[Jintetsu] “But, I really want to learn now.”

[Yajiro] “Someday son, but for now, you need to be patient.”

I could clearly see Bou-chama’s disappointment, but I honestly believe in Yajiro-sama’s decision. Doing something like 100 kendo swings would just ruin his body, though I’m quite proud of his willingness to train in such a young age.

[Yajiro] “Now son, you do remember what I said, right? A child also has a way to train his body, and that is too…”

[Jintetsu] “Too play.”

[Yajiro] “That’s right, now why don’t you go play at town? Alright?”

Though Bou-chama is still looking down, he raises his head looking at his father and answers energetically.

[Jintetsu] “OK.”

Yajiro-sams then nod his head as he continues to smile.

Deciding to play instead, Bou-chama took the string tied to the Shinai and ties it across his cheast.

Or at least he is trying to; Yajiro-sama saw this and kneels back down again to help him tie it.

[Jintetsu] “Thank you Otou-san.”

[Yajiro] “Make sure you come back before dinner.”

[Jintetsu] “I will!”

Once again hearing that small pattering, Bou-chama runs towards the gate.

After a few seconds, Yajiro-sama who is watching his son’s back calls for me.

[Danzou] “Yes, Yajiro-sama?”

[Yajiro] “Sorry to ask you this, could you look after my son for me?”

[Danzou] “Understood.”

I was about to get going so I won’t miss Bou-chama, but I or more like, we were distracted by a voice that came from Yajiro-sama’s side.

[Kaede] “Let’s go Danzou-san

It was no other than Kaede-sama; she spoke those words as if it was only natural for her to come with me.

Which of course, isn’t.

[Yajiro] “Kaede, aren’t you supposed to be with Okaa-sama?”

[Kaede] “Wha—what do you mean by that? I—I have no idea what you’re ta—talking about…I don’t…”

That was obviously a lie; Kaede-sama eyes are swimming everywhere and couldn’t look at Yajiro-sama directly to his eyes.

[Kaede] “You—you must have heard wrong Yajiro-san, y—yeah, you must have heard it wrong, yes.”

Though she is smiling, I could see multiple sweat drops flowing down her forehead and cheeks. But she quickly wipes them off with a handkerchief and walks towards me.

[Keade] “N—now then, shall we go, Danzou-san?”

[Danzou] “Umm…Kaede-sama, I think I’m sufficed to do this myself.”

[Kaede] “Now, now Danzou-san, I think having two people will be a lot easier.

After saying those words, Kaede-sama covers her mouth with the sleeve of her Kimono while cautiously looking to her left and right.

[Kaede] “We must go before SHE finds out.”

I’m not sure if she was supposed to whisper those words, but Yajiro-sama and I could hear it very clearly.

And unfortunately for Kaede-sama, someone who she most likely wouldn’t want to hear those words heard it in the end.

[Shiranue] “You’ve truly become quite brave Kaede-san, and you’re passion when it comes to Jin-bou is very impressive. If only you could do the same to your duties. Hohohohohoho.”

[Kaede] “O—Okaa-sama!?”

The light in Kaede-sama’s eyes quickly vanished, as if hope itself couldn’t be found nor grasped.

But I do somewhat agree on what Kaede-sama feels. Though Shiranue-sama has a body of a 12 or 13 year old, her presence, the air around her, and the way she acts has the weight of authority and power.

Even Yajiro-sama, who is her own son, is now hiding behind me.

With a calm face, Shiranue-sama did a small gesture with her hands, beckoning Kaede-sama to kneel down to match her height.

I thought SHiranue-sama would say something to her, but she suddenly grabs on Kaede-sama’s horn and pulls her inside the house.

[Kaede] “O—Okaa-sama, please wait! I can’t walk properly if you pulling my horn like this! Okaa-sama!?”

[Shiranue] “You were supposed to be reading and re-writing the old scriptures Kaede-san, and yet I find you here instead of doing you Miko duties.”

Though Kaede-sama still tries to make excuses, Shiranue-sama merely ignored it and continues to pull on her horn, forcefully drag her in to the house.

Well, it’s clear to see that Kaede-sama won’t be coming with me, I guess I should start tailing Bou-chama.

This reminds me, I recall that my daughter Yuina got her allowance and is now out in town.

(Danzou POV END)

In the island of Akai Shima, the only shopping area one could find is the one close to the pier.

A young girl in the age of 4 walks along the street while carrying a small smile, a smile so small that one could only see if he or she is 2 or 3 feet away.

With her shining silver-white hair, along with her slightly whiter fox ears and tail wagging to side to side, Yuina is now headed to a store that sells confectionaries with her allowance in her clenching hands.

Just thinking about what kind of snack she will partake made her lavender colored eyes sparkle under her long bangs.

Since she lives at the upper part of the hill, walking downwards will be easy for her, so rushing isn’t really deeded, but her excitement is reaching quite high and so she took a short cut at an ally.

After making a few more turns, Yuina accidentally bump into someone.

But not just anyone, Yuina bumped into the local child bully Daigoro as well as his 2 younger brothers.

[Daigoro] “Hey, watch where ya going! Huh?”

Since Daigoro is already at the age of 7, he is obviously bigger than Yuina who is only 4 years old.

Yuina falls on her butt and drops the money she was holding and Daigoro quickly notices the coins that fell beside her and picks them up.

[Daigoro] “What do have here, aren’t ya luxurious today, huh Fox? Are ya headed to the candy shop?”

Daigoro shows a big grin towards Yuina, who is still on the ground, looking at the bully with small tear drops on edge of her eyes.

[Yuina] “P—please give my money back to me.”

Whiel she slowly stood up from the ground, Yuina protested and asks for her money, but due to Yuina’s attitude, her voice couldn’t be heard properly.

[Daigoro] “Huh!? What ya sayin!? Speak up!”

[Yuina] “M—my money, p—please give it back to me…”

The young Yuina grew up rarely meeting anyone, the only people who she can normally talk to is her father and mother, Kaede the Head Miko and her son, Jintetsu.

Who, by the way saw what is happing and is now running towards them.

[Jintetsu] “Hey, what are you doing to Yuina!?”

He pulls out the Shinai on his back and covers Yuina to protect her, while doing a stance in front of Daigoro.

[Jintetsu] “Yuina, are you alright? What did they do to you?”

[Yuina] “They—they took my money and…”

[Jintetsu] “What!? Daigoro, give Yuina her money back!”

[Daigoro] “Hoo~ and if I didn’t, are you going to make me, ya red monkey?”

Daigoro once again made a big grin and both his younger brother encircled Jintestu so he won’t escape.

[Yuina] “J—Jin-kun…”

[Jintetsu] “Don’t worry Yuina, I won’t let them hurt you.”

[Daigoro] “Big words coming from a midget red monkey!”

Finishing his words, Daigoro swings a punch at him.

But to his surprise, Daigoro’s right punch was deflected by Jintetsu’s Shinai by slapping it aside.

With his arm spread to a side, Daigoro’s body is wide open and with this chance, Jintetsu thrust the tip of the Shinai to his stomach and then proceeds on giving him a swing to his head.

[Daigoro] “Guuha!?’

Though it lacks in power, the pain still caused Daigoro fall flat to his back. He then grabs his head in pain while rolling around.

[Lil Brother # 1] “Daigoro-nii-chan! Why you darn red monkey! Take this!”

The 2nd eldest brother, who was standing at Jintetsu’s right side, gave him a right punch, but Jintetsu took one step backwards and swings down his Shinai and hits him at his back.

Thus making the 2nd eldest fell on his face.

With two of his older brothers on the ground, the youngest panics on what he should do. He then looks at Jintetsu and thinks if he should do the same like what his brothers did.

Jintetsu then look at the youngest with an angry look.

[Lil Brother # 2] “L—look, I don’t want any trouble.”

[Jintetsu] “Yuina’s money, where is it?”

With Jintetsu’s angry eyes not fading, the youngest tell him the oldest; Daigoro has it on his pocket.

Jintetsu then walks to the fallen Daigoro and asks him the same question.

[Daigoro] “F—fine, here! You keep your stupide money!”

After throwing Yuina’s money to the ground, the three brothers then runs away.

With the coins on the ground, Jintetsu picks them up and made his way towards the trembling Yuina.

[Jintetsu] “Here you go Yuina.”

[Yuina] “Sniff~ Th—thank you, Jin-kun.”

[Jintetsu] “Come on Yuina, stop crying.”

Though the Yuina’s money is already in her palm, she continues to cry while she presses her face on Jintetsu’s shoulder.

Having no idea what he need to do in this situation, Jintetsu thinks of a way to make her feel better.

And while doing so, he remembers something he overheard a week ago from him mother.

[Jintetsu] “I know, how about I treat you to some sweets, I heard from Okaa-san that the sweet shop made something new…let’s see here…………Ah.”

Though he said something about treating Yuina, as soon as Jintetsu finishes digging through his pocket, all he found was a shell of a bug and some pocket lint.

[Jintetsu] “S—sorry Yuina, I thought I still have the money Obaa-sama gave me, I guess I already spent it without knowing.”

Hearing Jintetsu somewhat depressed voice, Yuina looks up and finds Jintetsu troubled face. Since Jintetsu is the only friend she knows and who she can talk to at the same age, Yuina wipes away her tears and lifts her face.

[Yuina] “Jin-kun, I have some money. I’ll treat you if it’s alright with you.”

[Jintetsu] “Huh? You don’t really have—“

(Jintetsu’s stomach) (Grururururu~)

[Jintetsu] “Ah—hehehe, I guess I have no choice.”

Right after Jintetsu shows Yuina an embarrassed smile, she held Jintetsu’s hand and they walk towards the open street.

[Jintetsu] “Hmm, but I don’t really like sweet stuff, can’t you just treat me to some skewered Chicken? I’d rather have some meat.”

[Yuina] “No, let’s have some sweets together.”

[Jintetsu] “Ehh?”

With Yuina’s upfront refusal, Jintetsu gave up and together, they slowly and happily made their way to the sweet shop.