Author’s corner: HELLO HELLO! Here we have someone who some of you’ve been expecting for quite some time!

ALSO, no also, just something to add as usual.

ALSO(2), I hate my hyperactive imagination, because recently I’ve started writing not one, but two new stories…. Yeah, no plans on posting them though. I could, MAYBE, post a link with access to my G.drive folder, but… Who knows.

ALSO(3), ALL ABOARD THE HYPE TRAIN!

Spoiler :

CHOO CHOO!

Spoiler :

Have a good read!

-------

“Wait, they are blind? Dang it...” I complained loudly while stopping to think for a moment. Well, it does make sense that a cave monster wouldn’t rely on their eyes. But this mean that my flash-bombs wouldn’t work! NOOOOOOO!

“Aye, but I hear’ from an adventurer once that they use their hearin’ and smell to find themselves, so they ain’t all that bad in the senses area.” The bearded dwarf told me with a nod. Sighing, I nodded while understanding what he meant.

Well, flash-bombs aren’t the only weapons available in a hunter’s arsenal. Still, they are the only ones available in my arsenal that could stun a boss monster. Maybe I should start looking into a way to create sonic bombs with my crystals. It has been quite some time since I last fooled around with crystal tinkerer anyway.

Sighing loudly, I started thinking of possible things I could do to recreate the fabled sonic bomb with my crystals. While doing this, the dwarf seemed to think about what more he could tell me.

“Master.” I heard a call coming from Crys. Blinking surprised, I turned to the small floating maid who popped up besides me. “We are running out of time.” She told me briefly. Widening my eyes, I nodded and turned to the dwarf.

“Sorry, Alsan. Looks like I have to go now.” I told him, making him widen his eyes and nod.

“Ah, okay kiddo.” He said with a weary tone.

“Anyway, if you find someone who can solve the problem, it’s good. If not, once I come back I can try to take care of it.” I told him. He raised an eyebrow before nodding satisfied. Turning back to the others on the couch, I saw as Argento and Yami were negotiating with Lord Wich. Looks like they heard Crys, because they turned to me and gave me a brief nod.

Thanking them with a nod back, I turned towards Yuu, Hanbei and Lily who had been talking with one of the maids who came to bring us snack.

Before you ask, yes, I did get my sandwich.

Luckily, Lord Wich, although serious most of the time, don’t mind too much formalities, so he didn’t even bat an eye at my previously downright idiotic joke. In fact, he even said that I was free to see with his brother the problem on the mine while he discussed with my two negotiators.

Anyway, approaching the duo, I called out to Yuu since we had to go get her grandfather on the airport, and we would be better to leave early. She responded with a startled jump and taking a step away from me, which left me disheartened.

“Yuu… We have to go… Get your grandfather.” I said sullenly. Blinking surprised Yuu widened her eyes while hiding behind Lily, before nodding weakly.

“I… Hmm… I can go receive Grandfather alone… Shishou can wait…” She said shyly while looking away, but I simply sighed while shaking my head.

“Do you know how to go to the airport? And what about coming back?” I asked her, making her widen her eyes in surprise before nodding weakly.

“Teacher, where are you going?” Lily asked me curious, but before I could reply, Hanbei explained.

“They are going back to where we come from and get Yuu’s grandfather who is arriving at our place.” She said briefly.

“Heeh… Where Teacher come from…?” Lily said with curious eyes before sighing. “So, when will you come back?” She asked curious. Thinking about it, I guessed the time and shrugged.

“We should be back in one day or something.” I said with a sigh and Lily nodded. Turning back to Hanbei, I looked at her and asked. “So, you coming?”

“No.” She shook her head immediately. “I’ll stay here and keep company to Yami.” She said shortly.

Nodding, I turned to Yuu and made a motion for us to leave the house. I would like at least to warn Lieutenant and Aura before I log out. Something told me Aura would choose stay around here this time.

With Yuu following me far behind and avoiding eye contact, we were guided by the maid towards the exit. Giving our thanks to her on the gate, we turned back to the city and walked around, following the spot on the map that marked where the three little animals were fooling around.

Then, I burst into the laughter I had been holding all the time in there.

“This is… heh… Golden… heh… Oh god! My side!” I said between breaths while Yuu looked at me confused. “He… He was called Alsan!” I said while remembering about the dwarf. “Alsan the Wich! ALL SANDWICH!”

I saw as Yuu tried to hold a giggle back.

…

“War… War never changes.” I said solemnly while looking at the scenery before me while falling silent. Waiting for Yuu to ask what I was doing. Buuuut… She never asked. Turning back towards her, I saw that she stood around five meters behind me while trying to avoid crossing gazes with me. “…Geez, I lost the joke.” I said once I noticed she didn’t hear my question due to the distance.

Geez, as much as I like the shy Yuu back, having her avoid me is bad for my mental health! While becoming depressed due to this, I sighed loudly and turned back to the battleground, crouching down on the ground so I could make my preparations.

The scenery before me was something akin to what a battleground should look like. Two teams that seemed to span a whole city, barricades built into every street on which people would hide behind.

Not even the kids were spared from the battleground, as they joined one of the sides so that they could fight against their friends or enemies. Projectiles flying from one side to the other non stop as both sides tried to destroy their opponents.

From one side, we had the general, who stood above the battleground, shouting orders towards his subordinates and guiding them towards victory. On the other, we had the hero, whose might alone took on dozens and dozens of the enemy with every single attack.

Their different strategies evening out the battle field, only leading to an increase of victims in either side of the battle.

Taking a deep breath, I took on my own weapon and walked into the battle field. Looking up, towards where the one who started all of this was, I took aim, and shot.

“HOW THE HELL DID YOU START A SNOW BALL CIVIL WAR YOU FURBALL!” I shouted in anger as the not-so-fluffy ball of cold flew to my hand, hitting the unsuspecting cat right on the head and making him fall from Rio’s back.

Kids and adults alike seemed to snap out of it as he fell down to the snow before me. Storming towards him furious, I grabbed him by the body and started swinging him back and forth.

“WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE PLAYING IN THE SNOW WHILE I’M IN THERE HAVING TO TALK ABOUT BUSINESS?” I shouted to the cat. “I’m so damned envious of you!” I said as tears of blood… Or oil, I guess… Golem and all… Fell from my eyes.

Turning around, I saw a stunned Aura who stared at me for a moment before widening her eyes and looking away embarrassed. I didn’t take too long to notice that she had been caught in Lieutenant’s pace. Sighing loudly, I signaled for her to come over.

She approached with a lowered head in shame for not having been able to stop Lieutenant, but I felt that she couldn’t help it, so I simply patted her gently, making her widen her eyes in surprise before closing in pleasure.

“Anyway. Now that you two… You three are here.” I fixed once Rio landed on my head and snuggled up to me. “I’ll be leaving for some time and should be back by tomorrow.” I told them, making them look at me in surprise for a moment before nodding. “Anyway, are you going to stay or going to leave this time?” I asked Aura, who widened her eyes in surprise before stopping to think.

Then she lowered her head, probably indicating that she would stay. I smiled and petted her a bit more, telling that it isn’t a problem. Lifting myself up, I turned to Yuu to signal her that we could log out now, only to see her staring at Aura with jealously.

Geez, if you want petting, all you need to do is ask, you know?

Calling on the menu, I quickly chose the log out function and, after waiting the usual timer, we disappeared in a pillar of light.

Opening my eyes again, I found myself in the usual space where I meet with Cygnas. Much to my surprise, she was actually there in her full-sized crystal form, wearing maid clothes and bowing down gracefully.

“I wish you a good travel, master.” She said courteously, taking me slightly by surprise.

“…Okay…” I said worriedly. “You really plan going full on with the maid thingy?” I asked dubiously.

“Of course! It’s fun to do something different from what I’m used to!” She said cheerfully before blinking and putting a serious tone. “Master.”

“…Waah…” I said impressed.

After some time, we finally burst into a short laugh at the scene.

“Anyway, see you later, I guess.” I told her with a nod.

“Okay. I’ll try to keep you informed of the negotiations through your cellphone.” She told me as I left the area. I nodded briefly and logged out for good.

Taking off the visor from my face and sitting up, I took a brief look towards the window from my bedroom, seeing the sun starting to shine. Stretching my sore muscles from having stayed still for too long, I yawned loudly while taking out my clothes and putting on some cleaner ones.

A quick run to the bathroom to brush my teeth and pretend to comb my hair, I left back to my room, where I picked up my cellphone and the bag I always took with me when I left. Shoving my portable console with the new monster hunter game inside just to be sure.

One last check to see if I didn’t forget anything. Cellphone, Check. Keys, Check. Wallet, Check. Common sense, uncheck. Console, check. Bag, check.

Yup, seems like everything is here. Nodding satisfied, I plugged in my earphones and left my room, walking towards Yuu’s house and knocking on the door. Surprisingly, it didn’t take too long for the door to open, and from there peeked a shy Yuu who only showed one of her eyes.

“Shi-Shishou…” She said shyly with teary eyes.

I felt something pierce my heart at that moment and had to look away so she wouldn’t see my blush. Clearing my throat so I could focus myself better, I turned back to her and said.

“Let’s go?”

She nodded weakly after a moment and opened the door.

I became stunned for a moment when I saw her. She was wearing a Dark red yukata with a fox motif to its engravings. A golden sash tied it around her waist seemed to enhance her curves, leaving her with a lovely figure. Her hair, tied around in a bun behind her left her with a very distinct feeling.

“Is… Is it no good?” She asked shyly.

“Huh…?” I asked stunned before shaking my head. “No, you look good.” A bit too good to be honest.

“R-Really?” She asked shyly and I nodded.

“But… Ermmm… Are you planning on leaving like that?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Well… How should I say it… It’s quite eye-catching?” I tried to find the best words I could, but she still seemed surprised.

“Heh? Is that so?” She asked and I nodded while scratching my cheek awkwardly. She pouted slightly at my reaction before looking disheartened. “Muu… But it’s normal to use formal clothes when meeting your relatives, right?” She asked sullenly.

“Well… While I do know where you are going with that... Don't you think that's too formal and exotic for Brazil?" I said and saw as she looked sullenly for a moment before hanging her head. "Why not take some western clothes like before?"

"... Mari chooses my western clothes..." She said in a pouting tone. Understanding where she was going with that, I sighed and tried to think a bit, as going to the street like that would surely get us more attention than necessary.

"So... Want me to pick something for you?" I said as a half joke while thinking of calling Hanbei for just a moment.

"You'd do that?" She asked surprised.

"Huh?"

...

"I won't bite, you know?" I told her as I watched her leave the taxi a good few seconds after me.

“…Sorry…” She said in a low tone that I could barely hear from where I was. Sighing loudly, I approached her and rested my hand on her head, gently rubbing my fingers on her head. She flinched for a moment before looking up to me.

“I’m not mad at you, you know?” I said with a sigh. She hesitated for a moment before nodding weakly.

“Sorry… I just…” She said weakly. I sighed loudly and nodded.

“Okay, okay… I won’t bug you anymore.” I told her and she nodded weakly as if thanking me.

“Arigatou, shishou.” She said weakly. “Wata… I just need to… Gather myself again.”

“I thought so.” I replied. “Let’s go get your grandfather then we can go back home, okay?” She nodded a bit more energetically before following me from behind.

While we walked, I couldn’t help but notice how people were looking at Yuu walking behind me with wide eyes. Well, being honest, I was quite proud of my job in picking her some clothes. With a thin light pink shirt that left a good part of her back open and a dark blue jeans. I also had her untie her hair and let it fall down naturally to match her clothes.

Since today seemed to be hotter than previously, I decided to go with some lighter clothes, and luckily, I was right. This also gave Yuu a fresh new feeling when it came to her looks. She also brought a small purse with herself, but I sincerely had no idea what she put in there. Maybe her cellphone?

Well, to be honest, anything I picked would probably look good on her, so it’s not like I can become too proud of myself.

Nodding satisfied to myself, I dodged through the crowd while looking for the place her grandfather was going to come from. Using my personal navigator also known as Crys, she quickly pointed us towards the place. Seeing how we still managed to get here a bit earlier, I looked for a place to sit down and found a bench near a pillar. Making a motion towards it with my head so that Yuu could see my idea, we went there and sat down, with she taking some distance from me.

Sighing in defeat and seeing that there probably wasn’t going to be any talk today, I looked around bored for some time seeing that there was a fair amount of people around today. Commenting out loud on my earphone, Crys replied.

“Well, today is a Sunday and a good part of your previous week was a holiday, so many people are returning from their vacations.” She explained and I nodded.

“Sunday, huh?” I said out loud while thinking. “Sunday, bloody Sunday… That means tomorrow I have classes, huh?” I said out loud, and noticed as Crys went silent for a moment.

“Oh… Master isn’t a useless human being!”

“OI! I HEARD THAT!” I complained loudly on the cellphone before sighing “Yeah, I do have classes tomorrow. Luckily, it’s only during the morning on Mondays.” I said out loud enough so that Yuu could also hear.

“I see…” Crys replied while nodding. “… I wonder if it’s a maid’s duty to help her master study...” She said in a curious tone. I had the feeling that she was asking that to Yami at that exact moment. Chuckling to myself, I pulled out the portable from my bag and turned it on.

What? Talk to the others? I’m pretty sure Yuu wouldn’t react to anything I said without becoming either surprised or embarrassed, while Cyg still had the negotiations to keep track of. I even asked her to keep an look out on Aura and Lieutenant, and according to her words, right now the war had taken a break so that the inhabitants could eat something. There were even some people tying colored armbands to tell which side they were on.

Well, there was also a good time since the last time I played monster hunter, so I guess it’s a good time to get playing since there was a hunt coming soon enough.

Picking up my best weapon and favorite set, I started hunting a randomly picked monster that I chose and went on with it. Since the hunt usually takes some time, I wouldn’t be surprised if Yuu’s grandfather arrived before then. While thinking so, I stopped to think for a moment. Do I even know how he looks like? I did see him in-game, but besides that I don’t have any confirmation whether that was his actual looks or not

I turned to Yuu to make the question, but once my eyes landed on her, I noticed she was staring at the console in my hands curiously while having one of her hands inside the purse she brought from home.

Thinking about it… He is Yuu’s grandfather, so he should probably appear wearing a kimono and with a katana tied to his waist.

…Yeah. I totally see that.

“What’s it, Yuu?” I asked her, making her blink surprised before going back to her previous place.

“It’s… Just that… With shishou…” She said while gripping the thing in her purse. Blinking surprised, I thought.

“Oh… Could it be… You brought your Concentrt?” I asked her and she nodded. “Heh… Thinking about it, ever since you bought it, you didn’t have the time to use it, right?” I asked and once again she nodded. “…So, want some help in setting it up?” I asked.

She hesitated for a moment while thinking before nodding once again. Approaching me slightly, she handed the console over to me and I opened it up. Luckily, it seemed that she had been charging it up overnight, so battery wasn’t a problem.

For the next ten minutes or so I kept teaching her how to set up her console and how to use it so that she could do it with ease, and contrary to her sheltered princess trait, she actually learned really quickly how to use it despite being a an electronic device.

Afterwards, I quickly told her how to put on the game cartridge and set It up to play, and once the game started, I helped her create the character.

Of course, I wasn’t going to completely forget about the Oldman who was arriving, so I always kept an eye out to any old man wearing a kimono or wielding a katana in his waist. Since nothing of the kind popped out, I would once again take my attention back to the game.

I started with the initial quests that helped her take a grasps of the game’s most basics mechanics and then hunting a few small monsters. Thankfully, it seemed that Yuu became too immersed in the game to even remember her previous embarrassment.

“I did it shishou!” She said cheerfully after completing the quest and making her first upgrade to her starter weapon.

“You did it, didn’t you?” I said while petting her before frowning slightly. “Your grandfather really is taking his time, huh?” I said worried and saw as Yuu blinked surprised and raised her head, looking around in confusion, a pale and worried look in her face.

Smiling awkwardly, I took one last look around. It had been around twenty or thirty minutes since we came here, and there was still no sign of the man appearing at all. Just as I sighed loudly in defeat, a new batch of people passed on through the main gate, and in the midst of them, I found what I was looking for.

A man wearing a simple purple kimono with a stern look in his face came out. Although his hair was completely white, there was no doubt that he was Japanese from his samurai looks. Deciding that I had found the right man, I raised myself from the chair and prepared to walk towards him, but before I even took an step.

“Ah… Ojii-sama!” Yuu said behind me and started walking.

But… Isn’t your grandfather that one? Why are you looking the other way around?

While I thought that, I saw as she turned to another group of people, and from there came a single old man.

She approached the old man who widened his arms and put on a big wide smile while looking at her. After a brief hug, the two started to talk something in Japanese with each other that I simply no idea what it meant, and after some time, Yuu pointed towards me. The old man looked at me from head to toes before cracking a small grin and saying in English.

“So, you are her so famed second Shishou, huh?” He had a fair amount of accent, but it was still perfectly understandable. “I’m Setsuna Kotetsu, Yuu’s first teacher.” He said proudly while extending me his arm. I blinked surprised before grabbing it.

“Ah... Richard Haddaway. Richard being my given name.” I said briefly while still shocked. “We… Huh… met in game already, so don’t mind calling me by my given name.” I said.

“Hoh… So you remember me?” He asked me shocked and I nodded weakly. He laughed a bit before turning to Yuu. “Still, I really missed my cute granddaughter back there. I never expected THAT Yuu to be wearing western clothes and playing with a portable console like that. Seriously, what the hell happened to my granddaughter?”

“Oh… That… Well…” I said while trying to choose my words. “I chose her clothes for her today… And she bought that console a couple of days ago…”

“I see… I see…” He said while nodding before frowning and staring at me. “So, kiddo… Why the hell are you still so shocked…”

“Why? Well… I’m kind of shocked with the way you are dressed, that’s all.” I said a bit worried. He frowned slightly at my question and looked down at himself.

“Is there something wrong?” He asked me worried. Blinking surprised, I shook my head quickly, telling him that wasn’t the case.

How do I explain it…

The old man was wearing a stamped guns ‘n roses t-shirt and had a microfiber jacket tied around his waist, probably he had used on his time in the airplane. Long baggy black cargo pants with many pockets on it. White sneakers covered his feet as a pair of sunglasses covered his eyes. His long white hair was tied in a ponytail behind his back not unlike how I did with gon’s, and from around his neck I could see a couple of small headphones hanging.

Normally, when one saw an old man wearing such outfit, you’d think it would look out of place, but in this old man right in front of me had none of that. Heck, to be honest, these clothes actually fit him scarily well.

“I was kind of expecting you to be wearing a samurai outfit?” I said hesitatingly, and saw as his eye twitched for a moment.

“Hey… Not saying that I don’t wear that…” He said slightly annoyed. “But who would be dense enough to wear a kimono in a visit to another country?” He asked me, and as he said that I blinked and smiled wryly. He soon did the same. “Sorry… I see where you are coming from… And please, don’t answer me that… She’s a special case…” He said with a wry smile.

Meanwhile, Yuu looked at the two of us with a confused glance while tilting her head. Console still in her hand.