On my way back from Plum Blossom Garden to SCHALE, I wondered whether I should stop by a large supermarket for groceries.
"Sasasa!"
Although the Angel 24 convenience store beneath SCHALE carried a decent variety of products, the store was small, so many things could not be bought there.
"Shu papa!"
For example, the selection of body wash consisted of only a few kinds.
"Wah! I fell… o-one more time!"
When I heard in casual conversation that Shiroko had discovered the deep interaction between Hoshino and me thanks to her sharp sense of smell, I silently complained to myself about her doglike nose while also considering whether I should prepare more varieties of body wash at SCHALE.
"Shh, shh! Kitty Your Highness! Shh! If you meow so loudly you will expose me…!"
So I asked a few students I was close with, students who had a reasonable chance of spending the night at SCHALE, for advice on the matter.
"Ah, maybe it is because she is a cat, so she cannot understand human language?"
Hoshino, Shiroko, and Wakamo all readily sent me the information on the bath products they usually used.
"Then I should use the animal language that ninjas have used since ancient times to communicate with creatures…!"
But one particular student, Amau, who wished to remain unnamed, was far more awkward about it and scolded me in a flustered, irritable rant.
"Meow, meow?"
"…Meow?"
And then thirty minutes later, she sent me a selfie taken in her bathroom, with the shampoo clearly visible behind her.
"It does not work!?"
After I added it to my collection and thanked her, Ako stubbornly insisted she had sent it to the wrong person by accident, then threatened me to forget it immediately or else.
"Well then, nothing I can do!"
Maybe she wanted punishment again. It had been nearly two weeks since we last met, and even so, I still had to marvel at how much she acted like a fussy housewife's loyal dog.
"Emergency evasion technique!"
If she wanted to see me, she could have just found time to come to SCHALE. Instead, it always had to be me suggesting a meeting, or she would show up only when scheduled for duty. Given the workload of a prefect team's administrator, it probably really was hard for her to make time.
Speaking of which, what even was an emergency evasion technique?
Just as a bad feeling surfaced in my mind, an explosive sound rang out, and smoke rapidly spread across the street.
Along with it came someone's relieved and self satisfied whispering. "Phew… now I can move without being exposed. Nin nin."
Do you really think you are being clever?
I had noticed Izuna trying to hide her presence earlier. Although I did not know why, I had been doing my best to pretend not to see her since she was already completely exposed.
I never expected this little fox to use a smoke bomb in a residential area.
What am I, Aru?
I had reached my limit with this ninja and pulled out my phone to dial her number.
The ringtone sounded not far away, and Izuna's startled voice rang out clearly.
"Uwaha-ah! M-my phone! H-how do I turn this off? Huh!?"
After some frantic fumbling, she eventually answered.
"A-aruj-dono?"
I looked toward the source of her voice. "Izuna, what are you doing right now?"
"I-Izuna is… carrying out ninja training…"
Hearing that guilty, wavering excuse, I could not hold back a laugh. Izuna's foolish cuteness was impossible to resist.
Hearing me laugh, Izuna's voice grew even more unsettled, and she called out tentatively, "Aruji-dono?"
I cleared my throat and asked in a serious tone, "This so called ninja training. Does it refer to secretly following behind me?"
"Ah! D-discovered!"
As the smoke began to fade, Izuna emerged, revealed and wide eyed.
"H-how… how did you detect Izuna!?"
Clearly, she had absolutely no awareness of how noisy she had been.
"You even saw through Izuna's proudest tracking technique so easily… could it be…!" The ninja girl suddenly thought of a possibility and grew excited. "Aruji-dono is actually a ninja! Earlier too, you found the location of the great demon king Masamune, who used concealment techniques that even Izuna could not detect!"
Since when did Masamune have that kind of title!?
"In the art of war, it is said that truth becomes falsehood and falsehood becomes truth… hmm! Aruji-dono's earlier denial was indeed to hide your identity. On the surface, you act like an ordinary teacher living quietly in the city, but secretly, you are a legendary ninja!"
First of all, in Kivotos, where students run the government, being called teacher but functioning as a federal officer is hardly ordinary.
Second, what kind of urban wish fulfillment plot was this?
I shook my head and said gently, "I will not lie to you a second time."
"I see… what a pity…"
Izuna was briefly disappointed, but soon her face brightened again.
"But it is alright. Aruji-dono being Aruji-dono is enough."
Her reply warmed my heart, especially spoken in Izuna's innocent, playful tone. Her sincerity shone through.
I reached out to pat her head. Izuna giggled and leaned in helpfully to make it easier. Her tail wagged with happiness, which was surprisingly amusing to watch.
"By the way, why were you following me today?"
And from the moment I left SCHALE in the morning, she had been trailing far behind me, riding in the same train carriage all the way from D.U. to Shanhaijing, only disappearing once I entered Plum Blossom Garden.
After that, because I had been busy taking care of the children, I pushed the thought aside, only for Izuna to reappear the moment I left Plum Blossom Garden, as if she had been lurking nearby the whole time.
Did Izuna not have her own life?
"Ah, that is because," Izuna puffed out her chest, "as a ninja, I must protect Aruji-dono!"
…That was sudden. Did she pick this up from Wakamo?
For some reason, I recalled the mindset I had when I first arrived in Kivotos.
Back then, unable to grasp my situation and terrified of the students, I did not dare leave the base alone without Kirino escorting me.
But now, I had gained enough confidence to escape unscathed even if caught in some delinquent students' disputes.
Those early days now felt like a lifetime ago.
I allowed myself a moment of reflection, then pushed it aside.
"A few days ago, Izuna told me she was troubled by something."
This was indeed something she had mentioned on Momotalk.
After opening with shock that she had no memory of when we became friends, Izuna revealed that she had been unable to sleep because of a certain worry.
But the moment I replied, she said the problem was already solved.
A ninja should take action before worrying.
That was how Izuna put it.
"So what exactly was troubling you?" I asked.
"It was a worry about Aruji-dono!"
"About me?"
"That is right!" Izuna stated solemnly. "One day, Izuna suddenly realized something. Aruji-dono is a very great person. In that case… it would not be strange if bad people were watching you at any time!"
I gasped dramatically. "Such a thing!?"
"Yes! Aruji-dono, the incident with Masamune still lingers in our memories, so you must not lower your guard!"
Seeing Izuna so tense excited my curiosity.
"Then what should be done?"
"To keep Aruji-dono safe from villains, so you can work with peace of mind, Izuna wondered if there was anything she could do. She worried about it for days and nights, and after thinking again and again, she finally reached a conclusion!"
Izuna took a deep breath, her expression solemn. "It means watching over Aruji-dono's every move from morning to night, and staying by your side to protect you!"
I froze. From her tone, she was clearly not joking. With Izuna's simple yet stubborn nature and her tendency to charge ahead even after hitting a wall, she truly was capable of doing something like this.
My apologies, Wakamo. When it comes to being extreme, you should be learning from Izuna!
In any case, how should I refuse this troubling goodwill without hurting her feelings?
Something like, "No, no, adult nightlife is still far too early for you, Izuna!"
If I say something like that, we might unlock an irreversible route…
I swallowed involuntarily, tempted to try, but looking at the girl's face, charming yet innocent, it was clear I could not be hasty.
I would endure for now.
"Izuna, I'm touched that you think this way. But."
I voiced my concern. "You're still a student. Aside from schoolwork, you also have your ninja training. Would following me around all day really be alright?"
"No problem! Izuna will overcome minor difficulties with ninja willpower!"
"…Then how exactly would you do that?"
Izuna replied proudly, "Whether studying or training, I just have to do those things when Aruji-dono is asleep!"
A chill ran down my spine. "No no no, you'll wreck your body like that!"
"It's fine! A great ninja should devote everything to her lord, even her life if necessary." Izuna spoke with enthusiasm. "They also have similar plots in period dramas!"
Maybe… maybe I really should introduce Izuna to the adult world ahead of schedule…
Since she truly seemed capable of doing something reckless, I approached the issue from the ninja angle.
"But aren't there countless examples of missions failing because someone wasn't in good condition?"
Izuna froze, then struggled. "Ugh! If Izuna relies on willpower… no, as a proper ninja, Izuna must not use such halfhearted attitudes toward Aruji-dono's safety… how could I nearly commit such an unforgivable mistake! What should I do…?"
Seeing her on the verge of tears, I hurriedly said,
"Actually, Izuna, you don't need to worry so much about this."
"Eh? Why?"
"Because I don't usually run into bad people with ill intent, and Masamune has already been punished. If I recall correctly, he should be stepping on a sewing machine right now."
"No, no! You can't let your guard down like that!"
Izuna waved her hands and began giving me examples. "In period dramas, whenever a lord of a castle becomes careless and hosts a banquet filled with songs and drinks… the enemy always attacks!"
"Period dramas?"
"Yes! It's a predetermined development! A rule of the genre!"
That is to enhance dramatic effect, Izuna. Do not assume it will just happen in real life.
"As for this, Izuna really doesn't have to be so worried."
"Eh? Why?" Izuna suddenly seemed to think of something and began looking around warily. "Could it be… Aruji-dono, you secretly have other bodyguards? Other than Izuna and that vixen?"
She was, of course, referring to Wakamo.
Since Izuna and I agreed not to mention anything about my relationship with Wakamo, Izuna had naturally come up with this nickname.
Do you two ever consider, when calling others foxes, that you yourselves are foxes too?
"No such thing." Although an image briefly crossed my mind of a certain elusive little angel and several others, I firmly denied it. "Besides, even if I really do encounter danger someday, wouldn't Izuna rush to save me right away?"
"Eh? T-that's true, but if Izuna isn't by your side…"
My hand fell on her head again, gently cutting her off.
"You said it yourself. Your lord, me, is a very capable person." I spoke softly. "So trust me, and also trust yourself, whom I trust."
As I said this, I glanced down at my waist.
Hanging from my belt was a small fox shaped keychain.
This was the manifestation of Izuna's trust in me.
——
Fusion Authority: [Fox's Protector]
Description: Can designate one [small fox shaped toy] as the vessel, granting it a [Substitute] property. The vessel cannot be replaced.
Source: Kuda Izuna, relationship route complete
——
Because the credit card system never gives proper explanations, I had no idea what the authority actually did.
At least no obedient evil spirit had appeared behind me.
And since it likely only activated once, I could not casually test it. But taken at face value, if my guess was correct…
It might be the most precious authority I had received so far.
Of course, authorities may vary in power, but their sources were equally important to me. Every symbol of their affection was something to be cherished.
Except for a certain geometry textbook.
The further I read, the easier it was to fall asleep.
At that moment, Izuna spoke.
"Mm! Izuna understands! Though it's a pity I can't guard you at all times… Izuna will work hard to become a stronger ninja, worthy of Aruji-dono's trust! Nin nin!"
It was obvious she had interpreted my intentions in her own way and reached a conclusion that differed from what I intended.
But seeing her bright, determined expression, I felt the main goal had been accomplished. There was no need to correct the small details.
Then it was time.
Time for the lecture.
"And also, Izuna, when you start guarding me without discussing it with me first, it makes me a little troubled."
When dealing with a student who had secretly followed me, lecturing her was necessary. But the order mattered.
Jumping straight into accusations versus explaining the reasoning from her perspective before expressing my stance produced completely different results.
Even though Izuna's moods rose and fell quickly and she was easy to comfort, I did not want to see her sad.
No Sensei in Kivotos loved their students more than I did.
Hearing my words, Izuna trembled and stammered, "E-eh? Troubled? B- but… Izuna only did it for Aruji-dono…!"
"I know. I know Izuna was worried about me. But doing it without talking to me first is just ordinary stalking, right?"
I met her confused yellow eyes. "And as an adult, there are small secrets I don't want Izuna to know."
Like the pile of unopened holster kits in my bedside drawer. If Izuna ever snuck into my room and saw them, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Izuna lowered her head and thought for a moment. "Mm… Aruji-dono is right. Izuna didn't think it through… I'm sorry…"
"It's fine. I wouldn't get angry over this. But remember to ask me next time. Alright?"
The response to my words was a growling sound.
Izuna, who had been about to nod, froze. We both turned toward the source of the noise.
Her stomach.
Her pale cheeks instantly flushed pink. She turned her face away and tapped her index fingers together, mumbling in embarrassment.
"T-that… Izuna hasn't eaten anything since morning… so I don't have any strength left…"
It was already afternoon. I had eaten lunch one or two hours earlier, and Izuna had gone the entire day unfed. That was far too much.
I became even more certain that, without intervention, Izuna truly would do foolish things that would make my heart ache.
All I could say was that she was lucky to have met me. And I was lucky to have met her.
Perhaps our meeting was a kind of blessing for both of us.
I took the girl's hand. "Good timing. I've been busy at Plum Blossom Garden all morning and I'm getting hungry too."
Izuna blinked. "Eh? So that means?"
"Shanhaijing's food culture is famous throughout Kivotos. Since we rarely come out here, it would be a waste not to try something."
I smiled. "Want to join me?"
"With great pleasure! Let's go, Aruji-dono!"
Izuna added cheerfully, "Of course! On the way to the restaurant, Izuna will protect you! This time I won't sneak behind you. As a ninja, I'll complete my duty perfectly right before your eyes!"
"Alright, I'll leave it to you."
"Mm! Just leave everything to Izuna. Nin nin."
Izuna returned to her usual energetic self, and with my encouragement, she seemed even more spirited than normal.
With Izuna's very conspicuous escort, we headed toward a well known nearby restaurant and arrived shortly after.
Since I was not very hungry, I only ordered a small amount. The main attraction was watching a hungry, still growing girl devour her food with joy.
It was truly a delightful sight.
And just then, my phone began to ring.