Day after day passed.
Tokyo was nearly finished with its reconstruction.
In particular, after Amaha Byakuya activated the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the Dragon Orphans that had been wreaking havoc across Tokyo had all disappeared.
This included the remaining Dragon Orphans in Ward 24 and the underground world—all were completely eradicated. The Infinite Tsukuyomi ignored physical barriers; no living creature on Earth could escape its influence.
Once the destroyed buildings in Tokyo were mostly rebuilt, the citizens who had evacuated to other cities began returning home.
Few people didn't want to return to their original homes, especially when they could receive substantial compensation in US dollars.
By this point, Amaha Byakuya's duties had become far less demanding.
Moreover, he was gradually stepping back from hands-on management, preparing to vacate the Bureau Director position—or more precisely, to move up to the General Chairman seat.
This way, the Bureau Director would handle day-to-day affairs, and only matters of significant importance would require the General Chairman's attention.
"Byakuya, are you free tomorrow?"
Kiyoko Aura walked into the break room where Byakuya was leisurely enjoying his coffee.
"I am. What's on your mind, Kiyoko-nee?"
Byakuya nodded.
"Remember when I mentioned my family pressuring me about marriage? Well, I told them I already have a boyfriend, but they didn't seem to believe me. They just called to say my cousin is coming to meet him."
Kiyoko explained, "I'm out of options now. I can only ask for your help—to pretend to be my boyfriend, just temporarily."
"Of course, no problem. I did promise I'd help you with this."
Byakuya smiled.
"Good. Come over early tomorrow morning. I'm worried she might show up for a surprise visit."
"Mm, I'll be there as early as I can."
Byakuya nodded.
...
The next day.
At eight in the morning, Byakuya teleported directly to the Aura residence via his Kamui dimension.
The moment he rang the doorbell, Kiyoko promptly came to let him in.
"My cousin hasn't arrived yet. Come in and have some tea first."
Kiyoko was wearing thin loungewear that was practically indistinguishable from pajamas—or perhaps it actually was pajamas.
She clearly didn't treat Byakuya as an outsider, even though her undergarments were faintly visible beneath the fabric.
Byakuya considered mentioning it, but decided against it.
Whenever he visited, Kiyoko-nee was always like this.
Besides, it would make them look more like a cohabiting couple.
...
Around ten o'clock.
The doorbell rang.
If nothing unexpected had happened, it was Kiyoko's cousin.
She'd arrived quite early indeed—good thing Byakuya had come ahead of time.
"Byakuya, why don't you answer the door? It'll seem more natural that way."
Kiyoko suggested quietly.
"Mm."
That made sense to Byakuya, so he got up to open the door.
When he did, he found a young woman in her mid-twenties, holding the hand of a little girl with twin-tails.
The young woman's features bore a slight resemblance to Kiyoko's—they were relatives, after all.
"Kiyoko told me you were coming. You must be her cousin, right? And is this your daughter beside you?"
Byakuya knew he couldn't call her "Kiyoko-nee" at a time like this, so he adjusted his address accordingly.
"That's right. I'm Kana Aura, and this is my daughter, Natsumi Aura."
Kana smiled.
"So that makes you Kiyoko-nee's boyfriend, then?"
Kana studied Byakuya for a moment, then her expression shifted to one of surprise. "Kiyoko-nee's boyfriend is actually Director Amaha? None of us saw that coming..."