Volume 4 Chapter 6 R.A.A.T Born II： Reunion
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The meeting ended, and the atmosphere shifted to one of camaraderie.
For exorcists with a strong sense of territory, opportunities like this are rare, and they needed connections with other families to make use of it.
”Nao-nii, can I talk to you for a moment?”
”Oh, Suzuri-chan, yer here too! Sorry, can we chat later?”
Shiun Suzuri, dressed in her school uniform, appeared, weaving through the crowd.
Faced with someone he had an official engagement talk with, Naoshi hurriedly stood up.
”Where are you going?”
”I got somethin’ urgent. Sorry, Shiun-san.”
”Ah, okay.”
”…Father?”
Suzuri asked her father, who nodded knowingly, and after a brief pause, Toumi looked at his daughter.
”If you’re curious, you can follow him. There’s always something to learn.”
”Yes.”
While tilting her head at her father’s somewhat pained expression, Suzuri followed Naoshi, alongside a more serious-looking Ako.
The people Naoshi was aiming for were busy greeting others, but no one lingered for long conversations.
As their gazes crossed in the gaps of the crowd, Naoshi lightly bowed his head to the other party.
”──It’s been a while, Touma-san, Kurushima-san.”
With a politeness and warmth that would surprise anyone from Kansai, the crowd parted in shock, and the girls following behind widened their eyes in surprise.
Meanwhile, the two young men who were greeted responded naturally.
”It’s been a while, acting head of the Kazuramichi family. I heard the end of the year was quite hectic for you.”
Touma Yukinojo replied with an unexpected maturity for his age, while Kurushima Tesshin, who had been letting Touma handle the greetings, continued with a notably serious expression.
”I’ve heard about your achievements.”
”Oh, nah, nothin’ compared to y’all.”
At his humble words, Tesshin’s expression shifted to a youthful smile.
”Let’s drop the formalities, Naoshi-san. Same goes for Yukinojo. Otherwise, it’ll turn into a contest to see who cracks up first.”
”Yeah, you’re right. We’re friends after all, so go ahead and be yourself, Nao-san.”
Yukinojo softened his expression and nodded at his younger friend’s words.
The statement stirred quite a reaction.
For many, it was pure surprise, while for those aware of Kazuramichi’s infamous reputation, it sparked resentment—why was “he” the Acting Head of the Family?
But the people involved showed no concern for the crowd’s whispers.
”Well, if y’all insist! Yuki-kun, Tetsu-kun, y’all look great—still goin’ strong, eh?”
”You’re too kind.”
”Why are you acting so proud on our behalf, Naoshi-san?”
Yukinojo grasped Naoshi’s offered hand with both of his, while Tesshin clapped his hand firmly in response.
The young men, each bearing a reputation as the strongest from Kansai, Kanto, and Kyushu, joyfully celebrated their reunion.
”Details, details! Anyway, y’all look even cooler now. Yuki-kun’s got more of that big-shot vibe, and Tetsu-kun, ya look taller. Y’all got plans for tonight? If not, come crash at my place—I’ll roll out the red carpet for ya!”
”You’re talking way too fast, Naoshi-san… My growth spurt is long over, sadly.”
”Thanks for the invite, but unfortunately, we’re just here for the day. Maybe next time.”
”Aww, what a bummer. So it’s just you two? Sato-san, Yuki-kun’s cousin, or his stepsister didn’t tag along?”
When asked about his wife, who had just celebrated their first anniversary, Tesshin shrugged with a nod.
”Sato stayed behind—she’s scared of flying. I told her it’d be fine, but she wouldn’t budge.”
”She shoulda just taken the bullet train! Flyin’ outta Itami’s such a hassle.”
”The inspection got scheduled at the last minute, and the commander bureau already had tickets ready. Next time, I’ll pay out of pocket if I have to.”
”That’s the spirit! Just holler, and I’ll even send a ride. What about you, Yuki-kun?”
”They argued over who would come, so I left them both behind.”
Naoshi smiled wryly at Yukinojo’s firm words.
”Man, big bro, that sounds rough.”
”It’s a problem. I just want them to find a good partner quickly so I can relax.”
”No chance with all them girls makin’ googly eyes at Yuki-kun. Pay more attention, man!”
”Is that really how it is?”
”Yep.”
After repeating that in his mind, Yukinojo glanced at Naoshi’s back.
”By the way, Nao-san, the girls behind you are making some pretty intense faces…”
”Hmm? Maybe they’re just dazzled by our good looks?”
”What right do you have to say something so arrogant, Nao-nii…?”
”I’m already jugglin’ the snow woman, the cousin, and the little sis—why wouldn’t they be resentful, Suzuri-chan?”
”Naoshi-san, clearly, I can hear voices of resentment…!?”
”They’re just at that tricky age, don’t sweat it.”
”No, no, no, that’s not okay, Naoshi-san. You’re being hypocritical after telling Yukinojo that. This is a great opportunity, so introduce us properly.”
Tesshin, the youngest at 19 but the only married one among the 3, intervened, and Suzuri and Ako nodded vigorously in agreement.
”Oh? Sure thing. This here’s Shiun-san from Osaka and her eldest daughter, Suzuri-chan.”
”Nice to meet you, I’m Shiun Suzuri, Naoshi-san’s de facto fiancée.”
”And this is my cousin and lil’ sis, Ako-chan.”
”Thank you for always taking care of my stepbrother.”
As the two suddenly made their presence known, Naoshi remained completely unfazed, causing Tesshin to look a bit taken aback.
”Are we just going to ignore the ‘de facto’ part? And what about the ‘cousin and little sister’ thing…?”
”It would be great if you could explain your relationship with them a bit more──”
Once Tesshin and his friends make a complaint, the girls once again shook their heads.
”I can’t help but feel the unity of the young people,” muttered Naoshi, walking behind Suzuki and the others, placing his hands on their shoulders.
”This is kind of a scene, huh,” Tesshin muttered quietly.
”Suzuri-chan’s practically my disciple; She’s been chasing me around since she was eight—relentless, really. And Ako-chan? She keeps the household running like a pro, but she’s got her quirks too.”
”Nao-nii?”
”Step-brother?”
Receiving bitter glares from both Suzuri and Ako, Naoshi just laughed more gleefully.
”See? Hopelessly infatuated, both of them! Still, they’re promising exorcists, beautiful, and genuinely good girls. So, what do you think?”
Yukinojo and Tesshin, reading the situation from the daughters’ disgruntled expressions at the forced compliments, responded with warm smiles.
”Well, I think we have a rough idea of your relationship dynamic.”
”Pretty much.”
”Let me reintroduce myself—I’m Touma Yukinojo. Nice to meet you, Suzuri-san. It’s been a while, Ako-san.”
”Kurushima Tesshin from Kyushu. Good to meet you.”
Their demeanor was casual and friendly, appropriate for interacting with a friend’s family.
Naoshi moved behind Suzuri and Ako, puffing out his chest proudly.
”These are my pals—no need for long intros.”
”Why does Nao-nii always side with them…?” Suzuri grumbled with an exasperated look.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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