Volume 7 Chapter 1 Interlude – ① Shrimp and Catfish and Clam
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Note: In this interlude story, the monsters have been given dialogue lines, but they are not actually conversing as written. The communication between monsters has been translated with nuanced seasoning so that humans can understand. Monster conversations are fundamentally incomprehensible to humans. Only Minoru and Risa can converse with Hinoki and Asunaro.
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In the doma of the Tatemiya family estate’s detached building.
Inside the water tank installed there, a sea slug is speaking to a catfish.
”Ah, Clam-chan, getting scolded by Ten-kun again today, huh~”
”……”
”Kanacchi, are you mad that Ten-kun’s been taken away?”
”That is not the case at all.”
”Then maybe you should dial down that pressure a little? Come on, smile, smile, yaaay!”
The catfish monster, Kaname, stopped gazing at the neighboring water tank, glanced briefly at the sea slug wriggling its body in the water, then turned around.
In the water tank Kaname had been watching until a moment ago, a pistol shrimp was in the middle of lecturing a large clam.
Tempura was earnestly explaining the proper way for a monster to exist as a servant who had been tamed by their master. Clam’s attitude was meek, but it was easy to imagine she wasn’t actually listening. The lecture event that occurred daily had already become part of the monsters’ routine.
”Miwa, stop teasing Kaname. Now is not the time for that,” Rei said.
”You’re right. Sorry, Kanacchi,” Miwa replied.
”……It’s fine~”
The one who joined the conversation was the electric ray, Old Man Rei.
He gently scolded the sea slug, Miwa. Miwa hadn’t meant to tease Kaname either—she just wanted to cheer up the sad Kaname. Everyone pumped up and everyone happy—that was Miwa’s motto.
Until recently, the monsters’ daily scene had been the husband-and-wife comedy routine between Tempura and Kaname.
Their master was Minoru. The Takemani family—the head house members of the Tatemiya estate—were the ones Minoru couldn’t defy. The Takemani family claimed lineage from ancient Takemani blood and enshrined a great catfish monster as a sacred fish, coexisting with it.
Kaname, a direct descendant of that great catfish, was the oldest among the monsters here.
She had been given to the Tatemiya estate—a branch family—from the Takemani head house as a growth blessing when Minoru was small, and had lived here for over a decade since. A proud young lady who considered herself the leader of all monsters serving Minoru. If she were human, she’d surely be the type to toss her golden curled hair back and laugh haughtily.
Tempura, on the other hand, was a pistol shrimp Minoru had captured in the wild.
Despite being a former stray, this monster had won their master Minoru’s favor.
Kaname hadn’t liked that Minoru, who had once doted on her, started prioritizing Tempura after his arrival. She’d clashed directly with Tempura, and had even stooped to petty bullying tactics. Worried about the relationship between the two, Minoru had separated them into two water tanks.
With the tanks divided, the pair entered a cold war, bickering through the tank walls every day. Kaname would pick a fight, and Tempura would fight back—that was the pattern. That had been the monsters’ daily scene.
Kaname retreated to her domain at the bottom of the water tank.
Kaname could create a simple refuge space using an applied technique of earth manipulation. From the side, it looked like a flat black shadow less than a millimeter thick, but inside, it was spacious enough for Kaname to swim comfortably.
As Kaname vanished, Miwa murmured apologetically.
”Was that too much?” Miwa asked.
”No, no, that much is fine. The young lady won’t get upset over something like that,” Rei assured her.
”I hope so…”
Like Tempura, Miwa and Rei had been captured in the wild by Minoru.
Their position was closer to Tempura’s. Still, they knew Kaname had been working hard as the monsters’ coordinator, and that she had looked out for them when they joined—even if those efforts often backfired. So they understood Kaname’s feelings too.
Miwa and Rei paused for a while, but deciding that waiting wouldn’t accomplish anything, they began practicing sorcery while swimming in the water tank.
Meanwhile, one monster was watching the scene.
It was Tempura, who had been lecturing Clam. While forcibly keeping the clam’s shell slightly open and pouring a litany of complaints inside—even as Clam tried to retreat into it—Tempura shifted his gaze toward Kaname.
Once the scolding was over, Clam immediately shifted to human form and started playing cat’s cradle with Pape in the doma.
Tempura, temporarily freed, hopped over the water tank and moved to the one containing Miwa and the others.
In truth, moving between water tanks was child’s play for the monsters. Frankly, separating the tanks had been mostly pointless. Only their owner, Minoru, remained unaware.
”Ten-kun, going to Kanacchi’s place?” Miwa asked.
”Yeah. We haven’t had a serious talk lately. I’m going to check on her,” Tempura replied.
”Be careful…”
Exchanging a brief word with Miwa, who had come up to him, Tempura entered Kaname’s created domain without hesitation.
Kaname’s gaze was fixed on the entrance—clearly she had been waiting for Tempura to come in. As soon as he entered, the domain’s door closed.
Tempura was now trapped in Kaname’s private space.
No entry from outside, no exit from within. Since the difference wasn’t visible from outside, Miwa and the others probably hadn’t noticed.
It was common knowledge among the monsters that Kaname disliked anyone invading this private space. Tempura was the only one tactless enough to barge right in.
Tempura smiled wryly at being trapped, but swam smoothly over to Kaname.
Drawing close, he spoke to her.
”What’s wrong? You seem down,” Tempura said.
”……”
”What? Pouting again? You’re hopeless.”
”……It’s Ten’s fault! All of it!”
Kaname’s emotions exploded at Tempura’s flippant attitude.
”You didn’t say goodnight yesterday, and you didn’t say good morning today either! You said you’d have time yesterday, but in the end we couldn’t be alone together at all!” Kaname cried.
”Sorry. But it can’t be helped, right? Working for our master takes priority,” Tempura replied.
”I understand that! But… I’m lonely…”
Kaname drooped, visibly deflated.
”Sorry. I’ll make it up to you…”
”Just… stay with me for a little while…”
The catfish and shrimp drew close.
Yes, these two. They’re actually an item.
Tempura and Kaname had clashed constantly at first, but for their master Minoru’s sake, they’d agreed to at least pretend to get along on the surface.
To Minoru, Tempura and Kaname were his spear and shield. If they were at odds, it would only cause their master trouble.
Naturally, they had more opportunities to coordinate, and in the process, their understanding of each other deepened. Kaname noticed Tempura’s quiet kindness and strength; Tempura came to appreciate Kaname’s strong sense of responsibility and seriousness. Well, after going through this and that, their bond grew stronger… and this was the result.
Species differences were trivial to monsters.
This private space was Tempura and Kaname’s love nest, where no one could intrude.
Having been spoiled thoroughly, alone together, and having replenished her Tempura fix, Kaname calmed down and reopened the door to her private space. Then, she began consulting with him about the current situation and how to proceed going forward.
”With Hinoki-sama’s addition, we’ve gained some breathing room,” Tempura said.
”That one’s depths are unfathomable. I understand why Minoru-sama values them so highly,” Kaname replied.
To the monsters, Hinoki was polished in every way.
It felt as natural as breathing to be under Hinoki’s command. Now, even Kaname acknowledged Hinoki as the monsters’ leader.
With the weight of coordinating the monsters lifted, Tempura had been earnestly instructing Clam and Pape as their teacher.
”Wouldn’t it be better to relax a little more? With that approach, it’s no wonder Clam resists,” Kaname suggested.
”I know that, but figuring out how to actually instruct her is difficult… This is the only way I know how to teach,” Tempura admitted.
”Such a clumsy~ one, aren’t you.”
Kaname’s voice carried a note of annoyed affection.
”Pape follows the rules perfectly, so why won’t Clam listen to me?” Tempura wondered.
”Well…”
Kaname thought.
Pape and Clam. These two were entirely different—from their very foundations as monsters to their lived experiences.
Pape had been created as a dungeon boss and had spent many years in that role. Their monster history was exceedingly long.
Clam, on the other hand, was about the same age as Kaname and Tempura, but had only become a monster half a year ago. Now she was seeing more of the world and was in that phase where everything seemed exciting. It would be hard for her to control her curiosity.
Kaname had an idea about how to guide a newborn monster’s thoughts.
”It can’t be helped. I’ll support you,” Kaname declared.
”Support?” Tempura asked.
”I have more free time now too. I’ll help you educate Clam.”
Kaname had been treating Clam like a high-maintenance daughter.
She remembered the warm feeling of the three of them—Tempura, Clam, and herself—spending time together in a hot spring bucket recently, like a cozy little family. She wouldn’t hold back her cooperation.
”I appreciate the offer, but… Kaname, can you actually teach anyone?” Tempura asked skeptically.
”How rude~!”
Kaname fumed at the insulting remark, but Tempura’s concern had some basis.
When Tempura had first joined, he had no memory of being taught anything by Kaname. If anything, she’d only been mean to him.
Later, when Miwa, Rei, and Gassa joined, it was Tempura who taught them the finer rules. Back then, Kaname had just stood behind them with her arms crossed, needlessly radiating pressure as the “boss” (self-proclaimed).
”I am a direct descendant of the venerable Great Catfish! I received top-tier monster education, I’ll have you know! I’ll give Clam the very same education!” Kaname insisted.
”……”
Tempura considered this.
Was “top-tier education” really true? Wasn’t she just exaggerating the scoldings and punishments she’d gotten whenever she messed up?
”I will raise Clam into a fine lady! Yes! That would be perfect!” Kaname declared, fully convinced.
Tempura knew well that if he stopped her now that she was finally motivated, she’d pout. So his response would be…
”Alright. Thank you. Let’s teach Clam together, so she can become a fine monster,” Tempura said.
Total agreement and problem deferral.
He could already see the various troubles they’d face during actual education. He’d just guide things skillfully then. Tempura, used to Kaname making outlandish pronouncements, prioritized not upsetting her mood.
”Then let’s go speak with Clam right away,” Kaname said.
Kaname started moving toward the exit of the isolation space.
”Hey, wait. If I don’t go out first, it’ll look weird,” Tempura called out.
”Ah, you’re right,” Kaname acknowledged.
Kaname stopped near the entrance, and Tempura passed her.
Then, just in front of her, Tempura lightly brushed against her.
”I might not be able to come here again today. So… payment in advance,” Tempura murmured.
”Oh my…”
One more time, savoring the moment alone together, Tempura exited the isolation space.
Immediately, Miwa rushed over in a panic.
”Ten-kun! Bad news! Bad news!” Miwa cried.
”What? What happened?” Tempura asked.
”Clam-chan…”
”Clam?”
Tempura looked toward the raised wooden floor where Pape and Clam had been playing cat’s cradle—but no one was there.
”Clam-chan suddenly ran off! Pape followed after her!” Miwa explained.
”……”
Tempura held his head.
When leaving this detached building, he was essentially required to accompany them. Going out on their own was against the rules. He’d told them that if he was absent, Pape could go instead—but to wait until he returned if he was in Kaname’s domain, since he’d be considered “present.”
He’d just finished scolding her, and now he’d have to scold her again.
Sighing in exhaustion, he focused on catching Clam.
”Ahem! Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting. Now that I’m here, everything will be fine~. Where is Clam? I shall help her become a splendid monster!” Kaname announced.
”Kanacchi… Clam-chan ran off,” Miwa said.
”Eh? …Oh no! Ten, go after her immediately!” Kaname urged.
”I want to, but…” Tempura hesitated.
A shrimp exploring land alone was impractical.
At the very least, he needed a general idea of where she’d gone.
”What to do…”
Tempura began pondering ways to catch Clam while listening to Kaname’s heated voice in the background.
—
Summary:
Kaname retreats to her private space after Miwa’s teasing, where Tempura follows her. The two have a quiet intimate moment that reveals their romantic relationship, and Kaname offers to help Tempura educate Clam. Before they can act, Clam runs off with Pape in pursuit, leaving Tempura to figure out how to catch her despite his limitations as a shrimp on land.
—
Trivia:
Kaname is the direct descendant of the Great Catfish sacred to the Takemani family and is the oldest monster in the Tatemiya estate.
Tempura and Kaname were originally enemies who fought constantly until Minoru separated them into two water tanks.
The monsters can move between water tanks freely despite Minoru believing they are separated—only their owner remains unaware.
Kaname can create a private space using earth manipulation that appears as a thin black shadow from outside.
Tempura and Kaname’s private space serves as their secret love nest where no one can disturb them.
Hinoki has recently joined and is now acknowledged by Kaname as the monsters’ leader.
Pape is an ancient dungeon boss monster with exceptionally long monster history, while Clam only became a monster half a year ago.
Kaname was never actually good at teaching new monsters—Tempura handled all the instruction duties for Miwa, Rei, and Gassa.
Notes:
• Asunaro – An entity serving as a daughter-like protector of Hinoki’s power for over a thousand years. Once a distinct being, she now acts as a medium for that power, currently residing within Risa. With her own consciousness faded, she influences Risa’s ability to understand Hinoki’s speech, bridging the connection between them.
• Hinoki – This non-binary, ancient spirit shares a consciousness with Minoru and manifests as a 30cm metallic white centipede. Speaking in a blunt, warm Northern dialect, this former field leader maintains a playful, teasing bond with the protagonist. They wield fire and lightning, command insects, and possess the ability to shrink to enter and cleanse other beings, though their true form remains separated.
• Minoru – Minoru Tatemiya, a lean, black-haired student and reincarnated mob protagonist, serves as the analytical, pragmatic narrator who secretly rules the 5th District as a Demon Lord. A skilled tactician using shockwave and spatial magic alongside command of snow flies, he ruthlessly protects his group. He manages his estate while mentoring allies like Mai, Mitsuki, and Risa while hosting Hinoki.
• Risa – A tall, slender, twin-tailed Naruse guild lady and Yukizuki sorcerer, she is Momono and Anri’s sister and Minoru’s partner. Though proud and sardonic, she possesses an unnatural constitution allowing her to host powerful entities. Currently possessed by a Shadow entity and controlled by Oboroka sorcery, she remains defiant against her mother’s schemes, relying on Minoru while trapped in her uniform.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• Tatemiya – Minoru Tatemiya is a pragmatic, observant sorcerer and leader of a powerful group of women and witches, including Kotoha. As head of the prestigious Tatemiya lineage, he specializes in electrical defensive sorcery. He manages group activities and fosters bonds at the Tatemiya household, which serves as a central hub for his allies. His calm, methodical approach guides his team in searching for powers.
• Clam – Evolving from a clam via a stone, this newborn Aberration is a sorcerer specializing in Bewilderment magic. Taking a large mollusk form or a toddler guise with limited speech, this unique Phantom serves as a communication intermediary for water tank entities. Though she often questions others’ abilities, she was educated by Tempura, is deeply attached to Asari, and gets drunk on carbonated drinks.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
• Kaname – A catfish-like earth Aberration and off-screen party ally, this high-and-mighty being resides in Minoru’s shadow. Affectionately called “-chan” by Hinoki and others, it belongs to the “Strong-Females” group. It demands high-grade feed, acts as an anti-lightning countermeasure, and uses earth magic to manipulate material consistency, tightening rock to strategically pin enemy limbs to the ground.
• Tempura – A crayfish-sized, shrimp-like Aberration residing in a water tank, this sharp-tongued, comedic Phantom demands high-grade feed. Captured a decade ago, they are Minoru’s loyal subordinate and offensive partner, channeling destructive shockwaves in combat. Now an instructor attending household meetings, they train Clams, mentor newcomers, and assist in caring for other creatures.
• Rei – A subjugated electric ray Aberration residing in Minoru’s shadow and a dedicated group member. It acts as a combat radar, detecting atmospheric shifts and sorcery for tactical warnings. Loyal to allies but hostile and fearful toward new members, its ability provides defensive support to both Tatemiya and Shoji.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Pape – A dedicated mannequin Aberration with a blank face, this shape-shifting butler and Strong-Females member is a loyal ally deeply devoted to its master. It flawlessly handles chores, tricks, and games, becoming invincible when motionless. It uses attire-based magic and creates illusions or decoys—even mimicking Shoji’s appearance to confuse Risa in combat—to perfectly assist others.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• Gassa – An Aberration and pet-like entity residing in the annex area within Minoru’s shadow, who also contributes to Asunaro’s physical repairs.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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