While a political whirlwind was brewing in the Underworld behind Daniel's back, he was completely focused on an intense combat training session.
In a secluded area within Kuoh, hidden from prying eyes by a magical barrier erected by Tamamo, Daniel was facing four of his girlfriends at the same time: Tamamo, Hikari, Hibiki, and Reynare. They were coordinated, synchronized, giving him not a single moment's respite. They weren't there to flirt or play; they were there to polish the dragon they loved.
—Don't lower your guard, Daniel! We're going to attack with everything! — Hibiki shouted with a challenging smile as she lunged with her spear.
—Concentrate! Activate both Haki at the same time! — ordered Tamamo, who was leading the offensive with spiritual fire magic and seals.
—Come on, Daniel! I know you can do it! — Hikari added with determination.
—If you fall now, you'd better not look back — Reynare concluded from the air, raining down spears of light.
Daniel, panting but firm, was in the eye of the storm. His arms were covered in Armament Haki, while his eyes remained closed, relying on Observation Haki. Every strike, every spell, every movement, forced him to improve.
On the sidelines of the field, Sakura and Alya, prepared with bandages, magical potions, and energy drinks, watched attentively.
—How much longer can they keep up that pace? — Alya asked with a sigh.
—As long as their love for him doesn't run out... they can last a lifetime — Sakura replied with a proud smile.
Deep within Daniel's mind, Ddraig observed everything like a meticulous spectator.
"Hmm... interesting. You're starting to combine instinct and reaction. But you lack conviction in decisive moments. You need that edge, that internal roar... but it will come. At this rate, that Haki will become impenetrable."
Just as the training reached its peak, a familiar presence approached from the east. Daniel sensed it with his Observation Haki before he saw it: Ginji.
The wolf-man arrived hurriedly, partly covered in dust from the journey.
—Daniel! — he called out, raising his voice as the group stopped.
Daniel, still catching his breath from the effort, approached.
—Is something wrong? — he asked, wiping sweat from his brow with his forearm.
Ginji nodded with a somber expression.
—Yes. Yasaka-sama... the leader of the Yokai faction in Japan, sent me to find you. We've found another crime scene, a Yokai family brutally murdered in Tokyo. Hate messages written in blood on the walls... — he said in a grave voice—. She wants to personally hire you to investigate this case.
The girls exchanged worried glances. Daniel frowned.
—Are you sure that's a good idea? I have no affiliation with any group...
—Precisely because of that. Yasaka-sama believes you can solve this without sparking political conflicts. And I trust you, Daniel. You already helped me before when no one else would.
Daniel nodded, his expression hardening.
—Then there's no time to waste.
Tamamo stepped forward, serious.
—I'll go with you.
—Me too — Reynare said immediately.
Hikari and Hibiki also stepped forward, but Daniel raised his hand with a faint smile.
—This time will just be a reconnaissance and investigation mission. If it gets complicated, I'll call you.
The girls, somewhat reluctant, agreed. Sakura handed him a healing vial and Alya a mana energy bar.
—Take care, Daniel — they said in unison.
Ginji nodded, satisfied, and with a Yokai summoning circle, he, Daniel, and Tamamo teleported towards Tokyo, where Yasaka was waiting... and where new shadows were beginning to spread.
Ginji waited patiently a few meters away while Daniel said goodbye to his girlfriends with hugs, kisses, and affectionate caresses that lasted a bit longer than necessary, which made Ginji avert his gaze with a slight blush and a bead of sweat running down his temple.
—Ready? — he finally asked.
—Yes, let's go — Daniel replied, serious.
Ginji nodded and raised his hand, murmuring an ancient spell. A magical circle with Yokai symbols formed at their feet and, in a golden flash, the world faded away...
When the light dissipated, Daniel, Tamamo, and Reynare were no longer in Kuoh. The concrete had been replaced by nature. They were in a forested park, the atmosphere saturated with an ancient and peaceful energy. The wind was gentle, the sound of birds enveloped the area, and the feeling of being far from the human world was evident.
—Follow me — said Ginji, taking the lead down a narrow path surrounded by tall trees.
They advanced to a seemingly normal clearing, but before Daniel could ask anything, Ginji kept walking... and disappeared in front of them as if he had walked through an invisible wall.
—An illusory barrier — said Tamamo, narrowing her eyes—. Very well made.
Without hesitation, Daniel took the first step, and as he did, the landscape changed immediately.
They were now inside a perfectly preserved traditional Japanese village. Dark wooden buildings, hanging lanterns, stone paths, and most notably: humanoid inhabitants with animal features.
Fox tails, cat ears, feline eyes, monkey tails, and even soft hooves like those of a deer... The Yokai observed them with curiosity and a certain nervousness, murmuring among themselves.
—They're not used to human visitors — Ginji explained as they walked—. This is one of the oldest protected villages. Here, we maintain our customs and protect those who cannot defend themselves.
—Are all here Yokai? — Reynare asked.
—Mostly. Though some humans with close ties to Yokai families also live here — Ginji replied—. Here, there's no need to hide what we are.
As they walked, Daniel felt many eyes on him... some curious, others distrustful... and some clearly interested. Tamamo noticed this, and in an almost automatic move, she took Daniel's arm possessively, while Reynare did the same from the other side, throwing lethal looks at some Yokai girls who were being too bold.
Finally, they arrived at a large residence. A pair of red torii gates led to a traditional wooden palace, raised on a stone platform, with a small lake and a zen garden beside it.
—Permission to enter — Ginji said respectfully, bowing before the entrance.
A Yokai maid guided them inside and, upon reaching the main hall, the doors opened... and there she was.
Yasaka.
A woman of overwhelming beauty, with an aura both maternal and majestic. Her golden hair, long and shiny like threads of sun, fell over a fitted kimono in red and white tones that did nothing to hide her voluptuous figure. Her nine golden tails moved slowly behind her as if they had a will of their own.
Her golden eyes were soft, warm, but clearly analytical. She was a woman who could crush kingdoms with her power... or make them fall with a smile.
—Welcome to Kyoto, young heroes — she said in a melodious voice, giving an elegant bow—. I am Yasaka, leader of this region and mother of Kunou.
Beside her was a girl of about fifteen, with fox ears and a single tail. She wore a light pink kimono, and though still developing, her beauty promised a bright future.
—M-my name is Kunou — she said, bowing politely with slightly flushed cheeks—. Thank you for coming to help us.
Daniel responded with a kind smile.
—It's an honor to meet you, Yasaka-sama, Kunou. My name is Daniel. And these are Tamamo and Reynare, my companions.
Tamamo inclined her head politely, while Reynare smiled more casually.
—So you are the famous Daniel Ginji has told me about — Yasaka said, resting her feline eyes on him with interest—. I'm looking forward to seeing if you are as extraordinary as they say... though, I must admit, at first glance... I'm not disappointed.
Her words were soft, but Tamamo and Reynare tightened their grip on Daniel's arms, as if wanting to make clear he was already spoken for.
Daniel just swallowed.
> "What the hell was that...? I feel like I'm about to fight a final boss and the mission hasn't even started yet."
Yasaka guided them through the corridors with feline grace, her tails moving fluidly and her soft voice maintaining a playful smile on her lips.
—I must say I was surprised to see a Kitsune outside Kyoto... and traveling with a human, no less. — Her golden eyes rested on Tamamo with a mix of interest and mischief—. A forbidden love, perhaps? A romance from a novel?
Tamamo, elegant and serene, just returned a sly smile.
—I am just Tama, a one-of-a-kind kitsune. I don't belong to any of the Kyoto houses. And this human... is mine. — She said it in a tone that left no room for debate.
Reynare chuckled quietly.
—Don't get confused, Yasaka-sama. Daniel has more suitors than he can handle... but that makes him more interesting, don't you think?
Daniel sighed, resigned.
—My name is Daniel. I appreciate your hospitality, and I hope to be useful in this investigation. What happened to those families must not be repeated.
Yasaka nodded, lowering her playful tone a bit.
—I hope so too, Daniel-kun. These disappearances are not just tragedies... they are also a threat to stability between races. — Then she added, with a mischievous glint— But if you solve this quickly... perhaps I'll reward you personally~.
Kunou, who had been quiet until then, blushed intensely and looked away.
—Mom... please...
Yasaka let out a musical laugh.
—Oh, my girl, I'm only joking... a little.
Hours later, the group arrived at an old house on the outskirts of the village. It was simple but well-kept... until one got close and felt the fragmented magical energy in the air. Something terrible had happened there.
Tamamo was the first to act. She closed her eyes and extended her hands, absorbing the residual energy.
—Dark magic... and recent. As if they wanted to erase their trail, but weren't careful.
Reynare separated from the group and began searching skillfully, finding signs of struggle and objects out of place.
—There was resistance. This was a forced entry.
Daniel, meanwhile, closed his eyes. His mind communicated with Ddraig.
> "I need to find those responsible. I need to track them."
> "You have an option, but... you're not going to like it."
Ddraig explained: he could grant him the sense of smell of a dragon. Thousands of times more sensitive than a wolf's, capable of smelling magic, emotions, and physical traces with absurd precision. But there was a price: he had to sacrifice his human sense of smell.
—And what exactly does that entail? — Daniel asked quietly.
> "You would turn a part of yourself completely draconic. That transformation doesn't stop... if you take this path, little by little, more of your body will become dragon. Not externally immediately, but internally."
> "You will feel pain. As if your body were burning from within each time it advances. But you will gain strength, endurance... and even the ability to breathe fire."
—... And how long until I'm completely converted?
> "Months. Years, maybe. It depends on you."
Daniel looked at his companions.
—Tamamo, Reynare...? What do you think?
The two looked at each other. Tamamo was the first to speak, serious.
—It's a path of no return, Daniel. But if it's to save more lives... I'll be with you, no matter what you become.
Reynare nodded.
—Same here. After all, you were already a bit of a monster since that New Year's Eve, weren't you?
Daniel chuckled quietly and looked at the sky.
—Ddraig. I'll do it.
> "As you wish, partner. From this moment on... you are heading toward your true form."
A red and golden aura enveloped Daniel for a moment. He felt his nose burn as if a thousand needles were piercing it. He fell to his knees but didn't scream. Tamamo and Reynare knelt beside him, giving him support.
When the pain subsided, Daniel opened his eyes. He could smell everything. Tamamo's faint sweat, Reynare's sweet scent, the rotten wood under the house, the old blood... and a trace, barely perceptible, leading into the forest.
—I have it — he said in a determined voice—. There's a trail. Someone passed through here less than 12 hours ago. And they weren't human.
Tamamo smiled.
—Then let's go after them.
Yasaka, who had observed from a distance, narrowed her eyes. Her smile was small but intrigued.
—A human with a dragon's soul... interesting. Very interesting...
Guided by his new draconic sense of smell, Daniel advanced through alleys and hidden paths in the village. The scent he followed was subtle, infused with fear, dried blood, and dark magic. The others followed without a word, trusting his ability.
And then, Daniel stopped dead in front of an old abandoned tea shop.
—The trail ends here.
—Here? — Yasaka asked, frowning—. This is inside the village. It can't be...
Tamamo clicked her tongue and opened a magical fan, releasing a wave of spiritual energy. The air shimmered.
—Advanced illusion. A good one.
With a wave of her hand, the illusion crumbled like a cascade of crystals, revealing an old, dilapidated house, full of dark inscriptions and with a barrier that kept it hidden even from the most sensitive. The worst part... was that they were still within Yokai territory.
—This means... — Reynare clenched her fists.
—Traitors. — Ginji concluded, baring his fangs.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, a burst of magic hit them. From every corner of the house, fallen angels and corrupted Yokai emerged. Their eyes were full of hatred; their faces, distorted by rage. There was no time for words.
The battle erupted.
Daniel dodged and counterattacked without pause. Observation Haki guided him, showing him every ambush attempt. What was once a defensive technique was now beginning to become offensive, as if he saw intentions before they even materialized. His smell detected adrenaline, fear, the anger of his enemies. He could anticipate.
But Armament Haki was different. It didn't grow with calculation. It needed real pressure, a tangible threat. Each strike trained it, but without an opponent of similar strength, its progress was slow.
Meanwhile, Yasaka unleashed hell.
—You are not Yokai... you are scum in disguise! — she shouted while hurling a golden sphere of spiritual energy that devoured five enemies in a flash.
With her nine tails whipping like lashes, she spun and danced across the battlefield, beautiful and deadly. Where she moved, enemies fell unconscious or were reduced to ashes.
Tamamo and Reynare fought back-to-back. Tamamo's illusory magic blinded her enemies, while Reynare's light spears pierced them without mercy.
Ginji, for his part, faced a group alone. His wolf form manifested partially; his claws and speed were lethal. Each of his movements was savage yet precise.
And then... the true leaders of the chaos appeared.
From the back of the hallway emerged two figures: a fallen angel with black wings, crimson eyes, and worn armor, and beside him, a Yokai with a lion's head, muscular, covered in magical tattoos and with eyes burning with pure hatred.
—Look what the wind brought — said the angel with a mocking voice—. Yasaka, the traitorous vixen... bringing humans and biblical races to our sanctuary. Where is your sacred neutrality now?
—Since when is working with devils and angels neutral? — growled the lion Yokai—. We remember the wars, Yasaka. While you played politics, our families died.
Yasaka looked at them calmly, even while dodging magical projectiles and physical attacks.
—And so you kill innocents? Children? Entire families? Is that your answer?
—Peace is a lie! — the fallen angel spat—. True power is only achieved through conflict. And now, thanks to Surgal's plan, you'll see it with your own eyes.
Daniel positioned himself in front of the angel, stepping between him and Yasaka.
—Another rat who obeys Surgal... What a surprise.
The angel smiled.
—And who are you? Another idiot hero with a savior complex?
Daniel didn't respond. He just activated his Armament Haki, which now covered his arms like a second skin of dark gray. His eyes shone with determination, and his senses were at their peak.
—I'm someone who is sick of seeing innocent people pay for rotten ideologies.
The clash between them was immediate. Spark against spark. Dark wings against fists armored by Haki. The angel was fast, firing dark rays that exploded like bombs, but Daniel predicted every attack, anticipating like an expert dancer.
Meanwhile, Yasaka faced the lion Yokai. It was a battle of brute force against grace. He charged like a wild demon, but Yasaka moved like a shadow, blocking with holy magic and countering with explosions of kitsune energy.
—Traitor! Human! You don't deserve to lead our people! — he shouted.
—If that's what you believe... come and take it from me! — Yasaka replied with a fierce smile.
Tamamo and Reynare had just finished off the stragglers and positioned themselves at Daniel's sides.
—Do you want help, my dear dragon? — Tamamo asked in a honeyed voice.
—I'm fine... but if you want to hit him a little, I won't complain.
—Gladly! — exclaimed Reynare.
The fallen angel barely had time to react before a spear of light grazed his wing and an illusory barrier trapped his legs.
—Damn...!
Daniel finished him off with a punch reinforced by Haki straight to the chest, slamming him against the wall.
Everything shook.
The battle wasn't over yet, but the heart of the rebellion had just been crushed. However, Daniel knew Surgal wouldn't stop here... it was just another pawn removed from the board.
The screams had already ceased. Only tense breaths and the creaking of ropes tightening wrists remained. The rebels had been lined up in front of Yasaka, standing like an implacable goddess, her nine tails undulating with contained fury. The spiritual pressure emanating from her was such that even Ginji was sweating cold.
One by one, the traitors confessed everything. Under the pressure of magical coercion spells, their mental defenses fell like wet paper.
—Why the families? — Yasaka asked in a voice as sharp as steel. Her golden gaze pierced their souls.
Silence.
But then, the lion Yokai, covered in bruises, smiled with bloodstained fangs.
—Because they supported your ideas of peace, vixen. — he spat venomously—. Because we need to remind everyone that peace is for cowards, that true strength lies in dominating or being dominated. Your policies weaken our people.
The fallen angel, also wounded and bound with seals, added with a twisted smile:
—Coexistence is a lie. We wanted to send a message. That anyone who kneels before your ideas... will end up like them.
Yasaka's heart burned with rage. She said nothing.
She just raised a hand.
A golden seal appeared on the lion Yokai's chest.
—Yasaka-sama, wait! — one of her guards shouted.
Too late.
The seal exploded in a burst of heavenly fire, and the lion Yokai was incinerated instantly. Only ashes remained.
—I will not tolerate those who murder innocents on my land. — she declared firmly.
The fallen angel swallowed with difficulty. He was no longer smiling.
—And you... — Yasaka turned to him—. You will be sent to someone I'm sure will give you what you deserve.
She raised a magical mirror. She contacted Azazel.
The figure of the Governor of Grigori appeared, drinking coffee.
—Yasaka? Well, what an honor... did something happen?
—I have a gift for you. — she replied without preamble—. One of your subordinates, allied with Kokabiel. Participated in the murder of Yokai families. He's here, awaiting punishment.
Azazel raised an eyebrow. His expression changed from relaxed to cold.
—Send him immediately. I'll handle it personally.
The fallen angel began to tremble, babbling apologies and pleas that no one heard.
Azazel closed the mirror with a final icy look that paralyzed everyone in the room.
---
Everything was calm again.
Yasaka returned to her more casual demeanor, as if nothing had happened. With a gentle smile, she turned to Daniel and his group.
—I have no words to thank you for what you did today. — she inclined her head—. This... this could have been a civil war. And you prevented it.
Tamamo inclined her head.
—We only did what was right.
—Yes... and for that, you deserve more than words.
A bag of gold appeared floating, with a seal of Yokai nobility.
—Modest, but it's what I can give you for now.
Daniel nodded and gave thanks, with his typical humility.
But just as he was about to turn to leave...
Yasaka quickly approached him.
—Huh?
—What are you doing? — Tamamo said quietly, already recognizing that look.
Yasaka hugged him around the neck, leaned close to his shoulder... and bit him.
—Agh! What the hell?! — Daniel shouted in surprise and pain, as blood welled up and Yasaka released him gently, with a mischievous smile.
—Let it scar — she told him in a low voice, laden with spiritual power and something more... intimate—. Don't heal it. It's important.
Daniel blinked, clearly confused. Even Ginji seemed redder than his coat.
Tamamo sighed.
—She just marked you. — she said, crossing her arms—. As a husband.
—What?! — Daniel almost choked.
Reynare looked at him with narrowed eyes.
—Another one...?
Yasaka laughed.
—Sorry~. But I couldn't let someone like you pass by. — she winked at him—. It's... a Yokai tradition. And I haven't trusted anyone enough to do it in years.
Tamamo watched her in silence, until finally speaking softly:
—I understand why you did it. And I'm not going to oppose it. But if you're doing it, do it right, Yasaka.
Yasaka looked at her, surprised. Perhaps she expected resistance.
—I thought you'd be the first to fight me over this...
—I don't take love away from another Yokai... when it's honest. — Tamamo replied with a wise smile—. And you, more than anyone, need someone who looks at you without fear or political agenda.
Yasaka fell silent, touching her heart. A genuine smile curved her lips.
—Thank you, Tama.
Daniel, on the other hand, was still processing everything while his shoulder burned.
—Why am I always the last to find out about these things...?
Ginji, who had witnessed everything, gave him a pat on the back.
—Welcome to the club. Your quiet days are officially over.
Daniel was mentally preparing for the return to Kuoh. He already had in mind how to explain everything to Sona without someone ending up electrocuting him or trapping him in a magical punishment dimension. Tamamo, Reynare, and Ginji were at his side, waiting for the return portal Yasaka was about to open.
However...
—Dad~! — a childish but energetic voice shouted behind him.
Daniel stopped dead. A shiver ran down his back.
—...Huh?
He turned slowly only to see Kunou, in her traditional outfit, ears trembling and tails wagging with joy, running straight toward him with a big smile.
—Dad! Daddy Daniel!
Daniel blinked several times.
—W-wait, Kunou-chan, what are you saying?
—Mom bit you and marked you! That means you're her husband, right? — she asked with all the innocence in the world— So that makes you my dad!
—Wait, wait, not so fast! It's more complicated than that! — Daniel said, waving his hands while taking a slight step back, sweating coldly.
Tamamo and Reynare just watched with neutral expressions, clearly enjoying the show.
Kunou clung to his leg.
—Don't you want to be my dad...? — her little ears drooped, and her eyes shone with held-back tears.
—No, no, it's not that! It's just that...! I need time to process that I was marked by a heart-attack-inducing nine-tailed fox woman and that now an adorable loli is calling me 'dad'! — he said desperately.
It was then that Yasaka appeared right behind Kunou, with a flirtatious smile and a calm gaze.
—No need to complicate it so much, dear~. — she said while putting an arm around Daniel's shoulder.
—Dear...? — he said, still processing the word.
—Kunou is right. By having accepted my mark, you are part of our family now. So yes: you are her new dad. — Yasaka said with a wink.
—...I'm going to need a manual. Or two. Is there a 'how to be husband to a Yokai deity and express adoptive father' guide?
—You just need to come by from time to time and be adorable. That's more than enough. — Yasaka said with a playful laugh.
Kunou, without wasting time, hugged Daniel tightly, burying her face in his stomach.
—Dad smells like fire! So cool!
The comedic scene lasted a few minutes, with Daniel frozen, a girl hugging him, Yasaka smiling as if everything was in order, and Tamamo standing with crossed arms while murmuring:
—This is getting out of control... and I'm not even angry.
---
Finally, Daniel sighed and crouched down to talk to Kunou.
—Alright, Kunou. You can call me whatever you want... but at least let me adapt, okay?
Kunou nodded happily.
—Promise, dad!
Yasaka approached and kissed Daniel on the cheek, leaving a faint lipstick mark.
—Don't forget: you must come see me. I can't leave Kyoto, and my heart breaks if I don't see you for a long time.
Daniel smiled with a mix of resignation and tenderness.
—Alright. I promise. I'll be back.
—I'll be waiting for you... my husband. — Yasaka said while waving her hand.
The portal opened with a soft blue glow.
As they crossed the threshold, Daniel murmured:
—Does anyone else feel like our life is becoming a supernatural romance anime with interdimensional politics?
Reynare replied without hesitation:
—You're just noticing now?
Tamamo nodded slowly.
—You've already accepted that you have a dragon inside, that fallen angels, devils, and now Yokai love you. What's next is that a goddess adopts you... or worse, you get married without knowing it again.
Daniel shrugged and looked at the sky.
—...I'm going to need more t-shirts. And a calendar for surprise weddings.