"Yukiko, I've got good news for you. I've officially been appointed as the Public Security Bureau's reasoning consultant!"
That evening, in the small one-bedroom apartment the Kudo Family was renting, Yusaku excitedly told his wife.
"R-Really? Th-That's great..." Yukiko forced a smile.
Noticing his wife's odd expression, Yusaku frowned. "What's wrong, Yukiko? You look exhausted. Did something happen?"
"N-No, nothing."
Yukiko struggled to lift the corners of her mouth and quickly changed the subject. "Does that mean Shinichi's medical expenses will be..."
At this, her eyes lit up slightly.
Besides the fact that reasoning was the only skill he could currently rely on to make a living, another major reason Yusaku had gone to apply for a job at the Public Security Bureau was the extremely generous benefits the bureau offered.
It was common knowledge that working for the Public Security Bureau often meant facing the risk of fighting Devils and losing limbs, so the compensation for subordinates was exceptionally good.
Now that Yusaku was officially employed, did that mean she wouldn't have to go out and work herself anymore?
Remembering the eighteen different positions Makoto had put her through that day in the hospital room next to her son's, Yukiko's cheeks flushed hot.
Seeing his wife's reaction, Yusaku scratched his nose sheepishly, feeling somewhat ashamed.
"Sorry, Yukiko. Those benefits are only for frontline combat personnel. My current treatment isn't enough to cover Shinichi's medical expenses."
It was true that the Public Security Bureau provided excellent treatment to its subordinates, otherwise, not many would willingly take on such a dangerous job… who would want to deal with Devils all day for no reason?
But that treatment was for those risking their lives on the front lines. There was no way someone stationed safely in the rear could get such high pay.
Besides, Yusaku's reasoning skills, which he was so proud of, weren't exactly indispensable within the Public Security Bureau.
After all, this was a world where superpowers ran rampant. Most of the evildoers were Devils, and their logic and methods were beyond what Yusaku's reasoning could grasp.
He could only handle ordinary cases committed by humans, so his treatment naturally wasn't high.
Moreover, many Devil Hunters within the Public Security Bureau had contracted with information-based abilities.
Not to mention others, Makima could control small animals like rats and birds to share their vision, covering all of Tokyo. No criminal could lie before the Control Devil.
Yusaku's reasoning abilities, which he prided himself on in the real world, were practically worthless in the face of such powers.
"So... I still need to trouble you to go out and work. I'm sorry, Yukiko."
Yusaku said, his face full of guilt.
"I-It's okay. You focus on your work. We'll get through this together as a family."
"I'm sorry for putting you through this, Yukiko."
Yusaku stepped forward, reaching out to put his arm around his wife's waist for a hug.
But the moment his fingertips touched Yukiko's waist, she flinched back two steps as if electrocuted.
Seeing her husband's confused expression, Yukiko forced a smile and explained, "Sorry, Yusaku. I'm just really tired today. I want to rest. Can you get dinner for yourself outside?"
Before, Yusaku, who shared his son's obsession with reasoning, would have definitely pressed for answers.
But now, with the family's entire financial burden resting on his wife's shoulders, Yusaku didn't dare act as assertive as before. He simply nodded, pretending not to notice anything.
"Alright. Get some rest. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Mm."
Yukiko returned to the bedroom and closed the door, falling into a long silence.
'Was I going to... continue doing that kind of thing? With that man who had a grudge against both my husband and son...'
Two days later, Shinichi drank the black tea again and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Watching her sleeping son, Yukiko silently pulled the curtain beside the bed, and then...
"Oh dear! Don't be so impatient... at least go to the next room..."
"I never expected Mrs. Yukiko to contact me on her own initiative. Are you planning to earn your son's medical expenses this way from now on?"
"W-What else can I do? Th-The yakuza have already set their sights on me... Ah! D-Don't tear it! I'll have to buy new ones again..."
"By the way, the Pikachu tail isn't still inside, is it?"
"N-No, it's not..."
"Really? Your husband didn't notice?"
"N-No, he didn't. I-I've been telling him I'm too tired lately, s-so we h-haven't... Ouch! Don't pull it out so suddenly!"
"Wow, he doesn't have a problem with it? Oh, remember to call me Satoshi later..."
"I-I'm the one making money now, s-so he can't really say anything..."
'Tsk, how real.'
But it made sense. Whoever made more money in the family had more say.
As for those men who earned money to support their wives but still ended up living like doormats… Makoto really didn't understand what they were thinking.
You're the one making the money, why are you acting so timid!
Alice had been in a good mood lately because she'd recently discovered she could keep up with Makoto's pace.
Before, after just a few rounds, she'd be retreating in defeat, constantly begging for mercy, saying if Makoto continued she'd die.
But to keep Makoto from going to Erina, she had to grit her teeth and endure. In the end, she'd be completely immobile, just letting Makoto do whatever, feeling like a doll with no experience at all.
Lately, however, Alice found she could actually keep up with Makoto's rhythm.
Although she was still exhausted afterward, Makoto basically had no energy left for another round, let alone any spare thought to go find Erina.
'Had I improved this much?!'
Regarding this, Yukiko just wanted to say: I'm the one drawing all that fire for you, alright!
Erina, meanwhile, was filled with confusion, 'Did Makoto no longer have needs?'
She'd heard from her aunt, Nakiri Leonora, that once a man passed twenty-five, his physical condition declined significantly, and he'd avoid that kind of thing if possible.
But the problem was, Makoto hadn't even reached twenty-five yet.
And it had been months since he'd been separated from Utaha and the others. How could he stand it?
But with her thin skin, Erina just couldn't bring herself to ask Makoto. So she spent her days agonizing over it, time quietly slipping away.