Chapter 271: Big Brother (2)
Yasushi's group had been sitting together in the private terminal in Warsaw, Poland, for what felt like an extended wait. They still had twenty minutes before boarding their private jet to England. The group passed the time quietly, each member absorbed in their own activity. Some scrolled through their phones while others picked at food from the lounge.
A sudden commotion broke the stillness of the space. Distant shouting reached them, loud and insistent, as a group of frustrated customers berated the staff near the main counter. Yasushi looked up and noticed a few others in the lounge glancing toward the scene. The angry voices echoed faintly, though their exact words were hard to make out from where Yasushi and the others sat.
The private lounge was exclusive, restricted to select passengers, and it was clear that those raising their voices wouldn't be entering the space anytime soon. Security personnel arrived after a few minutes, moving with purpose to de-escalate the situation. They escorted the unruly customers away as the group quietly observed.
"What were they saying? None of us know Polish," Yunxue asked, turning toward Yasushi with a curious expression.
"They were complaining about the airline booking them into economy instead of business class," Yasushi replied. "That's what I could catch, at least. They were furious and making a huge scene about it."
"They were sort of justified at first — until the screaming started," Xinyi remarked, her tone carrying a sense of measured calm. The rest of the group nodded in agreement, their silence reinforcing her point. "If they'd kept it civil, it wouldn't have spiraled like that. But some people just don't know how to hold back."
Yasushi didn't add anything further, choosing to leave the discussion where it stood. For the remainder of their wait, nothing noteworthy took place. In the distance, there were a few scattered murmurs among onlookers, their worry unnecessary as the tension gradually eased. Eventually, they boarded their private jet and began their flight to the United Kingdom.
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Their journey back took some time, but they eventually reached the familiar house in London. Stepping inside, they were met by Yasushi's parents. Kohana, clearly pregnant, sat in a chair with her husband, Yuji, assisting her.
Yasushi hurried over, his movements purposeful as he offered additional support. "Mom, shouldn't you be resting? I could've come to your room instead," he said, his concern clear as he glanced toward her.
Kohana Futakao chuckled softly, a trace of warmth in her voice. "Yasushi, I appreciate your worry, but I'm not entirely helpless just because the baby's due soon. I'm fine moving around — this one will arrive quicker than you did, I'm sure!" she added with a light-hearted tone.
Yasushi exhaled, resignation creeping into his expression. He knew better than to argue with his mother when she made up her mind. They helped her settle into one of the living rooms, where the group prepared for the night ahead.
After exchanging a few words once everything was in order, Kohana, with the assistance of Yuji and the staff, was escorted to their temporary room on the ground floor. The decision to relocate had been made to ensure she wouldn't need to navigate the stairs during this period.
Meanwhile, Xinyi and Jingliu's parents joined their daughters in a different room, taking the opportunity to reconnect. Yasushi remained seated in the main area, staring upward as though lost in his own thoughts. Nandini was the only one with him, her presence quiet but reassuring.
"Is something troubling you?" she asked, breaking the silence between them.
"It's... not nothing," he replied after a pause. "But talking about it feels selfish, like I'm making all of this about me."
"Worrying about your mother and how you're handling her pregnancy isn't selfish," she told him. "It just means you're thinking about her and about what you're going through because of everything. Tell me what's on your mind."
After a short pause, Yasushi spoke, his tone uncertain. "I'm just not sure how I'll do as an older sibling. In my previous life, before being reborn here, I was an only child, at least as far as I remember. I don't know if I'll be any good at this."
Nandini rested her hand lightly on his shoulder. "I'm the oldest of six. On top of that, I'm the only one in my family tied to the supernatural. I've been where you are now, questioning myself and wondering if I could handle it. Don't let the past dictate what you think you can do. From what you've shared and what others have said about you, you've already changed in ways that prove you can grow."
She gave him a small smile, her voice warm. "Be the sibling you would have looked up to — the one you always wished for in either life. Be the kind of influence that will matter for your little sister when she arrives."
Yasushi stopped speaking for a moment, then nodded, his movements slow but purposeful. "Yeah…thanks, Nandini. I'll make sure to do that," he said as he rose from his seat. "Time for bed. It's still the middle of the night here…"
With that, they parted ways, each heading to their own rooms. Despite not being the one about to bring new life into the world, Yasushi couldn't ignore his own nervous energy. This would bring an unexpected change, one he hadn't prepared for but knew he needed to embrace.
A sibling — someone who would become part of his family and change the dynamics he'd known. He understood that he'd have to improve himself, not just for the new arrival, but also for his own sake. Still, he had to balance that effort carefully to avoid overexerting himself. Burning out would help no one.
He also felt the weight of the broader future pressing on him. Being part of a generation tasked with propelling humanity's technology into a new era wasn't a responsibility he took lightly. His thoughts churned as he acknowledged the growing pile of obligations he'd need to tackle.
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A few days passed without Kohana going into labor, leaving Yasushi and the group to settle into a routine while waiting. Jingliu and Xinyi focused on their studies, both committed to the path of administrative work and the leadership roles they would inherit in their parents' company. Their dedication was meticulous, reflecting the demands of their future responsibilities.
Yasushi also kept up with his studies, though not with the same intensity as the others. His time was divided between assisting his mother, spending meaningful moments with her, maintaining his physical training, and handling various other tasks.
Among these obligations was analyzing the data he had received from Yinhaie and Nandini regarding the councilmen. Even now, the two continued their search for additional clues. While their staff back in Japan focused on fieldwork, the others combed through online resources, leaving no stone unturned.
"You could take a break, you know," Yuji remarked, glancing up from his seat as Yasushi tapped away on his laptop. "Even we're relaxing a bit — especially since your mom's expecting. Seems like a good time for you to join us."
Yasushi stopped walking and tilted his head back slightly, his expression resolute. "I'm planning to get those corrupt councilmen removed from power and turn things around for the homeless in Ginsukimura. No matter where I or we might move later, that place will always be my home," he said, causing his parents to exchange approving glances.
Before either could respond, Kohana let out a low grunt that made them all turn sharply. Her face contorted as she clutched at her side.
"I think… I think she's coming," she managed, her voice strained.
Yuji and Yasushi both sprang into action, rising from their seats. Yuji fumbled briefly before bolting toward the door with his phone already pressed to his ear. "I'll call the doctors. They'll help first, then we'll head to the hospital," he shouted over his shoulder.
Yasushi knelt beside his mother, letting her latch onto his hand with a grip that felt like it might crush his bones. Despite the pain, he couldn't help but find it remarkable how much strength women seemed to find during moments like this.
"You're handling this… well, Yasushi," she muttered between shallow breaths, a fleeting smile crossing her face.
Yasushi let out a short laugh and replied with an expression that matched his dry tone, "I'm losing my mind inside, Mom, don't worry."
His words earned a laugh from her, even through her obvious discomfort. The moment didn't last long, though, as the room suddenly became a flurry of movement. Doctors burst in, accompanied by several others, moving quickly and efficiently.
Yasushi stepped back as his mother released her grip on his hand with some hesitation. He flexed his fingers, her strength still fresh in his thoughts. It crossed his mind how much stronger she might be if she had trained in magic or ki.
The doctors didn't waste any time. Their brief assessment made it clear — Kohana Futakao was about to give birth. Without delay, they worked together, lifting her onto a stretcher with practiced coordination. The small space of the home gave way to urgency as they moved her out and toward the hospital.
Yasushi stayed behind, standing quietly alongside a few others who remained in the house. Among them were Xinyi and Jingliu, who exchanged a glance before Xinyi turned to him. "Why aren't we running after them?" she asked, her tone direct.
"Only a few people are allowed in the delivery room," he said. "I checked, and it's just the husband. So even if we rush there, we can't do much. Instead, let's get this room cleaned up, and maybe tidy the house a little for when they come back."
They were taken aback for a moment but went along with his plan. Over the next hour, they worked together, clearing away clutter and making sure everything was in order. When they finished, they left for the hospital. Ten minutes later, they arrived, noticing a group gathered, including both Xinyi and Jingliu's parents.
After explaining what they had done, they joined the others in the waiting room to sit and wait.
The hours dragged on — two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight — until they reached the ninth hour, and still, no word. The silence and passing time began to make Yasushi uneasy. Over the course of their wait, some gods arrived to provide support, including Shiva, Hakufubuki, and Amaterasu. They joined in waiting alongside the family.
Finally, as the tenth hour came, the doctors stepped into the room
They scanned the anxious faces around them before removing their mask. A small smile formed as they raised a hand in a thumbs-up. "It's a success. A healthy baby girl has been delivered. You're welcome to come in, but keep it calm and quiet," the doctor said.
The group collectively released a long-held breath, the tension breaking in an instant. Yasushi, who had been sitting in rigid silence, slumped back into his chair. Sweat had soaked through his shirt, leaving it clinging to his skin.
One by one, they rose from their seats, making their way to the room where the newest member of the Futakao family waited. Inside, Kohana rested on the bed, her exhaustion plain. Yuji stood beside her, his right hand visibly pale as he tried to shake feeling back into it. He gave a faint smile, flexing his fingers. Yasushi caught the gesture, offering a knowing nod in return.
Kohana offered a tired smile as she held Yasushi's newborn sibling close in her arms. The group gathered around her bed, sharing the moment in quiet anticipation. Jingliu broke the silence after a brief pause, her voice soft yet curious as she addressed Kohana.
"What's…her name?" she asked, her words prompting the others to lean in slightly, waiting for the answer.
Kohana returned her gaze with a quiet sigh, her weariness apparent. "Himari…Himari Futakao…" she murmured, her eyes dropping to her daughter with a tenderness that filled the room.
Shiva tilted his head slightly and smirked. "That's an interesting choice. Himari often refers to sunflowers or conveys meanings like 'bright' or 'joy.' Paired with your family name, it gives the impression of someone destined to bring happiness and light."
Yuji gave a short, nervous chuckle before responding. "That's the idea, Lord Shiva. We want her future to be full of brightness and joy, just like our son's."
Shiva nodded once, stepping closer to the child. He reached out his hand, which hovered over Himari briefly before her small frame glowed faintly. The light faded after a moment, leaving everyone wide-eyed.
"This child now carries my blessing," Shiva stated, his tone firm, the weight of his words leaving the room in quiet astonishment.
After everyone in the room had taken their turn holding the newborn, Yasushi walked over to his mother, standing close by her side to check on how she was doing.
"I'm fine, just tired," Kohana said, her voice calm as she leaned back slightly. A small laugh escaped her as she glanced at the others fawning over the baby. "I will say this, though… Himari took longer than you did, haha."
Curious, Yasushi looked at her and asked, "How long did it take for me?"
Kohana smirked faintly, her expression shifting as she reminisced. "A full day. You were a stubborn baby," she said, then reached out to take his hand.
"I'm sorry," he said, even though he knew apologizing for something neither of them controlled felt pointless.
She squeezed his hand, her grip light but steady. "Stop that. There's no need to apologize, jeez. Let's enjoy the moment," she said before glancing at the baby in the arms of another relative. "And don't think I haven't noticed — you haven't held your sister yet."
Yasushi hesitated, his lips tightening into an awkward smile. He hadn't avoided holding her by accident. The thought of cradling his newborn sister felt unfamiliar and almost intimidating. Still, he knew the time would come when he couldn't avoid it any longer.
Ironically, it was Jingliu who stepped forward, his girlfriend holding his newborn sister in her arms. She approached Yasushi, pausing briefly before presenting Himari to him. Yasushi stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the infant. Slowly, he extended his arms and accepted her.
Himari lay cradled in his hands, her tiny form unfamiliar and yet stirring something profound within him. His emotions churned, hard to pinpoint, until the baby reached out, her hand clutching his finger. Her tense expression softened, her small features relaxing as if soothed by the connection. Yasushi's attention remained on her, his inner storm calming as he took her in.
Here was a life that had only just begun, a life tied to his own in a way that felt both overwhelming and natural. The responsibility that came with her presence settled on him. He understood, in that instant, that he would do everything within his power to protect her. Slowly, his lips curled upward, forming a faint smile.
"Welcome to the family, Himari," he murmured, rocking her gently.
After a while, he carefully returned his little sister to their mother, watching as the two continued to bond.
Yasushi still felt strange, as though the steps forward were harder to take than he expected. Yet, he knew he couldn't remain where he was — not for himself and certainly not for his little sister. As she grew, he wanted to be the kind of person she could look up to, someone who could guide her and keep her moving in the right direction. He wanted to ensure she wouldn't stray too far, even when the time came for her to make her own choices.
He trusted that Xinyi and Jingliu would do their part as well, their support woven into every decision. The staff in their homes played a role too, a steady presence in their shared lives.
People like Yinhaie, Yunxue, Layena, Catherine, and others — friends and family alike — formed the network he could lean on. His best friend, Furuya, was also among those who never wavered, someone who had always been there without question.
In the end, Yasushi understood he wasn't alone in this, that the people around him gave him the strength he needed to keep going.
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A/N: Merry Christmas!
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Haruki_Murakami
Haruki_Murakami "Jeder ist seines Glückes Schmied" - German proverb
"Everyone is the blacksmith of their own luck."
Meaning: People are responsible for their own fate and success.
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