All the Heroines are my Ex-girlfriends

Chapter 67: Yukima Azuma Wants to Become a Heroic Spirit!

Kato Megumi leaned in close to Yukima Azuma and softly asked:

"Something happened just now, didn't it?"

Yukima Azuma quietly nodded.

"I'm not sure what exactly happened."

"Is that why Azuma-san added more contact information?"

"Megumi... Has anyone ever told you that you'd make a great detective?"

"No, but many people say I'd be better suited to being an assassin." (TL note: Kato "Hassan" Megumi)

"Have you 'handled' them yet?"

"Of course not, what are you talking about, Azuma-san?"

Kato Megumi lightly poked Yukima Azuma's side.

She remembered that Yukima Azuma had once told her not to spoil him too much.

If it felt like it was too much, she should just pinch his side.

So, after being teased, she gave him a few light pokes in retaliation.

....

The sky began to darken.

The three of them wrapped up their shopping trip and parted ways at the train station.

When they got home to the apartment,

as soon as the door opened, Shiratamaru rushed out.

Yukima Azuma quickly grabbed it and lifted it up.

It had been a few days since he had adopted Shiratamaru.

At first, it was just a small ball of white fluff, about the size of a palm.

Recently, it seemed to have gotten much rounder.

Perhaps the time spent wandering before had affected its growth.

Now that it was being fed properly, it looked like a round ball.

Mofu-mofu

At this rate, Shiratamaru's size would definitely be no small matter in the future.

After sitting down on the couch with the cat in his arms, Yukima Azuma barely had time to relax when his phone rang.

He took out his phone and saw a message from the amber-eyed girl he had just added to his contacts.

She had likely just returned home and immediately sent him a message.

Miko: [Hello, I'm Yotsuya Miko. Sorry to disturb you suddenly.]

Miko: [May I ask if you would accept me as your disciple?]

Yukima Azuma looked at the message, a little deja-vu.

He felt that she might have misunderstood something.

Sure enough, Yotsuya Miko had misunderstood.

She had seen Yukima Azuma as some kind of reclusive, powerful exorcist.

Having to see strange spirits wandering around every day,

while pretending not to notice them,

Yotsuya Miko truly couldn't bear it any longer.

Azuma: [This is Yukima Azuma. As for accepting a disciple… it's not impossible.]

Azuma: [But this needs to be considered based on talent.]

Yotsuya Miko read Yukima Azuma's reply and immediately felt a deep respect.

As expected from a reclusive master.

Accepting a disciple must involve careful selection from thousands of people.

But she was one of the few who could see those 'things'.

In terms of talent, she probably met the standards.

Swallowing nervously, Yotsuya Miko sent her reply.

Miko: [I understand! May I ask how I can test if I meet the qualifications?]

Azuma: [For now, solve this shogi position first.]

Azuma: [Image of a shogi endgame position.jpg.]

Yotsuya Miko stared at the extremely difficult shogi position in front of her, falling into deep thought.

Huh?

Why is solving a shogi position being used to test my talent?

Is this to check for enlightenment or spiritual affinity or something?

Staring at the shogi position, Yotsuya Miko tried to think for a long time.

But in the end, she had to give up.

Miko: [I... can't solve this. How does this relate to my talent?]

Azuma: [Of course it's related. If you can't even solve such a basic position, then maybe you don't have the talent.]

Miko: [Huh? But this position is really difficult.]

Azuma: [Really? But my elementary school student disciple solved it in three seconds.]

Miko: [?]

Yotsuya Miko began to doubt herself.

Are there really elementary school children like that in the world?

Hinatsuru Ai: [Umu, there are!]

As Yotsuya Miko was still confused, her phone rang again.

Azuma: [Now that I think about it, why did you suddenly want to become my disciple?]

Miko: [To be honest, because I can't bear it any longer.]

Azuma: [How does that relate to wanting to become my disciple?]

Miko: [I want to learn those methods from you.]

Azuma: [But I'm a professional shogi player.]

Miko: [?]

Azuma: [?]

A giant question mark appeared in Yotsuya Miko's mind.

Aren't you the one saying this?

Are you speaking Japanese?

Why don't I understand anything?

Now you say you're a professional shogi player.

But how can a professional shogi player use just two words to make evil spirits disappear like mist!?

Miko: [But... how can you do such things?]

Azuma: [To be honest, I still don't really understand what you mean by 'such things.']

Miko: [I... I can't say it.]

Yotsuya Miko's home was not peaceful either.

She worried that if she typed on her phone, the spirits hiding somewhere would see it.

Then the fact that she could see them would be exposed.

Azuma: [Alright then, let me explain my understanding.]

Azuma: [When I met you, I smelled a rotting stench coming from behind you.]

Azuma: [That might not be the smell from my normal senses, but rather from my sixth sense, and it might be related to what you mentioned.]

Azuma: [As for why I can do that, maybe it's because I've trained to a point of mastery in a certain field.]

Azuma: [Isn't there a legend that says, if someone trains to an extraordinary level in a field and creates heroic miracles, they can become a Heroic Spirit?]

Azuma: [I guess I've met a similar condition, and right now, I'm trying to create a miracle.]

Looking at the explanations Yukima Azuma sent, Yotsuya Miko felt completely stunned.

It was as if her problem was the fear of being robbed while walking at night, and Yukima Azuma simply told her that all she needed to do was become a billionaire.

That way, when walking at night, she could hire a hundred and eighty bodyguards to protect her.

Or simply drive, but it would have to be an armored vehicle, or even drive a plane or a tank.

The real issue had been solved,

but the solution was so difficult that it seemed almost impossible.

It was so difficult that Yotsuya Miko felt like crying.

She sent a message on Line, clinging to her last shred of hope.

Miko: [May I ask, if I encounter a problem I can't solve, could I ask for your help?]

Miko: [I'm willing to pay... though I don't have much money right now, I could take on a part-time job.]

After sending the message, Yotsuya Miko silently prayed in her heart.

But in truth, she no longer had any real expectations.

There was no reason for the other party to get involved in her troubles.

Who would want to get involved in the troublesome things she was seeing?

Even if someone could solve them, they would probably find them too bothersome and steer clear.

Just as Yotsuya Miko was about to sigh in frustration,

a message from Yukima Azuma appeared.

Azuma: [Alright, sure, and you don't need to pay.]

Azuma: [On the contrary, I'm very curious about your abilities. Perhaps I'll also need your help with some things, and I hope you won't refuse then.]

Yukima Azuma's straightforward reply stunned Yotsuya Miko for a moment.

Soon after, she felt like she had just survived a crisis.

Before, she had been like someone drowning with nothing to cling to.

She could only hold her breath, watching herself slowly sink to the bottom of the water.

But now, she had a reed in her hand.

It might not be an all-powerful magic lamp, able to pull her directly out of the water.

It might not even come in handy in a moment of crisis.

But the mere existence of Yukima Azuma was Yotsuya Miko only lifeline.

Even if she never had to ask Yukima Azuma for anything in the future,

But, just knowing Yukima Azuma existed was a huge spiritual comfort for Yotsuya Miko.

At least from now on, the world she saw would no longer feel so lonely.

As for the condition attached to Yukima Azuma agreement,

for Yotsuya Miko, it felt like there were no conditions at all.

Her eyes couldn't be turned off.

If Yukima Azuma needed her to do something, she would help without hesitation.

...

On the other side,

Yukima Azuma put his phone down and gently scratched under Shiratamaru's chin.

Shiratamaru purred continuously, clearly very satisfied with its owner's technique. (servant :v)

As for Yotsuya Miko,

after their conversation, Yukima Azuma began to recall things related to this girl.

She was someone with the ability of true "clairvoyance." (t/n: I'm not sure if "clairvoyance" is the best term here.)

Or it could be called "yin-yang eyes" instead.

Her level of clairvoyance

was probably the strongest in all of humanity.

She could see all kinds of strange creatures, regardless of their strength, morality, or any other nature.

Of course, this also brought her a lot of trouble.

In the original timeline of this world,

the girl, in a moment when there was no way out, ran to an abandoned temple.

There, she formed a pact with a fox spirit, similar to a mountain god.

This mountain god would help her three times.

In return, after her death, she would become a Shikigami or servant of that god.

Yotsuya Miko had used up the three times the mountain god had promised her.

As for whether she would become the servant of the mountain god afterward,

Yukima Azuma was unsure.

Perhaps her future life still held some chances for change, but that couldn't be confirmed.

This was all Yukima Azuma knew.

The appearance of Yotsuya Miko had caused a slight shift in Yukima Azuma's worldview.

However, for the time being, it didn't seem like a major issue.

When Yukima Azuma discovered that his shogi skills had reached a level of "divine mastery," producing special transformations,

he had once considered the possibility that supernatural phenomena might exist in this world.

Now, it could be confirmed.

They did exist.

But it was likely nothing like the Holy Grail War,

where anything could lead to a "gas explosion" in the city.

Therefore, there was no need to panic.

The main focus now should be on mastering his shogi skills.

Yukima Azuma's statement about "becoming a Heroic Spirit" wasn't just a fabrication.

After all, he was currently making steady progress toward the title of "Eternal Ryuou."

A remarkable career by any standard.

By then, his shogi skills might reach their peak level.

Even a level 8 game was already terrifying.

When he surpassed this level and entered an absolute peak state, what would happen then?

At that point, how powerful would Yukima Azuma be in controlling the board?

It could be said that he was on the verge of becoming a Demi-Heroic Spirit.

As Yukima Azuma was stroking Shiratamaru and lost in thought, the sound of a door opening from the hallway was heard.

"I'm home."

The voice of Kasumigaoka Utaha echoed.

"Welcome home."

Yukima Azuma stood up and walked into the hallway to greet her.

Shiratamaru also jumped down from Yukima Azuma's lap, running over to Kasumigaoka Utaha feet, gently rubbing against her long legs wrapped in black stockings.

Kasumigaoka Utaha changed her shoes and handed Yukima Azuma a light novel wrapped very neatly.

Yukima Azuma received it and took a glance.

To his surprise, it was Volume 4 of The Metronome in Love, beautifully printed and bound, but still not officially on sale.

"Wow, it's the new work from senpai! I've been looking forward to this one!"

"By the way, does it have your signature? I'd love a signed copy!"

Yukima Azuma hugged the book, laughing as he spoke.

Kasumigaoka Utaha gave Yukima Azuma a sidelong glance.

"No signature. You should be grateful for getting the book early!"

"If you want a signature, come to the signing event tomorrow after school and line up."

Yukima Azuma immediately understood the implied meaning in her words.

He nodded eagerly.

"I promise I'll be there!"

Kasumigaoka Utaha, satisfied, waved him off.

The preparation for the signing event was essentially done.

All that was left was to attend the event tomorrow at the right time.

Now, she needed to focus on Yukima Azuma's work.

She had to finish the game script quickly.

She couldn't let her work speed be surpassed by some blonde girl.

...

A quiet night passed.

The next day.

Toyosaki High School.

"Yesterday, I saw you carrying a guitar case, running off from Shimokitazawa!"

"Spill the beans, Kita-chan, what on earth have you been up to recently?"

Eriri cornered Kita Ikuyo against the wall, her tone fierce as she questioned her.

Yukima Azuma, observing Eriri's strong stance, nodded in approval.

Eriri was definitely doing better than she did in middle school.

When it's time to be strong, you have to be strong.

Otherwise, one day, her tsundere personality might cause a big problem.

Trapped in the corner with no room left to make excuses, Kita Ikuyo sighed and began to tell the whole truth.

She explained that one day, while strolling with friends in Shimokitazawa, she had heard a musical performance at an art gallery.

There, she became deeply impressed by a female bassist.

Coincidentally, that artist's band was looking for a guitarist and a lead vocalist.

Confident in her singing ability, Kita Ikuyo had boldly signed up.

After joining the band, she had lied to the two older members, claiming that she knew how to play the guitar.

In reality, Kita Ikuyo didn't know how to play at all.

Since then, she had rushed to a music store and spent two months' worth of her pocket money to buy a guitar.

Unfortunately, no matter how much she practiced, she couldn't play a single complete guitar song.

Every time she strummed the strings, the sound was always muffled and broken.

During the band's rehearsals, Kita Ikuyo began making excuses to avoid playing, only participating as the lead singer.

However, the more they practiced, the more helpless she felt, as the band kept pushing her to join in.

Under the pressure from both sides, Kita Ikuyo had been feeling stressed and weighed down.

Yesterday, when Yukima Azuma and the others saw Kita Ikuyo running away with her guitar case, it was because she couldn't bear the pressure anymore and had fled from the band.

After hearing Kita Ikuyo's story, Eriri immediately tried to comfort her.

As Yukima Azuma, who had been listening attentively, sat there, a strange realization suddenly hit him.

"Kita-san, the 'brrr brrrrr' sound you're talking about, isn't that the sound of a bass?"

Kita Ikuyo paused for a moment, then quickly waved her hand.

"Yukima-san, don't comfort me. I know the difference between a bass and a guitar."

As she spoke, Kita Ikuyo pulled out a photo from her phone.

"See, the bass has only four strings, and this one has six strings, so it must be a guitar!"

Yukima Azuma glanced at the photo.

"Kita-san, you know, there's actually a type of bass called a six-string bass."

Kita Ikuyo froze, the smile on her face instantly fading.

Yukima Azuma pointed to the photo.

"That's a six-string bass, or a multi-string bass."

"When you bought it, didn't you ask the store staff for advice, or did you just pick it out yourself?"

Kita Ikuyo was stunned, nodding slightly.

A small girl seemed to crumble in that moment.

That was the guitar she had spent two months' worth of pocket money on, along with her New Year's red envelope savings!

"Kita-chan! Kita-chan! Hang in there, don't let your soul fade away!"

Eriri shook her friend, who seemed like she soul was come out her mouth.

"Leave the bass to me, and you can borrow some money from me. With that, you could buy a new guitar. You can pay me back little by little later."

"I also have a friend who plays guitar really well. I could introduce you to her for lessons."

Yukima Azuma gently patted Kita Ikuyo's head.

Kita Ikuyo immediately snapped out of soul flies away.

Hearing Yukima Azuma's words, she was so moved that she almost burst into tears.

"But that wouldn't be right, Yukima-san, do you even play bass? Buying it and not being able to use it is a waste."

"Besides, introducing friends... that would take a lot of effort, and I feel like I would owe you too much!"

Kita Ikuyo wasn't the type to easily accept help from others.

Even from friends, she always maintained the principle of not taking advantage of others' kindness.

Yukima Azuma waved his hand.

"I'm doing this for Eriri. If you're grateful, thank Eriri instead."

At that moment, Eriri, who had been a bit envious, suddenly felt her heart touched upon hearing those words.

Just then, the two of them looked at her.

It was clear to see that Eriri's fair face gradually turned a soft pink.

Seeing Eriri's flushed face, Yukima Azuma smiled slightly.

In truth, he had his own thoughts.

Bocchi really needed to make more friends to improve her personality.

Kita Ikuyo, a kind and approachable girl, was definitely a great choice.

As for the bass, it would definitely be useful in the future. Buying one almost new at resale price wasn't really a loss.