Motoko

... and I do not seek an afterlife.

It was just a wishful thought in my heart.

Someday in the future, the successor of the Snow Woman will be able to meet the successor of Ikeda Ichinosuke again.

Let this prove it.

They existed.

This feeling once existed.

This is just an ordinary Monster named Snow Woman.

A love song of unrequited love.

Finally, the Snow Woman looked at Ikeda Ichinosuke, and her entire body turned into snowflakes, melting into the snow and wind of Hokkaido.

Only a single, icy blue teardrop-shaped gem remained.

Waiting for the successor who may or may not come.

Haruno and Yukino also momentarily stunned.

Yukino suddenly said, "Why does Miss Snow Woman want to completely eliminate her spirit? Wouldn't it be better for her to meet with Mr. Ikeda's successor in person?"

Shuya said, "That's the most touching part. The Snow Woman only loves Ikeda Ichinosuke. She knows he's dead, and even if he's his successor, it has nothing to do with him. Even if the successor has Ikeda Ichinosuke's aura, it's the same."

"So she let her consciousness fade away, leaving only her power. Just like Ikeda Ichinosuke's fate."

Tsuruko Aoyama rubbed her eyes. "It's truly unimaginable that Snow Woman, who has always been so aloof, could fall so deeply in love with someone. The world is indeed full of wonders."

Yukino touched the teardrop-shaped, cool bead, and slowly, as if some knowledge wanted to enter her mind.

She asked, "This bead seems strange."

"No surprise, that's the crystallization of the Snow Woman's power."

Shuya no longer calls it a residue.

"Yukino, you are very lucky to have a unique constitution and to have encountered a suitable inheritance at such a young age."

He said, "Although Miss Tsuruko transformed the Snow Woman's power into Shikigami, the Snow Woman's consciousness has completely disappeared, so you cannot control her."

Tsuruko said, "You can learn a lot from it, such as the ice and snow Strange Arts that the Snow Woman is good at. You can also learn the secrets and knowledge she knew in her lifetime."

Shuya suddenly asked, "By the way, among this knowledge, are there any memories about Ikeda Ichinosuke?"

"Hmm? Let me see..." Yukino closed her eyes and looked for a while, then shook her head and said, "Nothing."

"Is that so... I see..."

Shuya was starting to feel the strain.

The Snow Woman probably only wants to keep Ikeda Ichinosuke's memories to herself.

This feeling will never be given to anyone else.

It is the Snow Woman's most important, and only, treasure.

She left everything behind, taking only one thing with her.

She left this world with only memories of Ikeda Ichinosuke.

During his lifetime, Ikeda Ichinosuke did not belong to her.

At the moment of her death, she used this method to fill him with her essence.

Shuya sighed, "At the end of her demon life, her memories were filled with her lover. Perhaps, that was when she was happiest."

Tsuruko Aoyama couldn't help but wipe away her tears. "What a sad story..."

The Yukinoshita Sisters were also deeply moved by this Monster's affection.

Seeing Yukino's expression, Shuya said, "Actually, you don't need to worry about these things too much. If you don't want to learn the Snow Woman's Strange Arts, you can give up completely."

Although he wanted Yukino's help, he wouldn't force her; at most, he would lend her the beads.

He has the aura of Ikeda Ichinosuke, so he can definitely use the power of the Snow Woman.

But Yukino shook her head slowly but firmly.

Holding the bead, she said solemnly, "I wish to inherit the power of Miss Snow Woman."

"Among the vast sea of people, she chose me, and I feel it is my duty to inherit this power."

"Miss Snow Woman made significant contributions during the Hokkaido War. It is thanks to the efforts of our predecessors that we enjoy our peaceful lives today. If... if there is anything I can do for them..."

It is my duty.

Yukino's face was tense, and her tone was resolute.

She possesses a unique charm.

Section 180, 164 Motoko

"Well, I didn't expect him to be such a sentimental person."

Shuya praised it.

Actually, when he first heard that Yukino was Haruno's younger sister, he thought that Yukino would be as difficult as her older sister, but he didn't expect her to be such a good girl.

It seems a bit too serious, maybe it's the influence of the Snow Woman? Even after separating Yukino from the fusion, there are still residual effects.

Tsuruko Aoyama seemed to admire Yukino as well. "She's a good girl. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask me."

"Thank you."

Yukino thanked her respectfully.

She's only nine years old, but her manners are impeccable.

"Excuse me, may I ask? Is everything settled? Yukino- chan alright now?"

Haruno raised his hand from the side.

Yes, she's better.

Shuya the Way.

Haruno hesitated, feeling that the ending had been too abrupt.

Shuya knew what she was thinking and said, "You think it's too simple? It's not like that. It's just that Miss Tsuruko is too powerful. Do you think just anyone can use the Demon-Slaying Sword Second Blade? Currently, only she and her father in the Shinmeiryu can use it."

Tsuruko Aoyama smiled and said, "I think Motoko will be able to complete her cultivation soon."

"Right?"

Shuya.

She smiled and said, "Does Inoue- kun want to learn? It's very simple, just marry Motoko."

"Haha, I much prefer a great beauty like Miss Tsuruko to that little girl!"

Shuya laughed it off.

Tsuruko Aoyama covered her face and chuckled, "So Inoue -kun is interested in me? That's delightful. Actually, I don't dislike Inoue -kun at all. If you're sincere, it's not impossible."

Shuya scratched his head and smiled wryly, "Please spare me, Miss Tsuruko, I already have someone I like."

"Hehe, Inoue- kun is really loyal."

Tsuruko Aoyama joked, "But, if it's someone as outstanding as Inoue- kun, actually I..."

"Cough cough cough."

Shuya had no choice but to interrupt her to prevent her from saying anything shocking.

Didn't you see Haruno was enjoying it over there? I wonder what she'll say next.

Just as he was thinking this, Haruno leaned closer, revealing a seductive smile, "If Shu-chan has that idea, I can be a candidate, you know?"

Yukino, however, asked in confusion, "Sister, Tsuruko- san? What are you talking about?"

Shuya quickly said, "It's nothing! You don't need to pay them any attention."

Tsuruko Aoyama and Haruno Yukinoshita chuckled.

Shuya in a rather awkward position.

He didn't know if he was serious or joking.

Shuya pondered that they were probably serious. After all, he was such an outstanding and handsome man, it was completely understandable that he would attract a few admirers.

Just kidding.

Haruno's words were somewhat believable, but Tsuruko Aoyama was definitely joking.

He had only met and chatted with the Aoyama Sisters a few times during competitions, and they weren't very familiar with each other.

Just friends.

Shuya them and said to Yukino, "Yukino- chan, now that your matter is settled, it's my turn."

Is there anything you need me to do?

Yukino is smart; she knows that Shuya is going to great lengths to help him because he wants something in return.

"Yes, I hope you can do me a favor. I have an operation in August that requires the power of the Snow Woman. If you don't want to go, that's fine too, but please lend me the Snow Woman's power crystal, and then we'll be even."

Shuya finishing his sentence, Yukino's reply.

Yukino thought for a moment and said, "Inoue- kun helped me, so of course I should return the favor. Please allow me to accompany you."

"So agreeable?"

Shuya taken aback.

Yukino said solemnly, "Yes, but I'm worried that I'm not strong enough. If possible, Inoue guide me in mastering the power of the Snow Woman."

"Yukino- chan..."

Haruno laughed.

Tsuruko Aoyama chuckled.

Shuya was speechless. "You're really smart... Alright, I agree, I'll teach you cultivation."

"Thanks."

Yukino smiled slightly, a hint of smug satisfaction in her eyes as if her scheme had succeeded.

He's still just a child; his facial expressions aren't perfectly controlled.

She not only asked for favors but also planned to get free tutoring; she's definitely a very clever girl.

Shuya agreed because he saw that she was a descendant of the Snow Woman and was also good-looking.

Anyway, I've got a helper.

Next up were the Aoyama Sisters.

Shuya turned to Tsuruko Aoyama and said, "Miss Tsuruko, I've come here to ask for your and Motoko -chan's help."

"Inoue- kun, is it something urgent? If not, how about we discuss it in detail after dinner?"

Tsuruko Aoyama smiled and offered his suggestion.

"Alright, and while you're at it, call Motoko- chan out too. She can't just hide from me, can she?"

"Since Inoue- kun has said so... let's let her go today. Hmm, I'll take you to your rooms first, so you can put down your luggage and rest for a while."

Tsuruko Aoyama led Shuya and the Yukinoshita Sisters out of the dojo and arranged their rooms.

She told Shuya, Haruno, and Yukino to take a leisurely bath first, and then they could eat.

Shuya followed the master's arrangements, and Haruno and Yukino also listened to her.

After the three of them finished washing up, someone quickly led them to the dining room, which was a Japanese-style room.

The kind where you kneel.

Shuya like it either, but he had no choice but to follow the rules.