A Sense of Shame

Because I desperately wanted to summon my shikigami sooner, instead of only being able to visit them in the Shadow World, I had been taking on missions like crazy these past few days.

I had originally hoped to find an opportunity like the ones I'd had the last two times, but apparently, that sort of thing really did come down to luck.

I wanted to take on Special Grade missions and push past my limits in a crisis, but the Zenin Clan had intercepted every single one, saying they couldn't risk anything happening to the Ten Shadows Technique they had waited so long for.

My father in name looked deeply troubled. "Kuang Wu, you're still young. You have plenty of time to grow. Why are you in such a hurry?"

"I want to get stronger. I want to summon my shikigami sooner."

"But your talent is even greater than that of this generation's Six Eyes. Isn't achieving those things only a matter of time? Kuang Wu, don't rush things, or you'll only end up disappointed."

I wanted to tell him that it wasn't the same.

Only by moving faster, then faster still, could I escape this gilded cage as soon as possible.

But how could I possibly say that to him, the clan head himself?

Before long, though, I realized my father in name was right.

So I slowed my pace, started idling around at home, and returned to my old, leisurely routine.

Summer had arrived, and sweltering heat filled the courtyard. Fortunately, the barrier around my courtyard kept out much of it, making things far more bearable.

Otherwise, in weather like this, the heavy kimono I wore alone would have been enough to make me defect on the spot.

Sitting in my room, I ate watermelon while my thoughts wandered aimlessly through all sorts of nonsense.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated.

[Suguru Geto]: I still have class, so I won't get there until around five this afternoon. What about you?

Me: !

I jolted as a little matter from ages ago suddenly popped into my head.

I hurriedly sent Satoru Gojo a message:

[Me]: Want to go out this afternoon?

Satoru Gojo must have been just as bored, because his replies came lightning-fast, brimming with impatient excitement.

[Secluded Six Eyes]: Yes, yes, yes!

[Secluded Six Eyes]: Where are we going? How about that dessert shop from last time?

[Secluded Six Eyes]: They've got something new! I bet it's delicious!

[Secluded Six Eyes]: Oh, oh, and I saw online that a huge new arcade opened in Kyoto, and the reviews are great. Let's check it out too!

[Secluded Six Eyes]: What do you think? What do you think?

I could practically see a lively cat racing around inside my head, leaving cat hair floating everywhere.

We're just going out. Why are you so excited?

[Me]: ...Don't send so many messages at once. My eyes can't keep up.

[Me]: Also, we're going to Tokyo today.

It would be a good chance to introduce Suguru Geto to him.

They were both boys, so perhaps they would have something in common.

...You can pester Suguru Geto to go to the arcade with you.

Satoru Gojo and I agreed to meet at the station. At two in the afternoon, wearing a sky-blue haori, he waved to me from dozens of meters away. "Kuang Wu! Kuang Wu!"

I looked toward his voice. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, like a pool of pure seawater.

Once we boarded the Shinkansen, the people around us kept casting indescribably strange looks our way.

"Satoru Gojo, don't you think something's a little strange?" I asked him.

Satoru Gojo had noticed ages ago, but he never cared about such things. "It's fine... It's not a big deal!"

"..."

Forget it. I shouldn't have asked him.

Before long, though, a middle-aged woman cleared up my confusion.

"Excuse me, children." The woman had slightly wavy hair and carried a bag of vegetables. She approached with a gentle smile, though there was some concern in her expression. "Are you dressed like that because you're attending an event? Or did the adults at home..."

...Or are the adults at home so irresponsible that they let their children bundle up like this in the scorching heat without even giving them a parasol?

Only after hearing her words did it dawn on me.

I looked down at my own clothes, then at Satoru Gojo's outfit... Great. Traditional Japanese clothing.

Then I looked at the cool, light clothing everyone around us wore.

We were so out of place.

Once I figured that out, every second I spent sitting on that train became sheer agony.

The looks from everyone around us might as well have been roasting me over an open fire.

Satoru Gojo, how can you be so unfazed, Satoru Gojo?!

-Is it because he's still a child, after all, and has no sense of shame?

I quickly turned toward a bewildered Satoru Gojo. "Once we get to the station, put whatever you want to do on hold. We're going to buy clothes."

"But I have Limitless. I can keep the heat out-"

"I know," I cut him off quickly, smiling pleasantly. "If you don't change, don't tell anyone you know me."

"Huh-why?"

"No reason!!!"

This was too embarrassing.

It's the middle of summer. At least dress like a normal person.