Section Chief Miyabi, are you trying to force me to stay?

Hoshimi Miyabi's office was more... spartan than Lin Shuo had imagined.

No, not spartan. "Empty."

Apart from a desk, a chair, a filing cabinet, and a sword rack mounted on the wall, there was almost nothing in it.

The floor was polished enough to reflect a person's image, and the air smelled of disinfectant and... a faint hint of muskmelon?

Lin Shuo's gaze landed on a corner of the desk-three hollowed-out muskmelon rinds were piled there, beside half a box of unopened muskmelon-flavored nutritional supplements.

"Ah, you're here."

Hoshimi Miyabi raised her head, her red eyes looking especially clear under the fluorescent lights.

Her left arm was still in a cast, but she sat as straight as a blade, holding a stylus in her right hand as she rapidly annotated something on a tablet.

Most eye-catching were the two black fox ears on top of her head-fluffier than they looked in the Inter-Knot photos Lin Shuo had seen, and twitching slightly with her movements.

"I'm Lin Shuo." Lin Shuo walked up to the desk and set down the paper bag of muskmelons he was carrying.

"A little gift."

Miyabi's eyes lit up for half a second.

"Muskmelons?"

"Yeah."

"Thank you."

She put down her stylus and looked earnestly at Lin Shuo. "I'm Hoshimi Miyabi, chief of Hollow Special Operations Section 6-though you probably already knew that."

"I've heard a little about you," Lin Shuo said.

"The Void Hunter's name comes up often on New Eridu's Inter-Knot."

"Those reports are all exaggerated."

Miyabi shook her head, her expression as serious as if she were discussing tactics. "I'm just an ordinary executive officer of Hollow Special Operations. I carry out missions and protect citizens. That's all."

Asaba Harumasa muttered from the doorway, "Chief, the word 'ordinary' doesn't really match your strength..."

Miyabi didn't hear him-or rather, pretended not to.

Her gaze fell behind Lin Shuo, and her expression softened a little. "Saki, come here."

Saki peeked out from behind Lin Shuo's legs and timidly walked over. "Mom..."

"Call me 'Chief,'" Miyabi corrected.

"We need to be formal at work."

"But-"

"In private, you can," Miyabi added, then looked at Lin Shuo.

"Harumasa has told you about Saki, I assume?"

"I have a general idea." Lin Shuo nodded.

"A daughter from a parallel world who needs training to control her power."

"Correct." Miyabi took a document out of a drawer.

"This is a temporary guardianship permit issued by Section 6-until Saki finds a way back, you and I will share guardianship. Do you have any objections?"

Lin Shuo took the document and quickly skimmed it.

The terms were detailed and fair: Lin Shuo would handle Saki's daily care and power training, Section 6 would provide facilities and resources, and both parties would submit a progress report once a week.

But the final clause made him frown-

"Clause six: one guardian, Lin Shuo, must reside near Section 6's base to ensure an immediate response to emergencies."

"This clause is necessary," Miyabi explained.

"The danger posed by Saki's power going berserk is too great. If it happened in the city, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Section 6's base has an Ether suppression field of the highest specifications, which can minimize the risk."

She paused, then added, "Of course, it isn't mandatory-you can refuse.

But in that case, Saki will have to remain inside the base around the clock and won't be allowed out."

Saki's little face fell instantly.

Lin Shuo glanced at his daughter-those eyes, so similar to his own, were filled with the hopeful plea, "I want to live with Dad."

"...I'll think about it."

Lin Shuo said.

"All right." Miyabi nodded.

"But until you decide, Saki needs to stay at the base-that's a safety regulation."

The atmosphere grew a little tense.

Asaba Harumasa interjected at just the right moment. "Chief, why don't we take Senior Lin Shuo to see the training grounds first? He can get familiar with Section 6 while we're at it."

Miyabi considered it, then stood up. "Good idea."

Her movements were steady, giving no sign at all that her left arm was injured. When she reached the door, she suddenly turned to look at the muskmelons on the desk.

"Um... should we eat the muskmelons now?"

Lin Shuo said, "...Up to you."

"Then we'll eat them after training."

Miyabi said earnestly, "Training on an empty stomach is more effective."

The training grounds were on the third basement level.

The moment the elevator doors opened, Lin Shuo was stunned by the sight before him.

It wasn't the cold military training facility he had imagined-though it was certainly very "military."

The enormous space was divided into several areas: the close-combat zone was filled with weapon racks and wooden training dummies; the shooting range had moving targets and a holographic projection system; most striking was the central "Ether adaptability testing ground"-complex Ether circuits were engraved in the floor, and dozens of Ether emitters with adjustable output hung from the ceiling.

And in the farthest corner...

"That's Saki's private training area."

Miyabi pointed at a circular area enclosed in a special alloy. "The walls are triple-layer composite armor, capable of withstanding a full-power blow from a Mercury-class Ethereal. The floor has a cushioning layer, and the ceiling has emergency fire suppression and Ether neutralization systems."

She walked over to the control console and entered a password.

The circular area's alloy walls slowly lowered, revealing an empty space with a twenty-meter radius, its floor covered in black energy-absorbing material and its surrounding walls lined with sensors.

"Training here means that even if her power goes berserk, we can contain it within the smallest possible area."

Miyabi said, "Of course, it would be best if it didn't-the repairs are expensive."

Lin Shuo walked into the training area, crouched down, and touched the flooring.

It had an unusual feel, like a blend of rubber and metal, with a faint flow of Ether across its surface.

"This is a special material developed by the Thymefield Family."

Miyabi followed behind him. "It's excellent at absorbing and dispersing Ether. Miss Alice provided technical support."

"...Is she doing well?" Lin Shuo recalled the blonde girl with rabbit ears.

"She's recovering," Miyabi said.

"Mr. Mo protected her very well."

Lin Shuo stood and looked around.

This training facility really was the most professional he had ever seen-not only was its equipment top-notch, even the design of its energy flow was extraordinarily meticulous.

If he could teach Saki to control the Nine-Tails' power here, it would be at least three times as efficient.

But the price was... living near Section 6?

"The base has staff dormitories."

Miyabi seemed to have read his mind. "They're simple, but fully equipped. If you need one, I can arrange a room-"

"No need." Lin Shuo shook his head.

"I have a place to stay."

"The ramen stall in Lumina Square?"

Miyabi tilted her head.

"It takes twenty-five minutes to get from there to the base without traffic.

If there's a Hollow alert or traffic restrictions, that could double."

She paused, her red eyes looking straight at Lin Shuo. "The warning signs only appear three to five minutes before a rampage. Twenty-five minutes is enough for it to level half a city block."

Lin Shuo fell silent.

He knew Miyabi was right.

If Saki really lost control, twenty-five minutes would be enough for a disaster to unfold.

But...

"I need time to make arrangements."

Lin Shuo said, "I have family to look after at the ramen stall, and..."

"Miss Yuzuha, correct?" Miyabi said calmly.

Lin Shuo's pupils contracted slightly. "You investigated her?"

"A routine background check."

Miyabi didn't deny it. "When Section 6 takes in a high-risk individual, we have to conduct a comprehensive assessment of everyone connected to them-that's the rule."

She took a tablet from her pocket and opened a document. "Ukinami Yuzuha, Ether adaptability B+, average combat experience, but excellent at adapting to unexpected situations. Her father, Li Baorong, is a veteran with a good reputation. Overall assessment: low risk."

Lin Shuo stared at her for a few seconds, then sighed.

"You people at Section 6... really are thorough."

"It's our duty."

Miyabi put the tablet away.

"So, what's your decision?"

The training area fell quiet.

Saki stood a short distance away, her little hands clutching the hem of her clothes, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Lin Shuo.

Asaba Harumasa leaned by the doorway, pretending to study the ceiling while keeping his ears pricked.

Lin Shuo closed his eyes.

The lights of the ramen stall, Yuzuha's smiling face, and Lin You and Lin Yue leaning over the counter doing homework flashed through his mind, along with the sounds of Shukaku and Matatabi bickering.

Then he opened his eyes.

"I need a week."

Lin Shuo said, "To handle things at the ramen stall and make arrangements for my family.

After a week, I can temporarily move near the base-but on one condition."

"Go ahead."

"Saki can't be completely confined here." Lin Shuo looked at his daughter.

"She needs exposure to a normal living environment, or she'll develop psychological problems. I can guarantee her training hours, but I need at least one day every weekend to take her out."

Miyabi thought for ten seconds.

"Agreed."

She nodded. "But outings must be reported in advance, and either you or a Section 6 member must accompany her the entire time."

"Deal."

Lin Shuo held out his hand.

Miyabi looked at his hand, then at her own left arm in its cast, before extending her right hand.

The moment they shook hands, Lin Shuo felt the calluses on her palm-marks left by years of wielding a sword. Her grip was steady, neither too light nor too firm.

"Here's to a good partnership," Miyabi said.

"To a good partnership."

After letting go, Miyabi suddenly said, "Also, regarding training... I hope you can give Section 6's other members some guidance while you're at it."

Lin Shuo raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"I've studied your combat data."

Miyabi walked to the control console and brought up a video-it was footage of Lin Shuo fighting Qian An at the Thymefield estate.

In the footage, Lin Shuo's Water Release and Lightning Release worked together exquisitely, and the Sharingan's predictions were almost flawless.

"This fighting style is completely different from the existing Ether system." Miyabi turned to look at him.

"More efficient, more flexible, and... it seems to offer some resistance to Ether Corruption?"

Lin Shuo's heart tightened.

The Sharingan and Chakra system were his greatest secrets.

Although Section 6 might already have noticed something, this was the first time they had pointed it out directly.

"Just a personal talent." Lin Shuo's expression remained unchanged.

"Is that so?" Miyabi didn't press him, instead changing the subject.

"Then, in exchange, Section 6 can provide intelligence support-for example, the Order's movements, Qian An's whereabouts, and other information you might be interested in."

That offer was very tempting.

Qian An was still at large, and the threat of the Order remained. Access to Section 6's intelligence network would undoubtedly make things far more efficient.

"...I can teach basic tactics," Lin Shuo conceded.

"But as for individual abilities, that depends on their talent."

"That's enough." Miyabi nodded. "Then, shall we start tomorrow?"

"In a week," Lin Shuo reminded her.

"I need time to make arrangements."

"All right."

By the time they left the training grounds, it was nearly dusk.

Lin Shuo stood at the entrance to Section 6's base, watching New Eridu's distant neon lights come on one after another.

Saki tugged at his clothes and asked quietly, "Dad... are you leaving?"

"Yeah." Lin Shuo crouched down.

"But I'll be back in a week. Until then, listen to Mom and train hard, okay?"

"I know..." Saki lowered her head.

"But... I'll miss Daddy..."

Lin Shuo ruffled her hair.

"I'll miss you too."

He stood up and looked at Miyabi beside him. "Sorry for the trouble this week."

"It's part of my duties," Miyabi said.

"Also, this is for you."

She handed him a military communicator-a black casing with Section 6's emblem on the side.

"An encrypted channel, connected directly to Section 6 headquarters. You can contact us anytime in an emergency."

Lin Shuo took the communicator and nodded.

As he turned to leave, he heard Saki whisper behind him:

"Daddy... be careful on your way..."

His steps paused.

Lin Shuo didn't turn around. He merely raised a hand and waved.

After leaving the base grounds, he took out his phone and dialed Yuzuha's number.

It rang three times before she answered.

"Lin Shuo?" Yuzuha's voice carried its usual energy. "How did it go? Everything all right with Section 6?"

"Everything's fine." Lin Shuo leaned against a roadside railing. "But... I might need to be away for a while."

"Huh? How long?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe a few weeks, maybe a few months." Lin Shuo watched the distant lights. "Section 6 has a special assignment they need my help with."

There were a few seconds of silence on the other end.

"Is it dangerous?" Yuzuha asked.

"...Not really." Lin Shuo chose to tell the truth.

"It's mainly training a child to control her power-her situation is rather unusual, so it has to be done at a specialized facility."

"A child? Where did another daughter pop up from this time?"

Yuzuha's tone was teasing, but Lin Shuo could hear a trace of nervousness.

"Something like that." Lin Shuo smiled wryly.

"This time, she's the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. It'll be a lot of trouble if she loses control."

"Nine-Tails... Jinchūriki?"

"Oh, never mind. You always manage to pick up the strangest children anyway."

She paused, her voice softening. "Make sure you take care of yourself, okay? I've got the ramen stall covered, and I'll look after Little You and Xiao Yue too-oh, right! Lucia said Little Mu's made a lot of progress lately. She can already tie her steam tail into a bow!"

The corners of Lin Shuo's mouth lifted. "Really?"

"Yep! So don't worry about things at home. Just focus on what you need to do."

Yuzuha said, "But... you have to come back at least once a week! Otherwise, I'll miss you!"

"...Okay."

After hanging up, Lin Shuo let out a long breath.

The evening breeze swept through the street, carrying the chill of early autumn.

He put away his phone and headed toward the nearest skyrail station.

Meanwhile, behind a third-floor window at Section 6's base, Hoshimi Saki leaned on the windowsill, watching Lin Shuo's retreating figure.

She held a pink notebook in her hands. A line was written on the open page:

[Matchmaking plan · Phase one: Get Daddy to stay at Section 6 (completed)]

Below it were densely packed lines of small writing:

"Step two: Create opportunities for Daddy and Mommy to be alone together (in progress)"

"Step three: Make Mommy realize how great Daddy is (pending)"

"Step four: Help with the confession (critical stage)"

"Step five: Hold the wedding (ultimate goal)"

Saki closed the notebook, a sly gleam flashing through her red eyes.

"The original Daddy said..." she murmured to herself.

"'When you're pursuing Mommy, you have to be patient, create opportunities, and get her used to having you around'..."

She turned toward the office-Miyabi was sitting at her desk, diligently reviewing documents, her fox ears twitching slightly as she wrote.

"Mommy might be a little airheaded, but with the right approach..."

Saki clenched her little fists, an expression of determination beyond her years appearing on her face.

"Daddy and Mommy in this timeline will definitely be happy!"

Outside the window, the night deepened.

The lights of New Eridu remained warm and bright.

And a certain little fox's "top-secret plan" was quietly unfolding in a corner unknown to anyone.

[System notification: New side quest triggered: "Section 6's temporary instructor." Quest requirements: Guide members in their training at Hollow Special Operations Section 6's base and assist Hoshimi Miyabi with related matters. Time limit: Depends on circumstances. Quest rewards: Section 6 intelligence clearance (partial), increased Hoshimi Miyabi affection (current: 15/100)]

Lin Shuo closed the interface and boarded the skyrail train.