Come Out, Kitsune Saiguu! (That's All for Today's Mass Release)

[Everyone, I'm here!]

[Please follow, send gifts, add the book to your library, and leave paragraph comments awa]

Dear readers who like the story, please leave plenty of book reviews too. This is really important.

[Follows, regular reading, and gifts are what give me the motivation to keep updating ovo]

[Dear readers, if you're going to let the chapters pile up, please still drop in to comment and tap the follow-updates button. You never know; the book might disappear while you're waiting.]

The festival fireworks gradually faded, and the night sky over Inazuma City fell quiet once more.

Baichen was too sleepy to keep his eyes open, his head nodding against Ei's shoulder.

He still held the Raiden plushie Makoto had won in his arms, his fingers unconsciously tugging at its fur.

"Asleep?" Makoto asked in a lowered voice, reaching out to brush the bits of streamers from the boy's eyelashes.

Ei nodded slightly and shifted so Baichen could lean against her more comfortably.

She slipped one arm beneath the boy's knees and easily lifted him into a bridal carry.

Baichen mumbled in his sleep and instinctively burrowed toward the warmth in Ei's arms. His cheek rested against her chest, and his breathing gradually became even.

"He's just like a kitten~" Makoto chuckled softly, unable to resist poking Baichen's soft cheek.

Miko came over, waving her fan. "Should we take him to the Yae Publishing House? I have some excellent guest rooms..."

Two icy gazes shot toward her at once. Ei and Makoto guarded the sleeping Baichen from either side, their eyes clearly saying, "Just try touching him."

"I was kidding~" Miko gave an awkward laugh and backed away two steps. "The festival officially opens tomorrow, so remember to be there on time!"

On the way back to Tenshukaku, Baichen had a little dream in Ei's arms.

In the dream, he stood in a grove of Thunder Sakura trees. A little white fox circled his feet, its fluffy tail brushing against his ankles and tickling him...

[Ei's affection: 100% (stable)]

[Raiden Makoto's affection: 100% (stable)]

[Sleeping peacefully]

Inside the bedchamber, Ei carefully laid Baichen on the bed.

Makoto gently removed his yukata and outer robe, revealing the soft pajamas underneath.

The boy curled up in his sleep, still clutching the plushie tightly to his chest. The sight softened both sisters' hearts.

"Let him sleep in the middle," Makoto suggested quietly. "That way, he won't have another nightmare in the middle of the night."

Ei didn't object. She simply lay down on the other side in silence.

Makoto put out the light and slipped quietly under the covers. In the darkness, the three gradually began breathing in sync.

Half asleep, Baichen remembered something and fought to stay conscious as he called out to the system:

System... claim the reward for maxing out affection...

[Ding! Distributing reward...]

[Obtained: Little White Fox Resurrection Ball ×1 (stored in system inventory)]

[Effect: Unconditionally resurrects Kitsune Saiguu (Makoto's familiar)]

[Note: Mental preparation is recommended before use]

Baichen jolted, and most of his sleepiness vanished in an instant.

Kitsune Saiguu?

Wasn't she the great youkai who sacrificed herself five hundred years ago?

Miko's predecessor and Makoto's familiar...

System, will this resurrection cause more trouble?

[Relax!]

[The first time is unfamiliar; the second time comes naturally.]

[Besides, Ei's and Makoto's affection is locked in anyway.]

Baichen worriedly bit his lower lip, unaware that Ei had quietly opened her eyes beside him.

By the moonlight shining through the window, Ei watched the boy's scrunched-up face in silence, a trace of confusion flashing through her violet eyes.

Just as Baichen was wondering what to do with the Resurrection Ball, an icy finger suddenly poked his cheek.

He nearly jumped in fright and turned his head sharply-

Ei and Makoto both had their eyes closed, their breathing even. They seemed to be sleeping soundly.

"That's strange..." Baichen muttered, rubbing the spot where he'd been poked.

It was probably just my imagination... He lay back down and forced himself to sleep.

In the darkness, Ei's lips curved up slightly, and she pulled the boy a little closer.

Makoto quietly opened one eye and made a face at her younger sister.

[Status gained: A night of being teased]

The next morning, Baichen woke to sunlight and found Ei and Makoto talking quietly in front of the dressing table.

When they saw him wake, they immediately stopped talking and smiled in unison.

"Good morning, Little Baichen~" Makoto rushed to the bedside and kissed his forehead. "The festival officially opens today, so we..."

"I want to sleep in!" Baichen interrupted suddenly. Realizing his tone had been too sharp, he hurried to make amends. "Just... just a little longer..." He tugged gently on Makoto's sleeve. "You two go on ahead..."

Ei frowned. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No! I'm just... sleepy..." Baichen gave an exaggerated yawn, a watery mist gathering in his blue-violet eyes. "I didn't sleep well last night..."

This cutesy offensive was exceptionally effective against Ei.

She hesitated for a moment before finally relenting. "...We'll come get you in an hour."

Makoto still wanted to say something, but Ei pulled her out of the room by the wrist.

As soon as the door closed, Baichen jumped out of bed and took the Resurrection Ball engraved with fox patterns out of the system inventory.

System, are there any requirements for where I use it?

[Just find somewhere with no one around.]

[I recommend the back garden.]

[It's close to the Thunder Sakura tree, so elemental energy is abundant there.]

Baichen sneaked out of the bedchamber, avoided the patrolling Okuzumeshuu, and arrived at the Sacred Sakura Courtyard behind Tenshukaku.

This Thunder Sakura was older and sturdier than the ones in the city. It was said that Makoto had planted it herself. He took a deep breath and gripped the Resurrection Ball with both hands-

Crack.

After the crisp sound of breaking, a dazzling white light burst forth.

Startled, Baichen instinctively squeezed his eyes shut, as though doing so could shut out the scene before him.

Yet when he slowly opened his eyes again, the unfamiliar figure was still standing firmly before him, showing no sign of disappearing.

She was a stunning woman, her hair as white as snow, cascading gently over her slender shoulders like a waterfall.

A pair of pointed fox ears peeked out from her silky, smooth hair, lending her an air of mystery.

Behind her, several fluffy tails swayed gently like soft clouds, each giving off a faint glow. Set against the red-and-white shrine maiden outfit she wore, they were especially eye-catching.

The woman had a lovely face and skin as white as snow. On her jade-like face, a pair of golden eyes gazed at Baichen, filled with bewilderment and confusion.

"Is this... Tenshukaku?" Kitsune Saiguu looked around, her gaze finally settling on Baichen. "Little one, who are you?"

Baichen opened his mouth, but he didn't know how to explain.

Kitsune Saiguu suddenly leaned closer and sniffed. "You carry Ei's and Makoto's scents..." She narrowed her eyes. "And Miko's too. How interesting~"

"I... I'm..." Baichen stammered, only to be interrupted by a burst of hurried footsteps.

"Little Baichen!" Makoto's voice came from the corridor. "Where are you?"

Kitsune Saiguu's ears instantly stood upright.

She turned toward the voice in disbelief. "That voice... Lady Makoto?"

Before Baichen could react, Ei and Makoto rushed into the courtyard. The three stared at one another, and the air seemed to freeze.

"Saiguu...?" Makoto's voice trembled uncontrollably.

Kitsune Saiguu stared blankly at Makoto, then looked at Ei.

Finally, she lowered her gaze to Baichen. "I see..." She suddenly dropped to one knee and bowed respectfully. "Lady Makoto, Lady Ei, I'm back."

Makoto rushed forward and hugged her tightly. "It really is you... It's not an illusion..."

Although Ei remained where she was, the shock and joy in her violet eyes were just as clear. She looked at Baichen, her expression too complicated to describe.

Baichen shrank back and was about to slip away when Ei grabbed him by the back of his collar. "Explain."

"I... Well..." The boy came up with an idea in a pinch. "It was a miracle from the Thunder Sakura tree! That's right! Sister Makoto's return must have moved the Thunder Sakura tree, so..."

"A lie." Ei saw through his clumsy lie but didn't press him further.

She simply pulled Baichen into her arms and whispered in his ear, "...Thank you."

Makoto walked over holding Kitsune Saiguu's hand, tears glistening in her eyes. "Little Baichen, you've created another miracle."

Kitsune Saiguu studied Baichen curiously. "So this little one resurrected me?" A sly smile suddenly appeared on her face. "Lady Makoto, when did you get such a cute little son-in-law?"

Baichen's face turned red all the way to his ears. Makoto burst out laughing, while Ei pressed a hand to her forehead helplessly. "You haven't changed..."

[Kitsune Saiguu's affection: 60% (initial)]

[Obtained: A new family member]

The four returned to the bedchamber, where Kitsune Saiguu sat down as naturally as if she were in her own home, her tails spread out comfortably.

She briefly recounted her final memories-fighting the dark monsters five hundred years ago and worrying about Inazuma before her consciousness faded.

"I never expected to open my eyes and find that five hundred years had passed..." Kitsune Saiguu said with emotion. Then she suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right. How is Miko doing?"

"She's grown up," Makoto said with a smile. "She's a proper Guuji now."

"Really?" Kitsune Saiguu's eyes lit up. "Then I have to go see her~" She started to get up.

Ei stopped her. "We can't make it public yet."

She looked at Baichen. "Resurrecting two people in succession... That would attract too much attention."

Kitsune Saiguu nodded in understanding. "I understand."

She turned to Baichen and suddenly reached out to ruffle his hair. "Little one, I'll be counting on you from now on~"

Baichen swayed under her hand and looked to Ei for help.

Ei pulled him to her side. "Don't bully him."

"My, you're awfully protective~" Kitsune Saiguu grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, I won't steal your little cutie."

She leaned close to Baichen and lowered her voice. "But... when you have time, can you tell me how you won over these two sisters?"

Baichen nearly choked on his own saliva.

Makoto doubled over laughing.

Ei scowled and pulled the boy closer into her arms.

Dear readers,

Please tap that button that's the color of shit.

Please send some free little gifts too. Thank you, everyone qwq. Big gifts would be even better, and please leave five-star reviews and the like.