🎉🎉HRU: Chapter 406/409

Chapter 406: Long-Lost Daily Life

After leaving the clothing store, the four of them strolled along the streets of Ginza. The autumn breeze carried the fragrance of osmanthus. Wearing her newly bought clothes, Riko walked beside Satoru and felt as if the whole world had changed.

"Are you hungry?" Satoru asked suddenly. "There's a very famous restaurant over there."

In the high-end restaurant, elegant piano notes floated through the air. Light from the crystal chandelier fell on the white tablecloth, scattering tiny sparks of brilliance.

"It's my first time in a place like this..." Riko whispered, looking at the many pieces of tableware in front of her with some confusion.

Satoru explained their use in a soft voice, his tone unusually patient. He usually seemed carefree, yet right now he revealed an unexpected tenderness.

So Satoru also has such a thoughtful side... Riko stole a glance at him.

"Actually," Satoru said suddenly, "your progress over the past half month has far exceeded my expectations. Not only has your mastery of Kidō improved, but your understanding of power is also unique."

Riko lowered her head, though the corners of her lips rose unconsciously. "This is all thanks to your teaching, Satoru-sensei..."

"Just call me Satoru," he said with a smile. "You don't need to be so formal outside."

Satoru... Riko silently repeated the name, and the blush on her face deepened.

Shoko and Suguru sat across from each other, watching with knowing smiles.

As night fell, the lights came on. Ginza at night was brighter than the day. Warm lights glowed from the shop fronts on both sides of the street, illuminating the passing crowds.

"Want to see the night view?" Satoru pointed to a high-rise not far away. "I heard the view from the top floor is great."

From the observation deck, the entire night view of Ginza spread out before them. The bright lights were like scattered stars, reflected in Riko's bright eyes.

Satoru stood beside her, their shadows intertwined on the ground. As the cool night breeze blew, Riko subconsciously moved closer to him.

So warm... she whispered in her heart.

"Are you cold?" Satoru took off his coat and gently draped it over her shoulders.

At that moment, Riko felt the world go quiet. Only the sound of her heartbeat echoed in her ears, and Satoru's presence surrounded her.

Shoko and Suguru stepped back tacitly to give the two some space.

"It worked," Shoko said softly.

Suguru nodded. "Yes. But..." His eyes grew distant. "I hope this warmth lasts."

The wind on the observation deck was slightly chilly. Riko wrapped herself in the coat, which still held Satoru's warmth.

"Look over there," Satoru pointed to a brightly lit district in the distance. "That's Kabukicho. Further is Shinjuku. The night view there is beautiful too."

Riko followed the direction of his finger, and Tokyo's night view unfolded completely. The lights were like scattered stars, outlining the city's contours.

"So beautiful..." she murmured.

Satoru looked at her focused profile, a strange feeling rising in his heart. It seems I have never seen her so relaxed before.

"That's Tokyo Tower," he continued, unconsciously leaning closer. "From there you can see Tsukishima and Ginza."

Their shoulders nearly touched. Riko could feel his breath brush past her ear as he spoke, and her heartbeat sped up uncontrollably. Why... just standing like this makes my heart race so much...

In the distance, Shoko and Suguru leaned against the guardrail, quietly watching.

"That guy Satoru," Suguru said softly, "I've never seen him be so gentle to anyone."

Shoko smiled and nodded. "Riko too. She's always tense during training, but now she finally looks like a normal girl."

She prayed silently. I hope this kind of time can continue.

"Ah, a shooting star!" Riko exclaimed, pointing at the sky.

A silvery-white streak flashed across the night sky and vanished in an instant. Satoru looked at her excited expression and couldn't help but laugh. She's really like a child...

"Make a wish?" he asked, half-joking.

Riko closed her eyes and gently clasped her hands. Moonlight fell across her peaceful face, forming a beautiful picture.

I hope... peaceful days like this can continue. I hope to be with... forever.

As the night deepened, the four of them started back. Ginza's streets were still lively, yet held a quiet calm.

"Riko, did you have fun today?" Shoko, walking in front, turned and asked.

Riko nodded hard. The smile on her face was more convincing than any answer.

Walking beside her, Satoru noticed her hands trembling slightly as she held the shopping bag. He reached out and took it. "I'll carry it."

"Ah, you don't have to..."

"This is a teacher's duty," Satoru said with a smile. "Besides, these are all gifts from me."

Riko lowered her head, a sweet smile tugging at her lips. Suguru watched the scene, then glanced at Shoko and winked.

As they reached an intersection, the sound of street performers drifted from ahead. A mellow saxophone melody floated through the night, lending it a touch of romance.

"Want to listen for a bit?" Satoru suggested.

The four of them stood by the roadside, listening to the familiar song, "Moonlight." Riko swayed unconsciously to the music, and as Satoru watched her, an urge to protect this beauty rose within him.

It turns out teaching someone isn't only about imparting skills, but also about having these feelings...

Watching their interaction, Shoko whispered to Suguru, "Looks like our plan worked."

Suguru nodded. "Yes. But..." His expression turned serious. "What do you think Satoshi would say if he knew?"

"Satoshi understands people's hearts better than anyone," Shoko said softly. "He must also hope that Satoru and Riko can find their own happiness."

It was already late when they returned to the Gojo residence. The maple leaves in the courtyard swayed gently in the moonlight, and the faint fragrance of osmanthus lingered in the air.

"Thank you for today," Riko bowed deeply. "I was really happy."

"We'll continue training tomorrow," Satoru said, ruffling her hair. The gesture made Riko's heart skip a beat. "But get a good rest tonight."

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to KE for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 407: Emotional Awakening

As Satoru watched Riko walk toward her room, there was a tenderness in his eyes that even he did not notice.

Shoko and Suguru exchanged a knowing look. It seemed that certain feelings had taken root without anyone realizing.

That night, Riko lay in bed, thinking about everything that had happened. Satoru's smile, his gentleness, the way he put his coat over her shoulders. Every detail made her heart race.

In another room, Satoru stood by the window, gazing at the moonlight and lost in thought. What did this strange yet wonderful feeling mean?

...

The Gojo residence was silent late at night, with only the occasional chirping of insects in the courtyard.

In Riko's room, moonlight filtered through the window lattice, bathing the space in a soft silver glow.

She lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Every moment from the day replayed in her mind like a film.

The light from her phone screen was especially bright in the dark. The photos taken on the observation deck drew her gaze like a magnet.

Why did it become like this...

Riko buried her face in the quilt, feeling her heartbeat pounding.

Since when did my heart start racing when I saw Satoru? Was it when he taught me Kidō? Or was it today in Ginza?

Thinking back over every detail of the past half month, Satoru's figure grew ever clearer in her mind. The way he taught her seriously during training, the jokes he made that eased her tension, and the gentle gestures in Ginza today...

I used to think he was just a very powerful teacher. She gently touched the photo of Satoru's smiling face. When did I start noticing his every move? Caring about every word he said? Feeling my heart race because of his eyes?

Riko turned over, and her gaze landed on the new clothes she had bought.

The dark blue dress seemed to retain the warmth from the fitting room.

She clearly remembered Satoru's expression when he saw her wearing it.

The light in his eyes at that moment made her heart skip a beat.

Did he also, at that moment... She hugged the quilt tightly. No, I can't think like that. I am his student. But why do I care about him so much? Why do I want to be closer to him? Not just to learn his power, but to know everything about him...

In another room, Satoru leaned against the window, Six Eyes unfocused on the moon. He had always handled everything with ease, yet now he felt uneasy because of the image of a young girl.

This is really troublesome... He rubbed his brow. Since when did I care so much about someone's expression? Want to see her smile? Want to protect her without thinking?

Recalling Riko's expressions throughout the day, each scene felt strange and new. Her clumsy attempt at using cutlery in the restaurant, her quiet profile as she made a wish on the observation deck, the shy smile when they said goodbye...

This feeling has gone beyond caring for a student. Satoru chuckled at himself. At first I only wanted to fulfill my role as a teacher, but in the end...

He remembered the moment outside the ice cream shop when Riko tried to wipe the smear at the corner of his mouth. For a second, he had wanted her hand to actually touch his face.

Falling in love with a student... He shook his head. That's really too much. But when I see her smile, I feel happy. When I see her working hard, I want to protect her. I can't control this feeling anymore.

Riko clutched her phone to her chest, overwhelmed by the wave of emotions.

So this is what liking someone feels like. Your heartbeat speeds up, your face gets hot, your pulse won't settle. You want to get closer, yet you're afraid to.

Satoru looked at a photo on his phone, his eyes softening.

When did the Star Plasma Vessel take up such an important place in my heart? She is supposed to be someone who needs protection, yet she makes me want to stay by her side forever.

Riko tossed and turned, Satoru's figure filling her thoughts.

Will Satoru think I'm strange? I am his student, yet I have these feelings for him. But every time I see his smile, a happiness I can't describe rises in me. I want to know him better, to learn more about him. I want to stay by his side forever.

It was late, yet neither of them could sleep.

This quietly budding relationship made them both excited and nervous.

Perhaps starting tomorrow, the air between them would change in subtle ways. For now, they each held their thoughts in the dark, looking forward to whatever good might come.

The moonlight still fell gently across the Gojo courtyard, witnessing the night's thoughts. Perhaps in the near future, this careful affection would bloom into something beautiful. For now, let the feeling ferment through the night, waiting for dawn.

Riko looked at the moon outside the window, feeling a mix of emotions. The silvery light fell across her bed, tracing her slender silhouette.

If... if I merge with Tengen, the current me will disappear, right? She brushed her thumb over Satoru's smiling face on the phone screen. If that happens, I will never see Satoru's smile again. I won't hear his gentle teaching, or feel his care...

She buried her face in her pillow, trying to hide her burning cheeks.

Every detail of the past half month flashed like a kaleidoscope.

Satoru's serious expression while teaching Kidō, the casual touch when he corrected her movements, and those heart-pounding moments in Ginza today.

I used to think being a Star Plasma Vessel was my destiny, an unchangeable responsibility. She turned over, staring up at the ceiling. But now... I seem to have someone I want to protect, and a reason to keep being Riko.

Recalling the moment she made a wish on the observation deck, she prayed silently. I hope it can go on like this forever. I hope I can always be with Satoru. But now, that feels like such an extravagant wish.

If only it could always be like this... Tears welled in her eyes without her noticing. Training with Satoru, chatting and laughing, occasionally going shopping like today... If this were an ordinary life, how happy it would be.

Her phone screen lit up again, and Satoru's gentle smile made her heart pound once more.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to KE for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 408: The Plan

Liking someone is such a happy and painful thing, she thought as she wiped her eyes. Every time she saw him, her heart sped up and she wanted to be closer. But at the same time, she feared this relationship would shatter under the fate of the Star Plasma Vessel.

She recalled the moment Satoru wiped the ice cream at the corner of her mouth on the bench outside the shop. That gentle touch still made her heart race whenever she thought about it.

If possible, I really want to keep walking like this. Riko gripped her phone tightly. Not as a Star Plasma Vessel, but as Amanai Riko. Not for Tengen-sama, but for the future I want.

She imagined seeing Satoru tomorrow. What kind of expression would he have when he looked at her? Would he be as gentle as today? Would their relationship change because of what happened?

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. She curled up under the quilt. I want to see Satoru soon. I want to tell him I really like the clothes from today. I want... I want him to know that because of him, I like myself more now.

But reality soon pulled her back. The fate of the Star Plasma Vessel hung over her heart like a heavy shadow.

Why did I meet someone so special at this time? She hugged the phone to her chest. After understanding what love is, I don't want to lose myself even more. I don't want to lose my memories with Satoru, and I don't want to lose what we have now.

The moonlight grew hazy, as if soothing the girl's tangled feelings.

Riko closed her eyes, but in her mind she saw only Satoru.

The serious look when he taught Kidō, the tenderness when he put his coat on her shoulders at the observation deck, and the meaningful glance when they parted...

Maybe this feeling shouldn't exist, she whispered. But since my heart has been moved, I want to try to protect it. Even if the road ahead is unknown, even if I face hard choices in the future, I still want to work for this bond.

As the night deepened, Riko finally fell asleep.

In her dream, Ginza's lights were still bright, and Satoru's smile was still warm.

Maybe when I wake up tomorrow, this feeling will be clearer.

Perhaps in the near future, she would find a way to stay true to her wishes while being kind to the world.

For now, let this throbbing grow quietly under the moon, waiting for the hope of dawn.

...

In a high-rise office building in central Tokyo, the base of the Time Vessel Association was hidden on one of the floors.

It looked like an ordinary trading company, but in truth it was a key surveillance node arranged by the Prime Minister.

The night view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows was ablaze with light, casting flickers across the office.

"Sir," a member of the Time Vessel Association hurried into the room. "I have important information."

Choso sat in a wide leather chair, tapping the armrest with his slender fingers. He looked down at the city through the glass, his voice cold and oppressive. "Speak."

"Gojo Satoru went to Ginza with the Star Plasma Vessel," the member reported respectfully, handing over a photo. "Ieiri Shoko and Geto Suguru were also present. According to surveillance, they lingered in the mall for a long time and even went up to the observation deck."

The photo clearly captured Satoru and Riko on the observation deck. Choso's gaze settled on it, his eyes sharpening.

Finally, the opportunity I've been waiting for. He sneered inwardly. Gojo family, you finally revealed a flaw.

"Anything else?" Choso asked.

"Yes," the member continued. "We noticed that the relationship between the Star Plasma Vessel and Gojo Satoru seems to have changed. In the mall, Satoru bought her many clothes. On the observation deck, the two interacted very closely."

A dangerous light flashed in Choso's eyes. Feelings, the easiest weakness to exploit.

"Notify Uraume," he said coldly. "Have her come here immediately. Also, inform all Association members in Shinjuku and Ginza to intensify surveillance. I want every move of the Gojo family."

The office fell silent, with only the distant hum of the city outside. In less than half an hour, Uraume pushed open the door. Frost still clung to her right arm from the last battle, and fatigue tinged her cold, beautiful features.

"It seems the Gojo family is relaxing," Choso said, still staring out the window, his tone tinged with mockery. "What do you think, Uraume? Are they overconfident?"

Uraume replied coolly, "Even if they let their guard down, Satoru and Suguru are not to be underestimated. The combination of the Limitless Technique and Cursed Spirit Manipulation is troublesome enough. Not to mention Ieiri Shoko."

"You're wrong." Choso turned suddenly, eyes sharp as a viper's. "It is precisely because they are so powerful that their confidence exposes a flaw. Tell me, why did they bring the Star Plasma Vessel along?"

Uraume thought for a moment. "To lower her guard? Or..."

"Because they believe they control the situation," Choso said, walking to the desk to pick up a file. "Satoru teaches the girl Kidō, and Ieiri Shoko teaches her swordsmanship.

They think that as long as they help the Star Plasma Vessel master her power, they can change fate."

What a ridiculous idea. He sneered inwardly.

At that moment, the office door opened again. The Time Vessel Association's leader walked in slowly. This seemingly ordinary middle-aged man had a vulgar glint in his eyes.

"Reporting, my lord," the leader said. "We have deployed personnel at key locations in Ginza and Shinjuku. As soon as the Gojo family moves, we will know."

Choso stepped to the window, looking toward the distant Gojo residence. "Very good. This time, I will show them true fear."

Uraume frowned. "What if Satoshi notices? That man's intuition is always accurate."

"He won't," Choso said with absolute confidence. "Right now Satoshi is pouring all his attention into that nonlethal research on Tenshintai. And..." a cunning glint flashed in his eyes, "by the time he realizes it, it will be too late."

"I understand," the Association leader said quietly. "Shall we move into final preparations?"

Choso nodded. "Yes. Our target this time is not only the Star Plasma Vessel, but also Gojo Satoru. The girl has developed feelings for him, and that is our best point of entry."

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to KE for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 409: Intermediate Kidō, Get

Uraume and the leader's expressions changed.

They both knew that once they attacked Satoru, it would mean completely severing ties with the Gojo family.

"Keep watching them," Choso's voice brooked no argument. "Especially that teacher-student pair, Satoru and Riko. If they go out again, notify me immediately. This time, I will make the Gojo family pay."

He walked to the window, looking down at the brightly lit Tokyo.

Enjoy this final peace. Soon, the world will welcome a new order.

As the night deepened, the office air grew heavier. All three were wrapped in thoughts of the coming operation. The great net woven by the Time Vessel Association was tightening quietly, while the Gojo family remained immersed in a false sense of security.

Choso picked up the photo on the table, his gaze falling on the figures of Amanai Riko and Satoru. Emotions are the easiest way to make people weak. That girl probably never imagined her feelings would become the Gojo family's and Satoru's fatal weakness.

"Starting tomorrow," he gave the final order, "we rotate surveillance twenty-four hours a day. I want the whereabouts of every Gojo, especially... those two."

Night fell over Tokyo, and certain plots began to grow in the dark.

For the Time Vessel Association, the best time to seize the Star Plasma Vessel was approaching.

For the Gojo family, a storm drew near in silence.

...

Spring sunlight filtered through cherry branches, casting dappled light over the old blue-stone paths of the Gojo residence.

A week passed quietly, and the mansion remained unusually peaceful, with no strange fluctuations of Cursed Energy near the grounds.

The air held a faint scent of cherry blossoms, mingled with sandalwood drifting from the far side of the courtyard, creating a calm and mysterious atmosphere.

On the training ground, dressed in black, Satoru stood at the edge of the field, watching Riko's every move intently.

His white hair shimmered softly in the sun, and his Six Eyes seemed more enigmatic behind the blindfold. Shoko and Suguru sat on the veranda nearby, trading thoughts from time to time.

This girl's talent is truly terrifying. In just one week, she has fully mastered the application of intermediate Kidō. Compared to us back then, she really is on another level.

Shoko propped her chin in her hand, watching Riko practice with steady focus, feeling deeply moved.

"Did you notice it, Suguru?"

Shoko spoke softly. "Riko's control over her energy is already extremely high. Especially in Kidō, she has a unique aptitude."

Suguru pushed his glasses up, the lenses catching the afternoon sun. "It's surprising. Even among past Star Plasma Vessels, this learning speed is rare. But..."

He paused, turning his gaze to Satoru in the middle of the field.

"What surprised me more is Satoru's attitude toward her."

Shoko smiled, amused. "Right? The Satoru who's careless with everyone is now teaching someone this seriously. Looks like he finally cares about someone particular."

Satoru, that guy, finally moved. But knowing his personality, maybe he hasn't even realized it himself.

In the center of the grounds, Riko focused on Kidō practice.

Her movements were crisp and precise, and the flow of her Cursed Energy grew more refined by the day.

She wore a white training outfit, her long black hair tied neatly into a ponytail that swayed with each motion.

Sweat beaded down her cheeks, yet her eyes remained firm and focused.

Satoru stood behind her, sometimes speaking to correct her force application, sometimes silently observing her progress.

Though his tone stayed as nonchalant as ever, a careful look would reveal a softness in his eyes that couldn't be hidden.

Her progress is remarkable. This kind of talent is rare even in the Gojo family.

Satoru made the assessment inwardly.

"Riko," he said suddenly, unusually serious, "your Cursed Energy output needs to be more even. For intermediate Kidō, stability is everything. Not even the slightest fluctuation."

"Yes, sensei."

Riko nodded earnestly, sweat already dotting her forehead. She steadied her breathing and began again.

I can't let Satoru down. I have to give it my all. Even if I'm tired, I will push through.

Finally, it was time to demonstrate.

The setting sun cast a golden glow across the training ground. Riko stood at the center, drew a deep breath, and prepared to show the results of the past week.

Resolve shone in her eyes, and a calm aura surrounded her.

"Satoru-sensei, please watch." Her voice was clear and steady, with a trace of nerves and anticipation.

This is my week's effort. I have to show Satoru.

The first technique she used was Hadō #31: Shakkahō.

A chant rang out over the training ground.

"O Lord! Mask of flesh and blood, all things, soaring high, O One who bears the name of man! Heat and strife, raging waves of the sea, go southwards."

As the chant ended, a blazing fireball condensed in her hands, its light reflecting on her focused face.

A moment later, it shot toward the distant target, tracing a brilliant arc through the air and striking true. The explosion's aftershock rolled into a heatwave that rustled the leaves nearby.

Very good. Rhythm and intensity under control. Much more stable than expected.

Satoru nodded inwardly, keeping his expression neutral.

Without pause, Riko followed with Hadō #32: Ōkasen.

Dazzling flames shot out like arrows in rapid succession, each one landing perfectly on the mark. Her movements flowed smoothly, almost like a dance. In the firelight, her figure stood out even more.

Even more stunning was her execution of Hadō #33: Sōkatsui.

As the chant crested, a mass of blue fire descended and swallowed the target completely. The temperature was so high that the surrounding air seemed to warp.

It's beautiful. This level surpasses many senior sorcerers.

Shoko couldn't help admiring her in silence, a hint of playfulness in her eyes as she glanced at Satoru.

(To be continued.)