I came up with this tiny little story on a whim. I kinda really like Kaiki, specially after Koimonogatari, and I loved how he pretty much steered little Nadeko for the better. Like he said, he was the right person at the right moment, and this story is my way of imagining what could have probably happened in the far future for Nadeko thanks to Kaiki's influence.

Short story - Miraimonogatari

"Thank you for your patronage! Who should I sign it for?"

Another autograph, another reader. Sitting on this bookstore at Akihabara, surrounded by works she had read before and had yet to read, Sengoku Nadeko felt elated. It had taken her a couple of tries but her third manga had finally become a hit.

"Thank you for your patronage! Who does this one go to?"

Dressed in an unassuming brown cardigan and checkered shirt, a pair of jeans and furry boots, there she sat. Her editor had suggested she dress like this, to seem that much more approachable. Her hair done in a ponytail, the 19-year old Nadeko had taken to wear glasses, rather than go for the corrective surgery. Then again the optometrist had suggested she could still go for a bit without the procedure. At least she liked the look herself.

"Thank you for your patronage! And your name is...?"

Switching genres had done the trick, she reflected. While her 'shoujo' works had managed to introduce her to the bussiness as a whole, her third work had come from an unused storyline she had thought about back when she was still in middle school. A story in the 'seinen' style that not many knew about until now. Her editor had been reluctant at first but something in Nadeko's eyes had made her think better. Or at least that's what Miss Kurokawa had said.

Another handshake, another smile. Even if they would come and go, she felt grateful to each and every one of them. her dear readers. "Thank you for your patronage! I really hope you continue to enjoy the series!"

While the change in genre had required a change in drawing style as well, she had been up for the challenge. It helped that it felt fresh and honest to her. She could just hope that honesty could be conveyed to her readership.

"Thank you for your patronage! Who should I sign it for?" Nadeko looked up, and she saw him.

"Kaiki Deishuu, please."

Her astonished expression lasted for a whole 10 seconds, where he stared back, with the tired gaze he seemed to always have. Every time she met him, at least. His maroon longcoat, his combed back hair, his eyebags and his thin smile. The clean-shaven appearance that gave a feeling of dryness instead of cleanliness for some reason. It truly felt like they were back to the North Shirahibe Shrine, as if he had just 'deceived' her the day before this one.

It lasted for a whole 10 seconds, and then she smiled at him. She took her pen and looked down to sign his copy of the manga book. "Are you liking the story so far, Mister Deishuu?" She asked him while signing the book.

"Very much so, yes. I must say, Miss Sengoku's imagination remains as prolific as ever. Who would ever come up with a story about a gaunt-looking detective helping others with their issues while being non-chalant about it?"

She kept smiling. "I can think of at least another four titles with similar premises."

"Ah, but I think it's the way you deliver it. I specially liked the one where Mister Karasu helped the little snake girl. It felt almost like it had happened in real life. Truly, where do you get the inspiration?" He retorted, his tired deadpan never changing, his hands tucked inside his longcoat's pockets.

She finally looked up while handing the manga back at the man, a warm expression on her face. "Back where I'm from, I heard a story very similar to that one." She leaned forward, her arms resting on the table with her hands clasped. "I guess that's why it feels so genuine."

"Makes sense." He took the manga back and placed it inside his coat's pocket. "I'll make sure to keep reading your series, Miss Sengoku."

"Thank you." She replied, meaning both this and back then. Hoping he got the intention somehow. "Thank you..." She repeated under her breath, while looking down. "I appreciate it."

He turned around to walk away, there were many more customers waiting for their turn after all. "Maybe if you keep it up you'll even become one of the manga gods, huh?" He said while turning halfway to Nadeko, then resumed his way out.

She looked back up again, her face betraying her inner feelings of gratitude. She closed her eyes and a stray tear slid down her cheek. The girl next in line seemed worried for a moment, but then noticed the smile on Nadeko's face.

Nadeko steeled herself, with renewed strength and resolve. "Watch me as I reach my goal!" She yelled at Mister Deishuu, who was already crossing the door out of the bookstore.

No one was looking when the fake smiled one of his extremely rare true smiles.