Chapter 50... Yup, the Author here. Once again, I hit the 50 chapter milestone. Thank you for reading this far, or coming back to read, or going back to read the earlier stuff. Anyhow, this is supposed to be a GATE crossover, so lets work our way back in that direction.

Oh, and if you wanna chat, I and a handful of others are on discord! zP8b5BthaU for that.

Chapter 50(!)

Trying to wrangle a bunch of four-and-a-bit year old children into Takemikazuchi's dojo was... surprisingly easy. I mean, for us at least. God of war or not, he was quite popular. Handsome, wise, gentle, and able to make friends with just about any animal. He seemed harmless and quite approachable. I mean, until he stopped smiling. Then you wanted to do as he asked, or stop doing what you were doing that was making him not smile, because it was the safest thing for you to do.

We might have also bribed the children with the promise of Weine making cookies for their between meal snack.

But, before the lesson started, I almost had to drag Mikoto to the dojo as well. Thankfully, Haruhime only had to remind her that she promised to deliver the gift before the lesson started. And while seeing Haruhime's smile fade didn't feel dangerous, it made one feel like some sort of cosmic injustice had been done, and it was all your fault.

So, it was with hardly a stutter, that Mikoto stood before Takemikazuchi and said, "M-my Lord. I would like to present this to you, to help teach the youngest of our Familia here." See? Hardly a stutter.

She then bowed, holding the leather sheathed fan up on the backs of her hands, as if presenting a weapon to him that she was unworthy to hold herself.

With the same ceremony it was presented with, he took the fan from her, "Thank you, Mikoto-chan." He said, prompting her to raise her head. Then, he started to examine it without actually dismissing her. The leather case she'd carefully etched his name into with her own unique writing. The smooth light wood 'bones' that held the fabric in place, and the fabric, a simple clean white, matching his usual 'priest robes' or the white sand of his zen garden.

And lastly, after he'd flicked his wrist to open the fan, he held it upright. With a simple upwards motion and twitch of his fingers, he made the fan do a perfect 360 flip, catching it again with the same ease that he did everything else 'weapon' related.

While yes, I put it together, I was certain he saw Mikoto's 'touch' on everything about it. Her writing, the style, the fabric, everything.

So in reply to all this, he put the fan away, and gave Mikoto a headpat. "Thank you Mikoto-san. It is a perfect gift."

Sadly, though maybe only I realized it, it was the same sort of... 'double action' he usually did. The thank you was of course genuine, he was never evasive with his speech, praise or otherwise. But it was also the same sort of affection you'd give a child under your care.

But, Mikoto still accepted the praise, "Thank you My Lord!"

"Now then class." Takemikazuchi said, his usual smile maybe a tiny bit wider today. "Shall we begin our lesson?"

After the lesson, I was in the workshop. Projects wouldn't do themselves after all. Hagane was with me this time, and of course, he was his usual self.

"I think he may have something against you." He said as I held HIDA and pointed her camera at the finished leather and glue arm model, "It's like he's trying to fix your nose, every time he breaks it."

"It's too soon to tell." HIDA said, her little avatar scratching her chin, "But I think it might be exactly how it was when I first met you." The animated model was then giving me a finger waggle, "Just don't poke it!"

"If pouting didn't make my nose feel worse, I'd be doing it. My mistake for giving him a weapon and offering to be his demonstration dummy."

"Dummy. Yes, that sounds right." Hagane sat like a good catto, his expressionless face turned towards the arm, "I am surprised you are putting 'muscles' into the design, when flat planes and panels would be simpler."

"All done!" HIDA said, prompting me to set her on a little stand on the work bench, "Actually, while the curves might seem to be superfluous, they will help deflect strikes. Flat surfaces offer better angles for ricochet, but hitting them flat is their weakness." She was doing the finger waggle thing again, but her avatar had changed into a lab coat, "And since it is a 'mono curve' the only direction a ricochet will go is 'away'."

"As opposed to a breasts plate, where getting hit on the inner curve will just help the person stab you in the cleavage." I said, "Okay, HIDA? Any errors?"

"Nope! Good work as always Boss!"

"The curved surface will be harder to enchant, but offer more surface area for inscriptions." I added, "Now, let's s...oh she's earlier than expected." I felt my attention turn towards our front gate, a familiar pair of presences touching my domain. And right on cue, Gros grumbled his 'friends have arrived' grumble. "Well Hagane? Time to get you in the sling."

"Ah, my order is done then?" He walked over to the biggest clear spot on the floor, directly under a metal scaffolding and a bunch of spider silk strapping. There was another of these in the 'hot' side of the workshop, but it was meant for full armour suits, like the Golem or Marius's full plate.

"Unless they are just visiting for fun. I mean, they are welcome to, but they're busy people." I started lowering straps and getting Hagane roped in. "Ah, Welf is coming along too."

And yes, moments later, just as I was about to start pulling on the rope that would start lifting Hagane's 1.5 something tons into the air, the latch of the shop turned and let in our red haired smith, his (very quietly but not fooling anyone) Goddess girlfriend, and the best smith in Orario, Tsubaki.

"Oh! You've finished the model then?" Welf asked, trotting over and keeping Hagane steady as he gained altitude. "Hey buddy." And yes, giving the smooth metal skull a pat.

"Welf." He greeted, turning his head carefully so he could look at Hephaestus and Tsubaki, "Ladies. I hope that's my order?"

The Cyclops was holding a metal box under one arm, and with a nod set it down and unlatched it. "Yup. All tested and working as intended." She said with a smile, "With a single 'full discharge' contact as ordered."

"Gotta warn you though." Hephaestus said as she and Tsubaki got a bit closer to examine Hagane as he hung from the harness, "These hold a lot more than the old ones."

"Good." Then to me, "Try not to leave me up here too long."

"Wouldn't dream of it." I said seriously, "Now, remember, you can watch and ask questions, but no touching." I reminded our guests.

"Except headpats."

"Except headpats." I corrected, "Now, lets start with your front right hip." And I took hold of Hagane's right front leg, moved it just a little bit past where it looked like it should go, and gave it a tiny extra twist, the entire thing popping off save for a braided 'high silver' wire, which I unclipped from somewhere near the inside of his knee.

They asked all kinds of questions, and yes, aside from headpats, they kept their hands to themselves. Of all of us, I was still the 'least skilled' weapon and armour smith here. But when it came to engineering? I had my Harvard correspondence degree. (Along with 'high speed physics, chemistry and metallurgy! Rias's benefits package covered tuition after all.)

And Hagane was the pinnacle of my skill. At least, he was when I made him. Now? Well I could already see small places I could improve him. But they were so minor, I'd have had to rework entire limbs to really see improvement. Now, when I made his arms? I'd add the little bits I'd improved on. And if he wanted an actual 'golem body'? Ditto.

But the three of them were quite impressed. And a little sad that I was working so quickly. To be fair, my task was basically just switching out batteries. That hardly needed any skill. Speaking of, yes, they fit perfectly. But I had no doubt they would considering who made them.

"Well partner?" I asked, lowering Hagane to the floor again, his refit and reassembly done. "What's it feel like?"

"Oddly similar to being hungry." He said, holding still while Welf and I unhooked the straps from around him, then sitting like a good catto while we stowed them. "The new batteries are... huge."

"What did you expect?" Tsubaki said, "Those old things were just your prototypes right?"

I nodded, unhooking Hagane's third back plate so I could put in the very last battery, the one next to his missing 'heart', "Well, after I put this in, I'll get you to full charge."

Two pairs of eyes looked over my shoulders as I did the exchange, since I hadn't opened his back while doing the rest. "Oh, is that..." Hephaestus asked, "It's not quite what I was expecting..."

"Hmm?"

"Your soul. I mean, it's there... but the only time I feel a soul in metal is when someone shows me a really good blade."

I had to put a hand over her finger as she started to reach out to touch the solid ko-steel ball that held the shard of crystal Hagane's soul had inhabited. "No touching." I reminded her, finishing the switch and putting his back plate on again.

"It seems appropriate. I am metal, and I have a soul." Hagane said, "And I think I am rather well made too."

"Thank you." I said, putting my hand on his head, "Okay... Let's see how much you can really hold now..."

I started the transfer slowly, like when I taught Lelei how to power my enchantments. Feeling no change in resistance to how it normally was, I slowly increased the amount of power I was feeding him.

And increased.

And doubled that...

"It kind of tingles." He said as the wheels that held the batteries started to click, cycling out as they hit full charge, "I think you are hitting the maximum input for my skin."

I was feeling it too. He had more battery storage than the train! "The next time you use a card on someone, they're going to really feel it." I said, "Might want to get Shinkage for this... And I'm going to have to figure out how to improve your passive intake..."

"Worry about the arms first. Rather looking forward to being able to read without needing someone to turn pages."

About the only really important thing that happened during the rest of the day, was needing to give Chie a hug because she'd skinned her knee while playing. I mean, sure, I cooked lunch, smelted down some metals that I'd use for Hagane's new arms, worked with HIDA to redesign and finalize the back plate where they'd go, did some paperwork for the guild (preempting my 'spy mission') helped with dinner and ran more potions through my alchemy sets. Oh, and just before bed I got a call from Lelei about tomorrow's little 'martial arts show', just a 'yes it's still on' kinda thing. Nice of them to confirm.

But no, the only important thing was comforting Chie. She was feeling much better after some headpats, ear scroofles, and a bit of cleaning, and that was important. The rest of the stuff was normal.

The next morning, after a good breakfast, those who were going (Takemikazuchi Familia, the God Himself, myself, Haruhime, the children and Aisha), gave whomever was staying a wave and started towards the East town gate.

The city was mostly sleeping still. There were some 'more serious' adventurers who were already on their way to the tower, some 'night shift' types who were on their way home from the tower, and random other people who looked to be just... going someplace. The 'wee hours' were usually like this in Orario, much like any but the most industrialized city back on Earth.

But even so, those few people who were out and about gave us a wave. While Takemikazuchi didn't often wander the city (unless he was working at his part time job, which he still had even though he no longer needed it), the Hestia alliance was well known and respected.

A pair of Ganesha guards were at the East gate, and with a nod and smile waved us through. Usually, there would be some questions, paperwork, maybe a 'please don't leave'. But with me there, well, there was really nothing they could do. But my reputation (now at least) meant that I was doing something important. Or at least, 'not bad'.

Once we were just out of sight of the guards, I went behind the nearest tree and changed into my 'large' fox form. If we were going to get there with any speed, and be on time for their morning training, we'd need to do a little more than just walk there.

"They've done quite a lot of work, since their arrival." Takemikazuchi commented as we got closer to the Gate.

Having Takemikazuchi, and his Familia, on my back was... interesting. He was 'above' me in station, certainly, but he didn't give me any sense of 'right' or 'wrong'. He was simply there. His Familia on the other hand, were friends, and while they were my 'lesser', they were worthy of being carried. My Family on the other hand, well, it went without saying they only had to ask and I'd carry them anywhere.

And of course, they were all going 'wee' when ever I ran, and 'aww'ed when I slowed down. But with so many on my back, I had to use some of my tails to make a kind of 'basket' to keep people from falling off.

Still worth it.

"My Lord." Mikoto said, "They are a diligent people. And took our warnings of monsters to heart."

"Hey Fox? Might want to signal. Those guys on the tower are looking our way." Aisha commented.

"If they don't know Kodori-san by now..." Ouka chuckled.

Still, I did light up a bit of foxfire over my head, just to make sure. No point in risking someone getting nervous. But once I did...

"A-ma A-ma!" Kei perked up, "Can we do that too?"

I slowed my 'trot' to a casual walk, just to keep perfectly level. Haruhime of course took note, and replied with, "So long as you are very careful. I'll help too."

And a moment later, there were a bunch of little foxfire puffs over my head, dancing around happily while the children laughed.

"That got their attention." Aisha said with a laugh.

I could see, my eyes just as good as hers (or anyone else on my back) that the guys in the guard towers were waving at us. So I turned my head just a little, spotted Haruhime, and in my best fox voice said, "Grumph."

"Okay children that's enough."

"Haaaaaaiiiiiii."

"Now hold on tight!"

"Yay!"

Once I felt all their little hands grip my fur, as well as some of the larger hands in the party, I started to pick up the pace.

Everyone waited just outside of their little fortress's entrance for me to come around the corner, fully clothed and 'normal' looking again. And waited a moment longer so I could give the children a group hug and get a super adorable 'Thank you O-ma for carrying us!'

The guards were holding back a laugh, but... well they also looked like they were a little jealous. It wasn't hard to spot, I mean, I had that exact expression on my face when ever I saw a parent and child while I was trapped back on Earth.

"All set Ma'am?" He asked me as I took 'point' of our group (seven children holding the end of my tails), "You're a tiny bit early, so their still just warming up."

"We will join them." Takemikazuchi said, "If that is permissible?"

The two guards looked at the God, puzzlement on their faces, "I... How are you doing that, sir?"

Mikoto spoke for him, "A God's words are always heard, no matter your language."

A look of realization came over their faces, "Pardon, Kami-sama." They said bowing, "We didn't mean to be rude."

Magnanimous as always (unless in the Dojo) Takemikazuchi bowed (slightly) in return, "It is of no consequence. Now if you'd lead the way?"

The mini-base wasn't very large. Small area for 'muster' (gathering for 'pre-operations') a barracks, some parking spaces, a washroom (build over the well that Haruhime and I used for our honeymoon) an outer wall with four guard towers, and of course, the Gate. The castle itself was basically gone, all the stone reclaimed and added to. To be fair, there wasn't much left of it when they got here.

The muster point was already filled with a neat 5X5 of JSDF, who were facing two instructors as well. Among that 5X5 were most of Itami's girls as well. To my surprise, Rory was taking part as well. Though, Lelei didn't seem to be here.

And when we arrived, we were most pointedly ignored. Discipline dictated you do your training and not get distracted. It was the instructor's job to tell you when you were allowed to do something other than what you were already doing. Much like we did when Takemikazuchi was running a class for us.

On the other side of the coin, we (the guests in the Dojo) stayed quiet and watched. Even the children knew better than to act out when class was in session, even if they weren't actually taking part.

So, after the instructors led them in a set of 10 squat-thrusts, they called a loud, "At ease!" Then looked to us. "Form up!"

Takemikazuchi looked at the head instructor, then us, "We are here to participate after all." And without a hint of hesitation, he got in line with the rest of the JSDF.

I wasn't sure, but I think, maybe, just for show, the poor JSDF had to re-do their entire warm-up routine. But we did it all. Jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, squat-thrusts, jog around the perimeter. No surprise that only the children were tired, but I stayed behind and 'jogged in place' while they walked along and caught their breath part way through the jog. But even so, they weren't complaining.

Someone must have promised them cookies...

After all that though, they sat off to the side. Full marks for effort, but the next part would be the sparring. Sure, in a half year they might be stronger than any of the JSDF here, but no one wanted to hand them a weapon for the next part.

That said, 'the next part' was where most of the JSDF (and Itami's girls) lined up in pairs. Shino paired up with Rori (similar height), but that was the only 'notable' pairing. Though, I did end up across from Itami (who of course looked like he'd rather be anywhere else, yet, wasn't even a little winded after all that warming up).

Takemikazuchi stood next to old man Soichio (taking an instructor role) and asked, "How does this proceed?"

"Almost all our training is hands on. Unless you are on the range, or working solo." He said, "The more experienced go first." He then raised his voice, "ICHI!"

As the 'less experienced', I was the attacker and I was only given a simple 'motion' to follow. I took a step forward and made to 'stab' poor Itami. Just a simple thrust towards centre mass with my right hand. With an easy motion, he caught my wrist on the outside with his right, put his hand on my back to put me lower, twisted to bring my shoulder down, and kicked me in the gut. Not hard, this was only practise, but at full force, the kick could easily lift a person off their feet.

And being a good sparring partner was part of the 'job', so, I let myself get lifted up. Since he still had my arm, I had little support on the way down, and was on my stomach a moment later.

But then he let go, got up, and helped me back to my feet. Once there, we squared up again, and the second instructor called out, "NI!"

After ten back and forth take downs, they changed the method. Left hand, right hand, disarms, hold breaks... Very basic, very simple, and super efficient. Almost every exchange was meant to get the other person 'out of action' as fast as possible, when you yourself didn't have time to draw your own weapon.

After that came the 'weapon in hand' drills. I tried to participate, but even with a blunt wooden bayonet, I couldn't attack.

These were done with 'weapon in hand' or, 'hand on weapon'. Much like it sounded, you were ready, or a 'step behind' your opponent and hadn't drawn your blade yet. Takemikazuchi nodded approval (making all of the JSDF smile) and said it was 'True to its roots in Iaido.'

Short staff (or 'using your rifle like a club, you barbarian') was next. Again, super simple, short and efficient attacks and blocks to disarm and disable. Everything from 'rifle butt to the gut' to 'across the throat from behind'.

"I've noticed." Takemikazuchi said quietly, though everyone heard him, "That your art, Jieitaikakutōjutsu, favours non-lethal attacks."

There was no accusation in his tone, just simple honesty. "Yes, Kami-sama." Soichio said proudly, snapping to attention.

"WE ARE THE JSDF!" The Japanese Self Defence Force, soldiers declared, also snapping to attention.

"In a deadly situation, we use deadly force." He continued, "But we are all friends here."

Takemikazuchi nodded, smile still in place, "It is good to see that even after a thousand years in your world, the roots of your art remain firm."

"Thank you, Kami-sama!" They all said, bowing to their instructors and Takemikazuchi, as you would in any Dojo.

"Dismissed!" Soichiro shouted, "Sergeant Shino!"

"Sir!" She trotted over to them, reaching into a pocket as she went, "Takemikazuchi-sama! It isn't much, but we have found a basic technique and training manual for Jieitaikakutōjutsu." And she bowed, presenting it to him with both hands extended, "Please accept it?"

"I believe I will." He said, accepting it formally as well, "Thank you for your time, all of you."

Only after Takemikazuchi had turned and started walking back towards his Familia, did Shino turn to me with a manic smile and a thumbs up. I returned the gesture, thankful that Takemikazuchi had approved, and that the JSDF went to such lengths to put on a show for him.

But, as we (adventurers and God) gathered at the fort entrance, I heard -that- voice...

Had we been nervous people, Komurazaki the JSDF reporter risked ending his career by walking around the corner and saying, "I was quite surprised when the morning class decided to march through the Gate instead of staying on the air field." As it was, he was suddenly facing down Takemikazuchi Familia who all had a hand on a weapon. "I never would have thought they were taking a little tour to entertain a God."

At his side, and looking a little irritated (and decaffeinated), was Shino's sister Nanami. She saw the obvious danger, while her boss seemed to be ignoring it. "You shouldn't sneak up on these people." She grumbled.

"Why? We're all friends here, are we not?" He replied, looking to me, then focusing on Takemikazuchi. At his little joke, the rest of the Familia relaxed.

But Mikoto said, "Orario isn't always peaceful. And such an act may come with dire consequences."

"Oh? Is it a town of nothing but savage gangs? Or am I misunderstanding something?" He asked, pulling out his notepad and pen, "Considering your dealings with the JSDF, I was thinking you were a bit more... civilized."

The obvious dig at our lack of 'modern' ways wasn't lost on any of us. But instead of riling, we all turned to Nanami, "Have you been allowed to tour the city yet?" I asked, "As a show of apology for what I've done, would you like to visit our home?"

Takemikazuchi spoke as well, "Kodori-san has told us of her mistake, and has been hoping to balance the scales between you."

Haruhime didn't have to say anything, but with her attention on her, all the children were looking too. It was hard to resist that kind of focused cuteness, no matter what world you came from.

"Very well." She said, "Try not to get in trouble while I'm gone." She said to Komurazaki.

"Hey now... We're not supposed to-"

"You were going to sneak off anyhow and try and blend in." She shot back, "If anything, they probably just saved you from getting stabbed someplace."

"You know I'm still your boss."

"And if we get back home, you can fire me." She replied, not quite yelling back at him.

We all just looked amused at the byplay, but I noticed that the JSDF guarding the base entrance was looking our way now. So, I pointed at Nanami and gave him a thumbs up. He gave me a '?' look, then perked up and grabbed his radio giving me a return thumbs up while he called it in.

"It seems you have... clearance, was it?" Takemikazuchi said with a nod to me, then he turned to Komurazaki, "And I agree, the city, adventurer and citizen alike, do not have time to deal with two faced words and twisted meanings. Had you truly surprised us, or taken aggressive action, you would have been responsible for the first negative interaction between our two worlds."

Remember what I said about Takemikazuchi and his frown? How you felt like you needed to stop doing what you were doing so he'd go back to smiling? Well, Komurazaki looked like a small animal in front of a large predator, and looked like he wanted to faint when Takemikazuchi turned away from him.

"Ko-san?" Haruhime saved me from laughing at the poor schmuck, tugging gently on one of my tails, "Could you..."

"Of course." I nodded, "I think I at least owe Nanami that much."

On the way back, I picked up some interesting conversation from my passengers.

"What is that device?" Haruhime asked our newest guest.

"It's a camera." She replied, one of her hands letting go of the fur nearest her, "It doesn't use film, though it looks like it should."

"Film?"

There was an awkward pause. "Ah right... It's..." She sighed, then the hand returned and poked me through my fur, "You know all about this stuff right?"

"grumph."

"She can tell you. But ignoring that, it takes pictures of things when you point it at them. Here..." Both her hands left my fur, "Ah... Ouka-san?"

"Hai?" (click) "Huh?"

"See?"

I had to slow down as everyone, all at once, started to shift a bit on my back. Not wanting to lose people over the side (since my back was large, but not very wide, you know, like a fox), "Oooooo." Kei said, "A-ma, that's really neat!"

"My face looks like that?" Ouka mumbled, "Huh." There was the sound of him scrubbing his sleeve over his face. "Did I get it?"

"Yes." Chigusa said.

"Grumph!"

"Pardon Ko-san. Come now everyone, settle down."

"A-ma... She makes my ears itchy." It was Yumi, though I felt Yuki wiggle around a little, probably nodding vigorously.

"Oh... Well I do know a little magic." Nanami said, "And I'll admit, it is used mostly to ward against Demons."

"Ko-san is very sorry about that." Haruhime said, "Isn't she?"

"grr..."

"O-ma is in trouble!"

"I am sure, if you wished and had time, you could learn more here." Asuka said, "I'm not sure about magic, but we are one of the few schools in the city."

"You don't have schools?" Nanami asked.

"We do. But most most children learn from their parents, from letters to trade. But Kodori-san is working to improve that." I felt Takemikazuchi pat my shoulder (from his place at the 'front' closest to my head, and it felt like he'd just given me a smile. "But she can tell you more, as I am only a simple God of War."

No one laughed, but I could tell they wanted to tell him he was wrong.

"A-ma? My tummy is grumbling." Toshi said, "And I think my sandal is coming undone?"

"We won't be much longer." She said, "Wave to the nice farmers."

Because yes, it was about then that we broke from the forest path and entered the massive crop fields around the city, "Wow... the map doesn't do this justice." Nanami said, her body shifting carefully, "I suppose I should actually do my job, while I still have it..." Followed by a series of (click) noises from her camera.

"If you are skilled with magic, and don't like your job, why not become an adventurer?" Ouka asked, "You wouldn't have to work for that guy."

"I'd probably just get into more trouble back home." Nanami sighed.

It wouldn't be nearly as much fun as you might think walking through Orario as a giant fox. For starters, no one (myself included) had invented a drying machine. So there were all kinds of clothes lines strung up everywhere. There were also lots of people, occasional horse and carriage, and adventurers who tended to get twitchy when they saw large animals.

So, I was let off carrying everyone, and settled for carrying all the children in my tails. Not only did this save Toshi's sandal, I got all kinds of hugs from them, and got to do silly things, like listen for tummy grumbles.

But while I wasn't doing that, I was playing tour guide with the rest of the Takemikazuchi Familia as we walked home. Sure, we'd done it for the JSDF, but who knows when they'd let out that information to 'the Press'. I was also answering some questions for Takemikazuchi and the others, like what 'film' was, and more or less how it was made.

Or why I never tried to make it in Orario. We knew alchemy, but advanced chemistry was... way over what we could do. But I was sure someone (probably that guy who was most of the way into making 'crystal cell phones') would figure out how to take pictures with just magic and glass.

"You have... a gargoyle?" Nanami asked as she stepped past our front gate.

And I will note, as she did, and Gros took note of the new person, Nanami's presence in my domain felt... heavy. Not uncomfortable, or hostile, just... much larger than she looked. Kind of like when Ophis was in Kuoh, or Yasaka. Not nearly so intimidating or grand, but still quite significant for 'a normal human'.

Gros's reply to the comment, in the usual 'old man' voice, was, "She doesn't 'have' me. This is my home." He looked at the rest of us, "Bringing more of those people home with you?"

"I owe this one a debt." I said, "Nanami? This is Gros, a Xenos who's been living her for a few years now, and an official ambassador to the rest of them."

"When I care to roll out of my sand pit, yes, I suppose I am." Gros said with his version of a shrug.

"Pardon Mr. Gros." Nanami replied, "I'll try not to be rude in the future."

"Forgiven. Can't expect everyone to know." He waved it off, "Oh, Shakti came by a little while ago. Left a message inside."

I nodded, "Well children? Now that you're home again, let's find something to eat."

"Yay!"

Growing children were kind of like Hobbits. Look up their meal schedule and you'll see what I mean. Breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses... Anyhow, while Haruhime distracted them, Weine and I put our heads together to make something healthy and sustaining for them (and anyone else who might be a little peckish). Nanami, since she hadn't been given anything else to do, or been dragged away for a tour, stuck with us and offered a hand as well.

"I like her!" Weine, ever plain speaking, pointed at Namani as she worked a mixing bowl for what would end up as oatmeal cookies. "And she looks a little like Miss Shino..."

"Unlike my sister, I'm not hopeless in a kitchen." Nanami said proudly, "Though, I did live with Kurin for a little while, so I had to learn how to cook. She really liked my mushroom stew."

"That's popular around here too, when we can get mushrooms." I nodded, "It's also good to know she's still doing her job."

"How did you two meet?" She asked, handing the bowl of cookie mix to Weine, who went about putting them on a baking sheet, "So weird to see modern stuff made of hammered metal..."

"Well, it's not a happy story, but it goes something like this..."

I was just about to finish the story of the 'aftermath' of the rooftop fight between Kurin and I, when Hestia walked in. Likely lured by the scent of cookies that were almost ready (meaning that yes, the children were already at the dining table waiting for them), she had that... look on her face.

The one that said 'I have news, but I dunno if it's good or bad news'.

So, instead of waiting for her to tell me, or asking her to spit it out, I used my slowly improving skill of... The topic Change! "Lady Hestia." I greeted, "This is Nanami Kuribayashi, someone I met from back home, and Shino's sister."

Poor Hestia was... really susceptible to distraction. More-so than most of the children even at not-quite-five years old. "Oh! Hello Nanami." Hestia's Best Smile was still just as effective on slightly jaded reporters with magic talent it seemed, "I kinda heard what happened."

"Well, I'm... mostly over it now I guess." Nanami sighed, "But it's good to meet you, Kami-sama." She almost bowed, but remembered to put the second bowl of oatmeal cookie mix down first.

"I like her!" Weine repeated, "She didn't even need to be shown how to make cookies!"

Well and truly off topic now, Hestia grinned and gave Weine a thumbs up, "Excellent. Kodori? I like this one."

The weird mood over her head gone now, I got back on topic, "Shakti visited?"

"Oh! Yeah... um... The birds are acting a little weird." She said without any nervousness, "Didn't say what exactly, just that you should visit, and bring Delly when you do."

"I'll do that after lunch I think. Nanami is what is called a Reporter. Someone who looks into rumours to see if they're true or not."

"But not a Supporter?"

"Supporter?" Nanami asked, handing the second bowl to Weine.

"Lilly is the best supporter. She finds all kinds of things out for us! Even secrets..." Weine said with a bit of a stage whisper, "Like where Kodori hid the candy she made."

"No, she's not a spy." I said, clearing it up a little better, "Say someone breaks into a shop. She would go around to people who might have been nearby, and ask questions. Then she would report to someone like the Guild, who would announce it."

"Like Ganesha's guards?"

Nanami caught on to the similarities, and added a little clarity, "I don't have authority to capture anyone. But if I do find out something, I would report it to someone who could. I also do things like study culture, habits of people, strange things that go on... Sadly, I'm a little far from home for most of it, so it's been kind of... out of my usual field."

"Well, so long as you do a good job." Hestia said with a finger waggle, "Always do your best."

"Cookies are done!" Weine declared.

After snack time, and making sure everyone got a hug/headpat/nose boop that wanted one, I brought Nanami up to the Lab. Part of it was for privacy, the other was to show off a little. She wanted interesting things to report, so, I'd give them to her.

I let her 'ooo' and 'ahh' over some of it, but then asked her one of those 'mysterious Kitsune' questions, "So, I was wondering how much you've investigated on the whole 'JSDF vs Zorzal' thing."

She nearly dropped the citrine geode Stonebelter cracked open for Welf and I, "What?!"

"Since I didn't sign a NDA..." I started, motioning for her to sit (and put down my extra precious gift from the adorable catboi), "Let me tell you what we were asked to do." I held up a finger, "But you can't tell anyone I told you this. Promise?"

She knew exactly what I was doing when I said that single word. She'd been on the 'magic' side of things, and from our last interaction was taught properly. "I figured you'd have some other motive..."

"Your involvement is voluntary. I'm just giving you the option to help, if you can. You've more than earned everything else, so I won't hold it against you if you say no." I replied, making sure she understood this was for 'bonus marks' not 'part of the test' while she was a Guest here.

"I'll promise if I get to ask another three questions. After seeing your home, and spending less than half a day in your world, I want to know more." She put on a smile similar to Shino's 'battle maniac' grin. Just toned down for 'business meetings' or maybe reserved for when she asked 'the right question' to someone she was questioning.

"Deal." I said.

"Then I promise not to tell anyone outside this room what you are about to tell me." She replied, holding out a hand.

We shook, and I felt that gossamer weight of a Promise settle over me. "Let me just shut the door then."

NOTES!

Of course she was going to try and recruit a little help. Why wouldn't she?

So, I looked at the Wiki a little more about Namani. And while yes, I changed the story around her a little (as opposed to changed her backstory A LOT), I think I got her personality down. See, (sigh) in the books, she stays on the other side of the Gate (Earth side), gets frustrated at her Boss for being a total dorksnogger of a urinalist, and starts her own agency. Sure, in the Books, she's far more timid than her sister, but still has principals, and is willing to stick up for them.

Good on her!

Anyhow. Next episode? A few small things, then we all go back to the other side of the Gate, and look for people to make shorter.

Daeore on Ko-fi (more art soon! I hope? Should poke artists...)

Daeore on Inkitt (for that book I hope people read, Were Too?)

And now on Discord, aKAQg4bnYu

And Azur lane, Kodori (Washington server) 268452286 for my guild there. :) Or even if you're in a guild, be my friend. My friend list is very sad...

Oh! If you go to discord, you can put in art ideas. No guarantee it will happen, but if there are no ideas, then there is no art. :)