Chapter 3: First Encounter With The Supernatural

The week went by as normal as Hideki's life went. He was dedicated to helping Hiro with his homework and offered all possible support in the restaurant. Initially, the restaurant was quite ordinary, with the kitchen in the back and customers only able to see the chef's back. However, after Hideki joined the team, Takeshi, impressed by Hideki's cooking skills, had an innovative idea. He decided to transform the restaurant into a teppanyaki-style establishment.

At a teppanyaki restaurant, the chef cooks ingredients directly in front of customers on a hot iron griddle. Not only does this style offer a unique culinary experience, but it also makes for an entertaining spectacle, with the chef performing eye-catching tricks and techniques, including juggling utensils and fire demonstrations. Hideki's skill in handling the griddle and his dynamic style in the kitchen added a new level of excitement and sophistication to the restaurant, attracting more customers and offering a memorable experience for all.

The evening was in full swing at the teppanyaki restaurant. The hot iron griddle in the center of the room gave off a warm glow and a soft crackling sound as Hideki moved deftly around it. Customers clustered around the griddle, expectant and excited for the show that was about to begin.

Hideki, with a confident smile on his face, began preparing the ingredients. First, he carefully placed a layer of oil on the hot griddle, the subtle sound of sizzling oil filling the air. Then, he picked up a pair of sharp knives and began cutting vegetables and meat with a skill that seemed almost artistic. Each movement was precise and graceful, and the rhythm in which he worked seemed choreographed

"Get ready for the show!" Hideki announced excitedly, as he tossed the cut vegetables into the air before releasing them onto the griddle. The vegetables began to pop and sizzle, creating a melody of sounds that attracted everyone's attention.

The customers clapped and cheered as Hideki continued his routine. With a nimble flick of his wrist, he tossed the pieces of meat into the air, deftly twisting and turning them before placing them back onto the griddle. His skill at manipulating the utensils and ingredients while maintaining a lively conversation with the customers added a personal touch to the show.

"Anybody want to see a special trick?" Hideki asked with a mischievous grin. The excited customers nodded enthusiastically.

Hideki picked up a pair of kitchen cutlery and began juggling with it. He spun the utensils in the air, catching them with perfect timing. Then, he performed a little flame stunt, adding a touch of drama to the show. People gasped as they watched the fire dance with controlled skill.

Finally, Hideki began plating the food with impeccable presentation. As he did so, he flashed a smile at the customers and answered their comments and questions about the ingredients and techniques used. The personal interaction and culinary spectacle made the experience unforgettable for everyone present.

When the last dish was ready, Hideki gave one last bow to the audience, receiving a standing ovation. The customers left satisfied, and the restaurant returned to its usual tranquility.

Kaori and Takeshi, watching from a corner, approached Hideki with proud smiles.

"That was an impressive show, Hideki!" Kaori said, clearly excited.

"You have a natural talent for this," Takeshi added. "The restaurant has never been so popular."

At that moment, a friend of Takeshi's, who was sitting at a nearby table, couldn't resist making a joking comment.

"Hey, Takeshi, it seems you've found a chef who makes your food taste like beginner food," he said with a mocking laugh. "I think it's time you passed the apron to Hideki."

Takeshi laughed good-naturedly, nudging his friend lightly. "Come on, don't be so harsh! Hideki has really taken this to another level."

Hideki laughed and raised a hand in thanks. "Thank you, but I'm not as good as you say. I'm just trying to do my best."

The night concluded with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in the air. Although Hideki knew there was still much to learn and many challenges to come, moments like this reminded him that despite being in a different world, he had found a place where he could truly shine.

Monday came, and Hideki was relieved after a hectic weekend at the restaurant, which had gained a lot of popularity in a short time. Today, as it was Monday, he had the day off from the restaurant, and Mr. Takeshi would be in charge of tending the place.

As he left the academy, Hideki sighed in satisfaction. The day had been normal, like any other, and although he missed the excitement and uncertainty of his previous world, with its constant attacks from villains, he was also glad that people in this world did not have to worry about such threats.

With a feeling of tranquility, he began to walk aimlessly, enjoying the freedom of a free day and the opportunity to explore and relax in his new surroundings.

Hideki strolled through the park, enjoying the fresh air and the brief respite offered by a rather busy daily routine. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, tinting the sky with warm, golden hues. He decided to head to a more secluded part of the park, looking for a quiet corner where he could sit and relax.

Suddenly, a soft noise caught his attention. Turning his head, Hideki found himself looking at a creature that looked like something out of a fairy tale: a feline with pointed ears and a long tail, covered in white fur speckled with black spots. The creature, with its mystical appearance, looked clearly out of the ordinary.

Upon noticing Hideki's presence, the bakeneko bristled, baring its sharp teeth and making a low, menacing sound. Hideki stopped short, feeling a chill run down his spine. His instincts warned him not to get too close, but his fascination with the creature kept him still.

"What... what are you?" Hideki muttered, astonished. Although he knew many creatures from mythology, he had never imagined meeting one in reality. The momentary surprise made him forget his fear.

The bakeneko, seeing that Hideki showed no signs of aggression, seemed to calm down slightly, although it still displayed a cautious attitude. Hideki decided to act carefully so as not to provoke it. He remembered his grandfather's lessons on how to treat animals and tried to apply those principles.

"I'm going to take a step back," Hideki said, trying to sound calm. "I don't want to hurt you. I just want to understand what's going on."

As he slowly backed away, Hideki tried to make gentle movements, avoiding any gestures that could be interpreted as a threat. Fortunately, the bakeneko seemed to accept his peaceful attitude and the threatening sound began to subside.

In an attempt to gain the bakeneko's trust, Hideki slowly crouched down and extended a hand, maintaining a non-threatening posture. Although he didn't know if the creature would understand the gesture, he hoped to at least convey his lack of hostile intentions.

Suddenly, Hideki heard hurried footsteps approaching. He looked towards the source of the sound and saw a brown-haired girl running towards him with a worried expression on her face.

"Wait!" the girl exclaimed upon seeing the situation. She stood between Hideki and the bakeneko. "Don't come any closer!"

The bakeneko, sensing the sudden movement, became even more alarmed and, in an act of defense, launched a fierce attack. With a swift swipe of its paw, it tore through the air with its sharp claws and struck Hideki before he could react. The impact sent Hideki flying and a deep claw wound formed on his left arm, causing sharp pain.

Hideki fell to the ground, his left arm bloodied and a stunned shock on his face. The bakeneko, seeing the damage it had caused, quickly retreated, vanishing into the bushes with surprising speed.

Abe rushed to Hideki, her face pale and worried. "You're hurt! Let me help you!"

Despite the searing pain and shock at the attack, Hideki remained surprisingly conscious, thanks to his training and the harsh trials he had faced in his world. The wound on his left arm was deep and painful, and he was sure he had broken his arm and must have at least three broken ribs. The combination of pain and blood loss made him constantly dizzy, but the determination and willpower he had developed over the years kept him alert.

He forced himself to sit up with effort, leaning against the trunk of a nearby tree to steady himself. His vision was blurring from the pain and blood loss, but he didn't allow himself to fall apart. Hideki took a deep breath, trying to ignore the dizzy feeling that was spinning in his head.

The approaching girl's voice became a distant murmur, distorted by the pain and vertigo. However, Hideki couldn't allow himself to lose consciousness; his mind was still active, assessing the situation and looking for a way to overcome this new challenge.

With a firm expression despite the pain, Hideki focused on controlling his breathing and staying awake. He knew that giving up was not an option, especially after having faced so many hardships in his life. Although the wound was causing him intense pain, he held on to his determination to overcome any obstacle that came his way.

The girl finally reached his side and began to speak urgently, but Hideki was too focused on his effort to stay conscious to hear clearly. He made an effort to look up at her, his eyes showing a mix of pain and determination.

With a shaky but determined voice, Hideki gave her a look that said everything he couldn't put into words. Although the situation was dire, his resilience gave him the strength to face this challenge. He knew he had to hold on until he received the necessary help.

The girl, who turned out to be Kiyome Abe, knelt down beside Hideki with an expression of deep concern. Her eyes fixed on Hideki's bleeding wound and the pain that was clearly reflected on his face. Wasting no time, she began to assess the severity of the situation.

"No, don't move!" Kiyome exclaimed urgently. "I'm going to help you."

Despite the chaos and anguish in her voice, Kiyome moved with surprising calm under the pressure. Realizing she didn't have a first aid kit, she felt a little lost, but her resolve didn't waver.

"What can I do?" she asked herself, trying to keep her voice calm as she searched through her backpack.

Hideki, despite the overwhelming pain, managed to stay conscious and thinking. He looked at Kiyome and, with difficulty, managed to get out a few words.

"My belt," Hideki said in a broken voice. "Use it... make a tourniquet. I need you to stop the bleeding."

Kiyome, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly removed Hideki's belt. She placed it around the injured arm, tightening it as tightly as possible to stop the flow of blood.

"I'm sorry, this must hurt," Kiyome murmured as she carefully adjusted the belt. "I'll do everything I can to make sure you're okay."

As she applied the tourniquet, Kiyome looked at the bakeneko, who was now observing the scene from a safe distance. The creature seemed less threatening, although it was still attentive to what was happening.

At that moment, the bakeneko, who had observed the scene from a safe distance, began to relax as it noticed the aura of kindness in both humans. The creature approached with cautious movements, its gaze fixed on Hideki's wound. With a soft snore, the bakeneko began to lick Hideki's wound with its warm, moist tongue.

As the bakeneko licked, Hideki felt an unexpected relief on his arm; the scratches began to close and the pain from the wound noticeably reduced. However, the broken bones were still not healed, and the lingering pain reminded Hideki that the situation was not yet completely resolved.

Abe watched in amazement as the bakeneko used its healing ability. The transformation in Hideki's wound was impressive, and her heart filled with hope as she saw that the situation was improving. She approached Hideki with a relieved expression, relieved that at least the bakeneko was helping.

"I'm… I'm so sorry," Abe said in a shaky voice, touching Hideki's arm carefully. "I didn't know the bakeneko would do something like this. I hope you feel a little better."

Hideki, though still in pain, looked at Abe gratefully. "Thank you… Even though the pain is still there, this has helped a lot."

Hideki, still leaning against the tree and with his injured arm wrapped in the belt Abe had improvised as a tourniquet, watched the bakeneko as it slowly walked away. The relief of seeing the wound partially healed made him feel a mix of gratitude and wonder. Although the broken bones still hurt, he knew the bakeneko's help had made a big difference.

With a visible effort, Hideki sat up a little and, looking towards where the bakeneko had gone, said in a weak but sincere voice:

"Thank you… thank you very much for your help," Hideki said quietly, aware that the bakeneko probably couldn't fully understand him, but wanting to express his gratitude anyway.

Abe, upon hearing Hideki's words, looked around, searching for the bakeneko that had already disappeared into the bushes. Although she couldn't see the bakeneko, she understood Hideki's gratitude.

—"I'm so sorry," —her voice filled with regret—". If I had arrived a little earlier, this could have been avoided. I didn't know the situation had gotten so serious. I'm truly sorry for not being here to prevent it."

Hideki, still in pain but recognizing Abe's sincere remorse, smiled at her reassuringly.

—"Don't worry," —Hideki responded in a softer tone—". I appreciate everything you've done. Sometimes things don't turn out as we hope, but your help and concern mean a lot. What matters is that you're here now."

Abe nodded, visibly relieved by Hideki's words. The two shared a moment of mutual understanding as they waited for the bakeneko to get far enough away so Hideki could receive more assistance.

After a few minutes, Hideki, with Abe's help, got up from where he had been and began walking slowly toward the hospital. Although the pain in his arm and ribs was considerable, Abe's help and the relief of his superficial wound being treated gave him a bit of strength. Abe assisted him carefully, ensuring he didn't stumble or injure himself further.

—"By the way, what's your name?" —Hideki asked, trying to start a conversation to distract himself from the pain and get to know his savior better.

Abe, smiling slightly despite the situation, replied:

—"My name is Kiyome Abe. I live nearby and I'm also a student at Kuoh Academy, just like you. I also have a job that involves keeping supernatural creatures under control so they don't attack humans. I was walking through the park when I saw the commotion and ran over to see if I could help."

Hideki nodded, a look of gratitude on his face, choosing to omit the fact that she dealt with those creatures—for now, he decided to leave it unsaid.

—"Thank you for showing up at the right moment, Kiyome. My name is Hideki Saito. I've been in this city for a while, and, to be honest, I'm still getting used to everything here."

Kiyome nodded in understanding.

—"I see. It must be tough adjusting to a new place, especially after everything you've been through today. If you need help finding your way around or with anything else, don't hesitate to ask me."

Hideki smiled, feeling a bit more at ease thanks to Kiyome's kindness.

—"I really appreciate that. It's good to know there are people willing to help. And, by the way, I owe you one. It's not something I can easily repay, but I promise I will."

Kiyome chuckled softly.

—"Don't worry about that. I'm just glad you're okay. My job is to keep humans safe from supernatural threats, but it's nice to know that, once in a while, I can help in a more direct way. Let's get to the hospital and make sure you're properly taken care of. After that, if you'd like, we could grab a coffee and talk some more."

Hideki nodded with a smile.

—"That sounds great. Thank you, Kiyome. I'm glad I met someone like you today."

As they continued their way to the hospital, Hideki and Kiyome chatted about trivial things, discovering they had more in common than they initially expected. The conversation helped distract Hideki from the pain and made him start to feel a little more comfortable in his new surroundings.

Hideki returned to the Nishimiya family's restaurant late at night after spending several hours at the hospital with Kiyome Abe. The night had been long and exhausting, but at least his arm was now in a cast, and he had agreed to discuss the supernatural world further with Abe on another occasion. He was grateful to have met someone like Kiyome, who had helped him navigate the situation and provided a glimpse of normalcy on such a difficult day.

When he entered the restaurant's kitchen, the Nishimiya family was waiting, visibly concerned about his late return and the state he was in. Kaori, Hiro's mother, approached quickly, her gentle eyes filled with worry. Hiro stood beside her, his expression a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

—"Hideki! Please, tell us what happened!" —Kaori said, her voice trembling as she examined the cast on his arm.

Hideki tried to smile to reassure them, despite the pain still lingering.

—"It was just an accident. I fell and ended up breaking my arm. I went to the hospital, got it set in a cast, and they told me I just need some time to recover. I'm fine, really."

Takeshi, Hiro's father, stepped closer, his expression a mix of concern and relief.

—"Are you sure you're okay? Do you need anything else?"

Hideki nodded, touched by their concern.

—"I'm fine, really. I just need to rest a bit. The hospital gave me some advice, and I'll follow it. Thank you for worrying—it means a lot to me."

Hiro, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up.

—"How did you hurt yourself?"

Hideki decided to leave out any mention of the bakeneko and offered a more plausible explanation.

—"I tripped on something while walking in the park. It was a silly accident, nothing serious."

Kaori nodded, seeming to accept his explanation.

—"Well, at least you're in good hands now. If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell us. And please, take care of yourself."

Hideki smiled, feeling comforted by their warmth and support.

—"I will. Thank you all for your concern. Tomorrow, after I've had some rest, I'll tell you more about what happened, but for now, I just want to sleep."

With a final gesture of gratitude toward the Nishimiya family, Hideki headed to his room. Though tired and in pain, he felt relieved to have a place where he was welcomed and cared for. The night passed with the promise of a new day, and Hideki prepared himself to face the future, both in his recovery and in uncovering the new realities that life in this world had introduced to him.

Kaori Nishimiya and her husband, Takeshi Nishimiya, remained awake despite the late hour. Hideki had collapsed onto his bed the moment he touched the mattress, and Hiro had already been sent to his room to sleep. Takeshi, aware that Hideki's situation was far from ordinary, suspected that the young man's injuries were tied to something more than a simple accident.

—"So, what really happened to Hideki?" —Takeshi asked, his eyes fixed on Kaori, his expression betraying growing concern.

Kaori, knowing that Takeshi already had his own suspicions, began to speak. However, she paused for a moment and exhaled calmly before turning to meet Takeshi's gaze with a seriousness that only he could fully understand.

—"I caught the scent of a bakeneko on Hideki," —Kaori said in a grave, resolute tone—. "It's not something you can easily detect unless you have heightened senses… like mine. The fact that he was attacked by such a creature is deeply troubling."

Kaori's inu-yokai nature allowed her to pick up the bakeneko's scent on Hideki, thanks to her heightened senses. Although Takeshi was human, the love they shared had led Kaori to seek permission to live in the human world with her family.

Takeshi listened intently. While he was already aware of his wife's inu-yokai heritage and her supernatural detection abilities, the revelation that she had identified a bakeneko in Hideki's case underscored the gravity of the situation. His expression grew more serious as he processed this information.

Frowning, Takeshi said, —"That would explain the state he was in when he returned. But I don't understand—how did Hideki end up encountering a bakeneko? I thought these creatures usually stayed away from humans."

Kaori nodded, her gaze falling to the floor as she pondered how to address the situation. —"That's true. Bakeneko typically avoid humans, but they can sometimes appear in unexpected places. It's possible Hideki was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. My ability to detect these creatures is more refined due to my inu-yokai nature, so I can say with certainty that he was attacked by one."

Takeshi sighed, his concern only partially eased. —"What worries me is how we handle this without raising alarms. We don't want Hideki getting drawn into more trouble involving the supernatural."

Kaori stepped closer, taking her husband's hand. —"You're right. We need to protect him and make sure he's okay. Maybe we should talk to him about what happened, but gently, so as not to frighten him. It might also be wise to research more about dealing with encounters with creatures like bakeneko."

Takeshi nodded, his resolve firm. —"Agreed. We'll handle this the right way. The most important thing is that Hideki recovers and stays safe."

The two moved to their respective tasks, determined to ensure Hideki's protection and to shield him from facing the challenges of the supernatural world alone.

The next day at the academy, Hideki arrived with his arm in a cast. Though he had managed to endure the pain, his appearance clearly reflected the severity of his injuries. The doctors had advised him to rest, prescribing painkillers for his fractured ribs and warning him to avoid sudden movements.

As he walked through the hallway, Hideki ran into Koneko, who immediately noticed the cast on his arm. Her expression turned to one of concern as she quickly approached him, stopping just in front of him.

—"What happened to you, Hideki-senpai?" —Koneko asked, her voice filled with both curiosity and worry.

Realizing that Koneko had picked up on his condition, Hideki tried to maintain a calm demeanor. Although he wasn't entirely sure how much Koneko knew about the supernatural, he decided to avoid mentioning anything about it.

—"It was an accident at the park," —Hideki said with a strained smile—. "I fell while walking and hurt myself. Nothing serious."

Koneko frowned, clearly unconvinced by his explanation. She could still detect the faint scent of the bakeneko lingering on Hideki, but she chose not to push further. Her concern for him remained evident, and it seemed as though she was carefully assessing the truth of his words.

—"I hope you recover quickly," —Koneko said, softening her expression slightly—. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."

Hideki nodded, genuinely grateful for her concern. —"Thanks, Koneko. I'll keep that in mind."

As Koneko walked away, Hideki let out a small sigh of relief. He suspected that Koneko might have sensed something odd about his explanation, but he was determined to keep the incident with the bakeneko a secret. The experience had been a harsh lesson and a stark reminder of the unexpected dangers in the world. It also reinforced the need to be cautious about what he shared.

The day passed uneventfully. Throughout his classes, several girls approached Hideki, asking about his arm. He stuck to the same story, claiming he had fallen while walking, trying to keep his explanation as simple as possible.

When classes ended, Hideki was in the hallway, finishing packing up his belongings, when he noticed Kiyome Abe weaving purposefully through the crowd of students. She seemed to be searching for someone, and when their eyes met, Kiyome smiled and walked straight toward him.

—"Saito-san!" —Kiyome greeted him, her tone cheerful but with a hint of concern—. "It's good to see you. Can we talk for a moment?"

Hideki was surprised to see her and nodded, following her.

—"Sure, what's up?" —he asked, trying to sound casual.

Kiyome looked at him with a mix of seriousness and curiosity.

—"I just wanted to make sure you're okay after last night," —she said—. "How are you feeling?"

Relieved to see her genuine concern, Hideki nodded.

—"I'm fine, thank you. Just a few minor aches, but nothing serious."

Kiyome nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer.

—"I'm glad to hear that. I also wanted to talk to you about what happened last night. Do you have a moment so I can explain a few things?"

Intrigued, Hideki replied:

—"Yes, of course. I'm willing to listen. Where would you like to talk?"

Kiyome smiled at him.

—"We can go somewhere quieter. There's a lot to explain, and I think it's better to do it in a more relaxed environment."

The two headed to a secluded corner of the academy, away from the hustle and bustle of the students. Once they reached the quiet spot, Kiyome began to talk about the supernatural world, capturing Hideki's attention with the seriousness and depth of her words.

Hideki sat with Kiyome on a bench, the concern and curiosity in his expression reflecting the weight of the subject at hand. Kiyome sat beside him, her demeanor calm but purposeful.

—"Alright, Saito-san," —Kiyome began with a composed tone—. "I want to explain a few things about the supernatural world. First of all, you need to know that there are a vast number of creatures and beings that coexist with us in this world, even though most people can't see them."

Hideki listened attentively, already anticipating this kind of explanation after what had happened with the bakeneko.

—"So, what happened last night was definitely a supernatural creature, right?" —Hideki asked, trying to process the information.

—"Exactly," —Kiyome confirmed—. "What you saw last night was a bakeneko. They're beings from Japanese folklore with special abilities. In general, there's a wide variety of supernatural entities, ranging from spirits to magical creatures with different powers and behaviors."

—"And you... what's your role in all of this?" —Hideki asked, trying to understand Kiyome's involvement in the supernatural world.

Kiyome smiled slightly, a mix of pride and seriousness in her expression.

—"My family has been tamers of supernatural creatures for a long time. My parents travel a lot, so I'm usually the one who ensures supernatural creatures don't get too close to humans in this city, to prevent incidents like the one last night."

Hideki slowly nodded, beginning to grasp the magnitude of what Kiyome was explaining.

—"I see. So, are there more people like you who deal with this?"

—"Yes, there are others like me," —Kiyome replied—. "Though they aren't always visible or operate the same way. The truth is, the supernatural world is much more complex than it appears at first glance."

—"And what about me in all of this?" —Hideki asked, feeling a bit lost but intrigued.

—"Sometimes, people like you come into contact with the supernatural without even realizing it," —Kiyome explained seriously—. "What happened to you with the bakeneko isn't something that happens every day, which is why I feel you need to know what's going on. It's important that you have a basic understanding of these creatures, so you're prepared in case you encounter something similar again. Although last night was an accident, you're now part of this world, and for one reason or another, you'll likely get involved again."

Hideki nodded, recognizing the value of the information. Although he still had many questions, he at least knew he wasn't alone in understanding the supernatural world.

—"Thank you for the explanation, Kiyome-senpai," —Hideki said, showing his gratitude—. "I appreciate you telling me all this."

—"You're welcome, Saito-san," —Kiyome responded—. "If you ever need more information or help, don't hesitate to come to me."

As Hideki processed everything he had just heard, a key question began to form in his mind. If supernatural creatures like the bakeneko existed, what else could be hidden in this mysterious world?

—"Kiyome-senpai... does this mean magic is real too? Are there people who can use it, like in stories?" —he asked, his tone filled with curiosity, uncertainty, and a hint of hope.

Kiyome looked at him with a small smile, fully understanding Hideki's surprise.

—"Yes, magic exists, though it's not like in fairy tales," —she replied—. "There are many forms of power, from magic to techniques like Senjutsu or Touki, which allow manipulation of vital energy. Some people are born with special abilities, while others develop them through training. The supernatural world is much broader than you could imagine."

Hearing Kiyome's words, Hideki felt a spark of hope ignite within him. As he processed all the information about the supernatural world, one thought lingered in his mind: Maybe magic or one of these abilities could help me find a way back to my world. He couldn't share this desire with anyone, but the possibility that something in this universe held the power to open a path back fueled his motivation to keep moving forward.

Finally, lifting his gaze to Kiyome, he decided to ask his question carefully, hiding his true intentions.

—"Then... is there a way I can learn some of this? Magic or something similar?" —he asked, with a mix of curiosity and seriousness—. "I don't have any special abilities, but if I'm going to be involved in this world... maybe learning something could help me defend myself."

Kiyome studied him carefully, sensing there was something deeper behind his words. After a moment of reflection, she nodded.

—"It's possible," —she replied—. "Magic is accessible to some, but there are also disciplines like Senjutsu or Touki, which don't require innate magical talent but rather control over vital energy. It's not an easy path, but if you're willing to try..."

Hideki felt his determination solidify. This was another challenge, but one that now filled him with renewed hope. Even though he couldn't tell anyone the true reason behind his desire to learn, he knew he would try with all his strength.

—"And you? Could you teach me any of that? I don't want to be a burden if I come across something supernatural again..." —he asked seriously, hoping Kiyome could be his guide in this strange world.

Kiyome gave him a small smile before gently shaking her head.

—"I'm afraid I can't teach you those things," —she replied—. "My abilities are more focused on taming and controlling supernatural creatures. It doesn't require complex magic or advanced techniques like Senjutsu or Touki. My skills are more instinctive, a connection with beasts, but it wouldn't help you much in that regard."

Hideki nodded, a bit disappointed, but grateful for her honesty.

—"I see," —he said thoughtfully—. "Still, I appreciate you explaining all this to me. At least I know a bit more about what I'm facing."

Kiyome looked at him with a sympathetic expression.

—"Don't worry. Even if I can't teach you, I'm sure you'll find someone who can guide you if you're determined to learn. You're not alone in this."

The end

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