Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - V4 Chapter 01

Chapter 01: “Nuranura is Seriously Creepy”

On his way to school, Natsuki sat down by the riverside in a classic crouch.

“There was this weird old guy mumbling nuranura… What was that about? Creepy. Really creepy. Koume-chan and Ginko-chan sent me messages saying it’d be funnier if I acted like I didn’t notice, so I just played along as usual, but seriously—who was that?”

When he checked his phone after waking up, he saw messages from Koume and Ginko saying there was an intruder, but not to worry about it.

Thanks to his experiences in another world, Natsuki had developed the ability to wake up even if someone with ill intent approached him. His body would even react automatically to counter any threat.

Above all, the Holy Sword was far stricter about hostile intentions than Natsuki himself. Anyone harboring ill will would likely end up charred to a crisp before Natsuki could do anything. In fact, back in the other world, several noble daughters who tried to manipulate him into scandalous situations ended up as ash.

“That old man even cooked a meal. It tasted pretty good, but still… who the heck was he?”

At first, Natsuki thought it might just be another god or demon stopping by for a visit, but something felt off.

The presence didn’t quite feel human, but its aura was slippery and hard to pin down.

It was slightly creepy, but the old man had a cheerful smile and seemed harmless. Besides, Natsuki wasn’t the type to attack a smiling old man without reason. Koume and Ginko had been grinning mischievously, so he decided to let it slide.

Still, the encounter left him so unsettled that he couldn’t bring himself to go to school.

It felt like another fantasy-level incident brewing, and he had a strong feeling he should just head back home.

“Wait, if Mom comes home and finds that nuranura old man there, it’s definitely going to cause trouble! Yeah, I’d better head ba—ugh!”

As Natsuki stood up to leave, he froze in place.

Right in his line of sight, the nuranura old man was sprinting down the riverbank at an unbelievable speed.

“Hey, you brat! Just now—you said ugh, didn’t you!? I heard you! You totally noticed me but pretended not to, didn’t you!? I’m gonna nuranura you! Big time nuranura! Come on, let’s get nuranura-ing!”

“Gyaaaaaah! The nuranura old man is sprinting down the riverbank faster than the track team’s top runner!!!”

“Hey, don’t run away! Get back here! I’ll make you nuranura! You hear me? I’ve been nuranura-ing this whole time! Don’t make me go full nuranura on you!”

“This is so creeeeeeeeepy!!!”

Even for a hero who returned from another world, the nuranura old man was terrifying enough to make Natsuki flee at full speed.

But as he ran, the old man only picked up speed and continued chasing him.

To put it mildly, it was absolutely horrifying.

Along the way, Natsuki passed by some of his classmates, but he was too focused on escaping to care.

―Thanks to this, a ridiculous rumor spread around school about *Yura, the guy who never shows up to class, sprinting down the riverbank while looking all nuranura-like.

〜〜Afterword〜〜

Police Officer: “Look, I don’t know what the reason is, but when an old man is chasing a middle schooler while yelling nuranura, you can bet I’m going to arrest him on the spot.”

Nuranura: “Yes, I’m very sorry.”

Police Officer: “This kid said you’re an acquaintance and it was all just a joke, so I’m letting you off with a strict warning this time. But if it happens again, I’ll be bringing you down to the station for a detailed chat. Might even call for backup if needed.”

Nuranura: “I sincerely apologize.”

Police Officer: “Alright then, let me see some ID. So your name is Zenya Nurarihyon. That’s an unusual surname. And your address says Tono—quite a trip from there. Visiting relatives?”

Nuranura: “Uh… yes, I’m here visiting family.”

Police Officer: “I don’t want to be too harsh, but the world’s a dangerous place nowadays. Be more careful, okay?”

Nuranura: “Understood. Thank you for your time.”

Note: This story is not intended to insult or defame any particular yokai. Thank you for your understanding.