Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - V5 Chapter 40: “Shinonon and Iba-chan, huh?”

Chapter 40: “Shinonon and Iba-chan, huh?”

While Galaxy Kappa Hero Natsuki Yura was having a dramatic standoff with Shuten Doji across the bed of a truck…

Elsewhere, Shinonome Abe had stepped out of his apartment and was now sitting at a café terrace—

Across from none other than Ibaraki Doji.

“Sorry for calling you out so suddenly.”

“It’s fine. More importantly, how did things go with your little brother after that?”

“Ah… Madoka’s still the same. You know how things went down with the oni, right, Iba-chan?”

“Yeah.”

“He says he understands the whole ‘coexistence with oni’ idea in his head… But his heart’s not there yet, y’know?”

“Well, can you blame him? He lost someone dear to him—right in front of his eyes. Poor kid… If only I’d gotten there a little sooner… I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for, Iba-chan. You saved Madoka, and that’s more than enough. If I asked for anything more, I’d just be tempting fate.”

Though the two were chatting openly on the café terrace, not a single word of their conversation reached anyone nearby.

That was thanks to the soundproofing spell Shinonome had cast.

It served another purpose, too—

To keep Ibaraki Doji, a powerful oni, hidden from any spiritualists in the area.

As Shuten Doji’s daughter, Ibaraki was high on the hit list for hardliner exorcists.

Sure, she was strong enough to beat most of them if it ever came to a fight—

But she hated fighting.

So Shinonome cast the spell for her sake.

“Thanks for the heads-up the other day. I talked to a few of the so-called ‘moderate’ spiritualists, and turns out… My own family’s been plotting some seriously dumb stuff. Honestly, I’m kinda embarrassed.”

“There are greedy ones among both humans and oni. Even if your parents made bad choices, you’re still a good person, Shinonon.”

“Thanks.”

Ibaraki Doji gently reached out and placed a hand over Shinonome’s on the table.

“I couldn’t follow the path my father took—All that slaughter brought on by Shuten Doji. That’s why I broke off from my siblings. But even now, plenty of followers still worship him. And lately, since he disappeared into hiding, some of them have been trying to choose a successor.”

“Oni really don’t know how to leave well enough alone… Ah—not talking about you, Iba-chan.”

“It’s okay. You’re right. They don’t know how to leave things alone. Even my siblings are a handful—each with their own quirks. It’s exhausting.”

“Sounds like we’ve both got family drama weighing us down, huh.”

“Yeah. So… what are you planning to do about the Abe clan?”

“I’ve decided to tear it down. Since I’m still around, the family name can continue. But the fossils and the dead weight? Time for them to step aside.”

“…That’s a shame.”

Ibaraki Doji lowered her gaze, looking genuinely saddened.

“Still… Thanks, Iba-chan. You always help calm my heart.”

“Hehe. Well, you’ve been there for me too, Shinonon.”

The two had known each other for a long time—

Ever since the day Madoka was attacked by an oni.

And now, Ibaraki Doji held a quiet affection and deep trust toward Shinonome.

“…But I’m still a little worried.”

“What’s got you uneasy?”

“According to one of our spies from the fox clan… Shuten Doji might be secretly working with Tamamo-no-Mae.”

“…I see.”

“No wonder no one’s been able to find him. Depending on how things play out, we might end up clashing with the fox youkai. Even then… will you still stand with me?”

“Of course I will.”

“—Thank you. I’ve never had a man be this kind to me before.”

“Iba-chan, you’re someone really important to me.”

The two locked eyes for a quiet moment.

“…Actually, there was something I wanted to warn you about, too.”

“What happened?”

“Some idiot from the hardliner faction poked the wrong bear—Now the Galaxy Kappa Hero himself is in Kyoto.”

“—Huh!?”



～～Afterword～～

Yes, there are some contradictions in the timeline.

They’re intentional. Don’t worry—just roll with it!