The Healer in a Japanese-Style Game World: Mastering Healing to Save My Favorite Character in a Brutal World, Only to Find Everyone Around Me Becoming Obsessed - Chapter 23: Reunion

Chapter 23: Reunion

When we returned to Oboro-sama, a hectic scene unfolded before us. 

Wild foxes were fetching water and splashing it around, Makami looked completely lifeless, and Oboro-sama was being stopped by the remaining foxes from doing anything as she panicked.

“As expected…”

“I wonder if this is my fault.”

“Oh—no, it’s not your fault! I just didn’t know how to adjust the water temperature, so I thought it would be faster to use foxfire—it’s not that I’m bad at household chores!”

Oboro-sama, her face red with embarrassment, looked at me and explained. 

Given that the fire was quite serious, I joined in to help with the firefighting efforts while also trying to calm the rather flustered Oboro-sama.

“Au… I-I can do household chores, too. I just haven’t been taught.”

“I know, so let’s calm down. No one is blaming you.”

“Uu… You are very kind, truly…”

“Hey Oboro, since it’s such a rare reunion… won’t you pay some attention to me as well?”

With Oboro-sama calmed down, Tsukuyomi-sama spoke up. 

Realizing her presence, Oboro-sama was left speechless and took a step back.

“I have no right to say this, but don’t run away, Oboro… Besides, I am just an avatar.”

“Is that so?… But why are you here?”

“When you were transformed into a deity, the original created me. Since then, I’ve been watching over you.”

“So, you’ve been watching me all this time? I have no face to show you… I don’t deserve forgiveness.”

…The atmosphere grew tense. I worried that my decision to bring them together might lead to a quarrel.

“Listen, Oboro. Even with the forced responsibilities of a god, you seriously protected the village of Gesshoku. You led the wild foxes, lived with the villagers, and fulfilled your role as the village’s deity. That alone is enough. I was never angry with you.”

“Tsukuyomi-sama…”

“Moreover, I saw how you started taking more walks to manage your health after overeating, how you asked for girls’ books as offerings and read them with a red face, and how you daydreamed in the shrine every day.”

“Uh, um, what?”

“You used to faint just from meeting a man, yet you’ve grown so much. However… creating your ideal partner with foxfire might be a bit much.”

“T-Tsukuyomi-sama!? Wait, you saw all that? And you’re exposing this in front of him? Do you have no regard for my feelings?”

“Hmm?”

“You heartless brute, you haven’t changed at all!”

At first, it seemed like she was giving praise, but then it suddenly turned into a confession fest. 

Oboro-sama was on the verge of tears and started explaining herself to me. 

Seriously, what was this? And now Makami, having finished putting out the fire, was giving me a cold stare.

“What is it, Makami? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s nothing… I just thought you’re the same as always.”

“Explain that in more detail.”

“…It’s pointless to explain, so forget it.”

I felt discontent, but it seemed pointless to complain. 

Kagura sometimes gave me similar looks, and I started thinking that maybe I should change something.

“Auu… Why are my secrets being exposed like this?”

“Are you okay, Oboro-sama?”

“I was used to it… but it’s been a while, so it hit me hard. But just so you know, I never misused foxfire!”

She grabbed my shoulder firmly and spoke with conviction.

Her eyes were serious, and her unwavering attitude made me nod in agreement to end this conversation quickly.

“More importantly, Tsukuyomi-sama, why did you reveal yourself?”

“I want this human to save you. Your soul hasn’t been purified yet, has it?”

“Wait, you intend to involve him further?”

“…I got his consent. Now, it’s up to your decision.”

“No, I refuse. I am fine as I am now, so I cannot impose any more burdens on him.”

With a firm resolve, Oboro-sama rejected Tsukuyomi-sama’s proposal. Her determined attitude made it clear that she absolutely didn’t want this.

“―But if you do that, Oboro…”

“If you wish to save me, then please seal me with your powers, Tsukuyomi-sama.”

“No! Why should I give up on you when there’s a way to save you?”

“I don’t want to cause any more trouble for the human world. Besides, I won’t be able to maintain the lunar eclipse barrier any longer. So, before things get worse, seal me or destroy me.”

She smiled as she spoke. 

It was a smile that conveyed her true feelings to Tsukuyomi-sama.

“I am fortunate, you know? I’ve connected with people, watched over their lives, and now I’ve been saved by this man and reunited with you. That’s more than enough for me. I won’t ask for anything more.”

“You fool! This is all my fault! You shouldn’t have to bear this burden!”

“Uh… I hate to interrupt, but Oboro-sama, no matter what you say, I am going to help you.”

Watching the two of them get heated, I decided to step in before it turned into a serious argument. I wanted to convey my own thoughts to Oboro-sama. 

Though it’s only been a short time, I had seen their interactions and their memories, and I wanted to tell Oboro-sama how I felt.

“Even though I’m an outsider, I saw your memories. I saw how you suffered alone and took the blame for Tsukuyomi-sama’s sake. After getting to know you, I wanted to help you.”

Pausing, I thought of my own beloved deity and continued speaking to her.

“My god would tell me to help you if they saw you. They’re incredibly kind and would definitely want to see someone as kind as you smile. I want to help you not just for you, but for myself too—so please, let me help you.”

I didn’t know how she would respond to my words. But looking at her face, she seemed hesitant. She wasn’t blushing; instead, she looked flustered, unable to meet my eyes and turning her gaze away.

“…Do you really intend to save me?”

“I swear on my god, Kagura, and as her seer—I will absolutely save you.”

“You truly are a big fool… but, having said this much, how could I possibly refuse?”

[Author’s Note]

Today, I posted two chapters.

Tomorrow, I’ll probably post around 7 or 12, so please look forward to it. Also, while writing today, I realized that the first work I posted on Kakuyomu was exactly three years ago today, marking my third anniversary as a Kakuyomu author.

So, to celebrate this anniversary, I put a lot of effort into today’s chapters. 

Since it’s a special occasion, I feel it’s okay to ask for follows, stars, and supportive comments. If anyone has some stars to spare, I’d be really happy if you could give them.