Kuroyasha and company found themselves back in the Tanuki Realm, standing before the luxurious DaiTanuki Hot Springs and Resort.
Rows of tanuki employees stood perfectly aligned, creating a path leading to the grand entrance of the bathhouse.
In perfect unison, they bowed and greeted the group.
"Welcome to the DaiTanuki Hot Springs, Goddess Minoyama! Goddess Tsurara! Master Kuroyasha! Masters Biki-Bi, Biki-Bu, and Biki-Ba! And, of course... welcome to the future wife of Master Kuroyasha, Princess Kuzuno Zenko of the Fox Realm!"
Kuroyasha and Kuzuno immediately looked away from one another, faint blushes spreading across both of their faces.
Minoyama, naturally, found the sight absolutely delightful.
Just then, another portal opened nearby.
Queen Yamauba, Princess Murasaki, and Lord Yamachi stepped through.
The employees bowed once more.
"Welcome, Queen Yamauba! Welcome, Lord Yamachi and Princess Murasaki! Honored guests of Goddess Minoyama! Please follow Goddess Minoyama and her companions to the main entrance."
Queen Yamauba nodded, her expression stern yet calm as her sharp eyes wandered across the area.
"...Where is she? Not here yet, I see..."
Murasaki glanced at her mother.
"Mother... you seem even more battle-ready than usual. Aren't we supposed to be relaxing while Headquarters is being repaired?"
Queen Yamauba wore her familiar battle-crazed grin.
"My dear daughter... relaxing and battling are nearly one and the same to me."
She cracked her knuckles.
"Besides... it's been many years since I last fought her. And from what I've heard... she's become even stronger."
Her grin widened.
"So naturally, that puts me in the mood for a good fight."
Murasaki simply sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
She knew better than anyone never to interfere with one of her mother's battles.
Otherwise...
She would inevitably become part of it.
Just then, another announcement echoed throughout the resort as yet another portal opened.
"We also welcome Queen Goddess Tamamo Zenko and Emperor Toba Zenko of the Fox Realm to the DaiTanuki Hot Springs!"
Tamamo stepped gracefully through the portal, followed shortly by Toba.
Toba looked around in admiration.
"This is my first visit to the Tanuki Realm, my dear."
He smiled warmly.
"It feels like one endless festival. Goddess Minoyama truly cares for her people."
Minoyama beamed with pride before suddenly appearing between the royal couple.
"Why, thank you, Emperor Toba!"
She placed both hands on her hips proudly.
"I always do my best to ensure my people are happy and well cared for! I've arranged three entire days dedicated to nothing but rest and relaxation!"
Without warning-
"TAMAMO ZENKO!! FIGHT ME!!"
Queen Yamauba's booming voice shook the resort as she swung Yamakiba toward Tamamo.
Tamamo's eyes immediately lit up.
"SAME AS EVER, YAMAUBA!! LET'S SETTLE THIS!!"
With a grin every bit as wild as Yamauba's, Tamamo drew her blade and lunged forward.
Their swords were only inches apart-
Clink.
The entire resort fell silent.
Standing calmly between them was Goddess Minoyama.
Using nothing more than the tip of her left index claw, she effortlessly stopped Tamamo's sword.
With the tip of her right index claw...
She stopped Yamauba's massive blade as well.
Her gentle smile remained.
Yet the sharpness in her eyes left absolutely no room for argument.
"Now then, ladies..."
Her voice remained soft.
"I'm always happy to watch a good fight..."
She looked at both of them.
"...but not here."
She gestured toward the stunned employees.
"My dear staff cannot properly do their jobs if my honored guests are destroying the front entrance."
Tamamo blinked.
"...Fair enough."
She sheathed her sword without another word.
Queen Yamauba hesitated before reluctantly lowering Yamakiba as well.
At that moment, Yamachi stepped beside his wife.
He gently took one of her claws into his own and kissed it softly.
"My dear..."
His voice was warm.
"Let us honor Goddess Minoyama's realm with the respect it deserves."
He smiled.
"Besides... I'm certain she already has a place prepared where you and Goddess Tamamo can battle to your hearts' content."
Queen Yamauba froze.
Her face slowly turned a deep shade of purple.
"Y-Yamachi!!"
She quickly pulled her claw away and looked in the opposite direction.
"Such public displays of affection are beneath the Demon Ogre Queen!"
Meanwhile...
Inside her head...
I LOVE IT WHEN MY HUSBAND DOES THAT!!
ONLY MY YAMACHI CAN CALM ME WITH SUCH CLASS!!
SUCH ELEGANCE!!
After a few deep breaths, she finally regained her composure.
"I apologize for my disrespect within your realm, Goddess Minoyama."
She bowed her head.
"Please forgive my recklessness."
Minoyama smiled warmly.
"Think nothing of it, Queen Yamauba."
She chuckled.
"Lord Yamachi is quite right."
Her tail swayed happily behind her.
"I'll prepare a special Tanuki Wrap Zone for you and little Tama later."
She looked toward the younger generation.
"It'll do these youngsters some good to witness true powerhouses in action."
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The moment those words left her mouth...
Kuroyasha...
Biki-Bi...
Biki-Bu...
And Biki-Ba...
All four immediately broke into cold sweats.
Watching their adoptive mother effortlessly stop two divine beings using only the tips of her claws was yet another reminder...
Of just how terrifyingly powerful Minoyama truly was.
Kuzuno's crystal-blue eyes sparkled with amazement.
Meanwhile, Murasaki couldn't help but smile.
As mighty as Queen Yamauba was...
There truly were beings in existence who could stand as her equal.
Minoyama clapped her hands together.
"Now then!"
Her smile returned in full force.
"Let's head inside!"
Her tail swayed excitedly behind her.
"I have some very special guests waiting for us inside."
The moment she said those words...
Kuroyasha suddenly stiffened.
His eye twitched nervously.
Kuzuno tilted her head.
"I know Goddess Minoyama can be... a little unpredictable..."
She looked between Kuroyasha and the Biki brothers.
"...but all four of you look like you've just seen a ghost."
Kuroyasha answered quietly.
There was the slightest tremble in his voice.
"After all the years I've known Mother..."
He sighed.
"...nothing she ever does is simple."
His eyes narrowed.
"She is definitely planning something..."
Without another word...
Kuroyasha, his brothers, and the rest of the group followed Minoyama through the grand entrance of the DaiTanuki Hot Springs.
The interior of the DaiTanuki Hot Springs was every bit as magnificent as its reputation suggested.
Elegant wooden architecture stretched throughout the enormous resort, blending traditional Tanuki craftsmanship with luxurious comfort. Warm lantern light reflected across polished floors, while the soothing scent of cedar and fresh spring water filled the air.
A magnificent grand buffet occupied nearly an entire wing of the resort, displaying dishes from countless realms. Nearby stood an elegant casino bustling with cheerful guests, while a lavish five-star bar offered wines, sake, and spirits collected from every corner of existence.
It truly was a paradise built for relaxation.
Everyone then changed into luxurious bath robes embroidered with the crest of the DaiTanuki Hot Springs.
As everyone gathered once more...
Kuroyasha found himself staring.
For the first time since they had become engaged...
He truly took in just how beautiful Kuzuno looked.
Her light-blue bath robe gently complimented her icy complexion, while her fiery red hair flowed elegantly behind her shoulders. The soft smile on her face made her seem even more radiant than usual.
Kuzuno soon noticed his unwavering gaze.
A faint blush spread across her cheeks.
"K-Kuroyasha..."
She shyly looked away.
"Would you stop staring at me like that...? You're making me embarrassed."
Kuroyasha smiled warmly.
Without hesitation, he walked over to her.
He gently placed a hand against her cheek before softly kissing her forehead.
"I can't help it."
His voice was gentle.
"My Kuzuno looks absolutely beautiful."
He smiled lovingly.
"So... please forgive my admiration."
Kuzuno's entire face instantly turned bright red.
She lowered her head in an unsuccessful attempt to hide her embarrassment.
"...Y-You're impossible..."
Nearby...
Tamamo watched the exchange.
Her heart practically melted.
"My little Kuzuno..."
She smiled proudly.
"...has found someone who truly treasures her."
Standing beside her, however...
Emperor Toba's eye twitched.
He slowly cracked his knuckles.
Tamamo immediately grabbed his arm before he could take even a single step forward.
"My dear..."
She giggled softly.
"Our daughter is a grown woman now."
She looked lovingly toward Kuzuno.
"And just look at her..."
Kuzuno's smile had become brighter than either of them had ever seen.
"...she's happier than she's ever been."
Toba looked at his daughter.
Then at Kuroyasha.
Then back to Kuzuno.
His shoulders slowly relaxed.
He let out a deep sigh.
"...You're right."
His expression softened.
"I suppose..."
He smiled sadly.
"...I simply wasn't ready to accept that my little girl had grown up."
Tamamo smiled warmly.
She reached up and gently kissed Toba on the forehead.
The mighty Emperor immediately froze.
"...T-Tamamo..."
His face turned bright red.
Tamamo's own cheeks flushed slightly before she quickly regained her royal composure.
Then...
Leaning close enough that only Toba could hear...
She whispered seductively into his ear.
"You're paying for that later, my Emperor..."
A playful smile spread across her lips.
"So... you'd best prepare yourself~"
Every one of Toba's eight magnificent tails shot straight into the air.
His entire face became scarlet.
Minoyama, already holding a sake dish in one hand, watched the entire exchange with enormous amusement.
"My, my..."
She chuckled.
"This trip is becoming entertaining already."
She took another sip of sake.
"As much as I'd love to watch this continue..."
She smiled mischievously.
"...we do have some very special guests waiting for us."
Tamamo blinked.
"Guests?"
She tilted her head curiously.
"Why would one of your guests be waiting inside the buffet?"
Minoyama simply grinned.
"Oh..."
She laughed softly.
"You'll understand soon enough."
Without another explanation, she turned and began walking.
"Come along, everyone."
The group followed Minoyama deeper into the resort until they arrived at the grand buffet.
The sight before them left nearly everyone speechless.
Rows upon rows of gourmet dishes stretched farther than the eye could see.
Cuisine from dozens of realms filled beautifully decorated tables.
Master chefs worked tirelessly behind elegant cooking stations, preparing every meal fresh before the guests' eyes.
The delicious aromas alone were enough to make everyone's stomach growl.
Minoyama inhaled deeply.
"Now that's the smell of a proper vacation."
She smiled before looking toward the far side of the buffet.
"Well..."
She took another sip of sake.
"It seems one of our guests has already made herself completely at home."
Loud chewing echoed throughout the enormous dining hall.
Minoyama chuckled.
"I'm not surprised."
She looked toward Tamamo with a knowing smile.
"Considering her love of food..."
Her grin widened.
"...wouldn't you agree, little Tama?"
Tamamo froze.
Her fox ears immediately stood upright.
"...No way..."
A memory surfaced instantly.
There was only one person...
Only one member of her family...
Who loved food enough to produce that much noise while eating.
Her eyes widened.
"Tainan...?"
Without another word...
Tamamo sprinted across the buffet.
The others quickly followed behind.
As she rounded the corner...
She stopped in her tracks.
There...
Surrounded by towering stacks of empty plates...
Sat a woman wearing a luxurious bath robe.
Her long golden hair flowed gracefully down her back.
Her yellow fox ears twitched happily with every delicious bite.
Nine magnificent yellow tails danced joyfully behind her.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she happily devoured yet another gourmet dish.
"This..."
Crunch.
"...is so delicious..."
Nom.
"...I could cry..."
Tamamo's own eyes immediately filled with tears.
It had been centuries.
Centuries since she'd last seen her youngest sister.
Her voice trembled.
"...Tainan...?"
The yellow fox ears twitched.
Slowly...
The woman turned around.
Her golden eyes met Tamamo's.
For a brief moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Then-
Tainan's eyes overflowed with tears.
She quickly swallowed the food in her mouth before leaping to her feet.
"BIG SIS TAMAMO!!"
She ran full speed across the buffet.
"I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!"
Tamamo laughed through her tears as she opened her arms.
The two sisters embraced tightly.
"It really is you..."
Tamamo whispered.
"I've missed you too, Tainan..."
The sisters cried openly as they held one another.
Neither caring who happened to be watching.
For the first time in centuries...
The Fox Royal Family had begun to reunite.
While the two royal fox sisters continued their heartfelt reunion, Tainan finally pulled back just enough to wipe the tears from her eyes.
She looked around at the rest of the group with a bright smile.
Her gaze first settled on Toba.
"So this must be Toba!"
She hurried over and gave him a warm hug.
"It's wonderful to finally meet the current Emperor of the Fox Realm... and my brother-in-law!"
She stepped back and gave him a respectful bow.
Toba smiled kindly before returning the bow.
"The pleasure is mine, Goddess Tainan."
He glanced toward Tamamo.
"My wife has spoken very fondly of you over the years."
Tainan beamed.
"Really?!"
She laughed happily.
"Big Sis always was too nice."
Her attention suddenly shifted.
She noticed the young fox standing quietly beside Kuroyasha.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"And you..."
She walked directly toward Kuzuno.
"You must be my little niece, Kuzuno!"
Before Kuzuno had a chance to respond-
Tainan wrapped her in a warm embrace.
"The first Ice Fox in the history of the Zenko Royal Family!"
Kuzuno laughed nervously.
"It's nice to meet you too, Aunt Tainan."
Tainan finally stepped back.
Her eyes immediately drifted behind Kuzuno.
She blinked.
"...Wait a minute."
"I thought you were born without tails..."
She counted carefully.
"One... two... three... four..."
Her face lit up.
"You have four tails now!"
She clapped her hands together excitedly.
"Congratulations!"
Before Kuzuno could answer...
Tainan's ears suddenly twitched.
Her expression changed completely.
"...Wait..."
She slowly turned toward Kuroyasha.
"I sense..."
A knowing smile spread across her face.
"...a Fox Link."
Her eyes drifted toward Kuzuno's engagement ring.
They sparkled brightly.
"You're engaged?!"
She squealed with excitement.
"My little niece is engaged to the Hachiman of the Realms?!"
She clasped both hands together.
"What a blessing!"
Kuzuno blushed deeply while Kuroyasha rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
"...Thank you..."
Just then...
A calm yet commanding voice echoed throughout the buffet.
"Hundreds of years have passed..."
"...and my youngest daughter still struggles to contain her excitement."
The atmosphere instantly changed.
A second voice followed.
Deep.
Warm.
Filled with quiet authority.
"My Silver Beauty..."
"It has been so many years since our family was together."
A hearty laugh escaped him.
"Can you truly blame our youngest daughter for being excited?"
Tamamo's ears immediately stood upright.
She knew those voices.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Slowly...
Two figures emerged from the opposite end of the buffet.
Even before they spoke...
Their presence alone commanded the room.
Conversations throughout the dining hall gradually fell silent.
The very atmosphere seemed to grow heavier.
Minoyama smiled warmly before addressing everyone.
"It is my honor to introduce our final special guests."
She bowed respectfully.
"The former Queen and Emperor of the Fox Realm..."
"...Goddess Tushan-Shi Zenko..."
"...and God Da-Yu Zenko."
Tamamo stood frozen.
"...Mother...?"
Her voice trembled.
"...Father...?"
Da-Yu's booming laughter echoed across the entire buffet.
"My daughters!"
In only a few strides he reached Tamamo and Tainan.
Without hesitation...
He wrapped both of them in an enormous embrace.
"My little fox cubs!"
His eyes softened.
"I've missed you both so very much!"
Tamamo couldn't stop the tears from falling.
"Father..."
Tainan buried her face into his shoulder.
"We missed you too..."
Standing beside him...
Tushan-Shi remained perfectly poised.
Her silver-and-white hair flowed elegantly behind her.
Her piercing sapphire eyes calmly examined her daughters.
"We may be visiting a resort..."
Her voice remained soft...
Yet carried undeniable authority.
"...but members of the Zenko Royal Family must always carry themselves with dignity."
Tamamo and Tainan immediately straightened themselves.
They bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Mother."
Tushan-Shi allowed herself the faintest smile.
"Good."
Her expression softened ever so slightly.
"That said..."
"My daughters have grown into graceful and powerful goddesses worthy of the Zenko name."
She nodded approvingly.
"I suppose..."
"...I can overlook today's lack of decorum."
A small sigh of relief escaped both Tamamo and Tainan.
Then...
Tushan-Shi turned.
Her sharp eyes settled upon Kuzuno.
She approached silently.
Stopping only inches away.
For several long moments...
She simply observed her granddaughter.
Then...
Her gaze shifted toward Kuzuno's four tails.
"...Interesting."
Her expression became thoughtful.
"From what I was told..."
"...you were born without a single tail."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"And now..."
"...you possess four."
She nodded slowly.
"Such rapid growth..."
"...even by royal standards..."
"...is extraordinary."
Kuzuno instinctively straightened her posture beneath her grandmother's gaze.
Without another word...
Tushan-Shi turned toward Kuroyasha.
He immediately stiffened.
Cold sweat rolled down the side of his face.
"So..."
She studied him carefully.
"...you are the Hachiman of the Realms."
Her eyes drifted toward Kuzuno's engagement ring.
"...and the one to whom my youngest granddaughter has entrusted her heart."
Kuroyasha immediately bowed deeply.
"Y-Yes, Goddess Tushan-Shi!"
"I swear..."
"...I will cherish Kuzuno with all that I am."
Silence filled the room.
For a brief moment...
No one moved.
Then Tushan-Shi spoke.
"See that you do."
Her voice remained calm.
"My granddaughter has endured more pain than anyone should."
She looked directly into Kuroyasha's eyes.
"Now she has entrusted her heart to you."
Another pause.
"Do not betray that trust."
Kuroyasha bowed even lower.
"I won't."
Watching from nearby...
Minoyama quietly smiled into her sake.
Behind her...
The Biki brothers covered their mouths to hide their laughter.
Even Tsurara found herself smiling.
Da-Yu walked over and rested a large hand on Kuroyasha's shoulder.
"My, my..."
He laughed warmly.
"It seems my wife has taken quite a liking to you."
He smiled proudly.
"That rarely happens."
He chuckled.
"You certainly have my attention, young Hachiman."
With that...
He followed Tushan-Shi back toward Minoyama.
Only then did Kuroyasha finally release the breath he'd been holding.
"...That..."
"...was terrifying."
Kuzuno looked toward her grandparents.
A hint of sadness entered her eyes.
"I wouldn't know..."
Kuroyasha blinked.
"What do you mean?"
She smiled faintly.
"This was the first time I've ever met either of them."
Kuroyasha looked back toward Da-Yu and Tushan-Shi.
"...Really?"
Kuzuno nodded.
"They left the Fox Realm shortly after Mother and Father became Queen and Emperor."
Kuroyasha remained silent.
His eyes lingered thoughtfully on the former rulers.
"...That's strange."
He spoke quietly.
"Considering how famous your family is throughout every realm."
Meanwhile...
Minoyama poured another serving of sake.
"It truly has been quite some time."
Tushan-Shi's expression immediately became serious.
"Enough pleasantries, Minoyama."
Her sapphire eyes sharpened.
"There is something my husband and I wish to discuss."
She folded her arms.
"Centuries ago..."
"Beniyasha entrusted the infant Kuroyasha to your care."
Her gaze never wavered.
"So explain something to me."
"How is it that, after all these centuries..."
"...he appears to be only in his early twenties?"
"Even for a Hachiman..."
"...that should be impossible."
Minoyama calmly took another sip of sake.
"You truly wish to discuss that..."
"...here?"
She glanced casually around the buffet.
"You never know who may be listening."
Then...
Her expression changed.
Her playful smile vanished.
The room suddenly felt colder.
"Kuroyasha's aging..."
She looked directly at Da-Yu and Tushan-Shi.
"...is merely a fraction of what we truly need to discuss."
A long silence followed.
Minoyama's golden eyes narrowed.
"Tell me..."
"...shall we instead discuss how Yeounui's banishment was never truly a punishment..."
"...but rather a means of protecting her?"
Da-Yu and Tushan-Shi remained perfectly still.
Minoyama continued.
"Or perhaps..."
She smiled knowingly.
"...we should discuss the far greater power working behind the scenes."
Another sip of sake.
"The one searching..."
"...for my son."
"...Kuroyasha."
Neither Da-Yu nor Tushan-Shi spoke.
For the first time since arriving...
Both wore unmistakably grave expressions.
Minoyama smiled gently once more, as though nothing unusual had been said.
She set down her sake dish.
"Now then..."
Her tails swayed cheerfully behind her.
"Since I finally have your full attention..."
"...shall we go check in?"