Winds of Change (DxD)

Volume 6 - Chapter 7 - Crimson Date, Valkyrie Declaration, and Outerification*

Word count: 58k

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Shinto Realm

Shifengu

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Jin Skyward's Soliloquy

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Upon returning to the Tengu realm, I was surprised to find that some Tengus were speaking with Inaie. Most of them were the younger generation, so kids and teenagers and a few young adults, but they seemed to be very receptive to Inaie now.

Unlike earlier in the day when they were giving her side glances, or when they gave her uneasy looks. It did seem like the older adults had kept on telling stories and gossip about Inaie's situation. But the two leaders and her parents were here too, so they might have just told them the truth since some of the adults looked unsure.

We made our way to them, and Yuanteng was standing dutifully beside the ice-encased Asahi and Shinobu seemed to be scolding the entire Arataki gang. It's been hours since the attack and she's still quite angry about it, huh?

"Ah, Jin. Welcome back. I heard from Inaie that Takamagahara was also attacked? I assume you repelled it?" Sōjōbō asked me as a lot of the attention was on us now.

"Yeah, it was resolved a few hours ago, and we've been helping with some repairs. There wasn't a lot, but a few stray attacks caused some damage. There were a few casualties, and one death, but... overall it ended it in a better note than one would hope for," I replied. "By the way, did you...?"

"Yes, they know that we adopted her. That's why most of the youth are quite friendly with her now and hold no hostility. Inaie helping defend the realm and saving their lives also played a factor in them accepting her," answered Surasu.

"I see..." I looked at Inaie from a distance as she was still chatting happily with other Tengu. Even some of the older adults were starting to speak to her now. I'm glad she's being accepted now, though I'm a little upset that an attack needs to happen for them to accept her.

"Well, I hope it works out well for all of you. I need to check on a troublesome Oni now," I said to them and they chuckled.

I walked over to the Arataki gang as they appeared to still be exhausted.

"Ah! Middleman! Thanks for saving us earlier—oh, especially you, Shigune-san!" Itto said happily with his usual grin.

"I'm just glad you're safe, Itto-san," replied Shigune.

I summoned four slime pills and gave it to all for our them, and told them what it would do. They quickly ate them and their injuries were healed.

"Aw heck yeah! My arm is healed! I thought I needed to wait for months for it to heal! Thanks, Shinobu, but the Middleman is damn miracle worker!" Itto said as he jumped up and started to stretch his body.

His other gang members also started to stretch their arms around, and gave me thanks.

"Itto, I need your help," I said to him.

"Anything! You even spared Asahi. I know he still has to spend a lot of time in jail, but... I started to see that idiot as a little brother. So, I'm grateful!" he replied and clenched his fist.

"I see. Anyway, do you know where Asahi's base is? Or even a vague general location will do. I need to go there and check it," I told him and he nodded.

"Yeah we do, actually. He brought us there around two months ago so we can take you there!" He looked at his gang and punched his palm with his fist. "Arataki gang, we got a new mission! Take the Middleman to Asahi's base location!" announced Itto and got a shout of 'Yeah!' from the guys. Shinobu simply shook her head at them."