Chapter 59: Are you that confident!
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"Of course, you can. Besides, once I win tonight, we'll need more equipment and garage space, which means more business for the shop," Issei replied calmly, exuding confidence.
However, Homuro couldn't help but doubt Issei's certainty. He furrowed his brow and questioned Issei's confidence, wanting to ensure that his shop wouldn't be jeopardized. "Are you truly that confident in your abilities to win? And what about this Mr. Black?" Homuro couldn't shake off the nagging worry that lingered within him.
Issei met Homuro's eyes with determination shining in his own. "Leave Mr. Black to me; I'll handle it," Issei assured with a resolute tone. With those words spoken, Issei swiftly departed from the shop, leaving Homuro to ponder over his unwavering confidence.
As Issei made his way back home, a sense of urgency washed over him. He knew he had taken longer than expected, and he feared that Xenovia and Irina would be worried. When he arrived at the house, he found both Xenovia and Irina waiting anxiously, concern etched onto their faces.
Immediately sensing their worry, Issei took a deep breath and began explaining the situation that had unfolded. He described the Rating Game and the necessity for him to participate in order to secure their enrollment in Kuoh Academy.
Issei made sure not to omit any details, ensuring that Xenovia and Irina had a comprehensive understanding. He spoke of the involvement of Serafall, recounting the full account of the situation before finally mentioning his upcoming trip to Kyoto.
Irina's brows furrowed with concern as she tried to grasp the situation. Her voice tinged with worry, she questioned Issei, "So you're saying you have to leave for Kyoto tonight for a job? Does this job have anything to do with those devils? Is it another condition you have to fulfill?"
Issei, eager to reassure her, maintained a calm demeanor. With a casual shrug, he responded, "No, it's actually just a matter related to my motorcycle shop. Nothing for you to worry about."
Xenovia, ever perceptive, couldn't help but notice the stacks of yen that Issei had casually thrown onto the table. She couldn't resist connecting the dots. "Ah, so that explains where all this money came from," she deduced, her voice holding a hint of curiosity.
Issei nodded in confirmation, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Exactly. That money is for you two. Go out and buy some groceries and clothes for yourselves. It's about time you enjoyed some well-deserved treats."
As he swiftly changed into fresh clothes, a sense of urgency washed over Issei. He needed to depart before morning, knowing that time was of the essence. However, Irina's worry for his safety lingered as she couldn't help but ask, "Can we come with you?"
Issei paused for a moment, contemplating the best course of action. He placed a reassuring hand on Irina's shoulder, gently guiding her towards the living room, and turned to face both Irina and Xenovia. "I understand your concerns, but you two will be starting school soon. It's essential that you buy your school supplies and take care of other important tasks. I want you to stay safe while I'm away," he explained with a tone of firmness.
Irina's concern was evident as she voiced her worry, "But what if someone decides to come after us?"
Issei, understanding her apprehension, reassured his friends with a sense of confidence in his words. "After that intense Rating Game we just went through, I highly doubt anyone would dare to make a move against me or you two."
With a wave from Xenovia as Issei hurriedly closed the door behind him, he embarked on his journey towards Kyoto. As he made his way through the city, the ambiance felt somewhat relaxing, providing a temporary respite from the constant vigilance required in Kuoh. Issei found solace in the fact that, at least for now, he didn't have to constantly worry about encountering devils or angels at every corner.
Driving through the streets with a calm demeanor, Issei contemplated how to make the most of the time he had before the upcoming race. Having already familiarized himself with the whereabouts of the Tiger Casino, he knew where to go when the time came.
Considering it was already 8:30 p.m., he decided it would be a good idea to grab some dinner and explore the city, indulging in its offerings and taking in the sights while satisfying his hunger along the way.
Spotting a quaint, hole-in-the-wall restaurant that exuded a welcoming charm, Issei made the impulsive decision to pull into its parking space. The establishment seemed inconspicuous enough, hinting at a potential sanctuary where he could enjoy a quiet and unassuming dinner without drawing much attention.
However, as he parked his motorcycle in front of the restaurant, his gaze was immediately drawn towards a sight that stood out amidst the routine bustle of the evening.
Sitting alone on a weathered bench, a little blonde-haired girl adorned in a traditional shrine maiden outfit caught Issei's eye. Despite her young age, she appeared troubled, her delicate features marred by teardrops that stained her cheeks.
Estimating the girl to be around middle school age, Issei couldn't help but question the circumstances that led her to be out there on her own, dressed as a miko—a shrine maiden. The golden hues of her eyes, mirroring the color of her hair, captured his attention, radiating an unusual and captivating aura.
Swallowing a lump that had formed in his throat, Issei dismounted his motorcycle and approached the tear-stricken girl. In response to the revving engine, her momentary reverie shattered, and her body tensed up, the fear in her expression palpable.
Curiosity mingled with concern in Issei's mind as he surveyed his surroundings, taking note of the passersby who, almost instinctively, averted their gazes and acted as if the girl was invisible.
It struck him as peculiar and disconcerting that there was no adult accompanying her as one would expect in a situation involving a young child.
"Why would a little girl be out here all alone, dressed as a shrine maiden?" Issei wondered silently, his brows furrowing with genuine concern. Determined to uncover the truth and alleviate her distress, Issei prepared himself to engage in a conversation that might unravel an unexpected and mysterious tale hidden beneath the surface.
As Issei deftly maneuvered his way through the labyrinthine streets of the bustling city, he couldn't shake off the piercing sensation of the girl's unwavering gaze fixated upon him. It was as if her eyes bore into his very soul, intensifying with each step closer to the restaurant.
A wave of surprise washed over Issei as he observed the passersby continuing on their way without paying any mind to the distraught girl dressed in her shrine maiden attire.
The peculiar indifference of the people around him heightened the sense of intrigue, leaving him perplexed by their apparent lack of concern for someone clearly in distress.
Though tempted to ignore the situation and continue on his path, Issei found himself unable to turn a blind eye to the girl's evident suffering.
The bustling street became a battleground as several hurried individuals attempted to force their way past him, paying no heed to a potential collision. But Issei's aura, his sheer presence, proved too formidable to be trifled with.
People crashed into him, stumbling and tumbling over, as if meeting an immovable force. Unfazed by the commotion, Issei paid them no mind, his focus firmly fixed on the girl sitting outside the restaurant.
Caught in a moment of hesitation, conflicting thoughts raced through Issei's mind. "Should I intervene, or should I simply mind my own business?" he pondered. It was natural to consider one's own interests and not get entangled in the affairs of strangers.
However, an ethereal and captivating scent emanating from the girl piqued his curiosity. It carried an otherworldly aroma, unfamiliar and enthralling, sparking a flicker of suspicion within Issei. Could she truly be human? The girl seemed to flinch, ever so slightly, in response to his gaze, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the unfolding scene.
Closing the distance between them, Issei couldn't resist his growing curiosity and decided to confront the girl directly about her earlier remark. "What did you just call me?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mix of intrigue and anticipation.
The girl visibly shrank back in the face of Issei's imposing presence, her eyes now averted, but she mustered enough courage to respond, albeit hesitantly. "I... I said 'dragon'..." her voice was barely audible, as if she were revealing a long-kept secret.
The word 'dragon' rang like a bell of significance in Issei's mind. It was no ordinary term that an everyday human would casually use, and it instantly intensified his intrigue. A rush of questions flooded his thoughts, impatiently demanding answers. "How do you know that? How can you recognize what I am?" he pressed on, eager to uncover the truth.
To his surprise, the girl's response carried a level of intelligence and depth that surpassed his expectations. She spoke with an air of profound knowledge, her voice taking on a mature tone as she began to unravel the mystery before them. Her explanation revolved around a keen observation of Issei's Ki, the life energy that coursed through him.
She stated that his Ki didn't seem natural for a human, as if it carried hints of something far more extravagant. Furthermore, she spoke of her own unique ability - a spiritual vision that enabled her to perceive and analyze the intricate tapestry of spiritual powers that comprised an individual's essence.
Issei found himself amazed by the depth of knowledge possessed by this young girl who appeared to be no more than a middle school student. It was astounding to think that someone of her age could possess such understanding of spiritual matters and the complexities of his own nature. Unable to contain his curiosity, he posed another question that had been lingering in his mind, "Why are you crying alone out here?"
With a palpable sadness radiating from her lowered gaze, the girl responded, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, "I'm waiting for someone, but it seems like they won't come…" Her words carried a heavy weight, conveying a silent plea for understanding and solace.
Issei couldn't ignore the sight of her desolate expression. It tugged at his heartstrings, igniting a wellspring of empathy within him. Although he was initially inclined to maintain his distance, he found himself irresistibly drawn to the mysterious girl, yearning to comprehend the circumstances that had led her to such a vulnerable state.
The indifference shown by the passersby towards the girl dressed in her shrine maiden attire bewildered Issei. Their perplexed glances and guarded steps, seemingly avoiding any association with her, only deepened his sense of determination.
He understood the possible assumptions that were being made about his own involvement in her distress. Mindful of potential misunderstandings, Issei took a gentle yet assertive approach.
Placing a comforting hand on the girl's trembling shoulder, he offered a reassuring suggestion, "Hey, are you hungry, kid? I was just about to get some dinner. Come with me."