Chapter 55: Bir--- Fish in The Hand

"Yu know, it's a relaxing day..."

Yu suddenly came to me after school saying he wants to 'hang-out' with me.

"Ahahaha, it is, isn't it"

I can see a sweat formed because of my 'dad' joke.

We're currently fishing at lake inaba.

"So how's the gang been these days Yu?"

"They're great."

"Ah, I see, but Yu know, next year you're moving back to Tokyo right?"

"Yeah" Yu revealed a complicated face following my question.

"I will be in Tokyo too next year. But I'm fine since Izanami is with me. But what about your girls?"

"Ugh. Don't remind me about that."

"Why? does Yu have any other girls aiming for him?"

I said in a teasing tone.

"!"

But it seems like I hit the jackpot.

"Sigh... Yu had it rough huh?"

"Yes"

"How many? 10?"

"!" Yu really gave it away with how pale his face is.

"WHAT REALLY? Other than the girls in our school, is there any other girl that you're interested in? Don't tell me it's a nurse and a married woman."

"!!!"

"... Yu Bastard."

"*cough cough* AH it seems that your rod caught something!"

"Tch, you're diverting our conversation. But ok..."

I started reeling in.

"The fish just doesn't give up!"

So you want to play it rough? Two can play the game!

---

After a long gruelling battle with the fish I finally managed to catch it.

Looking at it closely this is the legendary fish that has an item needed for a quest isn't it?

"Are Yu not entertained?"

(WN: yes I'm going to make corny jokes whether you like it or not.)

Yu sighs, and a long one at that, before noticing the quest item. And taking it.

"Is that something you need?"

"Yeah"

"Short answer as ever."

I toss the fish back to the lake.

"Be free little fried. who knows the next time I met you you may become a dragon, like a certain p*kemon."

The fish splash some water at our face as if challenging us for round 2.

"This asshole is going to be a sashimi by tonight."

Yu simply took out a stool from somewhere and sits down, and starts reading a book.

----

"So when are you going to Tokyo?"

"Tomorrow, after school, it's friday after all."

Uncle Dojima just got back from work, and we're currently eating fresh sashimi, brought home by yours truly. preparing it is a pain though.

"Can I come?"

"Hmmmm. I'm going to an attorney's office. Maybe after that I'll be going to a record company. Are you sure you want to come, Nanako?"

"Record Company?"

Ugh I forgot that a certain loli is going to be a future idol.

"Yes a record company Haruka"

"Can I come" asks Haruka with eyes glittering.

I asks Izanami for help with my eyes

but she just said that I dug my own grave.

Sigh...

"Yes you can, IF there's someone to watch over you."

"Hng!" Haruka's in shock and gave me a sad puppy face.

sorry that's not going to work on a demon lo--

Wait Nanako why are you doing that too.

Nanako and Haruka used Puppy face.

it's super effective.

"Ugh, you too Nanako?"

"YES! JUNES's song is recorded there isn't it? I want to see!"

"Ugh"

Yu is just smiling by my side. Ah I know.

Yu suddenly feels like he's going to have a bad time.

"Tell you what, if Yu comes, I'll allow both of you to come too."

"...! But I have a prior appo---"

Nanako and Haruka used Puppy face.

it's super effective.

"Ugh. Yes I'll come along."

"BUAHAHAHA, That settles it then, you kids better take care! Have you bought the tickets yet?"

"Joshua should've reserved it for us already."

"he's a pretty capable guy huh."

"You have no idea..."

---

After dinner, I'm sitting at the table with Yu and Uncle Ryo.

"So what's the reason for this trip?"

"Hostile takeover and copy-right issues."

"Huh? Things are not that simple huh."

"Yeah, it was not. It seems that one of our partners didn't like our new 'policies', and needed some 'reminders'."

"Huh? Which one?"

"The new one. Sugimura Group if I'm not mistaken. I've heard this news from Kubo, but it seems that they're actively preventing us from entering the entertainment market."

"Huh? doesn't he have a TV channel, not a recording studio?"

"Yeah, they're also taking over a few businesses we have our sights on, and it seems that their CEO didn't get my memo."

"Ugh, what a headache. then what are You going to do there?"

"Give those small record labels a deal they cannot refuse, and give Sugimura group a little reminder."

"Then what about the copyright issue, I heard that your anime is going to air soon, is that the issue you're talking about?"

"Yes and no, Sugimura group claims that my work is inspired by one of their own work. which is non-existent, but they, through an underhanded method, forges an evidence of their work airing 2 years ago with the same plot."

"Hmmm, legal issues, I'll have Niijima-can help me out with this. I think that his daughter is a lawyer."

hmmm, isn't it supposed to be a prosecutor?

"Thanks Uncle Ryo."

"Then Yu, you better watch Nanako-chan and Haruka-chan, or else you may have to consider making a suicide note."

what a chilling voice, poor Yu is now sweating gallons.

"I'm kidding, I'm sure Akira has it all figured out."

"That I do (not)." I kept the last part to myself.

----

"AH! Maou-sama there you are!"

"Joshua, this is Yu, Nanako, and Haruka."

I gestured towards each of them.

"And guys this is Joshua, he's going to be our guide."

"Oh certainly Nice to meet Yu"

Joshua gestures for a handshake, which Yu accepts, and then he squats down to Haruka and Nanako's eye level before introducing himself. what a gentlemen... is this some kind of divine magic trick?

"Ah Nice to meet you Josh"

"Umu!"

Both Haruka and Nanako instantly liked joshua. as I thought this must have been a magic trick.

---

During the train ride, we have a whole compartment for ourselves.

"So, are you going straight into the game?"

Nanako and Haruka are both sleeping, and Izanami is by their side stroking their hair with a motherly expression. so this kind of conversation can take place leisurely.

"No change of plans, I have a few things to settle in tokyo, so, I'll be going in on Sunday. can you help me alter a few memories?"

As I said, Yu's eyes become sharp. I guess he figured out Joshua is connected to the supernatural.

"Your persona can affect the real world?"

"Hmmm? Oh you haven't told him?"

I just simply shrug my shoulders. while Joshua explains his situation.

"So, this power is not exclusive to us huh?"

"Oh Yu've seen nothing yet Yu."

"But it shouldn't matter to you, Yu. You have your fight while we have ours."

well said Joshua.

"So I presume your 'persuasion' involves me using my powers?"

"If it's at all possible."

"If it's in my hayday it's going to be simple, but I'm afraid you're on your own."

"figure as much."

"Sorry to disappoint Maou-sama."

"Then can you take care of Nanako and Haruka if we're going to take out some trash?"

"Waga Maou."

---

Arriving at Tokyo's Station, our ride is already prepared.

"Ah Kubo-san, Long time no see."

"Maou-sama, Yu-sama, Joshua-san, Welcome to Tokyo. This way please."

A blue haired man with spectacles greeted us as we disembark.

"So, Kubo-san, what's the situation?"

"Quite complicated, SAO's airing is put on hold, our business is being pressured, and Sugimura Jr. is on house arrest."

"Have you been in contact recently?"

"Yes, he is.... a wonderful man."

Why are you blushing?

"So where are we headed Maou-sama?"

Joshua, who's driving, asks me.

"I would like to directly hit the Sugimura Group."

"Ah! Today's going to be an internal management meeting at Sugimura's Office in Tokyo."

"Good. let's have another bloody banquet."

"WAGA MAOU!"

---