‒‒‒‒Next day, in the kitchen.

My father walks into the kitchen, his presence filling up the room.

"Father... You're home?" I ask, a small flutter of excitement stirring in my chest.

"Yo." Senji says, his voice as rough and intimidating as ever.

I rush to him and wrap my arms around him tightly.

"I missed you," I say, feeling a wave of comfort as I press myself against him.

My tail wags happily behind me.

Senji's gaze softens as he looks down and gently ruffles my hair.

"Missed you too, kid."

In turn, my fox tail begins swishing back and forth excitedly.

Senji gives me another soft squeeze before slowly pulling away.

"It's good to see you, Kyouko."

I glance at the bag in Senji's hand, curiosity and anticipation building within me. I recognize it immediately—it's the Itsudemo Dokodemo, the magical bag Kitsuna told me about. She described it as an enchanted artifact that could hold far more than it seemed, accessible anytime, anywhere.

"Is that... food? Did you bring some for me?" I ask, my tail wagging eagerly.

Senji sets the bag on the wooden counter with a small thud.

He reaches into the bag and pulls out several items: a loaf of freshly baked bread, a bundle of fragrant herbs, a jar of honey, and a small keg of beer.

"You think I'd come home empty-handed?"

Senji always brings food for me every time he goes out. He knows how much I love them, and I can't help but giggle in excitement.

"But that's not all," Senji adds, a rare smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"I caught something special this time."

He reaches back into the bag and carefully takes out a sizable, shimmering creature!

"What‒‒"

Before I can even ask what it is, my Mother interjects excitedly from the door.

"Is that...!?"

"A golden rabbit!" Kitsuna exclaims, running impulsively to my side in the kitchen.

"Golden rabbit?"

Kitsuna nods enthusiastically, her fluffy kitsune ears twitching with excitement.

"Golden rabbit meat is incredibly rare and flavorful! It's a luxurious delicacy. People say it's a divine being, blessed by the gods, and that eating its meat brings fortune and prosperity," Kitsuna explains with a smile.

"A divine being?" I ask, looking up at Kitsuna curiously.

"Saw this thing on my way back. Figured it'd make for a special dinner. Don't go thinking I buy into all that divine nonsense, though. It's just a fancy rabbit." Senji replies, his voice as gruff as ever.

"Don't let appearances deceive you. That thing's a killer," Senji adds, crossing his arms over his chest.

"...Really?" I ask, peeking at the golden rabbit with a mix of curiosity and wonder.

Senji nods slowly.

"Yeah,"

"Golden rabbits are incredibly fast and strike when you least expect it," Senji explains, his voice taking on a serious tone.

"They're known to eat humans if given the chance."

I shudder at the thought, looking down at the innocent-looking bunny.

...Golden bunnies are fierce.

Senji rolls up his sleeves with determination and,

Kitsuna uses her magic to bring several bowls from the shelves, lining them up neatly on the counter.

I watch as he throws the rabbit in the air with precision, before using is sword to sever it into neat little pieces.

The chunks fly into each of the bowls lined up behind Senji, the force causing blood to spray in every direction across the kitchen...

"...?"

There's blood all over the kitchen!

"It's okay, Kyouko! Your mother can clean up the blood easily."

Kitsuna steps forward, extending her left arm. Her hand begins to glow with a soft light. In an instant, all the blood in the kitchen vanishes, leaving the surfaces spotless.

"Just like that, the mess is gone!" Kitsuna says, smiling at me proudly.

Magic has many uses, I suppose...

I've only seen Kitsuna use magic when she told me her nipples were inverted...

"Kitsuna, can you help with the fire?"

"Of course, Senji. Let's make this a memorable meal."

Kitsuna extends her right hand, palm facing up, and focuses. A small, controlled flame ignites in her palm, flickering with a warm light. She carefully places the flame under a large, cast-iron pot, and it begins to heat up immediately.

Senji takes the rabbit pieces and places them in the pot, the sizzling sound filling the kitchen. He then takes the bundle of fragrant herbs and carefully selects a few, adding them to the pot. The aroma of the herbs mixes with the scent of the cooking rabbit, creating a delicious blend.

"These herbs will enhance the natural flavors of the rabbit," Senji explains.

"You always know how to make everything taste incredible, Senji."

Senji grunts in response, but a hint of a smile plays on his lips.

"Just doing what I can."

As the rabbit cooks, Senji takes the loaf of freshly baked bread and slices it into thick pieces. He arranges the slices on a wooden board, ready to be served with the meal.

Kitsuna uses her magic to stir the pot, her eyes focused on the swirling contents. She adds a touch of her own magic to the mix, infusing the stew with a subtle, unique flavor that only she can provide.

Meanwhile, I watch in awe as my parents work together, their movements synchronized like a well-practiced routine. The kitchen fills with the aroma of the cooking stew, and my stomach rumbles in anticipation. I can't help but feel a growing sense of excitement and warmth. This feels like a real family, something I've always longed for.

I'm surprised by how well Senji and Kitsuna work together...

They... seem like a family...

I was a little concerned about their relationship when I first arrived, but now, I feel a sense of comfort and security.

I've been ignoring it, but I know that my Father is more than he lets on.

"Can I help with anything?" I ask, eager to be a part of the process.

Kitsuna looks at me with a warm smile.

"Of course, Kyouko. Why don't you set the table for us? Make sure to include a place for yourself."

I nod eagerly and dash to set the table, my tail wagging excitedly. I carefully arrange the plates, utensils, and cups, making sure everything is just right.

As I finish setting the table, Senji turns to me, holding a small bowl.

"Kyouko. Try this. I want your opinion."

I approach Senji hesitantly. The aroma coming from the small bowl in his hand is savory, spiced, and strangely intoxicating.

Taking the bowl, I look at him uncertainly.

"Don't worry. Just try it and see for yourself," Kitsuna adds with a smile, placing her hand on my shoulder reassuringly.

I bring the bowl to my lips, feeling nervous yet curious about the taste.

Flavors burst across my tongue—rich, gamey notes of golden rabbit, masterfully prepared by Senji, blend with the sweetness of carefully chosen herbs. Kitsuna’s subtle, magical touch adds a unique depth, transforming each bite into a burst of flavor.

The combination of flavors is so overwhelmingly delicious that it brings tears to my eyes. I can't help but feel a rush of emotions—gratitude, love, and a deep sense of belonging. This meal is more than just food; it's a reflection of the love and care both my parents have put into it.

Senji looks at Kitsuna, unsure how to handle it.

"Kitsuna, what's going on?"

Kitsuna smiles softly, her tail swishing gently behind her.

"I think our daughter is just overwhelmed by the love we've put into this meal, Senji."

Senji's face softens as he looks at me.

"No need to cry over a meal." Senji tells me, scratching the back of his head.

I shake my head, tears streaming down my face...

"It’s…it’s like a dream," I whisper, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

"I never thought I could feel this…happy."

Kitsuna looks up at Senji, her eyes conveying a silent message.

Senji takes a step towards me, his hands gently cupping my small face.

"Listen, Kyouko,"

"You're one of us now. Nothing's going to change that. Got it?"

As I process the emotions racing through my heart and tears trickling down my cheeks, I meet Senji’s gaze with a small smile and whisper,

"Thank you, Father."

Kitsuna's eyes soften, and she nods gently.

With that, the three of us eat together in silent companionship, each lost in the comforting embrace of delicious food and shared memories.

At some point, Senji looks at me, breaking the silence.

"I heard you mastered mana suppression,"

I nod, feeling proud that I've achieved something my father has noticed.

"It's all thanks to Mother; she's the one who taught me!"

"It was a team effort, Kyouko. You were the one who put in the hard work and dedication. I merely guided you. We make quite the pair, don't we?" Kitsuna says with a warm smile.

"Yeah," Senji replies, his gaze softening as he looks at us.

"I'm proud of you, Kyouko."

I feel a warmth in my chest, knowing that both my parents are proud of my achievements.

As the meal comes to a close, Senji leans back in his chair, his expression contemplative.

"Kyouko, since you've mastered mana suppression, I think it's time for you to learn something new. Have you heard of Reinforcement Magic?"

I shake my head, my ears perking up with curiosity.

"No, what's that?" I ask, turning to my mother.

"Reinforcement Magic is a technique that enhances your physical and mental capabilities by channeling mana through your body. It's a versatile skill that can greatly improve your strength, speed, senses, or even mental acuity," Kitsuna explains.

"I've always relied on this skill to sharpen my own swordsmanship," Senji adds, his voice filled with conviction.

Kitsuna looks at Senji, her eyebrows furrowing slightly in thought.

"Senji, are you sure about this? Kyouko is like me; shouldn't she learn Elemental Magic instead?"

Senji shakes his head, his gaze returning to me.

"Kyouko's fighting style is like mine—agile and precise. But that doesn't stop her from learning other kinds of magic. Reinforcement Magic can complement her strengths and make her even more formidable."

"Same fighting style as you?" Kitsuna asks, her brows rising in surprise.

Senji nods.

"Yes, even at this age, she handles a katana like she was born with it in her hand."

Kitsuna's eyes widen slightly, filled with admiration.

"Really?"

I blush slightly, embarrassed by the praise but also proud of my own skills.

"My grandpa taught me," I say softly.

Senji leans forward, his voice becoming more serious.

"Reinforcement Magic isn't something you can master overnight, Kyouko. It requires dedication, discipline, and a deep understanding of your own body and mana flow. It can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally."

"Kitsuna, can Kyouko's current mana handle Reinforcement Magic?"

"Yes, I think so," Kitsuna replies.

"Though it'll be hard for her to maintain both her mana suppression and Reinforcement Magic at the same time."

I nod, my tail swishing energetically behind me.

"I don't want the things my grandpa taught me to go to waste!"

"Then it's settled. In a few days, I'll start teaching you the basics of Reinforcement Magic,"