"I'm deeply sorry, my dear wife, for leaving you here. You almost got hurt because of it," the man said as he hugged Shuri.
Feeling her husband's hug, Shuri's tense nerves relaxed as her previously brave front broke down. Her face scrunched up as she began to sob quietly. The Angels and the ninjas who saw this scene play out remained silent as they waited for Shuri to calm down.
Meanwhile, while the husband and wife are in their own little world, a woman who's wearing a white kunoichi outfit came in front of Shin. She was followed by a man who seriously looks like he's just dragged into dressing up like a ninja. This man would sometimes look at Metatron with a despondent look on his face.
Metatron, who received this gaze, would just whistle and point at the woman who's in front of the man. If Shin's thoughts are correct, the man behind this woman in a white kunoichi outfit is probably asking Metatron if he can change his clothes. However, Metatron would just show some gestures at the guy that probably means that he should ask the woman who is wearing a white kunoichi outfit and not him.
Upon seeing Metatron's gestures, the man seems to have given up on life as he followed behind the woman with a gloomy atmosphere surrounding him. The woman, on the other hand, was the opposite. She emits this friendly and bubbly vibe around her, making Shin remember a certain Magical Girl in his memories.
When the woman arrived in front of Shin, she removed the mask on her face, showing an appearance that highly resembles Metatron. She has a long and flowing blonde hair and green colored irises - like most Angels - while her facial features are like the girl version of Metatron. Their only difference is probably the two moles on her neck that looks like she has been bitten by a vampire or something.
It looks so sexy on her that when she removed her mask and revealed those moles, the male ninjas couldn't help but gulp loudly. It felt like their throats were parched, making them want to drink some refreshment.
After removing her mask, the woman looked at Shin with a bright smile on her face. This smile made Shin remember the time when Metatron recounted some of his favorite ninja animes and mangas when he was four.
"Hello! I'm Sandalphon, one of the Seraphs! But, you can also call me Sandie-tan❤, the number one kunoichi of Heaven!" the woman, now named Sandalphon, said.
She even struck a pose that seems like she's doing some hand signs. After taking her pose, it seems like she remembered something as she exclaimed.
"Ah, right! I heard that you passed some kind of manga to a girl earlier this morning, can't I see it!?" Sandalphon shouted.
She even lowered her upper body to look Shin at an eye level. The men couldn't help but gulp once again as they watched the holy orbs bounce up and down. However, this was not the case for the man behind Sandalphon, Metatron, and Shin.
"My manga? Why do you want to see my manga, Big Sis Sandalphon?" Shin asked as he tilted his head.
This action seems to have pulled at the heartstrings of Sandalphon as she immediately crouched down and gave Shin a tight hug that drowned his face into the depths of the holy twin peaks.
"Mmm... Muguu! Waaa!" Shin said as he tried to extricate himself from these mountainous valley.
"Muu~! You're so cute, Shi-chan! Gabriel was absolutely right! You're so adorable!" Sandalphon said as she began to go, "Kyaa kyaaa!".
The ninja men were so jealous that they might begin to cry tears of blood anytime soon while the Angel men did an about face as they didn't want to fall from Heaven. Sandalphon seems to be oblivious to the stares they are receiving as she continues to bring Shin to the literal 'Heaven'.
Thankfully, before Shin could die from being suffocated, the man behind Sandalphon said,
"Sandalphon-sama. Shin-dono might die from suffocation if you continue on doing that."
Hearing this, Sandalphon finally released Shin.
"Huff, huff, huff. That was terrible, Big Sis Sandalphon. Umm, thank you, sir?" Shin said.
"You can call me Seraphiel. I'm one of Metatron-sama's subordinates," the man, now named Seraphiel, said with a wry smile on his face.
"Thank you so much, Seraphiel-san," Shin said.
While the both of them are talking, Hinagiku approached Sandalphon and said,
"Sandalphon-dono."
Her voice made Sandalphon flinch as she said, "Biku!" in a panic.
"You do know that ninjas aren't posing like that, right?" Hinagiku asked in her stoic and emotionless voice.
Her tone is almost akin to Yuki's when she speaks normally.
"E-Etto... Shouldn't ninjas be screaming Ninjutsu Arts this and Ninjutsu Arts that? I've seen it in an anime! The ninjas would do some things using their hands like *chook* *shook* *chook* *swoosh* and a fireball will appear!" Sandalphon said.
She was even doing some exaggerated gestures that honestly looks extremely cute rather than looking like it's some kind of cool hand signs.
"No," Hinagiku replied, shattering Sandalphon's hopes and dreams.
"Uweeeen~! That's so heartless of you Hina-chan! Can't a Angel like me dream~!" Sandalphon said.
"You should dream about realistic things, Sandalphon-dono," Hinagiku replied.
The ninjas and Angels ignored this spectacle where a woman around her early 20's is being scolded by a little girl who is only around 10-11 years old. It seems that this is some kind of a routine for the both of them.
'Uwaaa, so heartless. She shut her down just like that,' Shin thought inwardly.
『Hey, Shin. Why don't you try drawing that ninja thing in your memory? It should be a great way to increase your finances in the near future. You'll need a huge amount of money to supply your experiments when the time came where you will have to do your mission, anyway,』 Yuki suddenly said.
Hearing this, Shin thought that what she's saying is right. He'll need a large amount of money in order to supply, not only the experiments for the mission, but also his future endeavors. Since he's already started his hobby of drawing, why not monetize it?
『I'll do just that in the near future. I'll probably draw some chapters while I'm here,』 Shin replied.
While Sandalphon and Hinagiku are still conversing, if that's even the correct term to describe their current situation, Shuri and Barakiel finally approached them.
Barakiel went towards Metatron as he offered a hand and said,
"Thank you. Thank you for saving my wife, Metatron."
"Don't mind it, Barakiel. We're old friends so you don't have to mind it. Besides, it would be a pity if Shin's new friend and her mother were to be in danger," Metatron replied.
Barakiel bowed his head thankfully at Shin upon hearing Metatron's words. This just goes to show how important Shuri and Akeno is to Barakiel. He's even willing to lower his head to an enemy just to show his heartfelt gratitude.
"P-Please raise your head Barakiel-san! There's no need to bow!" Shin said in a panic.
"No, I also have to thank you for shielding my wife from those barrage of magic," Barakiel said adamantly.
"Yes, thank you for shielding me from those magical projectiles, Shin-kun," Shuri said.
She really is greatful to this boy for saving her. Even though she could actually fight back and protect herself at that time, she is still thankful that the boy came to help her.
In the end, Shin just relented and let them say their gratitude. After that, Shin was told by Shuri that he should go back inside and look after Akeno. This made Barakiel's eyebrow rise but, ultimately, he chose to not say anything.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
After Shin went inside the house, everyone's expression changed into a serious one. The two parties looked at each other before one of them began to speak.
"Once again, thank you for intervening earlier. My wife would've been in danger if not for your help," Barakiel said.
"It's really nothing, Barakiel-dono. It is really just pure happenstance that we saved your wife. If we didn't intervene... I shiver at the thought of incurring Gabriel's wrath," Metatron replied.
"That's right! No need to be so thankful to us! You know how Gabriel-oneesama is when she's angry. Also, 'those people' is also quite attached to him, you know?" Sandalphon chimed in.
Hearing their reply, Barakiel momentarily shivered as he nodded. Cold sweats began to fall from his forehead as he remembered a time when Gabriel got angry.
'Those people? Did she mean...' Barakiel's back is now covered in cold sweats as if he remembered something terrifying.
"I understand. Oh, by the way, is that boy someone that is really related to Gabriel?" Barakiel asked out of curiosity.
"Yes, he is actually the favorite child of Gabriel. She's really quite attached to him," Metatron replied.
"Mm, Gabriel-oneesama would often talk about Shi-chan, you know?" Sandalphon once again chimed in a comment.
"I see," Barakiel said.
"Right. What do you think about the matter that my subordinates have told you earlier?" Metatron said.
"Hmm? Oh, you mean that suggestion about my wife and daughter taking shelter inside the ninja village?" Barakiel asked.
"Yes, that one. I doubt that those Himejima Clansmen will stop at just this," Metatron said.
Barakiel began to ponder at his words, making him plunge into deep thought. Metatron's words have some truth in it. Those Himejima Clansmen won't stop at only doing this. There's also the information that he received earlier from his leader, Azazel.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
Inside the office of the Governor General of the Fallen Angels.
Barakiel is standing in front of the leader of their Fallen Angels Faction, Azazel. This man seems to be in his twenties with an average build, black hair, golden bangs and black goatee. Currently, his violet colored eyes is looking at Barakiel with a serious look on his face.
"Barakiel. You do know that we have some rogue brethren, right?" Azazel asked.
"Yes, I know that, Azazel. Is this connected to why you called me out here?" Barakiel replied.
"Yes, it is. I have received a tip that they are being contacted by someone you know," Azazel said while looking at Barakiel.
Hearing this, Barakiel's face turned extremely serious as he asked,
"Who is it, Azazel?"
"It's Himejima Suou, your wife's uncle. He came in contact with these rogue brethren of ours and are in cahoots with them now. It seems that they're planning on..." Azazel trailed off as he looked at Barakiel.
"What is it, Azazel! Don't cut off your words like that!" Barakiel said.
"They're planning on attacking your wife and daughter, Barakiel. So, please look after them," Azazel said.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
Remembering that conversation, Barakiel knew that what Metatron is saying is quite possible. No, it is most probably set in stone. He knew how the clan of his wife views Fallen Angels like him.
'They won't stop until they get their hands on my daughter,' Barakiel thought as he gritted his teeth.
He can also bring his daughter and wife to Grigori right now but he needs to first do some preparations. He can't just drag them towards Grigori without preparing their reception and, of course, he also needs some help to protect them on their way towards their base.
He knew that Metatron's suggestion will certainly be a great help for him as he do not have to worry about his wife and daughter, but he still have some reservations. In the first place, Angels are technically their enemies right now.
'What do I do? I can't just leave my family here without protection, either,' Barakiel thought.
At this moment, a soft hand suddenly held his as he heard his beloved speak.
"Husband, why don't you agree to their suggestion? I'm sure they will surely take care of us. After what happened today, I doubt that my uncle will just leave Akeno and me alone," Shuri said.
Upon hearing her words, Barakiel finally made his decision. He looked at Metatron with a serious look on his face and said,
"Please, take care of my wife and daughter for a while. After a few months, I will come and pick them up to bring them to Grigori."
Witnessing the almost pleading look on Barakiel's face, Metatron gave him a reassuring smile as he said,
"Don't worry. Both our leaders don't plan on starting another war. So, you can trust that we will take good care of your family."
"Yep! Besides, we aren't the one who's gonna take care of them! Right, Hina-chan?" Sandalphon said.
"Yes, Barakiel-dono. Our village welcomes your family there," Hinagiku said with a stoic look on her face.
After that, they continued to talk about a few more things. It was mainly about how Barakiel would check if his family is alright and how he can contact them while they're inside the village. Then, Metatron, Sandalphon, Hinagiku, Seraphiel, and the other Angels and ninjas left. They said that they will come and pick Shin, Shuri, and Akeno up in the morning.
After Barakiel and Shuri entered inside the house, they both saw Shin sleeping in a sitting position while their daughter, Akeno, was sleeping on his lap. This made Barakiel want to say something, but was stopped by his beloved wife.
"Husband. Let's go to our room? The kids are asleep now, you know?" Shuri said with an almost lascivious smile on her face.
Her expression made Barakiel shiver, making him anticipate what's gonna happen next.
"Of course, my dear wife. Our room is sound proof so we can..." Barakiel said, but he was cut off by his wife.
"Come on, let's go," Shuri said as she dragged Barakiel by his collar.
And the rest? It's history. After Shuri put Akeno and Shin to sleep on Akeno's room, the two adults locked themselves inside their room.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
Year 20xx, the 3rd of October.
When Shin woke up, he suddenly felt like he couldn't move that well. His already high body heat - due to him being still a child - seems to be much higher today. It was especially high at the part of his chest.
"Mm, huh? Akeno-chan?" Shin murmured as he noticed Akeno sleeping on top of his chest.
Heck, she was even drooling quite a bit while smiling blissfully.
"Heee hee. Shin-kun... Mmmm..." Akeno suddenly said in her sleep.
Hearing this, Shin couldn't help but reveal a smile on his face. Like some kind of practiced movement, Shin began to stroke Akeno's hair.
"Hehehe," Akeno unconsciously started to giggle as she felt Shin's caress.
A few minutes later, Akeno began to stir, her eyes gradually waking up. She started to rub her eyes as she yawned slightly. Then, her whole body froze when she saw Shin next to her.
"KyaaaaAaAAaaaAAa!!!"
A loud shout reverberated inside the house as everybody are now wide awake.
Later that morning, Shuri reprimanded Akeno for shouting so early in the morning. Well, you couldn't really blame the girl as she was surprised to see a boy sleep beside her.
Shuri just smiled at this as she began to recount to her daughter what happened yesterday night. She didn't tell her about being attacked, though. She don't want her daughter to worry about her.
Then, that morning, Metatron, Hinagiku and some other ninjas arrived. They came to guide them towards the ninja village. The Hidden Leaf Village.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
"Are all of you ready?" Hinagiku asked.
"Yes. We're ready!" Akeno and Shin simultaneously said.
"Yes, Fukushima-san. We're ready to depart," Shuri said.
Barakiel has already left in a hurry after saying farewell to his dear daughter. He already had enough time to 'bond' with his wife so he didn't need to say farewell to her once again.
"Good. Then, please don't leave the magic circle," Hinagiku said as she closed her eyes.
Presumably, she's trying to construct a magic script. When she opened her eyes, a magic circle appeared below their feet. All of them gathered inside the circle, trying to stay inside the magic circle.
Seeing that all of then are inside the magic circle, Hinagiku signaled one of the ninjas. The ninjas understood what her gesture meant and pulled out a piece of paper with some writings on it. He slapped it on the magic circle and directed some kind of energy to it.
Then, a few seconds later, all of them were enveloped by a bright flash of light. When they opened their eyes, what greeted them was an even extremely huge gate. Looking around, they were greeted by a forest of bamboos. Everywhere they look, you could only see bamboos.
"Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village," Hinagiku said.
Upon hearing this, the reality finally sank in. They're now in the village of ninjas.
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A/N:
• Well? What do you guys think? It's getting interesting, right? Yeah, I know, I'm actually really enjoying writing this fanfic. Even though there is only a very very brief outline of the plot, some ideas just kept on popping inside my head. I always have enough relaxing time so that I don't suffer a burn out.
• Fukushima Hinagiku is an Original Character while Sandalphon and Metatron are kind of a Semi Original Character. They were mentioned but never described accurately. Even though some might think that I am not focusing that much on my MC but, well, it is much better than focusing too much on the MC and neglecting the other characters, the setting, the current situation, and such.
• According to some source, Sandalphon is said to be the twin brother of Metatron but I changed it a wee wee bit. Did you like it?
• According to some source, Seraphiel is depicted as Metatron's protector. Hence, I added him here as Metatron's subordinate.