Dimensional Kaguya Ōtsutsuki

After Origami returned to her room, Kaguya immediately sat up and lifted the blanket, only to find Tohka Yatogami still clinging closely to her, lightly licking with her small tongue and holding her waist tightly. Sensing Kaguya's gaze, Tohka looked up and smiled mischievously, as if she found this amusing.

Kaguya's face twitched, a vein pulsing on her forehead, and she reached out to give Tohka's head a light flick. It seemed Tohka thought of this as some kind of game.

Well, if it was a game, then maybe it wasn't a big deal.

Tohka didn't mind at all. Instead, she snuggled even closer, grabbing Kaguya's hand and placing it on her head like an obedient child, flashing a playful smile at Kaguya.

After last night's "ceremony," Tohka felt she had matured. Her relationship with Kaguya now seemed more like the ones she'd seen on TV, closer than before, and the shadow of her insecurities had vanished. She could now stand up to Origami proudly and wouldn't be at a disadvantage when they bickered.

However, if Kaguya knew she had done all that simply to get an edge over Origami, she'd probably be speechless.

The truth was, Tohka's actions stemmed from a deep-seated insecurity about her place in this world and her relationship with Kaguya. In this strange, hostile world, only Kaguya had genuinely cared for her, looked after her, while all the other humans seemed intent on killing her. This loneliness was a deep-seated fear: if she lost Kaguya, she would return to that lonely, desolate life.

Naturally, Kaguya didn't know any of this.

"Alright, put on some clothes and go wash up. I'll call you when breakfast is ready," Kaguya said, quickly dressing herself to avoid any more awkward situations if someone else walked in.

"But, my dear, I want you to help me dress," Tohka said, stretching her arms out like a child waiting to be dressed, with a bright smile that showed her good mood.

"You're not a child, dress yourself," Kaguya muttered, glancing away to avoid looking at her snow-white skin and her curvaceous figure. Her heart beat a little faster, worried she might lose control if she looked too long.

"Help me dress, please?" Tohka wriggled her body playfully, her eyes sparkling and her face inches away from Kaguya's as she leaned in close.

"Fine, fine," Kaguya sighed, resigning to her fate, "Hold out your arms."

"Yay, thank you!" Tohka cheered, planting a quick kiss on Kaguya's cheek in triumph.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a petite figure appeared, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Good morning," she mumbled. As she took in the scene before her, she froze.

"Good morning, Yoshino," Kaguya said casually, smiling as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Ah, uh, g-good morning," Yoshino stammered, her cheeks tinged pink as she quickly made her way to the bathroom.

Judging by her reaction, she probably understood more than she let on. Should I…silence her?

Of course, that was just a fleeting thought. But these days, it seemed like TV was becoming less and less suitable for children, subtly influencing even pure souls like Tohka and Yoshino. No wonder kids in her original world matured so fast, and many parents protested about the media's impact on youth.

Not that Kaguya was in a position to criticize TV's influence.

With breakfast prepared, snacks bought, and household supplies restocked, Kaguya gave instructions to her "little angels," reminding them to keep an eye on Natsumi and not let her escape.

Kaguya had previously explained Natsumi's situation to Origami, Tohka, and Yoshino. Though she had used her chakra to suppress Natsumi's spirit power, it was, after all, only an illusion. Given a Spirit's natural mental strength, any external disturbance could cause her power to surge, potentially breaking the illusion.

She couldn't be too cautious with this one. Although Tohka had made enthusiastic promises to keep Natsumi in check, Kaguya couldn't help but feel a little uneasy about it.

Perhaps she was just overthinking it.

Either way, Kaguya was finally able to head out, feeling a bit like a caretaker for her "family." Not only did she have to tend to their basic needs, but she often had to play the role of a counselor as well.

Honestly, most Spirits had deep-rooted psychological issues or were emotionally troubled in some way. Without properly addressing their trauma, things could get out of hand quickly, and it would become even more complicated to resolve. Her task was indeed a heavy one.

Once she left the house, Kaguya headed toward the AST headquarters.

Origami had previously mentioned that AST wanted to negotiate, potentially to discuss a truce. Since they seemed interested in peaceful discussions, Kaguya figured there was no harm in going to check it out, as it posed no real threat to her.

As she passed through the city, she noticed the scars of battle everywhere. The city had been transformed by the recent battles, and although many buildings had been moved underground, surface infrastructure had inevitably taken damage. Roads were riddled with cracks and potholes, with workers constantly repairing them.

Thankfully, her apartment, nearby stores, and local supermarkets had been spared due to Kaguya's careful oversight. Otherwise, simple tasks like grocery shopping would be a hassle—she had no desire to end up like Korosensei, flying across half the world just for a meal.

At that moment, Kaguya sensed something and turned around with a smirk. "You've been following me this whole time," she called out, her voice steady. "Come on out and state your business instead of sneaking around."

"Oh dear, caught again," said a beautiful, long-haired girl as she stepped out from the corner. Her lovely face radiated with a smile, and her large, expressive eyes sparkled. Her misty black hair was parted into two strands that fell over her shoulders—it was none other than Kurumi Tokisaki, who Kaguya hadn't seen in a while.

"It's you?" Kaguya turned around, a bit surprised. "Do you have some business with me?"

Kurumi had been absent for a while, and Kaguya thought she might have vanished for good. Seeing her appear now meant she must have some purpose—Kurumi rarely showed herself without reason.

"Does it always have to be 'business' for me to come looking for you?" Kurumi asked as she glided over to Kaguya, stopping just in front of her with a smile.

"Not necessarily," Kaguya replied. "But in the past, you've only sought me out when there was something you needed."

"I suppose you're not wrong," Kurumi tilted her head slightly, smiling. "In fact, I do have something I need to tell you, my dear."

"Oh?" Kaguya's curiosity was piqued. "I wonder what could be so important that you'd come to find me in person."

"Well, to be honest, I just wanted to see you, and business was more of an afterthought," Kurumi said, lightly tracing her finger along Kaguya's chest with a teasing grin.

As Kurumi's actions grew bolder, Kaguya took hold of her restless hand. "If you have something to say, say it. I still have other things to do."

"My dear, how cold you are—could it be that you've met someone new?" Kurumi's face took on a look of feigned sadness, her eyes reddening slightly. "It must be because you have a new love, which is why you're treating me so indifferently."

Kaguya felt a bit helpless as she watched the stunning girl in front of her put on an act. It was said that every woman is a natural performer, and it seemed even more true for beautiful women like Kurumi. If Kaguya didn't already know her personality well, she might have actually fallen for it.

"Stop with the nonsense. Do you want everyone to start staring at us?" Kaguya muttered quietly.

Their presence was already attracting attention, and their odd behavior only heightened people's curiosity, with some even pulling out cameras. Kaguya quickly took Kurumi's hand and led her into a nearby alley.

Once they were away from prying eyes, Kaguya spoke up in exasperation. "Are you satisfied now? Hurry up and tell me what you came here for, or I'm leaving."

Kurumi, however, remained silent. Instead, she approached Kaguya, leaned in close, and sniffed her lightly. Her delicate face broke into an amused smile. "As I suspected, you've brought another Spirit into your fold, haven't you?"

"Stop saying such nonsense." Kaguya lightly pushed her away, clearing her throat. "What's your real purpose here?"

Kurumi let out a sigh, sounding almost wistful. "I envy them, really. They get to stay by your side, while I...I don't have that luxury. I have too many things I must do."

"Important things?" Kaguya asked, a little surprised. "Is it related to the First Spirit?"

To Kaguya's surprise, Kurumi shook her head. "No, the First Spirit is no longer my problem. I found her long ago, so that matter doesn't concern me anymore."

"The First Spirit…you already found her?" Kaguya was momentarily taken aback.

The First Spirit, if Kaguya remembered correctly, was supposedly that mysterious figure known as "Phantom." Even though Phantom's true identity was never revealed, she had a deep connection to the origin of Spirits. In the original story, Kurumi had always sought out the First Spirit with the goal of killing her to prevent the catastrophic Spacequake that had caused the death of over a 150 millions people thirty years ago. It could be said that Kurumi was not an inherently evil spirit; rather, she shared a nature somewhat like Emiya Kiritsugu, guided by a morally complex purpose.

But now, hearing Kurumi casually say she had already found the First Spirit left Kaguya feeling astonished.

"That's right," Kurumi replied with a faint smile. "I've already met her. In fact, it's thanks to her help that I am the way I am today. I'm very grateful, you know. Without her, I..." She glanced at Kaguya, seemingly catching herself before she could say any more. Covering her mouth, she chuckled. "Oh, my dear, you almost made me spill all my secrets."

Kaguya sighed. This girl was clearly enjoying keeping her guessing.

"If there's nothing else," Kaguya turned to leave. "Then I'll be on my way."

Kurumi blinked in surprise before breaking into a smile. "Oh, my dear, are you upset? Don't be so petty."

"Not really upset," Kaguya replied, "But I don't have time to waste. I have other things I need to do."

At that moment, a pair of delicate arms wrapped around Kaguya from behind, pulling her close. Kurumi pressed herself against Kaguya's back, her soft warmth spilling over as she murmured into her ear, "I really am sorry, my dear. I did want to tell you everything, but now is not the right time. If I reveal too much, it could lead to some unfortunate consequences. Please be patient. Soon enough, you'll know everything."

"Then tell me whatever you actually came to say," Kaguya said, resigned.

"Oh, right!" Kurumi gasped playfully, covering her mouth in mock surprise. "I almost forgot. My dear, whatever you do, don't go to that AST negotiation."

"And why's that?" Kaguya asked, intrigued. "Are they planning something?"

"They aren't actually interested in a negotiation," Kurumi said, her face turning unusually serious. "They've planted numerous nuclear bombs at the meeting site, and there are even rumors of a hydrogen bomb more powerful than anything used before. DEM has also sent over several airships to the site."

Kaguya's brows furrowed upon hearing this.

"Ridiculous."

Kaguya's brow furrowed, irritated. Were those fools still refusing to learn their lesson? Using something as pitiful as nukes, hydrogen bombs, and airships against her? It was utterly stupid.

Through Kurumi's intel, Kaguya had learned that the Japanese AST, even with the DEM Corporation, had suffered disastrous losses. Not only had their headquarters been completely decimated, but they had also lost two airships and thousands of lives in recent attacks. The resulting damage was practically incalculable, enough to enrage not only DEM's board of directors but even the Japanese National Diet, leading to a desperate, fear-driven decision to deploy large-scale destructive weapons.

The Japanese government decided to mobilize nuclear power, willing to sacrifice an entire city if it meant eliminating her.

Kaguya sighed in disbelief. Did they think such weaponry could hurt her? Had their brains rotted entirely? It was like those old movies where every alien invasion or meteor impact saw humanity's immediate response being to launch a nuke—utterly senseless.

Well, maybe it was time to teach the government a harsh lesson. Those bureaucrats thought their crude weaponry made them invincible, but arrogance had always blinded them to reality. Back in WWII, they thought they'd rule Asia in a so-called "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," only to end up vaporized by two American bombs. If they wanted a repeat of that history, then so be it.

In a grand, hidden room inside a vast government building, several figures were speaking in hushed voices.

"Is everything set up?" asked a tall, rotund middle-aged man as he fiddled with the rings on his fingers. This was Japan's Minister of Defense, Nakaya Motoharu. If Kaguya saw him, she might even recognize him as a former commander of the AST Ground Self-Defense Force and Ryouko Kusakabe's direct superior.

"Yes, Minister," reported a soldier, his tone steady as he listed their preparations. "The troops are in position, with tens of thousands ready to engage. Our strongest Type 10 tanks are deployed to strategic locations, and the navy's Kongou and Atago-class destroyers have moved to their designated positions. The Air Force's F-15s and F-16s are also standing by. Additionally, DE Corporation's airships are en route and will reach the city within minutes."

"Good. And what of the nukes?" Nakaya's gaze remained fixed on his rings as he asked.

"The nuclear warheads are prepped at the launch site, ready to fire on your command," the soldier said, then hesitated, "But, Minister, if we use nuclear weapons, then General Tanaka—who is currently negotiating with the spirit—"

"Outrageous!" Nakaya slammed his hand onto the table, sending his rings clattering. "You dare question me about that?"

"My apologies, Minister." Caught off guard, the soldier nearly buckled from fear, his legs quivering as cold sweat poured down his back.

"You don't need to worry about those decisions," Nakaya snapped with a scowl. "Just make sure everything is ready."

"Yes, sir!" The soldier left hurriedly, realizing as he shut the door that his entire body was drenched in sweat.

No sooner had he left than a striking figure emerged from the shadows—a tall woman with flowing golden hair cascading to her waist, delicate brows, and icy, clear eyes. Her features were gentle yet refined, her pale skin like flawless porcelain, and her body was an enviable hourglass shape, with a particularly full and rounded chest that exuded a mature allure. It was Ellen, long unseen.

Oddly, the formidable Minister of Defense lost his haughty demeanor upon seeing her. He leaped from his chair with surprising agility for a man over two hundred pounds, a broad smile on his face. "Miss Director, all this has only been possible thanks to your support. With DEM's backing, we finally stand a chance to defend Japan and protect its people from these brutal spirits."

"That's enough, Minister. There's no need for flattery," Ellen replied, unimpressed. "You'd better be ready and ensure everything proceeds perfectly. Your opponent is far from ordinary, and if you underestimate them, this operation will end in disaster. I assume that's not a risk you're willing to take?"

"Rest assured, Miss Ellen," Nakaya puffed his chest out, confidence clear in his voice. "With DE's support, there's no way these spirits can stand against us."

"Let's hope you live up to your claims," Ellen said, shooting him a pointed look as she reached the door. Pausing before she left, she added, "Don't overestimate your nuclear weapons. They're not as powerful as you might believe, and your target is far tougher than you imagine. Don't put your hopes solely on them." With that, she walked away without another glance.

As soon as she was out of sight, Nakaya's polite facade vanished, his face twisting in disdain. His small, beady eyes glinted with malice as he clenched his jaw. "That damn DEM Corporation, acting like they own us just because of a few fancy gadgets. And that arrogant woman has the nerve to look down on me! I'll wipe out these Spirits and then make DEM regret ever crossing me. I'll—"

"Who are you planning to make regret it?"

A light, chilling voice sounded suddenly from inside the room.

"Who's there?" Nakaya was so startled he whipped out his gun immediately, pointing it toward the voice.

"You don't recognize me?" A slender figure emerged from the darkness, stepping forward with a smile. "Weren't you just discussing how you planned to eliminate me? Have you already forgotten, or is it the onset of senility?"

Nakaya's eyes widened as he saw the intruder's face, his pupils contracting in terror.

The girl before him was an ethereal beauty, her features flawless and mesmerizing. Yet, despite her delicate allure, her presence struck fear into his heart. His face instantly drained of color.

For the person standing before him was none other than Kaguya, the strongest Spirit.

"You…you…" Nakaya's hand trembled, cold sweat breaking out across his brow as his legs began to shake.

The last thing he'd expected was for Kaguya herself to appear before him.

Before he could finish his words, a shadow flashed toward him, and a kick landed in his stomach. Minister of Defense, known for his two hundred-pound frame, was sent flying across the room like a rubber ball.

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