I Was a Small Fish When I Reincarnated, but It Seems That I Can Become a Dragon, so I Will Do My Best - Chapter 491
My back hurts.
11-6. I Hate It
Reizen said it with a hesitant tone.
But I appreciate that he can express his feelings honestly.
He must have been thinking about this after hearing our previous conversations.
It’s a well-considered response.
First of all, he probably doesn’t want to leave Karna and Yuuzen behind.
It’s only natural for a father.
But I won’t say that it’s not okay.
This is not forced.
I will respect Reizen’s decision.
“I see.”
“…Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing… I just thought… you’d say something like that…”
“No, no, it’s not like I can tell you to seal yourself away with me. I don’t want to force you. You have people to protect, and that’s fine.”
Upon hearing my words, Reizen blinked.
No one willingly seals themselves away.
So there’s no need for him to accompany me.
“S-So, just to make sure, you’re okay with this?”
“That’s fine. Well, Houen.”
“Very well. I suppose two people sleeping will be enough. Fortunately, you’re just ‘tough’, that’s all.”
“Well… I do have some combat skills…”
“Just ‘tough’. Don’t show any means of attack. Keep this promise.”
“…”
Reizen’s most distinctive ability is his toughness.
If he can make it seem like he has no means of attack, the perceived threat level will drop significantly.
Whether we can do that depends on Reizen’s efforts.
Well, he’s outstanding at protection, and that’s enough to survive.
He’ll probably protect everyone else as well.
“Are you sure about this?”
“…I think so.”
“Okay.”
Karna asked Reizen with a worried look.
Yes, that’s fine.
There’s no need for him to be sealed with me.
Now, I have to go talk to Lize.
I wonder where she is right now.
Well, that can wait for now.
“…It seems like we’ve come to a decision.”
Raiki said. It was a selfish decision, but I believe he gave his consent… Of course, there’s a sense of regret too.
I haven’t fully enjoyed this world yet. There was no time for that.
“That’s right. I’m sorry, everyone.”
“Don’t apologize, Ouren. Hiwa did the same thing. What you’re trying to do isn’t wrong, and it will put an end to this senseless war.”
“Oh, Dachia, you have a way of putting things convincingly.”
“Shut it. You’re a devil who messes with hearts.”
“I’m an Oni.”
“Stop bickering.”
The two of them chuckled together. This kind of conversation will be the last. It’s okay to enjoy it a little.
“Theik, how’s the maintenance of Uchikage’s prosthetic leg going?”
“Thekil is handling it right now. But the lifespan of Oni is pretty long. We need to make sure Thekil’s skills are passed on to some Oni.”
“Are there any Oni skilled enough for that?”
“Then you’ll have to learn it yourself. Otherwise, you won’t be able to walk again!”
“I’d rather avoid that…”
“Well, don’t worry. Thekil’s magic bond will last a lifetime.”
I have doubts if that can really provide peace of mind. But certainly, if maintenance isn’t possible, it will be quite challenging from now on…
Well, Uchikage should be able to handle it. There are suddenly a lot fewer things he can do…
“…I’m sorry to change the mood, but…”
At that moment, Raiki interrupted the conversation. It’s an unusual timing…
But it was clear that Raiki was about to say something important by looking at his face.
His gaze was directed at Karna and Yuuzen.
Everyone fell silent, and all eyes focused on Raiki. He began to speak.
“Karna-dono and Yuuzen-dono… may be in danger.”
“What do you mean?”
“Yuuzen-dono is Reizen-dono’s son. There’s no doubt that he’s considered a potentially dangerous figure. If it becomes known that he possesses the power to leave descendants… the danger will continue to loom over Reizen-dono and Karna-dono, who become his mother.”
“Th-that’s why I’ll protect him!”
“That’s not it, Reizen-dono. I’m not asking whether you need the power to fend off danger. I’m concerned that you will have to live a life exposed to danger forever.”
“If we keep it hidden…”
“In this world, things are not so easy. Secrets will eventually come to light. Reizen-dono, you can choose not to use your powers, but Karna-dono and Yuuzen-dono cannot. There’s the option to live separately, but you wouldn’t want that, would you?”
“”Of course not!””
In response to Raiki’s final question, the two of them shouted in unison. Even if it’s to conceal their existence, it’s clear that they absolutely do not want their family to be scattered.
But I didn’t consider that aspect…
Damn, just existing is bringing danger…
“Oh!”
“Oh, you’ve come up with something strange again, haven’t you?”
“That’s a harsh way to put it, Houen!! I’ll turn you into yakitori!!”
“Hmph! Fire doesn’t work on me!”
“Oh, right…”
I wish I had that resistance…
“Well, joking aside… What did you come up with?”
“Oh, yes. But before that… Raiki, how long does an Oni’s lifespan usually last?”
“Hmm, on average, around 350 years. There are few Oni who can live as long as I do. However, if an Oni realizes their true essence… it’s more like an average of 400 years.”
“So their lifespan can be extended… Then, let’s set it for 400 years.”
<<What is it this time…..>>
Almost everyone uttered the same words.