Chapter 85: Nerves

Since he wasn't exactly in a hurry to return to his so-called estate, Nobu spent three of the four days he had remaining training with Yui and periodically watching over how Midori, Sachiko, and Nariko were being taught.

As a result of his efforts, Nobu quickly discovered that he only really needed to expose his arms in order to breathe properly. More importantly, he realized he didn't actually need to exhale in order to manipulate the surrounding wind currents. Exhaling was just one of the simplest methods since it was an intuitive action that allowed all creatures to technically manipulate air.

Nobu's eureka moment came when he was learning how to meditate alongside Sachiko. They had been sitting next to each other, and, thanks to her sensitivity towards the changes in other people's auras, she quickly noticed a cool breeze blowing towards Nobu whenever he was breathing inward.

After that important discovery, it only took a few hours of guided instruction before Nobu was able to generate a small breeze from his palms by drawing in air through the pores of his arms. It was a sensation similar to cold water flowing through his veins, but, in spite of this, a rare smile could be seen on Nobu's face as he made grass and leaves rustle. He might not have been a weeb back in his previous life but it was understandably exhilarating to be able to use supernatural abilities. A part of him was even tempted to try a Kamehameha...

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"Nobu...I believe it's about time we return to the estate. We can't stay out here indefinitely..."

On the even of their third day of training, Nobu was lying in his tent between Yui and Yuriko. He had been attempting to ascertain whether or not it was possible to generate a bonus by absorbing the Yin Elemental Energy in their bodies, but, even after taking a small dose of Dragon's Vigor and going at it for more than three hours, he felt more refreshed than empowered.

Exhaling a sigh, Nobu gave both girls' breasts a gentle squeeze as he answered, "Yeah, I know. We'll head back first thing tomorrow morning. I guess I just got caught up in the flow of things. Camping with a large group is surprisingly enjoyable. We should all come out again when Sachiko is ready to advance..."

Though she knew there was another reason Nobu was reluctant to return to the estate, Yui just nestled closer to him without saying anything. She had been periodically heading up the mountain to report to her Grandmother while the others had been taking turns watching over the estate and making sure the renovations were going smoothly. As a result, everyone, including Nobu, had been made aware of the Elders' decision. Since then, Nobu had been putting off their return for a variety of different reasons, but, with his family reunion scheduled for noon the following day, he no longer had the option to continue stalling...

What Yui didn't know what that Nobu had largely gotten over what had happened between him and Inami. Rather, after tonight's experiment, he was determined to continue fucking her so long as she continued providing him with a bonus to his aura gains. This might sound super scummy, but, after learning Inami was basically the most powerful person in the entire Clan, it didn't take a genius to understand that the person forcing her was none other than Inari.

Since they were both being used by the fox goddess, Nobu was determined to become as strong as possible before the benefits of boning Inami ran out. At the very least, he wanted to become strong enough to befriend all the girls in his entourage. Then, once he reached a point where three-million aura was chump change, he intended to spite the bitch of a goddess by removing her curse from as many people as possible.

In other words, Nobu's reluctance had less to do with Inami than it did with his parents. He could still vividly recall the memories of his catatonic self, but, thanks to the selfish decision he had made prior to his reincarnation, Nobu found it difficult to regard the couple as his parents. As sappy as it sounded, he still missed his mother from his previous life. He couldn't even describe how awkward it was to know he had a second mother who loved him to the point of becoming ill the moment he was secretly exiled...

If he were being completely honest, Nobu was afraid. He couldn't quite put it into words, but the thought of meeting with his second life's biological parents filled him with a sense of incongruency and existential dread that was impossible to fathom. He was literally experiencing it, yet, no matter how much he tried to wrap his head around the events that had led up to the present situation, his mind simply refused to accept it...

Fortunately, no matter how terrible things went tomorrow, Nobu was comforted by the knowledge that he had more than a dozen people literally willing to die for him if necessary. If he asked them to, they would whisk him away from the mountain even if the entire Yoshitsune and Oda Clans gave chase. They were ride-or-die for him, so, for their sakes, Nobu was willing to stand his ground and face whatever the future threw his way...

"At least I'm not a simp..."

Hearing Nobu's remark, it was Yuriko who asked, "Simp? What's that?" in a curious tone.

"It's a slang term used to describe subservient men who will do anything for a woman in the hope of receiving some kind of reward. When things don't go their way, they whine, bitch, and complain about how the females they serve don't appreciate their efforts. It's sad as fuck..."

Furrowing her brows, Yuriko asked, "Are there actually men like that? I never read about anyone like that. The closest parallel I can think of are the Eunuchs of the Imperial Court but I'm pretty sure they would be put to death if they harbored such expectations..."

Even if she didn't intend it as an insult, Nobu couldn't help laughing in response to Yuriko's remark. She had basically correlated Simps with Eunuchs. Such words would have come across as incredibly mean-spirited in his previous life, but, considering neither Simps nor Eunuchs were able to have sex, it was a surprisingly apt comparison...

Believing Nobu was laughing at her, Yuriko adopted a slight pout as she reached down to grab his half-erect penis. This quickly silenced Nobu's laughter, not because he believed Yuriko was trying to threaten him, but because she immediately followed her actions by seductively whispering, "You're definitely not a simp..."

"Yuriko..."

Since they had only recently finished having sex, Yui adopted a slight frown as she opened her eyes and stared at the ink-haired beauty sharing Nobu's chest. She wasn't going to chastise her in front of their Lord, but, depending on Nobu's decision, they would need to have a serious discussion the next time they were alone together.

Fortunately for Yui, Nobu wasn't particularly tired. He also knew he wasn't going to get much sleep if he continued thinking about tomorrow's meeting, so, after the mischievous kunoichi had gotten him to full mast, a wolfish grin spread across his face as he replied, "You're goddamn right..."

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Though he didn't actively complain, Nobu regretted his decision to pack up and leave at dawn. It was nearly 2 AM by the time he actually fell asleep. In other words, he only got around two and a half hours of rest since the run rose relatively early this time of year.

Thankfully, Owari was one of the only Provinces actively trading with Granus. As a result, they were one of only three regions, excluding the Capital, that had coffee beans. Cho had been taught how to process them, so, despite a distinct lack of cream and sugar, both luxury goods, Nobu was able to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee as the girls broke down the camp and prepared for their return.

Savoring the overwhelming yet nostalgic aroma, Nobu didn't immediately notice Midori staring at him. She had helped Cho to prepare his breakfast so she generally accompanied the latter while he was eating.

Amused by the curious glimmer in Midori's eyes, a teasing smile developed across Nobu's face as he asked, "Want to try it?"

Since coffee was an extreme luxury good, most people would never have the opportunity to try it. This included Midori, so, with an eager, innocent, and naive smile on her face, she leaned forward and exclaimed, "Can I really!?"

Understanding that her Lord was pulling a prank, Cho covered her mouth with her sleeve in an attempt to suppress her laughter. This went completely unnoticed by Midori, who, upon receiving Nobu's permission, eagerly took a large gulp of the now lukewarm liquid.

Though she had been warned by Cho that it was very bitter, the smile on Midori's face immediately faded the moment the coffee reached her tastebuds. If her Master hadn't been seated right in front of her, she might have spit it out without a second thought. Instead, she forced herself to swallow, a shiver running through her body as the liquid made its way down her throat. Then, with an equally forced smile, she handed back the cup and said, "It was delicious. Thank you..."

Feeling somewhat apologetic, Nobu managed to hold in his laughter as he ruffled Midori's hair and said, "Don't worry. It's an acquired taste. If anyone tells you it's delicious, they're lying through their teeth. Even I think it tastes terrible. No offense, Cho."

Having tasted it quite a number of times herself, Cho was in complete agreement with Nobu. Thus, rather than taking offense to his words, she just giggled in amusement before repeating what she had told Midori, specifically, "It is quite bitter, isn't it~?"

Realizing she had been pranked, Midori puffed out her cheeks as she retracted her shoulders into a pouting posture. She knew he was just playing around but she couldn't help feeling that Nobu had somehow betrayed her. He was usually very nice. Much nicer than she had anticipated during their first encounter. She never expected him to trick her like this...

Taken aback by Midori's reaction, Nobu found himself at a momentary loss for words. He had never been particularly fond of children so he didn't really know how to deal with one that was throwing a tantrum or pouting. All he knew was that he was in the wrong, so, before Cho could reprimand her for her behavior, Nobu pointed his free hand towards Midori, a warm breeze flowing from his palm and disturbing her teal-green hair as he said, "Hey now...you're the one who wanted to try it. I was just giving you the opportunity..."

Though she was tempted to keep pouting, Midori wasn't oblivious to the spine-chilling looks she was receiving from some of the older girls. This included Cho, so, upon being reminded that she was, in fact, the person who wanted to try it, an awkward smile developed across her face as she meekly replied, "I'm sorry..."

Oblivious to the subtle bloodlust that had been directed towards the eight-year-old girl, Nobu just chuckled wryly in response to Midori's words before asserting, "I should be the one apologizing. I didn't mean to make you upset. Let's just let bygones be bygones. Deal?"

Despite having no idea what a bygone was, Midori's smile became notably more sincere as she intoned a happy, "Nn~!". Her Master was still the kindest person she had ever met, so, even if he had pranked her, she was willing to forgive him. After all, he was also the only person protecting her from all the scary onee-sans that sometimes appeared as though they were ready to flay her alive...

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(A/N: I would probably feel nervous as well...)